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Stroll a hidden fall garden, then savor a long lunch together. We'll meet at MapleWalk, a private woodland in south Charlotte with 95+ varieties of Japanese maples, and wander its paths at our own pace. The garden stroll is free, and lunch is on your own tab.

I can't promise peak color, but there will be a lot more than there was two weeks ago. The paths wind up and down, with stairs built from boulders, so wear comfortable shoes. Heels, no. Parking is on the street in the neighborhood, and please keep tires off the neighbors' lawns. GPS will send you to a lot with no house. That's the right spot.

At 2:00, we'll head to Kid Cashew, 1608 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203, for small plates made for sharing. Checks are separate, and there's plenty of on-site parking.

Bringing a friend? Welcome. Each guest registers separately so I can count everyone for our table. Please reserve by Friday, and if plans change, text me at [your cell].