Charlotte NC 2023-24 by PRIDELY

CHARLOTTE | NC | 2023-24

1 Home Improvement 2 Good Eats 4 Event Calendar 6 Budgeting 101 10 Psychology of Eating 16 Luxury Cruises 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone. Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep

it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere. Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up

your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great

to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding. Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes. C HARLOT TE | NC | 2023-24 |

Restaurants Cajun Queen Cajun dining in a restored house with 1st-floor & rooftop terraces plus a bar with live jazz. 1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 Phone: (704) 377-9017 | Web: cajunqueen.com

Haberdish Stylish Southern kitchen serving craft cocktails, plus comfort food like fried chicken & biscuits. 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205 Phone: (704) 817-1084 | Web: haberdish.com

Stoke Charlotte A swanky option for seasonal wood-fired plates, local craft beer & artisanal cocktails. 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 353-6005 | Web: stokecharlotte.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature? Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Dandelion Market

JINYA Ramen Bar

Global lunch & brunch fare plus tapas dinners, over 20 craft beers on draft & weekend DJs. 118 W 5th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Vibrant gathering place spotlighting ramen entrees & finger foods, plus rice & poke bowls. 601 S Tryon St Unit 132, Charlotte, NC 28202 Estampa Gaucha

Luce Modern, high-end Northern Italian cuisine served in a sophisticated setting with a patio. 214 N Tryon St J, Charlotte, NC 28202

Dressler’s Polished destination with a modern vibe specializing in elevated steaks & New American dishes. 1100 Metropolitan Ave #125, Charlotte, NC 28204

La Belle Helene Refined brasserie serving French fare, beer & wine in a soaring, elegant space with a lengthy bar. 300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202

Brazilian Steakhouse White-tablecloth rodizio serving all-you-can-eat Brazilian cuts, plus a salad bar & outdoor seating. 401 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd #306, Charlotte, NC 28202

Fujiyama Restaurant Charlotte No-frills counter serve offering simple Japanese eats such as hibachi & chicken katsu. 320 S Tryon St #117, Charlotte, NC 28202

A Piece of Havana Dynamic Cuban dining in a colorful, island-accented space with a bar & music. 11126 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28273 C HARLOT TE | NC | 2023-24 |

EVENTS OCT 22 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest is a family-friendly urban adventure benefitting Sustain Charlotte. This scavenger hunt-style walk-or-bike event welcomes participants to collect stamps at local businesses along the route for chances to win some amazing prizes at our afterparty with live music, giveaways, and an exclusive collaboration beer with Triple C Brewing! Learn more at raceroster.com.

OCT 27 The Annual Upscale Halloween Party You are cordially invited to the Annual Upscale Halloween Costume Party on Friday October 27 at Sofie’s Steakhouse! Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and great music. Enjoy the drink specials and order from their amazing menu! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

NOV 22 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade This year, the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade will light up the night, stepping off on Thanksgiving Eve - Wednesday, November 22, on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. Be a part of our region’s official start to the holiday season, complete with lights, music, and ingenuity. We can’t wait to see you! Learn more at novanthealththanksgivingparade.com.

DEC 12 Holidays at the Garden The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden hosts Holidays at the Garden, a popular annual event that features over a million lights, holiday music, and other festive activities. Cuddle with your loved ones around the outdoor fire pit while noshing on delicious s’mores or pick up wine and other gifts at the Garden Store & Wine Nook – this is one of the best events in Charlotte and you’ll want to return to year after year! Learn more at dsbg.org.

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EVENTS FEB 10 2024 Queen City Brewers Festival 2024 Queen City Brewers Festival (QCBF) premiered in 2012 and always takes place the day before the Super Bowl. The purpose of the festival is to bring together the Charlotte region’s craft beverage producers, celebrate their contributions to the Queen City and serve an organization that helps to improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. Learn more at qcbrewfest.com.

FEB 17 2024 2024 Hot Chocolate Run Charlotte The Hot Chocolate Run series is back for the 2024 season! Join the chocolate movement that’s taking over the country. This race has it all — three distances, premium swag and a post-race chocolate experience like no other. Learn more at hotchocolate15k.com.

MAR 16 2024 Charlotte St Patrick’s Day Parade Get ready to paint the town green and join the electrifying festivities at the Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Don your best emerald attire, grab your shamrock accessories, and come be a part of the most exhilarating St. Patrick’s Day parade Charlotte has ever seen. Learn more at charlottestpats.com.

APR 26 2024 Garden Tour Sip & See Join us at Wing Haven for an evening of special wines while strolling through our gardens to kick off the 30th annual Gardeners’ Garden Tour. Enjoy wine tasting and live music in the Main Garden of Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Get your tickets early before they’re sold out! Learn more at winghavengardens.org.

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EVENTS MAY 4 2024 14th Annual “Kings Drive Art Walk” Since the fall of 1964, Festival in the Park has brought Charlotteans from all walks of life together to enjoy arts, crafts, music and family entertainment. With the mission of bringing the community together by celebrating the arts, the Festival Board is excited to broaden its reach and to announce a spring fine arts event, the Kings Drive Art Walk. Learn more at festivalinthepark.org.

JUN 9 2024 Taste of Charlotte If you’ve been wanting to try the culinary scene in the Queen City, Taste of Charlotte is definitely the time to do it. This annual, 3-day festival takes over the streets of uptown Charlotte and includes food from more than 100 local restaurants.There are also several live music stages, wine and beer tents, kids’ activities, and a demonstration kitchen where you can learn cooking techniques from a professional chef. Learn more at tasteofcharlotte.com.

JUL 4 2024 4th of July in Charlotte In July, the whole city of Charlotte covers itself in stars and stripes as well as red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s freedom. The city has an array of activities and events to celebrate the Fourth of July. Learn more at charlotteonthecheap.com.

AUG (TBD) 2024 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade 2024 Celebrating 20+ years of Charlotte Pride and more than 40 years of Pride legacy in the Queen City. Get ready for the exhilarating celebration of love, diversity, and unity at Charlotte Pride 2024! Expect electrifying entertainment and an unforgettable vibrant parade. Join us in painting the city with the colors of love and creating lifelong memories at the most fabulous event of the year! Learn more at charlottepride.org. C HARLOT TE | NC | 2023-24 |

EATING

THE PSYCHOLOGY Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

strive to achieve but often fall short.

Influences Cultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a Consumption direct influence Some of us more than others realize linked to our food and eating that what we eat can effect how we behaviors. feel such as eating However, a more serious influence too little or too much. We should such as stress, boredom and be able to enjoy anxiety can play what we eat but a larger role also feel better as many of us when we do. eat as a coping Eating healthy is a challenging task mechanism. that many of us Although it can

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sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating. Weight Management Here are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food. continued on page 12

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV. By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

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With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

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whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

1 SILVERSEA 2 OCEANIA 3 REGENT SEVEN SEAS 4 SEABOURN 5 WINDSTAR C HARLOT TE | NC | 2023-24 |

PFLAG CHARLOTTE To support families, allies and people who are LGBTQ+, to educate ourselves and others about issues important to LGBTQ+ communities, and to advocate in our communities for a more equitable future for all. PFLAGCHARLOTTE.ORG CHARLOTTE LGBTQ ELDERS All are welcome! We believe in quality of life, equity and affirmation for all members of our community. We do this through education, advocacy and the creation of inclusive engagement opportunities to create social networks and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. CHARLOTTELGBTQELDERS.ORG CHARLOTTE TRANS HEALTH Our mission is to increase trans-specialized provider clinical competency and best practice interdisciplinary collaboration among affirming providers in the greater Charlotte area. CHARLOTTETRANSHEALTH.ORG RAINBOW FOSTER NETWORK Rainbow Foster Network would like to provide support for new foster parents, and for LGBTQ+ youth. The need is urgent. Oftentimes, LGBTQ+ youth can be hard to place in foster homes. We believe that if foster parents had the training and resources to be able to support those youth, they will be more willing to open their homes. RAINBOWFOSTERNETWORK.ORG TRANSCEND CHARLOTTE Transcend’s mission is to pursue equity and social justice for transgender and gender expansive communities through education, advocacy, mental health and social support services. Our vision is a world where people of all gender identities live their authentic truth, free from discrimination and oppression. TRANSCENDCHARLOTTE.ORG.

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ART Charlotte Art League....................................................................................... 5 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH McLeod Centers for Wellbeing......................................................................... 5 EDUCATION Movement School............................................................................................. 7 NON PROFIT Salvation Army................................................................................................19 PEST CONTROL Action Pest Exterminating................................................................................ 7 RESTAURANT Culver’s.................................................................................... back inside cover WEDDING EVENT PLANNER SDS Events.......................................................................................................13

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