QC Exclusive - No. 13 - Oct / Nov 2013

Real Sustainability Wildlife Watercolors Pioneer Springs Ends Nature Deficit Disorder At Lucky Clays Farm

By Gary Palmer

QCEXCLUSIVE Charlotte’s Guide To The Good Life

Vol. 2 No. 6 Oct/Nov 2013

|

QCExclusive.com

Repurposed For Your Dream Home Williams Knife Co. Blades Lifestyle Of The Sporting Gent Seven Tasty Recipes For Turkey Day

Georgia, the Labrador Retriever.

An oil painting by Huntersville wildlife artist Ryan Kirby.

Story on p.64

The

Sport & Conservation Issue Charlotte’s most important stewards and conservationists, field guides, luxury sporting destinations, nature schools, sustainable farms and much more.

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He has lived in Charlotte since 1996. Since moving to Charlotte, Chris has lived at four Uptown Charlotte condo developments.

Through his work, Chris is able to follow his passion for the exciting urban lifestyle and use his knowledge of the market. This in turn has caused a natural progression into residential real estate. To no surprise Chris has quickly became a top producing agent.

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 9

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE [LEFT] Brett Barter on a walk about searching for a covey of quail. [RIGHT] JP Grice releasing a trout on Wilson’s Creek.

Near And Dear Whether you have been reading QC Exclusive since our first issue or are picking up the magazine for the very first time, you are likely to notice that we are suckers for any activity or story that gives us an excuse to get out and enjoy the boundless beauty that our great state has to offer. With nearly a 7,000-foot change in elevation starting at sea level in the Coastal Plains of the Atlantic Coast all the way up to 6,684 feet at the summit of Mount Mitchell in The Blue Ridge Mountains on the Westside of the state, North Carolina has one of the most varied climates, altitudes, and topographies of any state East of the Mississippi. The result is a nature lover and sportsman’s paradise that offers a wide range of animal and plant species, varying terrains, and natural resources that beg to be seen and conquered and a myriad of activities to go along with them from hunting, camping and fishing, to hiking, boating, and paddle boarding and many things in between.

Now that we’ve piqued your inner Daniel (or Daniella) Boone and gotten you thinking about your next adventure, you’re probably asking yourself where you should start. Don’t worry, because 10 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

we have got you covered. Over the past few years, and as mentioned earlier, we have been able to use QC Exclusive as a means to experience many of the aforementioned activities, seen some of the state’s most beautiful sights, and along the way have had the distinct honor of meeting a lot of different people from around the region that share our passion for experiencing and preserving the great outdoors as much, if not more, than we do, so much so that they have made it their personal missions to protect, educate, celebrate, and share these great gifts with the masses.

With great eagerness and anticipation, we bring you our first annual “Sporting and Conservation” issue. Our goal with this issue is to introduce you to a wide range of people, places, businesses, and amazing products that all celebrate this lifestyle. Within these pages, you will meet 21 of the region’s most committed conservationists and learn about their causes. As usual, we provide you with an expansive list that highlights some of the most skilled and sought after guides in the Southeast who cover the gambit of outdoor and sporting activities from wing shooting, deer and duck

hunts; flats, trout and off shore fishing; all the way to horse training and stand up paddle boarding tours. If you plan on embarking on one or more of these amazing adventures, you will need to have the right gear and equipment, so you should definitely check out the articles on Charlotte’s newest sporting lifestyle outfitter, The Sporting Gent, or if you don’t find everything you need there, we’ve also handpicked enough sportingthemed products, gear or attire to at least get you looking the part as well.

You will be awed by local artists Ryan Kirby and Gary Palmer’s ability to capture some of nature’s most beautiful subjects and settings through their paintings and illustrations, Jamey Price’s action sports photography, and the beauty and intricacy behind the knives of Chris Williams. Travel writer Andi Perullo takes you on a tour of the Palmetto Bluff, and we give you the low-down on some of the Southeast’s other premier sporting destinations and resorts. From the décor and design side of things, we have a great interview with New Old’s Mary Ludemann on how to utilize repurposed wood in residential construction as well as paying a visit to the uber energy efficient and sustainability-focused Lucky Clays Farm that utilizes solar, wind, and other technologies to reduce its carbon footprint while also providing one of the best clay shooting and instructional shooting ranges in the area.

No QC Exclusive issue would be complete without some great dishes and recipes, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Harper’s chef Jason Swyt cooks up some drool-worthy options for your holiday meal and tells us how to make them.

Hope you all read this issue and are inspired to get out and enjoy all that our great state and region have to offer.

Until next time, Brett Barter Jon-Paul Grice

THE EXCLUSIVES OCT/NOV FEATURES Food & Drink

Conservation

75

82

A THURSDAY FEAST

CAROLINA CONSERVATION

Seven scrumptious recipes that you’ll be thankful for.

Twenty stewards, groups, and conservationists saving our city.

Sporting

Destinations

86

92

FIELD & STREAM AUTHORITIES

THE LAND OF PALMETTOS

Charlotte’s best guides, trainers, captains, and more.

A Bluff with the best of both worlds: amenities and nature.

Photo by Andi Perullo of Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.

Story on pg. 92

12 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

2013

October/November

Publishers’ Note 10 • Information 16 • Inquiries 18 • Credits 20 • Contributors 22 • Eventist 23

31

46

Contents The Good Life 31

Lifestyle

On The Cover Georgia, painted by Ryan Kirby

The Gentleman’s Lifestyle

36

40

44

48

52

Scholar

57

37 of the best fall products including the bar, menswear, books, blades, collars, gear, women’s sport and more.

63

68

72

The Painter

63

92

40

New School

Photography Photo Finish

Sustain

The Luckiest

Handmade

Lowcountry Love

Art

Palmer’s Palette

The Marketplace 75 40

[Design + Style] Ryan Kirby

Repurposed Q&A NewOld

Holiday Table Thanksgiving

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Oct/Nov 2013 Vol. 2 | No. 6 Credits PUBLISHERS Brett Barter Jon-Paul Grice SALES Barb Herd EDITORS Melissa Justice CONTRIBUTORS Melissa Justice Andi Perullo Hade E. Robinson Jr. INTERNS Charlie Bedell McKinnon Galloway PHOTOGRAPHERS Thien La Jamey Price Lunahzon Photography

Feedback We welcome commentary. If you have any comments or questions in regards to any articles featured in the magazine or on our website, QCExclusive.com, please send them to qcexclusive@gmail.com..

20 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

CONTRIBUTORS

RODERICK HAWTHORNE

Melissa Justice

ANDI PERULLO

Roderick is a professional stylist working with celebrities across the country. His styles have been featured in several national and international magazines.

A displaced Yankee, Melissa has learned to relax after having worked in the public sector. Now, she sits lazily reading, writing, and drinking ice tea.

Andi is a Chinese Medicine Doctor/ Travel Photojournalist who explores the world. Follow her travels on her blog at MyBeautifulAdventures.com..

JAMEY PRICE

HADE E. ROBINSON JR.

traci zeller

Jamey is a Charlotte sports photojournalist specializing in anything that moves fast, from horseracing to car racing. You can see all of Jamey’s photos at JameyPricePhoto.com.

Hade has been featured in every major publication in the Charlotte area. Hade is manager of the personal styling department at Nordstrom in South Park and has impeccable taste.

Traci is known for her sophisticated mix of classic and modern pieces.

She developed her refined aesthetic through years of extensive travel. Visit her website at TraciZeller.com.

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EVENTIST OCT/NOV 2013

EDITO R’S

PICK

Live and Let Die: A symphonic Tribute to Paul McCartney - 11/15-11/16/13 - The look-alike and veteran of the Broadway hit Beatlemania, Tony Kishman performs with a four piece band and the Charlotte Symphony dozens of Paul McCartney and Beatles’ hits. | www.charlottesymphony.org

Bachtoberfest: Bach & Beer 10/25/13 - Come celebrate Oktoberfest listening to the Charlotte Symphony playing music composed by German greats: Bach, Wagner, Schubert, and Mozart. There will be a pre-concert festival and free beer samples.

• www.charlottesymphony.org

Michael Buble 10/26/13 - The Canadian vocalist, songwriter, and actor will perform at the Time Warner Cable Arena this October 26th. You won’t want to miss this great performance by three-time Grammy Award winner.

• www.timewarnercablearena.com

Spirits of Rosedale 10/25-10/26/13 - Come take a night tour of Rosedale Plantation, a 200 year old historical home built on lands once inhabited by Native Americans.

This Halloween is the perfect time to learn about the spirits who once lived and died of “tragic epidemics, insanity, greed, and even the hope of freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Tours are held every 15 minutes starting at 6:30 pm with the last tour at 8:30 pm.

• www.historicrosedale.org

Midtown Men 11/1-11/2/13 - The cast of Jersey Boys brings some of your 1960’s favorites to life. Hits by the Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, Motown, and many more will get your feet tapping and your face smiling. Mark your calendar now.

• www.charlottesymphony.org RK Motors Collector Car Auction 11/1-11/3/13 - RK Motors Collector Car Auction brings nearly 500 of the

“finest classic and high performance cars” to the Charlotte Convention Center. Dealers and private collectors are invited and many from around the world will attend. General admission tickets are available for purchase. You can preview the • www.rkmcca.com Spain for the Holidays 11/2/13 - Chef Briggs of Blue Restaurant & Bar has created a scrumptious menu featuring dishes from “Spain, France, Greece, Sicily, Italy, and Morocco.”

• www.bluecharlotte.com Timeless Modernism 11/6/13 - Examples of furniture by iconic designers of the 1930s are highlights of the exhibition Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at

EVENTIST

OCT/NOV 2013

The musical is filled with magical creatures both good and bad, a Witch Queen, a regal King, and four children who discover the hidden doorway into Narnia, a wonderful play for both children and adults.

• www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org Sympathy for the Devil 11/10/13 - A film that illustrates the 1960s in all its revolutionary splendor, Sympathy for the Devil is a documentary that introduces the Black Panthers, Marxists, the Rolling Stones and others.

• www.bechtler.org

EDITO R’S

PICK

Joe Bonamassa - 11/12/13 - Considered one of the “greatest guitar players of his generation,” Bonamassa is an American blues/rock guitarist. He has collaborated with some of the most famous artists in the world including B.B.King, Eric Clapton, Beth Hart, Vince Gill, and Sandi Thom to name but a few. | www.ovensauditorium.com

the World’s Fairs 1851-1939. Many designs remain enormously popular today, and are available through retail establishments such as Design Within Reach. Representatives from the Charlotte Design Within Reach studio will lead an informal discussion in the exhibition galleries about the timeless appeal of modernism.

• www.mintmuseum.org

World of Outlaws Finals 11/7-11/9/13 - Dirt track fans won’t want to miss the 7th annual World of Outlaws World Finals (Sprint Car Series and Late Model series).

• www.charlottemotorspeedway.com Beethoven & Mozart 11/8-11/9/13 - Come enjoy an evening of Beethoven and Mozart. The 26 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Symphony and pianist Finghin Collins will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major and Beethoven’s symphony No. 6 “Pastoral.”

• www.charlottesymphony.org

Tour De Food-Metropolitan 11/9/13 - The Metropolitan on the Greenway is the place to be this day for the Eat-Drink-Walk tour specializing in cuisines prepared by local chefs.

Come meet the chefs and owners who will be creating dishes from Asia, India, Italy, Mexico, and America.

• www.tourdefood.net Narnia 11/9-11/17/13 - The Armour Street Theatre performs The Chronicles of Narnia based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Tiffany At The World’s Fair 11/10/13 - Annamarie V. Sandecki, archivist at Tiffany & Co., New York, examines the participation of Tiffany & Co. at the world’s fairs from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century through stunning examples of jewelry and silver.

• www.mintmuseum.org

Joe Bonamassa 11/12/13 - Considered one of the “greatest guitar players of his generation,” Bonamassa is an American blues/rock guitarist.

Hailing from upstate New York, Bonamassa has collaborated with some of the most famous artists in the world including B.B.King, Eric Clapton, Beth Hart, Vince Gill, and Sandi Thom to name but a few.

Bonamassa loves the blues in America but finds both the British and Irish blues to be very interesting, definitely a show stopper.

• www.ovensauditorium.com Art Fusion: A Journey To India 11/13/13 - Be captivated by the vibrancy of India! View exquisite saris and discover the diversity of Indian art and culture with the India Association of Charlotte. Participate in hands-on activities inspired by traditional Warli painting and Indian woodblock printing.

EVENTIST

OCT/NOV 2013

now known as the Brick House Tavern on 209 Delburg St. You will wonder through town stopping at several different restaurants where you will sample the town’s cuisine specializing in farm fresh foods.

• www.tourdefood.net

A Thanksgiving Feast 11/16/13 - Come to Harper’s Restaurant for some “hints, tips, and tricks” on cooking a great Thanksgiving dinner.

• www.harpersgroup.com Turkey Talk 11/16/13 - It’s almost Thanksgiving and the Charlotte Nature Museum helps you learn all there is about the Turkey. This is a fun filled event for the entire family.

• www.charlottenaturemuseum.org

OR’S EDIT

PICK

Beethoven & Mozart - 11/8-11/9/13 - Come enjoy an evening of Beethoven and Mozart. The Symphony and pianist Finghin Collins will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major and Beethoven’s symphony No. 6 “Pastoral.”| www. charlottesymphony.org

Enjoy classical and Bollywood dance performances by Anokha Dance Company; then explore the influences of Indian art in Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, 1851 - 1939. A must for all of Charlotte’s art enthusiasts.

• www.mintmuseum.org “History of the Eagles” Tour 11/15/13 - The iconic band, The Eagles, plays Time Warner Cable Arena. This is a must see event for the classic Rock N’ Roll enthusiast.

• www.ticketmaster.com

Live and Let Die: A symphonic Tribute to Paul McCartney 11/15-11/16/13 - The look-alike and veteran of the Broadway hit Beatlemania, Tony Kishman performs 28 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

with a four piece band and the Charlotte Symphony dozens of Paul McCartney and Beatles’ hits.

• www.charlottesymphony.org

Tour De Food- NoDa 11/16/13 - Come to the North Davidson Art District and explore the area while walking through the neighborhood.

Meet the chefs and owners of the local establishments while sampling foods, brews, fine wines, and pastries. The tour begins at the Heist Brewery in the Highland Mill.

• www.tourdefood.net Tour De Food –Davidson 11/16/13 - If you want to experience a quaint little town and all it has to offer, then sign up for a tour of Davidson.

The tour starts at the Old Cotton Mill,

Adventure in Space 11/16/13 - For all ages, this show takes you to galaxies far, far away. Space has never been this interesting before.

Music from Star Wars, E.T., Superman, and “Planets” will accompany you on this fabulous journey.

• www.charlottesymphony.org

Henry Frye, NC’s First African American Chief Justice 11/17/13 - Pulitzer-prize winning writer Howard Covington, author of a new biography of Henry Frye, talks with the pioneering African American attorney and judge.

• www.museumofthenewsouth.org Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” 11/22-11/23/13 - Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” will be performed by the Charlotte Symphony and the Oratorio Singers.

• www.charlottesymphony.org If you would like to list an upcoming event in our “EVENTIST” section in a future issue of QCExclusive Magazine please send your event information to QCExclusive@gmail.com.

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THE GOOD LIFE

The Gentleman’s Lifestyle Marc Williams opened Charlotte’s newest clothier and outfitter, The Sporting Gent, to preserve the sporting lifestyle in the Queen City.

Photos by Lunahzon | by Jon-Paul Grice

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL Lifestyle • p.32 | Scholar • p.36 | Photography • p.40 | Sustainability • p.44 | Handmade • p.48 | Artist • p.52

THE GOOD LIFE

LIFESTYLE

after it’s already taken off.

They couldn’t have hit the nail more squarely on the head.” His mission was to “create a shop unlike any other in the area, to make it a staple of the community and to continually support and preserve the sporting lifestyle,” explains Williams.

The Sporting Gent embodies a particular school Clockwise from left: Just outside of Toronto, learned a lot, and the rewards Marc Williams stands of thought. “Our shop’s brand, our in his new shop: The off the shores of Lake Sporting Gent. Makers were plenty. But he wasn’t story if you’d like,” says Williams, “is Mark bow ties. Hardy Ontario, one of the oldest entirely fulfilled. about embodying the lifestyle from & Company. Leather belts by luxury brand mountain ranges in the With his passion for the the field to the dinner table. Whether Over And Under. world crumples up at the outdoors tugging him in you’re pursuing game or the fairer horizon. There atop the Laurentian a direction that was foreign and a sex, being a gent is paramount in Mountains’ ridges and below in its little bit frightening, Williams had an every aspect of your life. I see it as shadowed valleys, Marc Williams and epiphany: it was time to get back to his our mission to support that school most of his family spent their time. The roots. “I had the idea bouncing around of thought in the best way we can. area is an outdoorsman’s paradise; its in my head for a while, and I felt the At the end of the day, we believe our fauna and flora abundant. This is where time was right for a new adventure,” customers are the personification of Williams found his love for the great says Williams. He decided to take a the brand.” outdoors, where his respect for the chance and sunk his lifesavings into Since the inception of the store, sportsman’s lifestyle was discovered.

The Sporting Gent, a new Charlotte Williams’s active involvement in the And this admiration has been with him retail store focused on the best of sporting lifestyle has been curtailed. ever since.

Southern gentlemen sportswear, gear, His days are busy, and he has little Nearly a decade ago, an opportunity and outfitting services. time to play outside. “But,” he says, with NASCAR brought Williams south A relative newcomer to the retail “I personify the lifestyle through the to Charlotte. Almost immediately he world, Williams’s learning curve skill and knowledge I learned as a embraced the culture and lifestyle of was “sharp and steep.” “I leaned on boy when my mother’s family, uncles, the region, adopting his own proverb: my previous experience and and grandfather took me to For more information “I’m not Southern by birth, but worked a lot of long days,” the mountains of Canada. about The Sporting and Marc’s story Southern by choice.” While working in he says. “Someone told me Gent My fondest memories are visit them online at the motorsports industry, specifically that opening a retail store TheSportingGent.com from fishing for rainbows, strategy branding and PR, Williams is like building an airplane hunting for snow hare in

J

32 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 33

THE GOOD LIFE

LIFESTYLE

“Our shop’s brand, our story if you’d like,” says Williams, “is about embodying the lifestyle from the field to the dinner table. Whether you’re pursuing game or the fairer sex, being a gent is paramount in every aspect of your life.” the dead of winter and chasing after wild turkeys and dove.

My respect and appreciation for the outdoors, I gained from my father, a proponent of conservation. It’s important to me to carry that on today.”

The casual apparel brands, sporting brands and gear sold at The Sporting Gent embody the sportsman’s lifestyle.

Williams carries some of the best names in the business from Southern Proper, Southern Marsh, and Bird Dog Bay to McAlister, Sebago, Beretta, and Woolrich. You can find everything from classic cotton tees to bow ties and sports coats. Besides clothing, The Sporting Gent sells duck calls turned by local waterfowlers, spectacular fly rods from Hardy & Company of England, and Williams Knife Co. knives made in South Carolina. He has compiled a long laundry list of must-have brands and with offerings like Beretta, Hardy, and Drake he has taken the first step in making the Sporting Gent an absolute staple.

New to the store but not to the world is work by award 34 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

winning wildlife artist Ryan Kirby. Williams is proud his shop will be the exclusive gallery to house Kirby’s art.

“Ryan has an insane amount of natural talent. I’m very excited about our partnership and look forward to helping promote him,” says Williams. “We have also established an incredible partnership with John Burrell and High Adventures Company. John owns and operates some of the finest lodges in the world. From 40,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in Louisiana to ranches in Patagonia, there is simply no finer outfitter in the world.” Besides John Burrell and High Adventures Company, Williams is working on developing relationships with several local fly fishing guides to offer guided trips to all of his customers.

The Sporting Gent, no longer Williams’s dream - but a reality - guarantees to introduce you to the sporting lifestyle of the Southern gentlemen. Stop by The Sporting Gent to shop for the finest brands or to just wax poetic about everything sporting.

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PH: 704.366.7272 [ follow us: PinkHangerOnline.com 2935 Providence Road, Suite 103 [ Charlotte, NC 28211 Mon–Fri 10 am to 6 pm | Sat 11 am to 6 pm | Sun 1 pm to 5 pm

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 35

THE GOOD LIFE

New School

Pioneer Springs Community School is changing the way children learn, and the kids love it.

by Melissa Justice

I

In North Mecklenburg County, there sits a historic landmark, the Croft Schoolhouse. First opened in 1890 to serve the children of the Croft community--a rich, flourishing agricultural and railroad district--it soon became too small for the growing population. Building a new school meant abandoning the old. Today, the Croft Schoolhouse is once again open for business as home to the Pioneer Springs Community School, established

by Abigail Jennings, President of Lake Norman Realty.

Struggling to find a school that fit her daughter and coming up short, Jennings decided to start one. The Pioneer Springs Community School is based on Basic core principles and the philosophy that children are nature deprived. Not a medical condition, but classified as ‘nature deficit disorder,” humans have become alienated from nature due to an over reliance on technology, such as video games, television, and computers. Technology keeps children indoors, whereas outdoors, children can run and play, free to explore and learn at immeasurable rates.

The school’s philosophy is based on the teachings of innovator Ernest Boyer of the Carnegie Institute. Not a new philosophy, Boyer based education on community of schools, character, climate, and connection. Character and community promotes a vision of unity where teachers are leaders and parents are partners. Climate allows for optimal learning. The student to teacher ratio is small allowing for

36 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

SCHOLAR

“These simple, realistic, and basic principles the school lives by allows for happier children and teachers. The children find their passion at a young age and that is what we want them to do—to get excited,”

more one-on-one time. A sense of classes meet once a week; however, trust is built between the two allowing they are integrated into the curriculum for heightened learning. Connection daily. At the beginning of the year, each concerns the teachers and how they class develops a creed which the class love and value each student even if the then follows. “Thus far we have two child acts out. classes with a long waiting list,” says The curriculum covers Math, Reading Jennings. There is a kindergarten class (emphasis on phonetic and syntax and a 1st/2nd grade class. We plan on awareness), Writing (Handwriting adding a grade per year until we reach Without Tears, a developmentally 12th grade.”

-based handwriting program Students do not sit at desks.

Clockwise from top left: that pays attention to the child Laura They work in cooperative Mock - Director, Erin McDonald - Asas a whole), plus Connect sistant learning groups at tables.

Director, Abigail Jennings, Financial Grades are based on standards classes: music, art, PE, nature, Director, Mary Mix and Spanish. The Connect rather than letter grades. “If Lead Educator

THE GOOD LIFE

SCHOLAR

“We don’t want to force what we believe the child should be; rather, we want to create an environment to where we support what the child already is inside.”

you put a letter on the top of a student’s paper, lots of them think they’re done, but you’re never done learning,” says Laura Mock, Director of the school.

“This system is one of the most difficult; you’ve got to be observant.

We teach holistically which means we involve the whole child: emotional, social, and physical well-being.”

Development of the core is an important aspect of the holistic teaching. With strength comes agility, coordination, a heightened level of focus that leads to a synthesis of information. It also aids in handwriting skills. In the morning, you can find the children outside doing planks, crab walks, the Reebok slide, or a short form of mountain climbing. Nature is an important part of Pioneer Springs Community Schools. “There is no pigeon-holing of students,” says Mock.

“No sterile environment.” Outdoors, the children learn to observe and 38 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

experience science first hand. They make natural tipis, learn how to put two pieces of wood together to form stabilizers, and discover a world that can’t be found in a typical classroom.

“Because of the pond, they learn that polliwogs live in water and are amphibians that turn into frogs,” says Mock. “The chickens we have teach all sorts of things, such as air dynamics, wing strength, flight and this leads to other discoveries and more learning.”

“These simple, realistic, and basic

principles the school lives by allows for happier children and teachers. The children find their passion at a young age and that is what we want them to do—to get excited,” says Mock. As teachers, we don’t want to force what we believe the child should be; rather, we want to create an environment to where we support what the child already is inside. That’s really what it’s all about.”

For more information go to www.pioneersprings.org.

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 39

THE GOOD LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo Finish It should come as no surprise that one of the country’s best motorsports photographers is from a place so enamored with race day. by Jon-Paul Grice

J

JaMEY PRICE, Award winning photoGRAPHER, was born and raised here in Charlotte.

His interest in photography was not his life’s first aspirations; although his love affair with the camera eventually won out. Price has always had an affinity for speed, action, and risk. Growing up near the farms of South Charlotte, Price got his fix racing on real horsepower: steeplechase thoroughbreds. He has ridden and won at some of the most competitive tracks in the south. In college at Centre in Danville, Kentucky, Price filled his need for speed by swimming competitively. In between long training days that started at the rooster’s crow and usually consisted of five hard miles in the pool, Price studied International Relations and History.

However, he eventually discovered that was not what he was going to spend his life doing. Influenced by both of his grandmothers who worked as professional photographers, Price says his “eye came naturally. I was given my first proper camera for my 21st birthday.” At Centre, he put that camera to use working for the college newspaper: the proverbial bottom rung of the photography ladder.

There he started to hone his natural photography ability.

In 2008, after realizing photography was truly in his blood, he decided to pursue the craft professionally. However, he didn’t want to go the traditional route of most photographers. He had no interest in wedding photography, studio work, or events. Instead he wanted to pursue the competitive field of motorsports.

Since the age of 11, Price has been an an avid Formula One fan. To a young child, these races were not only “fast” but “colorful.” “The places they raced were exotic and exciting. It was just different to anything I had seen on TV before,” explains Price. The fact that Formula One races use open-wheeled, single-seat race cars with the best drivers in the most powerful and technically advanced cars appealed to him. His love for F1 only grew when he was able to see and hear the cars in person at his first race in 2005: the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Now, nearly a

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40 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

THE GOOD LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHY

“FORTUNATE.”

decade later, he spends much of his time behind the lens, ear to juggle on a race weekend,” says Price. plugs in to drain out the shrill of 210 miles per hour, finger on Besides the thrill of photographing Formula One races, the trigger of his Nikon D3s, capturing world-class images at Price also loves capturing the images of NASCAR, travel phothe best tracks around the globe. tography, portraits, and more. “I get to see a lot of amazing Price has worked hard to get to where he is today; very places while capturing a little bit of it on film,” says Price. His hard. He started out photographing small events at local dirt racing photography has taken him to exotic locations all over tracks in North Carolina and Kentucky. His first photo shot the world including Spain, Switzerland, England, Italy, and with credentials was at a lawn mower race. After shooting Canada as well as many spots around the USA including the at small venues for a while, Price finally got up the nerve and infamous Pike’s Peak. His most recent F1 experience took spent his own money to head to The Monaco Grand place on the island country of Singapore, a perClockwise from top left: Prix to prove that he was good enough to shoot fect setting that featured a dramatic skyline and F1 race in Singapore.

Ducati at Pike’s Peak. sports photography at one of the highest levels. “I breathtaking lighting. All of this sounds great, but Sunrise at Pike’s Peak spent that whole weekend with my eye through Hill Climb. Pit stop at F1 according to Price, “If you hate air travel, this is not race in Barcelona. the viewfinder,” says Price. But it paid off. the job for you. But I don’t mind it. I enjoy traveling The work is challenging and the days run long. Most race and exploring, everyone I meet, and I’m just really fortunate weekends go from 6am -11pm, sometimes even longer. The that people find my work valuable enough to ship me around longest race Price has covered was 12 hours at Sebring. The the globe.” day starts with “wake up at 4am, then a photo meeting at “Fortunate.” That’s the way Price looks at life, just as he 6am, followed with morning warm up around 8am and then should. Being a professional photographer allows him to exthe race starts at 10am. For the next 12 hours you’re shootpress himself as the unique artist he is through the sport ing the race, running and walking around jostling for posihe loves. We should all be so lucky and so driven. For more tion, sitting in the hot sun, lugging heavy gear, all while doing information or to book Jamey for sports photography, porthe job to the best of your ability. It’s not easy. There’s a lot traits, or other interests please visit JameyPricePhoto.com.

42 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

THE GOOD LIFE

SUSTAIN

For information visit luckyclaysfarm.com

The Luckiest Judy Carpenter’s love of the land combined with her love of shooting has produced the ultimate dream: Lucky Clays, one of the largest sustainable farms in the state.

Judy Carpenter’s father started NaCarpenter’s love of shooting didn’t tional Welders Supply Company out start until she was 27 years old. “Someof the trunk of his car during World one left a box of shotgun shells in my War II. Her diapers were changed on car,” says Carpenter. “I took them to the boxes of welding rods, and she grew office to a co-worker who shot trap and up around welding. Following in her skeet and told him to take them. Infather’s footsteps, Carpenter worked stead, he said, ‘you should try shooting her way through the ranks learning them yourself.’ So, I did.” every aspect of the business until she The co-worker took Carpenter to the finally became Chairman of the Board.

Charlotte Gun Club where she tried Searching for her dream, she sold her shooting some hand thrown targets company in 2006 and started Lucky she hit about half - a good number for Clays Farm, a privately owned farm a first attempt. “I was hooked,” says that strives towards sustainable living Carpenter. “The next week I went to while also providing a Conference CenHyatt’s Gun Shop and purchased a 12 ter where corporate meetings and reGauge Remington 870 Pump with a treats are held, and activities are Clockwise from left: 30” barrel and a full choke for The largest private, centered on shooting trap, sport- residential renewable shooting trap.” Over time, Carenergy system in NC. ing clays, fishing, hiking, and enpenter became an award-winFounder, Judy Carpenter. Lucky Clays’ aquaponics system. joying the great outdoors. ning trap and field shooting ex44 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

pert and Olympic level clay shooter, but her love of the land combined with her love of shooting produced the ultimate dream: one of the largest sustainable farms in the state.

Lucky Clays Farm is located in Norwood, NC and is about 472 acres. The farm is run by a staff of people who work and love the land. Renewable designs help with conservation and sustainability. “It’s important to take a holistic approach where all things work together and have a tradeoff with other parts.” The low impact design conserves nature and sustains itself.

The solar array and wind turbine system produce nearly 60% of the farm’s annual electricity. “Once the batteries get topped off, the rest of the power is sold back to the power company,” says

THE GOOD LIFE

SUSTAIN

“It’s important to take a holistic approach where all things work together and have a tradeoff with other parts.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

[TOP] Lucky Clays state-of-the-art conference center is the perfect location for a business retreat.

[BOTTOM] Judy Carpenter sits with her dog in one of Lucky Clays world-class cabins.

Carpenter. “The rain water that comes off the roof and the immediate parking area at the cabin is diverted to an 8,000 gallon cistern where it is then used to irrigate the plants and grass.”

Other sustainable initiatives are routinely practiced. “For example the main cabin was built following the LEED process for homes. We have qualified for gold status, but are waiting for our paperwork to be reviewed by the Green Building council,” says Carpenter. The cabin’s floors are made from recycled river wood retrieved 46 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

from the Cape Fear River while the old barn wood used is all repurposed.

The farm already features solar panels, a wind turbine, and an aquaponic system that is thriving, and is currently looking to add solar panels to two more buildings in the near future. Their aquaponics system is very interesting, allowing an aquaculture for raising aquatic animals, as well as a hydroponic bed for growing vegetation. “We raise fresh water shrimp, and grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. We’re very excited

6

72

10

Millions of homes in the U.S. that solar currently powers.

Millions of gallons of oil that wind turbines save us a year.

Percent of water aquaponics saves compared to traditional farming.

to have just received a grant allowing us to raise tilapia, a non-native fish to North Carolina,” says Carpenter.

Corporate meetings and retreats will be the main function of Lucky Clays Farm. The event coordinator will work with the company to develop a program that best suits their teambuilding needs. “We have done retreats with a few small to medium groups and these have been fantastic” says Carpenter. “We can handle larger groups, but there are some limits to the number of people that we can have at the farm.”

When it comes to shooting, Carpenter is adamant. Trap and sporting clay are the only shooting programs allowed on the farm. Hunting is not permitted.

There are many things to enjoy besides shooting--two stocked ponds with bass, catfish, brim, and other fish, 347 acres of trails to hike and mountain bike, and pet-friendly cottages with large porches and beautiful views to enjoy. It truly is a nature and shooting paradise.

For further information on Lucky Clays Farm go to www.luckyclaysfarm.com

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 47

THE GOOD LIFE

HANDMADE

ever, and I can look back at work from as recent as a few months ago and see that I am continually getting a little bit better with each knife,” he says.

Williams spends a lot of time in his shop but doesn’t consider it a job; he enjoys it far too much. As for the types of knives he creates, Williams crafts a variety, starting with the fillet knife. He “cut his teeth on those and then moved into hunting and skinning knives.” “A Listening to the words of his grandfather, Chris Williams of real quest of mine,” explains Williams, Williams Knife Co., does what he loves to do for a living - make “was finding a way to design an oyster knives - and he does it at the highest of levels. knife good enough to sustain the rigors

by Melissa Justice of shucking.” His Edisto Oyster Knife was the end result, and through trialand-error finally reached his high exrowing up in the Lowgrinding on a crude blade or putting a pectations. country was like grownew handle on an Old Hickory he just To date, he has ventured into the cuing up in a “wondercouldn’t part with, fascinated me,” says linary scene, and although not a cook, land,” explains Chris Williams. As a result, Williams became Williams considers a “great knife the Williams of Williams intrigued with making things. “Being key to a productive kitchen.” A knife Knife Co. Originally an avid outdoorsman, I naturally gravimust be “functional first. That’s the from Statesville, North tated to the main tool used afield…the hard part. Making them pretty is the Carolina, Williams and knife,” explains Williams. As a young easy part,” he says. his family moved to the coast and now child, Williams often would take things Loving what he does, Willive in James Island, South Carolina. His apart, see how they worked, [LEFT] Chris Williams of Williams Knife co. liams doesn’t classify himself knife making shop - home to some of and build “stuff to play with.” sitting in his workshop admiring a new as a craftsman or artist, but as the most well-constructed blades monWilliams used this natural creation. [RIGHT] A Williams Knife Co. a knifemaker. “I pour tons of ey can buy - is located on nearby Johns talent, and without attendEdisto Oyster Knife. time and effort into my knives, Island, just miles from the peninsula of ing school for knife making, the end product showing - I hope - that Charleston. learned the trade solely by watching fact,” says Williams.

As a young boy, Williams became inhis Grandfather. “It was very much triThere are many components to makterested in creating. “Watching my al-and-error, and looking back it was a ing knives. From the design to the grandfather in his shop, whether lot more error. I am no master whatso-

Lowcountry Love

G

48 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Redefining comfort food in Charlotte.

THE GOOD LIFE

“If you do what you love, Chris, you will never work a day in your life.”

- Words of wisdom we should all live by from Grandfather Williams to his grandson, Chris.

tool he thinks would be useful to the Knife Co. knife varies too from as little rigorous steps taken to get to the end as $250 to upwards of $1000. Howproduct. “Our process is a nice mix of ever, no matter what kind of knife he’s very modern, state-of-the-art machinmaking, Williams executes all of them, ery with lots of simple hand tools and from the “small entry level paring knife hand working,” says Williams. Clockwise from top left: to the showpiece Damascus Chris polishing the “I love consistency, and I feel steel blades with the same exblade.Finished fillet the process each knife travels and oyster knives. Fin- act attention to detail.” When ishing the knife handle. through in its life cycle guarcreating every knife, Williams Williams Knife Co. Edisto Oyster Knife. antees that [consistency] at its always imagines making that end. Nothing leaves my shop that does particular knife for his own personal not meet every high quality standard collection. That keeps the high stanthat I insist each knife must have.” dard and integrity of all of his blades The length of time it takes to make a very much the same. Ironically, Wilknife depends on the type. Some take liams owns very few knives. But, the as little as two weeks. Others may take ones he does own, just like the knives over a year, but the average is 30-60 he makes for all of his customers, are days. The price range for a Williams based on good design, a precise at-

HOW TO SHUCK AN OYSTER

STEP 1 Fold a towel, and use it to securely hold the oyster.

With the hingeside of the oyster pointed towards you, push the blade of the oyster knife into the the crack of the hinge and down into the wide, deep part of the oyster. When the knife is firmly in, twist the knife blade it until you hear it open.

50 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

tention to detail, and a 100% ironclad guarantee that the experience will be a good one.

Williams’s knifemaking has received attention from Garden & Gun Magazine where in 2011 his Edisto Oyster Knife won the “Made in the South” Overall Award. His work has been featured in numerous magazines from Esquire to The South and The Local Palate; however, Williams recalls one of his most humbling achievements to date - getting to make knives for his good friend Davis Love III to gift to his team and captains at the 2012 Ryder Cup. “It was both an honor and a great experience.

Admiring Davis’ goodwill towards both golf fans and outdoorsmen, and being able to help him with this project was an amazing journey,” says Williams.

All the attention Williams has received for his exceptional skills is wonderful, but at the end of the day Williams knows that in truth it is the customer who affords him the opportunity to “chase this dream” of his.

And as he chases this dream, he heeds to his grandfather’s advice, words we should all live by: “If you do what you love, Chris, you will never work a day in your life.” For more information, visit williamsknife.com. Williams Knife Co. is now available in Charlotte, NC at The Sporting Gent on Selwyn Avenue.

STEP 2 Feel for the muscle that holds the oyster to its shell. Run the blade of the knife against the top of the oyster shell and rotate the oyster away from you until all of the oyster meat is detached from the shell.

STEP 3 Loosen the meat of the oyster, and be sure to check for any leftover shells, sand, etc. Serve immediately with a little lemon, horseradish, or hot sauce on the side. Crackers go well, too.

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 51

THE GOOD LIFE

ARTIST

Palmer’s

Palette

Gary Palmer’s art speaks for itself and its subjects.

His pieces portray the beauty of our most invaluable resources, riches that so many in the Carolina’s truly appreciate, respect, and protect: the outdoors and its wildlife.

by Jon-Paul Grice

A

s an Adjunct Professor teaching Illustration at UNC Charlotte, Gary Palmer works hard. His mission is to “convert at least some [of his students] from the ever popular Japanese sci-fi comic book art to real traditional hand drawn illustration.”

Aside from working in watercolor, Palmer enjoys other mediums, such as oil, pastel, acrylic, and scratchboard.

He has even started combining digital illustration with traditional illustration.

“I try to mix it up,” says Palmer. “I get bored working in the same medium all the time, so I’m always looking for the opportunity to do something different.

One of the main reasons for the longevity of my career [is my] ability to solve visual problems with a style that works best.”

By the time Palmer turned twelve, he discovered his artistic side and used it to impress the girls. “But,” he says, “they soon tired of drawings of dragsters and superheroes, so I was forced to

52 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

consider more appropriate subject matter, like animals and flowers—you do what you’ve got to do.”

Although Palmer spent a great amount of time as a child traveling and living in a variety of locales, he still considers south Alabama home. “Dad was career Army, so we lived all over the US, as well as spending three years each in France, Germany, and Key West,” says Palmer.

After high school, and several stints at traditional colleges, Palmer attended Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida where he received a BFA in Illustration. There he could hone his natural ability. Afterall, “there

is some truth to the idea that artistic people have a natural gift,” explains Palmer. “It’s like most things, the more you do the better you get.”

Having grown up with a dad who was an avid outdoorsman, Palmer embraced camping and fishing. Loving anything to do with the outdoors, his art focused on just that. “It was a natural fit for me. I’ve had a subscription to National Geographic since I was 12, been a scuba diver since I was 16, and I’ve worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service on the Key Deer National Wildlife Preserve,” he says. “I love to fly fish, surf fish, and shoot guns, so what else would I draw!”

THE GOOD LIFE

ARTIST

“But, they [the girls] soon tired of drawings of dragsters, and superheroes, so I was forced to consider more appropriate subject matter, like animals and flowers—you do what you’ve got to do.”

The fresh air, solitude, sports, and wilderness directed his art. “It’s easy to be captivated. What’s hard is doing the research.” Interest in the subject is mandatory, and then a good reference is needed. Although most wildlife and outdoor illustrations are pretty realistic, the artist must be especially careful of stylizing and rendering in a creative manner. “A duck needs to look like a duck, and a deer should look like a deer. You’d be surprised at how detail oriented you need to be; there’s always someone counting the number of feathers on a tundra swan’s wing or noticing the subtle difference between approval for sketches on one job, he’s finishing art for another. Turnaround time a brook trout and a speckled trout,” normally takes two to three weeks from start to finish, but it can take a week says Palmer. “This was of particular or sometimes even less. “As far as the finished art is concerned, it’s kind of like importance when doing all of my eating—I prefer to finish things in one sitting,” explains Palmer. illustrations for the Museum of Natural Palmer’s art speaks for itself and its subjects. His pieces portray the beauty of History; each illustration was checked our most invaluable resources, riches that so many in this state and city truly and rechecked for accuracy.” appreciate, respect, and protect: the outdoors and its wildlife.

The fish is Palmer’s favorite animal As a frequent contributor, you can find his work in WINC magazine and to paint and is also the most difficult. the North Carolina Wildlife calendar, among the pages of Better Homes and Loose and fluid, the fish does Gardens, Traditional Home, Country Gardens and other special interest Gary Palmer’s wildlife watercolors not stand still long enough to publications by Meredith Publishing. His art has been featured in several shown have been featured in the take a good photo or to even children’s books published by Sleeping Bear Press: T is for Tar Heel: a Wildlife In North Carolina magazine sketch, that’s why he often NC Alphabet Book, Wright Numbers: a NC Numbers Book, Net Numbers: and calendar. finds himself at the “Bass Pro a SC Numbers Book and H is for Hook: a Fishing Alphabet Book. Palmer Shop staring at the fish in their 23,000 has also done artwork for the Nature Conservancy, National Park Service, Ducks gallon aquarium” for hours at a time.

Unlimited, NC Museum of Art, NC Zoo, NC Aquariums, Queen’s Cup Steeplechase As a wildlife and outdoor illustrator, and the NC Division of tourism, plus advertising work for Disney, Home Depot, Palmer hasn’t found the time to pursue IBM, Lowe’s and Celestial Seasonings. the gallery route. Instead, he juggles For further information on Gary Palmer and to view his artwork please visit www.garypalmerillustration.com. many different jobs. As he waits on 54 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Fresh New Look. Same Great Location.

The newly renovated Omni Charlotte Hotel blends sophistication with a genuine touch of North Carolina hospitality and welcomes travelers to the most sought-after location in Uptown Charlotte.

Located in the heart of the financial district and just steps from area attractions, the four-diamond Omni Charlotte Hotel is the perfect destination for business and leisure travelers alike. Experience luxurious accommodations, personalized service with our complimentary loyalty program and indulge in bold flavors and unforgettable tastes at the all new Trade Restaurant & Bar.

For more information, call 800-843-6664.

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October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 55

Life

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THE MARKETPLACE BARKEEP Your barware is every bit as important as the tasty libations you open, serve, or drink with them. Afterall, you can’t drink the finest scotch out of an average glass, or serve it in an average decanter. Admit it, it’s time to upgrade and add some soul to your spirits.

Products available at B.D. Jeffries.

Arte Italica’s handsome glass and pewter elk head top decanter and glass.

Stainless steel and alligator skin flask .

Matching pair of stainless steel icescoop and corkscrew features a distinctive antler handle.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE FINEST PRODUCTS Bar • p.57 | Menswear • p.58 | Books • p.58 | Blades • p.59 | Collars • p.60 | Gear • p.60 | Women’s • p.61

THE MARKETPLACE E

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MENSWEAR Classic style is timeless. Instead of spending your time keeping up with the trends, focus on pieces for your wardrobe that will always be in style. These are just a few of Fall’s offerings that will have you looking dapper for years to come.

B D

A) Wool and cashmere English plaid driving cap

by Wigens. B) Brushed cotton twill sport shirt by Mason’s. C) Bi-color camel and chocolate field bag by John Varvatos. D) Short leather boot with gusset by John Varvatos. E) Wool blend sport sock

by Scott Nichol. Products shown available at Taylor Richards Conger.

BOOKS Pick up a good ol’ fashioned book to enjoy. These are some of the best sporting and adventure books out there.

Living In Style - Mountain Chalets - The majesty of architecture and design. Available at B.D. Jeffries.

FlyWater- A fly fishing journey throughout the western United States. Available at B.D. Jeffries.

Open Range - Get culinary tips for field (or farm) to table experiences. Available at B.D. Jeffries.

The Old Man And The Sea - Hemingway’s story of an old fisherman who battles a humongous marlin at sea. Available at Barnes & Noble.

The Longest Silence - With his rod, reels and thoughts, Thomas McGuane takes us around the world to explore fishing. Available at Barnes & Noble.

West With The Night - Beryl Markham tells her story as a bush pilot in Kenya. At Barnes & Noble.

50 Hikes In NC- An in-depth hiking guide for the stunning Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains.

Available at Great Outdoor Provision Company.

58 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

YOUR GUIDE TO THE FINEST PRODUCTS

BLADES Every man needs to own a good knife. Afterall, there are few tools more important and more handy. But not all knives are created equally. These are some of the best blades money can buy.

Semi-Stainless D2 Steel with black tungsten carbide coating, aluminum with box elder burl scale inset on handle by William Henry. Available at Windsor Jewelers.

Handcrafted burl wood steel oyster knife designed by Chris Williams of Williams Knife Co..

Available at The Sporting Gent

Helle Norway Harding.

Traditional barrel hunting knife. Handle is layered by curly birch and walnut separated by leather. Also is furnished with a leather holster.

Available at Great Outdoor Provision Co..

Carved Sterling Silver handle featuring beautiful brain coral inset and a damascus blade

by William Henry.

Available at Windsor Jewelers.

Classic stainless steel blade, titanium handle featuring box elder inset by William Henry. Available at Windsor Jewelers.

October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 59

THE MARKETPLACE

COLLARS When you go to work or out on the town, you want to look your best. The same goes for your pup. So, this fall, give man’s best friend something to smile about with his or her very own stylish neckwear.

A) This classic style meshes striped white and grass green durable fabric with leather. Available at B.D. Jeffries. B)This Over and Under collar is made of finest in the field leather with a gold hook.

Matching leash is available. Available at The Sporting Gent. C) This LED red dog collar is both durable and allows for you to keep track of your pup at night.

Available at Great Outdoor Provision Company.

GEAR Some of the very best trout streams on the East coast are just a short two hour drive from Charlotte; however, you don’t want to make that drive unless you are fully prepared. That means you need the best gear.

C

D

A

B

60 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

A) The Featherweight reel by Hardy is the perfect reel for small brook trout on western North Carolina mountain streams. B) Greys Strata fly fishing vest comes equipped with waterproof pockets, accessory holders, tool tab and fly patch.

C) Hardy camel tote is trimmed in a luggage tan with antique gold buckles. D) Hunter green twopiece six-foot long glass brook rod perfect for small fish on skinny water.

Products shown available at The Sporting Gent.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE FINEST PRODUCTS

Wildlife oil paintings. By Ryan Kirby.

WOMEN’S SPORT Head out into the field in style. These pieces from some of Charlotte’s best purveyors can help you do just that.

Khaki Tilley ventilated hat.

Available at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Richiami scarf is the perfect accessory to a fall vest. Available at Amina Rubinacci.

Distinctive leather gun case. Available at B.D. Jeffries.

Capistrano waterproof distressed leather boot

by Teva.

Available at Great Outdoor Provision Co.

The Damasco vest with scarlet interior pairs perfectly with the Divino L Q. plaid pants. Available at Amina Rubinacci.

October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 61

new old

new old L U X U R Y C U S T O M H O M E S

704-975-5196

| www.newold.com | build@newold.com

DESIGN + STYLE

WILD

Ryan Kirby’s oil paintings exude his passion for the sporting lifestlye and portray his love for nature and its wildlife.

by Brett Barter painting by Ryan Kirby entitled “Posting Up”

YOUR GUIDE TO THE HOME The Painter • p.63 | Repurposed Q&A • p.68 | Seasonality • p.72

DESIGN + STYLE

THE PAINTER

versity in Peoria, Illinois, but it was the “real world work experience that challenged him to grow the most.” Kirby prides himself on “reading a lot, pushing himself to try new techniques and approaches in the studio, in the woods, and in life in general.”

Embracing an identity that is both wildlife artist and hunter suggests a contradiction in terms; however, to Kirby it’s a natural state. Hunting and the outdoors is what he loves and knows best. The two “have been one of the purest, most enjoyable and consistent Ryan Kirby’s oil paintings exude his passion for the sporting things in my life,” he explains. “My dad introduced my brother and me to the lifestlye and portray his love for nature and its wildlife. outdoors at a very young age. My heart lover of the great teacher, Mr. Mullins, first recognized his always skips a beat when a buck steps talent. “When you’re that young and the to the edge of a field in the evening or a outdoors, wildlife teacher asks the entire class to draw a turkey responds to my hen call just over artist Ryan Kirby is picture of a duck, and after you’re done, the crest of a ridge. It’s an unbelievable not only a creator of your duck looks way better than the rest thrill encountering wildlife on their turf. “iconic and rare moof the ducks in the class, you start getting It’s an adrenaline-filled, inspiring thing ments” but also a bow recognized for your ability,” says Kirby. that naturally fuels my art.” hunter. Raised in rural As a result, Kirby’s grandma asked him When Kirby steps into the woods, he’s Hamilton, Illinois near to paint a picture of her black lab. “I was on nature’s time, not his own. He conthe Mississippi River, Kirby was a farm12. That first painting landed siders it a privilege and the boy. “Corn, soybeans, wheat, and plenty Ryan Kirby with his me some commissioned work dog, most pure moments of life. It of wildlife, right out the backdoor of our Georgia, showing off his work and in his painting hunting dogs at the logrounds him. “I can exhale,” house…it was the best way I can imagine Huntersville studio working with the cal hunt club. I spent my sumhe says. “On a November sunfor a kid to grow up,” says Kirby. Now, palette knife. mers bailing hay and painting rise from a deer stand, I realize home is in Cornelius, North Carolina English Pointers and Labs as a that the sun does not rise and fall on my where Kirby resides with his wife, Kim, side job.” schedule and that keeps me grounded… and their black lab, Georgia.

After high school, Kirby studied graphic Hiking to the top of a mountain in the Kirby was just a kid who enjoyed art design and multimedia at Bradley Unipre-dawn during spring, sharing an class in elementary school when his art

A

64 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

DESIGN + STYLE

THE PAINTER

“My heart always skips a beat when a buck steps to the edge of a field in the evening or a turkey responds to my hen call just over the crest of a ridge.

It’s an unbelievable thrill encountering wildlife on their turf.

It’s an adrenaline-filled, inspiring thing that naturally fuels my art.”

[ABOVE] Grandfather Gobbler - oil painting of an Eastern Wild Turkey on a pasture atop a mountain near Boone, NC. [RIGHT] Cupped And Committed - Oil painting of a mallard created using the palette knife; a loose and challenging process.

incredible turkey hunt, telling and recovers the sketch with a light undertelling the tale for years around a camppainting in a single color, normally Burnt fire, these are the great things in life that Sienna, an earthy, red hue that warms the money can’t buy.” overall painting and sets the tone for the Capturing his subjects is a process inrest of the work. Then, it’s just a matter spired by his experiences outdoors. His of executing the rest of the painting. favorite animal to paint is the whiteKirby’s first job was with the National tailed deer because of its power, grace, Wild Turkey Federation in Edgefield, and agility; however, Kirby paints other South Carolina as graphic artist and ilwildlife. “Turkey feathers are tough,” he lustrator. “My career was launched dursays. “They’re very iridescent when light ing this job,” says Kirby, “and it brought hits them and their color changes drame south. The day I left to start my own matically in different types and angles of business was filled with mixed emotion, light.” especially after having been with them Once Kirby has a clear image in his mind, for seven years. They are my friends. I he starts sketching on paper and “culling am honored that they selected my paintreference photos of the animal” he wants ing, Cupped and Committed, to be part of to paint. “It’s important that my work be this year’s banquet art package.” accurate and dead-on,” says Kirby. “My As an avid hunter and wildlife artist, work builds on the canvas. The surface Kirby considers himself a conservationis prepared with a white acrylic gesso. ist. “For some, this is hard to grasp. The Then I do a series of quick paper sketches truth is,” he explains, “hunters are the to make sure I’ve got the anatoultimate conservationists beTo see many of Ryan Kirby’s paintings as my and posture right. Next, I’ll cause they truly love the game well as his step-by-step move over to the canvas and do species they pursue. Hunters’ artistic process visit his beautiful website at a more detailed sketch.” Kirby www.RyanKirbyArt.com dollars do more to fund wild66 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

life conservation work in this country than anything else. Most people overlook that.” But Kirby states it clearly. “A great deal of money I raise goes to support wildlife conservation efforts. I work with and fully support all of them—they play a vital role in protecting our hunting heritage and conserving habitat so that wildlife can flourish.”

Kirby considers himself incredibly blessed by the shared memories with friends, and the bonding that took place between his dad, and his brother. “Hunting has enriched my life in incredible ways. I want my kids and grandkids to grow up with the same opportunities, and I’ll do everything I can in my time on earth to conserve the game species that I pursue so that future generations can enjoy them. I’m proud to know that even in my young career, my work has raised tens of thousands of dollars for wildlife conservations groups.”

For further information and to view Ryan Kirby’s iconic art, visit his website at www.ryankirbyart.com.

DESIGN + STYLE

Q&A

Test Of Time Mary Ludemann of New Old

architectural style, New Old homes all embody period details of the past giving them a warmth and charm unlike other newly built homes. We take this concept a bit further and also like to literally add a bit of the past into each of our homes. We love to use salvaged materials, whether design or structurally based, adding a piece of history to each of our projects.

What types of construction does New Old build?

Mary Ludemann of New Old, an acclaimed Charlotte luxury home builder, talks about the many aspects of the home industry in 2013, and in particular, the topic of repurposed and salvaged material, a sure-tobe staple in the construction of luxury properties for years to come.

What got you started in the construction field?

My father is a builder, and I grew up with my parents building our home and adding on over the years. Troy [her husband] grew up remodeling and updating his parents’ 100 year old farmhouse with his dad. Watching and helping our dads build and remodel fostered a deep love for this craft and created a sense of pride and commitment to quality.

How and why did you start the company, New Old?

We have been building new homes in Charlotte since 2004 of all different architectural styles. But we have always loved old homes; the character and charm of yesteryear’s architecture inspires us. We also love high functioning, well designed spaces. We wanted to create homes that are timeless in their appearance and overall appeal and that are very smartly designed, have livable floor plans and features perfectly fitting the busy 68 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

lifestyles of today. Adding a bit of the past into each of our homes gives them a sense of nostalgia and warmth that isn’t typically found in newer homes. It is important to us that our homes are not in vogue for only a few years, but that they are built with quality and design integrity that will withstand the test of time

What is the goal of New Old?

The goal of New Old is to build charming, high quality, timeless homes that will be loved for generations.

How did you come up with the name New Old, and what does it mean to you?

The New Old concept has been around for a while. It means newly built homes that look like they were built decades or even centuries ago. Unlike their contemporary counterparts, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when they were built. Regardless of their

We build custom homes and also take on a limited number of large scale renovations and additions.

What is the process for a client when they choose to work with New Old?

Initially, we usually sit down over coffee in a very informal setting to evaluate the client’s needs and wishes and see if we’re the right fit. Most importantly, we listen to each client’s goals and expectations, their timeframe, and how they see us bringing their dreams to life. We design most of our homes from scratch, particularly for that family and their lifestyle. Sometimes, clients already have plans, and we can move right into the interior design. We work with our clients throughout the design process, helping them with all selections or working directly with their designers. We are passionate about being a “relationship builder, “ having open communication throughout the home building process and making the build process as enjoyable and fun as possible.

What types of material does New Old use in your construction?

We use natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick in our designs and we like to use salvaged materials where fitting.

October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 69

DESIGN + STYLE

Q&A

Clockwise from top left: Kitchen showcases reclaimed stools, floors, beams, and hood. Reclaimed mantle. Salvaged door used for headboard. Reclaimed floors.

For more information visit www.NewOld.com

What types of homes do you like to build?

We love to build homes with distinct style, architecturally correct details and historical elements. Some of our favorites include American farmhouse, Cottage style, Craftsman, High Country, Low Country, and European influenced.

We know New Old uses repurposed material in your construction, but why?

Does using repurposed material add to the cost?

It depends on the salvaged materials. Antique floors, slate (for roofs), and stone can cost two to three times or more than new growth hardwoods and traditional asphalt roofs. However, salvaged doors, mantles, and more decorative details tend to be of the same of lesser cost. Beams and barnwood are higher priced, but in line with new growth timber of the same quality.

What are your favorite jobs that New Old has done and what aspects do you most like about it? als keeps them out of landfills, which is an earth friendly option.

What kinds of qualities does repurposed material bring to a job?

Repurposed materials bring character, charm, quality & craftsmanship of old to make each home we build uniquely special.

Are your customers asking to use repurposed materials in their projects more and more because of the character it can add to a home?

In our renovations we will often try to save as much as possible, modifying and repainting/finishing cabinetry rather than adding all new and reusing existing windows and doors in new locations if possible. In our new construction, we like to add salvaged vintage materials as much as possible while still keeping with the intended design.

Yes definitely. It’s a design trend that we see continuing to grow. Right now, homeowners are wanting to add vintage details to their home, as well as to do their part to preserve and protect the environment. We encourage our clients to use these salvaged pieces as creative and functional details in their home.

We use salvaged materials for many reasons but most notably because we believe there is no reason to throw a piece out just because it is old. When we started building, we saw the exorbitant amount of perfectly good materials being carted off to landfills and lost forever. We made a commitment to repurpose and reuse as many materials as we possibly could. We find creative new uses for them often in unexpected ways. Using salvaged materials gives home a uniqueness and character that you just cannot find in new materials. And reusing these materi-

According to a Green Building Elements article from 2009, 8000 lbs of waste is generated from a 2000 square foot new construction home. The article states that the EPA has estimated that 40% of the nation’s solid waste comes from construction. We feel we can do our small part by reusing and restoring vintage pieces in our homes, reusing and repurposing construction materials in our renovations and not contribute anymore to the landfills than absolutely necessary.

What is the benefit of using repurposed material?

70 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

What are the environmental benefits of using repurposed and salvaged material?

Our favorite projects happen when homeowners are willing to take a risk and leave their comfort zone by mixing design neutrals with different materials/architectural details to make their home uniquely theirs.

We are passionate about creating a perfect blend of old and new.

Is using repurposed materials a core belief and aspect of New Old and if so why?

We strive to creatively mix repurposed materials with new construction in each of our projects. Our name reflects this philosophy as our core belief in all we do.

What types of repurposed material do you use?

We use reclaimed hardwood flooring, wall paneling, beams, mantles, stone and brick, doors, windows, hand-hewn beams, the list goes on. We source our materials from a variety of local suppliers including Antique Reclaimed Lumber out of Nebo, NC and Crosslands Studios off South Blvd here in Charlotte as well as our client’s attics and cellars and their grandparents’ tobacco barns.

Does it make you feel better to use repurposed materials?

Definitely. Not only is it great for the environment, but we love adding a bit of the past into our builds. It’s always incredible to hear someone say how comfortable and warm our homes feel the minute you walk in. Adding these vintage details fits our personality and design philosophy perfectly.

ADD LIFE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM.

7215 Smith Corners Blvd. (I-77 and Harris Blvd.), Charlotte U 704.597.0718 Complimentary Interior Design Service U stickleyaudi.com

October/November 2013 • @qcexclusive • 71

DESIGN + STYLE

TABLE

Be Thankful Ten tips for an easy, delicious, and beautiful Thanksgiving table.

by Beau Murray

F

all is here, and with the beautiful changing leaves, crisp autumn air, and Sunday football games come the stress of the upcoming holiday season.

Whether you are entertaining family and friends for the first time or the tenth time, the Thanksgiving dinner to-do list can be overwhelming. Rule of thumb is to take one thing at a time, breathe, and pay attention to these ten steps that will make this holiday easy, delicious and beautiful.

• Keep it simple. Try not to stray from the classics. When cooking, less can be more, meaning a recipe doesn’t have to have twenty ingredients and take up four hours of preparation time to be tasty.

• Accept help when asked. Don’t try to tackle everything on your own. If you have a problem giving up control, be specific with what you want your guests to bring. Besides, they asked.

Delegating responsibilities is important and it makes people feel needed and special.

• Extend your invitations a month in advance. This will give you plenty of time to plan accordingly. If you have out of town visitors, make sure you set the boundary for how long they plan on staying. Like my mama always said, “House guests are like fish, after three days they start to smell.” So, keep that in mind.

• Don’t wait until the last minute. It is possible to host Thanksgiving and still be able to entertain and talk to your guests. It’s all in the preparation.

• Don’t have a lot of room? Make room. Be creative. Sometimes your preparation time can be thwarted by a small kitchen.

72 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Your kitchen may be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your study for a temporary dessert station.

• Keep the table clean. A cluttered Thanksgiving table is a sad Thanksgiving table. If you are utilizing courses, use a temporary side table to stack extra plates, silverware, and glasses. Keep your centerpiece small and personal. Use natural props or an heirloom for a homey touch.

• Clean while you go. A mass exodus of guests can leave you with a pile of dishes for days. Start your Thanksgiving with an empty dishwasher and clean a little at a time. Try not to leave dishes piled up in the sink.

• Provide to-go boxes for leftovers to offer your guests. Not only is it thoughtful and appreciated, but it will prevent you from overstuffing your fridge with half-empty bakeware.

• Breathe. Remember what you are celebrating. Remember what you are thankful for and try not to get caught up on the small things.

• Tradition is a key part of a holiday like Thanksgiving. If you and your friends and family don’t have one, then start one this year. Going around the table and saying what you are most thankful for is a great place to start. Play games together or watch football.

Thanksgiving is a joyful holiday full of things us Americans love: tradition, spending time with family and most importantly, eating. There is a lot of eating. Never forget what you are blessed with and the things you are most thankful for.

May your table be beautiful and warm, but more importantly may it be full of love.

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THE EXCLUSIVES

A Thursday Feast

Be prepared for the biggest Thursday of the year thisThanksgiving with seven scrumptious recipes from Chef Jason Swyt of Harper’s.

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURES A Thursday Feast • p.75 | Carolina Conservationists • p.82 | Field & Stream Authorities • p.86 | The Land Of Palmettos • p.92

FOOD & DRINK

A Thursday Feast recipes by Chef Jason Swyt of Harper’s Restaurant

For more information on Harper’s Restaurant or for Harper’s menu please visit www.harpersgroup.com

Herb Rubbed Pork Loin Ingredients: • 4 cups water • 1 tbsp kosher salt • 1 tbsp cup mustard seeds • 2 tbsp cup sugar • 1 tbsp pickling spices • 2 garlic cloves, smashed with side of a large knife • 1 boneless pork loin (2-2.5 lbs.)

Method:

Mix all ingredients well and brine pork loin for 12 to 24 hours.

Ingredients for the rub:

Summer has come and gone, and before we know it family and friends will flood our homes in Charlotte, and beyond with empty stomachs and hearts full of love and Thanksgiving. There is nothing finer than to share our homes and traditions with loved ones.

What better way to show our thanks to them then with the warm comforts of home cooked delicious decadence. Enjoy the recipes shared on the following pages by Chef Jason Swyt of Harper’s Restaurant who so kindly volunteered his secret recipes from his own holiday cookbook.

76 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

• 1 tbsp thyme • 1 tbsp table grind black pepper • 1 tbsp kosher salt • 1 tbsp rosemary • 1 tbsp dried parsley • 1 tbsp sage • 1 tbsp fennel seed (toast for 2-3 minutes at 325 degrees)

Method:

Mix well together. Rub brined pork loin generously. Sear loin on a hot grill, 2 minutes on each side. Place in 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes. Internal temperature should be 145 degrees.

Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

The perfect alternative to turkey, Chef Jason Swyt of Harper’s Restaurant present his herb rubbed pork loin.

FOOD & DRINK

Sausage and Spinach STuffed mushrooms Ingredients: • 24 large button mushrooms • 1 tbsp butter • ¼ cup diced onion • 1 clove fresh garlic • 4oz fresh spinach • 8oz spicy Italian sausage, ground • 1 tbsp flour • 1 cup vinaigrette (your favorite brand or home made Recipe) • 8oz shredded fontina cheese • 2 oz shaved parmesan • Chopped fresh rosemary garnish

Method:

Gently rinse mushrooms in cold water and dry on paper towels. With a small paring knife, remove stem and gills to form a hollow cavity.

Marinate mushrooms in vinaigrette for ten minutes, drain. Sautee onion and garlic in butter for five minutes.

Add sausage and cook through. Add flour and cook for two more minutes. Add Fontina cheese and spinach and cook until spinach has wilted and cheese has melted. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Stuff marinated mushrooms with sausage mixture and place on baking pan. Cook in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until tender (Cook time will vary with the size of you mushrooms). Garnish with fresh chopped rosemary and parmesan cheese.

78 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Baked Parmesan Mashed Reds Ingredients: • 1 tbsp butter • 4 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 cup whole milk • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted • 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan • Salt and ground black pepper • 2 tbsp plain dry bread crumbs • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Coat a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside.

Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are very tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain; return the potatoes to the same pot and mash well. Mix in the milk and melted butter. Mix in the mozzarella and ¾ cup of the parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Stir the bread crumbs and remaining ¼ cup of parmesan in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the mashed potatoes.

Recipe can be prepared up to this point 6 hours ahead of time; cover and chill.

Bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown for about 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Jalapeno Cornbread Ingredients: • 2 ¼ cups Cornmeal • 6 eggs • 2 ¾ cups flour • ½ cup Butter • ½ cup Sugar • ¼ cup Diced red pepper • 1 tbsp Salt • ¼ cup Diced pickled jalapeno • 1 tbsp Baking powder • ½ cup fresh corn kernels • 1 tsp Black pepper • ¼ cayenne pepper • 1 ¼ cups Buttermilk • 1 ¾ cups whole milk

Method:

Mix all dry ingredients together well in a bowl. Mix all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Do not over mix.

Fold in red pepper, corn, and jalapenos. Pour mixture into greased 9x9 pan. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients: • 3 medium sweet potatoes • 1 cup diced yellow onion • 1 stalk celery • 1 clove fresh garlic • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups half and half • 1 tsp nutmeg • 2 tbsp butter

FOOD & DRINK

Method:

Creamy sweet potato soup recipe continued from page 78

• 3 tbsp maple syrup • Celery leaves and cinnamon for garnish

Method:

Melt the butter in a large, heavybottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add chopped celery stalks, sauté about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes.

Add sweet potatoes, chicken stock, and nutmeg; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to pot.

Add half and half and maple syrup and stir over medium-low heat to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with celery leaves 80 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

and dust with cinnamon.

(This can be prepared one day ahead of time. Cool soup slightly.

Cover and refrigerate soup and celery leaves separately. )

Pumpkin Pie Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed • 1 cup sugar • ¼ teaspoon salt • 1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten • 1 cup half and half • ¼ cup melted butter • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground ginger • ¼ tsp nutmeg • 1 piece pre-made pie dough • Whipped cream, for topping

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place one piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan.

Press down along the bottom and all sides.

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt, and beat until combined.

Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half and half, and melted butter, and beat until combined.

Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into prepared pie crust and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with fresh whipped cream.

Pumpkin Pie Martini Ingredients:

• 1.25 oz Stoli Vanil • .75 oz Kahlua • 2 oz Milk • Dash Cinnamon Sugar • 2 heaping teaspoons pumpkin pie filling

Method:

Add ingredients to shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into cinnamon sugar rimmed martini glass.

Top with small dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.

CONSERVATION

Carolina

Conservationists

Meet the men and women responsible for protecting our land, waters, and wildlife in North Carolina. list compiled by McKinnon Galloway

Trash cleaned out of Charlotte’s Briar Creek by Rick Gaskins and Catawba Riverkeeper

Rick Gaskins Catawba Riverkeeper

This award winning non-profit organization is responsible for the maintenance, health, protection, and enjoyment of local lakes, streams, and rivers; including a removing trash program on the 42 islands that Lake Norman has to offer. Harvard Law and Duke graduate, Rick Gaskins is currently the Catawba River keeper and Executive Director of the Catawba River keeper foundation.

His leadership and guidance of this fantastic organization will keep the waterways in Charlotte beautiful for all the residents and visitors to enjoy.

Gordon Myers NC Wildlife Commissioner

Through examination, scientific administration, and public input, this 82 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

state government agency protects and maintains the state’s fish and wildlife reserves. Executive director, Gordon Myers, makes sure that NC Wildlife Commission regulates the N.C. fishing, hunting, and boating laws, as well as over sees 590 full time employees. With income from the sale of hunting and fishing license, the agency’s budget of 65 million dollars, goes to making the resource’s sustainable and available for everyone to enjoy.

Mallory G Martin.

Chief Deputy Director

Mallory G. Martin, is the Chief Deputy director of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. He is a fisheries biologist that has worked with the management of sport fisheries, aquatic environments, and community access through western NC since 1984.

Don McSween Charlotte City Arborist

With a degree in Forest Resource Management from the University of Georgia and more than 30 years of practice in the landscaping field, Don McSween performs as the City Arborist for Charlotte, NC. He monitors the health of Charlottes trees by tree pruning, inventory, planting to replace dead trees, and administrating tree planting programs.

He continues to protect the Charlotte area by maintaining trees along the public right of way and city lands.

Patrick George Heart Wood Tree Organization

Patrick George fights to protect the trees of his hometown, Charlotte, NC. He is the founder of the Heart Wood Tree organization. This association was created in 1979 to help prune, treat and preserve trees around the Charlotte area. From the shady sycamores of summer the walnut tree of winter, his passion and commitment to preserve this eye-catching beautiful trees makes Charlotte an attractive place to be.

Tom Adams Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited is founded off a mission of protecting, restoring and maintaining cold-aquatic environmental resources. Tom Adam’s, president of Trout Unlimited, passion is to preserve the beautiful nature for future generations to come. Education is a key principle for their foundation in which they strive to teach their youth how wonderful, yet fragile, nature can be.

Jim Cogdell, owner of Fork Farm & Stables in North Carolina was awarded the title of 2013 Business Conservationist of the Year.

CONSERVATION

Laura Brewer Tree Charlotte

TreeCharlotte is devoted to refurbishing and expanding the Charlotte tree canopy. Laura Brewer specializes in the street tree program to protect Charlotte’s natural habitat and keep the pathways clear yet site-full. Through the blend of full-time staff, and enthusiastic volunteers, this society helps up-keep the attractive city of charlotte and creates an enjoyable place to live.

Judy Carpenter Lucky Clays

Lucky Clays is a gorgeous 347 acre farm laid out for trails for hiking, biking, and cycling. Founder, Clays Shooting Champion, Judy Carpenter, first established this farm to combine her passions of clay shooting with renewable energy, and preservation of lands rich in resources. Today, it is recognized as NC’s largest residential renewable energy system; featuring native plants, high-efficiency building supplies and rainwater collecting technique.

JIM COGDELL FORK FARM AND STABLES

Founder, Jim Cogdell, is recognized for a superior working farm and equestrian center. The farm is both committed to land and wildlife preservation, while at the same time, still operating as a working farm. This unique combination landed the award of the business conservationist of the year.

Ernie Tart Ducks Unlimited Charlotte

NC state chairman, Ernie Tart spends time managing Ducks Unlimited. an organization known for conserving, restoring and replanting in wetlands and associated habitats for NC’s waterfowl.

Mike Orell Treasure Trees

Mike Orell Is a dedicated blogger devoted to writing about Charlotte’s beloved trees. His primary focus in one of his blogs was to find all 123 of the “treasure trees” throughout North Carolina. These trees are an effort to identify excellent trees around our scenic city by placing a tag on the actual tree.

Eustace Conway Turtle Island

When he was just 17 years old, Eustace Conway became a mountain man of the Appalachian Mountains. With the money he saved over the years, he was able to buy a 1000-acre patch of land. He named this piece of property, “Turtle Island”, where he built barns and structures to create a school so children could learn about primitive learning skills.

Matt Kokenes Mircofarm Organic Gardens

Matt Kokenes is the proud owner of Microfarm Organic Garden that is exclusively dedicated to natural edible gardening. He believes that everyone should have fresh produce that can fit on anyone’s budget. His vision is to help others that simply don’t have to the time to maintain a healthy harvest.

Ruth Samuelson.

Land And Water Trust Funds

Ruth Samuelson is a Republican conference leader and a forefront promoter of the land and water trust funds throughout NC for renewable energy. Through dedication and hard work, this remarkable conversationalist landed the legislator of the year award.

Roy Alexander Davidson Lands Conservancy

Roy Alexander advocates protecting and conserving the West Branch Wetlands. With his statewide reputation to conserve, he became Davidson’s Land Conservatory’s first executive director where is carries out his duty to sustain land for upcoming generations.

Poplar Ridge Farms

Poplar Ridge Farms is a qualified Organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. The farm offers produce and herbs year round to the public and delivers to Charlotte’s restaurants; making Charlotte one fresh place to be.

Grateful growers farm

This family was tired of being scared to eat certain foods in the fast food and restaurant industry because of the unknown products that are in them. They decided to create natural-raised food that has no artificial products. Because of the dedication and devotion, this Grateful Growers was nominated for NC “Small Farm of the Year”.

Carolina Thread trail

Carolina Thread Trail is a program to build trails connecting greenway and blue ways. Today, these trails link over 15 counties throughout north and South Carolina. The vision of the Carolina Thread Trail is to serve as a ground for exploration, hiking, history, and education.

Charlotte Public Tree Fund

Formed in 1991, Charlotte public tree fund is a non-profit organization focused on tree planting and preserving throughout Mecklenburg County.

Opposite page | Clockwise from top left: The Davidson River. Carolina Pines. Tributary of Wilson’s Creek. Tree To Be Treasured. All examples of conservation working!

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SPORT

FLOOD TIDES AND GUIDES Get to know Captain John Irwin of Fly Right Charters in Charleston, South Carolina as well as ten other extremely talented Carolina sporting guides, trainers, and captains.

Photos of Captain John Irwin provided by Fly Right Charters Photos of field and stream authorities by Jamey Price and Kevin Cole

Captain John Irwin of Fly Right Charters

SPORT

FIELD & STREAM AUTHORITIES The best guides, captains, trainers, and more in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Ramsay Mead Paddle Core Fitness

Captain John Irwin guided Charlottean Caroline Smith, who landed this hog of a redfish on the fly rod.

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harlotte born and bred, Captain John Irwin graduated from Myers Park nearly two decades ago and headed west. He ended up in Big Sky, Montana - a place he never ever wanted to leave. While living there he worked as a fly fishing guide on some of the best rivers in the country and enjoyed every second of the scenery and the experiences. He eventually moved back to the East coast to Asheville, where he guided on small trout streams all over Western North Carolina. Then the ocean called and Irwin answered, moving to Charleston to pursue his love of the sport of fishing on an entirely different level.

His company, Fly Right Charters, offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing, with both spinning and fly tackle. Irwin is equipped with an 18’ Hell’s Bay flats boat capable of getting into skinny water, as well as a 23’ Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman for the deeper, rougher water. His guided trips can target an assortment of species including redfish, sea trout, flounder, and sheepshead year round and cobia, tarpon, sharks, mackerel, bonito, spadefish, albies, amberjack, and tripletail seasonally.

There are a ton of challenges you can encounter on the water, from swiftly changing weather to changes in fishing patterns, however Irwin’s experience can help you overcome these. Whether it be a school of sea trout you’re pursuing or a single tailing redfish snacking on shrimp pushed in by a floodtide, Irwin will do his best to put you on fish.

The waters of Charleston are truly unique and Irwin feels very blessed to be doing what he loves in an area so special. In fact, according to Irwin, “The Lowcountry is truly God’s country. I feel blessed to call it my office.” Because of his relationship with the area and its waters, Irwin feels a sense of stewardship towards the ocean.

As a guide, “It is our livelihood and it is so important to preserve a high quality of service by monitoring the surroundings for the welfare of the natural resources.”

He also strongly supports Catch & Release and truly does all he can to help the maritime ecosystem.

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Guide Ramsay Mead (exercise psychologist) , pilots you through a paddle boarding experience of a life time at Paddle Core Fitness.

Through overcoming,Crohn’s disease, Mead has realized that the mind, body and spirit are connected together in intricate ways.

Mead fell in love with Paddle boarding back in 2007 and has made it a lifestyle ever since.

By combining the concentration of mental and physical strength, paddle boarding can bring the body back to its original balanced state.

Ranging from beginner to advanced paddlist, this great sport invites everyone to try it.

• SUPCharlotte.com Kelsey Briggs Kelsey Briggs Eventing Kelsey and her horse, The Gentleman Pirate, have trained with eventing legend Bruce Davidson Sr. and Olympic short-listed rider Tiffani Loudon-Meetze. Kelsey actively trains and competes client horses, with a true talent for starting and bringing along youngsters, retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds, and working with “problem” horses. Kelsey accepts horses in training at her private far south of Charlotte and is available for lessons and training on and off the farm. She is also trained as an equine massage therapist.

• KelseyBriggsEventing.com CAPTAIN DAN US National Whitewater Center Outdoor opportunities abound at the 400 acre center. From ziplining to mountain biking and more, adventure awaits. However, the whitewater rafting is its namesake for a reason. The rafting is exhilirating by itself but when you toss in the eccentric over-the-top exhuberance of one of the best guides in the business, the experience doesn’t get better.

Known simply as Captain Dan, he amps you up and keeps you entertained all day with his fun attitude. Get ready to get wet, clank your paddles, and have a blast.

• usnwc.org Jamie Holcombe Water’s Edge Based out of Charleston, SC, Waters Edge offers two boat options to its charter guests,

SPORT

a 31’ Contender and a 60’ Cape Hatteras. They specialize in both fishing charters and spectacular harbor cruises. Captain Jamie Holcombe has captained on a massive amount of water from New England to Key West, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Honduras and knows the Southeastern waters about as well as a person can.

• WatersEdgeCharters.com Zeb Blake Fork Farm And Stables

Captain John Irwin lands a giant tarpon, the ultimate game fish and one heck of a fighter. This is one of the more exotic species found in Charleston and can be found seasonally.

When Irwin is not guiding his homewaters of Charleston he spends his time golfing and traveling, mostly to exotic fishing destinations across the globe. Most recently he has enjoyed fishing the flats of Belize for tarpon.

Booking a trip with Irwin is easy. Simply contact him at John@ flyrightcharters.com, visit his website at www.flyrightcharters.com, or call him at 843-860-4231. Guided trips start at $400 and include licensing, tackle, equipment, instruction, and a cooler with ice and drinks.

At just under three and a half hours from the Queen City, this experience with Captain Irwin is a must, not just for fisherman, but for nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers. A guided trip like this is truly a once-ina-lifetime experience.

For other amazing guides in a wide variety of other outdoor activies and sporting genres please take the time to read our list: FIELD AND STREAM AUTHORITIES. And remember, never ever under any circumstance, forget to tip your guide!

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Guide’s Best Friend The Best Breeds For The Field

Labrador Retriever

German Short-Haired Pointer

Boykin Spaniel

Plott Hound

Zeb calls the Fork Farm and Stables in Norwood, North Carolina home base and no one knows his way around the Carolina crop fields of the Piedmont or the habits and behaviors of Gentleman Bob better. Zeb and The Fork provide guidance and an opportunity to experience traditional upland game hunting with all the luxuries and amenities that one could want whether or not you are an experienced or novice shooter. Zeb is also an expert bird dog trainer and can either provide dogs to point and flush or you can bring your own depending on your preference.

• ForkStables.com Paul Rose Carolina Bonefishing Paul Rose is a professional fly fishing guide in Charlotte. He is an expert on this area’s waters including the Catawba River and its tributaries and lakes. Paul stresses the many surprising flyfishing opportunities that are just minutes from the city and its popular attractions. The “Carolina Bonefish” or the common carp thrives here giving fly casters a long season and the chance to deliberately catch a very worthy opponent. If you’re looking to hone your saltwater skills close to home or want to prepare for your next trip for redfish or bonefish in the saltwater you need to get in touch with Paul.

• CarolinaBonefishing.com Allen Brothers Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve

English Pointer

Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve is located just East of Lumberton, NC in a small town called

Bladenboro. The Allen Brothers Preserve has an amazing reputation among waterfowl hunters, all due to its guided trips. While in Bladenboro, guides will put you in the blinds and over decoys so you can enjoy shooting low and fast flying mallards.

• AllenBrothers.org Up Close Outfitters Up-Close Outfitters offers one of the most unique guided deer hunting adventures in North Carolina. They specialize in challenging hunts for big woods bucks that roam the vast national forests of Western North Carolina. Hunting deer over corn and bean fields will seem like cheating after experiencing a hunt in this rugged and trying terrain. Up Close is the only federally permitted guide business to hunt the Pisgah National Forest and their permit enables them to hunt 56,481 acres in Western North Carolina.

• Upcloseoutfitters.com Chip Gentry Hawk Manor Falconry Chip is a master falconer and President of the NC Falconer’s Guild. He is available to guide and instruct recreational falconry hunts for a variety of different prey animals like rabbits, quail, and squirrel. He is known to hunt with several different species of raptors including Harris Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Aplomado Falcons. In addition to recreational hunting, Chip owns a company called Hawk Manor Falconry. He also does educational programs at schools, and demonstrations.

• hawkmanor@embarqmail.com Dave Pressly Appalachian Angler Dave is one of the best trout guides in the state, if not in the entire Southeast. His ability to teach beginners the sport combined with his ability to hone the skills of intermediate or advanced fly fishermen makes Dave a precious commodity in the guide world. He will put you on fish.

• AppAngler.com

Photo credit to USNWC.org

TRAVEL

The Land Of Palmettos

Nestled in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is Palmetto Bluff, one of the most prestigious properties in the world consisting of 20,000 acres of protected land and a luxurious five star eco-friendly resort.

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photos and article by Andi Perullo

ix 20,000 acres of protected land with a luxurious five-star resort and you have one of the best eco-friendly properties in the world: Palmetto Bluff. Part of the prestigious Auberge Resorts collection, this Southern getaway in Bluffton, which is nestled between Charleston and Savannah, is the very essence of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Palmetto Bluff is the main attraction in this charming city and its vast expanse of pristine, yet wild terrain is bound by the May, Cooper, and New Rivers -- creating the perfect ecological haven.

While going “green” is not necessarily a new concept in the travel industry, it is becoming more popular with each passing day. Palmetto Bluff is proudly at the forefront of the growing environmental movement, as they have demonstrated for decades that eco-awareness and sustainability can unequivocally coexist in a positive way with tourism. The Palmetto Bluff 92 • qcexclusive.com • October/November 2013

Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to natural resource protection, fiercely safeguards the resort’s massive grounds. They are responsible for educating and collaborating with every developer, construction contractor, and homeowner on the property. All of the homeowners are required to become a Conservancy member, and each home sale funds the conservation’s vision for a brighter and cleaner future.

Eco-friendly properties defy generalization, as they can range from thatch-roofed huts on a beach to a grand mountain estate. Although they differ by design, what they do have in common is that they are committed to preserving nature and improving the well being of locals. As the result of Palmetto Bluff’s environmental integrity, visitors today are still able to enjoy the exquisite, untouched beauty of Bluffton with its winding tidal creeks, lush archipelago of salt marshes and fresh water lagoons, and ancient Maritime Forest.

TRAVEL

Palmetto Bluff literally takes your breath away from the moment you arrive at its private entrance. Once you have checked yourself in, you are given a CD that contains a wealth of audio information regarding the history of the estate, grounds, and community. The four-mile scenic driveway is lined on both sides with welcoming moss-laden Spanish oak tress.

There are fifty cottages and cottage suites to choose from and the most difficult decision you will have to make during your stay is whether you prefer yours with a picturesque waterfront or forest view. Accommodations are appointed with stunning details and designed with a classic Southern style. You will be greeted with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, a decadent changing room, and a screened in veranda. The four-poster King sized bed is layered with Italian linens and a down comforter and pillows. The bedroom also comes with Wi-Fi, a plasma

Other Luxury Sporting Resorts

Primland This 12,000 acre resort located along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate in refined dining, world class golf, and endless outdoor activities: ATV and horseback riding, clay shooting, hunting, mountain biking, and kayaking just to name a few.

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TV with a DVD player, and a handcrafted desk. At this resort, activity plays center-stage, thus each cottage is provided with two bikes to use at your own leisure. A golf cart may be rented to use around the property grounds as well.

The bathrooms at Palmetto Bluff truly are in a class by themselves. They are so spacious and elegantly designed that it is nearly impossible to want to leave them. Not only is there a freestanding soaking tub and a rainforest shower, but there is also an amazing steam room — a feature that sets this property apart from all others! To make things even more special, there are custom-blended organic bath and body products for use.

Inside the cottages are iPads, which serve as virtual compendiums and dramatically reduce Palmetto Bluff’s carbon footprint. The iPad features enable guests to request assistance from the bellmen, browse through restaurant menus,

Fork Farm and Stables The Fork is a premier outdoor recreation and event facility located in Norwood, NC where the Peedee and Rocky Rivers converge. With a strong focus on conservation, the Fork is a great place to unwind and truly appreciate nature and all the activities nature has to offer.

Blackberry Farm Situated on the pastoral 4,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee.

With its own farm, restaurant and built in activities, Blackberry prides itself on service and a one of a kind family experience.

TRAVEL

make dinner reservations, and explore the various Palmetto Bluff attractions and activities. The wet bar with a sub-zero refrigerator and Keurig coffee brewer is stocked with snacks and beverages free of charge.

Let your desires guide you each day: perhaps you will want to do nothing more than enjoy a drink next to the heated, horizon lap pool or maybe instead you will play a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus course. One thing is for certain: You will always have things to do and see at Palmetto Bluff. If adventure is more your style and you would rather explore via land and sea, there are hiking and biking trails all over the grounds. You may also rent a kayak or take a guided boat ride along the rivers where if you are lucky you will spot a dolphin or two. Upon your return, it is time for a visit to the Spa or an evening stroll through one of the gas-lit neighborhoods where you can make plans for the

Other Luxury Sporting Resorts

Greenbrier Resort An award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. This resort is a small village including a casino, golf course, retail stores, fine dining restaurants, and much more. Greenbrier has hosted guests from all around the world since 1778 and is considered a National Historical Landmark.

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following day. Make sure not to forget about the complimentary s’mores available for guests every evening at the main estate.

The property has several restaurants to choose from, although their acclaimed River House Restaurant is one of the Lowcountry’s top culinary destinations. Highlighting modern South Carolinian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients and offering sweeping views of the May River, a meal here is nothing less than inspired.

Demand for more eco-friendly hotels in the luxury-travel sector will continue to increase, which provides a win-win situation for everyone. Even the most environmentally conscious consumers still travel, however supporting hotels like Palmetto Bluff is the best way to be responsible for the future. Unforgettable, serene, and exclusive, this property will stir your soul and awaken your senses.

Barnsley Gardens Resort Just 60 miles north of Atlanta, in Georgia Barnsley Gardens is designed to look like a quaint English Village. Go up for a quick romantic weekend and enjoy their challenging golf course or go up with the entire family, including your furry family member. That’s right, Barnsley is pet friendly.

Sage Valley Hunt Golf Club Starting as a world class golf resort in 2001, the Sage Valley Hunt Golf Club in Graniteville, South Carolina added a Gun Club for its members. Its members and guests can enjoy a sport and wing shooting facility as well as year round fishing streams. Sage Valley features luxury onsite accommodations.

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