Courtney Kovacs: My favorite things …
June 28, 2019
compiled by Whitley Adkins Hamlin
CoKo Concierge is a local business offering personal services from grocery shopping to dog-walking, from overseeing home projects to helping throw the perfect dinner party. Performing all that behind-the-scenes work is owner Courtney Kovacs. Here’s the inside scoop on Kovacs’ favorite sips, spots and more.
Place to get work done: Napa on Providence (pictured) is the perfect place to grab a bite in the middle of the afternoon. It’s such a pretty setting, and I love the serenity of the patio. For an afternoon snack, I like to order their calamari and a crisp rose. 110 Perrin Place
Restaurant for out-of-town guests: 1900 Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar on Park Road is my favorite for comfort food. The margaritas are not fancy — they are just margaritas, and they are GOOD. You can usually find the owner bartending. The fajitas and chicken soup are really good, but usually I order rice, beans and tortillas because it all tastes exactly like my grandmother’s, which gives me the feeling of home. 5110 Park Road
Amazing parks: Romare Bearden Park in uptown is so peaceful. I enjoy taking my clients’ dogs for a walk there. Collectively, everyone keeps it neat and clean and takes great pride in this space. Freedom Park is the nicest walk, with the fountain in the middle. I enjoy sitting on a park bench, listening to music and just relaxing and watching the world go by.
Place to catch a movie: There are not a lot of things that recharge me better than a movie by myself in the afternoon, and Manor Theatre is the perfect escape for a 2 p.m. matinee. There are usually only a few people there, so I love how quiet it is. It’s the perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy one of Charlotte’s oldest theaters that has beautifully maintained its charm. 609 Providence Road
Place to view local artwork: Camp North End has quickly become a favorite place to check out new and established artists. A few of my favorite spaces include The Black Market, Dupp & Swat and Windy O’Connor Art and Home. I like to go to HEX Coffee to grab a cup, then walk around to all the different galleries. From mural artists to clothing designers to canvas art and more, there is so much to see. I also like to go during some of their bigger art festivals — it’s a great, energetic vibe. Camp.NC
Nonprofit: The Dottie Rose Foundation is doing influential work in the community by teaching young girls how to code. They are breaking down barriers for so many young women. It is the perfect place for my clients to donate previously used laptops that are repurposed for teaching amazing women how to code. dottierosefoundation.org
Cooking class: If you want to try something a little different than simply going to a restaurant for dinner, Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is a great place to go for a night out with friends or for a date. Chef Alyssa’s beautiful new space in South End is set up so you can learn new kitchen skills and make new friends. chefalyssaskitchen.com
Place to shop: Held twice a year at a Myers Park home, The Edit is an amazing spot to snag designer clothes at deeply discounted prices. Hosted by a group of some of Charlotte’s most fashionable women, this sale is a must if you love one-of-a-kind clothing at a price that can’t be beat. Instagram: @edit_charlotte
Favorite view: The Queen City skyline never gets old. Whether it’s having a cocktail at Merchant & Trade or walking to one of the gorgeous art galleries uptown, our city’s skyline is energetic and breathtaking.
R&R: The Ritz-Carlton Spa is the place I love to go most if I need a treat for myself. You are pampered from the moment you walk in. After a spa treatment, I love to take lunch by the pool and enjoy the view. ritzcarlton.com/charlotte
