A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Charlotte: Three Days, Three Ways" is from the November 2001 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Whether the bulls or bears are winning the war for your wallet, you can bank on this North Carolina city for big fun at any price. Tally your assets, and shop this list of weekend possibilities. Need to penny-pinch all the way? Stick to our $ category. Or maybe you can splurge and go for the $$$ (lucky you). But most likely, you can diversify your options for balance. Tighten up on a hotel stay, and blow your cash on champagne and caviar. Or spend your stash on a lavish inn, and stay out of those high-end stores. You get the idea. Now get away to Charlotte.

WHERE TO EAT
$: You'll find no-fuss, basic hot dogs at Green's Lunch on West Fourth Street downtown; (704) 332-1786. But if you can spare the time for a sit-down meal, don't miss earthy, artsy Mert's Heart and Soul, also downtown. If it's on the menu, get the expertly fried soft-shell crab atop a pillow of soft, crispy French bread. Lunch entrées: $4.95-$7.25; (704) 342-4222.

$$: Elbow your way into casual, colorful Cino Grille for skewers of beef, chicken, and shrimp with sauces of sweet chili, rémoulade, and peanut satay. Lunch entrées: $8-$16, dinner: $8.50-$25; (704) 365-8226.

Want more sophistication? Make a meal and an evening of appetizers and wine flights at Dean & Deluca Wine Room. Try a baguette with olive oil and mixed olives ($3.95) with three (2-ounce) pours--mine were California Rhone-style whites, Viogniers and Marsannes ($8), but wines vary ($6.95-$15). Enjoy frequent tasting events and live, calm music; (704) 552-5283.