A first look at uptown’s new French-inspired restaurant.

by Krisha Chachra  |  photographs by Justin Driscoll

True to its name, Charlotte’s new uptown restaurant Coquette — which in French means playful, coy woman — flirts with combining modern French cuisine, exotic spices and southern flavors.

Mornings at Coquette begin with delightful pastries, quiches and coffees. By afternoon, the patisserie introduces charcuterie, cheeses and sandwiches. Once the cocktails and wine start flowing, the restaurant transforms from a classic French café to an upscale dining experience featuring mussels, oysters, coq au vin and duck-fat fried chicken, showcasing ingredients from all over the world. 

Open since late August, Coquette is another feather in the cap of Mother Earth Group, created by Jill Marcus, which also operates nearby Mariposa at the Mint Museum, vegan eatery Fern and catering company Something Classic. 

Located in the heart of Charlotte’s business district, Coquette’s décor turns heads with a blend of Parisian and French country design elements. The interior stands out with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble tables, elegant chandeliers, rustic stonework and colorful wallpaper that gives the illusion of stained glass you might find inside European cathedrals.

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Hers is a story of continuous transformation: the only true way to survive. After more than 200 years of change, The Greenbrier Resort and Spa continues welcoming guests drawn by the luxury, relaxation, charm and beauty that defines her — while absorbing a rich history that made the hotel what it is today.

From a social hub for the wealthy elite to a hospital during wartime, followed by a magnificent rebirth ushered by a famous designer and a secret underground bunker during the Cold War, the 710-room hotel set on 11,000 acres is an iconic destination like no other — and serves as the dreamiest setting for our November style shoot.

An enduring history

Lured by the healing powers of the local hot springs, families and friends have escaped to The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, since the late 1700s to restore their health in the “magical” wells that run deep in the Allegheny Mountains. Initially referred to as “The Old White Hotel,” the resort was built in 1858 on a Shawnee Indian hunting ground rich with mineral waters believed to dissolve symptoms of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. With the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Railroad in 1873, the resort — which held a reputation as a social gathering place for the wealthy — began expanding to welcome a wider clientele. 

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It is cool to travel again — and even more cool to do it alone. Data from booking.com shows that prepandemic, only 17% of travelers were going solo. By mid-2021, that number jumped to 30%. Last year, searches for single-person flights in 2023 were up 36% over the previous year, kayak.com reported in December. And multiple reports show a majority of solo travelers are women — 84%, according to passport-photo.online.com.

What could be driving this trend? For one thing, more people who live on their own and work remotely have gotten used to solitude, which in healthy amounts, can promote self-awareness. Being aware of your personal needs and desires can result in the self-confidence required to solo travel when others can’t join you. 

Another appealing reason to explore alone is the overdose of family time during the pandemic. Rather than being a selfish response, the desire for “me” time is a completely normal reaction after prioritizing the health, safety and needs of our families for months or years on end. 

As a travel writer and consultant for more than 20 years, I hear people say that the best thing about solo travel is the freedom to make decisions without consulting anyone. Eat without worrying if the food is too spicy for your kids. Stay out exploring without hearing complaints of others being tired or bored. Making your own decisions when traveling feels like a dream come true. 

Achint Patel, a medical doctor in Charlotte, started solo traveling in 2019. “I kept telling myself I’d travel when I was with someone special. Then I realized, I am someone special,” he says.

Still, he keeps certain things to experience with loved ones. Patel has been to Paris at least five times but has never been to the top of the Eiffel Tower. “I want someone to witness my expression when I first see the view,” he says. He’s seen more than 20 countries solo, including Egypt, Portugal, Japan, Jordan and most of western Europe. “Traveling solo has given me a better understanding of who I am,” he says. “I prefer it and plan my trips spontaneously.” 

For unseasoned travelers, solo travel without planning and intention can result in high stress. Here are some important insights that’ll ease your fears and help get you out there — on your own. 

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