Charlotte Magazine September 2021 by Morris Media Network

Three ‘10-Minute Neighborhoods’ p. 16

A New Cevicheria in the Old Penguin p. 41

Home Styles

Our Habitat History p. 34

Designs

From Scandinavian to Grandmillennial

SEPTEMBER 2021

charlottemagazine.com

FALL TRAVEL

Great road trips (and stops worth the exit)

Imagine your home, totally organized.

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CONTENTS CHARLOTTE / SEPTEMBER 2021 / VOL. 26, NUMBER 9

Features

A HOUSE WITH ‘IMPERFECT CHARM’ The restoration of a nomadic 1929 farmhouse BY TAYLOR BOWLER

GRAND MILLENNIALS A young couple restores a historic Victorian in York County BY TAYLOR BOWLER

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN A designer reconstructs (almost) every room in a Foxcroft home BY MICHELLE BOUDIN

SMALL SPACE, BIG ADVENTURE A tiny home built for flexibility and fun BY TAYLOR BOWLER

Plus ON THE COVER: Spencer and Jordan Barkin bought their 1899 Victorian in early 2021. The home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is in the historic district of York, South Carolina. Photograph by Joel Lassiter.

GREAT DESTINATIONS Three drivable vacations with fun, family-friendly steps along the way BY TAYLOR BOWLER AND ANDY SMITH

ON THIS PAGE: Tiny details in a tiny home. Photograph by The Beautiful Mess Photography. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

What’s a life well-lived? We think it’s like riding a bike—good fun. But then again, it could be like kayaking, fishing with the kids, porch swings, treehouses, bowling, golf, drinks by the pool, pickleball, or shooting clays. So just to be sure, we have all that, too.

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09 21 CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE 8 From the Editor 10

Connect

104 You Are Here

PETER TAYLOR (2); HERMAN NICHOLSON; LOGAN CYRUS

SEEN 100 The city’s best party pics

THE BUZZ 13 Life Lessons Therapist Rwenshaun Miller works to defeat the mental illness stigma among Black men and boys

Hot Listings Inviting homes with impressive amenities

Fall Arts Preview A full season of cultural events

FOOD + DRINK 41 Now Open Calle Sol is Charlotte’s first cevicheria

Community A snapshot of Charlotte’s walkable neighborhoods

THE GOOD LIFE 30 Style Monika Nessbach designs edgy commercial spaces with international flair 34

Building History Charlotte’s role in growing Habitat for Humanity

Served History The story of Green’s Lunch

Local Flavor Royal Tot brings tiki tastes to the Belmont neighborhood

On the Line Kacie Smagacz of Move That Dough Baking Co.

Bite-Sized News Foodie tidbits on a small plate

Restaurant Guide Where to satisfy your Italian craving in Charlotte

Beer How breweries come up with those beer names

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

Volume 26, Number 9

SEPTEMBER 2021

morrismedianetwork.com

F RO M T H E E D I TO R

WHERE ARE THEY NOW, NOW? Jim Bakker, by way of Spider-Man, hits the big screen this month

www.charlottemagazine.com PUBLISHER Allison Hollins ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Dougherty ADVERTISING SERVICE COORDINATOR Sharonda Howard EDITORIAL

SENIOR EDITOR Greg Lacour LIFESTYLE EDITOR Taylor Bowler COPY EDITOR/FACT-CHECKER Allison Braden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cristina Bolling, Michelle Boudin, Lauren Levine Corriher, Tom Hanchett, Kathleen Purvis, Phillip White

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR Jane Fields CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS The Beautiful Mess, Emily Bolt, Andrew Cebulka, Daniel Coston, Logan Cyrus, Joel Lassiter, Herman Nicholson, Peter Taylor, Rusty Williams CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Rob Donnelly, Shaw Nielsen DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR Kendra Kuhar

Charlotte magazine 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 303, Charlotte, NC 28203 CONTRIBUTORS Email editor@charlottemagazine.com for writer’s guidelines. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

877-248-9624 ADVERTISERS For advertising information and rates please contact us at advertising@charlottemagazine.com. A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC a division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 735 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901

MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK PRESIDENT Tina Battock VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION Sherry Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Veronica Brooks CIRCULATION BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Rowe MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, LLC CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III CEO Craig S. Mitchell

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

LOGAN CYRUS

I FIND IT FASCINATING THAT Ken Garfield’s 2010 story, “Where Are They Now?: Jim Bakker,” is still one of the most-read stories on charlottemagazine.com. At fewer than 700 words, the article sits just below our annual “50 Best Restaurants in Charlotte” and right above “50 Things Every Charlottean Should Do” on the all-time top 10. That rank speaks to the phenomenon that was Bakker, the disgraced, Charlotte-based televangelist whose empire crumbled after sexual misconduct allegations, fraud conviction, and imprisonment in the late ’80s. Andy Smith It’s been even more active lately, as a major andrew.smith@charlottemagazine.com studio film hits theaters this month: The Eyes of Tammy Faye. It stars one-time Spider-Man Andrew Garfield as Bakker and Jessica Chastain as his equally famous, glamorous ex-wife, the late Tammy Faye Messner. The movie was filmed in the Charlotte area over the past couple of years. Among the locations to look out for: Heritage Tower in Fort Mill, which was part of Heritage USA, the Christian theme park operated by the Bakkers. Bakker was released from prison in 1994. Ken’s great story offered this 2010 update: “At age seventy-one, he preaches God’s love while peddling Jesus pendants and the like from a new Christian retreat in Blue Eye, Missouri, which looks a lot like his old Christian retreat in Fort Mill. More than twenty years after he rose to fame and fell to shame at PTL (‘Praise the Lord’), he’s doing pretty much the same thing, but without nearly the same following and without overselling lifetime memberships.” Given that it has been 11 years since “Where Are They Now?: Jim Bakker,” I thought it prudent to provide another update. Bakker still has a TV show and ministry in Missouri. But over the last year, the government’s been knocking at his door again. On his program, Bakker advertised and sold colloidal silver supplements touted as a COVID cure, and a rash of lawsuits followed from the attorneys general of Missouri and Arkansas, among others. (Bakker is repped by former Missouri governor Jay Nixon in his own suit against the state.) In April 2020, he told viewers that his ministry was nearing bankruptcy after he was prohibited from making credit card transactions. The Missouri AG’s suit was settled this past June, with more than $150,000 to be paid to those who bought the silver solution. The case shows that while Bakker’s story continues to capture audiences, he continues to enchant viewers in the most insidious of ways, as well.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Smith

Connect

ONLINE EXTRAS, EVENTS, AND CONVERSATIONS

REACT

Responses to the July issue of Charlotte magazine

Ed.: Dr. Maria BaimasGeorge, a resident surgeon at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, the author and illustrator of 16 children’s books, and the subject of Jen Tota McGivney’s story “The Dumbledore of CMC,” drew the cover illustration. this is so awesome!!! Instagram comment by @jencb0909 @mbaimasgeorge is the coolest! Instagram comment by @k_coe To: “Life Lessons: Allison Latos,” p. 15 Thank you @CharlotteMag for the opportunity to share Hannah’s story & the powerful perspective she brings our … I truly hope that family. sharing my journey with cancer helps someone else get through tough times. Tweet from @AllisonWSOC9 You are so brave to share your story. I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious baby. As a three time cancer survivor I admire your spirit to continue to live and not give up. We never know what God has in store for us. God bless you and your family. Facebook comment by Lavon Mcinnis God bless your strength to have a child knowing what would happen at birth. I’ve

been there and nothing is tougher on a person, mom, or parent. Stay tough and enjoy life with the people you have. Thanks for sharing, you are not alone Instagram comment by @smokey_rhymer_ To: “Uptown or Downtown?,” p. 30 I mean this is great research but clears up NOTHING! Tweet from @JustininCLT Never once heard it called Uptown during the 20 years of my life that my dad worked for Southern Bell downtown. Facebook comment by David Griffith I was born and raised in Charlotte. I always called it downtown. It’s not been very long that I’ve started hearing people call it uptown. Nahhh, it’s downtown. Facebook comment by Kim McCoy Uptown is for business. Downtown is for fun. Some cities need two spots, but Charlotte has one. Facebook comment by Robert Mungo To: “The Dumbledore of CMC,” p. 50 SO proud and so honored to work alongside this badass female surgeon! She’s the greatest!!! Instagram comment by @emileemjones

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The world is so lucky to have someone like you who cares so deeply for their patients! Instagram comment by @kelly.jaffe

ON THE WEB

To: “‘This Is How We’re Going to Make Your Child Better,’” p. 56 Thanks to advances in #technology and amazing surgeons like our very own Dr. Erin Kiehna Richardson, children in #Charlotte are getting surgeries that they’d otherwise have to go to larger cities to get. Tweet from @NovantHealth

Want more to read? Check out these popular stories on charlottemagazine.com.

What We Lost When Price’s Chicken Coop Closed PHOTOS: A Festive Final Day at Price’s Chicken Coop All Years Remembered: WFAE at 40

Dr Kiehna is wonderful!!!! Facebook comment by Erin O’Malley Schotthoefer To: “Good Health,” p. 62 Well done @AtriumHealth Tweet from @AaronMiri The group that really started the medical school issue was dismissed summarily by your article. It was that group that recommended Wake Forest, when Carolinas Healthcare (now Atrium) refused to cooperate for the betterment of Charlotte. The 2015 recommendation by TrippUmbach was commissioned by this group, who really started the effort in 2005 without a degree of support by Chancellor DuBois at UNCC. Facebook comment by Richard B. Reiling

Charlotte magazine’s tablet edition is available via the Apple Newsstand and at magzter.com.

Come tour the Blue Ridge Parkway through Pisgah National Forest on a whimsical trolley, experiencing the changing leaves and crisp fall air. Enjoy a boxed lunch outside before a short trail walk, then relax and enjoy refreshments at a local winery. Finish the day by visiting a charming Christmas shop in the mountains and learning about the area before returning to the town of Morganton. If this sounds like the perfect day, book your trip now before tickets sell out!

Pawleys Island · Murrells Inlet · Litchfield Beach · Garden City · Georgetown · Andrews

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INSIDE: LIFE LESSONS / COMMUNITY

BUZZ

THE

WHAT MATTERS NOW IN THE CITY

LI F E L E SS O N S

RWENSHAUN MILLER Therapist uses the memory of his own struggles to shape needed services for Black men and boys

HERMAN NICHOLSON

BY LAUREN LEVINE CORRIHER

RWENSHAUN MILLER is a licensed psychotherapist and a speaker who works primarily with Black men and boys—a demographic that historically has not received adequate mental health care. Only one in three Black adults who need mental health care get it, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness, despite their growing rates of emotional distress. Miller’s own experience led him into his career as a therapist. Miller, 34, grew up a star athlete and student in Bertie County. But he suffered from culture shock during his freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill, where he played defensive back on the football team and ran track. For the first time in his life, Miller struggled with his grades. Then, in his sophomore year, a knee injury sidelined him from sports. His sense of self disintegrated. He stopped eating, showering, and sleeping. He heard voices that told him he was a failure. Miller’s family checked him into a psychiatric hospital, where he was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features. He continued to struggle, and he attempted suicide three times. In his final attempt, he put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger—and the gun jammed. He realized it was time to learn to live with his diagnosis.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

THE BUZZ Today, Miller operates his own practice, The Good Stress Company, in the University area. He also founded Eustress Inc., a nonprofit that starts conversations about mental health in the Black community. Last year, the organization provided more than 1,400 hours of therapy for those who couldn’t afford it, and Miller estimates that free sessions, many in clients’ homes, account for nearly half of his caseload. This year, to honor Miller’s work, Mayor Vi Lyles declared May 15 “Let’s Talk About It Mental Health Awareness Day.” Here is Rwenshaun Miller in his own words. Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity. THERE AREN’T A LOT OF THERAPISTS that look like me, and that hinders people from reaching out. I get a lot of calls like, “I want a Black male therapist.” And my caseload is just full, man. I don’t have the capacity to do it, even though I want to. There are a lot of Black males that are suffering in silence, and having that representation goes a long way. AS A MAN, you’re taught to suppress your emotions. We teach our kids early in life “boys don’t cry.” Many of us aren’t given the tools to understand our emotions. CHILDREN TODAY communicate completely differently than we used to. Back in the day, if you got bullied, it stayed within your school or your neighborhood. Now, you’ve got people recording things and posting on social media, and the entire world has a comment about it. It’s a different era. PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND that you’ve got to find different ways to connect with your kid. As a therapist, I’ll play video games with my kids. I do things that make them feel comfortable and that they enjoy, and then they start to open up. It’s about being quick to listen and slow to judge. FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, there’s a financial barrier that comes with therapy. When it comes down to eating or paying your light bill or rent, those are the things you’re going to pay first before you seek therapy. THEN THERE’S THE STIGMA of therapy. A lot of times we use diagnoses as blanket statements or we misuse them, like, “The

weather is so bipolar.” It makes people scared to get help. People think that if they get a diagnosis, it’s going to go everywhere they go. A mental health challenge isn’t a death sentence. AFTER THIS PAST YEAR, a lot more people are seeking therapy. It’s been hard times, especially for people of color. You’re seeing these people that look like you being murdered on screen. It can make you feel like, “I really don’t belong here.” It’s tough to live in a society where you’re always on edge and always have to be on the lookout. That definitely impacts your mental health. SINCE MOVING TO CHARLOTTE in 2007, I’ve watched the city grow. I’ve watched neighborhoods disappear. You see these luxury condos, but now some people can’t live next to bus lines or the library. That’s a huge stressor that impacts mental health. YOU SEE THE DISPARITIES in the city. You can go to one part of Charlotte and see all these different resources, and then you go into another part where a lot of my clients live, and they have next to nothing. I have clients that have lived in Charlotte all their lives and have never gone to a Hornets game. They’ve never gone uptown. With certain clients, if I didn’t have the ability to go see them in their homes, they wouldn’t be able to make it to therapy because they don’t have a car.

Therapy isn’t supposed to be easy. It’s going to bring up stuff that you either tried to forget or that you’ve been trying to hide from. But you’re gonna get out of therapy what you put into it. If you’re lying to your therapist, what’s the point? UNDERSTAND THAT every therapist isn’t made the same, just like every person isn’t made the same. If one therapist doesn’t work for you, it’s OK to find another. Don’t let that deter you. Try to understand what your challenges are and what specialties you may need from a particular therapist. EVERYBODY CAN BENEFIT from therapy. You may not be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, but you still want to have that sounding board for things that are going on at home or at work. A lot of times, we try to depend on our friends, but our friends are biased. You need someone who’s trained to help you reach your goals. JOURNALING, MEDITATION, yoga, and breathing techniques can also assist you on your mental wellness journey. Physical activity plays a huge role in how you feel, as do the things you eat and the things you put into your body.

PROPER MENTAL HEALTH CARE has allowed me to serve others in various capacities, but it’s also allowed me to make myself a priority. I think that’s what we forget, to serve ourselves. I learned that bipolar disorder is something that I’ll never get rid of. It’s a part of me, but it’s not all of me.

IF YOU WANT TO HELP OUT, tap into grassroots organizations, like Eustress, and see what their needs are. A lot of times, we don’t get the necessary resources. We don’t get the federal grants. It’s about just plugging in and connecting the dots and making the introductions. It can be as simple as that. You also want to think about, What are my real intentions? Some people do it just so they can make themselves feel good. But the community’s gonna sniff that out, and then they’re not gonna rock with you.

I’VE ALSO LEARNED I have to be conscious of my own boundaries. I have to be stringent with my routines. I tell my clients that no matter what mental health challenges they might be dealing with, you’ve got to learn yourself. When you learn yourself, you’re able to make better decisions about the things you need to have in your life.

I’VE HAD A LOT OF OLDER BLACK MEN be like, “Yo, you inspired me to seek out a therapist,” so that’s dope to see. That generation, they see it so differently. People I’ve never even met will DM me and be like, “I heard your story, and it inspired me to push on.” Kids will be like, “Thank you, Mr. Rwenshaun, for giving me a space.”

ONE THING I WISH PEOPLE KNEW is that therapists don’t fix you. We help you understand how to live a better life and the changes you need to make for yourself.

LAUREN LEVINE CORRIHER is a writer in Charlotte whose work has appeared in Southern Living, Parents, Shape, Health, Condé Nast Traveler, Axios Charlotte, and more. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram, where she’s @LatestByLauren.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

THE BUZZ CO M M U N I T Y

Charlotte’s ‘10-Minute Neighborhoods’

FOURTH WARD

It’s one of the signature goals of the city’s new comprehensive plan, and these neighborhoods already meet some of the criteria BY GREG LACOUR PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOGAN CYRUS

LINCOLN HEIGHTS

277 74 74

EASTOVER

THE DOCUMENT that lays out a vision for Charlotte over the next two decades establishes this as its top community goal: “All Charlotte households will have access to essential amenities, goods, and services within a comfortable, tree-shaded 10-minute walk, bike, or transit trip by 2040.” The planners who devised the goal use this shorthand term for those clusters of households, amenities, goods, services, and trees: “10-minute neighborhoods.” They’re scarce in Charlotte, as they are in most American cities. You might find some in Boston, New York, or other northeastern cities that developed decades before the primacy of the car, the parking lot, and the multilane, limited-access highway. But here and elsewhere in the Southeast, you have to look hard to find

A mix of townhomes, condos, and stately Victorian homes distinguishes Fourth Ward, uptown’s most residential quarter.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

any that meet the 10-minute-neighborhood standard, based on convenient access to things like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, parks, and public transit. Some Charlotte neighborhoods come closer than others, though. We’ve identified six in Charlotte that already lean toward the 2040 plan’s vision. We’ll take a close look at three this month and three in the October issue. Keep in mind that we’re not saying these are ideal neighborhoods, or the most affluent, or that these are somehow “better” than others. They’re just examples of what may lie ahead for Charlotte—a city of distinct communities whose residents don’t necessarily have to take the car to get what they need.

NEIGHBORHOOD 1:

Fourth Ward

WHERE IS IT? It’s uptown’s northernmost and most residential quarter, bounded by North Tryon and West Trade streets and Interstates 77 and 277. GROCERY STORE ACCESS: 98% of housing units are within a half-mile of a fullservice, chain grocery store (here, it’s the Harris Teeter at 325 W. Sixth St.). PHARMACIES: 99% within a half-mile. There’s a CVS at West Sixth and North Graham streets. PARKS: 100% within a halfmile of a park. Fourth Ward Park is small, and Ninth Street Park even smaller, but they’re still two public parks in a compact neighborhood. TRANSIT: 100% within a halfmile of a transit stop, and the Transit Center, Seventh Street, and Ninth Street light rail stations are within easy walking distance. BANKS: 72% within a halfmile of a bank or credit union. BIKE-FRIENDLINESS: 1.7 on a zero-to-three scale that measures the transportation network’s ability to support cycling. UPSHOT: As close to a true 10-minute neighborhood as you’ll find in Charlotte.

NEIGHBORHOOD 3:

Lincoln Heights

As different as the neighborhoods are, residents of both Lincoln Heights (above) and Eastover (below) have good access to buses, banks, groceries, and other assets.

NEIGHBORHOOD 2:

Eastover

WHERE IS IT? A couple of miles southeast of uptown. Providence Road is its western edge, Briar Creek its eastern, and Randolph Road and South Laurel Avenue cap it. GROCERY STORE ACCESS: 53% of housing units are within a half-mile of a grocery store. The Harris Teeter at Providence and Queens roads is the closest. PHARMACIES: 65% within a half-mile. Harris Teeter again. PARKS: 88% within a half-mile. Randolph Road Park isn’t in the neighborhood, but it’s close enough to walk. TRANSIT: 100% within a half-mile of a transit stop. BANKS: 75% within a half-mile of a bank or credit union. BIKE-FRIENDLINESS: 1.8 on the scale. UPSHOT: It doesn’t fit the ideal as well as Fourth Ward—few neighborhoods could—but Eastover benefits from close proximity to uptown and the more affluent Myers Park and Elizabeth neighborhoods, and its quiet streets encourage walking. *Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Quality of Life Explorer data

WHERE IS IT? It’s wedged into the southwestern corner of the I-77/85 interchange, with Beatties Ford Road as its western boundary and Russell Avenue its southern. GROCERY STORE ACCESS: 66% of housing units are within a half-mile of a grocery store. There’s a Food Lion at 2123 Beatties Ford Road and a Family Dollar across the street. PHARMACIES: 66% within a half-mile. PARKS: 100% within a half-mile. Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Park sits on Catherine Simmons Avenue, smack in the middle of the neighborhood, and L.C. Coleman Neighborhood Park, behind Northwest School of the Arts, is an easy walk away. TRANSIT: 100% within a half-mile of a transit stop. Three main bus lines—the 7 on Beatties Ford, the 3 on LaSalle Street, and the 26 on Newland Road and Mulberry Avenue—run through various parts of Lincoln Heights. BANKS: 65% within a halfmile of a bank or credit union. A Bank of America branch is next to the Food Lion on Beatties Ford. BIKE-FRIENDLINESS: 1.6 on the scale. UPSHOT: Lincoln Heights residents suffered for years—former Mayor and U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx grew up there, and he’s said that, as a teenager in the 1980s, he couldn’t get a pizza delivered to his home. But the collection of shops, markets, and community services (including a public library branch) that’s grown up around West Charlotte High School means most residents have quick and easy access to what they need. GREG LACOUR is senior editor for this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

GOOD LIFE

INSIDE: TRAVEL / STYLE / HISTORY / REAL ESTATE

/ FALL ARTS

THE

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIVING HERE

Bird-watching at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Manteo, one of the Outer Banks’ most prominent towns.

T R AV E L

OUTER BANKS.ORG

Off the Road Again Three drivable vacations with fun, family-friendly stops on the way BY ANDY SMITH AND TAYLOR BOWLER

SOME OF US hit the road hoping for minimal stops— maybe a drive-thru burger or a rest area just off the interstate. That’s not the only way to do it, though. Let’s take a look at three popular destinations for Charlotteans and three stops for each that make the extended drive worth it. Forget rushing to make an arbitrary arrival time: This is your vacation, after all, and it starts now.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

THE THE GOOD GOOD LIFE LIFE

ITINERARY:

Charlotte to Orlando IT TAKES SEVEN HOURS AND 40 MINUTES to reach Orlando from Charlotte, and it takes only three before you start asking, “Why did we drive again?” The answer is that there’s plenty of fun along the way. Because of the longer distance, we’ve added a place to stay to this itinerary. (Don’t try to cram the trip in a day and be the crankiest person in mouse ears at Disney World. Speaking from experience here.) —Andy Smith

Charlotte

Columbia

South Carolina

Georgia

Savannah

St. Augustine Beach

Florida Orlando

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

STOP

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, South Carolina DISTANCE: One hour and 30 minutes

Disney has its Animal Kingdom, but Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is more intimate and lively (no animatronics) for lovers of the natural world. The 170-acre zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden has more than 2,000 animals, including giraffes, tigers, zebras, otters, baboons, Komodo dragons, and a popular walk-through exhibit featuring kangaroos and wallabies. Parent tip: Bring some swimsuits if your kids are headed to Waterfall Junction. The area has a 25-foot waterfall, splash zones, giant tree houses, and other features that’ll get them soaked.

LINDA HENDRICKSON / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; EQROY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

North Carolina

Legoland Florida has 14 “lands,” a waterpark, and more than 50 attractions for brick lovers.

STOP

The Beachcomber Restaurant 2 A St., St. Augustine Beach, Florida DISTANCE: Six hours and 25 minutes

There are several Florida beaches along the way to Orlando. Here’s a lunch spot self-described as “the only restaurant directly on the ocean in St. Augustine Beach.” The Beachcomber began in the 1940s as a tiny shack where beach-dwellers would grab snacks before they headed back into the water. Its current incarnation was built 37 years ago. Grab some shrimp, gator tails, conch fritters, or popular sandwich The Big Fish Reuben: the “catch of the day” blackened on rye with Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and coleslaw.

FINAL Orlando STOP DISTANCE: Seven hours and 40 minutes

STOP

DON SAMORA; ROBERTO GONZALEZ; CASEY JONES

The Marshall House

123 E. Broughton St., Savannah, Georgia DISTANCE: Three hours and 46 minutes

Keeping the Disney theme going: The Marshall House is said to be a haunted mansion. The four-story structure was once a hospital for Civil War soldiers and endured two yellow fever epidemics. That makes its gorgeous hallways and rooms a popular hangout for ghost hunters. If you’d rather not tell your kids about its haunted history, let them enjoy the more palatable aspects of the house: grand decor, the lush live oaks of the downtown area, and a full breakfast at the Marshall House’s 45 Bistro (kids under 13 eat free). If your family is up for one of the city’s several ghost tours, expect to hear some tales about your hotel.

Here for the theme parks? We thought so. Still, we asked our sister magazine there, aptly named Orlando, for some recommendations outside of those sites. For some approachable cheap eats, their staff points to BEEFY KING (424 N. Bumby Ave.), a 53-year-old institution beloved by both local families and the likes of Jimmy Fallon and one-time Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal. These roast beef sandwiches are part of a family-owned tradition, with three generations having operated the spot. Meanwhile, over at BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT ADVENTURES (2001 E. Southport Road, Kissimmee), you can explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on airboats at 40 mph. How about a lesser-known amusement park? LEGOLAND FLORIDA (1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven) is a brick lover’s dream, with 150 acres of Lego-themed rides and a water park.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

THE GOOD LIFE The Outer Banks contain many surprises—even for regulars. You may have to leave the beach to find them, though.

STOP

Charlotte to the Outer Banks

N.C. IS THE WIDEST STATE east of the Mississippi. The trip from CLT to OBX covers 350 miles—or three-fifths— of it. Use the opportunity to eat a true Carolina lunch, take in some ancient wonders, and find a regional perk in Rocky Mount. —Andy Smith

Lexington

Charlotte

Raleigh

Rocky Mount

North Carolina

Outer Banks

Bar-B-Q Center

900 N. Main St., Lexington DISTANCE: 57 minutes

If you’re traveling anywhere near Lexington at lunchtime, you have a moral obligation to stop for barbecue. This joint opened in 1955 as The Dairy Center, a business that primarily sold ice cream. Its owners built a small pit to offer something else during the slow winter months, and the barbecue caught on. It’s a spot so friendly, it even gives away the secret to its light-brown sauce on the website: “ketchup, pepper, salt, water, and hot peppers. It’s very tangy alone but calms down on the meat.” First-timers should get a combo plate to conduct a proper survey: chopped pork, ¼ white or dark chicken, two sides, and a roll. (And yes, they still serve ice cream, even if the name eventually changed.) Continued on page 24

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

OUTER BANKS.ORG; LOGAN CYRUS

ITINERARY:

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON YOUR LOT EMPIRE COMMUNITIES BUILDS CUSTOM HOMES IN CHARLOTTE At Empire, we’ve been creating inspiring new places to live since 1993. As a family owned and operated company, we understand the importance of creating unique environments for you and your family to live well. Empire’s Design + Build program offers an array of floor plans to build on your lot, as well as the flexibility to work with our design team to modify the plan to suit your family’s needs — whether it’s adding a private in-law suite, basement or incredible outdoor living space. Our impressive 3,900 sq.ft. design studio, experienced team and competitive pricing are just some of the features that set us apart.

Customized plans on your homesite with fixed pricing contracts. From the $500’s to over $2 million. EmpireDesignBuild-NC.com | 704.602.3333 Formerly Shea Homes North Carolina. Sales: ECH Brokerage LP. License #C33712. Shea Homes North Carolina is not affiliated with the national homebuilder Shea Homes Limited Partnership. E.&O.E. Equal Housing Opportunity.

THE GOOD LIFE

ITINERARY:

Charlotte to the Outer Banks STOP

The state’s ancient residents are on display at the North Carolina Museum of Sciences in Raleigh.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh DISTANCE: Two hours and 30 minutes

The oldest museum in the state displays some of its oldest residents. For those heading to the beach, take one look at the megalodon mouth on the first floor and you’ll be glad they exited the oceans around 3.6 million years ago. Did you know its teeth are the North Carolina state fossil? You likely won’t find any of those on the shores of the Outer Banks, but hunters find plenty of teeth of other shark species there (think Meggy’s great-greatgreat grandchildren). On this free state museum’s four floors, you’ll also find dinosaurs, displays discussing the state’s various terrains, and even live specimens of creatures that currently inhabit the Carolinas.

STOP

Books and Beans

1147 Falls Road, Rocky Mount DISTANCE: Three hours and 20 minutes

Ah, the coffee stop—an essential of the 4-plus-hour drive. Let’s go somewhere special this time. Palestinian-American author and professor Etaf Rum, author of the New York Times bestseller A Woman Is No Man, is a notable resident of Rocky Mount. In 2019, she opened an artsy coffee shopbookstore hybrid in Rocky Mount Mills called Books and Beans. Rum herself curates the selection of books, which you can peruse as you wait for your locally roasted coffee from Counter Culture.

FINAL The Outer Banks STOP DISTANCE: Five hours We get it: By now, you probably have your go-to beaches and restaurants in the Outer Banks. But there are a few treasures across the barrier islands that you may not have seen. In Frisco (52186 Morriss Lane) near Hatteras, there’s a FUTURO HOUSE. Fewer than 100 of those spaceship-like structures were manufactured as prefab homes in the late ’60s. Now they’re cult artifacts scattered across the world. The ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (100 Conservation Way, Manteo) offers 152,000 acres and thousands of creatures to potentially spot. One more: Products from OUTER BANKS DISTILLING (510 Budleigh St., Manteo) have a pirate theme, including the awardwinning Kill Devil Rum (which comes in gold, silver, and pecan varieties). The spot offers tours, tastings, and a slew of legends inspired by the bandits of the sea.

A Futuro house (above) in Frisco, near Hatteras; Kill Devil Rum from Outer Banks Distilling (right).

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Continued on page 26

KAREN SWAIN/NCMNS; ETAF RUM (2); COURTESY; OUTERBANKS.ORG

Coffee shop and bookstore Books and Beans has a curated selection.

Now more than ever, personalized advice matters Congratulations to David G. Hall and Drew P. Crawford for being named to the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2021 list. We can provide customized, comprehensive advice and guidance to help you stay on track to pursue your goals. When the world changes, we’re here to help. Let’s work through this together.

Hall Crawford Group David G. Hall, CRPC®, CPWA® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor 980.282.1761 • dave_hall@ml.com Drew P. Crawford, CRPC®, CPFA Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Senior Portfolio Advisor 980.282.1753 • drew.crawford@ml.com Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 6000 Fairview Road Suite 600 Charlotte, NC 28210 fa.ml.com/hall.crawford Source: The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, February 11, 2021. Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC. Data as of June 30, 2020. The Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Rankings and recognition from Forbes are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results, and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products:

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THE GOOD LIFE

Take a stroll down Broadway, the main thoroughfare in downtown Nashville, to find honky-tonks, restaurants, and shopping.

STOP

Charlotte to Nashville

AT JUST OVER 400 MILES, the drive to Music City is a long haul if you do it in one shot. Break it up with a few stops along the way and pick some apples, ride a carousel, and satisfy your sweet tooth. If you have an extra night or two to spare, stop in Pigeon Forge to ride coasters and celebrate the patron saint of Tennessee, Dolly Parton. Then put on your cowboy boots, get yourself some Nashville hot chicken, and follow the sound of live music to the nearest concert hall, honkytonk, or dive bar. —Taylor Bowler

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville DISTANCE: Two hours

Hendersonville, also known as North Carolina’s Apple Alley, is an essential stop during apple-picking season. Head to Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, just outside historic Hendersonville, and pick more than 20 varieties of apples. The 70-acre working farm also has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and an on-site farm market that sells local honey, bagged apples, and homemade apple cider donuts. On fall weekends you can find a jump pad, apple cannon, and wagon rides. Pack a lunch and visit the covered picnic area, and bring your camera to snap a few pictures of the kids if the sunflowers are in bloom.

Cookeville

Nashville

Tennessee

Pigeon Forge

North Carolina

Hendersonville

Charlotte

Continued on page 28

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT; SHUTTERSTOCK

ITINERARY:

Every Kiddo, Buddy, Pal and Sweet Pea agrees that we’re the best. We’re proud to have 8 specialties that are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and backed by the very best specialists and pediatricians. And we’re proud to have the only Best Children’s Hospital in the Charlotte region. But what makes us even prouder is that our patients (and their parents) say we’re the best too.

THE GOOD LIFE

ITINERARY:

Charlotte to Nashville STOP

Dollywood’s theme park includes rides like the Black Bear Trail in Wildwood Grove (above) and Swiftwater Run in Dollywood’s Splash Country (right).

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tennessee DISTANCE: 3 hours and 40 minutes

You can get a day pass to the theme park and ride as many roller coasters, carousels, and twisty teacups as time allows. But one day isn’t enough for the full Dollywood experience. Book a room at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and get complimentary TimeSaver passes (which let you skip the lines), early entry to the park on Saturdays, and access to a free shuttle to and from Dollywood. True Dolly fans must visit the Chasing Rainbows Museum to see costumes, awards, and other keepsakes from the Iron Butterfly’s life and career. If you come between May and September, check out Dollywood’s Splash Country, the site’s 35-acre water park.

STOP

Apple fritters are a local favorite at Ralph’s Donut Shop in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Dollywood

Ralph’s Donut Shop

59 S. Cedar Ave., Cookeville, Tennessee DISTANCE: Five hours and 12 minutes

If you need a bump of sugar to get you through the final stretch, stop in Cookeville, a small town in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Its historic downtown has a mix of boutiques, cafés, and hidden murals, and the town is home to Tennessee’s best donut. Ralph’s Donut Shop has been in the same spot since 1962; it isn’t much to look at on the outside, but the smell of fresh donuts invites you in. Choose from more than 30 flavors of donuts, or do as most locals do and order the glistening butter twist. Grab a stool at the counter and eat it there or take a box to go. Just don’t expect them to last until Nashville.

SoundWaves is the indoor-outdoor water park at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

For a girls’ trip or a romantic getaway, stay at the GERMANTOWN INN and stroll the historic neighborhood lined with brick sidewalks and restored Victorian buildings that house cafés and boutiques. For a more kid-centric experience, head to the GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER. Hit golf balls, visit the atriums and indoor gardens, or check out SoundWaves, the indoor-outdoor water park. Take a 10-minute drive to explore downtown Nashville. Walk down Broadway and get a pair of cowboy boots for the kids—many places, like BOOT COUNTRY (304 Broadway), offer buy-one-get-two-free deals, so you can size up or get a different style for next year. Stop by BISCUIT LOVE in The Gulch (316 11th Ave. South) for a hot chicken biscuit so good you’ll forgive the 45-minute line. Spend an afternoon at 12South, a walkable shopping district with boutiques, vintage stores, cafés, and coffee shops. Get your Southern food fix at MONELL’S (1235 6th Ave. North), a local institution where skillet fried chicken and all the sides are served family style—or go after hours for the Midnight Country Breakfast, available on Saturdays from midnight to 3 a.m. If it’s your first visit, spend at least one evening toward the lower side of Broadway, where you can grab a drink and hear free live music any night of the week.

CURTIS HILBUN / DOLLYWOOD (2); TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT (2)

FINAL Nashville STOP DISTANCE: Six hours and 30 minutes

THE GOOD LIFE

ST YL E

Monika Nessbach

The owner of designbar creates vibrant, edgy commercial spaces with international flair

“MY STYLE IS FUNKY,” says Monika Nessbach, owner of designbar, the commercial interior design firm behind Dilworth Tasting Room, The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar, and several Cantina 1511 locations. “It’s fun, young, and modern—we don’t do a lot of traditional design.” In a city that teems with interior designers who specialize in classic Southern homes, Nessbach is a rarity. A native of the Cologne area in Germany, she says her European roots and extensive travel—she’s been to more than 50 countries—have a big influence on her style. “When I first started, urban design wasn’t quite on the Charlotte scene yet,” she says. “There weren’t a lot of commercial designers out there; it was usually handled by architects, so I think there was a need for a commercial designer.” While residential design emphasizes comfort and personalization of a client’s living space, commercial design focuses on telling the story of the brand to diners, customers, and guests. The choices are bolder, bigger, riskier. Nessbach has incorporated a 70-foot mural of a dragon into her design of a sushi bar and a client’s own tire tread patterns into the flooring of their corporate headquarters. She’s done and seen a

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

THREE THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY PELOTON BIKE

“It’s the only thing that’s kept me sane during COVID.” MY DOGS

“My boxer puppies, Martini and Cosmo, are my furry children.” AUDIOBOOKS AND MUSIC

“I’ll listen to anything to keep my mind engaged.”

lot, and her history of crossing borders finds its way into the spaces where she works. Design wasn’t her first career, though. Nessbach worked for one year as a flight attendant for Lufthansa before she came to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue her MBA at Pfeiffer University. What was supposed to be “just a bit of foreign experience” led to an internship with Continental Tire, a German auto supply company with North American headquarters in Charlotte. Continental offered Nessbach a full-time job before she graduated, and she worked in various marketing and managerial positions for the next 14 years. She loved living in Charlotte, but she never found a passion for the corporate world. Nessbach, who speaks four languages, always had an interest in design and began taking classes at night, but “it took me a few years to figure out if this is what I wanted to do,” she says. She participated in a designer showhouse through the Symphony Guild of Charlotte to gain some experience, and the CEO of Continental Tire happened to be there and saw her

Continued on page 32

RUSTY WILLIAMS

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

THE GOOD LIFE

space. He hired Nessbach to design his boardroom, and she left the company in 2013 to pursue interior design full time. “When I was working with Continental Tire, I found my passion for large-scale projects,” she says. “I was very familiar with spreadsheets and budgets, so it was natural to go into commercial design versus residential.” She took on a handful of corporate projects and worked out of her house for two years until she could hire an assistant and move into an office in Plaza Midwood. She expanded her portfolio with hospitality and multifamily jobs and grew her team to four people. Today designbar operates out of AvidXchange Music Factory, where she and her team specialize in commercial spaces with a “modern edge.” Nessbach first gained a local reputation in 2014, when Eight Sushi & Asian Kitchen hired her to create an urban, street artinspired venue with an industrial vibe. She built a 60-foot bar with repurposed skateboards and installed a bar front covered in graffiti by local muralists Matt Moore and Matt Hooker. The tables, custom made with reclaimed North Carolina barn wood, each had the Japanese number eight branded into the corner. Clusters of globe lights hang from red cables above the high top tables, and an oversized street art mural stretches behind the sushi bar. Other notable projects include Crave Dessert Bar, Izar Med Spa, Brazz Carvery and Brazilian Steakhouse, and a histori-

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

cal lobby at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Last year Nessbach designed The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar, which was a welcome project during COVID. “It’s more like a bachelor pad,” she says. “It’s dark and moody with big thick curtains and leather couches. It’s reminiscent of Cuban style, so I incorporated wallpaper with newspaper dipped in coffee.” Outside of work, Nessbach rarely sits still. She’s a former cycle instructor and loves to cook and prep meals. During last year’s shutdown, she quietly launched a meal prep service called K Prepped Meals, which she runs through her Instagram handle @kpreppedmeals. Her most recent hospitality project is the new Dilworth Tasting Room in SouthPark, and she’s currently working on several multifamily projects in and around Charlotte. She says one of her dream jobs is a boutique hotel where she’d design each room differently. But for now, she’s thrilled to settle back into her Music Factory office where she maintains a fun, avant-garde company culture. “We’ve adopted this dress code: come dressed in whatever you feel most creative in without offending co-workers or clients,” she says. “Once a week we have pajama day—we can come in pajamas or workout clothes. Owning a business is a lot of work, so you’ve got to have fun.” TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine.

COURTESY MONIKA NESSBACH (2); DILWORTH TASTING ROOM SOUTHPARK; RUSTY WILLIAMS

Nessbach’s design portfolio includes Crave Dessert Bar (above); Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar (above, right); and Dilworth Tasting Room in SouthPark (far right). Nessbach often brings “fur babies” Martini and Cosmo (on the floor) to the office.

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THE GOOD LIFE Gwendolyn and John Burris still live in the Habitat house they helped construct in 1987. The Optimist Park neighborhood near the Parkwood LYNX station is now a real estate hotspot.

Charlotte’s Long Ride With Habitat How the city became a national leader in building the organization’s affordable homes BY TOM HANCHETT

ONCE YOU RECOGNIZE a Habitat house, you’ll likely realize you’ve been seeing them all over the place. Habitat for Humanity is one of America’s great success stories in the difficult realm of affordable housing. Through nearly four decades, Charlotte has played a big role in this national phenomenon. Millard and Linda Fuller started Habitat in Georgia in 1976. They’d joined Koinonia Farm, a back-to-theland religious community intent on interracial fellowship and simple living. Many of its neighbors resided in shacks without running water. Millard Fuller worked out what became the Habitat model. Volunteers pitched in to build small, carefully planned cottages. The future homeowners worked as well, contributing 300 hours of “sweat equity.” Habitat

provided a no-interest loan, which the resident family repaid over the years. That, in turn, helped fund more houses. In Charlotte, a retired school board member named Julia Maulden—Julia’s Café & Books at the Habitat ReStore on Wendover Road honors her memory— was one of the early folks outside Georgia to fall in love with Habitat. With backing from real estate leaders that included John Crosland Jr. and Gene Davant, Maulden’s Habitat chapter built one house, then another and another. In the mid-1980s, Davant hatched an audacious idea. He helped Habitat acquire an abandoned baseball field that the Optimist Club, a service organization, had created decades earlier in the Optimist Park neighborhood. On the weed-choked lot, Habitat would construct 14 houses—in just a week.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The project drew national media attention to Habitat. Excitement jumped when former President Jimmy Carter agreed to join the building crew, something he’d done only a few times previously. Beginning July 25, 1987, he and other volunteers swarmed over the old field, now cut into cul-de-sac streets (one named Julia Maulden Place). Woodframed walls rose hour by hour. “This is the most exciting, challenging, unpredictable and gratifying thing I’ve ever done,” Carter told The Washington Post. Henceforth, Habitat and carpenter Carter would be intertwined in the public’s mind. Today, John and Gwendolyn Burris still reside in a snug cottage on the 19th Street cul-de-sac where President Carter labored. John remembers that intense week: “I worked from sunup to sundown.” “We always had the girls with us,” adds Gwendolyn, “teaching them the value of work, to own stuff.” Despite steady jobs—he as a brickmason, she Continued on page 36

COURTESY TOM HANCHETT

B U I L D I N G H I STO RY

THE GOOD LIFE R E AL E STAT E

Hot Listings

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter (far right, in blue overalls) joins the first-ever Habitat Women Build, May 1991.

in a hospital laundry—the family had bounced from apartment to run-down apartment. The new house brought stability for the children. “All of them earned diplomas,” John says proudly. The Burris home is typical of Habitat designs. It’s a little more than 1,000 square feet, with an uncomplicated box outline that's efficient to build. There’s an inset front porch, a cool place to sit and visit in the heat of Southern summers, and a low-pitched roof, which saved lumber. Since 1987, Charlotte has continued to influence the national Habitat organization. Longtime Observer journalist Frye Gaillard penned the organization’s first history, If I Were a Carpenter, published in 1996. Davidson developer Paul Leonard served as Habitat International’s interim CEO in 2004 and 2005, after the organization’s board fired Millard Fuller. Most notably, Mary Nell McPherson, Susan Hancock, and Darlene Jonas organized an all-female project called Women Build here in 1991. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter took part, sweating as she helped heave wall frames into place. Women Build projects are now a Habitat signature worldwide. Today, more than 1,400 Habitat houses pepper neighborhoods throughout the region, says Laura Belcher, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. A home repair program and financial literacy classes aid additional families. And construction continues—including a 39-home development, the organization’s largest ever, expected to break ground this month near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. As gentrification displaces many low-income Charlotteans, Habitat families have a huge advantage: ownership. John Burris watches as home prices near Optimist Hall soar past $400,000. “If they offer me what I want for my house, I’m willing to sell,” Burris says. “Enough for me to go out and buy me a house and have a little nest egg left. “They’d be buying all my memories away. But I’m ready to go.” BUILDING HISTORY is a monthly series that highlights Charlotte’s historic buildings. Tom Hanchett, a local historian since 1981, is the author of Sorting Out the New South City: Race, Class, and Urban Development in Charlotte and former staff historian at the Levine Museum of the New South. Follow him on Twitter at @historysouth.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Inviting homes with impressive amenities. —Taylor Bowler

1425 MEADOWOOD LANE $3,720,000 PROVIDENCE PARK The main level of this manor house has a cathedral wood-beam ceiling, stone fireplace surround, and glistening hardwood floors. The covered back porch has a fireplace, built-in grill, and motorized screens. 6 BD, 9 BA, 10,185 sq. ft. Helen Adams Realty, helenadamsrealty.com 3612 ENGLISH GARDEN DRIVE $3,590,000 MONTIBELLO Expansive windows, soaring ceilings, and a floating staircase add to the grandeur of this modern estate. The chef’s kitchen has top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinets, and an oversized double island with a waterfall edge. 6 BD, 8 BA, 7,561 sq. ft. HM Properties, hmproperties.com 2538 SELWYN AVE. $4,815,000 MYERS PARK Built in 1917, this sprawling compound includes a detached garage with a guest cottage, multiple porches and patios, and an in-ground pool. The owner’s suite has a fireplace, jewelry closet, dressing room, and an additional washer and dryer. 6 BD, 7 BA, 5,815 sq. ft. Dickens Mitchener & Associates, dickensmitchener.com 2116 FLORAL AVE. $975,000 DILWORTH A 2015 renovation gave this historic bungalow a modern chef’s kitchen with a gas range, oversized island, and custom cement countertops; a walk-in laundry room; and a spacious owner’s suite with walk-in shower, dual vanity, and custom closet. 5 BD, 4 BA, 2,528 sq. ft. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty, bhhscarolinas.com

Homes available as of July 6, 2021.

COURTESY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE CHARLOTTE REGION; COURTESY ROBINSON-SPANGLER CAROLINA ROOM, CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY; COURTESY

Former President Jimmy Carter (far left) with Habitat volunteers and the Burris family (right) in 1987. Gwendolyn and John Burris stand behind their daughters, Conswella, Saundra, Gwendella, and Lilugenia.

1625 E Westinghouse Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273 704.821.2426

115 Corporate Blvd. indian Trail, NC 28079 704.684.4971

214 Transco Rd. Mooresville, NC 28117 704.896.9969

www.SiteOne.com/Hardscapes

THE GOOD LIFE

Fall Arts PREVIEW At last, a full season of cultural events BY ANDY SMITH

Theatre

Rent’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour: By the Numbers Jonathan Larson’s rock musical Rent, based on the century-old opera La Bohème, officially opened on Broadway 25 years ago. This year, Rent’s touring production ends with one more national run, which includes a stop at Belk Theater (Nov. 9-14). A few numbers to know as the show makes its final voyage:

525,600:

The amount of minutes in a typical year, as famously noted by the classic tune that opens the show’s second act, “Seasons of Love.” (Twenty-five years of Rent would be 13,140,000 minutes, by the way.)

5,123:

Performances on Broadway for the show’s original 12-year run.

10:

Number of Tony nominations Rent received in 1996. It won four of them.

2005:

The year a film adaptation of Rent debuted. Original cast members that appeared in the film include Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Idina Menzel, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Taye Diggs, and Jesse L. Martin.

OTHER THEATRICAL SHOWS THIS FALL: The Fantasticks (Sept. 2-19, Theatre Charlotte at The Palmer Building) Wicked (Sept. 8-Oct. 3, Ovens Auditorium) I Dream (Sept. 16-19, Belk Theater)

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Nov. 16-21, Belk Theater)

VISUAL ART THREE TO SEE: FALL MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

John Leslie Breck: American Impressionist at Mint Museum Uptown (Sept. 18-Jan. 2, 2022)

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Rent toured for its 20th anniversary in 2016.

Twentieth Century Women at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (through Sept. 26)

Choose Your Weapon: Views from the Front Lines of the War for Black Lives at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (through Oct. 3)

COURTESY AMY BOYLE 2019

The Rocky Horror Show (Oct. 6-31, Actors' Theatre of Charlotte at The Barn at MoRa)

CONCERTS

Brandy Clark

THE MIXTAPE: ONSTAGE THIS FALL

3 Garth Brooks, “Friends in Low Places” (Sept. 25, Bank of America Stadium)

7 Gilberto Santa Rosa, “Conteo Regresivo” (Oct. 23, Ovens Auditorium)

These 10 musicians and groups come to local venues this season. Here are some of their best-known songs for a fall playlist:

4 Jackie Venson, “Always Free” (Oct. 5, Evening Muse)

8 Ben Folds, “Landed” (Nov. 7, Belk Theater)

5 Earth, Wind & Fire, “September” (Oct. 8, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre)

9 Martin Sexton, “Glory Bound” (Nov. 10, Visulite Theatre)

1 Marc Anthony, “You Sang to Me” (Sept. 11, Spectrum Center) 2 Jack Harlow, “Way Out” (Sept. 15, The Fillmore)

6 Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried” (Oct. 16, PNC Music Pavilion)

10 Brandy Clark, “Stripes” (Nov. 15, Neighborhood Theatre)

Festivals YIASOU GREEK FESTIVAL

COURTESY WARNER RECORDS PRESS/CHRIS PHELPS

SEPT. 9-12 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd. This four-day festival, founded in 1978, features Greek cuisine, live dancing and music, rides, and cathedral tours. Each year, volunteers at the church band together for hourslong baking sessions to assemble the baklava, spanakopita, and tiropita for which the event is famous.

CHARLOTTE SHOUT! FESTIVAL

SEPT. 17-OCT. 3 Various uptown locations The multi-week effort— which spans major art installations, live events, and dining—brings back the popular inflated bunny sculptures of Intrude and light-up seesaws of Impulse. This year’s event adds new art installations; Belk Theater appearances from Antoni Porowski, Esther Perel, and Spike Lee; a Lindsey Buckingham concert at Knight Theater; and much more.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

SEPT. 24-26 Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd.

This Charlotte fixture returns to Freedom Park with live music, hundreds of artists and craft exhibitors, fair rides, and an array of food vendors that range from seafood and barbecue to classic funnel cake. The event began in 1964, and in recent years, organizers have recorded more than 100,000 attendees.

TUCK FEST

OCT. 1-3 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway Tuck Fest combines outdoor competitions and live music. Those of us who don’t want to swim, bike, climb, or kayak can take in a full slate of performers: Dawes, Hiss Golden Messenger, Ida Mae, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more.

CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

OCT. 2-NOV. 21 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville Fantasy fans can see the Huntersville property once again transformed into a 16th-century utopia. Grab a turkey leg and beer, and head to the jousts, where knights vie for the queen’s favor. Don’t be afraid to come in costume: Carolina Renaissance Festival organizers estimate that 40% of attendees come decked out in medieval garb.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD DRINK

INSIDE: NOW OPEN / SERVED HISTORY / LOCAL FLAVOR / ON THE LINE / BITE-SIZED NEWS / RESTAURANTS / BEER

EXPLORE THE TASTES OF CHARLOTTE

Charlotte’s first cevicheria has arrived in Calle Sol, the latest creation of FS Food Group.

N OW O P E N

VENI VIDI CEVICHE TKTKTKTKTKt

A visit to Calle Sol, which takes over a familiar space in Plaza Midwood BY ANDY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

OVER A PLATE of tuna tiradito, I ask restaurateur Frank Scibelli about the personal nature of his restaurants. Little Mama’s in SouthPark echoes the old-school Italian restaurants of his New England youth; Midwood Smokehouse, now with five locations, paid tribute to regional history and Scibelli’s visits to Houston’s legendary Otto’s Barbecue & Hamburgers. What memories inspired his newest spot?

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK Don’t leave without trying: The GAUVA MARIA ($5), cream cheese soft-serve ice cream topped with guava and classic Maria cookies.

(Above) Artist Randall Kane painted an exterior and interior mural for the concept.

CALLE SOL LATIN CAFÉ & CEVICHERIA 1205 Thomas Ave. callesolcafe.com Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Part of the spark for Calle Sol Latin Café in Plaza Midwood, he says, came from visits to Cuban and Peruvian neighborhoods in Florida. That’s why Charlotte’s first cevicheria, which opened in July, has the warmth and decor you’d find at a neighborhood joint in Tampa’s Ybor City. The transformation startles in this particular space, a 2,900-square-foot building that recently housed Bruce Moffett’s nautical-themed shore food venture N.C. Red. But its most famous resident was the Penguin Drive-In, a beloved burger joint whose new owners plan its resurrection on East Boulevard in Dilworth. Another influence for Calle Sol, Scibelli adds: the personal interests of other FS Food Group members. Chef Paul Cruz, previously of Mama Ricotta’s, and sous chef Alfredo Galarza have personal histories with Latin comfort food. Dishes use plantains, tropical fruits, and aji amarillo peppers, initially sourced from Galarza’s native Peru and now grown in partnership with Barbee Farms in Concord. The Aji Amarillo option on the ceviches menu ($14 small; $20 large) is served with sweet potato, corn, and crispy canchas (corn nuts). Other ceviche options at the same price include include Classic, Rocoto, and Mexicano. A ceviche menu adds options rarely found in Charlotte, and the sandwich menu takes advantage of the city’s lacking Cuban sandwich choices. Both the Tampa Cubano ($12) and Miami Cubano ($11) have sweet ham, lechon, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread. The Tampa variation, though, adds salami and mayo. (Get that one.) The most adventurous part of the menu is its Chino-Latino section, with a blurb on how Chinese immigration to Latin America in the

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

1800s created a culinary subgenre. Cuban Fried Rice ($10) gorgeously blends those tastes, while the wok-cooked Chaufa ($12-$13) comes in shrimp, pork, and chicken variations. Everything’s new at 1205 Thomas Ave., but it’s still difficult to separate memories of the Penguin—especially since the iconic sign still stood outside upon Calle Sol’s opening. Scibelli embraces that history and originally intended to leave the sign up—before the announcement of the Penguin’s return. To avoid confusion, FS Food Group gave it to the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association. FS Food Group’s own familial connection to Plaza Midwood—the original Midwood Smokehouse and a Yafo Kitchen on Central Avenue—inspired the group to add their own symbol to the neighborhood. Artist Randall Kane painted an exterior mural, modeled after a well-known public painting in Miami that announces the Little Havana neighborhood on Calle Ocho (Eighth Street). Even before the Calle Sol opening, Kane’s work drew daily packs of selfie-seekers. Will Calle Sol endure long enough to create its own legend on Thomas Avenue? It’s hard to say. But in bringing a new look, atmosphere, and palate to Plaza Midwood, FS Food Group certainly knows how to make a first impression.

ANDY SMITH is executive editor of this magazine.

(Clockwise from top) Mojito with No Name; Miami Cubano with fries; Stiltsville Special; Cuban Fried Rice; Jupiña Colada; Tampa Cubano with fries; Chino-Latino Chaufa with shrimp; and Aji Amarillo ceviche (in blue bowl) served with sweet potatoes, corn, and canchas. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK Twenty-six green vinyl barstools line the walls at Green’s Lunch.

S E RV E D H I STO RY

DOGGED DETERMINATION Green’s Lunch has held onto its spot in Charlotte for more than 95 years BY KATHLEEN PURVIS | PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

THE BEST WAY to describe the barstools at Green’s Lunch, Charlotte’s oldest restaurant, is Lilliputian. Maybe munchkin-esque. Definitely something very short. Twenty-six of these barstools with green vinyl seats and chrome stands are bolted to the floor in front of a bar that wraps around three sides of the tiny restaurant. Each one is shorter than a toadstool in a fairy tale. If you’re taller than 5-foot-8, the stools probably hit below your knees. Blame Joanna Sikiotis’ father, Philip Katopodis. Back in 1926, when the Greens, the original owners, bought an old lunch counter near the corner of West Fourth and South Mint streets, it had 13 stools, all normal height. In 1975, Katopodis bought the restaurant and rebuilt it, eventually expanding from 400 square feet to 1,500. He added booths and a lot more stools. During the renovations, Joanna’s mother, Maria Katopodis, left one afternoon while Philip, who was barely 5 feet tall, worked

on the final touches. When she came back, Philip had cut each barstool down to 18 inches tall. Joanna, now 58, remembers that her mother was furious, and she demanded to know why. His reason: “Because I wanted my feet to touch the floor!” “The Greens were tall,” Joanna says, still laughing about it. “We were short.” Tiny stools are just one of the quirks of this restaurant, which has been in the same spot for more than 95 years. Each person who has run it has added something to it. When Robert Green opened, the menu was about as short as the stools: hot dogs with mustard, ketchup, and onions; bags of chips; and bottles of Coca-Cola. When Robert Green died in 1945, his son, Robert Jr., was still in Japan with the military, so his daughter-in-law, Mary Green, took over and added chili to the menu. Eventually, the Greens divorced, and Mary bought out her ex-husband. She ran the lunch counter with her

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

son, Jimmy, and became such a beloved member of the community that she appeared in local Christmas parades as “Mary Green, the Hot Dog Queen.” When Philip Katopodis bought Green’s, he added coleslaw to the hot dogs. When Joanna and her husband, Pete, bought it from her father, they added french fries and eventually expanded the menu to include breakfast plates with omelettes, pancakes, and biscuits. How important has Green’s been to Charlotte? In 1974, when Mary announced she wanted to retire and put the restaurant up for sale, The Charlotte Observer ran it on page one, right under the Watergate hearings. Observer writer Jerry Simpson fell over himself in flights of hyperbole: “It’s like Richard Petty saying he’s going to quit racing, or Reggie Jackson burying his bat in the basement and leaving the game forever. … For scores of faithful followers, that’s going to be the end of the world.” The world didn’t end, and neither did Green’s. Despite real estate ads that

Mary Green (above) in the early days of Green’s Lunch; the restaurant’s exterior in 1982 (below) and now (bottom).

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER NEGATIVE COLLECTION, RSCR, CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY

(Above) A hot dog with onions, mustard, and ketchup and a hot dog “all the way” topped with Mary Green’s secret homemade chili; (Below) Zack Cheek, Pete Sikiotis, Joane Pastrana, and Pete’s son, Nick, behind the counter.

promised “Land, building, recipes, equipment, inventory and 45 years of fame and good will at only $67,000,” no one came forward. On Nov. 28, Mary Green called off the sale, claiming her fans had scared away buyers: “People told them that without me, this place would never be the same.” Eight months later, Philip Katopodis, the owner of the Meadowview Steak House, bought the lunch counter for $57,000. Katopodis intended to tear the building down and replace it with a more modern structure—which he eventually did in 1980. Mary Green didn’t retire, though. She continued to work at Green’s for 16 years after the sale. When

she finally left, she moved to Barclay’s Cafeteria in SouthPark a year later to run the cash register. “She couldn’t stay home,” says Joanna, who started working at Green’s when she was 12. “We were like a big family. I still consider her part of my family.” Both Mary and Jimmy are gone now, but Joanna’s parents are still living. And everyone behind the counter is family: Joanna, husband Pete (the short, handsome guy with the white beard), their son Nicholas (the short, handsome guy with the black beard), and their nephew, Zack Cheek (not short, not bearded, but still handsome).

The chili recipe has never changed: Mary Green taught Philip Katopodis, who taught Joanna after a car accident landed him in the hospital and no one could make the secret homemade chili. It’s written down now, and kept in a safe deposit box, although Joanna still hasn’t shared it with Nicholas: “He’ll get it when I’m dead!” Take a seat, Nicholas. It might be a while.

KATHLEEN PURVIS is a longtime Charlotte writer who covers Southern food and culture. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

LO C AL F L AVO R

RUM AND POKE The Royal Tot brings tiki tastes to the Belmont neighborhood BY ANDY SMITH

ON JULY 31, 2020, the British raised glasses to commemorate a bleak anniversary. It had been 50 years since Black Tot Day, when the Royal Navy issued the last of its daily rum rations to sailors—their “daily tot.” The tradition began in the 17th century, as had complaints (and, a little later, sea shanties) about drunken sailors. In hindsight, the Navy’s ban was sound. The Admiralty Board concluded, “the rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the individual’s tasks in ships are concerned with complex, and often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning of which people’s lives may depend.” During last year’s anniversary, plans were underway for The Royal Tot, a new Belmont neighborhood concept with island vibes and named for the departed daily ration. The joint’s website even provides a fictional backstory based on Black Tot Day, in which a “nameless, worldly man of ports and people” comes to Charlotte via a shipwreck that “brought him to shore.” (Forget that the nearest ocean is 176 miles away.) The business, with both a lower level and rooftop space with a view of the skyline, opens at HUB 933 (933 Louise Ave.) this fall. It’s the second ETA Group “eatertainment” concept in as many years; ETA opened the indoor miniature golf course-bar Stroke in neighboring Plaza Midwood in January 2020.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

COURTESY PLAID PENGUIN: LUNAHZON PHOTOGRAPHY

FOOD+DRINK

(Opposite) The cocktail line-up includes, from left, a Jungle Bird (Kraken 94 Proof Black Spiced Rum, Campari, fresh pineapple and lime, and Demerara syrup); a Pearl Diver (Bacardi Ocho, El Dorado 5-Year, Don’s Gardenia Mix, lime and orange, and Angostura bitters); and a Painkiller (Pusser’s, cream of coconut, orange and lime, and grated nutmeg). (Left) A mermaid tiki mug contains an On a Beach Somewhere (Rumhaven Coconut Rum, passion fruit, lime and orange, and cinnamon); a barrel tiki mug holds a Royal Grog (Appleton Estate Signature Blend, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, grapefruit and lime, soda water, Demerara syrup, and grated cinnamon). (Below left) Amanda Cranford of neighboring business Paper Plane Deli & Market crafted a menu that includes this tuna poke bowl.

This new “getaway,” as CFO Scott Gadd calls it, slings cocktails crafted by beverage director Larry Suggs and served from three bars. The team has collected more than 100 rare rums over the past year, many through global travels. Expect twists on classic tiki cocktails like Mai Tais, Painkillers, and Hurricanes, along with six frozen-drink machines and a dispenser of Dole Whip soft-serve. Amanda Cranford of fellow HUB 933 tenant Paper Plane Deli & Market created a food menu with appetizers and entrees that, as in Hawaii, make liberal use of SPAM, along with Kona coffee-rubbed chicken wings, ceviche, and tuna poke. Gadd says The Royal Tot hopes to benefit from its proximity to other HUB 933 businesses, like Paper Plane, Advent Coworking, and its closest neighbor, Catawba Brewing. Suggs said in May that he plans to found a “rum club” at The Royal Tot in the coming months. The club’s regular rum rations will allow members a taste of the sentiment expressed in one of the restaurant’s slogans: “Everyone’s a sailor.”

(Above) Expect SPAM in multiple forms, including this Togarashi honey-drizzled plate served with spicy mayo, scallions, and puffed rice.

ANDY SMITH is the executive editor of this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK

O N T H E LI N E W I T H

KACIE SMAGACZ

The owner of Move That Dough Baking Co. loves to mix it up with vegan and gluten-free treats BY TAYLOR BOWLER

You might know her from: Common Market Oakwold, where she runs a pop-up bakery on weekends; and Common Market South End, Plant Joy, The Hobbyist, Green Brothers Juice Co., Press & Porter, Bart’s Mart, and Queen City Grounds, all of which sell her treats. Family status: Mom to a 3-year-old daughter Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Currently lives: Oakwold Currently reading: Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg What inspired you to launch a vegan bakery? I studied holistic nutrition and saw a lot of kids and adults developing allergies to wheat, soy, eggs, and dairy. I was also allergic to dairy as a kid. So I wanted to meet the needs of this growing community of people who don’t feel like they had options anywhere. Tell me about your menu. Every week it’s different. The more I learn about the ADHD brain, the more

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

THE TOUGH STUFF Chocolate or cheese? Chocolate Coffee or tea? Coffee Beer or wine? Beer Cake or pie? Cake Doughnut or muffin? Doughnut Red velvet or funfetti? Red velvet Crunchy topping or sweet drizzle? Crunchy topping Ice cream or hot chocolate? Ice cream Sugar Rush or The Great British Baking Show? The Great British Baking Show Street eats or sitdown? Street eats Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

it matters that I love what I’m doing. That’s why I change my menu every weekend. But people get mad when I don’t have cinnamon rolls or blueberry doughnuts, so I usually have those. What’s the story behind the name Move That Dough? It started as a mobile bakery, so I wanted people to know it was a mobile concept. Where do you bake? I rent kitchen space at Common Market Oakwold. I’ve found this concept of sharing space in bigger cities, so I’ve always approached other businesses to work together and make that happen. Was there a steep learning curve to vegan and gluten-free baking? There are already so many substitutes for vegan recipes, but with gluten-free, it’s harder because you’re working with different proteins and fats. So it’s a lot of trial and error, and a lot of throwing ingredients away if a recipe doesn’t work out. The biggest challenge with gluten-free is getting the texture right. It’s more scientific and complicated. Dessert for breakfast: hard no or hell, yes? Hell, yes, but I’m also a big fan of nachos for breakfast. I say do what you want when you want.

PETER TAYLOR

Age: 33

BITE-SIZED STO R I E S

Foodie Tidbits on a Small Plate KEVIN ATKINSON has replaced executive chef Robert Hoffman at Angeline’s and Merchant & Trade. A Charlotte native, Atkinson returned from Chicago’s Sable Kitchen & Bar to take the helm at the modern Italian restaurant and oversee the small bites menu at the rooftop bar. A new brewery called MIDNIGHT MULLIGAN opens this month in the space next door to Summit Seltzer in Wesley Heights. Expect IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts, plus a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads. CRAV’N CARIBBEAN is the latest ghost kitchen to open in The City Kitch, a commercial kitchen space in West End. Owner and chef Carlos Abrahams makes traditional Jamaican dishes with oxtail and jerk chicken for both takeout and delivery.

(Clockwise, from top) Funfetti Rainbow Cake decorated by Jessie Raye; Blueberry Lemon Doughnut; Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies.

BACKDROP COFFEE is now open in the space beside The Batch House in Station West. Look for espresso-based beverages, blended drinks, and food from local artisan bakers and cooks. —Taylor Bowler

What do you think is an underappreciated flavor? Vanilla or maple. I have a braided yeast doughnut topped with crackly vanilla glaze, and it’s probably my favorite thing on the menu. What’s the most creative dessert you’ve made? Anything involving something savory, like a basil-andberry doughnut. You don’t see a lot of herbs used in baked goods. What’s your favorite thing to cook? Nachos, but I make them interesting with toppings like sauerkraut and hempé. What’s your favorite adult beverage? I like gin because it’s made from herbs instead of corn and wheat, so a gin and tonic.

PETER TAYLOR; COURTESY

Is there one recipe you’d still love to master? A glutenfree yeast doughnut. Like a fluffy Krispy Kreme doughnut but without gluten. What’s the most surprising thing about you? I study human behavior, and as an ADHD adult, I’m a huge advocate for neurodivergent people. I know a lot of ADHD kids who think they can’t own a business or use their talent to make money, and I want to show them they can. That’s my heartbeat right now. Any rules to live by in the kitchen? Slow down. People are always in a rush in the kitchen.

Best Bites Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine staff

FALAFEL TOWER, $15 PLANT JOY

WHEN I SWITCHED to a primarily plant-based diet, I learned to anticipate underwhelming options and skimpy portions. Restaurants have started to let vegans out of their side-salad prison, but it’s still a luxury to visit a spot where the choices and meals are plentiful. Plant Joy’s bestselling Falafel Tower is a decadent heap of pita chips, falafel crumble, chickpeas, and beet slaw, all topped with smoked hummus. Like the rest of Plant Joy’s menu, this dish is vegan, so it’s good for your body and the planet. But unlike the standard steamed veggies or underdressed salad, it’s also just plain good. —Allison Braden SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK (Clockwise from right) Osteria LuCa’s TRUE Meatballs; Angeline’s Whipped Ricotta with lavender honey and toasted bread; Fusilli Bolognese from Orto.

Buon Appetito! Satisfy your Italian craving at these Charlotte eateries

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL DIRECTORY OF RESTAURANT LISTINGS.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

PETER TAYLOR

R E STAU R ANT S

CHARLOTTE’S ROSTER OF ITALIAN EATERIES continues to expand, proving the city’s robust appetite for pizza and pasta isn’t going anywhere. Fortunately, we’ve got a range of options, from white tablecloth ristorantes to more casual osterias. Enjoy scratch-made tagliatelle the way you’d eat it in Bologna or order meatballs and breadsticks at a counter. Sip a glass of Chianti at a Venetian-style wine bar or take a gelato to go. Find an experience at any price in this month’s restaurant guide.

just like his mom made it and carbonara as it’s served in Rome.

F E AT U R E D R E STAU R ANT

INDACO

Flour Shop

2046 South Blvd. 704-741-9004 Atherton Mill’s rustic Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted pastas, proving certain dishes are classics for a reason.

530 Brandywine Rd. 980-299-3754

INIZIO PIZZA NAPOLETANA

THE SMELL OF FRESH BREAD in the wood-fired oven hits you as soon as you walk into this intimate restaurant in the Backlot of Park Road Shopping Center. If there’s room at the counter, grab a seat and watch as the chefs prepare handmade ravioli, linguine, and tagliatelle in the open kitchen. When the housemade sourdough and warm focaccia tempt you—and they will—order a loaf with a plate of Burrata and use the bread to soak up the pesto and tomato jam. Chef Trey Wilson’s pasta is always divine, from the Ricotta Gnocchi with Pork Meatballs to the Squid Ink Linguine. His dishes often change with the seasons, but if the Fettuccini Lamb Bolognese is on the menu, order it.

ANGELINE’S

303 S. Church St. 704-445-2540 The Pappardelle Bolognese and Margherita Pizza are both excellent, but if you’re feeling adventurous, start with the whipped ricotta with sourdough, lavender honey, and pistachio. After dinner, ride the elevator to the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel for a nightcap from its sister cocktail bar, Merchant & Trade.

ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

100 N. Tryon St. 704-376-8880 This trendy uptown spot has high-end Italian dishes with a sophisticated wine program to match.

AQUA E VINO

4219 Providence Rd. 704-364-4445 This is one of the smallest dining rooms in town, which means it can be hard to nab a reservation without planning. It also means chef Gabriele Grigolon serves each dish with textbook precision.

CAPISHE

500 E. Morehead St., Ste. 100 980-819-9494 Grab a margherita pizza or some linguine carbonara at this fast-casual eatery, which has a second location in SouthPark.

CICCHETTI

100 N. Tryon St. 980-299-0039 Come for the drinks and stay for the food at this wine bar, restaurant, and retail shop. Cicchetti (pronounced “chee-KEH-tee”) means “small dishes” in Italian, i.e., Venice’s version of Spanish tapas.

CIVETTA ITALIAN KITCHEN + BAR

2230 Park Rd. 704-900-0929 Grab a table on the patio beneath the bistro lights and savor a wood-fired pizza with a bottle of wine.

THE JIMMY

2839 Selwyn Ave., Ste. X 704-979-4242 Modeled after trattorias and bistros along the Mediterranean coast, the Myers Park restaurant focuses on wood-fired pizza and homemade pastas. You can get a traditional Margherita pizza, but we recommend the Funghi, a.k.a. “Jimmy’s Pie,” topped with roasted mushrooms, taleggio cheese, and balsamic reduction.

LUCE

601 S. Kings Dr. 704-343-0148 Feast on Italian dishes inspired by owner Frank Scibelli’s family recipes.

FORCHETTA

230 N. College St. 704-602-2750 Chef Luca Annunziata serves lasagna

STAGIONI

6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 6B 704-367-1808 An authentic northern Italian menu pairs impeccably with the extensive wine list, while courtyard dining adds to the experience on a clear night.

4521 Sharon Rd. 980-209-0323 Settle in to one of the dining rooms with a plate of Amma’s Ravioli or cozy up at the “Mozz Bar” and watch the chefs at work.

DOLCE OSTERIA

FIAMMA

PIZZERIA OMAGGIO

1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130 704-370-0777 Owner Daniel Siragusa sticks by his Italian roots with personal pizzas you’ll polish off in one sitting.

LITTLE MAMA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

214 N. Tryon St., Ste. J (in Hearst Plaza) 704-344-9222 Savor handmade pasta, plus fresh daily seafood and meat dishes paired with the superb Italian wines.

2418 Park Rd. 704-333-3062 The open layout lends an air of conviviality to this slick eatery, which has housemade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrees.

OSTERIA LUCA

4127 Park Rd. 704-910-0142 The wood-fired pizzas are the main attraction—and rightly so—but if you come with a group, order the TRUE meatballs with marinara sauce, or try the Prosciutto di Parma with arugula, shaved Parmesan, fig spread, and balsamic glaze.

715 Providence Rd. 704-372-8110 With a name meaning “seasons,” this concept from Bruce Moffett serves handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and slow-roasted meats.

7828 Rea Rd., Ste. E 980-335-2758 Feast on grilled salmon picatta, ricotta gnocchi, and seasonal risotto, and save room for a lasagna-sized piece of tiramisu for dessert.

1710 Kenilworth Ave. 704-332-7525 This classic, cozy, family-run neighborhood trattoria serves a mix of fresh, regional Italian cuisine and a carefully curated, all-Italian wine list.

ORTO

416 E. 36th St. 980-938-0080 Chef Paul Verica doesn’t go overboard with garnishes or presentation because he knows pizza and pasta don’t have to be fancy to be good.

MAMA RICOTTA’S

NORTH ITALIA

1414 S. Tryon St., Ste. 140 980-279-8900 Head to the ground floor of the RailYard for a dressed-up entrée like Squid Ink Mafaldine, or get the basic Spaghetti and Meatballs, which is good every time.

OGGI RISTORANTE ITALIANO

16646 Hawfield Way Dr., Ste. 101 704-716-9400 Find comfort food like spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna, or savor a plate of squid ink linguine and a glass of pinot grigio on the patio.

TOSCANA

VIA ROMA

7416 Waverly Walk Ave., Ste. H-2 980-245-2166 Toscana’s sister restaurant serves rustic Italian fare over white tablecloths in the elegant dining room or on the patio.

VOLO RISTORANTE

1039 Providence Rd. 704-919-1020 Let the chef choose a meat, vegetable, or seafood flight for you, or order off the dinner menu and savor a plate of gnocchi, ravioli, or bucatini paired with a glass of Chianti.

ZIO CASUAL ITALIAN

116 Middleton Dr. 704-344-0100 Hearty pastas and pizza are served family style, and murals of Italy adorn the walls at this Myers Park restaurant.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK BEER

Oh. That’s in a Name. Brewers scrape the tank for distinctive beer titles they hope remain untapped BY GREG LACOUR

Lenny Boy Brewing Co.’s Tangerine Dreamz (above) and Wooden Robot Brewery’s Pettifogging (below).

LENNY BOY BREWING CO.

TOWN BREWING CO.

CATAWBA BREWING CO.

Head brewer John Watkins infuses Tangerine Dreamz with lactose and notes of tangerine, which induce a “pillowy, dreamlike” sensation often associated with Belgian-style witbiers, says co-owner Nathan Villaume. (The similarity to the name of the venerable German electronica group Tangerine Dream is apparently coincidental.)

This coffee Baltic porter derives its name from the goddess of twilight and dreams in Baltic paganism, the polytheistic faith practiced in Europe’s last pagan state, Lithuania, until its Christianization in 1387. Seriously. Brian Quinn, the head brewer, found the name deep down a Google rabbit hole; he knew he wanted a name that alluded to the Baltic region, and as the holder of a master’s in history from Virginia Tech, he was used to burrowing into the past. “I just kind of stumbled on it: ‘This is great, and it’s not too hard to pronounce,’” Quinn says. He aims to brew the cold-weather porter again in winter, although the beer itself seems almost incidental. “It’s almost more about the story you can tell than the product you produce,” he says. “The great thing about brewing is that you can tell a story with every pint.”

Right. A cat, clad in a charro suit and sombrero, playing an acoustic guitar. That’s him on the label of this horchata white ale. His name is Taco, and Stevens, his owner, reports that he’s a spoiled, “slightly chunky” housecat who eats her plants. Catawba brewers developed the beer as an homage to the traditional Mexican rice drink, which made them think it’d be a perfect complement to tacos, which made Stevens think of how she’d always wanted to name a cat “Taco” because “taco cat” is a palindrome. (“Go drink a couple of beers and see what you can come up with.”) Stevens provided the design agency Owen Graffix of Statesville with the concept and photos of Taco, “and they just ran with it.”

TANGERINE DREAMZ

WOODEN ROBOT BREWERY

PETTIFOGGING

Co-founder and head brewer Dan Wade: “We named that beer after the term ‘pettifogging’ was revived in January 2020 by (U.S. Supreme Court) Chief Justice John Roberts. We happened to have a hazy session IPA in the tank that needed a name. The definition of pettifogging is ‘placing undue emphasis on petty details,’ or in other words, being clouded by small things. This seemed perfect for a small, cloudy beer.”

BREKSTA

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

EL GATO MARIACHI

GREG LACOUR is the senior editor of this magazine.

COURTESY, WOODEN ROBOT BREWERY; COURTESY LENNY BOY BREWING CO.

THE CRAFT BEER REVOLUTION has inspired brewers in search of appropriate names for their creations to reject the simple and direct—Bud, Lite, PBR—for the winking and obscurantist. Small-batch beverages lend themselves to small-batch cultural references, like favorite song titles and movie quotes. Saint Paul Brewing Company in Minnesota sells Cygnus X-1, a porter named after a late-’70s Rush progrock opus, itself named after a black hole. Launch Pad Brewery in Aurora, Colorado, a Denver suburb, pours a lemon meringue milkshake IPA (?!) with an equally absurdist name: The Sun Is Closer Than the Clouds. (Duuuude.) Closer to home, Heist Brewery in NoDa serves a New England double IPA named You Can’t Triple Stamp a Double Stamp, perhaps an implication that too many might make you Dumb or Dumber. Options are, sadly, beginning to dry up. “Naming beers has only gotten more challenging as we’ve gotten over 8,500 breweries in this country,” says Brian Quinn, head brewer at Town Brewing in FreeMoreWest, “and they’re all putting out a lot of beers.” Catawba Brewing Co., the Morganton-based brewery with a Charlotte location in the Belmont neighborhood, uses a rough naming system: Brewers concoct the beer, then tell the sales and marketing team to “go drink a couple of beers and see what you can come up with,” says Ashley Stevens, the company’s sales manager. They check their choices on Untappd to see if anyone else uses the name. Sometimes, someone does. If Catawba plans a tap-only brew, and if the brewery using the name is on the West Coast or another far-flung locale, “it’s usually OK,” Stevens says. If it’s in the South, or Catawba wants to distribute it? Sales and marketing starts over. It’s trickier than it seems. Just for fun, we decided to check in with Town Brewing, Catawba, and a couple of other Charlotte brewers for the backstories of some of their more intriguingly christened offerings.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ome make memories on Amelia Island, a charming barrier island off Florida’s northeastern coast. The destination captivates visitors with breathtaking natural beauty, Southern elegance and hospitality, a collection of upscale accommodations and historical inns, and a wide array of exciting, outdoor activities. Consistently voted a favorite destination in North America, Amelia Island offers visitors an irresistible mix of outdoor adventure, seaside serenity, and luxurious lifestyle. Cherished for her miles of pristine beaches, Amelia offers a perfect balance of natural beauty complimented by world-class services, a variety of well-appointed accommodations, and a growing collection of award-winning independent restaurants, luxurious spas and superlative golf courses. Situated between Georgia’s Golden Isles and historic St. Augustine, Amelia Island is about a five-hour drive from Charlotte, and just 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport, with weekly flights from Douglas International Airport.

A RESTFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP Whether you prefer the luxury of an oceanfront, AAA Five-Diamond resort, the charm and personality of an historic bed and breakfast inn, the familiar comforts of your favorite hotel, the privacy of a beachfront condominium or villa, or an evening camped out under the stars, you’ll find Amelia Island very accommodating. The island is home to a mix of award-winning accommodations, each with its own unique character, amenities, and comforts, but all sharing a brand of Florida southern hospitality that is pure Amelia.

GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY There are countless ways to take in the island’s natural attractions, with guided tours by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, Segway and bike, perfect for all experience levels. Exploring Amelia’s calm inland waters and scenic trails, you may come face to face with egrets, herons and maybe even a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle. Amelia Island is also one of just a few places in the United States where you can saddle-up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience on the beach, taking in the scenery and local wildlife while trotting along the Atlantic shoreline.

DOWNTOWN DELIGHTS The heart and soul of Amelia’s historic past is her charming historic district, a 52-block area that blends past, present and future, where Victorian style meets modern day marvels, and where islanders gladly share the importance of Amelia’s diverse and sometimes tumultuous past. Picturesque downtown Fernandina Beach is now home to a unique collection of independently owned shops and upscale restaurants, and surrounded by ornate Victorian structures, hundreds of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The walkable downtown also leads to Fernandina Harbor Marina, where visitors can enjoy a sunset river cruise or charter a boat for a day on the water.

Make your 2021 getaway to Amelia Island truly eventful with one of these signature celebrations. SEPTEMBER 18 Island Hop Craft Beer Festival IslandHopCraftBeerFest.com OCTOBER 1-3 Falling for Shrimp Festival ShrimpFestival.com/falling-forshrimp OCTOBER 3-10 Amelia Island Jazz Festival AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com OCTOBER 16 25th Annual Flags Car Show AmeliaCruizers.org OCTOBER 23-24 ZOOMA Amelia Island Women’s Half Marathon, 12k and 5K Zoomarun.com/race/florida/ NOVEMBER 6-7 Right Whale Festival RightWhaleFestival.com NOVEMBER 12 - 14 Pétanque Amelia Island Open facebook.com/petanque. america/ DECEMBER 9-12 Dickens on Centre AmeliaIsland.com/holiday To discover Amelia Island’s charm, plan your getaway at AmeliaIsland.com.

Donna Von Bruening; Deremer Studios LLC

AMELIA ISLAND

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

EVENTFUL ISLAND ESCAPES

Roger Kirby; Deremer Studios LLC; Courtesy

From holiday home tours and a Christmas festival, to sport fishing and a celebrations, Amelia Island fills each year’s calendar ith an ama ingly diverse and lively schedule of local events. In March, the prestigious Amelia Island Concours Week brings thousands of car buffs to participate in multiple dynamic automotive events. The annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival takes place in May, featuring pirates, parades and dozens of food booths to celebrate the island’s status as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Throughout the spring, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival fills the island ith orld-class musical artists and performances. October brings the Amelia Island Jazz Festival and a lineup of world-renowned artists, drumming in fans and competitors from around the world for the Pétanque America Open in November. Also in November, the Right Whale Festival is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the annual return of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale to

the destination’s warm coastal waters, and highlights local efforts to protect these whales from extinction. And every December, Amelia Island hosts a holiday celebration like no other, headlined by the annual Dickens on Centre holiday event, festive Holiday Homes Tour, and so much more.

FOODIES’ HAVEN Amelia Island’s culinary palette grows every day, with more than 90 distinctive restaurants, breweries, distilleries and bars. The little barrier island is home to an eclectic and authentic mix of cuisine, ranging from the freshest Florida seafood, to authentic Italian and Spanish specialties. Amelia Island’s menu of restaurants provides a satisfying selection of dining encounters that make a lasting memory out of every meal.

AMELIA ISLAND

Plan your trip at AmeliaIsland.com

WHERE TO STAY Amelia Island offers an award-winning collection of luxury resorts, charming inns, favorite hotels and an assortment of condos and vacation homes, making it easy for visitors to find their perfect home away from home. Consistently recognized as one of the south’s finest beachfront resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island invites guests to discover the joys of AAA Five-Diamond luxury, directly on a stunning stretch of Amelia’s beautiful beaches. Guests rooms and public areas were recently redesigned to match the coastal luxury of the property and the needs of the modern traveler. Check in at the Amelia Hotel at the Beach, where the family-owned hotel feels just like, well… family! Or find your home a ay from home with familiar names like the Residence Inn Amelia Island, or the Hampton Inn Amelia Island at Fernandina Beach. All just a quick walk from popular restaurants and a 10-minute stroll to the Atlantic shores. Stay on-site for a swim in their sparkling pools, enjoy a warm breakfast before starting the day, and other special touches, to make the stay a last memory.

The pace a little slower. Hearts a little lighter. The

Discover a new journey just an easy drive away off Florida’s northeast coast, where nature makes its own music and every day is embraced by tranquility. Plan an unforgettable getaway now on Amelia Island.

Escape Now | AMELIAISLAND.COM

a little sweeter.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

John Balcerzak Managing Member, CFP®

YEAR WINNER

Left to right: Angela Walton; Shauntae Funkhouser; Eight-year winner John Balcerzak, CFP®; Norie Grissom; Marty Collins; Lori Alge; Tami Mathis, FPQP®

Creating Lifestyles, Building Legacies™ • Fiduciary level of care We are a group of passionate and highly experienced financial service professionals committed to maintaining our focus on the development and preservation of all four asset classes (financial, intellectual, social and human), so our clients and their families achieve more clarity, balance and confidence in their lives. We are a full-service wealth management firm that is focused on serving the needs of our clients’ goals and objectives. We believe that all four asset classes must be properly aligned to live a prosperous and balanced life — thus the name A4. Our mission is to continuously provide excellent customer service while protecting and preserving our clients’ wealth. When it comes to planning your retirement, there is no shortage of components to consider. Making an income plan, deciding when and how to file for Social Security and minimizing the impact taxes may have on your retirement. Our organization prides itself on providing comprehensive retirement planning to Huntersville and the surrounding communities. We take an extensive look at each client’s unique mix of assets to integrate all aspects of our clients’ wealth into a coordinated plan.

• Comprehensive financial planning and wealth management • Asset allocation and risk management • Social Security maximization • Retirement income planning

16140 Northcross Drive • Huntersville, NC 28078 Phone: 704-509-1141 • Cell: 704-651-6922 jbalcerzak@a4wealth.com • www.A4Wealth.com

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Fee-based financial planning and investment advising offered through A4 Wealth Advisors, LLC a Registered Investment Advisory in North Carolina and South Carolina. Insurance products and services offered through A4 Insurance Solutions. A4 Wealth Advisors, LLC and A4 Insurance Solutions are affiliated companies. FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 1,514 Charlotte-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 106 (7% of candidates) were named 2021 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2020: 1,488 considered, 103 winners; 2019: 1,346 considered, 129 winners; 2018: 1,342 considered, 104 winners; 2017: 949 considered, 132 winners; 2016: 873 considered, 227 winners; 2015: 1,822 considered, 277 winners; 2014: 6,776 considered, 409 winners; 2013: 1,694 considered, 280 winners; 2012: 1,083 considered, 267 winners

F S - 2 — LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

Byron Financial, LLC

YEAR WINNER

Seven-year winner Josh Mayor, CPA/PFS, CFP®, Partner; Seven-year winner William M. Byron, Partner Team members (not pictured): Melissa Weber, Stephanie Bonsall, Hannah Hobson and Kollin Schrenk

An Independent Investment Advisory Firm • Providing an innovative approach to wealth management for more than 30 years • Exclusive investment model based on research data • Transparent, disciplined and globally diverse investment approach

6100 Fairview Road, Suite 1150 • Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-442-4402 info@byronfin.com • www.byronfin.com

Founded in 1986, Byron Financial, LLC is an independently owned and operated Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm. We focus on understanding our clients’ entire financial picture to provide innovative and creative solutions and meet their wealth enhancement, transfer and protection goals. By offering a higher level of personalized service and analysis, we carefully work to determine each client’s current and future cash flow needs while addressing various areas of advanced planning, such as estate, liquidity event, tax and charitable giving. Byron Financial has access to an exclusive investment model based on 45 years of research data available to a select group of RIA firms. Our investment approach is transparent, globally diverse, tax-efficient, disciplined and cost-effective. All client assets are held with one of the largest custodians of RIA assets in the United States: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. or TD Ameritrade. It is our goal to develop an unbiased, objective wealth management plan that gives clients the highest probability of reaching their goals so they can devote more time to personal endeavors. Investment Advisory Services offered through Byron Financial, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. An Independent Wealth Advisory Firm. CRD 1914017, 141893. Securities offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Byron Financial, LLC is independently owned and operated. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Byron Financial, LLC and its representative are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Byron Financial, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Byron Financial, LLC is independently owned and operated. FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM — F S - 3

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS Ostendarp, Raniszeski & Ware Private Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors Honesty. Expertise. Dedication. • Providing our clients with clarity, confidence and structure around financial decisions • Building customized investment portfolios with wealth preservation and growth in mind

YEAR WINNER

Seven-year winner Angela Ostendarp, CFP®, Private Wealth Financial Advisor; Nine-year winner Jordan Raniszeski, CFP®, Private Wealth Financial Advisor; Nine-year winner Mary Sherrill Ware, CFP®, CIMA®, MBA, Private Wealth Financial Advisor

Ostendarp, Raniszeski & Ware is a Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 1180 • Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-442-6509 • angela.ostendarp@wellsfargo.com • jordan.raniszeski@wellsfargo.com mary.sherrill@wellsfargo.com • fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/ostendarp-raniszeski-ware

We guide our clients and their families through an ongoing process to help them clarify their financial goals and implement strategies designed to achieve them. We get to know our clients, their families and their challenges on an intimate level so that we can help them to identify areas of potential risk and opportunity. Our goal is to simplify financial decisions, making them as easy as possible for our clients to understand and approach with confidence. Our clients know that we are attentive, engaged and ready to help, which is why they have entrusted us with helping to plan their financial future. Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC-Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. [CAR 0621-03112].

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

Dot Yandle CPA, PFS

Focused Wealth, LLC 8037 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704-543-0690 dot@focusedwealthllc.com dyandle.com

Can You Retire? Let’s Evaluate Your Future Today!

YEAR WINNER

• Retirement income planner • Trusted wealth advisor

• Focus your wealth journey • Unparalleled service

Dot Yandle is known for her unwavering passion for listening to clients and helping translate their wants, needs and values into the financial life and legacy they imagined. This is accomplished by providing balanced advice, using innovative industry solutions for retirement, investment and estate planning and using tools designed to grow and protect your hard-earned money. Dot has extensive wealth management and tax experience acquired from over 21 years in the financial industry.

A wealth manager can help with retirement planning, legal planning, estate planning, banking services, philanthropic planning and risk management.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Triad Advisors Member FINRA/SIPC. Focused Wealth, LLC is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC. FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER AWARD WINNER

F S - 4 — LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM

SPECIAL SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISINGSECTION SECTION

TO HOME RESOURCES

SHUTTERSTOCK

Planning to purchase a new home or renovate your current dwelling? The professionals on the following pages can assist you in your search.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AR HOMES®

ith over a decade of experience building award-winning custom homes throughout the Charlotte and Lake Norman region, the Monterey Bay Charlotte franchise of AR Homes® is the luxury builder of choice in the Queen City. We are proud to build outstanding homes in many of the area’s finest communities and neighborhoods, with a complete “On Your Lot” program for clients with existing homesites or still searching for the perfect location. Our local Charlotte team of building professionals understand that uncompromising craftsmanship, exceptional design and elegant details matter in your home and we pride ourselves in building homes that are both functional and fun and express the personalities of our clients. We offer a portfolio of exceptionally designed plans that can be customi ed to fit your style and needs or to serve as inspiration as you work with our architects to draw something completely new for your dream home. When you build a home with AR Homes® Monterey Bay Charlotte, we work hard to capture your unique vision and all of

the details that includes. Our Personalized Floor Plan program allows us to share your customized plan and elevation, as well as provide a transparent and comprehensive quote, before you contract to build with us. As you start the exciting journey of building your dream home in the Charlotte area, we invite you to visit our designer Model Home in Plaza Midwood to learn more about building with us. Located in our Cramer’s Pond community at 3224 Maymont Place, the Davidson Model is open Monday-Saturday from 10-6, Sundays from 12-6. Visit our model or contact us to schedule a complimentary evaluation of an existing or potential homesite or for information on how we can help you find your ideal property.

AR HOMES®

704-792-5037 | ARHomesCharlotte.com

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7/28/21 8:51 AM

JONES HOMES USA

eddington, NC – It’s not just about building homes; it’s about conserving the community in which we all live! That’s why Jones Homes USA is making sure The Falls at Weddington is also home to a large open space conservation area. In The Falls at Weddington, the Charlotte area’s newest upscale community, the team is making sure to conserve green space and save trees. Of the more than 230 acres comprising this exquisite, wooded community, Jones Homes USA is saving almost 60% as an open space conservation area. The Falls at Weddington is quickly becoming the perfect choice for suburban life outside the big city. Its exceptional and convenient location provides close proximity to a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options, Interstate 485, Waverly, Ballantyne, South Park, Uptown Charlotte and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. ith eight floorplans from hich to choose ranging from four to six bedrooms and 3,103 to 5,654 square feet – each Falls at Weddington dwelling will contain a wealth of high-quality extras and upgrades typically not seen in most residential communities. In addition to the finest in contemporary living, he Falls at eddington offers abundant social and health-based activities catered to residents seeking opportunities to interact with their neighbors. Amenities include a recreation and fitness center, s imming pool, al ing trails and a community playground. Jones Homes USA is part of the Emerson Group, a premier international real estate development company that has built dozens of

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communities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Portugal since the company’s inception in 1959. They are dedicated to creating outstanding communities for today’s families and offering homes with innovative designs, exceptional luxury appointments, and the latest energy features and home technology.

JONES HOMES USA

704-246-7034 | JonesHomesUSA.com

8/2/21 9:47 AM

A House With

‘Imperfect Charm’

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Matt and Emily Bramwell couldn’t resist buying this nomadic 1929 farmhouse—or, within a year, renovating and selling it By TAYLOR BOWLER Photographs by EMILY BOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

The Bramwells put a limewash over the home’s original red brick (left) and stripped and sanded the hardwood floors (right) to give them a “Nordic feel.”

The homeowners painted the baseboards, trim, and interior doors black (above) and used scrap paneling from the den to build a paneled wall upstairs (left). The arched doorways and niche at the top of the staircase (below) are original to the home.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

mily Bramwell is accustomed to moving every two years. After she flips a home, she and her husband, Matt, and their three children move on to their next project. It’s an extension of her full-time job as principal designer and owner of Greentree Homes, a design consultancy that’s behind custom homes throughout Charlotte. Four years ago, the Bramwells lived near an old farmhouse on Providence Road in the Foxcroft neighborhood. Every time they passed it, Emily would renovate it in her head. It sat on the market for almost a year, so they finally decided to go look. “When the price dropped, we put an offer in,” Emily says. “It was so charming and different from all the new construction around, and it was solidly built, so we knew it wouldn’t have to be completely torn apart.” The 3,200-square-foot red brick home had soaring white columns and an ornate pediment door surround. Inside, they found a grand staircase, arched doorways, three wood-burning

fireplaces, and original hardwood floors. After a bit of research, they learned the home had been moved to its current location in the 1970s, so they knew its bones were strong. “As we opened it up, we found old house problems, … plumbing, electrical, and floor joists that never would have passed by today’s standards,” Emily says. “Nothing catastrophic—but everything behind the walls is new.” They stripped the hardwood floors and sanded them down to give them a “Nordic feel” and filled in the places where they’d ripped out old tile. “The back den had mahoganystained panels that weren’t our taste, but when we removed the paneling, we realized they don’t make wood like this anymore,” Emily says. Instead of scrapping it, they used it to build a paneled wall at the top of the stairs and an accent wall in the office. “There was also a cute little niche at the top of the stairs with an arched opening and a window that overlooks the backyard, and that had to stay.” SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The entire main floor is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (above) except the sitting room (opposite), which is Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke. They used the home’s original front door to create a Dutch door for the mudroom (left).

Upstairs, they reconfigured the small bathrooms and updated them with new vanities, toilets, tile, and lighting. The kitchen, with its dated tile floor and rickety cabinets, also got an overhaul. They installed GE Monogram appliances that included a 42-inch fridge and a 48-inch range, semicustom gray cabinetry, black pendant lights from Rejuvenation, and an oversized island with seating for five. Next to the kitchen is an old porch they converted to a mudroom that houses two sets of black Electrolux washers and

dryers. They kept the exposed brick wall and used the original front door from the house to create a Dutch door that opens to the kitchen. An under-the-counter, pull-out trash can contains dog food, and a water dispenser lets the kids fill their water bottles on the go. With the exception of Emily’s sitting room, which she painted in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke, the entire main floor got a coat of Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster. They painted all baseboards, trim, and interior doors black and installed crystal knobs on the doors for a traditional, antique touch. Outside, they put in a new driveway, covered back porch, brick walkway in front, two automatic gates, and a wood fence in the backyard. The home’s facade got a revamp, too. “The scale was all wrong,” Emily says. “(The front door) was too short and the columns were too narrow, so it didn’t feel stately enough.” They added limewash—a thin layer of paint that leaves part of the surface exposed—to lend a rustic look to the red brick. The Bramwells moved into their modern farmhouse in June 2019 and lived there for the next nine months. Then a realtor friend had a young couple that was ready to buy. They’d always planned to sell it, of course, but this was a quick flip, even for them. “It was hard to part with … it’s a great house,” Emily says. “It’s pretty and stately and different from any new construction going up. It’s just perfectly imperfect with its old, imperfect charm.” TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

GRAND MILLENNIALS

A young couple restores a historic Victorian in York, South Carolina By TAYLOR BOWLER 70

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Photographs by JOEL LASSITER

The Victorian twist doorbell (left, in the center of the door) is original to the house. The kitchen (below) got two fresh coats of white paint after the Barkins moved in.

(Left) Black-eyed Susans and phlox grow beside the back door. (Opposite page) Spencer, seated, and Jordan Barkin on the veranda of their 1899 Victorian home in York, South Carolina.

pencer and Jordan Barkin had been married less than a year when they bought an 1899 Victorian in York, South Carolina. “We were looking for something beautiful, and we’re inspired by historic homes,” Jordan says. “The level of detail in the woodwork and the quality of the materials spoke to us, but also the homey appeal of Victorian architecture.” The 4,300-square-foot Queen Anne revival-style home sits on three-quarters of an acre in York’s historic district. An 1,100-square-foot veranda wraps around the exterior, and high ceilings, tall windows, plaster walls, and paneled doors with transom windows distinguish the inside. The home has six original fireplaces (only three functional), and an enclosed sleeping porch with original hardwood floors and clapboard ceiling. The previous owners installed storm windows and stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen; air conditioning and plumbing had been added years before. Jordan, 40, and Spencer, 30, didn’t want to make major changes inside, and the home’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places kept them from major exterior work. The Barkins moved in February and have gradually begun to make it their own. “The idiosyncrasies of an old home are

things that we learned only after we bought it,” Jordan says. They found squirrels in the attic, a bunny on the veranda, and carpenter bees inside the porch spindles. “Those were all easy fixes except for the squirrels. We had to relocate them and fix the eave they’d entered through in the attic in a way that respected the historic exterior,” he says with a laugh. “That cost more than our sofas.” The kitchen and main floor bathroom got two fresh coats of white paint, and they had to install a Wi-Fi booster because the signal wouldn’t go through the plaster walls. They also added two flat-screen TVs. “That’s just a nod to the times, and we love Netflix,” Jordan says. Everything else, he says, has been a thoughtful process. Jordan, who holds a master’s degree in interior design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and worked for three years as associate editor at Veranda, already understood space planning and craftsmanship. Spencer, a Rock Hill native, works in health care but is an avid art collector. “Of the two of us,” Jordan says, “Spencer has the eye for color and trends.” They found inspiration from Ruby Ross Wood, who decorated Swan House in Georgia, and Stéphane Boudin, who designed rooms in the White House under Jacqueline SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The large sideboard beside the table was crafted in Winchester, Virginia. Jordan’s grandmother passed down his collection of shell-edge china. A 17th-century oil portrait hangs above the mantel, which, according to the South Carolina dealer who sold it to Spencer, is believed to be the mistress of an English nobleman. The floral still life over the sideboard is from the 1960s.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

(Above, left) A Hudson River School oil painting hangs above the mantel in the study. The marble vases are from Linville Caverns’ gift shop in Marion, and the vintage Chinese lacquered tea box came from Pennies & Feathers in Rock Hill. (Above, right) Jordan has a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture on the veranda, including Baker Furniture’s scalloped-edge table from the Historic Charleston Collection. In the living room (below, left), a reproduction lyre table beside the baby grand piano holds a vintage ice bucket lamp from The Estate Boys in Clover, South Carolina. A green Jardiniere wedding gift (also from Pennies & Feathers) complements the soft mint palette in the room.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Wide four-panel doors with transom windows and a curving staircase frame the entrance of the home. The vintage mahogany and marble console from High Point is in the Empire style. The vintage Waterford vase is a gift from Jordan’s mother; the covered compote bowl is made of Irish crystal. The bannister and newel post were crafted on-site in 1899, when the house was built.

Kennedy’s guidance. Jordan’s mother also passed down some key pieces, like the Hudson River School oil painting over the fireplace in the study. Their furniture is a blend of heirloom pieces, antiques, and reproductions. They had some reproductions made in High Point and Hickory, including a Baker Furniture demilune and tea table. The large sideboard in the dining room was crafted in Winchester, Virginia. With antiques and artworks that span so many decades, Jordan says this wasn’t an exercise in historic preservation. He follows a design movement called “grandmillennial,” which, he explains, is a more relaxed attitude toward luxury items. “Even if no one else on earth likes that color or pattern, embrace it, and don’t worry about maintaining it to perfection,” he says. “If your grandma left you a tea set and you don’t

want to polish it, leave it tarnished.” While the pink dining room wasn’t a color they would choose, “we liked it, so we kept it, and that embodies the grandmillennial outlook.” Not long after they moved in, the Barkins put white rocking chairs on the veranda. Almost immediately, neighbors showed up with welcome baskets and homemade preserves. “York isn’t a city where people try to keep up with the Joneses,” Jordan says. “People are stewards of these homes and actively tend their own gardens and value family living. There’s no snobbery here. The best parts of the house I can’t take credit for.”

TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

Everything but the Kitchen Designer Elizabeth Mydosh reconstructs (almost) every room in a classic Foxcroft home By MICHELLE BOUDIN Photographs by ANDREW CEBULKA

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

A custom handcrafted table by local welder Robert Martin anchors the breakfast nook.

SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The renovation involved removing a wall between the family room and living room.

ELIZABETH MYDOSH is a 25-year design veteran with a portfolio that includes high-end hospitality and residential spaces throughout Charlotte. When a friend hired her to expand and renovate her 3,000-square-foot Foxcroft home, Mydosh and her team at Stilo Design Studio were excited to transform the “traditional, symmetrical box” into a modern Southern showpiece. The classic two-story red brick home, built in 1965, had multiple rooms separated by walls and doors. The family had lived there for 18 years and wanted to open up the main floor and create more living space for their three teenagers. The yearlong renovation included a 1,500-square-foot addition and a redesign of every room but the kitchen. The renovation list included an outdoor courtyard, a new master suite, an upgraded laundry room, a bonus room for the kids, and an entrance with more curb appeal. They also added an attached garage with a covered front porch and a bonus room above for the kids. “We designed everything from the inside out, but the addition started by taking the back of the house off,” Mydosh says. “The family room was fairly tight, so we opened up the wall into the living room to give her more daylight and breathable space, but we had to work around the fireplace.” She had to work around that fireplace when she relocated the master bedroom to the first floor, too. “We had the option to rip (the fireplace) out, but we decided to leave the back exterior wall intact and added the master to the right,” Mydosh says. “We took the existing garage and turned it into a new home office with a mudroom plus laundry room and added a new back hallway that opens up into the courtyard, but working around the fireplace meant we could only extend out so far.” SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

Mydosh chose a bold orange wall covering for the powder room (above, top) and a botanical wallpaper below the stairwell (above, right) for a custom touch. (Below and right) The soft gray tones in the owner’s suite evoke the sanctuary of a spa.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Mydosh transformed the garage into a home office.

Elizabeth Mydosh is owner and lead designer of Stilo Design Studio.

The new owner’s suite got his-and-hers walk-in closets with custom shelving, French doors, a seating area, an enclosed toilet, and a bathtub with a view of the backyard koi pond. While most of the en suite evokes the quiet sanctuary of a spa, the closet is an unexpected jolt of color. “We painted her bedroom a very soft classic gray and used very soft and pretty light pale colors and neutrals in her bathroom,” Mydosh says. “We did gray custom cabinets, too, but in her closet we did a bright coral on her walls. That color makes her happy, and we like to make clients feel that it’s OK that your closet looks totally different—it’s yours!” The kitchen layout and cabinets remained the same, but the Stilo team replaced a bay window with a box window that overlooks the courtyard and installed a built-in bench for a dining nook. Mydosh also brought in a handcrafted custom kitchen table from local welder Robert Martin. The most unexpected transformation, though, is the powder room. “We did this cool bright-orange wall covering and used distinctive hardware because that’s the one place in your house that a lot of people will see, and you can really get creative,” she says. “One of my favorite things to do is push people out of their comfort level and make them feel creative in their own right.”

MICHELLE BOUDIN is a reporter for NBC Charlotte and a frequent contributor to this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

Small Space, Big Adventure

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Jennifer Felts designs a tiny home for flexibility and fun By TAYLOR BOWLER Photographs by THE BEAUTIFUL MESS PHOTOGRAPHY

s owner of Habitude Interiors, Jennifer Felts handles home construction and renovation throughout the city. But she’d never worked on a tiny home until three years ago, when a client purchased a Land Ark RV and hired her to design the 357-square-foot interior. “He’s the type of person who sees something, loves it, and has to buy it,” Felts says. “A tiny house was just something he was fascinated by.” The homeowners, whom she’d worked with previously on their midcentury modern home in Charlotte, were empty nesters who were ready to sell their house and move to their farm in South Carolina. They wanted to travel in the RV and rent it out through Airbnb when it was parked on the farm. The Drake model came equipped with a washer and dryer, shower and tub, refrigerator and freezer, gas oven, three-burner cooktop, and a tankless water heater. With two lofts, a day bed, and a built-in bench, it could sleep up to six. A 10-foot bar top doubled as a dining area and workstation, and an under-counter TV connection had a tubing system that hid all cords inside the wall. The ceiling fan and LED can lights were already in place, and the whitewashed pine walls and waterproof vinyl plank flooring gave Felts a natural, earthy backdrop. “We were lucky to start with a really great shell,” she says. “They gave us carte blanche to furnish it. They just wanted it to feel like the furnishings fit the exterior of the home.” In addition to furniture, Felts ordered and installed mattresses, bedding, rugs, towels, dishes, and decorative accents. “They started with zero,” she says. “Things you wouldn’t even think of, like a shower curtain.” SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

The tiny home, which sleeps up to six, includes two lofts (above, left and right), a day bed, and a built-in bench. The home is also equipped with a gas oven and three-burner cooktop (above, right) and a 10-foot bar top that doubles as a dining area and workstation (below).

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

The Drake model Land Ark RV (above) has a washer and dryer (left).

The exterior, with black corrugated metal siding, was sleek and modern, so Felts created a minimalist, Scandinavianinspired interior. “They wanted to bring in some color, but with a space that small, you can only do so much or else everything will start to feel too crazy,” she says. She used a palette of navy blue, rusty orange, and soft gray to complement the natural wood wall panels and incorporated assorted patterns and textures with the throw pillows and rugs. “The light wood gave us room to play with darker details like the black matte sink faucet and drawer pulls,” Felts says. “I love the contrast of the wood paneling with the dark metals in the kitchen.” The built-in sofa came with gray Sunbrella indoor-outdoor cushions, so she added some greenery “to bring more of the outdoors in.” SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

Dark accents like the black matte faucet and drawer pulls complement the whitewashed pine walls and natural wood tones throughout the interior.

Felts used a palette of navy, orange, and gray and brought in different patterns and textures with the throw pillows and rugs.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

Felts had to find barstools that could be tucked away beneath the kitchen counter.

Every accent Felts chose had to be compact and multifunctional. The glossy black barstools could be tucked away under the kitchen counter. A white side table doubled as an extra seat. The built-in shelving concealed the AV equipment. “You can’t have anything that doesn’t have a purpose,” she says. “I just love the smartness of how it’s designed, and it’s architecturally interesting for something so tiny.” Felts began the project in late 2018 and completed it in less than two months because the homeowners wanted to start renting it out. They sold their house in Charlotte in December 2019 and moved to the farm in South Carolina. The tiny house became a retreat during COVID and, later, an added source of income through Airbnb. “They were ahead of the game,” Felts says. “Tiny homes give you ultimate freedom, which is particularly appealing during COVID times. You can take it to Colorado and work somewhere different. You have no big house payment, and you can rent it out if you’re not using it. It’s all about flexibility and adventure.” TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor of this magazine. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

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LEARN MORE AT FIVESTARPROFESSIONAL.COM — F S - 5

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SHUTTERSTOCK

Time to get away for a while! The destinations on the following pages will provide the perfect escape.

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PALMETTO BLUFF: THE LOWCOUNTRY’S HIDDEN GEM

ocated between Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA, (under a 4-hour drive from Charlotte you’ll find ontage Palmetto Bluff. With 20,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry terrain, Palmetto Bluff encompasses al ing trails, t o vibrant villages, an array of shops and eight delectable restaurants. pon arrival, most guests surrender their cars and leisurely make their way around the property on the main mode of transportation, bicycle. his unparalleled coastal setting adorned with 100-year-old oak trees and 32 miles of waterfront has an abundance of space to relax and en oy the great outdoors. iles of serene fresh ater ays allo for aya ing, electric boats and fishing. he surrounding tidal estuary of the ay iver provides ample room for boating, aya ing and fishing amongst the resident population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. n land there are no shortage of activities, ac ic laus Signature olf, tennis, cro uet, pic leball, -station sporting clays course, archery, air rifle and a orld-class Spa ontage are ust the beginning.

ith this bounty of activity there are also a variety of accommodations to choose from, guest rooms to cottages to Village omes allo for varying degrees of privacy and space. rapped in the armth of southern hospitality, a geta ay to ontage almetto Bluff ill leave you ith a lifetime of memories.

MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF Plan your trip at montagepalmettobluff.com or call 888-430-8672

THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA Montage Palmetto Bluff_Sept.indd 1

he Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is an oceanfront venue located in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Named the “#1 Island in the Continental U.S.” by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler four years running, Hilton Head Island offers a blend of coastal luxury and southern hospitality. The Westin lies amidst the stunning natural landscape of coastal dunes, palmetto trees, and Spanish moss, along pristine, white-sand beaches. Offering an array of spectacular venues in one place, wedding celebrations are seamless and unforgettable, from Welcome Party to Farewell Brunch. The resort’s signature venue, the Grand Ocean Terrace, is a 5,000-square-foot, climate-controlled space with elegant coastal accents, panoramic ocean views, and sliding-glass doors to enjoy the year-round temperate climate. Oceanfront ceremonies are enchanting on the Oceanfront Deck, just steps from the sand, or along the picturesque beachfront for an intimate, toes-in-the-sand ceremony. A variety of indoor venues can accommodate celebrations both intimate and grand. In addition to distinctive

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venues, exceptional service, and world-class catering, The Westin offers luxurious oceanfront accommodations, three swimming pools, the award-winning Heavenly Spa and Salon, historic golf courses, tennis, restaurants, and exciting customized island excursions to create an unforgettable celebration for you and your guests.

THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA Plan your trip at westinhhiweddings.com or call 843-681-4000

Let Music Be Your Escape October 7 - 23, 2021 October 7 Wine & Food Gala October 8 Orlando Transit Authority A Chicago Tribute October 9 The Miracles

October 13 Lao Tizer featuring Eric Marienthal

October 21 The Texas Tenors

October 14 Black Market Trust October 15 Atlanta Rhythm Section October 16 Tavares

October 22 Best of the Eagles October 23 Tabled Event Destination Motown

www.pawleysmusic.com

ESCAPE TO www.hammockcoastsc.com

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FALL COLOR TOURS IN BURKE COUNTY

his fall, take time to experience the season the right way, on a whimsical trolley ride through Pisgah National Forest’s vast sea of leaves. The Ridgeline Trolley starts in Morganton, North Carolina, just an hour and a half from Charlotte, then climbs up into the mountains, where it stops for lunch at a beautiful picnic area on the Linville River. From there, travelers will have the opportunity to hike Linville Falls, the largest waterfall in North Carolina by volume. Each individual will be able to experience the falls at their own pace, allowing them to take in all that there is to see without the pressures of a guided tour. Once the time at the falls is complete, the trolley will travel to Linville Falls Winery, where guests will be able to relax and enjoy a refreshing reward after the hike. Last, the trolley will stop at the Snowy Mountain Christmas Shop in Crossnore for sweet treats and some early Christmas shopping before heading back down the mountain. This tour is a highlight of the year in Burke County, you don’t want to miss out on this adventure! Tour dates are October 8-9, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31 and November 4-6.

LET MUSIC BE YOUR ESCAPE BurkeCounty.indd 1

RIDGELINE TROLLEY Plan your trip at ridgelinetrolley.com or call 828-433-6793

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ast Coast Travelers and lovers of live music are already purchasing tickets and making room reservations as they look forward to the return of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art (PIFMA) this fall. One of the most popular events along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, the 16-day festival will run from October 7 through October 23 and feature a full concert lineup. The event will host Thursday, Friday and Saturday night concerts, all outdoors, allowing fans to enjoy shows in a safe environment and the Hammock Coast’s idyllic fall weather. At the heart of the PIFMA’s appeal is the range of its concert offerings. From Motown, Chicago & Eagles tribute bands to a trio of tenors and jazz, PIFMA has something for everyone. Adventure and relaxation blend together in perfect harmony, li e the flo ing and ebbing of waves on SC’s Hammock Coast.

PAWLEYS ISLAND FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND ART Plan your trip at : www.pawleysmusic.com, www.hammockcoastsc.com or call 843-626-8911, ext.701

A NOV EL PL ACE

CH A P TER 11

Tonight, We Feast It was a beautiful day to cook up a fantastic friendsgiving meal. This year’s

winning recipe – Mamaw’s famous oyster stuffing served with a heaping view of the intercoastal waterway. Discover sensational holiday deals at CrystalCoast.com

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DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S HAMMOCK COAST

s summer slowly fades and autumn takes hold, the sorbet-colored skies of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast welcome visitors to laidback Lowcountry life. Nestled between Charleston to the south and Myrtle Beach to the north, the Hammock Coast isn’t as well-known as its famous neighbors, but it’s not exactly a secret either. Its pristine beaches and historic landmarks have been cherished destinations for generations and is made up of the coastal communities of a leys Island, Litchfield, urrells Inlet, southern Garden City and DeBordieu Colony. The region is also home to historic Andrews and Georgetown, which rightfully earned the title of “America’s Best Coastal Small Town.” If golf is what you seek while on vacation, the Hammock Coast boasts 13 courses, three on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100” list. Located between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield are Broo green ardens and untington Beach State Park. One of the top birding spots in the Southeast, the park offers plenty of camping opportunities. Brookgreen, a 9,127acre botanical and sculpture garden, is cele-

brating its 100th anniversary this year and draws visitors from around the world and even operates the only accredited zoo on the South Carolina coast. Discover all this and more on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast.

SOUTH CAROLINA’S HAMMOCK COAST Plan your trip at hammockcoastsc.com or call 1-843-546-8436

Come for e day,

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stay for the adventure.

A NEW TRADITION BEGINS WITH YOUR FIRST VISIT

cityofsaludanc.com

EXPLORE // arts, crafts, minerals, gems, antiques, orchards, farms, creameries, breweries SEE // waterfalls, museums, live music, concerts, equestrian events, gardens, exhibits DO // hiking, ziplining, kayaking, canoeing, biking, antiquing, shopping STAY // vacation rentals, airbnb, vrbo, bed and breakfasts, camping

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AUTUMN ON AMELIA ISLAND IS THE PERFECT COUPLES GETAWAY

ejuvenate your spirits with a peaceful walk along 13 miles of beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Immerse yourself in nature on a guided kayak tour through marsh creeks spotting birds and wildlife or take a leisurely bike ride under a canopy of ancient Oak trees draped in Spanish moss to see Florida’s tallest dune, NaNa in historic American Beach. Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning images of sun-bleached, driftwood trees at Boneyard Beach just a short distance from the resort in Big Talbot State Park. After a day of exploring, unwind with a couples massage at the Spa and soak up the sun in the adult -only pool. Before dinner, attend First Call and watch The Lobby Bar mixologist present the day’s infused bourbon, a magical blend of End the day with the ultimate culinary experience at AAA Five-Diamond Salt restaurant and savor Chef Okan’s tasting menu. Retreat to a newly remodeled room or suite and save up to 20% per reservation with the resort’s Stay Longer package.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Plan your trip at ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland or call 904-277-1100

AMELIAISLANDCONVENTI_00554327.indd 1

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EXPERIENCE

Sensational

Queen Charlotte’s Harpsichord | 1761

Hurdy-Gurdy ca. 1860

Martin Guitar ca. 1879

EXH I B I T I O N R UNS THROUGH

April 2022

516 Buncombe Street | Greenville, SC

sigalmusicmuseum.org 864 520-8807

Adolphe Sax, Baritone Saxophone | ca. 1864

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COMING NEXT MONTH

PET RESOURCES

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ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

he Olde English District takes you off the Interstate and down the back roads, here family farms still flourish, museums and historic sites revisit the past, and outdoor activities offer fun and adventure for all ages. Located between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC, and accessible from interstates and major highways, the Olde English District is filled ith oodlands and aterways, state and national parks and campgrounds. Unique restaurants and accommodations ranging from

budget-friendly to holiday splurge guarantee visitors will be well-fed and well-rested during their adventures! You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy traveling through the region, but you’ll learn about some of America’s earliest events along the way. A number of Revolutionary War battles were fought in the area, and historical sites, markers and buildings offer hundreds of ways to enjoy and re-live history. Visit our website www.oldeenglishdistrict.com to discover more!

THE OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT Visit our website oldeenglishdistrict.com to discover more!

SENSATIONAL SIGAL SHOWCASES QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S HARPSICHORD AND MUCH MORE… Olde English_June.indd 1

igal Music Museum’s total musical immersion inspires music lovers of all ages. Through the engaging Sensational Sigal Exhibition, visitors e perience firsthand the instruments that shaped the evolution of music. n display through April of , the exhibition celebrates musical narratives ith a orld-class collection of period instruments by some of the most iconic ma ers of the past years. Instruments on display include a ir man Double anual arpsichord o ned by ueen Charlotte and played by o art,

early American ban os, ivory baro ue recorders, and a rare glass flute. Beyond the e hibition, the museum hosts intimate performances, special events, and group tours. he museum is located in do nto n reenville, South Carolina at the eritage reen cultural campus. To visit Sigal Music Museum, go to sigalmusicmuseum.org. You can also schedule a tour ith a curator by emailing info@sigalmusicmuseum.org.

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SIGAL MUSIC MUSEUM Plan your trip at sigalmusicmuseum.org or call 864-520-8807

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A NEW TRADITION BEGINS WITH YOUR FIRST VISIT Come for the day. Stay for adventure. Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains by putting Saluda on your “must visit” list. We have plenty of activities to keep you busy. Our historic village includes restaurants that support local farmers, diversified shopping opportunities, museums for history buffs, live music and entertainment. Hike a scenic mountain trail to view grand and IG-worthy waterfalls at Little Bradley or Pearson’s Falls, both minutes from downtown. Want more of a challenge? Canopy ziplining, kayaking tours, mountain rappelling, and trails that will get your heart rate up are nearby. For entertainment, find culture at the Carl Sandburg House, Flat Rock Playhouse, and musical venues throughout the area. After a full day of exploring, return to one of our vacation rentals that Saluda hosts via Airbnb, VRBO and other sites.

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A NEW FIRST

om tur Mo your “must activities to village incl local farme tunities, m music and mountain t thy waterfa Falls, both more of a kayaking to trails that w nearby. Fo at the Car

SALUDA, NC Plan your trip at cityofsaludanc.com

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• Take a peaceful sunrise stroll on the beach or a breathtaking sunset cruise on the river • Stroll through Amelia Island’s charming historic district, a 52-block area that blends past, present and future • Walk to 50-plus restaurants, shops, galleries, attractions, and spa services • Enjoy specialty suites, spacious rooms, fireplaces and balconies • Take in spectacular views of the marina and river from our 2nd floor pool deck

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THE GOOD LIFE

CHARLOTTE FOLK SOCIETY

PART Y P I C S

Anne Springs Greenway 6/13/2021

Seen

1. Jeff Little Trio 2. Steve Lewis 3. Jeff Little

Upcoming Calendar of Events Submit your event online at charlottemagazine.com/calendar, and look forward to seeing more from these: SEPTEMBER 9/2-5 Yiasou Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 9/18 Fire and Ice Adult Prom at Charlotte Marriott City Center 9/18 2nd Annual Queen City HBCU Cookout at Park Road Park 9/21-25 Charlotte Fashion Week at Merino Mill Events 9/25 Girl Tribe Pop-Up at Charlotte Convention Center

TOSCO MUSIC PARTY

1. Guests dance to the band 2. John Tosco and his band 3. Phyllis Fulton plays the ukelele 4. Matthew Church

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

DANIEL COSTON

Victoria Yards 6/21/2021

JAZZARTS

Charlotte Museum of History 6/11/2021

1. Ocie Davis 2. Elijah Freeman 3. The JazzArts band features educators from the nonprofit. 4. Howard McNair Jr., Lovell Bradford Jr., Ocie Davis, Elijah Freeman

WAVELENGTH OPENING RECEPTION

Anne Neilson Fine Art 6/24/2021

DANIEL COSTON

1. Marcy Gregg 2. Luis Machicao, Victoria Speer 3. Anne Neilson, Christine Conte 4. Stuart Coleman Budd

Continued on next page SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

101

Spirit Square 6/21/2021

1. Steve Crump, Mike Collins, Larry Sprinkle, Mary Newsom, Tom Hanchett 2. Ali Bahmeyer 3. Marshall Terry, Kim Brattain 4. Mayor Vi Lyles, Richard Lancaster

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

DANIEL COSTON

Charlotte magazine (ISSN 1083-1444) is published monthly by Morris Communications at 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 303, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Entire contents Copyright © 2021 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Periodicals postage paid in Charlotte, NC and additional offices. To subscribe, renew, or change address, go to www.charlottemagazine.com or write to: Charlotte magazine, 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Subscription rate $19.95 for one year (twelve issues). For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Charlotte, P.O. Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

WFAE 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA SEPTET

Victoria Yards 5/20/2021

1. Wynton Marsalis 2. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

DANIEL COSTON; COURTESY

ACHILLES’ STICKING POINT

BY PHILLIP WHITE

ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine.com/crossword. SEPTEMBER 2021 // CHARLOTTE

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YOU ARE HERE Each month, we’ll throw a dart at a map and write about where it lands. LOCATION: 15300 Black Farms Road, Huntersville

oad arms R F k c a l 15300 B

Songs and Celebrations THE BROWN FAMILY of Davidson was out for a Sunday drive in 2000 when they passed a piece of pastoral property off Black Farms Road in sleepy Huntersville. It was 3.95 acres with an old barn in the middle, which the Browns assumed had been used for boat storage or repair. Over the years, as the three Brown kids grew from tykes to teenagers, the land was the family’s release valve for activities that were hard to pull off in their downtown Davidson home’s modest yard—Thanksgiving Day flag football games, family bonfires, four-wheeling in the winter snow.

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They created a baseball field there for local rec leagues, and when Julia, the youngest of the Brown children, started getting serious about volleyball, they put in a sand volleyball court. It was the site for Christmas parade float assembly, weddings, and graduation parties. “We have so many memories there,” Julia says. Her older brothers, Daniel and Miles, were students at the Cannon School in Concord in 2009 when they used the property for a music fundraiser, where bands from local schools played and ticket proceeds went to charity. The idea grew into an annual event, “Barnstock,” which even-

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // SEPTEMBER 2021

tually expanded to five stages and bands that traveled from other Southern cities. After a two-year hiatus, last year because of COVID, Barnstock returned in July with a four-band, one-day event to benefit the local digital-inclusion nonprofit E2D. Today, the land isn’t as out-in-the-country as it was. It’s less than 6 miles from Birkdale Village, and a new Publix is going up less than a mile away on Sam Furr Road. But you can’t tell from farther down Black Farms Road, where a big sign announces the music festival and, on the Brown family land, the old boat barn has “Barnstock” painted on the roof. —Cristina Bolling

SHAW NIELSEN; CRISTINA BOLLING

The Brown family got back to the garden on this Huntersville property—and turned it into a music festival site

REVISIONS 2.27.2020 I attached the two images they like best. (they are leaning toward the circular one) They want to know if there is any way "the brown colors could be tweaked a bit? Maybe see what a gray color palett They would also like to see and option that is horizontal and has Carolina Collection under the Jones Homes USA log Additionally, they would like to see the above options but with the "Carolina Collection" in the same font as The Fall

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Charlotte Magazine September 2021

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