When you’re running the Around The Crown 10K on Sept. 1, you’ll take a short jaunt on Church Street just past mile four. For a little extra motivation, look right after you pass the Frederick Building. You’ll see a purple a pink house built in the 1890s — the McNinch House. It was long home to the McNinch family (four of whom served as mayors) and President Taft slept there in 1909 when he traveled to the city to celebrate Meck Deck Day. (Take THAT naysayers!) After careful restoration, it’s been one of Charlotte’s premier restaurants and a place to celebrate special occasions for decades. Which brings us back to the race. Why not get a reservation to reward yourself for a race well run. Just bring a change of clothes — sandals, flip flops and shorts are not allowed. It’s OG CLT like that.

This Queen City exploration is powered by OrthoCarolina.