The holiday season is one of the most exciting times for food lovers. Sharing meals like cozy gatherings to festive dinners is at the heart of how we celebrate.

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and dreamy getaways—but it’s also when we’re most likely to feel the sting of inflated prices.

The holiday season brings with it twinkling lights, festive music, and, increasingly, menus brimming with seasonal cocktails.

Restaurants are changing. More of them are introducing child-free zones or even banning kids altogether. For some, it’s a relief—a chance to enjoy a quiet meal without distractions.

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the buzz around holiday dining, especially for those who plan to dine out or order catering on the big day.

Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with a beautifully roasted turkey as the main attraction, surrounded by family favorites like buttery mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Pop-up restaurants have transformed the culinary scene, bringing exciting, temporary dining experiences to curious eaters worldwide

The culinary world has experienced a quiet revolution—the rise of vegan fine dining. No longer confined to niche markets or casual eateries, plant-based cuisine has infiltrated upscale restaurants and garnered the attention of Michelin-star chefs.

We now live in a digital-first world where consumers no longer rely solely on advertisements or official hotel websites to make travel decisions. Instead, they’re increasingly influenced by the firsthand experiences of other travelers—captured, shared, and amplified through user-generated content (UGC).

Brands are always seeking for new, authentic ways to engage with their target audiences on social media. One powerful trend gaining traction is the rise of micro-influencers—content creators with smaller but highly engaged followings.

We couldn’t be more thrilled with how our 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition turned out. It was a night filled with fierce competition, incredible drinks, and great vibes, and we owe it all to the people who helped make it happen. Here’s a special shout-out to everyone involved in making the event one to remember!

As Mean Girls Day approaches on October 3, The Loft at Duckworth's , the sponsor of the upcoming 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, is stepping up with a themed celebration that’ll make any fan of the iconic movie feel right at home. The Loft, a cozy and sophisticated mid-century modern cocktail bar, is well-known for its classic drink offerings and relaxed yet chic atmosphere.

On the evening of September 30, 2024, Charlotte’s skyline was aglow with excitement as the 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition took over Merchant + Trade. With a view as stunning as the drinks served, the event was a perfect showcase of talent, creativity, and camaraderie among some of the city’s most innovative female mixologists.

The 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is more than just a showcase of talented mixologists—it's a celebration of entrepreneurship, creativity, and community. This year, we're excited to feature two standout vendors who embody these values: Go Brazee  and Uniquely SHE.

When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, music plays a vital role. For this event, we’ve enlisted two extraordinary talents who are masters of setting the tone and keeping the energy alive throughout the night. Fannie Mae and Micki Blendz are more than just DJs—they’re artists, storytellers, and curators of vibes, each with their own unique style.

The Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is not only a celebration of female mixology talent, but also a showcase of the expertise and creativity of the judges, who bring years of experience and innovation to the table.

If you're seeking a cocktail experience that combines mid-century elegance with modern flair, The Loft at Duckworth's is a must-visit. Proudly sponsoring the 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition, this sophisticated venue located at 4625 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 115A, Charlotte, NC, offers a perfect blend of expertly crafted cocktails, fine wine, craft beer, and small bites.

The 4th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition wouldn’t be complete without its incredible distillery partners. From whiskey and rum to gin and tequila, these craft distillers bring exciting flavors to the forefront. Discover more about these distilleries, including tours, cocktail classes, event spaces, and recipes, to elevate your cocktail experience.

Cecilia Crook’s journey into mixology began like many in the hospitality industry: as a young cocktail waitress. At just 18, she got her start at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida. However, it wasn’t long before her natural curiosity, creativity, and love for people propelled her beyond the service counter and into the world of crafting cocktails.

Nakyra Brown’s path to becoming a mixologist started in a way many others do: serving in the food industry. With over 10 years of experience, she first got her start serving tables, but it didn’t take long for her to realize where her true passion lay.