QC Exclusive No. 57 - 2019 - Issue 3 - The Travel Issue

T H E Q U I N T ES S EN T I A L C H A R LOT T E L UXU R Y M AG A Z I N E

t h e t r av e l i ss u e

N oth ing C ou ld B e Fi n e r McClellanville's pride and joy, the cherished Deerhead Oak and its swing, along with 50 more Carolina destinations you have to visit in 2019.

Plus! The 24th Annual Queen's Cup Steeplechase

POLARIS MEMOVOX THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON First introduced in 1968 as a diver’s watch, the Polaris is brought back to life 50 years later in a contemporary version, equipped with the Manufacture Calibre 956, as part of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection designed, manufactured and assembled in-house. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

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NO. 57 / APRIL 2019

The Exclusives

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Nothing Could Be Finer 50 Carolina destinations to visit in 2019

144

Utah Charm Warm hospitality and beautiful scenery in Park City

152

A Golden Drive An unforgettable drive from San Fran to San Diego on Highway 1

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A Wild Life A photo essay from a road trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Photo by Jamey Price of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Linn Cove Viaduct featutred on p. 139 | Cover photo by Jamey Price

THE DEPA RTMEN TS

78 THE CULTURE ARTS, STYLE, AND WELLNESS

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Art as Memory Holly Graham experiments with color and texture The Nomadic Murals The Bechtler's exhibit explores artists' textiles A Classic Opera Opera Carolina presents Eugene Onegin

A Labor Of Love The founders of LunahZon and Stag & Sparrow The Crew Cut Frankie Fuertes cultivates a community with every cut Community Practice iShine Yoga brings a new energy to Lake Norman

42 THE SPREAD FOOD AND DRINK

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Lowcountry Comfort Delicious seafood at The Waterman

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50 “There really are limitless possibilities to life — you just have to be brave and resilient enough to chase them.”

Super Rich Tex-Mex at Ford Fry's Superica

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A Southern take on tapas Spanish-Mediterranean at Bulla

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Corkbuzz's Clam and Agnolotti A classic pairing from the popular eatery

86

Seven Oaks Cafe's Butter Cake The best way to end a meal in Belmont

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Broken Spoke's Bloody Mary for two A brunch classic to share

90

Haymaker's Endless Summer A beautiful cocktail in the heart of Uptown

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THE DEPA RTMEN TS

106 THE FOLIO HOME AND DESIGN

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One-of-a-kind Antique fanatic John Grafe's gorgeous store A Powerful Kitchen Addition Wolf's convection steam oven is perfect for the home chef

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Rose-Colored A dining room by Charlottebased designer Donna Livingston

An Elite Study A beautiful study from JJ Barja of Elite Design Group A Bedroom Sanctuary Painted beams and shiplap ceilings make this Gerrard Builders bedroom shine

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Magnolia Inspired A couple rolls up their sleeves like Chip and Joanna Gaines

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THE EXPLORED TRAVEL AND SPORTING

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Seaside Views & Southern Charm Visiting the Lodge at Sea Island

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A Day At The Races Our favorite sporting event and tailgate of the year, the Queen's Cup, runs for the on April 27

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A Quiet Southern Coastal Town Getting to know Bluffton, South Carolina

100 112 “I like carrying on the special traditions, beliefs and artifacts belonging to family members you love.”

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THE NOTE

No. 57 This year's Travel Issue is one of our favorites ever. Our staff had several amazing opportunities to visit the West Coast and do some exploring for the magazine, and we are so excited to share the experiences with you. Hopefully seeing the photos and reading the stories encourage you to hit the road this summer and make some lasting memories. On top of epic trips to Utah, California, and Wyoming, we also share our fifty favorite regional destinations in the Carolinas, from unforgettable mountain destinations to the low-key Lowcountry towns we love. On top of our Exclusives, this magazine is chock full of travel-related stories. We visit Sea Island, go on a weekender to Bluffton, eat a Texas spread at popular Superica, meet traveling photographers Stag + Sparrow, preview the Nomadic Murals exhibit at the Bechtler, taste the cuisine of Spain at Bulla, see a Russian opera, and experience the best tailgate of the year — The Queen's Cup — at nearby Mineral Springs.

We hope you enjoy and safe travels!

Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice, Editor | Brett Barter, Publisher

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OUR TEAM PUBLISHER Brett Barter ART DIRECTOR Jon-Paul Grice EDITOR Sunny Hubler SALES Ashley Carlini Kathleen Hands EDITORIAL Liza Carrasquillo Eleanor Merrell EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Erica Beachum Sam Bramlett Riley Cohen Bryan Crutchfield Denise Lorraine Davis Wilhem Diehl Eleanor Merrell Lucy Murrey Mary Elizabeth Myrick PHOTOGRAPHY Jamey Price Stag + Sparrow Metropolis Iconic Shots

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Save your date.

Mint Museum Randolph can accommodate weddings for up to 400.

Contact our Special Events team today

mintmuseum.org/rent 704.337.2132 Image by Cristey Rowe Photography

FEEDBACK We welcome your feedback—both positive and negative—and believe it is very valuable in our constant pursuit to be better as a publication. We encourage all of our readers to contact us with any critiques, compliments, or questions by email at info@qcexclusive.com.

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THE EV EN TIST

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Till May 4, 2019 Jerald Melberg Presents Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell is unquestionably one of the most significant American artists of the twentieth century. An accomplished painter and printmaker, this exhibition focuses on Motherwell’s monotypes. A monotype is a single unique print created by the direct transfer of paint or ink applied to a glass or metal plate onto paper. In the catalogue that accompanies this exhibition, Morgan Spangle writes: "Motherwell had taken to the painterly monotype process quite naturally, and the results are... powerful abstract forms expressed directly by a masterful hand on the plate, exploiting and accepting the medium’s unpredictable nature after its run through the press." jeraldmelberg.com

© copyright 1974 Dedalus Foundation, Inc. / Licensed by VAGA, NY

APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 27

The Eventist // April 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE

4.5.19 - 12.1.19 | Nomadic Murals: Tapestries of the Modern Era | bechtler.org Diego Giacometti, Swiss (1902 - 1985), Le promenade des amis, wood and cotton, 1984

4.4.19 Mixed Media Collage Join the Mint Museum for an art party with your fellow educators. Local artist Jason Watson will be joining to facilitate the art making and to share his work. mintmumseum.org 4.5.19 Jazz at the Bechtler Miles 1958 will be performed at the Bechtler Friday and Saturday. Concerts are performed at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. with no intermissions. Standing room only is available after all seats are claimed. bechtler.org

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4.6.19 Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure Celebrate spring along with Peter Rabbit and his friends! Enjoy family activities and crafts, live entertainment, and more. Lunch, snacks, and beverages available for purchase. dsbg.org 4.6.19 Dancing Through Latin America The Carolinas' Latin Dance Company is proud to present our 17th annual show.

This year, our show will focus on demonstrating multicultural unity through music and dance, as this is our mission

statement. Our show will represent folkloric dances from eleven countries in Latin America: One from Spain, one from India, and one from the USA. The show is made up of two 45 minute sets with a 15 minutes intermission. blumenthalarts.org 4.12.19 Pulp Art: The 2019 Gala Visit the Bechtler on April 12, 2019 for their tenth annual fundraising gala. All of the proceeds benefit the museum's operating costs, including exhibitions, public programs, and community outreach initiatives that encourage an

Shain Gallery | 2823 Selwyn Avenue, Suite K | Charlotte NC 28209 704-334-7744 | www.shaingallery.com

The Eventist // April 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE

5/3/19 - 6/15/19 | Elder Gallery's We See Heaven Upside Down | eldergalleryclt.com Art by Rosalia Torres-Weiner courtesy of Elder Gallery

appreciation of the arts, culture, education, and inclusiveness. bechtler.org 4.12.19 Adult Art Party Go on a mini-tour, enjoy an adult beverage with a friend, and create. In April check out Under Construction: Collage from the Mint Collection, and learn how to construct a textured collage and turn it into a series of prints. Plan to dress for a mess and bring your creativity. Registration includes admission, art materials, and instruction. BYO beer or wine. mintmumseum.org

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4.12.19 Mozart Requiem Mozart's final statement, his Requiem, presents a masterpiece shrouded in mystery. Maestro Warren-Green leads the orchestra and chorus in this emotionally stirring performance that also includes a work from one of Mozart's rivals. charlottesymphony.org 4.12.19 - 4.13.19 Lingua Lingua explores how language can influence a person’s perception of the world.

Through dance, circus arts, theater, and music, the production examines how

people who speak different languages perceive time and space. blumenthalarts.org 4.17.19 NC Yoga Bar at the Mint Participate in a one-hour yoga class with NC Yoga Bar and then explore the Mint’s galleries every week during Free Wednesday Evenings. mintmumseum.org 4.19.19 SlamCharlotte Blumenthal Performing Arts monthly Poetry Slams are hosted by SlamCharlotte,

Begona Martin, Sea Gazing - 1D, oil on canvas, 59” x 59”

Craig Alan, Motivo, oil on canvas, 48” x 60” Noah Desmond, Flowers, oil on MarioSpring Jung, Secret Oasis, 48”canvas, x 36” 48” x 36” @PictureHouseGallery @picture_house_gallery @PictureHouseGal

The Eventist // April 2019 Charlotte’s own two-time national championship team of spoken word poetry (2007 & 2008). SlamCharlotte strives to promote poetic growth, performance enhancement, and increased camaraderie among the poets and the community through the monthly slam competitions. SlamCharlotte’s current Slammaster, Bluz, is the 13th ranked individual poet in the world. blumenthalarts.org 4.20.19 Tosco Music Party Experience a sense of community through live music. Each Tosco Music Party is unique. Tosco Music Parties showcase an eclectic mix of music styles and engage the audience with singalongs throughout the evening.

Three times each year (winter, spring, and autumn), Tosco Music Parties feature performances by approximately 15 scheduled acts. toscomusic.org

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4.23.19 On Tap Your Charlotte Symphony is back On Tap at NoDa Brewing Company. Join them in the taproom for an evening full of great music, craft brews, and lots of fun. charlottesymphony.org

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4.24.19 Neil Degrasse Tyson Neil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in the public schools through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on to earn his BA in Physics from Harvard and his PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia. blumenthalarts.org 4.25.19 - 4.27.19 Charlotte Ballet: Spring Works Spring Works highlights the power of human connection through British choreographer David Dawson’s Opus 11. Created as a love letter to the two artists that inspired his choreographic

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The Eventist // April 2019 career, Opus 11 shows the emotional and transcendent power of a pure, unselfish partnership. Acclaimed choreographer Helen Pickett returns to create a new commission that is sure to capture the beauty and power of our artists. After resounding success and powerful audience response, we bring back Johan Inger’s stylistic gamechanger Walking Mad. charlotteballet.org 4.26.19 - 4.27.19 Rachmaninoff Rhapsody Russian-born conductor Andrey Boreyko guides Russian compositions including Mussorgsky's art-inspired piece to Rachmaninoff's virtuosic and beloved set of 24 piano variations. charlottesymphony.org

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4.27.19 Coveted Couture The Mint Museum’s annual spring fundraising gala will also serve as the closing celebration for the amazingly popular African Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style exhibition. This show reflects a dynamic and diverse dress tradition and the increasingly interconnected fashion worlds that it inhabits. The exhibition’s narrative will lend itself well to an evening that promises to be colorful, culturally rich, and reflective of our global community. Coveted Couture is designed to raise critical funds for the Mint Museum. Fashion will be at the forefront of the night and will play out in emotional, innovative, and unexpected ways. mintmuseum.org 4.29.19 - 5.3.19 Lunch Hour Jazz The Pavilion stage at the Levine Center for the Arts will feature some of Charlotte’s best jazz artists during your lunch break. blumenthalarts.org

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To list an event here contact us at info@qcexclusive.com

Robert Motherwell Mo n o ty p e s

March 23 - May 4, 2019

mon-o-type

noun a single unique print created by the direct transfer of paint or ink applied to a glass or metal plate onto paper.

A catalogue accompanies the exhibition.

Celebrating 35 Years

UNTITLED 1974, Monotype; Black Etching Ink with Dots of Scattered Color, 28 1/2 x 25 1/2 inches

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APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 35

T H E C U LT U R E

A R T S , S T Y L E , A N D W E L L N ES S

Art as Memory Native Charlotte artist Holly Graham captures memory in her paintings through her captivating experimentation with color and texture. words MARY ELIZABETH MYRICK

portraits JAMEY PRICE

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The Culture // Musings

H

Holly Graham has always been an artist. From her early beginnings in crayons and colored pencils to the popular abstract paintings that characterize her thriving art career today, Graham’s work utilizes texture and color to tell a story and revive a sense of memory.

Born and raised in Charlotte, Graham moved away after high school before ultimately returning six years ago. Holly studied Studio Art at Wake Forest University, and afterward, she worked at the National Gallery and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. “I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the art world, whether working in museums or making art.

It wasn't until I started a family that I decided to paint again,” Holly described.

Holly would often feel herself drawn to work creatively while her young children were napping or at preschool; eventually with persistence, those creative moments evolved into a full-time job.

“I have tried to trust my instincts and only take on projects that I believe in, which becomes essential for anyone who is juggling work and a family,” Graham said.

Her popular abstract paintings are inspired by music, emotion, memories, and color relationships. Holly crafts a vision for her work from every day observations, such as the scenery of her morning jogs and the color palettes from the fashion runway. Additionally, she attributes much of her inspiration to some of her favorite artists: Joan Mitchell, Picasso, Matisse, and Willem de Kooning.

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“I have tried to trust my instincts and only take on projects that I believe in, which becomes essential for anyone who is juggling work and a family.”

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The Culture // Musings

“I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the art world, whether working in museums or making art. It wasn't until I started a family that I decided to paint again.”

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Known also for her truck and SUVfocused prints, Holly began experimenting with this subject matter when creating art for her son’s room. “The unique lines, the bright, vintage color palette, and the free spirit and optimism that they convey are appealing to kids and adults alike,” Graham explains. “I also think people place a lot of personal value in their cars because of the memories they hold.”

Holly has also been exploring collage as of late—a process in which she paints paper, tears them, and then intuitively places them within compositions.

Collage work is an organic process for Graham, and she uses this added level of texture to explore the relationship between music and visual art.

Graham also relishes the collaboration behind commissioned work. “It can sometimes be like solving a puzzle because a client's words can mean one thing to them and another to me, but once I get it right, it’s really rewarding.”

The Culture // Musings

“It can sometimes be like solving a puzzle because a client's words can mean one thing to them and another to me, but once I get it right, it’s really rewarding.”

Currently, Graham’s collages are featured at Shain Gallery during their Paper Show, and her truck and SUV series can be found at SOCO Shop. Holly is also represented by Bee Street Studio in Dallas, in addition to creating work for Exposed: Art in the Elements, a company specializing in weatherproof art to be hung outdoors. Undoubtedly, Holly Graham’s work adds something unique to the vibrant visual arts culture of the Charlotte area; a creative journey of texture and color to create one-of-akind content. info hollygrahamfineart.com @hollygrahamfineart

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The Culture // Exhibited

Top Left: Diego Giacometti, Swiss (1902 - 1985), Le promenade des amis, wood and cotton, 1984. Bottom Left: Roy Lichtenstein, American (1923 - 1997), Modern Tapestry, wool and cotton, 1968. Right: Joan Miró, Spanish (1893 1983), Danseuse Espagnole, wool and cotton, 1962.

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Nomadic Murals The Bechtler's exhibit explores artists' textiles. words SUNNY HUBLER

This spring, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina will present Nomadic Murals: Tapestries of the Modern Era, an exploration and presentation of tapestries and rugs designed by artists usually associated with painting, sculpture, and architecture. Examples of the more familiar media will be installed alongside the textiles.

Textiles, a centuries-old tradition, found renewed attention and invention over the last century. A traditional medium in Europe and Asia, the tapestry was revived by 20th century artists who tackled a venerated practice with avant-garde zeal. Some artists adapted existing images into commercial rug production, giving the 20th century medium of the multiple a high design twist. Others became intrigued by the tapestry revival initiated in France, where they incorporated the new visual languages of abstraction, cubism, and surrealism.

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photos courtesy THE BECHTLER

The Bechtler offers textiles by Alexander Calder, Le Corbusier, Diego Giacometti, Ferdnand Léger, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. Many artists worked in this medium over the last century and through the present day, and The Bechtler will solicit loans to represent the broad interest and diverse practices that developed internationally.

The textile works will be hung alongside more familiar examples of the artist’s work to show the consistency of style and the unique contributions textile production brought to the artist’s work. The exhibit will run from April 5, 2019 December 1, 2019 info bechtler.org @thebechtler

The Culture // Marquee

O

A Classic Opera This spring, Opera Carolina presents Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin. words SUNNY HUBLER

photos courtesy OPERA CAROLINA

On May 9, 11, and 12, Opera Carolina will host Tchaikovsky’s classical opera, Eugene Onegin. This production was composed by the renowned Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a famous Russian composer. He is known for his symphonies and ballets including Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Eugene Onegin is a heart-wrenching story of a beautiful woman, Tatyana, who finds and loses love and has to make a powerful choice. The opera is based on a poem by Russian poet Alexander Pushkin

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with the same themes of loving and losing. Tchaivosky described this masterpiece as Lyric Scenes in Three Acts. The interpretation for the show for Charlotte makes for a can’tmiss night on the town. info operacarolina.org @operacarolina

The Culture // Creative

A Labor of Love The life and business partners behind LunahZon and Stag + Sparrow work and live for their passions.

I

words ELEANOR MERRELL photos STAG & SPARROW portraits MABYN LUDKE PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2007, Debby and Jeremy arrived on the professional photography scene shooting beautiful and bright wedding, portrait, and branding photos for their nascent company, LunahZon. Ten years later, this dynamic duo has expanded their repertoire with an additional photography brand, Stag + Sparrow. Stag specializes in edgier, more atmospheric photos — perfect for the adventurous spirit or travel-hungry eloper, and a true complement to each photographer’s specific talents.

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The Culture // Creative

“There really are limitless possibilities to life — you just have to be brave and resilient enough to chase them.”

Debby and Jeremy, true life partners and work partners, spoke to us about the business, balancing work/life, branching off, and what’s next.

How did you meet and how did you decide to work together?

Debby: I’m from Texas. Jeremy and I initially met through MySpace and then met in person in 2005. When I graduated in 2007, the decision to work together was a no-brainer. It felt right, like this was

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exactly what we were supposed to do all along. People still don’t understand how we work together and, truthfully, I don’t know the answer. Our working/personal relationship is one of the mysteries of the universe.

Jeremy: I grew up in the Lake Norman area. Growing up, I always assumed I’d do something in the arts, but I found myself working a corporate job. In my early 20s I met Debby, who became

the spark that made me remember (as cheesy as it sounds) there really are limitless possibilities to life — you just have to be brave and resilient enough to chase them. We joke that we don’t know where we end/begin and where the businesses end/begin. I think some people would say that’s not okay, but you know, to each their own. I don’t have to find myself going “Man, I wish Debby could experience this too” because she’s right there beside me!

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The Culture // Creative

“We’re incredibly lucky that we get to come into people’s lives at some of their best moments.”

Debby and Jeremy of LunahZon and Stag + Sparrow

What prompted the addition of Stag and Sparrow?

Debby: For LunahZon, we’ve been shooting light and bright for over 10 years. We’ve branded ourselves a certain way and, while I love it, I also wanted to capture more passionate and intimate moments in amazing locations. When I was looking at other destination weddings and photographers (the people that I wanted to be like), I noticed they were darker, moodier, and trendier.

So we came up with a solution, a way to not betray everything we’ve built LunahZon to be, but to also go after this other thing that we really want: We would make a new photography brand.

The artistic relief was like putting aloe on a burn.

Are there any clients you work with repeatedly?

Debby: As LunahZon, we still have clients that are as old as our business! It’s so bizarre because we may see these people once or twice a year, but you feel so connected, like family.

Jeremy: As an artist, you keep growing or you stagnate, and I think we both had worried so much that we could tread on the latter. Not only did Stag + Sparrow scratch the creative itch to do something different than we had been able to, it really gave LunahZon a new breath of life.

What’s the story behind the two businesses’ names?

Debby: LunahZon means “Sun (Luna) Moon (Zon),” and we threw an H in the middle because we were trying to be clever and unique at the time. We were pretty young and new into naming our business but we wanted to have a yin-yang quality.

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Jeremy: I always say that we’re incredibly lucky that we get to come into people’s lives at some of their best moments. It’s rare people want photos because they’re in a rut or a bad place—it’s because they’re getting married, having a baby, starting a new endeavor, etc. We get to be a part of that, and the bond that comes from that is pretty significant!

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The Culture // Creative

“As an artist, you keep growing or you stagnate, and I think we both had worried so much that we could tread on the latter. Not only did Stag + Sparrow scratch the creative itch, it really gave LunahZon a new breath of life.”

Jeremy is the extrovert and I’m the resident introvert, but together we work really well. We can work around each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Stag + Sparrow had more thought put into it. Because this one is specifically branded and has a specific audience, we did a lot of research. Jeremy originally wanted The Bricky Stag, but we couldn’t let go of putting a piece of ourselves in there. So technically Jeremy is the bricky stag and I’m the sassy sparrow.

What elements catch your eye during a shoot?

Debby: It can be anything: The way the light is hitting, the bend of a tree, of course beautiful scenery. Photographers should be experts at knowing exactly how a scene will turn out with the specific lens you’re using, at the right f-stop. In over 10 years of shooting, we’ve also had to deal with “make it work!” scenarios that force us to get creative. A location may not always be perfect or ideal, but it rarely means it’s a done deal.

How do you balance between the two projects?

Debby: Everything about how we run each project is different.

We don’t want them to bend because we want to keep everything as true to form as possible. Also, Jeremy and I are both libras so we’re pretty good at balancing things. Except work/life… it’s already blended into something wonderful.

Jeremy: I’m always obsessed with reflections and negative space, too.

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info stagandsparrow.com / @stagandsparrowphoto lunahzon.com / @lunahzon

The Culture // Style

The Crew Cut Hairdresser Frankie Fuertes cultivates a community with every cut. words LUCY MURREY

F photos JAMEY PRICE

“My goal is that, by the time they get up from that chair, [the clients] feel the most beautiful; that they are seen and heard.”

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Frankie Fuertes’ business model can be described as a self-fulfilling prophecy—a repeated pattern marked by the question of “can I do it?” and the action that becomes its necessitated answer.

“That’s how I do things,” says Fuertes, a selfmade artist and business owner. “I ask myself, ‘Can I do it?’ and then I just do it.” Fuertes’ skillful ambition and passion for quality cuts was quickly met with a substantial following, his loyal clientele developing into a close-cut community. A business that got its start by way of trust and relationships — borrowing tools and untrimmed hair from the neighbors — and continues to be distinguished by those very factors, Fuertes maintains that cosmetology shouldn’t designate superficiality, rather an assurance of beauty at the deepest of levels. Here, we sit down with Frankie to hear about his hairstyling success, his growing brand, and to learn just how he does it.

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The Culture // Style

How did you get your start in the hair styling industry?

I’m from Costa Rica, but I moved [to the US] when I was 16. I got started by cutting the neighbors’ hair; I would borrow clippers from them and do haircuts for the kids in exchange. After I graduated high school, I went to a bunch of different beauty schools — I would start, I would drop out, I would start somewhere else–I just didn’t have time and I already had clients. But, I finally got my cosmetology license, and then worked in a couple salons across North Carolina, and later worked for a food manufacturer in Lincolnton for four years or so, but I was always doing hair after hours. I moved to Charlotte in

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2015 and bought a condo Uptown where I now have my studio. It’s a little suite, two meters by four meters, but it’s where everything goes on.

How did you build your clientele?

Word of mouth. [To be scheduled with me], you have to have been referred by someone; John Doe doesn’t just book a haircut. It’s my attempt at a speakeasy kind of thing. If someone I don’t know books me online, I do the whole Facebook-Instagram search to check out who they are because, you know, they’re coming to my house and it’s very personal. Typically, people I know will refer like-minded people they know, so it all becomes a community.

“You have to have been referred by someone; John Doe doesn’t just book a haircut.”

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The Culture // Style

“It’s a time for the client to chill, to talk, to appreciate that time — for a lot of people, it’s the only hour they get to really relax.”

How did you transition into making your own products?

I wasn’t happy with the products I had been using, so I decided to just make one myself. [The styling clay] took me about a year to develop; it has about 10 ingredients, all of which come from the earth. And it was just trial and error. I invested a lot of money and time in it and released it last November. I also have a shampoo and conditioner, and a couple more products in the works.

Tell me about your connection with Tabor.

[My relationship with] Tabor is a perfect example of wanting something and asking for it. I’ve shopped at Tabor for years, and I had always pictured my products in their store. I brought my products in one day, and they eventually offered to carry them. I now sell exclusively online and at Tabor. We’re also looking forward to doing haircuts at Tabor once or twice a

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month on Saturdays, just to collaborate and bring some of our clients together.

What is the driving mission behind your business?

If you go just anywhere to get your haircut, they’ll want to get you in and out. I keep it limited; I only do 6 or 8 haircuts a day, and everyone gets an hour. My idea is to, in that hour, build a relationship. It’s a time for the client to chill, to talk, to appreciate that time — for a lot of people, it’s the only hour they get to really relax. It’s therapeutic. My goal is that, by the time they get up from that chair, [the clients] feel the most beautiful; that they feel seen and heard. That’s my goal. info fuerteshairstudio.com @frankiefuertes

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APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 61

The Culture // Wellness

Community Practice Genevieve Boulanger’s iShine Yoga brings a new energy to Lake Norman. words SUNNY HUBLER

I

photos courtesy of iSHINE YOGA or JAMEY PRICE

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iShine is a cozy community of yogis, full of energy and excitement at any given moment. It’s a one-stop wellness shop at its best: yoga, health coaching, child care, reflexology — even bakery goods and beverages are offered. iShine is also a cooperative, a true example of community where yogis and employees can invest back in the mission.

The mind (and heart) behind it all, Genevieve Boulanger, dipped her toe into yoga young — six-years-old in fact — and decided, after ten adult years spent chasing other dreams, that it was time to open her own studio.

When Genevieve is not on the mat and running iShine, with her mom, Anita, and with the support of husband Andrew, you can find her with her camera, creating images for her Love & Light photography business. Her approach to business ownership and the yoga world is dichotomous: she’s a curator of mindfulness and meditation, but also an endless bundle of energy, full of quick quips and big laughs, a force to be certain. Alongside her passionate (and compassionate) yoga teachers, therapists, life coaches, and health professionals, Genevieve is bringing her vision of health and healing to Lake Norman.

The Culture // Wellness

How were you first introduced to yoga?

My mother became actively involved in yoga and holistic healing in Savannah, Georgia in the 1980's when my brother and I were born. At the age of six, she took me to my first yoga class where I loved moving into the postures and the savasana and meditation at the end. At a young age, I respected the classes and knew it was something special.

What drew you to yoga?

Yoga has brought the most wonderful blend of focus and passion into my life. It allows me the time and space to gain clarity on what makes my heart feel alive—what my heart's desire is.

Yoga gives me a compass to live by and a way to navigate life with while experiencing a sense of joy. It also comes with this awesome community of lovely people!

Were you always “in the industry”?

I graduated with a degree in Communications Management from Ohio University and worked in sales and marketing for 10 years before opening iShine in 2017. I am trained in classical ballet, and I danced all through high school and into college. I became a certified yoga teacher in 2008.

Did you know you wanted to own your own business?

I love holding space for individuals to discover and realize their true potential and greatness. I come from a family of entrepreneurs—my great grandparents, grandfather, father, aunts and uncles. You could say it is in my blood. I feel grateful for the opportunity to have iShine be our family business while also providing a space for our community of yogis and friends. I feel honored to live my mission every day.

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When and how did you actually launch iShine?

How did you settle on a location?

We were originally looking at locations in Cornelius but the space near Birkdale found us. Our original renovation plan was made much simpler when we found the space we are in now: Not a single wall needed to be put up nor taken down. A big studio space was already there, two bathrooms, a room for wellness and a space for child watch — all things I knew I wanted to offer. The plan went from a complex configuration to updating floors and paint. There was even a beautiful, well-lit space to photograph the newborn babies of my prenatal yoga clients. Sometimes the plan is that simple, and the path becomes clear when you know where you're supposed to be.

What are your favorite parts about being a small business owner?

I love the freedom to create and offer services and events that I believe will help people to evolve and grow. It is my favorite to bring people together and see the ripple effect within our community — how our mission brings love to each person coming through the door and engaging with others.

What kinds of workshops and classes does iShine now offer? iShine offers workshops and classes for all bodies and skill levels: Vinyasa, power yoga, stretch, restorative, and yoga nidra (meditation). iShine also specializes in Prenatal Yoga, workshops of all kinds, wellness retreats, health coaching, healthmath, reflexology, and weekly local organic produce delivery to the studio. info ishineyoga.com / @ishineyoga

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T H E S PR E A D

FOOD AND DRINK

Lowcountry Comfort The Waterman is a new neighborhood seafood joint from the masterminds behind Sea Level. words ELEANOR MERRELL photos JAMEY PRICE

APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 67

The Spread // Restaurant

I

In 2016, the ocean washed inland with the opening of Sea Level NC, an upscale Uptown seafood dining destination that made a splash in the Queen City. Paul Manley, the founder of Sea Level NC and a partner at Damian Dining, the group behind Growlers Pourhouse and the Crepe Cellar, has since turned his focus to South End, where earlier this year he introduced Sea Level NC’s “kid cousin,” The Waterman.

Like Sea Level NC, The Waterman will prioritize sustainable seafood sourcing, relying heavily on Manley’s extensive network of ethical sea farmers, not just for ingredients, but also for mission and ambience.

“In all my visits to oyster farms, hatcheries, fishing ports, and shrimping vessels, there are two common denominators: they all have a shared hardiness and tenacity that it takes to survive and provide; they also have an amazing respect for their natural work environment and an understanding that the ocean is ultimately in charge. The Waterman celebrates the hard-working men and women who work the difficult coastline jobs,” says Manley.

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But don’t worry, we’ve still got your cornbread and biscuits ready.

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The Spread // Restaurant

The menu is pure comfort-food-meets-lowcountry.

Coastal comfort classics like po’ boys, fish camp platters, steamed mussels, and crawdaddy dippers share space on the menu with raw bar offerings, specialty fish plates, and burgers and tacos (for the landlubbers). “We’ve not created anything fancy,” explains co-owner Andrew Chapman.

“We simply made what we feel a ‘waterman’ would want to eat at his neighborhood joint.”

It’s the delicious, satisfying, and salty tavern food that you’d find at your favorite weathered beachside haunt—just 200 miles inland.

To help find the right flavors, Manley and Chapman hired Charles Landry as Executive Chef. Landry has been thrilled with The Waterman’s seafood-centric menu challenges and finds that, as a native of New Orleans, he is uniquely equipped to address them: “The Crescent City is so close to the Gulf, so eating seafood is an everyday thing. I sometimes think the craving for crawfish is genetic. It’s built right into my DNA.” To bring The Waterman to life, Manley and Chapman also worked with Carrie Frye Interior to fashion a nautical

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aesthetic that, Manley hoped, would feel both “warm and a little lived-in,” and they succeeded on both counts. The ceiling is covered by an inverted deck that—alongside oyster basket lamp shades, distressed wood accent tables and backsplashes, dock cleat door handles, and reclaimed oars—evokes the coast, just as the space’s sparseness preserves an industrial, urban vibe consistent with the restaurant’s Queen City location. Although open yearround, The Waterman is best enjoyed in fair weather, when diners can make ample use of the restaurant's outdoor dining space, rooftop bar, chilled “boat drinks,” and alcoholic slushies.

All told, The Waterman offers an approachable, neighborhood seafood experience that was ostensibly missing from Charlotte, and the restaurant offers it with flavor, flair, and a generous serving of comfort. info watermanclt @watermanclt

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The Spread // Restaurant

C

Super Rich Tex-Mex cuisine is redefined in the Queen City with Ford Fry’s Superica words BRYAN CRUTCHFIELD photos JAMEY PRICE

Charlotte’s South End restaurant Superica has a swagger to it that makes it seem like it has been here for a while. The Atlanta-born eatery opened at 101 West Worthington Ave., in an expansive, renovated 7,000-square-foot space.

“South End is really what made me pick Charlotte,” says owner and chef Ford Fry. “I’ve always loved growing areas, specifically areas that are re-purposing older buildings with soul.”

Indeed, the location and the beloved Tex-Mex mecca

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seem made for each other, and South End has unsurprisingly welcomed Superica with open arms. The indoor and outdoor dining areas have been flooded with hungry customers during lunch and dinner since its first day and that was months ago.

Upon closer inspection, it's easy to see what’s so appealing about the restaurant. What we have learned to expect from some of the bigger Tex-Mex restaurant chains is a quick and

The Spread // Restaurant

easy fast food concept that seems to create commonality.

The Superica experience is a little different; the team has a full bar with an impressive array of drinks, and at the Atlanta location (where Fry spends most of his time) there is an occasional live music performance nearby. Fry first opened Superica in 2015. He heads up 11 restaurants total, spreading his empire throughout the Southeast. The difference with a Ford Fry joint is that the mega-chef wants more than your typical trip to grab a bite. While describing his ideal vision for a restaurant experience, he uses words like “classic” and says he hopes that it “never gets old”... it’s as if Fry were describing an album or movie.

Instead of capitalizing on a trend, Ford seeks to create his own unique experience that people will remember. He is definitely a

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people person, and that goes for both customers and his restaurant crew. It seems as though Ford’s real art is bringing people together, and that simply spilled over into a fulfilling career in the restaurant business.

"As I get older, I will always go out and try what’s new and exciting,” says Fry. “However, what I return to is solid and crave-worthy. To achieve this, the entire experience needs to be crave-worthy and classic, so it never gets old. I also love seeing kids in the restaurants. Some people don’t like that, but for me it becomes part of their life and memories. One day, they will start coming as our guests when they have a family."

It’s clear that his vision has been realized during a visit to the restaurant, which has a beautifully designed (courtesy of

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The Spread // Restaurant

Office of Brothers, Smith Hanes, and Alvin Diec) Texan theme that fits perfectly into the youthful, creative atmosphere of its chosen location.

Superica offers weekend brunch, and a lunch and dinner menu seven days a week. The food comes out fast and fresh, and there are modern twists on classic Tex-Mex plates. The cocktail menu boasts fresh margaritas a-plenty, and the food offerings are straightforward; there is a little something here for anyone, including your rundown of food restrictions (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). The tacos are stellar, as is the short rib and the fresh gulf red snapper that comes out whole still

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on the bones — and, of course, we love the chips and salsa that seem to refill themselves.

With the rush of new restaurants and chef-led ventures that last year brought, Superica seems sure to remain a standout for years to come. The bar for Tex-Mex dining in Charlotte has certainly been raised, and a second Charlotte Superica, near Sardis Road, is set to open later in 2019. info superica.com @supericaatl

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The Spread // Tastemaker

A Southern Take On Tapas

B

Experience Bulla’s Spanish-Mediterranean at SouthPark words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

Bulla joined The Village at SouthPark earlier this year, bringing with it an extensive Spanish-Mediterranean menu for the southern part of the city’s food scene. Bulla (no “L”-sound, it’s “BOO-ya”) began as the brainchild of Carlos Centurion, of Centurion Restaurant Group, in Coral Gables, Florida.

Charlotte is the seventh Bulla to open between here and Florida, yet it manages to be unlike anything else in the area. The modern restaurant, spacious with its distinctive blue and tan accents, is open and inviting with a large wrap-around bar and a private dining room. The food is best eaten family-style, all-hands-in, with as many sharing options spread across your table as possible.

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Artisanal The Spread // Tastemaker

Bulla’s small plate, tapas-style comes out in generous portions (more medium-plate than it is legitimately small, really) and you can order your dinner alongside hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive wine list.

Expect traditional tapas classics like charcuterie, grilled octopus, paella, and patatas bravas, alongside more creative, chef-driven takes on Mediterranean fare like the Huevos ‘Bulla’ with eggs, homemade potato chips, Serrano ham, potato foam, and truffle oil.

“The Bulla team typically opts for growing communities because our mission is to nurture the communities we join, from providing employment opportunities to sharing our passion for hospitality and amazing food.” Charlotte head chef Matthew Turney tells us. “In addition, we noticed there wasn’t much Spanish cuisine in the area, so we jumped on the opportunity.”

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The Spread // Tastemaker

A refreshing cocktail at the Bulla bar, a Spanish tapas spread, and the popular Bulla churro.

Turney, the Executive Chef of River Run Country Club for two years before joining Bulla, crafts seasonallydriven menus at his newest kitchen.

Additionally, he’s made sure to make the restaurant his own, adapting the Bulla menu with some unique-toCharlotte options like the jalapeno ceviche and crispy calamari.

Bulla plans to continue to spread the brand, but for now, they’re excited for the evolution of the Charlotte location.

Lunch and dinner is offered seven days a week, and there is a full brunch menu on the weekends. info bullagastrobar.com @bullagastrobar

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The Spread // Plated

COR K BUZZ'S

Clam and Agnolotti words COREY MILLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

Dinner at Corkbuzz is all about choices — though not necessarily choices that have to be made by you.

Everyone at this SouthPark mainstay is well-versed in how to pair a wine. They know, for example, that this Villa Matilde Bianco Rocca dei Leoni, hailing from Campania, Italy, is exactly the kind of floral, fruity white you want to complement the brine of fresh clam. When plating something savory, the chef at Corkbuzz reaches first for a glass of something crisp and refreshing… but in this case, they paired this fragrant 2017 vintage with a just-heartyenough dish that threatens to steal the wine’s spotlight.

Chorizo-and-ricotta-filled agnolotti meets clam in a saffron broth with leeks, garlic, fresh tomatoes—all of which is accompanied by the eatery’s house-made grilled ciabatta. It’s a pairing rife with texture, offering sweet sips and savory bites in astoundingly equal measure.

— info — corkbuzz.com / @corkbuzzclt

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The Spread // Plated

S E V E N OA K S C A F E ' S

Butter Cake words SAM BRAMLET T photo JAMEY PRICE

Sometimes, simple really is the best.

Mix eggs in a bowl, add butter, and maybe a pinch of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and thick, then layer that into a pan. Now, mix confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, and more eggs together in a bowl until smooth, then spread that over the previous layer. That, in a nutshell, is how you make what’s known as a classic, ooey-gooey butter cake.

At least, that’s how you make the generic version of the traditional Southern butter cake. To get something special, something melt-in-your-mouth, lick-your fingers, whatin-the-world-did-they-put-in-this delicious, you’ll need to head to Seven Oaks Café. Theirs is something elevated and memorable: Plus, the chefs cut the richness of the cake with the sweet citric acid of juicy strawberries. It’s a dessert you won’t want to miss.

— info — sevenoakscafe.com / @sevenoakscafe

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The Spread // Poured

B R O K E N S P O K E 'S

Bloody Mary For Two words MARY ELIZABETH MYRICK photo JP GRICE

The foundation of The Broken Spoke was inspired by a nostalgia for that everybody-knows-your-name, “Cheers,” sort of sentiment. It’s very laid-back and relaxed, a place to catch up with friends for a few hours and indulge in a variety of appetizing dishes, craft beers, and handcrafted spirits made next door at The Great Wagon Distillery. Alongside their savory charcuterie board-style meals for eating, Broken Spoke specializes in similar spreads for beverages such as

their Bloody Mary’s for Two. Two glasses of the Great Wagon Distillery Bán Vodka and housemade Bloody Mary mix are served alongside an array of fresh garnishes — okra, bacon bits, pickled green tomatoes, cherry peppers, kalamata olives, and celery. Perhaps you’re in the mood for an all-American drink, or rather, craving a sneaky post-hangover beverage. Either way, Broken Spoke’s Bloody Marys for Two is an aesthetically pleasing way of enjoying both.

— info — brokenspokenc.com / @brokenspokenc

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The Spread // Poured

H AY M A K E R'S

Endless Summer words SUNNY HUBLER / photo KYO H. NAM

The bar team at Haymaker has a lot working in their favor just from the aesthetic alone: it’s leather-studded, navy blue, and stylishly circular, in case you have yet to see it. But don’t be fooled, this crew serves up a memorable mixed drink once you’ve pulled up a seat. The “Endless Summer” is a deceptively simple cocktail

served in a humble glass. El Jimador tequila meets the house-made cherry red grenadine, spiked with a little Trinidadian Angostura bitters to add depth to the flavor profile. Garnished with a bite of citrus from fresh lime, this is a brightly colored, crisp way to inject a little fun into what will be a seriously delicious dinner.

info haymakerclt.com / @haymaker_clt

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APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 91

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T H E F OL IO

H O M E A N D D ES I G N

One-of-a-kind Antique fanatic John Grafe shows off his expertise with eye-catching statement pieces and unique decorative accessories in his ever-evolving showroom. words RILEY COHEN portraits JAMEY PRICE

APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 93

The Folio // Foundation

Grafe’s ability to collect antiques is only a sliver of what truly sets his showroom apart. This isn’t somewhere you’ll have to dig through piles, hoping to happen upon a diamond in the rough.

Rather, Grafe has done the hard part for you: He has carefully selected the best of the best, the most well-kept versions of different collections and pieces, restored and cherished so that they could be mistaken for new.

J

John Grafe, a transplant from Moss Point, Mississippi, was brought to the Charlotte area upon the request he bring one thing: his knack for antiques. With successful antique shops in Jackson and New Orleans, Grafe’s expertise was highly sought after by local business owner David Boldman, who was eager to reinvent his own space.

Long serving as home to H&S Lumber, the 4,500 square feet building has been completely transformed into one of Charlotte’s largest antique stores filled with carefully curated, timeless antique furniture, decorative accessories, and lighting.

As a direct importer of fine English and Continental pieces with a lifelong passion for collecting and selling antiques, Grafe opened his very first shop as a senior at Ole Miss.

It wasn’t until Grafe’s fourth year of medical school at the University of Mississippi that he realized the antique business was his true calling. And in his words, “it is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

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“I try to make the presentation of every item a part of a vignette—like you could see it in your home.”

Instead of buying wholesale items or simply anything that’s antique, Grafe fixates on details, in hopes his inventory will inspire a story or evoke a feeling that his customers can identify with.

“I try to make the presentation of every item a part of a vignette—like you could see it in your home,” he explains.

When it comes to decorative accessories—such as mother of pearl, tortoise shell, inlaid boxes, and silver—Grafe specializes in curating collections, and

The Folio // Foundation

for that reason, has become a bit of an industry secret. On any given day, you’ll find interior designers and home industry enthusiasts perusing each one-of-a-kind piece, carefully selected and deliberately displayed. Grafe’s emphasis on quality and uniqueness shines through in his showroom, where every piece has its own niche.

When asked why he chose Charlotte, Grafe names the city’s beauty, cleanliness, and the bountiful greenery. As an outsider, Grafe knew little about Charlotte’s antique market, but he did know the city was full of beautiful homes, and presumably, people in search of beautiful pieces to fill them. Since its initial opening, H&S has been bustling with customers and interior

designers eager to peruse Grafe’s exceptional showroom. Not to mention, Grafe spends hours each week in search of specific pieces per request of his customers.

With over 30 years of experience with antiques and interiors, Grafe is happy to assist any customer in the design process.

And, perhaps surprisingly, Grafe does not believe every piece in a home necessarily has to be antique; rather he muses over modern pieces combined with select antiques, creating a balance between the eras. He also emphasizes the importance of “feeling” within a home, insisting you should love every piece that you bring into your home since you’re the one spending the most time in its presence.

— info — handsantiques.com / @handsantiques2018

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The Folio // Statement

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The secret behind this kitchen tool is that the Wolf oven uses moisture, heat, and airflow to create delicious meals that also preserve foods’ natural nutrition. Unlike products that offer steam assist features, the Wolf convection steam oven releases enough

steam, at just the right moment, to create bakery quality crusts, vibrant steamed veggies, sous vide, and more. At the same time, the convection element is perfect for baking and roasting, achieving perfectly browned and crisped foods.

The Wolf convection steam oven (CSO) is available in contemporary, professional, and transitional styles and integrates easily with other Sub-Zero and Wolf products, while a retractable handle option and buttonless touch control panels allow all models to fit seamlessly into multiple kitchen designs.

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The Folio // Vignette

Rose Colored words SUNNY HUBLER photo by DUSTIN PECK

Charlotte-based interior designer Donna Livingston is known for the fresh, clean lines and effortless style she breathes into all the interiors she touches. This dining room, completed in 2015, is a perfect epitome of that talent. As part of a SouthPark home project Livingston tackled, this dining room belonged to a couple who had been living with the same overall design for over two decades prior. It was, to be certain, time for a change.

Donna took what was once a traditional style room, with dark wood, chunky furniture, and less natural lighting, and added the built-in cabinet in the niche alongside the fresh, new rose, cream, and bronze color palette. She also replaced

the window treatments to allow more sunshine in. The neutral space allows some of the other elements in this room to really pop—like the statement chandelier made of striking blown glass orbs.

Of course, any good designer knows that a home is first and foremost meant to feel like one’s own, so Donna left the design open to collaboration, too: The clients asked that the artwork be the focal point of the room, and picked a piece from Charleston to highlight. After achieving a new place for gathering, this time in a beautifully up-to-date setting, Donna tells us the clients had her return to redesign the rest of the home years later, too.

— info — donnalivingstoninteriors.com / @donnalivingstoninteriors

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Showroom Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday, Closed

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APRIL 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 101

The Folio // Vignette

An Elite Study words SUNNY HUBLER photo by KENAN SWAIM

From builder Patrick Joseph Homes and designer JJ Barja of Elite Design Group comes this stunning study from the team’s Langtree lakeside project. Meant as a respite and a place to retire, the cigar room is wooded, warm, and masculine, while managing to be inviting and comforting, too. The space in this Mooresville home features carefully thought out detailing, like the blue grasscloth by Phillip Jeffries, dark walnut woodworking, bomber leather furniture, and brick-

like tile laid in a herringbone pattern. Jody Kurtz, of Kathryn Lilly Interiors, headed up the interior design to achieve the perfect furnishings to the overarching build. “The room has a patriotic feel,” she explains. Elite Design Group calls it one of their favorite projects to date. The result of putting together the expertise of each of these three industry forces is a room that can only be made better by the proximity of the lake waiting outside.

— info — elitedesigngroup.com / @elitedesigngroupnc

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The Folio // Vignette

A Hillside Retreat words AUTHOR photo JOE PURVIS

A Bedroom Sanctuary words JP GRICE photo by JOE PURVIS

Bryan Gerrard, owner of Gerrard Builders, realizes the importance of the builder-client relationship. Since the genesis of his business, he has placed this core belief in the middle of the company’s overall philosophy. Gerrard refers to all of his clients as partners in the building process, and he believes that this is the only way a vision can truly become a signature masterpiece. For this particular project, a partnership between client and builder was essential. It was very important to understand

the variety of needs the clients had for this specific renovation.

This bedroom in Gerrard's Hillside house is the perfect sanctuary. The bright, white space features a large window that overlooks the gorgeous backyard and allows for natural light to flood the space. A stunning brass chandelier draws the eyes up towards the high shiplap ceiling, smooth-painted beams add that extra pop of detail that guests immediately notice, and beautiful oak floors ground this space with a classic quality.

— info — gerrardbuilders.com / @gerrardbuilders

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The Folio // Blueprint

The Magnolia-Inspired Farmhouse A couple rolls up their sleeves like Chip and Joanna Gaines in their Ashley J designed dream house. words DENISE LORRAINE DAVIS photos METROPOLIS ICONIC SHOTS

The Folio // Blueprint

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Rick and Lindsey Anderson have never missed an episode of Fixer Upper. “Every episode gave us something to take away, even if the makeover wasn’t exactly our style,” Lindsey remembers. The couple was living in Ballantyne at the time and yearned for more space for their growing young family.

When they saw a 3-acre lot across from a school in Marvin become available, they closed on it the same day. They knew what they wanted. Pinterest boards were blowing up with the farmhouse style due to the influence of their favorite HGTV show and that style had also become a huge inspiration for the two. They loved that they could have a clean, open look that was warm — not cold, like modern often can be. They desired a new home that was welcoming and meaningful.

Just as they were getting ready to start the design/build process, the unthinkable happened: Lindsey was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. The project would be placed on hold until she was done with all her treatments and multiple surgeries. Reflecting back, Lindsey concludes, “I truly believe that this six-year delay benefited the outcome of our ultimate dream. Back then, we wouldn’t have built the house the way we ended up approaching it.” They had also adopted a child and now grown to a family of six.

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Lindsey picked up where she left off, first by searching on Houzz for area architects. “Ashley was the only one who answered my call, instead of letting it go to voicemail. And despite the fact that she was probably busy like the rest of them, she spent 15 minutes on the phone with me.

Our personalities clicked from the start.” explains Lindsey, “Ashley totally understood the style and was happy to go with that.” When they sat down face-to-face, the couple was further impressed. “She listened to our descriptions and drew our words out on paper in front of us. Her kind heart gave me the confidence and trust I wanted to have for a project of this scale.”

While Ashley focused on the big picture, Lindsey and Rick immersed themselves in the details. Lindsey, a make-up and skin care consultant, researched everything on Pinterest, created mood boards in Excel for every room, and custom-designed all the cabinets in the house on graph paper. Rick, a software consultant, plunged himself into building and installing much of the interior with his friend, Joshua Burch, a fourth-generation woodworker. Together they built Lindsey’s cabinets, installed shiplap, flooring, and much more.

The finished 5,200 sq. ft. home could easily be the final reveal

The Folio // Blueprint

on any Fixer Upper episode due to the layout and design elements.

It has five bedrooms and six baths. The couple’s biggest priority for their large family and entertaining needs was to have an oversized open living space involving the kitchen, living room, and covered porch. They worked directly with manufacturers and suppliers to learn and design from the bottom up. For example, California manufacturer, NanaWall, helped them determine size and folding direction of the single-track sliding glass walls, which was a key element to their desired open space concept.

Ashley’s plans had an archway to hide the clip in the ceiling from the stairs going above. At first it was supposed to be finished in shiplap, but Lindsey’s desire to have a brick floor in the laundry room soon extended into the hallway and then to the archway itself. She selected a brick made by McNear in California: Santa Fe Rustic. “We love the texture and imperfection of it. It looks like it came from a hundred-year-old building,” she says proudly.

When she searched Houzz and Pinterest for products, she was determined to get their selections no matter where in the country they had to come from, so it was a surprise to find a custom flooring manufacturer who would make them character-grade rift and quarter sawn 8” wide white oak planks right in Atlanta.

“Oak & Broad was one of the closest companies that I could find

to give us exactly what we wanted. The planks came natural and we finished them with WOCA Denmark oil and wood lye ourselves,” she adds.

The best advice they received while making all these decisions was to not skimp on the things they would never replace in the future, like choosing the exact flooring desired and investing in casement windows versus more cost-effective double-hung.

A good lesson she learned was not to seek advice from friends on Facebook. “It just confuses you more, because everyone votes equally for each option,” she laughs explaining how she couldn’t decide between an all walnut or all white hood in the kitchen, “so I just decided to incorporate both.”

Their labor of love is evident throughout the house with handmade, craft-oriented creativity and a keen interest in family sentiments that Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines made so desirable. The barn doors are crafted of wood from Rick’s family’s horse stalls on a 200-year-old farm in Orange County, NY. The master bath doors were a discovery the couple made in the back of a barn at Cline’s Country Antiques in Mount Pleasant, NC. They stripped several layers of paint off them, sanded them down and added glass panels. Rick picked up an old chandelier and gave it a new life by cutting off the ornate pieces, painting it black and wrapping it in jute

“[Ashley's] kind heart gave me the confidence and trust I wanted to have for a project of this scale.”

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The Folio // Blueprint

“I like carrying on the special traditions, beliefs and artifacts belonging to family members you love.” rope for the children’s living room. Lindsey designed two large wall signs with sayings for the dining rooms, which Joshua custom-etched (one out of a mantelpiece from the old farm) and Lindsey then painstakingly painted. There was very little this couple didn’t agree on, and their talents complimented each other in a way that is reminiscent of that aforementioned famous HGTV couple. It was a triumphant team effort that clearly celebrates moving forward with their life.

With a fervent focus toward a bright future, Lindsey mounted her grandfather’s horseshoe above the front doorway for good luck. “We’re not superstitious, but older generations believed that if the horseshoe is hung over the door tails up, it catches good luck and if it is tails down, it keeps good luck inside. So, either way it works, and I like carrying on the special traditions, beliefs and artifacts belonging to family members you love.” info Architecture: Ashley J. Design | ashleyjdesign.com | @ashleyjdesign Custom Woodworking: Joshua Burch | burchstudios.com Photography: metropolisiconicshots | @metropolisiconicshots

T R AV E L A N D S P O R T I N G

T H E E X PL OR E D

Seaside Views & Southern Charm Visiting The Lodge at Sea Island words RACHEL DRESSEL photos courtesy THE LODGE AT SEA ISLAND

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The Explored // Weekender

B

Between Savannah and Jacksonville lies the Golden Isles, a stretch of Georgia coastline encompassing four barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Sea Island. While each island is rich with pristine beaches and untouched marshland, Sea Island is most known for being a playground for wildlife as well as for the sport’s enthusiast.

Sea Island was built in 1928 from the oceanside land purchased by the automobile magnate Howard Coffin.

Nicknamed “Little Friendly Hotel,” The Cloister was the first building that established one of the most exclusive and breathtaking resorts in the country.

Today, Sea Island consists of five miles of private beach, a yacht club, a tennis center, a beach club, and three golf courses. First timers to PGA champions en-

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joy the Retreat course, defined with pine trees and bunkers to allow players to relax and swing for the target.

Designed in the traditional Scottish link style, the Seaside course is the most challenging. Then the Plantation course is the classic nine-hole course built in 1928.

Visitors to Sea Island have many choices of accommodation. The Cloister calls upon the classic Sea Island experience, Broadfield is the sportsmen’s dream, but The Lodge is the place for couples, families, and golfers alike to enjoy a luxurious and enriching seaside experience.

Arriving at The Lodge on Sea Island is like stepping into an alternate reality where the South and European countryside are somehow the same place. The Lodge consists of an English-style manor situated in a plantation-like setting. The exposed beams and large windows

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The Explored // Weekender

of the suites draw the southern landscape into the modernly rustic space, where you can look out onto the ocean or the golf course. For either a more intimate retreat or more room for the family, you can stay in a two or four-bedroom cottages. The cottages’ walls feature pieces from local artists to view, while the private patio offers views of the seaside to admire.

While you can have in-room dining and enjoy southern cuisine while never leaving your dreamy suite, you may want to dress up and wind down in one of The Lodge’s fine dining rooms. Share a 32 oz. porterhouse for two with a perfectly paired glass of red chosen by their sommelier at Colt & Alison. The Oak Room offers more casual southern fare, such as shrimp and grits and the chicken and dumplings. If you’re com-

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ing back in from a round of golf then you cannot miss visiting one of the most exclusive locker rooms in the country. In the Men’s Locker Room you can grab daily lunch specials, cocktails at the full bar, or enjoy a cigar in the cigar room. Amidst all of this there are the amenities of a locker room, such as rainfall showers and a steam room.

For over ninety years, Sea Island has been a destination of beauty and adventure. With thoughtful architectural design and elegant dining, the Lodge at Sea Island defines southern charm. info seaisland.com @sea_island

Leisure, the Linville way.

Reserve some quality time with cool breezes, stunning mountain scenery, and every amenity you can imagine.

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The Explored // Sporting

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A Day at the Races Our favorite sporting event and tailgate of the year, the Queen's Cup Steeplechase, runs for the 24th time on April 27 at the world-class Brooklandwood Racecourse. words L AUREN GRIFFITH / photos JAMEY PRICE

This event is not just your average tailgate followed by a horse race. The annual Queen’s Cup Steeplechase is the best doggone lawn party tailgate of the year, and a chance to watch the horses and jockeys perform is icing on the cake.

Charlotte locals and race attendees from all over the Southeast anticipate letting loose in their nicest suits, dresses, and statement hats.

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The Queen’s Cup takes place in the heart of Carolina springtime, falling this year on April 27th, in the historic town of Mineral Springs, North Carolina. Bill and Carrington Price, the event’s dedicated founders, prepare for this monumental event year-round so the grounds are ready for serious stomping. The beautiful greens, known as the Brooklandwood Racecourse, fill with horserace enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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The Explored // Sporting

Due to the race’s great success across the South, the founders are able to use ticket proceeds to benefit a cause close to their hearts. With ties to the Price family, this is the sixth year the charity will be the Alzheimer’s Association. Carrington's father, Ruffie, passed away from complications with Alzheimer’s and both of Bill’s parents, Jim and Midge Price, died from complications with the disease. Supporting this cause truly means the world to the Price family. Both Jim — a World War II vet who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Medal for valor — and his loving Midge were proud Steeplechase supporters and benefactors, and their legacy is honored at the racecourse each and every year. Without these two, the Queen’s Cup wouldn’t be what it is today: the best sporting day of the year.

To fully immerse yourself into all that the Cup has to offer, arrive early and ready to partake in all of the day’s activities. The gates open at 10 am, and from the tailgating to the events, food and drink, socializing, high-stakes races, and even the post-race hot walk party, there is something exciting happening until the very last second of the evening.

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The Explored // Sporting

When the gates fling open, the day’s events commence. The Opening Ceremonies take place on the racecourse to signal the beginning of the races. The ceremony will consist of the playing of the bagpipes by Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Pipe Band, a color guard presentation, the traditional walking of the hounds, and the national anthem performed by the brilliant voice of Dani Freid, who played Annie on Broadway.

Attendees can watch competitive Jack Russell Terriers sprinting to the finish line, and, since the Cup is also a family affair, pony rides will be offered for children for the better part of the afternoon, presented by Charlotte Latin School. If a hand-decorated hat is part of your ensemble of the day, enter in the Renew Medspa Hat Contest. You better bring your A-game because, as history shows, these hats are some of the most creative, unique, and often over-the-top you have ever seen.

Once the horse racing starts, the tailgating gets even more fun.

The day is made up of four jump races and one flat race. Before they start, guests are invited to the parade ring to see the jockeys and horses up close and personal. Then they are off: The horses race around the world-class course, jumping over high fences, ditches, and even water. Because of how the racecourse was built,

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The Explored // Sporting

with its strategic elevations, there is hardly a bad spot from which to view the races. This is extremely rare with American jump racing and makes for an absolutely epic experience. Jubilation in the crowd runs high for those brief minutes of racing, and when the winner crosses the finish line, it’s back to great conversation, delicious food, and tasty, boozy beverages.

After the races, all patrons of the Queen’s Cup should stick around for music and dancing at the Hot Walk Party sponsored

by Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, an event named after the equestrian term where horses are hand walked around the stabling area to cool down after a race. This party metaphorically acts as the hot walk for Queen’s Cup attendees and takes place in the big tent on Member’s Hill. Celebrate with live music by Kingdaddy, free hors d’oeuvres compliments of Queen City Catering, and a cash bar for all your cocktail needs.

The Queen’s Cup Steeplechase is truly an event for everyone.

With plentiful family-friendly festivities, an excuse for hours of tailgating, and even an afterparty, this is a tradition Charlotte is proud to call its own. info queenscup.org @queenscup

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The Explored // Carolina Town

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A Quiet Southern Coastal Town Getting to know Bluffton, South Carolina. words WILHEM DIEHL photos JP GRICE

Take a day to follow the scraggly coast of South Carolina as far as your car will take you, past marshes and swamps, down just shy of Georgia. By this time in your drive, you probably feel as though you’ve seen almost as much as the winding coast of the Carolinas will give you, but you’d be wrong about that. Way down that coast you’ll find Bluffton, what some would call the last true Southern coastal town.

One truth about the South that is known by many is that time simply moves slower, and that couldn’t be more true for Bluffton. A staple of the Carolina Lowcountry, Bluffton is perched directly above Savannah, Georgia, on the mouth of the May River. The river itself snakes through town, wiggling its way to the brackish Atlantic and out to sea. On its way, it swings past groves of oaks draped in Spanish moss, listing with the breeze and characterizing a town that has a tight bond with the water, the beaches, and the way of life that comes along with it.

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Bluffton has been this way for quite a long time, too. Although a recent surge in development has made it the fastest growing town in South Carolina, Bluffton still has history to show — and in spades. Old Town in particular weaves the modern face of a long standing town with the strong, weathered churches and homes that have anchored the town since the mid 1800’s.

The food of Bluffton has thankfully evolved since the 1800’s, but still offers a taste of rural seasonality to complement its modern interpretations. FARM, on May River Road offers some of the finest farm-to-table options in the area, tuning into a modern trend while embracing the agricultural foundations of Bluffton. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, but if you can, make sure not to pass up the toasted coconut pound cake on the desert menu. Pair it with the May River grapefruit shrub on the cocktail menu and you’ll get a sweet and tangy taste for Bluffton’s best.

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The Explored // Carolina Town

Of course, if you’ve come as far as Bluffton and haven’t gotten a taste for the sea yet, then you’ve probably done something wrong. Fear not, however, because not far down Bruin Road you can find Red Fish. This restaurant is helmed by the creative mind of Chef Chaun Bescos, whose attentiveness to quality, organic foods and roots in Hawaiian cuisine make for a refreshing and exciting experience. The grilled sea bass is a must-have, but the Red Fish chicken is also a dependable classic.

Before you make your way out of town, be sure to stop by Palmetto Bluff on the south bank of the May River. If the views enchant you enough, you may even want to spend a night at the lovely Montage Hotel, which occupies one of the finest views of the Bluffs there is to offer. Bluffton has a little something for everybody, and no matter what brings you down, whether it be the beaches, the food, or the history, you’re welcome to stay. info palmettobluff.com @montagepalmettobluff

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NOTH I NG COU L D BE FI N ER 50 Carolina destinations to visit in 2019.

We’re partial, we know, but there is something so special about the Carolinas.

That’s due to many things: The food culture, the interesting junction of “north” and “south”, the rich heritage and the people… but it’s really the diversity of this landscape that gets us. The sweeping mountains of western North Carolina, the breezy, tropical-looking stretches of the South Carolina coast, the huge sand dunes that line the Outer Banks, the dense Blue Ridge, the ever-evolving urban areas... Drive three hours one way and then three hours the other, and you’ll quickly see for yourself.

While we love to travel across the U.S. and beyond, traveling our own backyard is the opposite of routine, and that’s what makes the Carolinas our favorite type of homebase.

From the beaches to the mountains, here are the places that inspire us, that call our names again and again, that surprise us just when we thought we knew it well. These are our fifty favorite Carolina destinations to visit in 2019.

This page: A sunset on Lake Tillery Opposite page: The beloved Deerhead Oak in McClellanville

words SUNNY HUBLER, L AUREN GRIFFITH, and RILEY COHEN photos JAMEY PRICE and JP GRICE

Jockey's Ridge

Corolla

THE NORTH CAROLINA BEACHES

THE LOWCOUNTRY

Wrightsville Beach Grab a coffee at The Workshop and begin your stroll down Wrightsville Beach to catch the sunrise off the notorious Johnnie Mercer’s Pier. After a long day of basking in the sun, stop by local favorite Tower 7 for authentic Mexican tacos, irresistible guacamole, and cold, made-in-house margaritas.

Isle of Palms Drift outside the bustling city of Charleston to catch the moonrise over the peaceful Isle of Palms. Stay for a night at the oceanfront Boardwalk Inn and wake up early for morning strolls on the beach — and to stake out your spot for the day while you’re at it.

Jockey's Ridge Walk through the sandy dunes at this state park in the Outer Banks. Afterwards, visit Outer Banks Distilling for what many guests agree is the best rum they’ve ever tasted, and perhaps partake in the history that Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has to offer as well.

Pamlico Sound Dine on a Hoisin Glazed Pork Chop or a plate of roasted oysters on the deck of Pangea Tavern gastropub in Pamlico Sound.

Then, watch the sunset over the beautiful stretch of sound before retiring to an evening by the fire pits at the acclaimed Sanderling Resort.

Duck Beach Stroll the white sands along the shore of Duck. As a popular shelling destination, Duck offers a scenic yet quiet beach retreat full of treasures and memories to take home.

Corolla Stop at one of the nearby gas stations to deflate your tires before cruising the spacious 4 x 4 beaches of Corolla. The descendents of the Colonial Spanish Mustangs have free range of the beaches, and can be spotted on your drive or walk through the sandy slopes. You can also book a tour to see the horses up close.

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McClellanville Stumble upon the quaint, Spanish moss-draped town of McClellanville, some 45 minutes outside of Charleston. A walk down Pinckney Street gives you the sense you’ve turned back time.

Bluffton Opt for a tranquilizing day of dolphin watching on the May River in Bluffton and top off your afternoon at the acclaimed Montage Resort with sunset views at happy hour.

Folly Beach Catch a wave at Folly Beach or check out the local lighthouse for sightseeing, fishing, and additional beach access. For the local experience eat at Taco Boy and grab a beer at Surf Bar. Kiawah Take an evening cruise on the expansive Kiawah River; lined with mossy oaks, it makes for breathtaking sunset views. Cap off the night at Cantina 76 for street-style tacos and fresh, handcrafted margaritas.

Pawley’s Island Relax in the grass as you cast out a line off Pawley’s Island, a quaint yet historic beach town known for its majestic sand dunes and enchanting gardens. Enjoy the patio at Chive Blossom and pop open a bottle of your favorite wine.

Folly Beach

McClellanville

Pamlico Sound

Tundra swans near Swan Quarter

Downtown Southern Pines

The sun rises near Pinehurst

TOWNS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

TOWNS OF THE PIEDMONT

Bath Retreat along the beautiful tidal Pamlico River in Bath, North Carolina’s first town. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Blackbeard’s (the infamous pirate) home and experience how colonial North Carolinians lived.

Southern Pines Hop on an Amtrak and take a ride to the picturesque town of Southern Pines. Visit the colorful streets filled with an array of cafes and shops in downtown before staying the night at Jefferson Inn, one of the nation’s leading boutique hotels.

Oriental See the sailboats year-round in Oriental, NC where boating season never ends. Cruise the intercoastal waterways on your own boat for a day, but don’t forget your morning latte and harbor view at The Bean.

Pinehurst Right down the road from neighboring Southern Pines, tee off on No.2 and play a few rounds at the iconic Pinehurst Resort golf course. Or, find tranquility with a hot stone massage and body wrap at the Pinehurst Resort spa.

Swan Quarter Birdwatch on Carolina's flyway and you may catch sight of the Tundra Swan in Swan Quarter, NC. Take the North Carolina Ferry to the lush greenery filled small-town community.

Chapel Hill Walk Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill to experience the center of the town’s social and nightlife. Catch a show at Cat’s Cradle or have a glass at the chic West End Wine Bar. Carve time out of your day to wander through the North Carolina Botanical Garden to see a venus flytrap or blooming orchid.

Beaufort Experience coastal charm and downeast living in Beaufort, NC with the alluring main street on the waterfront. Beaufort Harbor Suites offers cozy arrangements just a few blocks away from the waterfront, where visitors weave throughout the art galleries, gift shops of treasure, and eateries.

Sea Level Explore the unique opportunity of oystering with a multitude of bivalves in Sea Level, NC, nestled among the banks of North Carolina’s Core Sound.

Mt. Airy Take a trip to Andy Griffith's hometown of Mayberry and while you're there climb 2,000 feet to the top of Pilot Mountain State Park for breathtaking views of the mountainous Carolinas.

Durham Enjoy the booming culinary scene in Durham. Visit Alley Twenty Six for handcrafted cocktails and fresh, locally-sourced delicacies. Perhaps visit the intimate dining concept Littler for seasonally unique dinner offerings.

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Blue Ridge Mountain Club views in Blowing Rock

A rainbow seen from Mt. Mitchell

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

WESTERN CAROLINA TOWNS

Linville Gorge If you’re seeking an invigorating outdoor challenge, hike the rim of the “Grand Canyon of the East” and get swept away by the bountiful wilderness and steep climbs of Linville Gorge.

Blowing Rock Walk charming downtown Blowing Rock to peruse pottery shops and galleries like Bolick and Traditions as well as treasured antique shops. Take in astounding views from The Blowing Rock peak itself with a gorgeous overview of fellow mountain tops. Then head to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain Club to find your dream mountain home.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Opt for a roadtrip through the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway as you weave through the region’s breathtaking views and diverse sightseeing. It’s equally beautiful in all seasons, but we can’t recommend a trip here during the autumnal leaf change enough.

Grandfather Mountain Hike the diverse terrain of Grandfather Mountain including the step-by-step wooden ladders framing its steep rock sheers and arrive atop Calloway Peak, the highest of the four peaks.

Mt. Mitchell Less than 20 miles from Asheville, you can visit the highest peak on the East Coast, Mt. Mitchell, where you can hike up to a scenic picnic area to take in the breathtaking views.

Clingmans Dome Atop the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains you can find Clingmans Dome, offering a 360-degree view of seven surrounding states.

Roan Mountain On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Roan Mountain's peak, a bald grassy bluff, sits at over 6,200 feet in elevation offering some of the most beautiful views in the Blue Ridge. The mountain has the highest shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail.

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Sylva Friendly Sylva, NC is great in the summer with blooming flowers throughout the fun town and craft breweries such as Innovation and Balsam Falls. Sylva truly sparkles during the holidays as a delightful Christmas-light filled town with wonderful gift shopping opportunities in the array of boutiques.

Travelers Rest Experience tranquility in the aptly named upstate mountain community of Travelers Rest. Kick back at the vast green space of Trailblazer Park, or shop local at the fresh grown Farmer’s Market. Crunch into a delicious crepe or at Tandem Creperie or a savory taco at modern Farmhouse Tacos.

Bryson City Make bustling Bryson City your base camp as you explore the Great Smokies. Take advantage of a cozy bed and breakfast such as the welcoming Folkestone Inn B&B in the curves of the mountains before heading out to your awaiting adventure.

Beech Mountain Enjoy some of Carolina's best views on a downhill mountain biking mission at Beech Mountain, NC. Emerald Outback offers seven miles of running, biking, and hiking trails along lush Beech trees and bubbling streams.

Linville Gorge Chimneys

Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville from The Omni Grove Park Inn

An Asheville sunset from Town Mountain Road

Lake Tahoma

Lake Mattamuskeet

METROPOLITAN CAROLINA

LAKES OF THE CAROLINAS

Greenville Stroll down charming Greenville, SC’s Main Street, past southern boutiques like Magnolia Scents by Design and popular restaurants such as Halls Chophouse where you can dine on aged steaks and lamb chops. Don’t forget to stop by Falls Park on the Reedy for a waterfall experience in the heart of downtown.

Lake Tahoma Nestled between the mountains of Western North Carolina, experience the peaceful, private views of Mt. Mitchell from the shores of the beautiful, still-watered Lake Tahoma.

Raleigh Explore the multitude of museums; including the North Carolina Museum of History and Museum of Art, and the blossoming downtown of North Carolina's capital, Raleigh. Experience a live show at one of Raleigh’s many major music venues, like Red Hat Amphitheatre.

Asheville Go on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of hip, bohemian Asheville. Stop by Jargon for a new take on classic American cuisine, or travel to Spain without leaving the city by indulging in Cúrate’s authentic menu. Make time for West Asheville’s quirky aesthetic and art scene, and stay at Grand Bohemian for a true luxury experience.

Winston-Salem Take a trip to the past in Old Salem with professional interpretations of historic southern life. Afterwards, experience WinstonSalem's growing downtown North Historic district. Take a bite of goat cheese cheesecake at Camino Bakery, or enjoy a brew at eclectic Foothills Brewing Brewpub.

Columbia In buzzing downtown Columbia, visit the giraffes at Riverbanks Zoo or the breezy Horseshoe on The University of South Carolina’s campus. Before leaving South Carolina’s capital, peruse the South Carolina State Museum planetarium and dinosaur exhibits.

Lake Mattamuskeet As the largest natural lake in North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet is a desirable waterfowl hunting territory, offering some of the most diverse waterfowl populations in the country.

Lake Tillery Kayak amidst the beautiful Uwharrie mountains on Lake Tillery or opt for an evening boat ride and cocktails at River Wild’s expansive waterfront patio, featuring live music and a refreshing Moscow Mule.

Lake Toxaway Escape to the Greystone Inn for a luxurious and ultimately private stay on Lake Toxaway, where a complementary sunset cruise awaits on The Miss Lucy.

Lake Marion If you’re looking for more quiet than the beach offers in the summers, catch a glimpse of wild alligators on the largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion, and take in the Lowcountry views and wildlife instead.

Lake James With 150 miles of shoreline, Lake James sits at the base of picturesque Linville Gorge,in the shadows of the Blue Ridge foothills and mountains to the west. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the beauty and accessibilty here. Lake James State Park offers overnight camping, boat-in camping, and eight gorgeous nature trails to explore the wilds of this area.

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Nantahala River

RIVERS

WATERFALLS

Nantahala Go on a family whitewater rafting trip on the Nantahala River, surrounded by the Great Smokies. Many activities await adventuring souls, but peaceful tranquility can also be found among the rushing waters.

Dupont State Forest Visit the land of waterfalls by embarking in a three-mile round trip hike at Dupont State Forests. See Hooker, Triple, and High Falls, all in the same morning.

Wilson Creek Gorge Ride the roaring white water rapids in the Wilson Creek Gorge or fly fish the gin-clear water upstream. Take one of the many trails to your campsite under the stars within earshot of the rumbling waters.

New River Take a kayak or tube excursion down the New River, particularly close to New River State Park to see massive herds of deer along the river’s edge. Perhaps even make a day out of it and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the midst of the park’s nature.

Chattooga River Raft down President Jimmy Carter's favorite: the National Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. Afterwards, enjoy a plate of fresh stone crabs at nearby Winslow’s Hideaway.

Watauga River Tube down the meandering Watauga River through scenic, rural Valle Crucis. Unwind at the luxurious Inn at Little Pond Farm for a quaint European approach to mountain living.

Looking Glass Falls See North Carolina's most popular waterfall, Looking Glass. In the winter, the water freezes over in the most exquisite manner, and in the summer; the water acts as a reflective “looking glass” sheet. Slide down the natural Sliding Rock while you are there and plunge into eight feet of pure mountain water at the bottom.

Raven's Cliff Experience South Carolina's highest waterfall, the upstate's 400-foot Raven's Cliff. The hike is worth it for the leafy, evergreen view of the breathtaking wonder.

Cullasaja Falls Take a winding drive through Nantahala National Forest scenic byway to see Cullasaja Falls and then feel at one with nature amongst the waterfalls with the Nantahala Gorge Canopy tour.

Hickory Nut Falls Go for a hike in Chimney Rock State Park to see Hickory Nut Falls, or spend the better part of the afternoon in Chimney Rock Village. Stay within the grounds of the western-inspired town at the historic Esmeralda Inn.

For more Carolina destinations and hotels visit: qcexclusive.com / @qcexclusive

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High Falls in Dupont State Forest

Looking Glass Falls in Winter

U TA H CH A R M Experience the warm hospitality and stunning beauty of Park City.

By mid-summer of 2018, I couldn’t ignore the itch to head West any longer. I had been to some of the surrounding areas, places I couldn’t get out of my head for their vastness and beauty, but never Utah itself. It remained a bucket list item to cross off, so I made the plans and hastily packed my bags. However, without having experienced the state, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect as I boarded the plane out of Charlotte-Douglas to Park City.

A short plane ride later, and I could already begin to see just how unique this area was: Our flight path took us directly over Salt Lake with the ridges of the Wasatch Range in the distance. The layers of the mountains on the horizon were breathtaking, and I began to get extremely excited to finally be in Utah.

I disembarked from the plane, headed to baggage claim, eagerly grabbed my bags, and then heard someone call out my name. Although we had never met, my Park City host Dan Howard recognized me immediately. How’s that for hospitality?

words and photos JP GRICE

W

With all my things in tow, we headed out of the airport and to his car — a convertible with the top rolled invitingly down. It was warmer than expected, and what better way to soak in a new scene. As we drove the short 45 minutes to Park City, talking and taking in the views, I was impressed, to say the least, with the wide open spaces in high summer time.

Upon arrival, I checked into my home base for the next few nights, the Newpark Resort. It’s a beautiful new boutique hotel in the up-and-coming Newpark area, sitting on the fringe of Park City and poised at the edge of the scenic 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve and Ecocenter.

Newpark Resort is a blend of luxury and hominess, with stunning large suites that feature hot tubs, heated floors, full kitchens, and gorgeous balconies overlooking the preserve.

The room was rustic, with an appropriately mountain-y vibe.

The hotel boasts all the amenities, including an indoor-tooutdoor modern pool and full gym, all with their sustainable/ eco-friendly philosophy.

From the moment I touched down, the Park City team had a full itinerary planned for us; our group of travelers congregated to find out what was in store. The plans for the next few days were split into two main categories: activities and eating and drinking. Here are some of my very favorite experiences and eats, and the ones that I’d highly recommend to any Park City traveler.

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WHAT TO DO IN PARK CITY IN THE SUMMERTIME Outdoor Summer Concert Series We made our way to Deer Valley Resort around sunset to see the exceptional show, Disney in Concert, performed by the Utah Symphony. We parked, and walked towards the venue with a giant cooler full of food and wine in tow. Our seats overlooked the amphitheatre and the mountain range beyond. While two big screens played classic cartoon scenes and the talented musicians performed the soundtracks live, our group uncorked the wine, cracked the beers, and enjoyed a picnic supper under the stars. I would highly recommend getting tickets for this. It’s family friendly and easy to attend, making it an entertaining way to spend a laid-back summer evening outdoors.

The Dejoria Center This beautiful event venue and conference center in the Uinta foothills hosts some of the best concerts in the area. We were there to try out the Park City Horse Experience's horse meditation. This was truly one of the most unique things I've ever done: Seated in a circle, together we practiced our breathing and meditation with the horses. The renowned Alejandra Lara led the session, making us feel completely comfortable around these big animals and in tune with the nature surrounding us.

Opposite page: Newpark Resort & Hotel in Park City, Utah and Swaner Nature Preserve. This page: Downtown Park City's colorful homes and historic buildings including The Egyptian, the town's live music venue. A bustling Park City Farmer's Market.

Provo River fly fishing This was an opportunity to catch some truly stunning trout on a world-renowned stream. Wading and searching for rainbows in beautiful riffles of the middle section of the Provo, with the expanse of foothills and mountains in the distance, was an unforgettable way to see the nature of this state. Everyone in our group was able to catch a beautiful, native Utah trout, and that made the experience even better.

fruits and vegetables Horse meditation at the Dejoria Center with Park City to bring home, or eat Horse Experience. Buckin' lunch at one of the broncos at the Oakley rodeo. many food trucks and An orange sky at sunset over the Uinta foothills. vendors. I was personally blown away by the amount of locals that attended. The streets were shut down and absolutely packed with people enjoying the weather and the delicious food and ingredients.

The Oakley Rodeo This is a Western experience you practically have to take advantage of: Oakley is a small town rodeo packed with attendees. Set against a beautiful sunset, we took in some crazy-fun, authentic bull and horse riding, shared hot dogs and nachos (with that iconic, yellowy-orange nacho cheese drizzled all over), and met some very friendly, unique people. It’s a nail-biter of an evening, but so worth it. You walk away from this one thinking about how skilled, determined, and committed these riders are.

Mines and Wines Learn about the history of Park City while you explore the various mines in the area and sample some of the best wines available in Park City. With wonderful, knowledgeable hosts — Miss Fox and her assistant Hannah — leading the tour this is a truly unique but great way to spend an afternoon in the town. You will walk away from this with a little buzz and a whole bunch of knowledge about the area, how it came to be, its connection to the mining industry, and so much more.

Park City Farmers Market This was one of the most unexpected treats of my trip: The downtown market is huge, filled with people shopping, eating, and catching up. You can get the freshest

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Park City Mountain Chair Lifts You can't leave town without seeing the views from the top of Park City Mountain. Buy your lift ticket and ride the chair lift up through the Aspen trees to the top of the mountain, watching mountain bikers whizz by you below.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN PARK CITY High West Distillery Just a short drive from Park City to Wanship, Utah, and you arrive at the High West Distillery & Tasting Room. Set high on the hillside, this world-class distillery is absolutely beautiful. We were able to tour their facility to learn about how their product and whiskey is made, what all their equipment does, and so much more. Then we headed over to the tasting room to imbibe in their bourbon, rye, and whiskey sampling.

The Spur Bar & Grill The Spur's food, like their classic “Spur Burger” and their beloved brick oven pizza is really good. While you eat, The Spur serves up live music from rock to folk and more. What I really liked about my experience though was my first shotski. Don't know what a shotski is? It's exactly what it sounds like — a handful of shot glasses are attached to a ski. The bartender fills all the shot glasses with your favorite libation, and then together as a group, you flip the ski and drink the shots together.

Bridge Cafe & Grill The Bridge Cafe & Grill serves American food with a Brazilian flair. Located directly at the bottom of the Town Lift on Main Street, it has one of Park City's best patios for spectacular outdoor dining. I ate breakfast there and can attest that it is both fresh and rather tasty.

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No Name Saloon One of Park City’s most popular bars, No Name Saloon, is decked out with an amalgamation of themed decor from old snowmobiles and motorcycles hanging from the ceiling to taxidermied moose heads on the walls. It is an overload for the senses and a great place to enjoy a beer or cocktail and their world-famous buffalo burger.

Woodland Biscuit Company Located in the old Woodland Cash Store building in a town with 350 or so residents, this roadside eatery is in the sticks between Park City and Heber City, Utah is the go-to spot for breakfast.

Woodland dishes up delicious takes on the classic Southern biscuit including the salty goodness that is biscuits and gravy.

It’s a quirky, homey little spot, and the waitress who graciously brought us our food was, no lie, named “Chicken.”

In the quaint mountain town of Park City I was greeted with open arms and smiles at nearly every turn. It was a trip that allowed for a lot: We were able to enjoy the great outdoors and the warm weather while eating biscuits and gravy, going to the farmer's market, sipping on bourbon, fishing for trout, and so much more.

Park City, you might be far from the South, but y'all know how to make someone feel right at home. info visitparkcity.com @visitparkcity

Opposite page: High West Distillery whiskey, bourbon, and rye sampling as well as the production facility. This page Clockwise From Top Left: High West Distillery and whiskey barrels. Aspen trees from Bald Eagle Mountain above Park City. Swaner Nature Preserve. Park City Mountain Chair Lifts.

A G OL DEN DR I V E A trip of a lifetime from San Francisco to San Diego on Highway 1 words SUNNY HUBLER photos JP GRICE

The flight from Charlotte to San Francisco will run you just over five hours, wheels touching down on the opposite coast in just enough time for you to have read a magazine and taken a nap. The plane ride there and back is, however, only the cursory travel that allows for the real trip to begin: taking in the California coast by automobile. This is arguably one of the most iconic drives that exists in all of America—or, for that matter, in the world.

It’s not exactly a laid-back, loungey sort of vacation, though: The drive itself requires patience and an iron stomach, and to see as much as you can in each stop requires you hit the streets, beaches, and parks with abandon. But what this is is a breathtakingly unique block of travel, one that’s evocative of simpler times; the family-caravan style getaway that embodies Americana and the pull of West Coast lore that has colored our country for centuries. While you can’t really go wrong, we do have a few tips and tricks for making the most of your coastal exploration.

San Francisco from the top of Twin Peaks.

SAN FRANCISCO Since there’s no shortage of sights in San Francisco, our recommendation is to spend a few days exploring the surrounding area before securing yourself a car rental to gain the freedom to get straight to the heart of this trip; driving away from the Golden City, along the dramatic, jagged Pacific coast and all the way down to southern, sunny San Diego. A two-night stop off is what we used to break up the 10-plus hour drive (that, with stops, ends up more like 15) but, on a trip like this, the options are endless. This city is sprawling yet contained, like the West Coast’s answer to Manhattan. Inside, the city is dense and concrete covered, but just moments outside, it’s all views and nature and coastal California glory.

The Clift Royal Sonesta in the Union Square area served as home base. The Sonesta is classic San Francisco, and while its exterior is unassuming, stepping through the doors of the hotel transports you into a space inspired by the classic luxury hotels of the early 20th century, with a few carefully delivered dashes of the surreal—a little like that one time your 1950’s Mad Menesque dad tried acid. Certain corners of the hotel house surprising, artistic details, like the (hugely) oversized furniture by

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Salvador Dalí, or, since we were there over Halloween weekend, the five-foot-tall sculpture of a bloodied spectre’s head hanging out right by the elevators. Our favorite space in the hotel had to be the legendary Redwood Room, a richly polished, refined bar created from the life of a single Redwood tree. Upstairs, the suites are spacious (really, our king suite was enormous), generously light-filled, and crisp, a detour from the moody, artistic haven waiting outside your door.

The hotel is in proximity to all you’d hope as a visitor: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, and Chinatown. San Fran is a walkable place, but when you do need to catch an Uber, prepare for a roller-coaster-esque ride through the impossibly hilly, twisting streets.

Our best tip though is to actually get outside the city—the views are unparalleled from places like Twin Peaks, Marin Headlands, Baker Beach, and Dolores Park. Each offers different, but equally sweeping, vantage points of this vast city contained by water. We also drove, as a daytrip, to Muir Woods and Sonoma, and were able to make it back to the city in time for a late dinner.

This page clockwise from top: The Golden Gate Bridge from Marshall'sBeach. The Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline from Hawk Hill.

Fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Strait. Opposite page: The Clift Royal Sonesta in Union Square with impressive views of downtown San Francisco.

This page clockwise from top left: Wild Bird House in Big Sur. Morro Rock in San Luis Obispo. Cliffs near Carmel, California just south of Pebble Beach. Opposite page: Two visitors, in the fog, enjoy the depth and layers of the coastline at Mori Point.

HIGHWAY 1 A pre-sunrise departure from San Francisco allowed us one final view from atop Twin Peaks, as the climbing sun bathed our panoramic views in impossibly golden light. We opted to tackle most of it at once, stopping in Laguna Beach for the night, but you could break the drive into two, three, or even five nights and not be disappointed. With coffees in hand, the drive began with some in-town routes, and we made it through Santa Cruz for a late breakfast. Shortly after, a few hours in, the drive became an endless array of staggering scenery with plenty of just-wide-enough pull off points. Big Sur, Monterey,

San Luis Obispo, and Malibu all provided longer stopping points for us, along with the countless other unnameable mile markers that we couldn’t pass by without a quick jump out of the car. The essence of the drive seemed encapsulated in a passing moment we had, somewhere eight or nine hours in. As we stood overlooking the stunningly stark cliffs of the coast, I murmured, “Wow, this looks like… a whole other country.” To which editor JP Grice replied, simply, “Really? I think this is the most American place there is.” And it is, somehow, both: foreign, arresting, awe-inspiring, and… familiar.

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This page: Seagulls enjoying the crystal blue water of the Pacific Ocean. The view of a Pacific sunset from La Casa del Camino.

Opposite page: A surfer catches a wave on 1,000 Steps beach in Laguna Beach.

LAGUNA BEACH We arrived late in Laguna Beach, well after dark. Pulling up to La Casa del Camino, located on one of Laguna’s main drags, was a relief: One of the favorite hotels among the stars of Hollywood's golden age, the historic La Casa del Camino was built in 1929 and features Spanish-style guest rooms, each with their own individual design, and houses an iconic rooftop bar and downstairs restaurant. Laguna itself is an active surf town, with some of the most beautiful and serene beaches I’ve seen, like Thousand Steps and Pearl Street. It’s also a little mecca

of health and fitness: Our two mornings started in a very California-esque way, with an early walk to a wellness/juice bar followed by a session upstairs at a welcoming, boutique pilates studio called Fokus. Both served as the perfect refreshment after the long drive, and provided a little sneak peek into the community of Laguna. The people are warm and kind, and you get a sense quickly of what it would be like to actually live in this beloved ocean town. After breakfast, we headed straight to the sand.

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SAN DIEGO Less than a two hour drive from Laguna, we arrived in downtown San Diego with aims of hitting Coronado, Mission Beach, and La Jolla. There was food to eat, bars to visit, and beaches to roam. But first, we checked in to the Kimpton Palomar in the Gaslamp District. The freshlyrenovated boutique hotel is in walking distance to all of San Diego's hot spots, and offers a rooftop outdoor pool and a vibrant Mexican restaurant (don’t miss the late-night taco window). Our suite, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a porch, offered up absolutely spectacular views of downtown San Diego from sunrise to sunset and every amenity we could have asked for. Downtown is walkable and vibrant, but getting 15-20 minutes outside the city allows you to access the coast, which is where San Diego

really shines. Check out the many farmer’s markets, Little Italy, and chase some sunsets.

La Jolla was our final stop, for its unbeatably picturesque views and wide swaths of nature access. To say The Lodge at Torrey Pines ended our trip on a high note is an understatement: This is old-school luxury at its finest, a legendary AAA Five Diamond property that offers up views of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Guests of the richly appointed, Craftsman-style Lodge can take advantage of the nearly year-round perfect weather while hiking the Torrey Pines State Reserve, golfing on Torrey Pines Golf Course, or relaxing at the spa. We ate well, slept in perfect comfort, and enjoyed the many amenities The Lodge boasts.

On the flight back home, we jotted down our notes and memories, edited photos and videos, poured back over the last eight days, and bantered back and forth dates we could possibly next return. We may be far from the first to say it, but we’d be remiss to suggest anything other than how memorable this trip truly is, and California sure is a hard place to leave.

Information for accommodations: sonesta.com / @theclift • lacasadelcamino.com / @lacasahotellb hotelpalomar-sandiego.com / @palomarsandiego • lodgetorreypines.com / @lodgetorreypines

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Opposite page: Kimpton Palomar in the Gaslamp District of San Diego with views overlooking downtown, Coronado, Tijuana, and Old Town. This page: An incredibly vibrant sunset on Coronado Beach. The beautiful multi-colored cliffs of Sunset Cliffs. The sun sets through fog and into the Pacific Ocean as seen from Torrey Pines State Reserve.

This page: The same spot where Ansel Adams photographed his "Tetons and the Snake River."

Opposite page: A bison grazes near Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park.

A W I L D LI FE A photo essay of a road trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone. words JP GRICE / photos JAMEY PRICE , JP GRICE, and MAT T HEGE

We took a quick tour of our rental— a rugged but luxurious Sprinter van — with owners Gabe and Trevor of Moterra Pop-Up Campervans in downtown Jackson, Wyoming, and then we were off. The Gros-Ventre Wilderness in Bridger-Teton National Forest was our first stop on this unforgettable road trip. There in the shadows of the Tetons we saw Lower Slide Lake, a popular geological site, and moose grazing near the Gros Ventre River. From there, we moved through Grand Teton, stopping to see Jackson and Jenny Lake and into Yellowstone. We initially decided to drive the Lower Loop of the park, Highway 191 and the Grand Loop Road, passing by Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring. These areas, with their geothermal features, were both beautiful and unique. They were also very busy, but without a doubt worth the crowds. We then detoured to Mammoth Hot Springs, one of our favorite stops, to see the mineral deposits there. Then we left the crowds behind: A two hour drive to the Lamer River in the northeast corner of Yellowstone was the best decision of the trip. Here we fished for big, native Yellowstone cutthroat and saw huge herds of bison stampeding and grazing. From there, we headed back down south to Jackson, stopping to see the imposing Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which is a must-see. On our last night, we camped on the shores of Yellowstone Lake under the Milky Way, and in the morning we woke up to one of the most kaleidoscopic sunrises any of us had ever seen. In total, we spent five days in the Moterra van driving around two stunning National Parks. It was truly an experience of a lifetime, and these are some of our favorite photos from our adventure.

Opposite Page Clockwise From Top: The Teton Range from the airplane high above Jackson, Wyoming. Antelope near Blacktail Butte outside of Jackson. Mormon Row Historic District in Teton County. This Page Clockwise From Top Left: A moose grazes near Kelly Wyoming. The Gros Ventre River and Lower Slide Lake in the distance at sunrise. Tetons in the distance from the Yellowstone National Park entrance.

This Page Clockwise From Top: The Milky Way above the lodgepole forest near Norris Geyser Basin.

A Moterra pop-up campervan, stars, and editor JP Grice in Yellowstone National Park.Fireside at Grant Village Campground. Opposite Page Clockwise From Top Left : An elk near West Yellowstone. A herd of bison stampede across a bridge over the Lamar River in Northeast Yellowstone. A herd of bison graze outside of Yellowstone's Fishing Bridge.

Opposite Page Clockwise From Top: Mammoth Hot Spring and the deposited calcium carbonate.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River. Mineral deposits. This Page Clockwise From Top Left: Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring. A firey sunrise from Bridge Bay Campground. Sunrise and our photographer Jamey Price at Yellowstone Lake.

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Cellars South .............................................91

Karen Kettler Design .............................105

Shain Gallery............................................. 29

Classica Homes......................................... 55

Kauffman & Co........................................... 81

Shea Custom Homes ..................................59

Cope & Stick................................................ 77

Kingswood Custom Homes...................... 23

Simonini .........................................................51

Cottingham Chalk..................................... 57

Lake Norman Realty.................................. 41

Subzero Wolf............................................. 75

Delectables by Holly............................... 32

Land Rover Charlotte.............................. 15

The Eseeola Lodge ...................................119

Design Centers International.............. 101

Levantina Stone........................................ 73

The King’s Kitchen.................................... 69

Diamonds Direct ........................................172

Lucy & Company........................................... 95

The Pink Hanger.......................................... 24

Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery......... 34

Majestic Bath............................................. 92

The Sporting Gent..................................... 171

Donald Haack Diamonds.......................... 19

Metropolis Branding............................... 83

The Swag ......................................................125

Draper Place............................................... 71

Mint Museum............................................... 24

The Umstead Hotel And Spa................... 123

DwellNova .....................................................6

Myron Greer............................................... 101

Windsor Jewelers....................................... 2

Eastover Capital Management............. 35

Nestlewood Realty................................... 45

Windsor Windows & Doors.................... 127

Elder Gallery ............................................33

New Life Building Supplies ....................129

Zeppelin......................................................... 91

Be our guest.

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

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

170 • QCEXCLUSIVE.COM • APRIL 2019

Take a (spring) break.

APPAREL | FLY GOODS | FIELD GEAR | ACCESSORIES 2 8 4 8 S E L W Y N A V E . C L T | T H E S P O R T I N G G E N T. C O M

Stackable Bands by Diamonds Direct Designs

4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 532-9041

OfďŹ cial Jeweler of the Carolina Panthers

www.diamondsdirect.com