My Charlotte: Ramona Holloway
Ramona Holloway, co-host of the “Matt & Ramona Show” on 107.9 The Link, shares her picks for what to see and do in the Queen City.
Tell us about yourself. How did you get to where you are today?
If you'd told me 20 years ago that I'd be living in the Carolinas, I would've laughed. I was raised in Ohio and New Jersey and studied media at Penn State. I first met my current radio partner Matt Harris when we worked at the same radio station in Columbus, Ohio. Eventually, we teamed up for a show in Virginia Beach. We had no plans of leaving until we got a call from Charlotte and fell in love with all the city had offer. Since 2001, I've been on 107.9 The Link's “Matt & Ramona Show” from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
What’s your favorite Charlotte meal?
I'm a fan of soul food, so my favorite Charlotte meal begins with fried catfish, collard greens and macaroni and cheese at Chicken Box Café. For dessert, I'd head over to Amelie's French Bakery in NoDa. Don’t make me choose between the coconut macarons and the pecan sticky buns; I just can't.
If you only had 10 words, how would you define Charlotte?
Big-city amenities with small-town friendliness and great radio!
Describe your perfect day in the city. What would you do, see and experience?
It'd have to be a Carolina Panthers home game Sunday. I'd hit the early service at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, hear an uplifting message and beautiful music surrounded by the most stunning stained glass windows I've ever seen. From there, I head Uptown to the Panthers game. We win (you did say it was a perfect day). Afterward, I do a little shopping on the way home. I swing by BLACKLION to shop for home décor and then hit up Wan Fu Chinese restaurant because it’s nearby. They serve a gourmet fish dish called the Ruby Dragon that you have to see and taste to believe.
Why is Charlotte “home” for you?
I've met so many friends here who've become like family. We get just enough winter to wear cute sweaters and boots, but it never gets too cold for me. When it’s time for a weekend getaway, it takes just a few hours to drive to the mountains or the beach.
What is your favorite Queen City memory?
Charlotte is an amazingly philanthropic city. My mom got caught up in the giving and accidentally bid $2,500 for a date with one of the Panthers (players) at a charity bachelor auction. I had to remind her in front of a crowd of several hundred that she's a retired teacher and doesn't have that kind of cash.
Favorite place to go on the weekend in Charlotte?
It all depends on the weekend. If its baseball season, I like hitting Charlotte Knights games. Football season, Panthers. The PNC Broadway Lights Series always brings great live entertainment to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the Spectrum Center attracts the best concerts. I don't have a go-to place. That's what is great about the Queen City; we have it all.
Favorite outdoor activity in the city?
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is amazing.
Favorite neighborhood in Charlotte and why?
Can I go just outside of the city to Belmont? It’s closer to Uptown than most neighborhoods, yet it is a charming small town. If I have to choose in Charlotte, I'd say I love the trees and architecture in Myers Park.
Favorite place to take family & friends when they visit Charlotte?
I always take people to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. It’s dog-friendly, has great outdoor activities, and the restaurant has good food. There is no place like it anywhere!
