QC Exclusive - No. 39 - 2017 Issue 3 - The Travel Issue

The Quintessential Charlotte Magazine

april/may 2017 | no. 39

the travelER 75 Essential Carolina Destinations 50 Days Alone With Photograher Kyo Nam Sporting and Conservation at George Hi

Get out there.

Robert Langford / O-Ku / Kiawah / Haberdish / Hilliard Studio Method / Lake Lure / Emily Clark Bruce Julian / No Grease / Catherine M. Austin / Prague / Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux / King’s Kitchen

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THE EXCLUSI V ES 2017 | Volume 6 Issue 3 No. 39 Features

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GEORGE HI Sporting meets conservation at the Garland, NC plantation

134 Through a NEW LENS Kyo Nam crafts his travel photography Magnum Opus

146 FROM PINES TO PALMETTOS 75 essential places to visit in the Carolinas

156 THE WEEKEND OFF A simple Carolina getaway is all we need to take a load off

Kyo

In early 2016 renowned Charlotte photographer Kyo Nam went on a fifty day adventure through the American West and documented his experience. See some of the incredible images from his series 50 Days.Me.Alone and read his story on p. 134.

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38 The CULTURE Fine Art / Performing Art / Style / Wellness / Beauty

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ART’S CALLING The art of Robert Langford

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BLOODIES WITH BRUCE A Bloody-Mary-fueled crash course in men’s fashion

AU REVOIR Jean Pierre Bonnefoux says NO GREASE goodbye to Charlotte Ballet The Johnson Brothers’ barbering enterprise EDUCATION FOR ALL Wings Scholarship program provides transformational education opportunities

The SPREAD Restaurants / Chefs / Recipes / Cocktails

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FAMILY MATTERS The Hilliards’ homegrown business is a powerful force for health and wellness

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SLOW RISE Mike Pappas embraces the methodical artisan process

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NOT JUST COFFEE The coffee shop’s first standalone location in Packard Place

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O-KU PORK BELLY One of our favorite dishes from South End’s newest hot spot

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HABERDISH’S MINT JULEP NoDa’s new milltown southern kitchen shares their version of a cocktail favorite

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Cover photo by Jamey Price | Folly Beach, SC

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RUSTIC ELEGANCE The beauty and charm of a Chiott Kitchen

FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Clark Hall Doors Q&A CURATED The QC’s top designers pick their favorite spring decor LANDON’S LIBERTY A statement from J. Landon

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ISLAND SANCTUARY Experience The Sanctuary at Kiawah, a golfer’s paradise with just enough sand in all the right places LAKE LURE The sleepy lakeside community offers amazing outdoor opportunites, shopping, and dining.

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CITY OF A HUNDRED CLOCKS Take a trip to Prague with QC Exclusive writer Corey Miller

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THE NOTE QC Exclusive goes to Tulum, Mexico. Photo by Jamey Price.

THE TRAVELer Last week I had a long talk with one of my favorite people my Grandma Virginia She s years sharp as a tack. My guess is that if most of y’all met her, the word “firecracker” would come to mind. She’s full of wisdom and has so many stories to tell. She’s also very direct.

Before she hung up with me she told me that I seemed stressed out, that I sounded tired, and that she thought I was probably working too much.

I confirmed. I told her that this travel issue is one of my favorites of the year, and that I had been in the office putting in extra work to get the issue just right believe it.

“So let me get this straight, you’re sitting in your office in Charlotte in front of a machine working on an issue about travel.”

Well, when she said it like that it didn’t make much sense to me either. She then went on a twenty minute monologue about the importance of travel: how it clears your head, rejuvenates you, and impacts everything positively in your

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life upon your return. Like most things grandmas say, her stories young made and perfect she s sense. Then she made me promise to start planning my next trip it s to NYC by the way Luckily for us, because we did work so hard on this issue, we all have so many destinations to choose from for our next itinerary “From Pines to Palmettos,” starting on page 146, is an entertaining and informative list of 75 unique mountain, Piedmont, and beach locales that you’ve just got to visit.

Along with this comprehensive list readers can explor George Plantation She Hi couldn t and the Carolinas’ best sporting destinations, discover the inspiring story of local photographer Kyo Nam s days alone in the American West on Kiawah’s shores, retreat to the waters of Lake Lure, touch down in Prague and so much more Until next I hope you heed Grandma s words and book that next Trust her, it’ll do your soul some good.

Safe travels, Jon-Paul Grice, Editor

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Editor’s Pick Charlotte BALLET PRESENTS: WUTHERING HEIGHTS

4/27/17 – 4/29/17 - See one of literature’s greatest stories told on the stage. Emily Bronte’s literary masterpiece is a passionate story of love and revenge boldly adapted into a ballet by Associate Artistic Director Sasha Janes. With Sasha’s intricate choreography and unique storytelling style, he’ll transport you to the 1800s. Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s final season comes to an end similar to where he began. Wuthering Heights opens with a performance of contemporary choreographer Alonzo King’s MAP, the first ballet Jean-Pierre commissioned for the company 20 years ago. charlotteballet.org | photo by Jeff Cravotta

30 | Charlotte Wine & Tapas Week 32 | Reed Gold Mine’s 40th Anniversary 34 | A Warm December 36 | Drumstrong 2017

TH E e v e n tist

April/May 2017

THE EV EN TIST

April/May 2017

Editor’s Pick

Set List

4/29/17 | Queen’s Cup Steeplechase | queenscup.org

Charlotte Jazz Festival

4/17/17 – 4/23/17 - Come check out some of the best jazz musicians in the area for the Charlotte Jazz Festival. The week-long festival will include acts like Rene Marie, Bria Skonberg, and the Creole Jazz Brunch. blumenthalarts.org

tinue to evolve to accommodate for the constant changes that are occurring. Michael Whittington, President & CEO Oklahoma City Museum of Art tackles this hot button issue within arts and culture with a seminar hosted by the Friends of the Mint. mintmuseum.org

Charlotte Wine & Tapas Week

Star Gazer: A Trek Into Outer Space

4/21/17 - 4/30/17 - Charlotte’s finest restaurants come together to provide a tour of the world via wine and tapas. Each participating establishment will offer a pre-selected menu of perfectly paired wine and tapas. charlottewinetapasweek.com

4/21/17 - 4/23/17 - Star Gazer: A Trek Into Outer Space blends 3D mapping with dance and circus arts to fly you through our solar system. Join Stella on an adventure through our Milky Way with this fun, exciting performance. Calouche’s creativity is at its best in Star Gazer with whirling dancers on rope and harness as Jupiter’s Red Eye and billowing white silks with swirling contemporary dancers as Neptune’s gusty winds. carolinecalouche.org

Statewide Star Party

4/21/17 - Enjoy the wonders of the night sky through telescopes on the football field next door at Grier Middle School, weather permitting. This event is made possible with the support of the Belmont Astronomy Club, the NC Space Grant, and the NC Science Festival. schielemuseum.org Rethinking the Art Museum

4/21/17 - With the rise of technology in the 21st-Century, arts and culture must con-

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Steve Martin and Martin Short

4/22/17 - Join in the fun with two of comedy’s greatest. With an impressively long legacy between them, Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring their can’t-miss show to the Charlotte audience at Ovens for one night only. ovensauditorium.com

Goings-on in music, film, comedy, and more in the Queen City.

Shakespeare Carolina Presents Tartuffe April 20 - 29, 2017 Moliere’s classic comedy satirizes religious hypocrisy, blind piety, and deceit, and this adaptation captures these themes in playful irreverent rhyme. You can see this classic piece of theatre performed at The Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square from April 20 - April 29. carolinatix.org

Brian Regan April 21, 2017 With the perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with his fervent fans who span generations. As the Peoria Journal Star put it, “Brian Regan can turn the most mundane situations—like going to the eye doctor to get fitted for glasses, or trying to decide how many fig newtons to eat in one sitting—into side-splitting stand-up material.”

Don’t miss this one night performance with one of comedy’s greats. ovensauditorium.com

THE EV EN TIST

April/May 2017

Editor’s Pick

Set List Goings-on in music, film, comedy, and more in the Queen City.

5/19/17 | Mark O’Connor and Friends Fiddles and Blue Jeans | charlottesymphony.org

Lady Ella, 100th Birthday Celebration

Lincolnton Food, Wine, Brew Fest

4/22/17 - This captivating tribute with big band swinging, jazzed out singing, and jitterbug dancing will feature the vocal styling of national recording artist, Nicci Canada.

The Lady Ella Show is entertaining, educational, and exciting. Celebrate her birthday in the best way possible, with a night full of her best songs. dapperstreetproductions.com

4/22/17 - Lincolnton’s wine and beer festival is just around the corner and will showcase all things local including talented artists, local breweries, NC wineries, and much more.

The festival is free to attend with tasting passes for purchase at the festival. lincolntonfoodwinebrewfest.com

Reed GOLD MINE 40th Anniversary

4/22/17 - Join in the fun with activities that will include living history demonstrations of surface and underground mining, hands-on mining activities, general demonstrations and mining-related vendors. Costumed reenactors will demonstrate cradle and log rockers, used to sort through dirt to find large nuggets on the surface, while others will show how blasting holes were drilled and the gold bearing quartz rock was removed from the mine. Visitors can not only pan for gold, but also take their turn on a cradle rocker, take a special guided underground tour and check out the mining vendors and exhibits. nchistoricsites.org

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Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.

4/28/17 – 5/7/17 - Get your sweet tooth on at the Willy Wonka Jr. musical at Armour Street Theatre in Davidson. You can see a new twist on an old classic tale every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from late April till early May. davidsoncommunityplayers.org Timeless - A Charity Jazz Concert

4/28/17 - Join in at Elevation Blakeney with Charlotte Jazz Band, The King’s Kitchen, Encore Catering, Friendship Trays, and Share Charlotte. Through this night of entertainment, Charlotte residents will get exposed to the different non-profit organizations that are serving our community. The proceeds will go to Share Charlotte. sharecharlotte.org

Chris Stapleton May 13, 2017 Award-winning musician and songwriter Chris Stapleton has had six number-one songs, and will play from his beloved album, Traveller. He’s a breakout star in the country scene, and has been hailed as one of the greatest country musicians currently making music. With his throwback sound and authentic roots, Stapleton is bringing real country back to the south. The show will also feature Brothers Osborne and Lucie Silvas. pncmusicpav.com

Girl Of The West April 23, 27, 29 2017 Opera Carolina is kicking off the spring season with a bang. The Girl of the West is a bona fide Western set to a gorgeous operatic soundtrack. Opera Carolina tells us there’s one more interesting twist to this can’t-miss show: This is a feminist Western where Puccini provided the story with a true heroine. operacarolina.org

THE EV EN TIST

April/May 2017

Charlotte Runway for Peace

4/28/27 - This two-day fashion event is worth treating yourself to. Featuring local and international designers, the show will raise funds and awareness for charity. plitzsfashioncharlotte.com World War II Reenactment

05/06/17 - 05/07/17 - This annual battle reenactment showcases the lives of both Allied and Axis troops during WWII both at home and abroad. Enjoy music, food vendors, self-guided tours, visiting with reenactors, and a live battle. lattaplantation.org PINK KNIGHTS JERSEY TRIBUTE

05/6/17 - In 2017, the Charlotte Knights annual Pink Knights game, which is presented by Charlotte Radiology and Belk to benefit the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund, will give fans the opportunity to champion the fight or memory of a loved one by placing their names on pink themed jerseys that the Knights players and coaches will wear during the game. milb.com Spring into Arts Festival

5/13/17 - For a fun-filled day showcasing the visual and performing arts, look no further than the Spring into Arts Festival of Concord. There will be live music, art shows, delicious food, and an artsy section just for kids. concorddowntown.com A Warm December

05/14/17 - A Warm December (1973) follows Dr. Matt Younger and his daughter as they arrive for a month-long visit to London for a dirt-bike race. The Classic Black Cinema Series was designed as a vehicle to expose the community to the vast artistic value black film has had. The goal is to appeal to as diverse a population as possible and further the appreciation of Black cinema. ganttcenter.org

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April/May 2017

NODA ECLECTIC MARKETPLACE

5/20/17 - Take in the outdoors and experience where art and community meet. Locally produced art, clothing, jewelry, and much more will make for the perfect afternoon activity. facebook.com/NoDaEclecticMarketplace OLD-TIMEY SPRING PICNIC

05/20/17 - Kings Mountain Historical Museum will host a spring picnic event with free admission for museum members. The museum will have live music, a barbecue, historic games, storytelling, craft demonstrations by costumed interpreters, tours of the historic Barber & Cornwell homes, and more. It’s a family-friendly way to enjoy the season. kingsmountainmuseum.org

in NoDa. Support important health initiatives with your per-hour-drumming sponsorship pledges and your HeartBeat, win prizes, and participate in the world’s most collaborative event ever! They’re drumming to beat cancer, and supporting survivorship, education, and research. drumstrong.org CHRONOLOGY OF MINING TOUR

05/20/17 - Participants will take a walking tour through the historic mining areas of Reed, explore both above and below ground, and get a chance to operate a cradle rocker, which acted like a large pan to search through large piles of dirt. nchistoricsites.org

DRUMSTRONG

CHARLOTTE ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

05/20/17 - Join in the fun at this free event hosted by Free Range Brewing

5/26/17 - 5/27/17 - Get a taste of the culture and everyday life of Asian

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communities at the Charlotte Asian Film Festival. The best Asian fulllength films, shorts, and documentaries will be shown as a part of Asian Heritage Month. The event will be held at UNC Charlotte’s Center City Campus in Uptown. charlottedragonboat.com mint hill madness

5/26/17 - 5/28/17 - Come out for a family-friendly festival complete with carnival rides, boardwalk-style food, tons of arts and crafts booths, and live entertainment. The 34th annual festival will be held at the Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. minthillmadnessfestival.org FOR MORE INFORMATION To post an event here or inquire about partnering with QC Exclusive on an upcoming event contact us at info@qcexclusive.com.

Art’s Calling Robert Langford left behind the Lone Star state and a high-powered career to find the love of his life and the artist’s path.

words SUNNY HUBLER

photos JAMEY PRICE

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APR/MAY 2017 • @qcexclusive • 39

38 | Art’s Calling

46 | Au Revoir 50 | Education For All 54 | Bloodies With Bruce 60 | No Grease 66 | Family Matters

TH E cu lt u r e

THE CULTUR E

Musings

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Robert Langford’s appearance is all Texan —he’s gray-haired, lean, and tall in casually fitted blue jeans and a button-down—but his demeanor is total artist. The first thing you notice is how soft-spoken, present, and inquisitive a person he is.

Langford is an abstract-impressionist painter whose work can be found throughout the city between his corporate clients and his studio. His paintings are also displayed in

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Santa Fe and at Alan Simmons Art + Design in Dallas.

He says he was always fascinated by color, contrast, and texture. His art is fluid and expressive; you can see the multiple layers and ideas blurring together on the canvas. In addition to his striking works, which range from bright, busy colors to muted, soft palettes, he has also ventured into textiles with rug designs for Surya.

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THE CULTUR E

Musings

“Painting is the language I have, the way I communicate.”

“Painting is the language I have, the way I communicate,” Langford says. “The biggest thing for an artist is finding your voice, and that’s a work in progress. The way I find mine is constantly changing.”

Langford grew up in a small East Texas town before moving to Charlotte in 1996. At the time, Langford had a high-powered commercial real-estate career and painted on the side. After living in the Queen City for a few years, he began planning a move back to Texas

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to be with family. That changed after meeting the woman who would become his wife in a chance encounter on the street one day. The rest is history: with the encouragement of Velma, Langford left his 9-5 in 2000 and has been creating art full-time since.

“I looked at my life and said ‘I have to do something, I can’t wait.’ I learned who was doing what and when and where and tried to grow from that.”

His marketing and business background have

THE CULTUR E

Musings

The Exhibited The Queen City comes alive in the springtime. I’m thrilled to share a list of exhibitions I will be viewing in Charlotte this season to further inspire and delight.

by Chandra Johnson | @chandrajohnson | soco-gallery.com

served him well in his path. Langford is methodical and thoughtful—he knows who to reach out to, how to network, and was able to kickstart his current career by sharing studio spaces with other artists in empty SouthPark storefronts. A few years ago, he opened his own studio, also in SouthPark. You can visit the space or find more about his latest exhibitions at robertlangfordstudio.com Follow on social: @robert_langford_studio

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Linda Foard Roberts | Passage May 10 – July 22 at SOCO Gallery Linda Foard Roberts is celebrating the release of her new monograph, Passage, and an exhibition at SOCO Gallery.

Roberts’ powerful photographs tell a story of life, beauty, and the passage of time.

The Future is Abstract January 28 – July 8 at Harvey B. Gantt Curated by Dexter Wimberly, this exhibition highlights the work of four multidisciplinary artists: Rushern Baker, DeShawn Dumas, Torkwase Dyson and Brenna Youngblood. I’m most familiar with the work of Youngblood, an L.A. based artist who works in painting, assemblage, and collage by putting objects into the paintings themselves with historical art references. This exhibition is another must see show from The Gantt,

which continues to produce interesting and relevant content.

Cristina Toro Strike a Match to Hear My Sound February 2 - April 31 at LaCa Projects LaCa Projects brings back Puerto Rican artist Cristina Toro for a solo exhibition themed around light after Toro’s experience with St. Elmo’s Fire. The illuminated works are centered around a pièce de résistance, which will be a 6’ x 8’ acrylic canvas that ties the whole show together.

Finally, I’m really excited about two upcoming Wyeth family exhibitions: The Wyeths: Three Generations Works March 11 – August 13 at the Mint Museum and The Wyeths March 24 – May 6 at Jerald Melberg Gallery.

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THE CULTUR E

Au

Marquee

words RACHEL COSTON

Revoir

photos JAMEY PRICE

Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Legacy is Charlotte Dance, Reinvented

When the lights dim and the curtain draws back, the theatre grows quiet. Dancers behind the stage run the routine through their heads one last time because the ballet is about to begin.

Every performance like this at Charlotte Ballet is one of a kind because of the talented dancers and the dedicated directors who carefully piece together each production. JeanPierre Bonnefoux has been the President and Artistic Director at the Charlotte Ballet for the past 20 years, and it is his touch in particular that truly elevates the shows from good to magical. And now, in the 2016-17 season, Bonnefoux is preparing to take his final bow

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as the new Director, Hope Muir, plans to take over in July.

Bonnefoux has truly dedicated his life to the ballet, both professionally and personally.

His wife of 43 years, Patricia McBride, is Associate Artistic Director of Charlotte Ballet and a teacher for the academy. McBride was a ballet dancer herself for over three decades. The couple has danced in New York City, Paris, and Tokyo.

For Jean-Pierre, ballet has always been a special art that he holds dear to his heart. His career has been wide-spanning: The France native began his dancing career at the young age of 14 and he danced in Paris and New York

THE CULTUR E

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By the Numbers 1957 The year Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and his twin joined the renowned Paris Opera Ballet.

25 The number of professional ballet dancers the Charlotte ballet houses.

700 City companies until his last performance as a dancer in 1980. He became an artistic director at the Chautauqua Institution in New York in 1983, where he still assists during the summers. Then, shortly after his wife Patricia McBride retired from the New York City Ballet, the couple moved to Bloomington, Indiana. There Bonnefoux was the director for Indiana University’s dance department. Finally, in 1996, Bonnefoux and McBride relocated to Charlotte to assist with Charlotte Ballet.

When Bonnefoux first accepted the Artistic Director position at the Charlotte company then known as North Carolina Dance Theatre, the company was struggling to fill seats and find dancers. Bonnefoux nearly immediately felt it was his calling to take over and turn things around. He had a vision. A major force in raising Charlotte’s performing arts (and in turn, the art scene as a whole) out of their adolescence, Bonnefoux has put the city on the map with over two decades worth of classical

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ballet, interspersed with the all-too-necessary contemporary shows. Since Bonnefoux took over in 1996, the number of students at Charlotte Ballet has risen a stunning amount, from 150 to now over 700 talented dancers.

Fortunately for American ballet’s youth, Bonnefoux’s retirement from Charlotte Ballet won’t be the end of his career. He’ll continue advising the company here and scouting for young talent across the country—his love for the art and his work are not yet done. In addition to locating talent, he’ll also be cultivating it. Bonnefoux says that, these days, “dancers need a background in contemporary work to get a job,” and he plans to ensure that they can achieve that. Of course, we’d like to stop him from traveling and keep him here steering Charlotte dance for another decade. But JeanPierre Bonnefoux’s done enough for our city.

Ballet everywhere needs him.

For a bit more info: charlotteballet.org

The student count has risen from 150 to 700 dancers since Bonnefoux started.

2009 The year Bonnefoux and wife McBride received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Arts & Science Council.

3 Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux was Charlote Ballet’s third and longest standing artistic director.

6.5 Revenue has gone from 2 million to 6.5 million since Bonnefoux has been Artistic Director.

THE CULTUR E

Philanthropy

EducatiON FOR ALL words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

From left to right: Women Executives for Community Services’ president Pamela Pearson, scholarship recipients Katie Foster and Shannon Routh, and WINGS mentor Lisa Bell.

Get out your checkbooks Donate your time and money to one of these three Charlotte charities.

Dress For Success The mission of this charity is to aid women in achieving economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools needed to thrive in the workplace and beyond. dressforsuccess.org Women’s Impact Fund

The WINGS scholarship program has provided transformational educational opportunities to women in the Charlotte area for nearly two decades.

There may be no more significant way to change the course of a life than by providing a quality education. Education impacts on the individual-level—the person receiving the education and that person’s family—and it changes society. With more educated people, generations to come are changed. Poverty rates and child mortality rates decrease, health and reported happiness improves.

With education as its main mission, Women Initiating and Nurturing Growth through Scholarships (WINGS) has been serving the Charlotte area for 20 years. The members and volunteers, Women Executives, are a diverse group of women who support and nurture each

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other’s personal and career growth. Even with demanding schedules and busy lives, they have built a foundation to provide scholarship and mentoring support for young women in need to attend for area universities: UNCC, Queens University, CPCC, and Johnson C. Smith.

Since 1995, WINGS has supported 20 nontraditional scholars every single year. The unique program follows and funds each scholar throughout her undergraduate career, giving not just money but providing time and love with one-on-one mentoring. Unlike other scholarships, the money awarded can be used for anything, even for something like childcare or a car repair so the scholar can get to class.

The purpose of this fund is to maximize women’s leadership in philanthropy by engaging and educating their members, increasing charitable giving, and strengthening communities through the impact of collective donation. womensimpactfund.com EmpowHERment This not-for-profit organization is committed to empowering a continuous network of girls and women to become leaders. They connect girls in grades 6-12 with women in their local communities. empowherment.com

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THE CULTUR E

Philanthropy

Pearson the day she met Mary Davis, an applicant whose Pam Pearson, the Women Executives for Community Serstrength and spirit Pam found herself so struck by that she vices’ president, officially joined the board in July 2015. She immediately volunteered to take on the mentorship role explains that the women selected as WINGS scholars are for the young woman. all dealing with some form of life challenge, but are unique “I mentored her for years, all through in their determination to improve their her time at CPCC and then at UNC Charown lives and the lives of their families lotte,” Pam shares. “She successfully through education.

“It takes so much graduated in 2013 as the first person “It takes so much bravery, I can’t even bravery, I can’t in her family to graduate from college imagine doing what these women do,” even imagine ever.”

Pearson says. “I’ll never forget the time This year, as they reach their hunone of the women on the board—someone doing what these dredth graduated scholar in May, Pam you would never expect this out of—just women do.” tells us that WINGS and the Women Exburst into tears the first time trying to ecutives intend to provide even higher select amongst all the applicants who -Pamela Pearson, Women Executives for dollar amounts of support. The need for would get a scholarship, because every Community Services’ President education never stops, and the tangible woman who applies is so deserving.” effect of educating women in the comLisa Bell, the Chief Creative Officer at munity is one that can’t be ignored – it drives each of the Tivoli Partners, also donates her time to WINGS, and agrees mentors and members every single day to take a few moheartily with Pam about just how deserving every young ments out of their busy career lives to give selflessly of woman she has met is when it comes to the opportunity to their time, energy, and dollars. pursue a quality education.

The mentoring aspect is one of the most important comFor a bit more info: womenexecutives.org ponents of the WINGS initiative—this was solidified for

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THE CULTUR E

Style

B

BLOODIES WITH BRUCE A Bloody-Mary-fueled Crash Course in Modern Men’s Fashion

Bruce Julian is a distinct presence, even when he’s completely sober, so no chat with him is sterile.

But I figured: Why interview Charlotte’s Bloody Mary guy about his fashion career without sipping on a couple bloodies to improve the experience? Improvement, after all, is the core of fashion, right?

What follows is, suffice it to say, the abridged version of a lengthy, erratic conversation. The guy makes a mean custom suit, but he makes a meaner drink. I promise it’s mostly coherent.

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interview COREY MILLER photos JAMEY PRICE

What’s the strangest piece of clothing that you have ever worn?

My dad, Milton Julian, made four outfits for Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts, a college band in Chapel Hill. You may’ve never heard of them. Doug Clark was fairly famous and their thing was fraternity parties. In the 60’s they had my dad make them some outfits—four of them. These awful things were beltless bellbottom, crushed velvet pants; a really long collared shirt that was big black-and-white check, with black cuffs about six inches long; and a

crushed velvet vest with this horrible little buckle that closed it.

Yikes. What year was this?

‘66. Somehow those things got passed down to me. I’ve worn one at Halloween a couple of years and I’ve still got them. Finding three other people who will dress up with me is tough.

Have you ever worn them outside of a Halloween or party setting?

I haven’t had the nerve. I’m sure something might come up but it hasn’t yet.

THE CULTUR E

Style

is interested. I mean something now, I meant nothing back then.

Why did that trend catch on?

Everyone is working on their physique, and it follows your physique better.

It shows you off better?

Right. With the old stuff, everything was too big for everyone. Fat or skinny, everyone looked the same.

Do you think there is more or less color in modern men’s clothing?

That’s actually the great thing about Charlotte! There’s always gonna be color in this town, and in the South in general. Now, north of the Mason-Dixon line, that’s another thing. If this store was in New York City, it’d be black, black, and more black. And some gray.

The South believes in color, and it makes my job a lot more fun. If everything was dumbed down to two colors, well…ugh.

How much can I do with that?

“Try black linen down here and the sun’ll bake your ass.”

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?

A double-breasted jacket. It’s kind of a winter jacket: It’s a really warm knit, and long.

What is the one rule of men’s fashion today that you wish more men adhered to?

Right now (and this could change; it could possibly be done correctly), but right now, it’s really best if you don’t have any pleats on your pants. Just don’t do it.

Do you think a trend like that can become objectively bad?

Yeah. It looks just as bad on a taxi cab driver in New York as it does on a guy in downtown Charlotte.

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Do you remember a time when it wasn’t so bad?

Yeah, very clearly, and I don’t think I miss it. There’s been much more of that baggier look in men’s clothing than what’s going on now. The current trimmer silhouette is fabulous because it’s got a younger group—men your age— dressing up. I think, and I have no idea if this is the truth, just follow me for a little bit with it… If all you had to look up to was pleated pants, big shoulders, buttons that come down below your waist, you wouldn’t be into dressing yourselves—I mean really dressing yourselves—too much, would you? You see what I’m saying? Now that there’s this new trimmer silhouette, everyone sees something in clothing, everyone

Do you think that has anything to do with weather?

Yeah, I think you’re right. Linen, for example, only really works here as a lighter color. Try black linen down here and the sun’ll bake your ass.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve encountered in your store? Does anything surprise you anymore?

I’ve been asked to make some stuff that came out terribly but the customers were totally satisfied. I have to bite my tongue sometimes. If a guy is a 40 in the waist and he thinks he’s a 36, I’m a bad person when I tell him he’s a 40. That’s not really strange, I guess, but it always surprises me.

That has to be an awkward position—to have to tell someone that.

And I never get to tell anyone they’re smaller than they thought! It really is unfortunate.

THE CULTUR E

Style Any other strange folk?

[Diana, a long-time employee of Bruce Julian Clothiers, chimes in.] A guy once came in looking for “sportcoats with the sperm things on them.” I showed him a paisley pattern, and he said, “yeah, that.” [Back to Bruce] I mean, you open your doors to the public and guess who walks in?

The public?

The public.

What do you sell most in the store?

Suits, full suits.

“Right now, it’s really best if you don’t have any pleats on your pants.”

So, people come in and they want to buy a full suit? That seems like the most expensive option.

That’s what they need.

Do you own 500 suits?

No, I keep 8 or 10 around at a time.

What’s your favorite request?

I love customwork. It’s so much fun when someone wants something different. When you’re searching for just the right thing…When you find it, it’s very gratifying. The most gratifying thing is helping good people. It feels great when it’s just good guys.

For a bit more info: brucejulian.com

Stylings

Escape Bag Rust and Honey

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“I love this bag by Rust and Honey for a quick weekend “escape”. It’s just the right size, simple, and chic!“

“This gold hammered necklace is handengraved, and has been popular all year because people like to have special words to keep in mind for the year.”

“Lightweight and packable, this unstructured rain coat is a must. A tremendous layering piece that works well with a tee and jeans or a suit and tie.”

“These bold beauties are an under $50 designer dupe and the perfect statement piece to pair with spring sundresses.”

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THE CULTUR E

Renewal

NO GREASE words COREY MILLER

T

photos JAMEY PRICE

You’ll find two things in the Johnson brothers’ barbering enterprise: unchecked togetherness and a damn fine trim.

The American barbershop is a strange entity.

It’s a place where you go for grooming, sure, but it’s first and foremost a community center. And Charlotte’s barbershop is no different.

Jermaine and Damian Johnson started No Grease Barber Shop in 1997, but they’ve been cutting hair since long before then. You might say they were born into it: The brothers spent a lot of time around hair with their mother, who was a stylist for a living.

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“It’s always been this place where we could find some type of common ground.”

“Our mom taught us because we enjoyed getting our hair cut a little too much, and she was tired of cutting our hair,” Damian laughs. “We started practicing on each other when we were 11. Each was the other’s first test dummy, and we actually got mostly good results. If you did a good job, then the pressure was on the next man to give you a good cut.”

And the difference between a good cut and a bad one were always obvious: Jermaine and

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THE CULTUR E

Renewal

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Damian are twins. The two started barbering their own clients in the 80s, during the age of the Jehri Curl, a hairstyle notorious for its heavy use of styling grease. The brothers tired of the 80s quickly.

“It was a pet peeve of ours. You couldn’t give these guys a good cut if their hair was full of product,” Damian explains, grinning, “so we used to put up a little sign asking for no grease in your hair before a haircut. We became the ‘No-Grease Twins.’”

The name has meaning outside of this anecdotal one, though. Jermaine’s college career taught him about the minstrel shows of the 19th and early 20th centuries, in which actors in blackface lampooned black people, spreading and perpetuating racial stereotypes. Those actors covered their faces in greasepaint.

“We wanted to take something that was at one time really degrading to black people and put it on our walls,” Damian says, “proclaiming that we’re not going to do that anymore. No grease, no shucking and jiving, the jig is up.”

THE CULTUR E

Renewal

“There’s something about hair, something about vanity, that really…equalizes everybody. Everybody wants to look good.”

It’s a name—and a logo—that invites discussion, but the barber shop is precisely the place for that.

It’s the place for those kinds of “discussions that you may not normally have in a business.”

“It’s always been this place where we could deal with race relations and deal with these different issues—a place to come find some type of common ground.”

Why, though, has the barbershop historically been the place for people “of all walks of life” to come together? Damian and Jermaine think the answer is simple. They noticed it growing up in the industry, watching their mom and her clients.

“There’s something about hair, something about vanity, that really…equalizes everybody,” Damian muses. “Everybody wants to look good.”

For a bit more info: nogrease.com

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THE CULTUR E

Wellness

Clary Hilliard Gray and Liz Hilliard of Hilliard Studio Method

I

FAMILY MATTERS Liz Hilliard and Clary Hilliard Gray’s homegrown business is a powerful force for health and wellness in the Queen City. words SUNNY HUBLER

It’s a rainy gray morning in Charlotte but climbing the steps of the nondescript brick building off Providence Road, you’re met with a cheery scene: The swelling of hip-hop music and the distinct sounds of a mic’ed trainer, bubbly and loud, fill the bright space. Inside Hilliard Studio Method’s headquarters, the wood floors glisten, the rooms are warmly lit, and women of all ages flit about everywhere.

In the main studio, the trainer is guiding a class so packed that the off-duty instructors have taken their mats into the hallway so they can follow along with one of the state’s most coveted group exercises.

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photo JAMEY PRICE

It’s not long before Liz and Clary—the Hilliards themselves—emerge from the crowds.

They come armed with the story of their rapidly evolving, buzzed-about business that was launched from the ground up by the two women nearly ten years ago.

With a main studio in Myers Park and sister studio, HSM Core, on Kings Drive, the Hilliards have over 45 classes weekly led by their certified trainers along with a popular series of workout videos, a branded apparel line, and several national and international partnerships.

They have been featured in major publications like Self Magazine and Women’s Health.

“This is a community of supportive women with a nurturing environment where all the trainers treat everyone as family.”

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THE CULTUR E

Wellness

“The thing is, nobody else has our workout which is really, really cool,” Clary says.

Liz Hilliard and her daughter Clary are Charlotte natives who, with decades of fitness experience and nutrition knowledge between them, tapped into a unique force with their signature exercise method and the community of Charlotte women who grew around them.

Liz built her reputation as a fitness-scene powerhouse in the Queen City years ago, long before starting HSM with Clary. She was a successful personal trainer who opened Performance Pilates in Charlotte in 2002. But it was later, when mother and daughter both found themselves feeling they had hit a plateau with their workout results, that HSM first took form. Liz decided she would whip her and Clary both into even greater shape—a challenge she took very seriously.

In her 50’s, after a lifetime of exercise experience, she felt something remained uncovered. So, Liz did what she does best: She immersed herself in research and began trying all different kinds of resistance training, traveling across the country to test workouts of all varieties with a discerning eye for the best of the best.

“People often ask why I don’t take time off—I work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day but I do it because it’s my life,” Liz says plainly.

By gradually testing what she was learning on herself and on Clary, Liz emerged with what is now the signature core-centric, high-intensity, Pilates-based workout known as the Hilliard Studio Method. Clients began pouring in and HSM took off in earnest.

Today, with twelve trainers and an ever-growing presence, the Hilliards are capitalizing on a dynamic fusion of traits they have been able to bring to the table: a totally exclusive and proven-effective workout, a dedicated community, and a driving sense of family that pervades all they do.

Their latest project involved launching a brand-new membership site where people all over the world can access livestreamed video and get in their HSM workout no matter where they are. The day we sit down to talk, Liz and Clary

have just wrapped seven new videos with Wheelhouse Media.

Both laugh at the muscle soreness that comes along with the hours of filming different exercises.

This winter, Liz also released a book, the story of the Hilliard Studio Method, entitled “Be Powerful: Finding Strength At Any Age.” “We can’t talk about empowerment enough because I think women supporting women is one of the most powerful forces on the planet,” Liz says. “The inspiration in this place is huge… there’s a place for you in the class and that’s powerful.

This is a community of supportive women with a nurturing environment where all the trainers treat everyone as family.”

Clary chimes in, “You wouldn’t keep coming back just because you felt good—instead, you feel good and your body starts to change and the group environment uplifts you. You always get a smile when you come in the door.”

Liz and Clary, who also both do the workouts and teach regularly, are in the studio every day, embodying the mission of HSM: health and fitness as a lifestyle at any age. According to the Hilliards, their clients range from teens to 70-somethings.

Perhaps what sets the Hilliards apart the most is their sheer dedication: they are wholly invested in their relationships with clients and ensuring their clients form strong connections amongst themselves.

The excitement when they discuss their work is palpable, and the two women frequently finish one another’s sentences as they share the story of the business’ birth.

There is something special in the air at HSM—a vibrant, dynamic group of both men and women who are stepping up their fitness game and looking to work at their edge under the guidance of two of the most experienced professionals the Queen City has to offer.

“Come to a class,” Liz smiles, “and you can feel it.”

“We can’t talk about empowerment enough. [We] think women supporting women is one of the most powerful forces on the planet.”

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For a bit more info: hilliardstudiomethod.com

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Slow

R words COREY MILLER

I

photos JAMEY PRICE

S E

Mike Pappas embraces the methodical artisan process in The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery.

70 | Slow Rise

78 | Not Just Coffee 82 | O-Ku’s Pork Belly 84 | Haberdish’s Mint Julep

TH E SPR E A D

THE SPR E A D

Restaurant

“We have to teach people how to be intimately connected to a process that’s ever-changing.”

T

The King’s Kitchen is known all over the state for its inspiring marriage of selfless ministry with decadent Southern cuisine. But Chef and Minister Jim Noble’s nonprofit wouldn’t be a proper ministry—or a proper down-home dining experience—without some delicious bread to break. That’s where Mike Pappas and the The King’s Bakery come in.

At this point in his career, Chef Mike Pappas has “invested a lot in bread.”

Somewhere along the way from New York to Charlotte—by way of his own restaurant venture in Charleston—Chef Mike taught himself the fine details of dough. Through several years of painstaking research and development, the chef became a baker, and hobby of passion became specialized trade.

Having tried his buttery croissants and a few of his artful European cakes, we’re left wondering why he ever specialized in anything else.

The King’s Bakery makes “historical foods that meet global standards in a modern context.” In other words, any selfrespecting German would be hard-pressed to say “nein” to Mike’s pumpernickel.

As his most complex recipe, which took him months to perfect, it’s been shipped to New York, California, and of course, parts of Europe. His baguettes hold a similarly authentic weight.

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THE SPR E A D

Restaurant

“If you were to go to Paris and walk into a notable bakery, you would see this exactly,” Mike explains, holding one of these artistic narrow loafs. “And it’s not just the look—we have the flavor as well. I want the look, obviously, but the foundation of everything I do is flavor.”

Chef Mike takes classic loaves and pastries and updates them, both in flavor profile and aesthetics, for a market that, in today’s America, is the definition of “niche.” Mike is baking for a society that has (less than judiciously) removed the bakery from their daily schedules. Bakers in the States constantly have to find new ways to engender interest in an old product. Mike, for his part, is determined to emphasize bread’s shareable nature.

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“Just about every nationality has some sort of historic connection to bread,” the chef explains.

“That’s what attracts me to baking—its ability to touch the heart, anywhere in the world. When people taste great bread, one of the first things they want to do is share.”

A product like this is something truly special, and special food is in demand because of decades of mass produced goods. The stuff widely available in mainstream American baking rarely has that ability to move people. Mike Pappas believes that some processes, particularly those that have been performed for thousands of years by hand, simply shouldn’t be automated.

“My doughs couldn’t hold up in a machine process,” he explains. “If I wanted to pump out

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THE SPR E A D

Restaurant

“I think America, right now, is craving authentic.”

several hundred of each bread per day, I would have to significantly alter my recipes. A lot of what makes this bread special would be lost.”

So The King’s Bakery doesn’t invest in machines.

Like the larger King’s Kitchen venture itself, the Bakery invests in people. For his employees and interns, Mike is the teacher he never had. The Bakery aims to prove that mentorship is far from obsolete. For those dedicated to the slower, more creative foods, it’s still a vital part of one’s career.

“These techniques take a long time to learn,” Mike stresses. “We have to teach people how to move their hands, how to think differently— we have to teach them how to be intimately connected to a process that’s ever-changing.”

But Mike, whose bread is now being served all

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over the city, wouldn’t be the baking master he is without some assistance of his own.

“We don’t see a lot of successful bakeries for a reason,” Mike says. “It’s very hard work. I’m fortunate to have found a great home here: Chef Jim Noble, not unlike me, is interested in the long road, the artisan process. I think America, right now, is craving authentic.”

It’s true. Americans are tiring of whitebread, because establishments like The King’s Bakery are reminding them there are other options.

And Charlotte’s no different. Thanks to Chefs Jim Noble and Mike Pappas, authentic food is on the rise.

For a bit more info: kingskitchen.org

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THE SPR E A D

Tastemaker

NOT photos JAMEY PRICE

JUST words ASHLEY CARLINI

COFFEE what’s in a name? For Not Just Coffee, it’s everything. This coffee shop promises exactly that: not merely coffee but rather a completely unique experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else in Charlotte. This year, with two other locations in existence, owners James and Miracle Yoder opened the first stand-alone storefront in Packard Place.

The newest location is classic NJC alongside a brand new, clean aesthetic: The sleek, modern lines combine with earthy exposed wood and bright pendant lighting to create something akin to a stage, where the heart and soul of Not Just Coffee can conspire.

Not Just Coffee first came to being in 2011.

James and Miracle grew the idea together inside Area 15, a small business incubator in NoDa. James admits it took over a year of hard work to practice and train. They took classes with Counter Culture Coffee, watched videos, and experimented to learn the best techniques to create the best coffee.

Environmental sustainability also became a staple of James and Miracle’s business model.

Counter Culture does business directly with

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“We really [dig] into the minutia of the craft, and what makes good coffee— the preparation, the techniques.”

THE SPR E A D

Tastemaker

the farmers, a difference the Yoders say you can taste.

James, who has been to Nicaragua and Honduras to speak with coffee farmers, discovered the effects of climate change on the coffee crop— which heavily influenced his business decisions.

“It was a totally mindblowing experience. You just see that whole pathway, all of the labor that goes into it, and all of the knowledge and the years of research and learning, decades of it…

We’re just one end of this amazing chain that goes into getting coffee.”

James and Miracle pride themselves on doing coffee right, and the movement probably won’t stop with Packard Place: They’re already considering a fourth location. But for now, they continue to keep their regulars coming back and they welcome those who stumble upon Not Just Coffee with warm smiles and one-of-akind brews.

“We were never trying to be the best coffee shop in Charlotte,” says James, “I think one of the things we did differently was really digging into the minutia of the craft, and what makes good coffee—the preparation, the techniques. We’ve got some really incredible staff, and so we’re able to facilitate that place of passion for people to pursue their own interest and passion for coffee.”

For a bit more info: notjustcoffee.com

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The Common Pint

by Stephen Philpott @the_philpott

Hopped Up For those new to the craft brew experience, there are often beer styles that intrigue the senses with flavor and new complexities never thought possible before in the beverage. For me, that is never more present than with the American IPA. IPA stands for India Pale Ale, an old export version of the English Pale Ale that was hopped up to avoid spoilage of the beer on long trips to India. The American style came into its own from West Coast breweries like Mendocino and Sierra Nevada. The rest is history.

Now, picking the right IPA can be daunting because each offers varying hop profiles, from bright and citrus-y varieties like Heist’s Citraquench, to the more piney, bitter notes of NoDa’s Hop Drop n’ Roll.

Americans took the British version and doubled up. With more hops, more malts, and an affinity descriptive branding, like Shipwreck’d DIPA, the American IPA now holds its own on the world beer stage as the superior IPA. For those still curious and confused, the best thing you can do is ask questions, sample beer, and experience it all.

APR/MAY 2017 • @qcexclusive • 81

THE SPR E A D

Plated

O-KU’s PORK BELLY words COREY MILLER

photo JAMEY PRICE

A Sommelier Knows Best

by Cameron Dibble

What wine should I pair with pork belly?

This isn’t the first time we’ve dived headlong down the Asian fusion rabbit hole only to find that the pork belly eclipses just about everything in Sushi Wonderland. This dish, Charlotte Asian cuisine seems to suggest, is one best served five-spice-braised and basted in tare sauce. O-Ku’s Pork Belly is at once an East-Asian inflection, but the meat itself is quintessentially Southern by its nature. We can’t get enough of that beautiful marriage. Call it a comfort zone, if you must. We call it an admirable effort by our city to re-embrace Southern food, if in a roundabout way.

This gratuitously flavorful cube of melt-in-your-mouth, fatty meat is who we are, folks. Why deny it?

For a bit more info: o-kusushi.com

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For full recipe: qcexclusive.com

Red wine is full of juicy, handy acids that help you digest proteins, whether you like it or not.

The reason cheese is so predominantly successful is that it gives the mouth a buffer, so that the protein those acids eat aren’t the ones on your tongue, gums, and lips. Pork belly is a fat based meat, so it’s safe to say as a base pairing I would recommend a red wine; and I know what you’re thinking—duh, Sommelier—of course you are.

Sauce make-up is incredibly essential to wine pairing while not exactly hovering over the realm of rocket science. For a dish like O-Ku’s, try something in the Rhone style from the Central Valley of California. Appreciate the cinnamon and red trail fruit nuances that you get from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre because in small doses it has about as many crazy left feet as does the kitchen-sink, firecracker burst of anise and brown sugar present in most great Asian dishes.

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APR/MAY 2017 • @qcexclusive • 83

THE SPR E A D

Poured

HABERDISH’S MINT JULEP words COREY MILLER

photo JAMEY PRICE

The Pore Over

by Corey Miller @mylenweard

An Appeal to Charlotte’s Sleeping Coffee Entrepreneurs

Crepe Cellar, Growler’s Pourhouse, and Haberdish mixologist Colleen Hughes believes in layers: Fresh muddled mint followed by consecutive layers of shaved ice, Old Forester, more shaved ice, and a canopy topping of more fresh mint. It’s a no-frills beverage that bites with cold and warms with bourbon in quick succession, the kind of concoction that necessitates regular consumption.

The drugstore soda fountains and the wall of hard “medicines” make for an appropriate scene: When she’s behind the bar at Haberdish, Colleen is our favorite apothecary…and this copper-clad beaut is her most commonly filled prescription for good reason.

For a bit more info: haberdish.com

For full recipe: qcexclusive.com

I have a complaint. I’ve just come back from a lowrest, caffeine-fueled tear through The City That Never Sleeps, so maybe I’m just a little bitter. But like that ominous percolator full of day-old joe, there’s probably some good to be found in what I have to share.

Charlotte needs more coffee shops. There just aren’t many options. The espresso bars, French bistros, and modern industrial shops that we do have are excellent, but I find myself face to face with the same baristas too often.

The growing trend in our city seems to be the home brew. Buy a fresh pound of beans from your favorite local roaster—there are many, and I’ve yet to find a mediocre one—then grind it, press it, and pour it. I love the house-filling aroma of a freshly-ground cup of home coffee as much as the next bespectacled snob, but that French press or pour-over is imbued with so much more novelty in the right cafe.

We love coffee shops for a number of reasons: the ambiance, the seating options, the inspired interiors. Generally, though, we linger in the cafe for the same reason we hit the bar.

We like to be out, to be part of our community somehow.

We want to be seen drinking coffee. And in this city, we need more venues in which to do it.

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complementary INteriors The Art-Inspired Design of Catherine M. Austin

words ELEANOR MERRELL

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photos DUSTIN PECK

86 | Complementary Interiors

92 | First Impressions 96 | Curated 98 | J. Landon

100 | Chiott 102 | Emily Clark 104 | Theory

TH E FOLIO 106 | Grande

THE FOLIO

Foundation

W

“Interior designers really are artists: We’re at our best when we are allowed to exercise our creative muscles, let go, and realize our vision.”

When interior designer Catherine Austin first came to Charlotte 17 years ago, she did so “kicking and screaming.” Her husband needed to relocate from New York to the southeast for business, and Austin was less than enthused.

However, when she arrived, something unexpected happened—she fell in love with the Queen City.

Two years after settling in Charlotte, following a brief but formative stint at Circa Interiors, she opened her own interior design business predicated on her deep love of visual art. The model of her business is simple in theory, but deeply challenging in practice: she uses art as inspiration for interiors, designing beautiful and functional spaces around her clients’ art collections.

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“We’re not saving lives, we’re just making them prettier.”

Austin begins with a piece—or, sometimes, multiple pieces—and selects anything and everything needed to tie the space delicately to the art, from wall color to light fixtures to furniture and decor.

“Everything I pick out is designed to complement and enhance the work of art, not fight with it,” Austin explains.

She hunts for furniture and decor at Slate Interiors and Darnell & Company in Charlotte, as well as on online sites like First Dibs and flea markets outside of Atlanta, which is her hometown. But designing an abode around an art collection is only one (admittedly critical) component of Austin’s business. She also emphasizes the importance of constantly tailoring spaces to her client’s needs.

2504 Dunavant St Charlotte NC 28203 704-376-4522 | www.jlandon.com

THE FOLIO

Foundation

“I get to know how a family’s world functions and what that family’s needs are to create spaces that work for them,” she says. “I see myself as an interpreter of my clients’ tastes. Every project starts with them and is completely unique, because every client is completely unique.”

Her passion for visual art and her natural aesthetic talents enable her to excel in her field. An enthusiast for abstract expressionists like Jonas Mitchell, Mary Abbott, and Susan McAlister, Austin planned to attend graduate school to study art history after completing undergrad at Washington and Lee University. Instead, she landed a job helping commercial designers select artwork for their public spaces. She fell in love with her work, which combined her appreciation for art with her inclination to create. Catherine M. Austin chose a degree in design, and her clients couldn’t be more delighted that she did.

“Everything I pick out is designed to complement and enhance the work of art, not fight with it.”

For a bit more info: catherinemaustin.com

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SOUTH 4332 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704-332-4139 NORTHLAKE 7325 Smith Corners Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269 | 704-909-2420

THE FOLIO

Maker

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Tricia Kesling of Clark Hall Doors and Windows on the importance of making an impact with your entryway. interview ASHLEY CARLINI photos courtesy CLARK HALL DOORS AND WINDOWS

Owners Tricia and Gary Kesling opened their Charlotte showroom doors in 2015, but Clark Hall Doors and Windows has been providing homeowners with beautiful, elegant entries and windows for more than forty years. Featuring the most unique, trendy, and quality designs and materials, along with Marvin Windows, they take pride in working with homeowners to find the best possible design that will last for years to come. Doors and windows are a focal point of any home, so Tricia and Gary work with clients to fulfill their design needs. We sat down to talk with Tricia about everything from the different options Clark Hall Doors & Windows offers, to how important an entryway is in making a lasting impression.

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How does a beautiful door change a home?

The front entry is the focal point for the home and is rarely given the attention it deserves.

It’s not only an exterior focal point but the transition or bridge between the exterior of the home and the interior of the home.

What do your doors portray?

The great thing about creating custom doors for homeowners is that they represent what the homeowner wants to portray. We’ve done very ornate doors, sophisticatedly simple doors, and even monogrammed doors, but they all have one thing in common: the homeowners’ statement to all who come to their home which is that they appreciate quality and lasting value.

Why is it worth it to invest in doors and windows by Clark Hall?

When choosing exterior doors and windows the installation is as important as the door or window itself. We install all our windows and doors to provide homeowners a comprehensive warranty and our installers are all employees. We have made Charlotte our home and our customers are our neighbors.

THE FOLIO

Maker Which doors will never go out of style?

The Slim Profile all glass doors for the front and back of the home are trending right now.

With whole walls of glass and slim lines, homes are bringing the outside in. Of course, any door that is in keeping with the architecture or period of the home is always in style.

Whether we have a historical home or midcentury, there are opportunities to add a twist to your doors and windows and remain true to the period.

Tell us about the details of your doors.

The details are important. Most people recognize us for our iron doors, because of the beauty that goes into each [of our] handmade doors made by artisans in Monterrey, Mexico. However, our solid wood doors sourced from upstate New York have the same level of craftsmanship that can only be found in custom production environments—a unique touch that only Clark Hall has.

For a bit more info: clarkhalldoors.com

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THE FOLIO

Decor

DESIGNER Curated Charlotte’s top interior designers share their favorite pieces for Spring.

Chinese Chippendale Elbow Chair through William Haines Collection catherinemaustin.com

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Amelia Candle Chandelier theory-designstudio.com

Arteriors Bilbao Fishtail bedsidemanor.com

Lindsey Cowles Pillows tracizeller.com Sitting Pretty laurennicoleinc.com

Mureilene Planters theory-designstudio.com

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Regency Eagle Convex Mirror

by Hickory Manor House emilyaclark.com Hilary Chandelier tracizeller.com

Hydrangea Tall Vase theory-designstudio.com Cross Bar Lamp laurennicoleinc.com Keane Canopy Bed

by Crate & Barrel emilyaclark.com

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THE FOLIO

Statement

Landonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lIBERTY photo courtesy J. LANDON

The J. Landon Liberty chandelier,

by Hudson Valley, is a statement piece no matter how you slice it. The core of the fixture, matte black metal banded around the middle, contrasts with the metal of your choice: The aged brass is shown here, but the fixture also comes in a polished nickel. But what really sets this piece apart are the retro coil bulbs.

Housed inside clear glass, they serve as the primary light source. These bulbs are alternated with tubular exposed filament bulbs, and the cutcrystal discs and handcrafted glass which adorn the protruding rods are used to refract light across your room in a thousand directions.

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THE FOLIO

Vignettes

Rustic Elegance words SUNNY HUBLER

Chiott Custom Homes designs and builds in some of Charlotte’s most sought-after locations. Founder Jonathan Chiott has more than 25-years of experience guiding his approach: a careful attention to detail and a desire to sustain client relationships. With this in mind, each Chiott project can capture unique facets of the homeowners to provide them with a truly one-of-a-kind space. The Chiott Hughes House kitchen is all about casual elegance and func-

photo JOE PURVIS

tionality, something that the family moving in required for their living space. The exposed beams add interest to what is overall a refined, clean aesthetic. To further add interest, shiplap was applied throughout the kitchen adding a rustic elegance to the walls. Modern light fixtures create an architectural focal point for the open layout. All together, the design elements allow this kitchen to serve as an area for cooking, dining, mingling, and gathering.

For a bit more info: chiott.com

DETAILS

Cabinets by Johnson Custom Cabinets | Marble Slabs from Walker Zanger | Interior Design by Westbrook Interiors

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RE M A RK A B LY CO M FO RTA B LE

C USTO M FU RN ITU RE Custom furniture maker COCOCO embraces the old-fashioned values that allow them to craft each piece of furniture exclusively for its intended owner- you. The guiding principle behind their creations is dedication to the best quality materials available kiln dried American hardwood frames, high-end spring systems, down-filled cushions, quality leathers and the finest of fabrics.

Visit the showroom in Downtown Cornelius.

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THE FOLIO

Vignettes

AN OFFICE REFUgE words SUNNY HUBLER

Emily Clark has always loved design. She launched her popular blog, Emily A. Clark in 2009, to document her designs. In the years since, she has owned her own business, and today she is a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens and AOL’s Lifestyle Collective. This design, a refuge in her very own home, allows Emily to tap into her creativity.

She says the biggest addition to the space was the stunning bookcases.

“The wall behind the desk was huge, and I

photo EMILY CLARK

wanted something that would make a big impact since it’s one of the first things you see.”

Besides all the books, she added wire baskets and painted the back of the bookcases a rich dark gray. The oversized lantern came from a Habitat Restore that Emily then spray-painted black.

“What I like most about the space is that it could easily transition back to a dining room with the addition of some chairs, if we ever needed the space,” she explains.

For a bit more info: emilyaclark.com

DETAILS

Wire Baskets by IKEA | Urbane Bronze Paint from Sherwin Williams | Lantern from Habitat Restore

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THE FOLIO

Vignettes

A theory ESCAPE words COREY MILLER

Bedrooms should be more than just a place to lay your head. Your private space, like any other place in the home, should be an attractive abode, one you’re not only proud to show off, but also one to which you actually like to retreat.

Emily Hudgens and Toni Hollingsworth of Theory Design Studio understand the bedroom’s renewed importance in design. In this well-lit, transitional bedroom space, they employ their knack for clean—but never cold—

photo J. PRUETT

neutrals to create an inviting effect.

“The goal with this space was an inviting retreat with elegant prints,” Hudgens says, “creating a relaxing environment when combined with statement pieces.”

As with every Theory interior, the sophisticated color palette crafts a vibe that’s at once welcoming and rejuvenating. This warm aesthetic invites you to keep your eyes open as much as close them.

For a bit more info: theory-designstudio.com

DETAILS

Pillows from Piper Collection | Bed and Benches from Bassett Furniture | Night Stands from Steinworld | Lamps by Stylecraft

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THE FOLIO

Blueprint

LUXE LAKESIDE Grande Custom Brings Three Brand New Homes To The Lake words SUNNY HUBLER

photos DUSTIN PECK

THE FOLIO

Blueprint

W

When it comes to lakeside living, North Carolina offers some of the most beautiful locales. And when it comes to architecture, no one does it better: Grande Custom Homes, the Charlotte home builder and renovations company owned by John Jackovich, can make the natural landscape even more appealing, one home feat at a time. With this project, Grande brought their signature eye for detail and design to the waterfront.

The three lake houses, which sit side by side in Mooresville, are all new construction builds for which Grande mixed aesthetics. The first house is all brick - making it the most traditional of the homes though it still has modern details like the metal roof and oversized soffits. The exteriors of the other two homes lean more “craftsman meets coastal,” as the Jackovichs put it.

Because the project required designing three similar houses at once, Jackovich explained that the main goal was to give each house its own personality and identity. The Pintail house, number 257, is classic and sophisticated, 253 has a rustic, yet modern edge, and 249 has a clean palette with bold pops of color and pattern. The three homes vary slightly in size, from 5 beds with 4 baths to 5 beds and 4 ½ baths.

All three of the houses have Grande’s signature design details: things like screened porches, open floor plans, interesting ceiling details,

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For a bit more info: grandebuilders.com

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and 4-panel pocket doors to let the outside in.

They were also each designed explicitly with the lake in mind. Within each of the homes, the entire back of the house is windows, so the homeowners can see the lake from every room.

Also, each home has a screened porch overlooking the water as well as a dock and slip.

But, what Grande has also achieved in these houses are all sorts of new design elements that continue to push the envelope, from the open stair risers that give the house an open and airy feeling to the book-matched porcelain slabs in the master bath, the bright marble slab backsplash in the kitchen, and the eyecatching patterned cement tiles. The result of this waterfront project are homes that elevate lake living by everything from the overall design scheme to each minute detail Grande carefully curated.

island sanctuary The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a golferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise, with just enough sand in all the right places. words COREY MILLER photos courtesy KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

Kiawah Ocean Course Clubhouse

112 | Island Sanctuary

120 | Lake Lure 124 | City of a Hundred Clocks

TH E e x plor ed

THE EXPLOR ED

Weekender

Clockwise from top Left: The Sanctuary at Kiawah’s Front Entrance, Lobby, Lobby Bar, and Ocean Room

J

Just off the exquisite shores around Charleston is an oceanfront golfing bliss. The Sanctuary at Kiawah is island luxury, grandiose greens, and sandy heaven. Well, the beach sand is heaven, anyway: We hear it’s best to avoid any sand on the courses.

The resort’s 225 luxurious rooms and suites of all different shapes and sizes include the largest resort digs on the east coast—the massive King rooms. The Sanctuary also has

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a 3000-square-foot Presidential Suite, for those feeling, well...presidential. Each room in the hotel is custom-designed and handcrafted with unique desks and armoires, ensuring that every return visit (of which there should be many) is distinct.

The courses on Kiawah Island, on the other hand, are a constant. They hardly change, and that’s a good thing: These are the kinds of dazzling green stretches you’ll want to get familiar

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THE EXPLOR ED

Weekender

with. They embrace the beachy landscape without detracting from the natural beauty of the island. Don’t miss the Ocean Course— it’s consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world for a reason.

The resort may be called The Sanctuary, but Kiawah itself is a haven of relaxation.

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The island is a place removed from the bustle of Charleston, a spot for golfing types who love the lower coast of South Carolina without all the big city bells and whistles.

The island and its world-renowned resort represent the Lowcountry at its peaceful, reticent best.

Unwind from the worries life throws your way with a relaxing stay at Chetola Resort to treat mind, body and soul.

Sporting Clays, 5 Stand, Archery & Fly Fishing on 67 pristine, wooded acres.

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APR/MAY 2017 • @qcexclusive • 117

THE EXPLOR ED

Weekender

Plan Your Weekend A three-day guide to eating, drinking, and playing on Kiawah Island.

CHECK IN ON FRIDAY: Whether you’re in the mood for Italian or not, Tomasso at Turtle Point is your Friday dinner spot. Skip the pasta, which is suitably authentic and delectable, and go for the restaurant’s secret specialty: pizza. It may sound blasphemous, but these pies are one of your best meal options on the island.

WAKE UP ON SATURDAY: Make your tee-time, obviously. If you’re not a golf person, well, you’ve probably found yourself on the wrong vacay. Do some South Carolina spicy pork at Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House, with a local draft of your choice. If you’re fresh out of good swings, hit the beach for the rest of the day. Sunset-watching on Kiawah is a necessity.

BEFORE YOU HEAD HOME ON SUNDAY: Grab a

hearty brunch at Southern Kitchen. This is some of the finest American fare on the island, and their bennies are the perfect way to conclude the weekend.

For a bit more info: kiawahresort.com

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THE EXPLOR ED

Carolina Towns

LAKE LURE The sleepy western North Carolina lakeside community is a gem of outdoor recreation and small-town fun. words RACHEL COSTON

Take a Lake Hike Hickory Nut Trail This hike through Chimney Rock State Park offers views of the 404-foot-tall Hickory Nut Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

Big Bradley Falls Trail This 1.5 mile trailhead off of Holbert Cove Road in Saluda offers a beautiful wooded view with creek crossings and—best of all—a chance to view the beautiful waterfalls.

The Peaks Trail This 8 mile trail by Lake Lure isn’t officially listed, but the views are incredible: You’ll be able to go all the way from Shumont Mountain to the base of Rumbling Bald Mountain.

Established in 1927, the Carolina town of Lake Lure is a relaxing and surreal location for a vacation offering spectacular views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake itself encompasses 720 acres of the 13.25-milelong town. It’s no wonder acclaimed films like Dirty Dancing and The Last of the Mohicans were filmed at Lake Lure. This water-driven town is perfect for any kind of visitor.

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Lake Lure offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Take a boat ride on the lake or relax on the beach. You can even tee off at the golf course at the Lake Lure Golf Club. Other popular activities include horseback riding and zip line tours. For more adventures, take the short drive up to Chimney Rock for hiking, rock climbing, and camping—all just three miles from Lake Lure.

Outcroppings Trail This hike, on the upgraded Outcroppings trail, takes you up a series of steps and lookout points before ending up at the Chimney with its spectacular views of Lake Lure and the Carolina Piedmont.

THE EXPLOR ED

Departure Once you’re off the trail, be sure to check out Lake Lure’s cute shops and delicious dining options. At popular shops like Gale’s Chimney Rock Shop, Bubba O’Leary’s General Store, and Hickory Nut, you’ll be able to find souvenirs and locally made gifts. La Strada at Lake Lure and Larkin’s on the Lake are desirable dining options serving up fine fare right on the water.

Lake Lure, just a two-hour drive from Charlotte, is the perfect weekend getaway.

Drive up and see what this small, relaxing waterfront town is all about.

For a bit more info: townoflakelure.com

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THE EXPLOR ED

Departure

CITY OF a hundred clocks words COREY MILLER

A

An ancient hill called Letná rules the northern bank of the Vitava River, the dominion of its wooded arms and stony face overruled only

by Prague Castle itself, just to the Southwest. Its highest point, more a plateau than a peak, grants tourists their widest sweeping view of Old Town and the river. Cresting this peak is a pilgrimage recommended by locals—good for burning away those Trdelník calories, rendering the cinnamon-y donut sticks little more than a decadent memory. The squared figure of Joseph Stalin once grimaced down at the city from that place; now, Koba’s place is occupied by a gargantuan metronome, a monument to retrospection, keeping time but also sounding the speed of change.

This is where you’ll watch the sun meet the river’s most distant point, turning the water and the city a fitting gold. At sunset, Prague returns to its natural state: the past.

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Situated in the heart of Europe, in an old land without coasts but a young nation with plenty of borders, Prague is a city both expressly concerned with time and yet outside of it. The famous astronomical clock—the medieval tower plastered on the postcards—doesn’t even work.

Prague in the evening, especially, is microcosmic of the Old World. A daytime stroll between the Romanesque and Gothic and Baroque facades is just a glimpse into the past; after dark, though, the city makes walking anachronisms of its inhabitants. Every street is seen through a timehalting veil: The lamplight is an amber looking glass, the people shadowy smudges in its otherwise immaculately preserved image. Maybe even the locals don’t belong—they’re too young, and the city too old, to understand one another fully.

But that doesn’t stop these Czechs from furnishing an old, old place with all-too-new ideas.

THE EXPLOR ED

Departure

Discover the Golden City’s past

WHILE EMBRACING ITS PRESENT

BRING some crowns. The Czech Republic, though part of the

LEAVE your fear of strangers behind. If you’re approached

EU, has yet to adopt the Euro as its currency. Familiarize yourself with the Czech koruna—not a difficult task, considering how beautiful this money is.

by a Czech on a dimly lit street, engage them. They just want to know who you are before showing you their city’s secrets.

Prague is statistically the safest city in Europe.

DRINK underground. Prague is graced with hundreds of

SIP craft brews. Perhaps the only European craft beer scene

speakeasy bars. To find them, look for a telltale glow spilling onto the cobbled sidewalks from foot-level windows.

that rivals that of the States is right here, in the heart of the land that gave the world the pilsner. Try every new Czech brew you can find.

SEE Old Town. It may sound cliche, but the walking tours in

Prague are your likeliest opportunities for new friendships— maybe even lasting ones. Find your own way around the medieval settlement, if you prefer, but beware of golems.

WATCH an arthouse film. In the summer, catch a flick at Kino Aero and grab a drink at their open-air bar. In the cooler months, opt for the cozy, one-room Bio Oko.

EXPLORE Prague Castle. The place is always full of tourists, but there’s a little-known area called Novy Svet tucked away behind the castle that epitomizes the picturesqueness that brought you here.

EXPERIENCE Bubenska 1. Once the home of the city’s electri-

STAY at the Augustine. Once an ancient monastery, this hotel

boasts a three-story suite in its medieval astrological tower.

More importantly, it offers a great view of Prague Castle.

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cal company, this massive functionalist building is now the site of all things modern art in Prague.

EAT at Eska. The city’s most talked-about new Scandi-inspired restaurant comes from the same group redefining Prague’s cuisine with the Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise and the Lokál bars.

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GEORGE HI The Garland, NC plantation is firmly rooted in quail hunting. words ANNIE GIBBS

photos TERRY ALLEN

George Hi Plantation, located in Garland, NC, has quail hunting in its very roots. Records show that this land, originally granted to the George Highsmith family by the King of England, has been hunted for quail prior to the Civil War. Purchased by the Dubose family in 1942, the estate has been completely transformed by third generation proprietor, Charles DuBose, Jr. Trek through 1,000 acres of methodically constructed habitat, thoughtfully restored by

DuBose in order to mimic the authentic vegetation of a past era. By converting the land into sweeping fields of native warm grasses and open pine woods, the proprietors have encouraged the quail population at George Hi to take on wild characteristics, providing an organic hunting experience. Newcomers can take advantage of shooting lessons and practice with clay targets at the new five stand, while seasoned shooters are offered expert guides and veteran flushing dogs upon request.

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Southern traditions extend to the hospitable accommodations at George Hi. Guests can choose from the eight bedroom Lake Lodge, featuring crackling fireplaces, expansive porches and a lakefront gazebo, or the historical 1855 Guest House, which has been painstakingly restored to offer modern conveniences amid charmingly country furnishings.

Farm breakfasts and hunt lunches are provided by the plantation’s private chef, not to mention savory steak selections and wild game dinners, which are served in front of a cozy fireplace — the perfect place to relax and enjoy the day’s spoils.

Every year from October through March, this property opens to those seeking a truly unique Southern hunting experience. Diverse Quail fields, expert guides, dutiful hunting dogs, luxurious lodging and fine dining blend to achieve the ultimate quail hunter’s haven.

For a bit more info: georgehi.com

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Where Sporting Meets Conservation Lucky Clays Farm Lucky Clays is a state-of-the-art preserve whose mission is to conserve the natural beauty of the land through sustainable resources and growing practices. luckyclaysfarm.com Fork Farm and Stables The Fork’s 1,600 acres of woods, marshes, and fields form a world-class hunt preserve offering some of the best in sporting clays and upland game and duck hunting. forkstables.com Brays Island Plantation Brays Island Plantation’s 5,500 acres of land is dedicated to the traditional sporting lifestyle, offering an unrivaled list of amenities and sporting activities. braysisland.com Webb Farm Top quail hunting at The Webb Farm is a never-ending, year-round endeavor where sound biology and a passion for the sport span generations. thewebbfarm.com

TH RO UG H A NE W LE NS With 50 Days.Me.Alone, Kyo Nam Crafts His Travel Photography Magnum Opus words COREY MILLER photos K YO H. NAM

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“I wanted to go where I wanted to go and stop where I wanted to stop.”

Around this time last year, Charlotte-based photographer and visual storyteller Kyo Nam was feeling museless. The Queen City wasn’t quite shining the way it used to: The grays of metropolis were turning grayer, the cracks in the city’s aging urbanness growing larger and uglier, the cacophonous hum of movement approaching some significant crescendo. His subject had always been the world around him, but his world had shrunk to fit within the borders of Mecklenburg County, bounded by comfortability. Creatively, Kyo felt trapped.

So, after some overpacking and underplanning, he left.

Kyo devised a 50-day travel plan that would show him all of that precious, unpredictable America he felt he was missing. Several weeks would be enough time. Enough for what? He didn’t know, and that was rather the point.

“I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask myself and really reflect upon,” Kyo reminisces. “They were: ‘Who am I? How have I been living my life? How will I continue to live?’”

He wasn’t sure what he was setting out to find, but he set out anyway. Six months of preparation culminated in a flight from Charlotte to Texas’ Big Bend National Park—the first stop in a vaguely westward trip, a journey outward to head inward. That was day one.

Many days before these monumental 50, Kyo H. Nam was born Nam Kyohyun in Seoul, Korea.

He has lived half of his life in his hometown, and half of his life in America…but he’s always dwelled and toiled in the concrete jungle. He’s rarely known the quietude of open space or the ordered, peaceful rush of nature encompassing.

Like many of us, his silence is found between horns honking, and the only rush around him is that of bankers late to work. Kyo has always been surrounded by blaring humanity, moving a bit too quickly for its own good.

Out West, he was finally able to slow down, shaking off some of his life’s momentum. That started with ignoring his usual—and arguably vital—rituals. This first foray into the wilderness left him with no choice.

“I had always thought of myself as a ‘big deal,’ but as I witnessed the grandeur of these parks...

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I realized how small I was in comparison. Almost to the point of embarrassment.”

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“Those first few days, I really wanted to shower,” Kyo laughs. “But I got used to it. If I was itchy, I scratched. If I smelled bad, I rolled down the car windows and the smell would go away. That’s how I solved that problem. When we’re living in the city, we’re always concerned with how we’re going to look…but when I was traveling, that was no longer an issue. Nature doesn’t care.”

The whole trip just became more abstract from there. He planned his first couple destinations, but the rest were chosen almost at random. From Texas, he headed north into the surrealist painting that is New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, trying his hand at archeological photography at Colorado’s Mesa Verde before finding himself in the foggy, white heart of the Rockies. And he just kept going.

“There was no real direction, once I got out there,” Kyo explains. “I wanted to go where I wanted to go and stop where I wanted to stop.

I would just look for National Parks names and head to whichever was appealing.”

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Essentially, after he’d had his fill of one park, he would simply drive right into the nearest one on the map. He was sure to apply this same freeform see-it-all plan to each park. Kyo moved a lot, sure—he managed to make a big elliptical trek around the continental United States, visiting a whopping 25 national parks, and that’s no small feat in 50 days. But movement is only one facet of a journey. You must make genuine stops, good ones, Kyo insists, for all the movement to be worth it.

“I wanted to take in every environment,” Kyo says, “to take the time to appreciate each park.”

On one hike back down to his car in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, though, the enterprising photographer felt he may have actually appreciated the park too thoroughly. His search for the right shot had gotten him good and lost. He eventually found his way back to his car, but not before the sun was dipping below the crags. And that’s when he found his shot: A young groom-to-be, down on one knee in front of a Rocky Mountain sunset. While a

lucky couple got a pivotal moment in their lives professionally photographed, Kyo got another story in pictures…and an enthusiastic wedding invitation. Allowing himself to slow down and fall behind always revealed precisely the thing he was scrambling to find in the first place.

That golden parking lot certainly wasn’t the first place Kyo Nam has connected to others through his camera. In fact, Kyo credits his understanding of two distinct cultures and his remarkable adaptability entirely to his photography. For Kyo, living half his life in Korea and the other half in the United States has presented more obstacles than just the occasional culture shock. That’s a lot of culture for one person, definitely, but it’s also a lot of words for one tongue. Unlike many bilingual people, Kyo faces two language barriers: one in English, and another in Korean. He left Seoul at the age of twelve, ripping him out of a pivotal moment in his primary school language education, and thrusting him into a new world with a vastly different means of communication.

His camera lens is a kind of medium, his photography an articulation that everyone can understand. Indeed, while Kyo has found great success as a photographer in Charlotte, his 50 Days.Me.Alone photography series now comprises a bestselling book in Korea. When it comes to pretty pictures, everyone seems to get it. His art insists on “the importance of the object you are shooting and not yourself.” And anyone, in any culture, can respect the importance of that subject made beautiful. In other words, he has learned to understand his new home through his camera’s lens.

50 days alone, in the wide open spaces of America, taught him more about his new home—and his relationship with it—than he ever expected. He found real clarity, he says, in the Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks.

“I had always thought of myself as a ‘big deal,’” Kyo grins, “but as I witnessed the grandeur of these parks…I realized how small I was in comparison. Almost to the point of embarrassment.”

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“When we’re living in the city, we’re always concerned with how we’re going to look…

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but when I was traveling, that was no longer an issue. Nature doesn’t care.”

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“I wanted to take in every environment....appreciate each park.”

Kyo found humility in the sapphire-skybounded, green-and-brown rocky immensity of it all. And in recording his grandest subjects yet, he realized the most far-reaching potential of his art. Hiding amid the swathes of color and in the bold contrast of his every photo is a secret: The captured image is his language. Those vibrant colors and deep shadows are his thoughts and feelings, expressed in their purest form.

Now he’s back, and everything that once seemed small and restricting seems larger than (his) life, every image that seemed commonplace and drained of life looks more interesting and intricate and lively than before.

“Everything is new,” Kyo says, looking down at the Canon 5D Mark III in his lap. “I see the Uptownites as they walk the streets to their workplaces and I feel encouraged, energized by their activity. I appreciate the aroma of my favorite coffee much more. And while meeting my

friends, I feel thankful that I’m not alone in this world. My work has improved. My photography has gotten better, and I’m more grateful for my career in Charlotte. I spell things wrong in Korean, and I mess up when I speak English…but I realize now that people accept me because they appreciate my work. I feel so, so blessed to be taking photos.”

Back on this side of the Mississippi, Kyo sees differently, connecting with his subjects more freely. So naturally, his camera captures everything more beautifully. Kyo gave 50 days to nature, and nature gave him new eyes.

Travel should teach us something about ourselves, some new knowledge for use in our dayto-day. An excursion should renew us. So, Kyo Nam’s journey reminds us of that truest—and oftentimes most wildly elusive—purpose of exploration: Traveling isn’t just about getting away. It’s about coming back.

For a bit more info: kyohnam.com

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FrOM PINES TO PALMETTOS Find Carolina’s heart in these 75 destinations. words COREY MILLER | SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

H

How do you go about describing Carolina to a non-Carolinian?

“We’ve got mountains and we’ve got beaches.” That’s a good, wholesome effort: succinct and undoubtedly accurate. But what do you tell travelers to do when they’re actually seeing the sweeping hills of western North Carolina or experiencing the breezy stretches of the South Carolina coast—especially if they’re doing so for the first time? Over the last several months, we’ve made a conscientious effort to explore with no real plan in mind, diving headlong into the oddest dives and driving willfully down roads which are supposed to lead nowhere. At the end, we’ve come to a not-so-shocking realization. In the Carolinas, there is no road that leads nowhere: There’s always something exciting to do at the end. Seeing our neck of the woods isn’t enough. To find Carolina, you have to engage with it. Here’s how.

A surfer eyes a set of waves during sunset at Folly Beach, SC. Opposite Page: An island of palmettos sitauted in the marsh behind Folly Beach.

Outer Banks Brewing Station Kill Devil Hills, NC Infamous for its shrimp and grits and craft beers, this local hotspot is the perfect way to retreat from the sun after a long summer’s day on the beach.

Weeping Radish Farm Brewery Grandy, NC Weeping Radish is a local go-to made even more popular by its appearance on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It’s a unique German joint rolling out Reubens and their famous baked potato soup.

This Page: Longleaf Pines near Lake Tillery. Opposite Page (clockwise from top left): Brooklandwood Racecourse in Mineral Springs, NC, home to the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase.

Morris Island Lighthouse, The Chimneys in Linville Gorge, Montage Palmetto Bluff boat dock.

Blue Waters Mountain Lodge Robbinsville, NC Prepare for a tranquil weekend with a lakeview room, situated on Santeetlah Lake in the Nantahala National Forest. To make the experience even more cozy, spend an afternoon in the wellstocked library.

Bath, NC This quaint little village, not far off the waters of beautiful Pamlico River, is North Carolina’s first town. For a weekender, put it first on your list.

MerleFest Wilkesboro, NC Don’t miss this annual North Carolina tribute to the classic bluegrass of Doc and Merle Watson. Join in the fun 4/27/17-4/30/17.

High Hampton Inn Cashiers, NC Enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains from your own tucked-away cottage, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and private porch to take in the stunning lake views.

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Ocracoke, NC Ocracoke Lighthouse is iconic, to be sure, but it’s also a nice backdrop for crabbing. The shallow waters just off the Ocracoke Island shoreline house a large population of blue crabs perfect for a cast net and stick.

Big Buck’s Homemade Ice Cream Nag’s Head, NC Cap off a sunburnt day at the beach with Big Buck’s, where you’ll choose from over 50 made-from-scratch flavors.

Armistead Burt House Abbeville, SC This famous historical landmark is better known as “The Deathbed of the Confederacy.” Located at 400 Main St., it’s the site of the last Council of War for the cabinet members of the Confederate government.

Kindred Spirits Mailbox Bird Island, NC You’re going to have to search for this one because the exact location is a secret. The mailbox houses a notebook in which thousands of people have penned their innermost thoughts and read the secrets and wishes of their fellow kindred spirits.

Lakeview at Fontana, NC Stay at Fontana for an intimate, laidback vacation. Enjoy the well-appointed courtyards, yoga studio, in-house spa, and quaint coffeehouse.

Navitat Canopy Adventures Barnardsville, NC Experience trees from a brand new perspective as you travel by zipline, bridge, and rappel to explore more than 100 acres of beautiful Moody Cove.

Looking Glass Falls Brevard, NC Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah Forest, located right off of U.S. 27, is just one of the many beautiful waterfalls near Brevard. Named for how the water looks when it freezes in the winter, it’s a natural landmark you can’t miss.

Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown, SC For an afternoon of Southern charm, start with a few drinks at the waterfront River Room and then meander over to the Kaminski House, an antebellum property originally built by Paul Trapier, a merchant known as “The King of Georgetown.”

Sunset from Town Mountain Road in Asheville, NC

La Bastide des Lavendes York, SC Discover the South of France in South Carolina. The creator of these gardens is a French native, and he brought over 6,000 plants and trees to create this lush old-world garden with an authentic village house for the bakery, winery, cafe, and more.

“The Road to Nowhere” Bryson City, NC In the 1940s, Swain County gave up most of its private land to the federal government for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The subsequent project, creating a new road to link two shores of the lake, was never completed. Today, the the National Park Service ferries Bryson City residents across the water, and the road remains unfinished, ending just after a tunnel deep in the moun-

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tains. Fortunately for us tourists, the road that would have been Lakeview Drive offers gorgeous Smoky Mountain views.

Paint Rock Hot Springs NC Western North Carolina’s Paint Rock, over 5,000 years old, contains Native American pictographs. The Native Americans considered Hot Springs a sacred area, and with its hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking views, it makes for an incredible day trip of exploration.

Bonito Boathouse Fripps Island, SC After a day of exploring the eye-catching Hunting Lighthouse, grab a meal at the Bonito Boathouse. Perched over the water at the Marina, you’ll find some of the best seafood we’ve had coupled with a crazy-good sunset view.

Fat Hen Johns Island, SC This place has some of the best French Lowcountry cuisine around. They use the freshest ingredients, provided by their friends and neighbors in the farming community. Go for the Sunday brunch spread, and don’t miss the sausage and french toast sandwich or the fried green tomatoes.

Jim Harrison Art Gallery Denmark, SC This little hidden local gem houses a renowned painter, Jim Harrison, who paints stunning landscapes of South Carolina. Walk through his painted version of the state and then head next door for a sweet treat.

The Biltmore Asheville, NC It’s a necessity. If you want a memorable Carolina experience, you can’t miss

The Biltmore. Drenched in America’s Gilded Age history, the estate will blow you away with its sweeping grounds, restored interior, fine dining, and decades of Vanderbilt influence.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park Nag’s Head, NC At milepost 12 on the highway, you’ll find Jockey’s Ridge. This beautiful shorefront expanse is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Bring clothing that doesn’t trap a lot of sand, and leave all fragile eyewear somewhere safe.

Wild Ponies Corolla, NC The beaches of Corolla are beautiful enough, but add to it the chance to see wild ponies run through the sand, and you’ve got a sightseeing opportunity you won’t forget. The ships that once landed on the beaches are long gone, but their legacy, the elegant descendants of Spanish mustangs, remains.

Sliding Rock Asheville, NC In the heat of summer, few natural formations are this fun. Sliding Rock is a sloped waterfall, located near Brevard, so named because visitors can gleefully slide all the way down the waterfall into the plunge pool at the bottom.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Hatteras Island, NC One of the state’s most distinctive landmarks, Hatteras Lighthouse warns seafarers of one of the most hazardous points in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s opened seasonally to the public.

Reed Gold Mine Concord, NC Reed Gold Mine is the only underground gold mine open to the public.

It is also said to be the location of the first documented commercial gold find

in America. Visit for the day to see the historic remnants, tour the property, and pan for gold yourself.

The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Mineral Springs, NC The Price family started this event 21 years ago, and they’ve raised nearly $800,000 for charity since. Situated on the Brooklandwood Race Course in a pastoral Mineral Springs conservation area, the Queen’s Cup isn’t just a horse rase. It’s the Charlotte region’s biggest party of the year, complete with some of the most exquisite tailgating food and drink we’ve had the pleasure to experience. On April 29th, experience the thrill of the chase—everyone’s welcome.

Sanitary Seafood Restaurant Morehead City, NC For the oldest and best casual Carolina fashion, snag yourself a T-shirt to let everyone know you’ve been. And be sure to prank any unsweet-tea-drinking companions with the Smoky Mountain Sweetener on your table.

Pisgah Inn Pisgah, NC This retreat is one of the very best ways to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway for a night, a weekend, or a full vacation. Perched at 5,000 feet elevation on Mt. Pisgah, the inn houses dozens of trails, breathtaking views, and fine dining all in one place. Stay during the winter, during the off-season. Not only is it more quiet, it may also be even more beautiful.

The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC This iconic retreat on the UNC campus was built in 1924 by John Sprunt Hill, a university alum and trustee. With its brick end walls and portico, it’s an architectural nod to the colonial and antebellum South. Today, the inn has

been carefully restored to its original grandeur in order to offer guests the most up-to-date services and amenities. Go to experience the campus’ sports and gorgeous green. Soak up the buzzing surrounding town of Chapel Hill while you’re there, too.

NC Railroad Museum Spencer, NC This 60-acre site is located on the site of what was once Southern Railway Company’s largest steam locomotive repair facility. Today, the site gives a nod to authentic transportation with its train depot, antique automobiles, and a 37-bay Roundhouse.

Frying Pan Towers Atlantic Ocean, NC Go for the saltiest yet coolest thing off the North Carolina coast, and stay for the shark cam.

Capers Island, SC A 5-mile-long overgrown island with a crisscross of trails and roads leading nowhere and everywhere, this mysterious island is a beachcomber’s dream camping trip. Beware of the alligators.

Portsmouth Island Cabins Atlantic, NC Sleep all day in a cabin on stilts, and fish on the beach all night. This is how you vacay.

Morris Island Lighthouse Morris Island, SC Morris Island Lighthouse on Morris Island in South Carolina, built in 1876, stands right on the southern side of the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Today, it’s unique in that it stands several hundred feet offshore. It was originally constructed to protect the shipping lanes leading to Charleston Harbor.

Since then, it’s been decommissioned but it still stands as an iconic testament to Charleston’s shipping past.

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A pelican flies by shrimping boats in Mclellanville, SC

McClellanville Fishing Village McClellanville, SC Lucky travelers will stop in the village during the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival for the local clergy’s Blessing of the Fleet. This annual ceremony ensures that the shrimp season will yield the resource that’s supported this community for generations. If you miss it, grab your consolation prize instead: Red rice, okra, and fresh-from-the-creek crab at T.W. Graham and Co. Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh, NC Unlike most contemporary art museums, the CAM Raleigh has no permanent collection, but you wouldn’t know it. This downtown Raleigh installation, housed in a massive Brooks + Scarpa repurposing of a 1910 warehouse, showcases a vast array of multimedia works by artists with regional, national, and international recognition.

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Land of Oz Banner Elk, NC Yes, this bizarre little theme park atop Beech Mountain actually exists—yellow brick road and all. These days, the 1970s attraction is only open a few days a year so hurry over to catch it.

Table Rock and the Chimneys Linville Gorge, NC Find some of the most spectacular 360degree views in the state, and possibly the best spot to climb or slackline in the whole of Linville Gorge.

Hebron Rock Colony Foscoe, NC About a mile down Boonefork Trail, you begin to hear the waterfalls. Hebron is a sight to behold, so we won’t spend too much time describing this gorgeous amalgam of water and stone. Get there early to allow time for exploration.

There are too many little secret caves

and waterholes to list. And if you reach a point where you have no choice except to make a great leap, just do it: this rock colony isn’t for the faint of heart.

“The Honey Monk” Lexington, NC If you’ve lived in North Carolina longer than a day, Lexington Barbecue, its town, and its style of sauce need no introduction. Order a chopped plate with hushpuppies. If you’re put off by the red slaw...well, you just ain’t lived in the barbecue state long enough. You’ll learn to love it.

Duke Chapel Durham, NC The prettiest part of the Durham skyline is a towering 210-foot-high Collegiate Gothic church. One of the tallest buildings in Durham County, the chapel stands dead center on the highest ridge of the university’s West Campus. One

of our state’s most iconic landmarks, the Duke Chapel necessitates a stroll inside—the massive interior rivals even that spectacular view of the spires rising from the trees around downtown Durham.

Joyce Kilmer Forest Graham County, NC Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is one of the most beautiful living memorials we’ve seen. It’s an approximately 3,800-acre tract of publicly-owned forest, named in memory of the poet Joyce Kilmer who is perhaps best known for the poem, “Trees.”

Lake Tillery, NC This spectacular body of water, near Uwharrie National Forest, is relatively secluded—there are few residential areas around the lake—and it’s damn near Carolina’s best locale for a fun boat ride.

NC Museum of Art Raleigh, NC The first major museum collection in the country to be formed by state legislation and funding, the NCMA is a model of enlightened public policy: Admission to the permanent collection is always free. It’s 164-acre museum park is the largest in the nation, and the property’s most recent expansion has garnered significant acclaim for the innovations in energy-efficient design. Don’t visit Raleigh without seeing as much of this museum’s Rodin as you can.

Grandfather Trail Grandfather Mountain, NC “Be prepared for steep inclines with cables and ladders scaling rocky cliffs.”

That’s what a sign warns at the beginning of the Grandfather Trail. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a spectacle, sure, but the most daunting adventure (and thus our favorite) on this most majestic of Blue Ridge peaks is “the one

with the ladders.” The 2.4-mile Grandfather trail is one of the oldest trails on the ridge, and one of the best hikes in North Carolina.

a garden store and nature trails. Yearround, the orchid conservatory is our favorite spot of them all: It’s lush, gorgeous, and well-curated.

Seagrove, NC If you’re even remotely associated with the North Carolina art world, this place will need no introduction. The Pottery Capital of the United States, this little Randolph County town’s handmade ceramics tradition dates back before the American Revolution.

DuPont Waterfalls Hendersonville, NC DuPont State Recreational Forest is an outdoors lover’s dream with its waterfalls and extensive 86 miles of trails on 10,000 protected acres. Located between Brevard and Hendersonville, it’s an easy 40-mile drive from Asheville.

Most visitors flock to the three-mile roundtrip hike to three waterfalls (Hooker, Triple, and High Falls). But there’s so much more to explore! Take a variety of waterfall and lake hikes or trek to the top of Cedar Rock or Stone Mountain for mountain views. It’s also one of North Carolina’s best mountain biking and horseback riding areas.

Nantahala River, NC The shimmering Nantahala River has everything from family-friendly rapids to Class III whitewater. The beautiful river is one of the best the Southeast has to offer, and once the weather turns warm there’s no better place to be than floating on a raft in the sunshine.

The Crunkleton Chapel Hill, NC Go and order really any whiskey drink.

This private Franklin Street club embraces the tastes of a bygone era, and its exceptional staff understands what makes a cocktail a classic. We recommend a sazerac or an Old Fashioned.

Duck Beach Duck, NC We just love Duck. The town is the quintessential quiet, charming northern Outer Banks seaside location, and the beaches are as beautiful and pristine as they come.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Belmont, NC Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden provides guests a refuge from the city to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories with friends and family. They host spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion,

Folly Beach, SC Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is all beachtown-casual vibes set against the backdrop of one of our area’s most beautiful beaches. Set your alarm to catch a sunrise by the pier, and you won’t be sorry.

The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel Winston Salem, NC The historic R.J. Reynolds building was once the architectural muse for the Empire State Building. Today, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel has revitalized the space with lavish Southern details and modern flair. It’s the best way to stay in downtown Winston-Salem to experience all of the art, music, and foodie scene.

Death Valley Clemson, SC Frank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium is popularly known as “Death Valley.” Home to the Clemson Tigers, it’s an iconic slice of southern football.

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Rough Ridge, NC It’s one of the best quick hikes on the Parkway outside of Boone and Blowing Rock. Go for the blazing orange skies and stay for the most photogenic overhang in the Blue Ridge.

Squigley’s Ice Cream and Treats Kure Beach, NC Serving over 4000 homemade flavors, Squigley’s weaves together any and all real fruit or chocolatey flavors of your choice. They’re only open from Easter through Halloween, though, so go “get Squigled” during the warmer months.

If you know what’s good for you, you’ll mix the raspberry and pineapple.

USS North Carolina Wilmington, NC She was the first newly constructed American battleship to enter service during the Second World War. Now, the battleship is essentially a museum in Wilmington’s seaport, but she’s no less enamoring now than she was reigning atop the Pacific swells.

Boone Hall Plantation Mount Pleasant, SC Just go ahead and drive up to the mansion, because the trees are really why you’re here. Planted in 1743, these two lines of Spanish moss-draped live oaks wouldn’t meet overhead until two centuries later. Today, this three-quartermile-long drive has become one of the most memorable stretches of South Carolina’s natural beauty.

Tryon Palace New Bern, NC The site of North Carolina’s original capitol is also the site of our first capitol building. The Tryon Palace standing today isn’t the original—that one was burned to the ground shortly after our capitol moved to Raleigh—but it was built in the 1950s based on the newlyuncovered original architect’s plans.

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Angel Oak Johns Island, SC Angel Oak is probably the most famous live oak standing. The sprawling tree, a stunning 500 years old and 66 feet tall, stands on Johns Island just outside Charleston. It’s worth the short drive outside the city to make this part of your next Holy City visit.

Reedy River Falls Greenville, SC Order some pulled pork and potato cakes at Smoke on the Water, and join a friend on one of the many comfy rocks here in the heart of Greenville.

Town Mountain Road Asheville, NC There’s a spot, just off of this winding road on the northwest edge of Asheville, where you can see the whole of the city bounded by glorious blue ridges. And at dusk, the sun just happens to dip down behind those blue hills—don’t miss it.

Yana’s Swansboro, NC Pay the old jukebox to play you something beachy from the 50s, and order a platter of the best strawberry fritters you’ll find this far north.

the tide of the Revolutionary War. “The Americans,” he wrote, “fought like demons.” Major General Nathaniel Greene and his men lost the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, but their efforts led to the American victory at Yorktown. Tour the park, explore the museum, and—if you obsess over history and fake explosions as much as we do—see a battle reenactment sometime.

Carolina Cup Camden, SC This 80-something-year-old tradition is wooded small town digs meets exciting tailgating galore. Oh, and there are horses too.

Hops Burger Bar Greensboro, NC It’s been rated the best burger joint in the entire United States by TripAdvisor users. We can’t be positive it’s “the best,” but we’re pretty sure it’s damn near. Don’t bother with the menu— always, always try whatever is on the daily special chalkboard. And the truffle fries. Order as many sides of truffle fries as they’ll allow.

Old Baldy Bald Head Island, NC The oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, the Bald Head Light hasn’t changed shape or location in all 187 of its years. But its age hasn’t made Baldy treacherous to visit; in fact, it’s one of the safest structures on the island— when Hurricane Fran crashed upon our coast in ’96, many islanders took shelter inside it.

International Equestrian Center Tryon, NC This incredibly expansive year round venue located in Mill Spring is one of the premier equestrian destinations in the entire world, and certainly our largest here in the Southeast. This year, they were selected to host the “Olympics” of horse-racing, the 2018 World Equestrian Games. All this global attention means it’s time to make a roadtrip to Tryon and appreciate one of the most esteemed sporting destinations our state has to offer.

Guilford Courthouse Military Park Greensboro, NC “I never saw such fighting since God made me,” British Lt. General Charles Cornwallis said of the battle that turned

Dean Smith Center Chapel Hill, NC This 30-year-old iconic piece of Chapel Hill architecture is a hybrid dome.

While much of the roofing is a standard

The Appalachian Trail meanders through the Nanatahala National Forest

metal, a braced fabric dome forms the central area of the roof, acting as a skylight during the day and a kind of beacon at night. Oh, and the Dean Dome is home to 6-time National Champions the North Carolina Tar Heels.

state’s strangest dive experiences. For the full surreal effect, hit this oddity of a bar in the dead of snowbound winter.

Nantahala National Forest, NC Every self-respecting North Carolinian should hike the part of the Appalachian Trail that passes through our state.

The longest segment passes through Nantahala National Forest, where the savvy hiker will discover 400-year-old trees and witness the highest waterfall on the east coast.

Palmetto Bluff, SC This is one of those places you have to see to believe. It’s as lush and classically southern-looking a spot as we’ve ever seen, with the vast richness of a true Lowcountry sea island landscape.

It’s an expanse of land bounded by the May, Cooper, and New Rivers. Visit for the day, stay at the Montage on Palmetto, or explore the luxe listings they now offer to make Palmetto Bluff your permanent home.

Asheville Yacht Club Asheville, NC Boasting punk rock, a tiki-themed interior, and drinks ranging from your lightest of light beers to the most spiritforward tropical cocktails you’ve ever touched, the “Yacht Club” is one of the

The Salty Dog Cafe Hilton Head, SC It’s not just a T-shirt brand. This place actually exists, and the food, coupled with that excellent view of the bluffs, make it every bit worth the compulsory souvenir purchase.

Original Krispy Kreme Winston-Salem, NC Today it’s a staple, but in 1937 Krispy Kreme was brand-new to town. Founder Vernon Rudolph bought a secret yeastraised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans French chef and rented a building in Winston-Salem so he could begin selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to local grocery stores. The warm glazed confections from the original locale in Old Salem taste just as good today as they did then.

The Don Gibson Theatre Shelby, NC The 400 seat Don Gibson Theatre rivals Bridges Barbecue as Shelby, North Carolina’s claim to fame. This 1939 art deco cinema was repurposed as a music venue in 2009, and the local community—as well as music-loving travelers from all around Carolina— have embraced it.

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THE WEEKEND OFF A simple getaway is sometimes all we need to take a load off. From an escape within Charlotte to a view of Charleston’s past or a perfect mountain retreat, your weekend starts here.

Featured in this section: HarbourView Inn | The Swag | Drayton Hall | The Tides Folly Beach | The Ivey’s Hotel SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

HARBOURVIEW INN Charleston, South Carolina

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Embrace the views from this intimate harborside hotel situated in historic downtown Charleston.

Luxury Charleston Hotel

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etreat to the edge of Charleston, where the sea meets beautiful pastel colored homes. Perfectly positioned just off of the Charleston harbor, HarbourView Inn is the only hotel in historic downtown with waterfront views. At HarbourView Inn, the hosts warmly open their doors to travelers as they would to old family friends by inviting guests to experience a uniquely intimate side of this historic city.

Enjoy true Southern hospitality from the Inn’s knowledgeable staff, prepared to help patrons explore all of the classic charms Charleston has to offer. They’re dedicated to tailoring your perfect vacation, from providing bikes and a sightseeing map for an adventurous afternoon out to making arrangements for an unforgettable dinner. A range of room layouts are available to suit your needs, with each room housing original artwork and handcrafted furnishings alongside essential accommodations.

Make sure to save time for the HarbourView’s rooftop bar, which features skyline tours on select days, as well as a stellar Holy City view, fresh cocktails, and accompanying live music on certain nights. Don’t forget to indulge in an array of complimentary amenities at HarbourView Inn, including a gourmet continental breakfast, nightly wine and cheese, and, of course, signature cocktails upon arrival as you toast to the perfect getaway.

2 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC

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1-888-853-8439

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harbourviewcharleston.com

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THE SWAG Waynesville, North Carolina

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or an unforgettable stay in the mountains, take a drive up to The Swag. This all-inclusive resort is located along the Cataloochee Divide. From the resort and its memorably luxurious accommodations, you will experience spectacular views of the four highest mountain ranges in North Carolina, making The Swag the ideal “Carolina Mountain Getaway.”

The Swag is nestled right in the Great Smoky Mountains, just outside of Waynesville, North Carolina. Take your time here to rest and relax, or to explore any of the limitless hiking trails and scenic views right on the resort’s 250 acres, which border the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Guests can choose from any of the stunning rooms, suites, or cabins. Most rooms include stone fireplaces, steam showers, heated towel racks, and wet bars. All rooms are carefully decorated with gorgeous artwork, custom quilts, and rustic antiques.

Guests may request rooms complete with copper soaking tubs and private saunas.

For a change of pace, Asheville is less than an hour drive away. You can find the best of both worlds with a chance to enjoy the woods and to explore the unique urban environment of the city. Book your stay at The Swag for its 36th season, beginning April 21st and running until November 25th, 2017.

Relax on 250 acres nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains along the Cataloochee Divide.

All-inclusive Mountain Resort • 2300 Swag Road, Waynesville, NC • 1-800-789-7672 • theswag.com • stay@thetheswag.com

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

DRAYTON HALL Charleston, South Carolina

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Experience an authentic journey through America’s past at a historic, preserved Lowcountry home.

PR ES E RVAT I ON T RUST

Drayton Hall

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ounded in 1738, Drayton Hall is a direct link to America’s past. The centerpiece of the estate is the main house, an architectural masterpiece believed to have been designed by founder John Drayton. Influenced by classical design principles put forth by 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, Drayton created the nation’s earliest example of fully executed Palladian architecture. The ancestral home of the Drayton family for seven generations, Drayton Hall was acquired by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1974. It is preserved, not restored, offering an authentic experience of centuries past.

Drayton Hall brings history to life, offering daily guided house tours, customizable private tours, and educational programs about the history of the site and stories of its people. Also on the estate is an 18th-century African American cemetery, one of the oldest in the nation, documented and still in use; a place for quiet reflection, it honors the enslaved and their descendants who once lived and labored here.

An exciting addition to the visitor experience, opening Spring 2018, is the Sally Reahard Visitor Center. Guests will journey through a welcome center and orientation hall, an exhibit gallery with rare 18th- and 19th-century artifacts—many never before seen by the public—education center, museum shop, interpretive gardens and more.

3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC

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1-843-769-2600

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draytonhall.org

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info@draytonhall.org

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THE TIDES Folly Beach, South Carolina

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ust 10 miles away from the historic and bustling downtown area of Charleston, SC lies a small beach town that combines serenity and adventure with an alluring atmosphere. Between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean lies the only oceanfront hotel, Tides Folly Beach. Resting on the island of Folly Beach, it has grown to become the ideal location for that much-needed, tranquil vacation.

Folly is filled with an array of majestic beaches, various gorgeous wildlife, and plenty of locally-owned shops and restaurants.

The high-rise hotel, nestled into the beautiful white sands of Folly, towers over the beach, giving every room an immaculate view of the ocean and pictureperfect sunsets. Accented with colorful lighting fixtures, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern voguish furniture, the interior of the hotel is just as warm and inviting as the beautiful beach it calls home. The rooms are highlighted by the bamboo headboards and light blue walls reminiscent of the cerulean ocean.

Additionally, there are two full-service restaurants with oceanfront dining as well as an outdoor and indoor bar. Selected as one of the top wedding venues of 2012 by The Knot Best of Weddings, Tides is the perfect place to celebrate your special day—or any day for that matter.

Take a step away from the typical vacation and enjoy a beachfront resort minutes from historic Charleston.

Oceanfront Hotel • 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC • 1-843-588-6464 • tidesfollybeach.com • stay@tidesfollybeach.com

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

THE IVEY’S HOTEL

Charlotte, North Carolina

Immerse yourself in style at the new luxury getaway in the heart of Uptown in the historic Ivey’s building.

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tationed in the very heart of Uptown Charlotte is The Ivey’s Hotel, a notable piece of the past that has been thoughtfully restored to captivate those seeking a true boutique hotel experience. The historic building that premiered in the early 1900s as J.B. Ivey’s Department store has now been transformed after two years of multi-million dollar renovations to house an exclusive 42-room hotel on the first two floors.

The hotel’s design beautifully balances old and new and blends vintage Parisianinspired antiques and artwork with the convenience of modern amenities. A room at the Ivey’s Hotel features hand-crafted, custom-designed furniture, Frette Italian bedding and linens, and Mistral bath products alongside staple accommodations.

Fit to accommodate a range of needs, the first floor of the hotel offers social event space and meeting space in the Executive Conference Room. Additionally, state of the art equipment is accessible 24/7 in the hotel’s Fitness Center, and The Ivey’s Library Lounge breakfast serves guests freshly baked pastries and locally brewed coffee.

Positioned at the center of Charlotte’s central business district and entertainment zone, guests have access to dozens of opportunities to explore the city right outside the front door, before returning back to the luxurious lodgings at the Ivey’s Hotel.

Boutique Luxury Hotel • 127 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC • 704-228-1111 • theiveyshotel.com • info@theiveyshotel.com

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IN DEX Allen’s Jewelers ......................................34 Amina Rubinacci ....................................22 Arcadia ...................................................31 Avocet Properties.................................. 119 Bedside Manor.........................................91 Blackhawk Hardware............................. 79 BlueRidgeMountainClub........................15 Bruce Julian ............................................85 CadenzaGranite&Marble.....................125 CarolinaSculpsure.................................69 Chetola ...................................................117 Clark Hall Doors .....................................99 Classic Attic ..........................................122 CleanCatch..............................................81 Cococo Home .........................................101 Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas....... 23 Cottingham Chalk Hayes ........................45 Couture Knots .........................................61 Craft Growler Shop .................................85 David’s LTD ...............................................2 Diamonds Direct ......................Back Cover Donald Haack.......................................... 37 Dwell Nova ..............................................10 Elite Design Group ..................................93 Engel & Volkers .......................................65 Fahrenheit ..............................................12 Ferguson Gallery ...................................103

Gerrard Builders ....................................28 Global Restaurant ...................................81 Good’sHomeFurnishings.......................97 GrandeCustomHomes............................47 Grandfather Homes ................................55 Hampton Inn & Suites ...........................117 Hearth And Patio ...................................90 Infinity MedSpa ......................................64 InsightAutomation.................................43 Ivey’s Hotel ..............................................53 J. Landon .................................................89 Jas Am Luxury Homebuilders .................51 KBN Interiors .........................................94 Kingswood Homes ..................................41 Lake Norman Realty ...............................49 Lauren Nicole Designs ...........................67 Le Meridien ...........................................115 MajesticBath...........................................95 Meredith Jackson Jewelry Boutique ......44 Metrolina Auto Group ...............................6 Movement Mortgage ...............................63 Myron Greer ..........................................127 NestlewoodRealty..................................57 NewLifeBuildingSupplies....................123 NewOld..................................................163 Noble Food Pursuits ................................75 Oasis Pools Plus .....................................105

Be our guest.

Plan your next getaway, and experience a fun-filled stay packed with amazing amenities, including complimentary access to the Charlotte Athletic Club, as well as fine dining and much more!

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

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Omni Hotels & Resorts ..........................162 Picture House .........................................27 PiedmontTownCenter............................77 Pink Hanger ............................................34 PizzeriaOmaggio....................................83 Premier Sotheby’s ....................................8 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase ......................32 RK Motors Charlotte ...............................19 Remax Exclusive ......................................4 Rug Culture ...........................................127 Sally’s Optical Secrets ..........................121 Satin MedSpa ..........................................24 SchieleMuseum.....................................118 Sea Level .................................................83 Simonini .................................................59 Sporting Gent ..........................................35 Stickley Audi & Co. ................................52 Taylor Richards & Conger ......................26 Technocom ...........................................127 The Swag ................................................115 Theory Design Studio .............................36 Toccare ...................................................69 Umstead Hotel and Spa ...........................25 Walker Zanger ........................................21 WindsorJewelers....................................17 Wine & Tapas Week ................................73

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