QC Exclusive No 58 - 2019 - Issue 4 - The Luxury 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

the luxury issue The most memorable meals of your life, lavish Carolina hotels, Charlotte's exclusive leisure activities, and much more.

Plus! Our Annual Real Estate Guide

may/june 20 19

EXCLUSIVELY AT

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The Exclusives

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Meals To Remember Twenty-two luxury Queen City dining experiences

144

Stay In Style Lodge lavishly with a stay at one of the Carolinas' finest hotels

152

Community of Strength The charities and philanthropists contributing to the fabric of our city

156

Live to the Fullest A little luxury goes a long way with these 21 exclusive leisure activities

Photo and Cover photo by Jamey Price. Cover photo landscape design by Myron Greer Garden Design.

THE DEPA RTMEN TS

69 THE CULTURE ARTS, STYLE, AND WELLNESS

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An Angel's Visit Amy Moffatt’s abstract art brings joy to Charlotte We See Heaven Upside Down A new exhibit comes to Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art Summer Pops The sound of summer with Charlotte Symphony

Style for the new south Artistry and style from AZSN Studio Accessorizing Charlotte Rook and King founder Jeremiah Allen elevates Charlotte’s style Flow, Flex, Breathe, Reboot Charlotte's CorePower

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FOOD AND DRINK

69

The Dunavant Steak and truffle fries in South End

76

Just Desserts Pastry Chef Miranda Brown

82

Haymaker's Wild Caught Grouper A seafood dish you'll love

84

LeCochon D'Or's Scallops A classic dish from the Waxhaw eatery

86

Barcelona's Lucy B A cocktail from the new South End hotspot

88

The Waterman's Manhattan A traditional cocktail done right

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“In my opinion, the details are everything.”

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THE DEPA RTMEN TS

113 THE FOLIO HOME AND DESIGN

91

Simple Statement Meet the team behind Fine Grit

100

Southern Sophistication Rainy Westerman on how a well-designed space can improve your life

106

Wine Country At Home A space from Kingswood Custom Homes

108

A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary A gorgeous kitchen space from Karen Kettler

110

A Perfectly Executed Office A workspace from Arcadia

112

The Home That Has It All A Myers Park home from Georgia Street Design

126 THE EXPLORED

100

TRAVEL AND SPORTING

119

Southern Charm The Belmond Charleston Place is quintessential Charleston

126

Days in Rodanthe A small beach town with stories to tell

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From stream to shore Five of Carolina's most beautiful protected wilderness

104 “My favorite projects were ones where I really enjoyed getting to know the families.”

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THE NOTE

No. 58

H

ey, sometimes you've just got to splurge a little and, in this issue, we focus on several ways to do exactly that and experience the luxury lifestyle that everyone deserves to enjoy. This issue's Exclusives are all about luxe. We start off with the most lavish hotels in the Carolinas, including The Dewberry in Charleston and Western Carolina's The Swag. Then we share some of the most delicious dining experiences you'll ever have, like Fahrenheit's bone-in ribeye, O-Ku's Omakase, and Kindred's Chef Table experience (we highly recommend this one—you won't see too many kitchens work so seamlessly). We follow that up with a list of unique leisure activities that you will a) actually want to to spend your hard-earned money on, and b) will remember forever like flying over our gorgeous skyline with Heliventures, driving a Lamborgini with Metrolina Auto Group, or a weekend spa retreat in Ballantyne. Finally, we end with our annual luxury real estate guide, featuring six multimillion dollar listings in the greater Charlotte area you will have to see to believe. We hope you enjoy our annual Luxury Issue and we'll see you in five short weeks with our Summer Issue. In it, we'll take you on several of the best road trips our state has to offer, and show you how to do summer in Charlotte the right way!

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

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

Mario Heals, canvas, x 36” CraigJung, Alan,Time Motivo, oiloil onon canvas, 48”48” x 60” Noah Desmond, Spring Flowers, oil on canvas, 48” x 36” @PictureHouseGallery @picture_house_gallery @PictureHouseGal

EST. 2011

Stand out from the herd

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 Rachel Dressel Riley Cohen Heather Porter Lucy Murrey Lauren Griffith PHOTOGRAPHY Jamey Price Stag + Sparrow Metropolis Iconic Shots

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CONTACT US 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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

5.15.19 Guy Yanai SOCO Gallery is pleased to present Sentimental Spring, an exhibition of new paintings by Guy Yanai. The gallery will host a public opening reception with the artist on Wednesday, May 15 from 6 – 8 pm. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition with SOCO Gallery.

Guy attended Parsons School of Design, New York, NY; The New York Studio School, New York, N Y; Pont- Aven School of Art, Pont-Aven, France and received a BFA from Hampshire College, Amherst, MA. Yanai currently lives and works in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Image courtesy of Guy Yanai and SOCO Gallery soco-gallery.com

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The Eventist // May/June 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE

Till 12.1.19 | Nomadic Murals: Tapestries of the Modern Era | bechtler.org Roy Lichtenstein, Modern Tapestry, Wool and Cotton, 1968

5.12.19 Brunch at The Ballantyne An exquisite Mother’s Day Brunch experience will be offered at The Ballantyne Hotel’s pristine ballroom. This contemporary designed brunch will have an exquisite cuisine to cater to the families who are celebrating this special day. Reservations are required. theballantynehotel.com 5.16.19 Modernism + Film: Citizen Jane The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art will host a reception and film screening for Citizen Jane, a film based on

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Jane Jacob’s book The Death and Life of Great American Cities, a story of the struggles that modern architects and city planners go through to design a city. There will be a cash bar and free light bites in the lobby before the screening. bechtler.org 5.17.19 - 5.19.19 Charlotte Symphony Presents Ravel Boleroj Ravel Boleroj is a seductive and vibrant orchestral masterpiece originally by Maurice Ravel. The Charlotte Symphony’s adaptation will be conducted by

the Symphony’s Resident Conductor, Christopher James Lee, who will be holding an informative talk before the performance. charlottesymphony.org 5.18.19 6th Annual South End Hops Festival This yearly festival in historic South End features craft brews from all of Charlotte’s favorite local breweries, live bluegrass music, and delicious food truck options. The festival’s proceeds will benefit Rescued Me dog mission. southendhopsfest.org

Cornbread

New Work

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

The Eventist // May/June 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION OPEN THROUGH AUG 18, 2019 Mint Museum Uptown | mintmuseum.org Exhibition organized by The Mint Museum. Generous support provided

by Colville Capital. IMAGE: Shepard Fairey. DNC Mural: Obama Vote, 2008.

Gift of the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection. 2011.80.4

Through 6/15/19 We See Heaven Upside Down eldergalleryclt.com Art by Rosalia Torres-Weiner courtesy of Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

5.23.19 Oslo The Tony-award winning play Oslo,

by J.T. Rogers, makes its Charlotte debut at the Duke Energy Theater. This dark-humored and stunningly imaged play is based on the history leading up to the moment when Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat shook hands to make peace at the White House. blumenthalarts.org

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5.26.19 Memorial Day Celebration at the U.S National Whitewater Center How better to celebrate your holiday than with a free festival with yoga, vibrant live music, and an unforgettable fireworks display? The U.S National Whitewater Center holds their annual Memorial Day Celebration including all of that, plus the five and eight mile trail races. usnwc.org 6.4.19 Senior Bird Walk The Mecklenburg Audubon Society vol-

Raul Diaz R e fle ction

May 11 - June 22, 2019

New paintings, sculpture and works on paper by the acclaimed Argentinian artist, Raul Diaz

DIBUJO, 2018, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 37 3/4 x 51 1/4 inches

Celebrating 35 Years

625 South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-365-3000 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4

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The Eventist // May/June 2019 unteers host a nature walk and bird watching afternoon for the 55 and older community at Wing Haven Gardens. winghavengardens.org 6.6.19 Photographs by Carol Golemboski The Light Factory presents Magic Show, an exhibition that celebrates the magic series by photographer Carol Golemboski.

Golemboski brings to light the truth and trickery of the photographic medium. lightfactory.org 6.6.19 - 8.24.19 New Works/Alumni Three McColl Center for Art + Innovation will begin hosting their new exhibition, New Works/Alumni Three, featuring their beloved alumni artists.

This exhibit will include the repurposing of everyday materials to express that art can be found in all aspects of life. mccollcenter.org 6.7.19 - 6.8.19 Stonecrest Music At The Fountain The Stonecrest Summer Concert Series at the fountain of Stonecrest Shopping center in Blakeney is the perfect way to spend a summer’s evening. Listen to live music every Friday and Saturday night on the grass with some friends and family as you unwind from the week. shopstonecrest.com 6.12.19 Mint Música & Poesía Café Mint Música & Poesía Café features poets, dancers, and musicians from the Charlotte area. This event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and is tied with the current Latin American exhibitions at the Mint Museum. mintmuseum.org 6.14.19 - 6.16.19 fabfest FABFEST is Charlotte’s Beatles festival located at Knight Theater and Fairfield Inn & Suites. The festival includes two evening events at

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This exhibition is presented to the community by

Funding for the conservation of this artwork was generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.

Additional conservation work supported by generous donations from Yvonne and Richard McCracken, Lee Rocamora and John Thompson, Cassandra and David Wagner.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art at Levine Center for the Arts | 420 S. Tryon St. | Charlotte, NC | 704.353.9200 | bechtler.org Roy Lichtenstein, Modern Tapestry (detail), 1968, wool and cotton. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein.

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The Eventist // May/June 2019

TAME YOUR SKIN

Knight Theater as well as a two-day Beatles Festival at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. On the main stage, guests will be able to see live music, singalongs, and costume contests. Vendors, artists, authors, and memorabilia will be at the marketplace. Evening events at Knight Theater include The Fab Four and the Tosco Music Beatles Tribute. fabfestcharlotte.org 6.15.19 Cars and Coffee Join car owners and spectators at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone to celebrate custommade, hot rod, and classic cars. charlottemotorspeedway.com 6.15.19 Healthy Achievement 5K Run/ Walk Start off Father’s Day weekend on the right foot with a 5K at Romare Bearden Park. This Healthy Achievement event attracts one of the largest and most diverse running crowds in Charlotte. ha5k.com 6.15.19 - 6.16.19 Father’s Day Weekend at the Garden Celebrate dads in nature with workshops and activities all day. All fathers get in for free. dsbg.org

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6.22.19 Never Abandon Imagination Mint Museum Randolph celebrates the fantastic illustrations of Tony Diterlizzi, best-selling author and illustrator, in his solo exhibition. mintmuseum.org 6.25.19 - 6.30.19 FALSETTOS The Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS is coming to Knight Theater. Witness the hilarious, and sometimes painful, realities of what creates a modern family. blumenthalarts.org To list an event here contact us at info@qcexclusive.com

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Charlotte's luxury lifestyle in print, online, and on social media.

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

T H E C U LT U R E

An Angel's Visit Amy Moffatt’s abstract art brings joy and light to Charlotte homes. words RACHEL DRESSEL photos JAMEY PRICE

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The Culture // Musings

A

A small canvas is thickly coated with metallic paint.

The heavy strokes of deep brown are lightly touched by a figure of light pink with wispy white wings. At the top of the pink figure is a halo created with a single shallow line. A mixture of light and dark, heavy and soft, the angel is an image of solace.

It brings hope to those who need it, and joy to those who view it. It is no wonder this particular angel was created by Amy Moffatt, an artist and working mother who pours passion and care into everything she does.

Amy Moffatt is a self-taught painter who has called Charlotte home for the last 16 years. While she is a prolific local artist who creates abstract coastal images and seasonal decor, artmaking is not her primary career. She works full-time as Vice President of Marketing and Events at Wells Fargo and is a mother of two.

Juggling two jobs with different schedules and demands, Moffatt seizes every spare moment she has to create her art.

Early mornings and between dinner and bedtime become sanctuaries of artistry, and times when she is prepping canvases, planning social media strategies, or consulting with buyers and commissions. She paints primarily in the kitchen so she can land a few brush strokes while packing lunches or helping her kids with their homework. To some people this schedule may seem too difficult to be worth attempting, but for Moffatt, it is fuel.

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“My work touches on the interrelations of culture, history, and memory. I capture moments that feel slightly familiar yet foreign.”

The Culture // Musings

“Painting, color interpretation, understanding beauty, depth and tone do not have to be tied to if you can draw a house or stick figure; it’s so much more than that.”

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Perhaps Moffatt can work quickly and in bursts of inspiration because it is in her blood. Her father, grandfather, aunt, and cousins pursued art professionally and personally. While she was always a part of that world, and had always considered herself artistic through her involvement in dance, she was told she could not draw and therefore did not see herself as an artist. She explains: “Looking back, this is absolutely heartbreaking to me and makes me think: how many other young people have been told this? Painting, color interpretation, understanding beauty, depth and tone do not have to be tied to if you can draw a house or stick figure, it’s so much more than that.”

Moffatt does not adhere to the elevated vocabulary and formal training that some believe makes great art. Art just has to move someone, and Moffatt’s work has moved many.

The outpouring of admiration she has received from her artwork is poured

The Culture // Musings

W E ARE YOU R

P ROF I TA BI L I T Y PE R F OR M A N CE PA RTN E R

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right back into her supporters. Originally created to memorialize the passing of twin babies at birth, Moffatt’s signature angels have become an image of solace and beauty throughout the Charlotte community. They are a Christmas gift, a teacher’s gift, nursery decor, or a celebration of new life. In August of 2018 she donated 50% of every angel sold to help support a child who was diagnosed with Leukodystrophy, an incurable and terminal illness. Moffatt donates her work regularly to charities such as Cookies for Cancer, St. Jude’s, and Project Alive.

Just like her philanthropic spirit, Moffatt’s paintings are thoughtful and made out of love. From abstract florals, coastlines, and angels, each of her paintings are filled with warmth and joy that bring the same feeling to the viewer. info amymoffattart@gmail.com @amymoffattart

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The Culture // Exhibited

We See Heaven Upside Down

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Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art brings Charlotte an exhibit that inspires moments of genuine empathy. words SUNNY HUBLER

photo courtesy ELDER GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART of art by ROSALIA TORRES-WEINER

Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art opens We See Heaven Upside Down, an acclaimed group exhibition of seven visual artists and one filmmaker including Nico Amortegui, Luis Coray, MyLoan Dinh, Michelle Gregory, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Susanne Roewer, Rosalia Torres-Weiner, and Dellair Youssef.

Additionally, several international composers and musicians including Todd Clouser, Milad Khawam, and Till Schmidt-Rimpler have contributed new, original music for a live performanceturned-music installation. In and through visual and performing arts, this is an exhibition that seeks to spur and inspire moments

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of genuine empathy toward others and their individual journeys.

At the heart of this multidisciplinary exhibition are compelling stories of migration, displacement, identity, and home, expressed through visual and performing arts. We See Heaven Upside Down is presented by Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art in partnership with Moving Poet. info

eldergalleryclt.com @eldrgalleryclt

The Culture // Marquee

S

Summer Pops Experience the sounds of summer with the Charlotte Symphony. words SUNNY HUBLER

photo courtesy CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY

conduct a completely unique experience and the audience will be able to feel the intensity of hip-hop movements paired with classical music. Best of Broadway, June 23 at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, will showcase everyone’s favorite show tunes, from Phantom of the Opera to The Sound of Music, Wicked, and more. Video Games Live on June 28 is one of the most immersive concert experiences ever. Conductor Emmanuel Fratianni will have guests at Belk Theater enamored with the music of the greatest video games of all-time, from Mega Man to World of Warcraft and every genre in between. The Summer Pops finale, Celebrate America!, ends on a high note: The show will be conducted by Albert-George Schram and features a rousing salute to our country along with a spectacular fireworks show.

Summer Pops is back for yet another entertaining summer of music. This year, the Charlotte Symphony invites you to listen, laugh, dance, and enjoy the diverse mix of music they have selected for the season. To kick off the summer season, the Charlotte Symphony starts with The Music of Queen on June 8 at the Belk Theater. Unforgettable hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody", “We are the Champions”, and “Somebody to Love” will get guests rockin’. Sunday, June 16, at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, guests will be able to experience an electrifying journey to a galaxy far, far away as Charlotte Symphony celebrates Father’s Day with Star Wars: The Music. For the third event of Summer Pops, FLY Dance Company combines classical music with dance: June 21, at Belk Theater, Christopher James Lees will info

charlottesymphony.org / @cltsymphony

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CELEBRATING SUCCESS

LEIGH C. CORSO

THE CRAIG & ALLEN TEAM

GAYLE DALY

BRIGID DOWNS

KELLY ENSMINGER

THE FAGAN TEAM

CHIP JETTON

JOHN OGBURN

LISA RUPP

MARY BETH SNYDER

TUCK TEAM

We go above and beyond for our clients at Cottingham Chalk.

Whether we’re helping you stage your home or answering a late-night phone call, we work right alongside you to get the very best results for you. Putting relationships first has set us apart in real estate for over 35 years. We take the time to celebrate your success because your milestones matter to us.

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The Culture // Creative

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Style for the New South AZSN Studio brings artistry and style to a diverse array of clients, from Charlotte and beyond. words SUNNY HUBLER portraits JAMEY PRICE

From a brickwalled Plaza Midwood studio, once an old mill building, Adri Zgirdea and Suzanne Niemann create looks for their unique clientele under the moniker of the twos’ initials: AZSN. Together, as entrepreneurs and business owners, fashion lovers, and expert stylists, they’re leading the charge on a type of big city chicness that’s helping transform Charlotte’s look.

Suzy and Adri started the business in January of 2017. Alongside their interns, two assistants, photographers, makeup/hair professionals, and custom makers, they do a little bit of it all:

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personal styling, closet edits, custom tailoring, personalized lookbooks, packing for events and travel, and creating targeted plans to help each client. Suzy and Adri work with a host of professional athletes and C-level executives and entrepreneurs, always with the underlying goal of helping each client uncover his or her style and confidence.

Both women spent time in corporate America before moving into the style realm full-time. Suzy, a former investment banker, spent the first half of her career working in the finance world.

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The Culture // Creative

“I loved it as a child, as cliché as that sounds… an obsession with fashion is just something I was born with.”

Adri studied finance at DePaul University and fashion at the Art Institute of Chicago, and began her career in the Lehman Brothers’ Private Wealth Management division. What the two shared was that they’d always loved fashion: In 2009, Suzy went back to school to study fashion marketing and merchandising, and seven years ago, Adri ditched the finance world to pursue her artistic dreams. The rest, they explain, is history.

How did each of you individually get interested in styling and fashion?

Adri: I loved it as a child, as cliché as that sounds… an obsession with fashion is just something I was born with. I vividly remember only having an interest in dressing and creating garments for my dolls. That organically developed over the years.

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Suzy: I helped friends and family with personal shopping and styling for years before finally deciding to move into the styling and fashion world for business.

How did you two meet, and why do you think you work well together?

Adri: I actually hired Suzy for a position at Tabor here in Charlotte. Her resume and personality blew me away — it was way too impressive. We work well together because we’re extremely in tune with one another. I often don’t need to say anything, but Suzy just knows what I’m thinking. We’re very similar but also different, so our different strengths complement each other. Though I’ve worked in styling and with athletes for a long time, it isn’t until I met her that I’ve had a successful business.

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The Culture // Creative

“We love Charlotte, and we don’t 100% fit all of it… That’s the beauty.

Charlotte has really turned into a lovely melting pot of all different styles and personalities.”

Suzy: What I love about Charlotte is, with 60-plus people moving to our city every day, outside influences are affecting fashion, and we are seeing fits and styles from other cities work their way into everyday life here.

Which looks and styles do you tend to favor?

Adri: Edgy and androgynous… A beautiful chaotic mess that makes sense.

Suzy: Again, this is so dependent on the guy. What I put on my husband, who works in finance, is totally different than what I would put on a football player, and that’s totally different than what I would put on an NBA player. Each client has a distinct personal style, so, again, our job is to enhance the expression of his inner self. For me, personally, I prefer a masculine look, which is probably why I love working in men’s fashion!

Suzy: Adri and I instantly bonded over our shared backgrounds—we both grew up in the Midwest, both worked in finance, and then went back to school to study fashion. Adri is the yin to my yang, and vice versa; we balance each other really well. I like to say we are like a perfect Venn diagram—we both have our strengths, and then we overlap on skills in the middle, so we both can do any part of the business. We respect the other’s strengths, which is also so important in a partnership.

Describe your typical client.

Adri: Most likely it’s a “he”; there is a small sprinkle of “she” but the focus of our business is men. We work with a wide variety of guys with very different personalities; some are located in Charlotte but most are sprinkled across the U.S. One of the best parts of our business is that we have the opportunity to travel, which allows us to be exposed to a variety of fashion and art all across the country. About 75% are professional athletes and the remainder are business owners/professionals.

How would you describe Charlotte’s style as a whole, and where your work fits into that?

Adri: It’s growing, and maybe a little boho-vintage-chic for us.

We love Charlotte, and we don’t 100% fit all of it… That’s the beauty. Charlotte has really turned into a lovely melting pot of all different styles and personalities.

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Who is your biggest inspiration?

Adri: Rachel Zoe. My goal is for us to be the Rachel Zoe of the “Big and Tall” athletic market.

Suzy: Deanna Berkeley, the President of Alice and Olivia.

What does a typical day look like at AZSN? Adri: There is no typical day! When working with athletes, last-minute needs are the only certainty. We are typically on the road one or two weeks a month for out-of-town clients.

Suzy: There is no typical day! After leaving finance, where I sat at a desk for the better part of 12-14 hours per day, it has been great to be on the road traveling, going to client’s houses, and in movement for most of my day. Although, there are days when I miss my desk time! In any given week, we may be traveling to see a client in another city, ordering clothing for multiple clients, holding fitting appointments, styling looks for upcoming games, sourcing accessories, meeting with designers, delivering alterations or custom clothing, styling a photo shoot...Adri is obsessed with details — she loves mixing vintage with highend to curate the perfect looks. She also dabbles in design, and loves to add her twist on existing garments. info azsn-stuido.com @azsn_studio

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The Culture // Style

Accessorizing Charlotte Rook and King founder Jeremiah Allen elevates Charlotte’s style with a handcrafted twist on a classic accessory.

A words LIZA CARRASQUILLO photos JAMEY PRICE

“In my opinion, the details are everything. They’re one of the essential things which define one’s style.”

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Accessories are meant to make a statement.

They complete a look, draw the eye, and give the world a taste of the wearer’s personality. At least, that’s what Jeremiah Allen believes. As the founder and CEO of fashion brand Rook and King, Allen understands the power a simple accessory can hold—especially one with a handmade touch.

Through Rook and King’s handcrafted lapel pins, Allen has not only brought a unique accessory to Charlotte locals, but has also made a name for himself as an artisan along the way.

“In my opinion, the details are everything,” notes Allen. “They’re one of the essential things that define anyone’s style.”

As a Charlotte local himself, Allen has been immersed in the city’s fashion scene for years.

When he found himself craving a versatile piece that showcased strong details, Allen set his sights on lapel pins. He couldn’t find any that captured a unique look, so Allen began handcrafting his own.

By drawing inspiration from history, culture and even performance artists, he began to create pieces that were truly one-of-a-kind.

The Culture // Style

“I dream of the day when Rook and King is a style haven, a full out brand that houses modern renditions of classic and timeless regal fashion expressions.”

“The thing that’s been really cool for me is how diverse my following is,” says Allen. “People who are really into fashion are gravitating toward my work because of the detail in them.”

Allen’s work is just as diverse as his following, ranging from simplistic lettering to intricate Egyptian symbolism.

His eye for detail and respect for multicultural design has fueled the popularity of his pieces, so much so that they’ve

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begun popping up all over Charlotte. In addition to suits and jackets, Allen finds his pins adorning fedoras, dresses, and even T-shirts. His advice to any newcomers looking to wear their first lapel pins? Don’t tuck the stickpin out of sight, and keep the end cap showing.

“Other than that,” says Allen, “be true to yourself…People are all unique. I want them to style them however best expresses their uniqueness.”

The Culture // Style

As Rook and King grows, Allen hopes to continue encouraging self-expression through other forms of fashion. Hats, jackets, coats, and even sneakers, are all on his radar.

“I dream of the day when Rook and King is a style haven,” says Allen. “A full-out brand that houses modern renditions of classic and timeless regal fashion expressions.”

With more and more people gravitating toward Rook and King, that day doesn’t seem too far off. Until then, you can find Allen’s lapel pins online through his website or on social media. Just don’t forget to leave the stickpin showing. info rookandking.com @rookandking

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The Culture // Wellness

A

Flow, Flex, Breathe, Reboot A Colorado fitness staple moves into Charlotte Midtown words ELEANOR MERRELL photos CORE POWER YOGA

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After a rock-climbing tumble mangled his ankle, avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast Trevor Trice was forced to rethink his exercise regimen and, in the process, he discovered yoga. He experimented with different practices and studios, until designing his own method of yoga-based fitness and founding the first CorePower Yoga studio in Denver, Colorado in 2002.

Trice’s entrepreneurial acumen, combined with the popularity of the CorePower Yoga (CPY) method and mission, has turned CPY into a national phenomenon that first came to Charlotte last fall, when the company opened a studio in the Park Road Shopping Center. This past winter, a second location opened in Midtown, with many of the same offerings that have already lit a fitness fire on Park Road.

CPY’s wide array of classes are designed to accommodate all levels of fitness, flexibility, and strength and to serve each student’s exercise goals—from Power Yoga classes, which help students develop the foundational core strength, flexibility, breathing, and knowledge of poses necessary to expand and perfect their practice; to Hot Yoga classes that engage the entire body during a series of 26 postures performed in a steamy setting; to Hot Power fusion; and to Yoga Sculpt classes, one of Core Power’s signatures, which incorporate free weights for a strength-training oriented workout.

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The Culture // Wellness

“CPY’s wide array of classes are designed to accommodate all levels of fitness, flexibility, and strength and to serve each student’s exercise goals.”

Most CPY classes are taught in heated rooms where temperatures range from 85 to 104 degrees. According to the instructors, the high temperatures help prevent injury and stretch tendons and muscle fibers, while also increasing heart rate, improving metabolism, and unloading toxins.

Rooms are equipped with stereo systems that broadcast the perfect tune to help students lift the last rep, breathe more deeply into a stretch, power through a conditioning sequence, or access their inner zen during savasana (the final rest pose).

Understanding that someone might be hesitant to commit to a fitness style they haven’t yet tested, CPY offers rental yoga mats and towels, as well as an array of class pass packages and low-commitment monthly memberships that promote easy entry into their yoga-based fitness regimen.

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The Culture // Wellness

No matter the location, CPY studios are characterized by a beautiful, sleek, sustainable design that promotes water conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of post-consumer recycled materials. To accommodate the busy urbanite who may not have time to travel home between workouts and work shifts, studios offer luxurious changing facilities, replete with showers and private lockers. Further blurring the line between spa setting and gym space, each studio offers a retail boutique, where students can conclude a workout by purchasing a well-earned new yoga accessory or stylish article of activewear.

In addition to the resources offered at their physical locations, CPY has a digital presence that enables students to subscribe to online classes, so they might practice on their own time and in their own space. Off-site retreats, onsite bootcamps, and teacher training sessions are available to the dedicated yogi or fitness enthusiast, as well.

CorePower Yoga combines all elements of exercise—strength, cardio, stretching, and mental relaxation— into one state-of-the-art studio space that, fortunately for Queen City residents, is spreading. info corepoweryoga.com @corepoweryoga

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FOOD AND DRINK

The Dunavant Delicious steak and bottomless truffle fries at South End's newest restaurant. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos JAMEY PRICE

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The Spread // Eatery

T

The Dunavant is one of the latest culinary gifts to Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. Earlier this year, Fred Smith and his business partner, Joe Jones, filled a hole not just in South End but also in Charlotte proper by opening a restaurant predicated on a new concept: high quality food at affordable prices.

Smith is no stranger to the Queen City or its restaurant offerings; born and raised in Charlotte, Smith took his first restaurant job at Sushi 101, where he worked as a delivery driver until accepting a position in the kitchen. He dedicated himself to kitchens throughout Charlotte and DC, acquiring an arsenal of culinary skills before ultimately settling in Charlotte.

“I knew that the Charlotte scene had been growing,” says Smith. “I wanted to see if I could add anything of value, to hopefully play a positive part in the transformation of the city that raised me and played such a big part in my own personal transformation as a human being and as a chef.”

Smith already had a concept in mind: “There didn’t seem to be a lot of places around South End with a nice, relaxed atmosphere where you could get really good food at a reasonable price-point. The kind of place a typical Charlottean

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The Spread // Eatery

(maybe with student loans and ever-rising Charlotte rents to pay, maybe working two jobs while also going to school, or even just anyone who otherwise doesn’t have $50 to go out and eat a nice meal in a nice environment) could eat out without breaking the bank but that felt a little bit nicer than your average place.”

Smith and his partner set to work designing a business model that would allow for both the excellence and affordability he dreamed of providing and realized that by offering a limited menu, they could source fewer ingredients at a higher quality and lower price.

Designing a menu that fits within these parameters requires trial and error.

“We bounce ideas off each other until we come up with a flavor that we both love (and think everyone else will too) and a cooking and plating method that makes it executable,” explains Smith. “Sometimes we just get hung up on a

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particular product that one of our vendors shows us and so we start testing until we come up with the best way to showcase it.”

The consequence of all that experimenting is a delicious experience that hinges on the formula of “The Dinner,” where diners select an appetizer (soup or salad) to wash down with a slab of tender steak slathered in the diner’s choice of house sauce and bottomless truffle fries. “The current record for most truffle fries eaten by a single customer is three baskets,” reports Smith. “Not that we are challenging anyone in any way, shape, or form. Really, we’re not.” All of The Dunavant’s dishes and sauces are made from scratch, with the exception of their bread, which is sourced from local Nova’s Bakery.

The restaurant itself occupies a mid-century mod building in South End, just a few blocks from Sycamore Brewing.

Inside, brass and gold accentuate smooth gray tones and natural wood finishes. A few aesthetic quirks from the

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The Spread // Eatery

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building meld with intentional choices

by The Dunavant design team, creating a juxtaposition that “echoes the overall aesthetics of our neighborhood and the constant push of new against old,” says Smith.

“This contrast is consistent with our ethos. We want everyone to feel welcome at The Dunavant, no matter your background, no matter how you are dressed, how much you make, what you believe in, or what you do for a living; we all deserve to feel comfortable, eat well, and be treated with a minimum of respect.”

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info thedunavant.com @thedunavant

Sometimes the best way to visualize your next kitchen is to touch, hear, and taste it.

Open drawers. Turn knobs. Light burners. Welcome to a showroom unlike any other– a dynamic space to test-drive appliances, take classes, and taste every delicious possibility.

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The Spread // Tastemaker

Just Desserts

M

The Asbury pastry chef, Miranda Brown, brings a fresh eye and unique palate to the table. words SUNNY HUBLER dessert photos JAMEY PRICE portrait courtesy MIRANDA BROWN

Miranda Brown plates art: Her sweet confections and pastries, the star of the show at The Asbury in Uptown, are intricately crafted bites that range from classic flavor pairings (think chocolate and peanut butter) to the unexpected (like her sweet corn popsicle). With no “formal” training, Miranda has distinguished herself as one of the premier chefs, winning NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year last summer.

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She’s taught herself, with hands-on experience and roles alongside other chef mentors, and is pushing the envelope of sweets in the city with her new role as head Pastry Chef at one of Charlotte’s most iconic hotels.

Miranda stepped away from the kitchen to tell us about her position at The Asbury, making desserts artistic, and learning alongside Ashley Boyd of 300 East.

JULY 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 77

Artisanal The Spread // Tastemaker

"I also really love how farmer-centric we are. It's not plastered all over the menu, but most of everything we use comes from farms that we know and trust."

What inspires you as a chef?

I get inspired by different local ingredients. Sometimes, I stumble upon something I've never worked with before and that is always a fun challenge, to try and figure out how an unfamiliar ingredient works best.

How did you decide what desserts would be on the menu?

I look at what is in season first and build from there. Is there anything I haven't tried before—If I want to use a unique ingredient, the season is usually a lot shorter so I have to figure out how long I can run the dessert on the menu before I will run out of that ingredient and need to change it out for a new dessert.

How did you get your start as a pastry chef?

In my senior year of high school, we did an internship of sorts for our final project where we had to learn something we knew nothing about. I chose cake decorating because I

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thought it would be a fun and easy grade... I was so wrong. I found out that baking was a lot more hectic and involved than what I originally thought, and I fell in love with it. After that, I spent a lot of time working front of house in restaurants and started to miss the thrill of being in the kitchen, the scramble to get things done and learning different techniques. Finally, after some urging from my boyfriend—who is also a chef—I decided to get my foot into the kitchen.

You’ve said you learned your craft mainly through mentorships. Tell us about that.

I landed my first few pastry assistant jobs and threw out a shot in the dark by commenting on Ashley Boyd's Instagram and asking if she needed any interns. A few months later I started at 300 East to help out with restaurant week. From there, I was hired as a pastry assistant, then promoted to pastry sous chef, and then two years later (and with Ashley's full support), I decided it was it was time to go off on my own.

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The Spread // Tastemaker Your desserts are beautiful—how did you learn to do the "artistic" side of pastry making?

I let my mind go blank when I'm plating, and I adapt to what I’m seeing "in the zone.” When I have a certain image of how I want the plate to look in my mind, I feel like I'm forcing it and it doesn't come out right.

In your opinion, what makes one pastry or dessert better than another?

I like very simple desserts, but I also love strange and complicated desserts. As I think about it, it doesn't matter how you combine the flavors and textures or plating so much as how memorable it is. I had a very simple strudel at J. Betski's in Raleigh recently, and I still can't get it out of my head... It wasn't pretentious at all, it was just so, so, so delicious—every bite was full of flavor.

How does working at The Asbury complement your talents?

I started at The Asbury in December of 2017, and I love it. While it is primarily a Southern restaurant, we have freedom to create dishes that are really thoughtprovoking and different. We have some simple dishes too—which I think is great because they are approachable to everyone. I try to keep that in mind with my desserts as well. I always have an option for someone who just wants something familiar to them. I also really love how farmer-centric we are. It's not plastered all over the menu, but most of everything we use comes from farms that we know and trust. info theasbury.com / @asburydunhill / @_mirandalynnb

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The Spread // Plated

H AY M A K E R .'S

Wild Caught Grouper words SUNNY HUBLER photo K YO H. NAM

Tall windows and an incredible interior aesthetic make Haymaker, with its magnificent view of Romare Bearden Park, one of the best places in Uptown for date night. As its name might imply, the restaurant serves Southern food with a lot of impact. The Wild Caught NC Grouper, served with succotash and shrimp bisque, is particularly delicious in summer. Light yet filling, Grouper has a mild but distinctive taste, and the cooks at Haymaker are masters of achieving that gold, flaky sear. The succotash it rests on has a refreshing crunch, and the bisque that intermingles throughout is bursting with the subtle umami you can only get from shellfish. When you combine every element into a single bite, the dish really comes into its own as it walks the tightrope between buttery, creamy-richness and crisp, delicate character.

— info — haymakerclt.com / @haymakerclt

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Located on the cusp of the historic Elizabeth and prestigious Eastover neighborhoods, Draper Place is Charlotte living at its finest.

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The Spread // Plated

L E C O C H O N D 'O R'S

Scallops words COREY MILLER photo JAMEY PRICE

When Patrick Garrivier and Brian St. Clair opened their first French-inspired restaurant, they named it Aix en Provence, intentionally recalling a region of France known for its decidedly lighter, Mediterranean fare. The name of Waxhaw’s Le Cochon d’Or, on the other hand, means “The Golden Pig,” and that’s fitting. The cuisine here resembles that of the rest of France—hearty, protein heavy, and drenched in golden, butter-rich sauces.

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Take their scallops with asparagus, and wild mushrooms—pan-seared in butter, obviously—all topped with chives and microgreens. The current rendition goes even heartier, bringing northern Italy into the mix: There’s nothing like a bed of the creamiest of Carnaroli risotto to fill an already full plate. info lecochondorwxhw.com / @lecochondor

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The Spread // Poured

BA R C E L O N A'S

Lucy B

words L AUREN GRIFFITH / photo JAMEY PRICE

Barcelona Wine Bar is a Spanish-influenced tapas and wine bar located in the Design Center of South End. The highly anticipated spot maintains a beautiful, rustic-meets-clean Mediterranean interior and, although the restaurant is known for an extensive wine list and expertly flavored small plates, their refreshing cocktail menu stands on its own.

The “Lucy B” cocktail in particular delights both the taste buds and the eye. The pinkish-orange tint

gives a nod to the iconic Lucille Ball’s fiery red locks, and the flavor punch goes hand-in-hand with her boisterous personality. The refreshing drink ties Leblon Cachaca, Rhum Clement Coconut Mahina, pineapple, lime, and smoked pepper agave together for a fruity experience that has just enough of an energizing kick.

Complete with a fresh pineapple leaf in the glass, the Lucy B pairs perfectly with a signature Barcelona charcuterie board.

— info — barcelonawinebar.com / @barcelonawinebar

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The Spread // Poured

T H E WAT E R M A N 'S

Manhattan

words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photo JAMEY PRICE

Sometimes, you’re just in the mood for a classic drink that pairs well with anything on the menu. When you’re dining at the Waterman Fish Bar, one of Charlotte’s premiere seafood spots, that’s a tall order to fill.

Enter the Employee’s Only Manhattan: a drink that elevates a timeless Manhattan with small batch bourbon and orange cognac. The small batch bourbon, barrel-aged from well-known distilleries, guarantees a different drink experience with every order. The sharp

sweetness of the orange cognac doesn’t overpower the drink, as one might expect. Instead, it emboldens the flavors of the traditional vermouth and aromatic bitters, making each part of the drink stand out without fighting for attention.

Sipping an Employee’s Only Manhattan alongside one of the Waterman Fish Bar’s delectable dishes—like their house oysters or grilled fish tacos, for example—will remind you just what makes a classic drink so special.

— info — watermanclt.com / @watermanclt

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T H E F OL IO

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

A Simple Statement Katie Schindler and the good folk at Fine Grit create some of the finest finished surfaces for some of Charlotte's best restaurants and homes. words RACHEL DRESSEL portraits JAMEY PRICE / photos of their work FINE GRIT

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The Folio // Profile

K

Katie Schindler loves flipping through pages of home magazines. Touching on the seasonal trends of interior design is something she admires, but she has found herself in pursuit of a more timeless look. Perhaps this is why her specialty finishing shop, Fine Grit, is quickly becoming a Charlotte household name rather than a fleeting thought.

Schindler was raised in Eastern Tennessee and has lived in Charlotte for the past five years. While she studied interior design briefly in college and has years of experience in painting

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Fine Grit's work on display at the new Charlotte restaurant, The Waterman

furniture, she did not find her current career path until she got a job in the finishing industry.

“I knew that custom finishing was one of the things I was meant to do when it came so naturally to me,” she explains.

The opportunity presented itself, and I couldn’t help but to roll with it. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.” Two and a half years after moving to Charlotte, she was sold a spray booth and the other necessary finishing tools, and her business began.

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The Folio // Profile

“I like the feel and look of a clean and simple space. Statement, yes, but a statement can be made in the most simplistic way if done in a well-executed manner.”

Fine Grit has created finishes for many Charlotte homes and commercial projects. The work is bold, yet simple. Every cabinet and countertop has a look that is so clean and stylish that you want to step back and admire but also reach forward to run your finger across it. Each piece is a statement of material and elegance.

“I like the feel and look of a clean and simple space. Statement, yes, but a statement can be made in the most simplistic way if done in a well-executed manner.”

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Looking at the clean finishes of her work is when the meaning behind “Fine Grit” comes into focus. The mixture between woodworking and stone finishes bring an elevated look, one that not only calls to mind the mastery of the material, but the time and care that is put into every inch of surface. “Grit” is not only an homage to the work itself, but the determination of the artisan to create the perfect piece.

Just like the contrast of the nomer Fine Grit, owning a business is also a delicate balance.

The Folio // Profile

“The mixture between woodworking and stone finishes bring an elevated look, one that not only calls to mind the mastery of the material, but the time and care that is put into every inch of surface.”

Like many artisans, Schindler had to learn how to navigate being a business owner and a creator. She found her stride by bringing in a strong staff to support her. Woodworker Devin Forbes has been working with Schindler since before Fine Grit and head finisher Jordan Black, whose name you may also recognize through his pho-

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tography exhibited city-wide, is also a part of the team. Looking forward, Schindler sees the city of Charlotte as a constant reminder of her current and growing success.

“I feel really lucky to have started my business in Charlotte. I think one of the reasons Fine Grit has had success is because there has been so

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The Folio // Profile

much growth in Charlotte, residential and commercial-wise. And there is a good sense of ‘local support’ for trades such as mine, where people really love seeing someone from the community succeed in a small, yet growing business.”

You can experience some of the team’s work at places like The Waterman and Hyde Brewing. From the finished surfaces at some of our best bars to beloved private residences, Fine Grit seems set to continue to make the Charlotte community proud with spaces everyone can enjoy. info finegritfinishes.com @fine.grit

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luxur y kitchens and bathrooms

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The Folio // Foundation

“Paint and good artwork can make a huge difference in a tired space... and adding wallpaper to the back wall of bookcases can do wonders.”

Southern Sophistication

A

Rainy Westerman on how her grandparents influenced her sense of design and how a welldesigned space can improve your life. words RILEY COHEN portrait photo LILLYSNAPS detail photos JAMEY PRICE design photos ERICA MARK

A Native to Charlotte, Rainy Westerman is a luxury commercial, residential, and hospitality interior designer renown for her fresh concepts and bold patterns, all the while maintaining a sense of refined Southern spunkiness.

Westerman’s designs are often marked by her ability to oscillate between clean lines, unexpected textures, and splashes of bold color—a signature style that’s become all her own.

Although she studied art history and later obtained her interior design degree from NYIAD, Rainy Westerman attributes her designer genes first and foremost to her grandparents.

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“My grandmother was hugely fashionable and stylish and my grandfather was an architect,” she says. “I think it is in my blood, honestly. Growing up around them, I developed a love of beauty and good design. And then, as I got older, I started rearranging my family's homes... I just didn't stop there.”

Now, with over twenty years of design experience behind her, Westerman believes fostering a healthy client relationship has been the key element to her successful projects; ensuring her client connects to the space as much as she does is, she says, essential.

The Folio // Foundation

“Secondary to your personal health, your space has a huge influence on your overall well-being and productivity.”

The design process, personalized for each client, begins with a collaborative effort and a dive into the client’s personal style. Westerman then presents her vision and makes the final design decisions before delving fully into the creative process.

Westerman, like any artist, derives inspiration from all kinds of outlets, naming everyone from artist Amedeo Modigliani to designers Miles Redd and James Michael Howard and local go-tos like painter Windy O’Connor and the 1510 Antiques shop on Central Avenue all as constant points of reference from which she can draw.

“Secondary to your personal health, your space has a huge influence on your overall well-being and productivity,” she explains. “In terms of my style, I guess you would call it eclectic, but I think of it more as curated. My own home incorporates some of my traditional leanings, combined with abstract art and a more modern color palette.”

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The Folio // Foundation

“I do have favorite things about each project, but my favorite projects were ones where I really enjoyed getting to know the families.”

But beyond her designs that grace commercial buildings and personal homes of the city, part of what really makes Westerman a designer meant for the Charlotte of today is her ability to envision how the city’s sense of style will inevitably evolve. As we grow, “space will become a premium, and clients will need to utilize smart design as well as design that is good for the environment,” she predicts. Incorporating that into the designs of today and looking toward the future characterize her carefully made decisions in each space she touches.

But, of course, it’s in the moment-tomoment making of those decisions, with each individual client, that lights Rainy up. “I do have favorite things about each project, but my favorite projects were ones where I really enjoyed getting to know the families.” info rainywestermaninteriors.com @rainywesterman

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The Folio // Vignette

Wine Country At Home words SUNNY HUBLER photo MICHAEL BLEVINS

Few additions to a home add as much lasting intrigue as implementing a personal wine cellar. This Kingswood build, completed in June 2018 in SouthPark, has many eye-catching elements, but the wine cellar stands chief among them.

This was a whole-house renovation, transitioning a French-inspired home that Kingswood built four years ago into a contemporary residence with a fresh, updated feel.

Although the new homeowners loved the basic layout of their 5,300 square-foot home, they favored a simpler design style that reflected their more modern tastes and they wanted to create an open layout that was better suited to entertaining friends and family. Chief among their concerns

was converting the powder room off the foyer into this glass-encased wine cellar; the young couple loves traveling to Napa, California, and wanted a place of their own to store their favorite wines. Though still a separate space, the use of glass for three of the four wine cellar walls created a sense of connection and greater visibility between the dining room, foyer, and main living room. It’s a stylish, modern take on a cellar, bright, crisp, and contrasted with the rustic wood surrounding it.

The tile on the floor is by Walker Zanger, the door pull is Rocky Mountain Hardware from Bird Hardware, and the wood came from ITC Millwork.

— info — kingswoodhomes.com / @kingswoodhomes

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Inspired by the You have a vision for your project. How it looks, how it feels and most importantly, how it reflects your style.

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The Folio // Vignette

A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary words HEATHER PORTER photo RON ROYALS

With the primary request of a larger kitchen island and range, Karen Kettler, of Karen Kettler Design, delivered in a big way with this clients’ Myers Park home, built by Simonini Custom Homes in 2001. To initiate the updates, Kettler crafted a crisp, modern feel with her use of navy blue and gold joined with matte black finishes: Clean lines paired with these contemporary hints create a warmth in the home.

The clean, new kitchen space with white countertops, stylish cabinetry and modern, dark accents, is airy and homey; Karen’s touches of light stained wood in the hutch and the

barstools work with the white to radiate light and enlarge the space. The hutch, a wooden shelved furniture piece, is an intentional statement in the room. This piece lives alongside other eye-catching elements, such as the mantle hood, which was the clients’ initial design muse. The dark flooring and the navy-blue island keep the room grounded and bring balance to the bright, airy elements of the design. Kettler not only fulfilled the clients’ wishes, but also created a stunning example of understanding a space and blending design elements into a functional, cohesive finished product.

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— info — karenkettlerdesign.com / @karenkettlerdesign

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The Folio // Vignette

A Perfectly Executed Office words SUNNY HUBLER / photos DUSTIN PECK

The combined efforts of Arcadia Homes, architect Christopher Phelps, and designer Emily Malcolm of Carolina Design Associates resulted in this stunning, contemporary-meets-classic office. It’s part of an entire project that’s characterized by the unexpected combinations of textures, tones, and artful accents. Drawing on sophisticated construction, intentional architecture, and detailed design, Arcadia executed an office space that’s not to be forgotten.

“The client wanted there to be some unique touches to the design — ones that can only be executed appropriately by the very best craftsmen,” says Jeremy Schumacher, President and Managing Partner of Arcadia Homes.

With clean lines and a warm, neutral palate, the office boasts several eye-catching elements, like the enormous windows and statement lighting. The circular room juts

from the overstated entrance of the home, practically beckoning you inside. Influenced by the entire project’s balance of the bold and the simplistic, designer Emily Malcolm effortlessly integrated grand accent lighting into several of the spaces.

“I wanted to have some fun with the lighting throughout the house,” Malcolm says. “It gives us something to talk about in each space.”

Finally, honoring the established country club setting, architect Christopher Phelps used geometric shapes simultaneously along movement and curvature, for a room that’s shaped to perfection.

No longer a room to retreat to only for solitude or a deep dive into burdensome tasks, this office revives the classic space to its luxurious glory.

— info — arcadiahomesinc.com / @arcadiahomes

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Photo by Kingswood Custom Homes

A b a t e D e s i g n G ro u p w w w. a b a t e d e s i g n g ro u p. c o m

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design | landscape | planning

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The Home That Has It All This Myers Park masterpiece designed by Georgia Street Design makes it easy to entertain in style. words LIZA CARRASQUILLO / photos CHRISTINA HUSSEY 113 • QCEXCLUSIVE.COM • MAY / JUNE 2019

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When Meredith Beregovski, owner of Georgia Street Design, was first approached about designing this house in Charlotte’s Selwyn neighborhood, she knew she was about to create something special. While most clients like to incorporate a strong entertainment space in their houses, this client allowed Beregovski to create a home entirely centered around the idea. And that’s what Georgia Street does best: Building new relationships to make clients’ dream homes a reality. Beregovski works with the company’s mantra close to heart, helping Charlotte homeowners live well-designed lives.

“Entertaining spaces were the most sought-after goal in this particular home,” says Beregovski. “We also were very focused

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on bringing the outdoors in with each of the living spaces opening to the pool deck and covered patio.”

In addition to creating a home with the right layout, the team at Georgia Street Design also had to create a home with a very specific feel, one with clean lines and a crisp pallet, and a warm, modern sensibility.

There’s no denying that Georgia Street Design, partnered with Charlotte-based homebuilder Corban Homes, captured their clients’ requests perfectly. Entering the Selwyn home is like entering an artist’s retreat. The wide-open floor plan gives guests a clear view of the kitchen’s stunning stone-gray island, complemented by white cabinets and bamboo bar chairs. Across the

way, guests transition seamlessly into the dining area, where the dark table pops against the home’s light-colored hardwood floors. These spaces, often hidden in other houses, are placed front and center. They are meant to be part of the entertainment, not separate from it.

Further into the home, natural light blankets the next living area.

“The secondary living room would normally be considered a ‘formal’ space,” notes Beregovski, “but my client was looking for a casual feel throughout the house.” This second living space is open to the foyer and to a wall of glass leading to the pool deck. They kept a clean line of sight from the front door to the pool, and chose a sofa with a low back, clean lines, and a light color to keep from any distraction in looking at the pool.

The large, plush sectional makes the space feel inviting, as if the whole party can laugh together in one place. Access to the pool deck also allows for an easy move outdoors, making the whole area feel like one fluid gathering area. The rest of the four-bedroom house is no exception, boasting four and a half bathrooms, a media room, a home gym, and even a dedicated wine room. This inviting home truly has it all. info georgiastreetdesign.com @georgiastreetdesign

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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

Southern Charm Meets Timeless Elegance With spectacular sights, enjoyable eats, and its historical location, the Belmond Charleston Place is quintessential Charleston. words ERICA BEACHUM photos courtesy BELMOND CHARLESTON PLACE

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The Explored // Weekender

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Located in the historic district of Charleston, Belmond Charleston Place is elegant, chic, and full of Southern charm. This beautiful hotel welcomes you with its four horse fountain, integrating a sense of oldworld charm with modern gentility. This hotel can be found right across from the city market on Meeting Street, introducing you straight to the lively and bustling city of Charleston for the ideal weekend vacation.

The hotel, full of modern elegance and old-world style, boasts spacious rooms, a beloved rooftop pool,

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sweeping views of the city, and a club lounge area. You can unwind in the extravagant spa with a variety of services, or treat yourself to world-class hair and makeup services at their Elysium Salon. Some of the most celebrated Charleston restaurants are also conveniently housed in the Belmond Charleston Place hotel; you can enjoy an upscale dinner at Charleston Grill, with awardwinning southern cuisine, order craft beer and gourmet food at Meeting at Market, have a lighter meal with Palmetto Cafe’s tempting menu.

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The Explored // Weekender

Right outside the doors, you’ll find all the fun this colorful city is known for.

Through the hotel, you will have access to exclusive tours and trips—such as riding in a horse-drawn carriage on the city’s cobblestone streets to discover hidden gardens and buildings.

While you’re at it, learn about the city’s historic past by visiting the old Battery or explore the French Quarter with its gothic building designs. Step in to one of the many museums across Charleston to learn even more about the city’s past.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, you can visit big name stores, Charleston-exclusive shops, or take a walk through the Historic Charleston City Market all within a block of each other.

The city market hosts vendors that specialize in bath and body, clothing, crafts, fine art, home decor, and more.

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The Explored // Weekender

Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat, or an adventurous getaway, you can be assured Belmond Charleston Place serves as the perfect home base, and will offer a lavish weekend full of delectable dining, enjoyable experiences, and scenes that are nothing short of stunning. info belmond.com @belmondcharlestonplace

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The Explored // Carolina Town

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Days In Rodanthe A small beach town with stories to tell words LUCY MURREY photo of pier TOM WORSLEY / photo of sunrise and lighthouse JP GRICE

From Hollywood to Hatteras Island, Rodanthe famously sets the scene for a quiet, coastal getaway. A small beach town at the easternmost point of North Carolina, this historic village of the Outer Banks is a part of the greater settlement of Chicamacomico, an Algonquin word meaning “sinking down sand”—an appropriate name, as shifting sands and whirling winds are constantly recreating Rodanthe’s coast. Home to the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, the first of its kind on the Carolina coast, and the setting for Nicholas Sparks’ romantic novel Nights in Rodanthe, Rodanthe is full of simple wonders that tell a unique story of life and love.

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The Explored // Carolina Town

Rodanthe is essentially the birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard; the original 1874 station, and the seven more that later safeguarded the Outer Banks, were flagships for the modern U.S. Coast Guard that still stand as one of the town’s most historic and cherished treasures. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station functions today as a museum full of true tales of bravery and sacrifice.

These themes are, in fact, running threads throughout the

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story of this Carolina town — a story that inspired none other than famous romantic novelist Nicholas Sparks. Those longing to experience that narrative of romance and solitude can even stay at the very meeting place of Sparks’ protagonists: the Inn at Rodanthe. Decorated to emulate its depiction in the motion picture adaptation, the Inn serves as a popular vacation rental and a perfect representative of a quaint, seaside stay on Hatteras Island.

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The Explored // Carolina Town

With some of the best water sports access on the East Coast, Rodanthe also knows how to incorporate adventure into a seaside stay. Popular kiteboarding schools, windsurfing, and boating access along the Pamlico Sound easily offer a wave of excitement, while local restaurants and family-run shops eagerly open their doors to those wandering by. Also, just north of Rodanthe is the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 30,000 acre home to 500 species of birds and other wildlife perfect for birding, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking.

Pointing North Carolina’s nose deep into the sea, this tiny town is one of isolated beauty: blue skies, orange sunrises, soft dunes, and sand-shielded solitude. With windswept beaches, rocky waters, and quiet coastal cottages, Rodanthe is a small town full of stories to tell.

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“I love all the LKN sunsets they post. So excited for summer!”

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Charlotte's luxury lifestyle in print, online, and on social media.

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The Explored // Adventure

From Stream to Shore

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Carolina’s Protected Wilderness words WILHEM DIEHL photos JAMEY PRICE

When people think of luxury, fancy cars, mansions, and designer clothes usually come to mind and rightfully so. Like everyone else we can appreciate all of those things, but we also believe that one of the most important luxuries we have here in the Carolinas is access to the splendor and richness of our public lands. We want to take this moment, in this annual luxury issue, to highlight five parks we are truly grateful to be able to experience.

Pisgah National Forest There is an untampered, uncharted feeling to the Pisgah National Forest that sets it apart from many other parks. It is fairly uncommon to be able to come across several different waterfalls and scraggly peaks in one day and to not see another soul while doing so. The blue isoprene seeping off the trees soaks the horizon and washes it into shades of indigo that stun every time. Thousands of hiking trails could keep your feet moving for years, but if it’s your first time coming, the Looking Glass Rock trail is the place to start. Looking Glass Rock itself looks like it came from another continent altogether, surging out of the forest with its bare, smooth rock exposed, and the trail also brings visitors past a beautiful, gushing waterfall.

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The Explored // Adventure

The Outer Banks Sometimes, when traveling on the Outer Banks, it can feel as though you are truly on the precipice of the natural world and our more usual, settled one. On either side stretches the salty Atlantic, the bay side calmer and more tranquil, the seaside forming the more ferocious, unpredictable counterpart. In between, a long strip of sand mediates the two, constantly in a state of give and take: never the same year after year and yet always pristine.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a fantastic park among the dunes, is the anchor for the Outer Banks nature conservancy, all of which is laid out below the lighthouse that adorns it.

Jones Gap State Park The peacefulness inscribed in the land of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is buoyed by a set of land preservations that keep the natural pace of life slow and inviting to the explorer.

Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks pillar this iconic landscape, offering peaks to climb and streams to follow. Waterfalls flow down the sides of the Appalachian spine and nurture the valleys beneath, wherein the casual adventurer can find the Jones Gap woodlands. Here, the Middle Saluda river runs its waters, and with it, a host of finicky fish willing to trouble any stout angler. This area has been lauded for centuries for its beauty and tranquility, and it holds those same qualities today. Take a pleasant hike or bring your boat; Jones Gap has something for you.

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Mount Mitchell State Park Sometimes it is easy to forget that the largest peak in the continental United States, East of the Mississippi River, lies in the quiet backcountry of North Carolina. However, once you’ve put this summit under your boots, you may have a hard time forgetting the impeccable beauty that this place summons. Standing an impressive 6,684 feet high, Mount Mitchell is host to a plethora of trails with a wide ranging skill sets. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, hit the six mile Mount Mitchell trail, and try to make it to the peak for sunset. If you’d like an easier day, take the two mile commissary trail and enjoy yourself. All roads lead to the top however, and there’s no way to go wrong with that.

Table Rock Mountain State Park The mountains of South Carolina continue the breathtaking cascade of the Appalachian range, meandering its way down the Southern United States. Along those mountains are a number of breathtaking features, but Table Rock stands above most. It also towers above the great green growth below it, with surging rocky slopes speckled with scraggly evergreens and spruce trees. It is a fascinating mountain, and one that must be seen by any one who is inclined to the woods of the Carolinas. The scenic Highway 11 will deliver hikers and sightseers right to the foot of the mountain, where one can find the visitors center and the Table Rock Trail itself.

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The Exclusives

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MEA LS TO REMEMBER Twenty-two luxury Queen City dining experiences — from a traditional omakase at O-Ku and Fahrenheit's bone-in ribeye to The Tower of Power at Fin & Fino and The Cellar at Duckworth's Tomahawk — that you won't soon forget.

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words SUNNY HUBLER

photos JAMEY PRICE, K YO H. NAM, and THE PL AID PENGUIN

Nothing’s worse than a boring meal, and lest you suffer the fate, we compiled twenty-two memorable ways to experience Charlotte’s dining scene. From cooking classes to our favorite pairings, from chef’s menus to the best seats at the best restaurants, these are our top recommendations to ensure you enter into the kind of foodie enterprise you’ll walk away wanting to recreate. Whether it’s a special occasion or not, splurge a little — these ones are worth it.

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The Exclusives

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BA R D O Fin & Fino’s Tower of Power Like finishing an exceptional book or exiting the theater after a breathtaking ballet, chewing the last morsel of a devilishly good dinner leaves a bittersweet taste: how lovely to have this experience, how unfortunate that it is finite. Fin & Fino whips up some of the tastiest treats the ocean offers—oysters, shrimp, blue crab, mussels, lobster, tuna-salmon poke— and stacks them in a formidable tower that, mercifully, seems never to end. In quantity and quality, the Tower of Power is worth every penny.

Stagioni’s Truffle Tagliatellie For authentic Italian cuisine in a Tuscan setting, Charlotteans need only venture as far as the historic Reynolds-Gourmajenko house in Myers Park, where Chef Andrew HurstDodd serves up a traditional truffle tagliatelle dish, flavored with porcini mushrooms, savory truffle pecorino, and vermouth butter sauce. Topped with shaved truffles, this dish is far less expensive than a plane ticket to the other side of the Atlantic, but just as transportive.

O-Ku Sushi Charlotte’s Omakase Experience Head Chef Michael Chanthavong is as well known for his successful marriage of authentic Asian cuisine to Southern tastes as he is for his keen eye for stunning culinary presentation. The Omakase experience is designed to showcase his imaginative palate and aesthetic delivery over a multi-course tasting that makes for one singularly refreshing and cosmopolitan evening not to be missed in the Queen City.

Relish Carolina Dinner Experience Half the joy of a truly memorable meal is derived from company, conversation, and ambience. From the moment a culinary evening is conceived to the moment all guests depart, Relish Carolina professionals combine their experience in food,

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hospitality, marketing, and communications to elevate dinner from a mere meal to an unforgettable and priceless experience.

Bentley’s on 27’s Caviar Sampler Before champagne, raw oysters, or truffles were a delicacy, caviar was the go-to dish for aristocrats aiming to impress or indulge. Bentley’s on 27 offers a caviar sampling appropriate for aristocrats of any era: Siberian, traditional, Oscietra, and Royal Oscietra sturgeon species are served with traditional condiments and blini, the deliciously fluffy Russian pancake that pairs so well with this timeless delicacy.

Bardo’s Aged-Ribeye and Skye High Cocktail Served alongside kimchi butter, Carolina gold rice, and wakame, Bardo’s aged-ribeye entree tickles the taste buds with a host of complex flavor notes you’d be hard-pressed to replicate in your own kitchen. Pair with the Skye High Cocktail, a knockout combination of Talisker 10 Year Whiskey, Fernet Branca, Krupnikas, and Pure Intentions cold brew, to make the most of your night out.

Fahrenheit’s Bone-In Ribeye For a truly decadent evening, pair the rooftop views of Fahrenheit with 22 ounces of juicy and tender bone-in ribeye, dripping in flavorful marrow and served entree-style with grilled broccoli, arugula, and shishito pepper salsa.

Cellar at Duckworth’s Tomahawk and Beer Cellar For the steak and beer lovers amongst us (and really, who isn’t?), there may be no better upscale dining experience than the pairing of the Cellar’s 32 ounces of Certified Angus Beef, grilled for just a few minutes in The Cellar’s 1800 degree broiler, with any one of the numerous rare ales—your pick—housed in the Cellar’s unique, perfectly temperature-controlled beer cellar. Bring a friend; this is a meal that’s meant to be shared.

STAGION I

The Exclusives

C OPA I N

Catawba Queen Dinner Cruise Climb onboard this custom-built replica of a classic Mississippi riverboat for a summer evening you won’t soon forget: The Catawba Queen is meant for summer sightseeing and dining in style. Started in 1991, by Captain Jack R. Williams and the late Bud Lancaster, Queens Landing Cruises offers creative southern cuisine aboard an open air deck for a vintage cruise that showcases the history of Lake Norman’s unique beauty. Equipped with a fully functional bar and kitchen preparing a chef-served buffet, you’ll be able to enjoy your dinner on the open water.

Cocoa Lab at the Ritz Carlton The Cocoa Lab at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte offers chocolate, pastry, and dessert cooking classes, as well as group culinary educational experiences and team-building activities. Located in a private class setting within the Uptown hotel’s state-ofthe-art Bar Cocoa kitchens. Cocoa Lab’s hands-on classes are limited to a maximum of eight students per session. Work alongside one of the award-winning chefs at The Ritz as you and your small group learn cooking techniques by actually

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preparing menu items featuring chocolate, cocoa, and other favorite dessert flavors.

A Copain Gathering No matter the occasion, Copain has your feast covered like no other. The brainchild of Chef Jim Noble, Copain is a catering company and bakery in Charlotte’s SouthPark. Offering everything from a full dinner for two to homemade gelato, seasonal pies, and housemade pasta, your next gathering is sure to be a memorable one when you let these seasoned foodies take the reigns.

Dinner Class with chef Alyssa Alyssa Wilen, of Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, hosts regular cooking classes in her space on Yancey Road. The evenings are lively, engaging, and informative — a fun way to spend a few hours learning from one of our area’s top talents. Bring a friend or spend a date night learning to make culinary delights that are simple, locally-sourced, and fresh — plus, each recipe is accessible enough you can recreate it at home later.

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A Foxcroft Tasting Room Wine Tasting Foxcroft Tasting Room regularly hosts wine dinners, and many are thoughtfully themed. The menus come specially designed by Chef Chris Mydosh; he chooses carefully which dishes pair with each of the wines served all evening long. One of our recent favorites was the South African Wine Dinner with Cape Classics; it included a salmon tartare with crisped potato wheel, leek and lemon cream and a Terre Brûlée Chenin Blanc 2018; braised pork, herb spaetzle with horseradish, red kitten spinach and B Vintners Pinot Noir "Black Bream"; a rabbit fricasée with spring vegetables and curry spoon bread, natural jus, and a de Morgenzon Syrah "DMZ" 2016, to name just a few.

Each tasting has limited seating, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

McNinch House Tasting menus McNinch House is renowned for their tasting menus, and the Chef’s 5 Course Tasting is one of the area’s best. Their wine list, the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and Wine Enthusiast

Magazine’s Award of Distinction, is center stage at these tastings and each individual tasting one is unique. At $185 per person, the menu is chef’s choice and each of the courses are set at his discretion.

Private Dining at The Stanley The Stanley boasts an intimate private dining room suitable for every occasion that seats 28 comfortably. Paul Verica’s food has always been exciting, the kind of thoughtful, creative stuff that earned him a spot as a James Beard semifinalist in 2017. From the private dining area, you get to see the best of Verica’s plating and pairings, all while enjoying the intimate ambience of this historic Elizabeth restaurant space.

BLT Steak’s 36 oz. Porterhouse For around $80, visit BLT Steak to order their steak of steaks: The porterhouse for two, cooked medium rare and seasoned simply, is 36 ounces of premium quality angus beef. Want to kick things up a notch? Pair it with BLT’s famous popovers for a decadent meal you won’t soon forget.

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BA RC E L ONA Barcelona's Jamon Mangalica One of the most rare Spanish hams, the Mangalica is born of a recent partnership with Hungarian farmers and heritage breed preservationists. Served and shaved tableside at Barcelona, their mangalica (similar to the Spanish jamon serrano) is an intense red meat, salty, fatty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Pair it with their other small plates and craft cocktails for an elevated dining experience.

Dandelion Market's Whole Menu Dandelion has the corner on the market when it comes to menu decision-making. Not sure which of the small plates sounds the most delectable? No problem: Eat them all. Their long-standing “Everything at the Market” option, clocking in at $295 for dine in only, includes one of everything (seriously).

Sweet Spot Studio’s Dessert Class Distinguished pastry chef Jossie Lukacik offers one to two baking and pastry classes each week, on weekday evenings and weekends, each with a different theme. She teaches the majority of classes herself, but also invites other local pastry professionals, including Samantha Allen of Wentworth & Fenn and Miranda Brown of The Asbury, to fill in on a few classes each month.

Private classes are also available upon request.

Seasonal Tasting at Peppervine Peppervine, created by the husband and wife team of Chef Bill and General Manager Anita Greene, of Banner Elk's Artisanal, alongside Robert and Robb Lackey, debuted in Charlotte's

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SouthPark neighborhood in spring 2019. The restaurant offers seasonally inspired, artful cuisine, and elevated service. Chef Bill Greene’s progressive American menu at Peppervine emphasizes local farms, seasonal products, wild seafood, and pastureraised meats. The house-made products, like breads, stocks, charcuterie, and ice cream, change seasonally, so be sure to stop in frequently.

Paddle to Table Whitewater Center Paddle to Table offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a guided flatwater paddle down the Catawba River, followed by a unique dining experience in the outdoors, courtesy of the Whitewater Center’s chefs. Choose between a flatwater kayak or stand-up paddleboard before enjoying your sunset paddle along the banks of the USNWC. After a short hike back, a chef-curated meal awaits guests at the Ridge Pavilion at 8 pm.

Kindred Chef’s Table Experience The case for Kindred as one of Charlotte’s best dining experiences has long been made, but have you experienced the chef’s table yet? Located down a flight of cement stairs, underneath the bustling streets of Davidson, Chef Joe Kindred lets up to ten guests sit in the kitchen at their long table. To secure the table takes a minimum of $750 (not including beverages or tips), but what it buys you is the highest level experience with a private entrance into the kitchen and the opportunity to feast on the biggest show stoppers of the evening. Plus, observing Kindred’s kitchen is a bit like watching a ballet—perfectly synchronized, full of energy and craft, and without a single visible hitch.

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From hiking a panoramic peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains to curling your toes in the Lowcountry beach sand, the Carolinas promise endless possibilities. Explore it all and lodge lavishly with a stay at one of these luxury hotels in the Carolinas. words SUNNY HUBLER and RILEY COHEN photos courtesy of the hotels

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The Exclusives • Deepen your stay with an open-air yoga class located on the rooftop terrace with Charleston’s cityscape as an inspiring, calming backdrop.

• Wander down the cobblestone streets for drinks and a quick bite at The Gin Joint, a bar featuring seasonally and locally inspired drinks, like the Skip To My Lou made with gin, purple cabbage, lemon byrrh, cassis, fennel, smoked honey and boston bitters.

Zero George Zero George is an immaculately restored boutique hotel in Charleston, adhering to its 1804 roots while incorporating the stylish notes of its evolving city. With sixteen different lush guest rooms, each suite was designed to provide intimate comfortability and a timeless, Southern chic aesthetic.

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Montage Palmetto Bluff Montage Palmetto Bluff is South Carolina’s luxury riverside destination. Nestled along the May River between Hilton Head and Savannah, this 20,000 acre resort exudes the Lowcountry’s rich greenery and waterside lifestyle.

• With eight restaurants on-site total, making time for dinner at the resort’s river-to-table cuisine, Octagon Porch, is a must. Embrace the old Southern porch ambience as you enjoy fresh oysters and roasted beet salad for a refreshing, locallysourced meal.

• Combine a morning of fitness and sightseeing as you paddle board your way through the property’s winding lagoons.

• Relax and unwind at The Montage’s renown spa—incorporating the river’s natural elements into some of its services, such as the rejuvenating full body mud mask.

The Dewberry The Dewberry is one of Charleston’s most luxurious preserved hotels, designed to deliver the richness of the city’s history with the refined, eclectic touches of developer John Dewberry. Situated in the heart of Charleston, guests can enjoy both the hotel’s luxurious amenities as well as the city’s vibrant attractions.

• Indulge in a scrumptious brunch at the hotel’s French brasserie style restaurant — order up the Banana Bread French Toast or Lobster Glazed Omelet.

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• Drop by the Zero Restaurant at their daily happy hour for a refreshing, hand-crafted cocktail, such as the Alter Ego (Hendrick's gin, lavender, lime, habanero citrus foam and burlesque bitters.) The restaurant also offers an array of cooking classes, challenging you to delve into the art of Southern cuisine.

• Enjoy a sunset harbor cruise on your very own yacht to cap off a day of exploring the Holy City—entirely arranged by the hotel’s personalized concierge service.

• Peruse one of Charleston’s oldest antebellum structures, the Joseph Manigault house, to catch a glimpse of luxury living, 19th century style.

Grand Bohemian Asheville Central to all things Asheville, the Grand Bohemian makes itself known with its intriguing exterior — but that’s only the half of it. Its warm interior integrates the coziness of the Blue Ridge mountains with a rustic design and stunning antiques carried throughout.

• Try a new dish at the hotel’s Red Stag Grill, such as their thick house-smoked grilled bacon over a mini cornbread waffle topped with spiced pepper jelly and two eggs—pair it with a pomegranate mimosa for a brunch twist.

• Take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to America’s largest residential home built by George Vanderbilt in the 1880’s—The Biltmore Estate—where the breathtaking architecture and design will undoubtedly leave you in awe.

• Cap off a long day of exploring with a bottle of wine and charcuterie board at 5 Walnut, located in the heart of downtown and enjoy their nightly live music.

The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel The architectural inspiration for the Empire State Building, the historic R.J. Reynolds building is now home to The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, overlooking the best of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Its crisp, modern interior meets Southern flair, as the hotel exudes the versatility of the city—surrounded by the Downtown Arts District, Old Salem Museum & Garden, and the esteemed Wake Forest University.

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The Exclusives The Umstead Hotel & Spa Located in Cary, North Carolina, the Umstead Hotel and Spa sits a little outside the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to fully escape and disengage without depriving you of the Triangle Area’s many attractions. Nestled on over 12 acres of plush greenery with a lake, The Umstead is known for its cohesive combination of nature and restoration.

• Stop by for a wholesome breakfast at Heron’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Order up the crab cake benedict and fresh pressed antioxidant juice or opt for a lighter option with a refreshing acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and manuka honey.

• As a guest at The Umstead, a visit to the renown Umstead Spa is a must. Indulge in the Red Flower Hammam Ritual for an invigorating full-body experience — beginning with an exfoliating lemon coffee scrub, followed by a cocooning sensation of warm white clay and concluded with cardamom amber oil.

• Venture into the Durham area to catch of glimpse of beautifully architectured Duke Chapel before making your way to Franklin Street for a rustic mediterranean meal at Kipo’s Greek Taverna, where everything is authentically prepared, from the wood-fired lamb chops to the homemade tzatziki and freshly baked pita.

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Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock With your choice of lodge, luxury condominium, or room at the Bob Timberlake Inn, The Chetola Resort spreads 87-acres of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, engulfed in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Grab dinner at one of Winston-Salem’s finest southern restaurants, Mozelle’s. Choose the famous Shrimp and Grits finished with prosciutto and a sherry cream sauce for a classic choice or opt for the fresh catch over spaghetti squash noodles, red chiles, pecorino romano, brown butter, and lemony arugula.

• Delve into the rich history of R.J. Reynolds at the Reynolda Historic District for a chance to explore the Reynolda house, exquisite gardens, intriguing exhibits and unique shopping.

• Start off your morning at the beloved Krankies Coffee for a cozy cup-of-joe and a delectable homemade pastry or scrumptious fried chicken biscuit.

• Surrounded by invigorating nature, Chetola offers an array of sport and adventure packages, such as fly fishing, kayaks and paddle boards, and guided hiking trails.

• Grab a quick bite before an afternoon of exploring at Timberlake’s, the resort’s very own restaurant. Try the Balsamic Blueberry Grilled Cheese infused with blueberry compote, melty havarti cheese and fresh spinach on grilled sourdough.

• A trip to the Blue Ridge wouldn’t be complete without tackling its highest peak, Grandfather Mountain. Catch an adrenaline rush as you cross the mile-high swinging bridge and sightsee for black bears or river otters.

The Swag The Swag is a private, all-inclusive resort nestled atop The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. With stunning mountain top views, intimate accommodations and several winding hiking trails, The Swag has no shortage of mountainside charm.

Westin Poinsett Located in the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, the Westin Poinsett is within walking distance to many of the city’s attractions, such as The Symphony and the Greenville Zoo.

• Recharge with a fresh picnic lunch in one of the romantic treehouses on site.

• Hike your way through The Great Smoky Mountains in search of adventure — from tranquil strolling paths to invigorating slopes, The Swag has a variety of hiking trails to accommodate every traveler.

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• Stay focused with an array of fitness activities the Westin Poinsett has to offer, including guided fitness classes or opt to explore the city with RunWESTIN. • Unwind after a day of exploring downtown Greenville at the Lobby Lounge for drinks at the piano bar.

• Opt for a thrilling off-road BMW experience followed by an exhilarating lap or two around the track testing out the inventory at the BMW Performance Center.

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Kimpton Tryon Park As one of the newer additions to Charlotte’s hospitality scene, the Kimpton blends Southern tradition with the city’s bustling energy.

• To stay at the Kimpton allows you to also experience its highly sought after rooftop bar, Merchant + Trade. Sip on a classic cocktail such as the M&T Old Fashion as you take in its 360 view of Uptown Charlotte.

• Grab dinner at the Kimpton's very own Italian eatery, Angeline’s, for authentic wood-fired pizza or pasta on its secluded, European-inspired outdoor patio.

• Embrace the energy of Uptown with any number of the esteemed performances at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center just a few steps away.

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The Ballantyne Stay close to home and outside the bustle of Uptown for a relaxing weekend at the Ballantyne Resort & Spa. With luxurious, resort-style amenities, such as the beloved spa and golf course academy, your stay at the Ballantyne Resort will feel miles away from reality.

• Indulge in the resort’s specialty, their on-site spa. Book a full day of relaxing treatments such as the Carolina Lavender Escape package, including a lavender-infused body wrap, massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, and even a lavender-flavored cocktail.

• If golfing is your forte, opt for the generous Golf Haven package featuring two rounds of golf per day along with breakfast for two at the Gallery Restaurant.

• Top off the day with dinner at the resort’s locally inspired Southern cuisine. Start with the refreshing Beet & Watercress salad and finish with the Sea Scallops over an heirloom squash puree and collard greens topped with a savory herb chili oil.

Ritz-Carlton Conveniently located in the vibrant heart of Uptown Charlotte, the Ritz-Carlton needs little introduction. The Charlotte location accentuates its luxury with the delectable treats at Bar Cocoa and The Punch Room.

• If a little self-pampering is on your agenda, spend the morning at the Ritz’s world-class spa for a deep-tissue massage or restoring facial.

• Stumble upon one of Charlotte’s hidden treasures on the 15th floor: The Punch Room is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and lounge. Indulge in one of the carefully-crafted cocktails, such as the Basic But Not infused with cucumber, basil, tomato oil, lillet blanc and Cathead vodka.

• Take a stroll through Uptown before popping into some of the city's best art museums, The Mint Museum and The Bechtler, only a quarter mile from your stay.

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The Ivey’s Hotel The Ivey’s Hotel is home to one of the few remaining historic buildings in Uptown. This boutique destination is dazzled with an elegant ambience and lavish amenities, perfect for a staycation close to home.

• At the Ivey’s, you won’t regret spending a relaxing night in, especially with room service and local 5-star cuisine by 5Church.

Request a European-style soaking tub and slip into a complementary plush robe and slippers for an ideal night in.

• Take advantage of the Ivey’s exclusive Library Lounge, where you can find decadent local treats in the mornings and daily cheese and charcuterie boards in the evenings.

• Take a short walk to Sea Level for dinner before taking on a night Uptown. Opt for the freshest seafood in town, such as their famous oyster selection.

Duke Mansion Unique from many of the other luxurious stays in Charlotte, this escalated bed and breakfast encompasses everything you need for an intimate staycation, including elegantly designed guest suites and complimentary breakfast.

• Stroll through the mansion’s very own enchanting garden, stretching almost five acres, for a refreshing way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.

• Only a short walk away, you can find the Om Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage or facial service.

• Relish in the beauty of the historic neighborhood of Elizabeth as you walk down to Stagioni’s for a dinner of Chef Bruce Moffet’s local Italian cuisine. Indulge in seasonally-inspired handmade pastas, such as the seared potato gnocchi, and share a bottle of authentic Italian wine.

You can read about more of our luxury hotel suggestions, including The Vendue, French Quarter Inn, The Sanderling, Fearrington Inn, 21c Museum Hotel, and more, on our website at qcexclusive.com.

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With Charlotte growing rapidly, we’re reminded often, in ways big and small, that now is the time in which we have an opportunity to contribute to the fabric of the city we live in. As many people as there are in need, there are also many, many charitable organizations and local philanthropists, all dedicated to the causes closest to their hearts. Knowing that we are, as a community, stronger than we can ever be as individuals, we hope that this list will encourage you, too, to make the lives of those in need a bit brighter. These charitable organizations and local leaders may surprise you — whether you’ve heard of them or not, you can be assured that each one is giving us all the chance to do our part in helping build a stronger community and an even better city.

Girl Talk Foundation Since the organizations beginning in 2002, Girl Talk Foundation has empowered young women aged 11-16 teaching them how to be confident, smart, proud, and powerful through facilitated dialogue. Through character building programs that develop self-awareness, competence, and social competence, this foundation has helped ladies learn social and emotional skills. You can donate new or nearly new dresses, shoes, and accessories for their Prom Project program, sponsor a girl to participate in their 13-week “Tailoring Teens for Success” program or become a partner in their mentorship program. girltalkfoundationinc.com

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Anna Spangler Nelson Nelson’s service is multifaceted: She serves on the UNC Board of Governors, stewards her family’s philanthropic foundation which invests heavily in nonprofits that serve children, and has a role as co-chair of the Project LIFT board. Over the years, she’s been called “the city’s most influential person in public education.” Project L.I.F.T. stands for Project Leadership & Investment For Transformation. Today, LIFT is part of the Central 1 Learning Community of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), comprised of 29 schools well-poised to make dramatic gains for teachers, school leadership, and students. projectliftcharlotte.org

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Circle de Luz Circle de Luz is a Charlotte area-based nonprofit that works to empower young Latinas through mentoring, scholarship funds, and holistic programming. Since its inception in 2007, the organization has grown from an entirely volunteer operated program to a professionally staffed nonprofit. Charlotteans should keep an eye on Circle de Luz, particularly as the Latina population continues to grow in the Queen City. circledeluz.org Birdsong Brewing Co. In Charlotte’s ever-growing craft brewery scene, Birdsong is a standout — not only because it was one of the first, but also because of its staunch commitment to supporting local nonprofit initiatives. Birdsong charitably donates to and fundraises for a selection of local 501(c)3 organizations. That is, when they’re not resetting industry standards for sustainable beer production. birdsongbrewing.com Michael Marsicano Michael Marsicano has been improving the Queen City since he accepted a position as the head of the Arts and Science Council in 1989. Ten years later, after growing the Charlotte ASC to one of the largest endowed in the nation, Marsicano transitioned to the Foundation for the Carolinas where, as CEO, he exponentially increased its assets and contributions while deftly allocating funds for maximum impact. fftc.org Dream on 3 Dream On 3 started right here in Charlotte before spreading beyond North Carolina. The organization brings sports dreams to life for qualified children by creating personal experiences with their favorite athletes, sporting event, or sports team. In their mission to unite communities and promote children's’ dreams, they partner with treating physi-

cians and social workers to help identify candidates for a Dream Experience. Once they select a Dream Recipient, all the details and arrangements for Dreams are handled by DO3 staff and volunteers. That’s where you can help: volunteers who are looking to help kids with special needs achieve their dreams and live out their sports fantasies can apply online. dreamon3.org Girls on the Run Girls on the Run of Charlotte inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by leading small teams through a research-based curriculum which includes discussions, activities, and athletic games over the course of ten weeks. To wrap up their fall season, the organization will be hosting two 5K’s in December. You can volunteer your time, donate money, or become a local sponsor. gotrcharlotte.org Kathy Izard Any list of Charlotte philanthropists would be remiss not to include Kathy Izard, who closed her successful design business years ago to devote her time to the Urban Ministry Center. Her work at the Urban Ministry resulted in Charlotte’s only Housing First program and the construction of Moore Place, which offers housing and support for the chronically homeless. urbanministrycenter.org Ophelia Garmon-Brown Last year’s recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Ophelia Garmon-Brown has undoubtedly transformed Charlotte into a healthier city through decades of service. She cofounded Charlotte’s first federally qualified free health clinic, served as president of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, volunteered at the Charlotte Pregnancy Care Center, and was medical director for the health clinic at Salvation Army’s Women’s and Children’s Shelter, and co-chaired the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force.

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Cam Newton The talented Panthers quarterback believes in doing work both on and off the field. He spends a lot of his time and effort with his foundation to even the playing field for disenfranchised Charlotte- and Atlanta- based youth. cam1newton.com King's Kitchen Jim Noble is the culinary and philanthropic mastermind behind King’s Kitchen, the uptown non-profit restaurant that serves locally-sourced, Southern-inspired dishes. Proceeds are funneled into providing food and job training to Charlotte’s homeless population. kingskitchen.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolinas Since 1972, this non-profit organization has helped over 1500 children become more confident, stay away from drugs and alcohol, do better in school, get along better with family and friends, and feel better about themselves. Help out by registering to be a big brother/sister, and donate funds or donate goods and services. bbbscentralcarolinas.org Levine Children’s Hospital Levine Children’s Hospital provides assistance from primary care to complex treatments that save children’s lives. This branch of Atrium Health provides an unmatched level of care in over 30 areas of pediatric medicine and has a dedicated team of pediatricians. By building relationships with the community, this healthcare facility allows you to give back by volunteering at the hospital or donating money, toys, or other gifts. carolinashealthcare.org Casey and Anke Mermans Casey and Anke Mermans, who were originally from the Netherlands, moved to Charlotte in the 1960s and began their foundation in 1989. The Merancas Foundation was founded to give support to non-profit organizations that provide the safety net to the local at-risk community, as well as to improve academic achievement for children and enable economic independence for adults. merancas.org Thompson Child and Family Focus This non-profit agency is a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. Through therapy, education, and prevention-based care Thompson Child and Family Focus changes the lives of at-risk youth and families. During this holiday season, you can volunteer, donate funds or goods, join their team, or possibly even foster a child. thompsoncff.org

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KIPP Charlotte The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students from underserved communities for success in college and in life. You can join their team or donate monetarily. kippcharlotte.org Jessica Ekstrom Jessica Ekstrom was an intern with the Make-A-Wish Foundation when she began thinking about all the young women who go through chemotherapy on top of having self-esteem issues which can be very traumatic. She started Headbands for Hope; for every headband purchased $1 goes toward the St. Baldricks Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research. You can help by purchasing a headband or donating straight to the St. Baldricks Foundation. stbaldricks.org Boris Henderson Boris Henderson grew up as a child in different environments that were not well suited to help children reach their full potential. That is, until he and his family were put in a Habitat home; he now chairs the board of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte and helps the company help others who are in a situation like he was. You can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or provide monetary or item donations this holiday season. habitatcharlotte.org Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation The Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation is an organization who seeks to provide trained independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children in the custody of the county’s foster care system and work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home.

You can submit monetary donations through their website or purchase items on AmazonSmile and have the proceeds go to this organization. meckguardian.org Project L.I.F.T. Project L.I.F.T. stands for Project Leadership & Investment For Transformation. Their goal is to change the way traditionally underserved students are educated, supported and empowered to realize their full potential. Our community’s investment has made it possible for Project L.I.F.T. to make significant gains in many key areas: teacher retention, teacher leadership, academic growth, proficiency, and school and student culture. Their website includes more information on how and where you can help, too. projectliftcharlotte.org

Charlotte Hornets Foundation The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is committed to inspiring philanthropic culture and strengthening the Charlotte region by funding projects in education, wellness, hunger, and military care. One of their projects includes the Hornets Academy that provides paid internships to local high school students. It gives them early exposure to an office environment and handson experience for those interested in the sports and entertainment industry. Help donate funds through their website. nba.com First Purse Spearheaded by Renee L. Bradford, this initiative empowers girls and their communities to be financially literate and gain financial independence by exposing them to management classes before High School. This organization offers a sixweek program for middle school-aged girls in money management and life skills to discover who they are, what they want, and how to save for it. Graduates receive their ‘first purse’ to symbolize their new knowledge. First Purse also provides employment opportunities for HIV/AIDS positive women in Kenya as purse makers. If you want to help, check out their website for donation or volunteer opportunities. firstpurse2go.org Promising Pages Promising Pages looks to make another impactful year. If a child is not fully literate by third grade they are four times more likely to drop out of high school, putting 60,000 children in Charlotte at risk of falling behind. Promising Pages organizes volunteers who wrap new and gently wrapped children's books to underserved communities and schools. This year, you can help too, by donating books you may have outgrown or your own time. promisingpages.org The Knight Foundation The Knight Foundation invests in cities where the Knight brothers once owned and sold newspapers, supporting both authentically local and relevant national ideas. They invest in public spaces and build environments that enhance the quality of life, linking people and neighborhoods, such as Open Streets 704, the North Tryon Vision Plan, and the Historic West End development. knightfoundation.org Trips For Kids TFKC provides transformative cycling experiences for underserved youth. They use biking as a tool to help kids 1115 learn life lessons, focus on respect, honesty, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles. They teach kids how to live a healthy and safe lifestyle through the activity of mountain biking. Their Charlotte Re-Cyclery accepts donated bikes that they refurbish and sell back into the community at

reasonable prices to help support the Kids' Programs and help the environment. tripsforkidscharlotte.org Charlotte Bilingual Preschool Charlotte Bilingual Preschool prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life by providing superior dual-language early childhood education. The preschool supports students’ families with parenting, life skills, and English-language classes, enabling them to sustain and nurture their children’s educational and emotional development. The dual-language program operating at capacity with 72 students (and a whopping 300 on the waiting list) to combat the 30% high school dropout rate among Latino students. bilingualpreschool.org The Ivey Lynn Ivey founded the home in 2008 in loving memory of her late mother who passed from Alzheimer's. Now The Ivey is Charlotte's only Memory Wellness Day Center dedicated to serving individuals with memory loss and the families who love them: A place for friendship, healthy living, and medical assistance during the day that promotes independence and the comfort of returning home at night. theivey.com Wing Haven Founded in 1927, this public park puts emphasis on plantings for birds and other wildlife in the area and providing cover, nesting sites, food, and water. Today, the Foundation preserves the legacy of these amazing gardeners through the care and maintenance of both historic properties. They offer educational programs and special events for adults, families, and children. Wing Haven also provides educational outreach to at-risk preschool children through their PEEPs program. winghavengardens.org ignite Individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome often have trouble finding a place of their own that will afford them social opportunities, further education and develop employment options. IGNITE staff works with each member to help them gain confidence and independence on their own chosen path in the Davidson area, whether it is acclimating to a college campus, tutoring for a college class, practicing for a job interview, learning to ride the CATS bus system, or just getting out to fun events in the community. autismsociety-nc.org/ignite

For more information on Charlotte charities visit: qcexclusive.com

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To experience Charlotte more fully, and with more than a touch of indulgence (hey, sometimes you’ve gotta live), we compiled twenty activities that are sure to be worth more in memories than their ticket price alone can tell. Take to the skies in a private jet or helicopter, get private lessons in art, sporting, and fashion from area experts, treat yourself at the most indulgent area spas, or learn to drive some of the highest-end vehicles… a little luxury goes a long way.

words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE or courtesy THE BALL ANT YNE, RIT Z-CARLTON, THE DUKE MANSION

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Heliventures As the premier purveyor of helicopter tours in Charlotte, Heliventures is determined to provide the best experience they can, which means custom tours are the name of the game. The helicopter rides are a bit more like sitting in a moving observatory than they are like riding in a plane... The windows provide a huge range of vision, and the ability to hover creates an otherworldly sensation. Don’t sleep on this local gem: This is your chance to see your favorite Charlotte and lake-area spots (and even your own home!) from the skies.

Experience Uptown Poolside There are a variety of pools surrounding Uptown, but, as we all know well by now, most are private. If you’re lucky enough to have friends living at the Ascent Uptown (or you’re looking for a good reason to move yourself…) it is your go-to spot for private poolside sitting while taking in some of the best views of the Charlotte skyline. Or, for a little more accessibility, check out the area hotels, like City Lights/Craft City Social Club, which houses a great poolside bar hangout. You can also treat yourself to a staycation at the Omni to enjoy their sweeping views from your float. No matter which you choose, poolside is one of our favorite ways to spend a lazy summer day.

Boat ride on Peninsula Yacht Club’s Nopkehee Hop aboard the Peninsula Yacht Club’s exclusive Nopkehee yacht, designed by the renowned French design team of Jou-

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bert/Nivelt, and built in the Latitude 46 shipyard located just off the west coast of France. You can reserve the Nopkehee for special occasions any time of the year, and can enjoy Lake Norman options like their lake picnic and meeting cruises or sunset cruises, and even their wedding escapes.

Hot Air Balloon Ride with AirTime AirTime Balloon Company offers hot air balloon rides year round: For a unique experience, take in the beauty of hot air balloon flight with this premier balloon ride company. Your hot air balloon ride excursion can begin at dawn or in the late afternoon when the wind is gentle and the golden light is at its peak, making for a memorable scene and stunning photos.

Luxury auto rental at Metrolina Auto Group Ryan Moreno and Ryan Wildrick are the duo behind the luxury car-selling juggernaut known as Metrolina Auto Group. Their extensive collection offers exotic car rentals, high end luxury car rentals, and SUV rentals, so you can drive one even if just for the day. Metrolina’s inventory is constantly changing, so the chance to drive the most exotic and rare cars in the world awaits just next door. It’s the perfect gift for a car enthusiast, or a memorable way to celebrate a momentous occasion.

Personal shopping with Hade Robinson At this point, Hade Robinson is synonymous with Charlotte fashion: He’s acted as a contributor for the style section of doz-

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ens of publications and has hosted several events and seminars centered around the industry. He manages a personal stylist team as a Styling Sales Manager at Nordstrom in SouthPark, and he also has been featured multiple times on Charlotte Today, where he gives helpful fashion pointers to a broad audience. If you’re ready to elevate your look, no matter what your personal style is already, Hade is your man.

The five stand at North Corner Haven North Corner Haven is a sweepingly beautiful piece of land right across the border in SC, offering up many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy a truly Southern sport tradition with the help of one of NCH's shooting pros. Their state-of the-art, solar-powered facility features five stands and seven different machines throwing endless combinations that will keep you challenged with a variety of simulated flight paths. While you're there, enjoy a selection of in-house catering for service at the five stand.

Ballantyne Spa Weekend Clear your weekend and check in to the Ballantyne for ultimate relaxation. The Spa at Ballantyne provides the perfect getaway: Visit for a staycation and indulge in their eucalyptus steam room and the indoor swimming pool between your detox massage and healing oxygen facial. Returning to your room after, you’ll be met with all the hotel’s amenities and stylish setup. Bring a girlfriend or a date, and get ready to relax.

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Layne Barter In-Home Private Makeup Makeover No matter what your makeup and aesthetic experience looks like, a one-on-one professional consultation is always a good idea to refresh and update your look. Layne Barter, of Layne Barter Makeup, will come to you, in your home, your hotel, or at your event, to provide a host of tips, tricks, and pointers on how to perfect your makeup and skincare routine. She brings years of industry expertise, plus a wide knowledge of the latest trends, ensuring you’ll leave refreshed and ready to bring her recommendations with you into your daily life.

Charlotte Center City CArriage Tours Need a new way to experience the city? Consider Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours, a company that provides horsedrawn carriage rides through Uptown Charlotte. Their tours peruse through Uptown and the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood at a leisurely pace, so you can view the South’s most exciting and fastest growing city. Pro tip: The carriage tours are offered first come first serve, no reservations are required but reservations are available for the private horsedrawn carriage tours.

Palisades Equestrian Center Horse Riding Horse lovers rejoice take note: The Palisades Equestrian Center, in southern Mecklenburg, offers a private riding school, camps, and horse trainer services. To hone your equestrian skills without leaving the city, this beautiful set

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of stables and sprawling greenery is one of the best options our area has to offer.

SilverFox Limos Winery Tour If you’re going to visit a winery, you may as well do it in style (and safely). SilverFox Limos allows you to enjoy the finest wineries and vineyards in North Carolina. You can gather a group of friends and family, bring your own wine for the ride and your favorite snacks, and hit the road, chauffeured. There are options across Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek, and Haw River Valley Appellations. Check out their packages, with a variety of times and limo options, and plan your next birthday, celebration, or weekend outing today.

Infinity Med Spa Experience Infinity MedSpa, a luxurious spa with a wide variety of services in the heart of SouthPark, offers a range of services and procedures, both preventative and corrective, from facials and waxing to fillers and laser hair removal. Their technology and approach is at the cutting edge for the industry, and the team, led by owner JoBrent Austin-Diehl, can offer you everything you need to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Staycation at Duke Mansion Unique from many of the other luxurious stays in Charlotte, this upscale bed and breakfast encompasses everything you’ll

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need for an intimate staycation, including elegantly designed guest suites and complimentary breakfast. Stroll through the mansion’s very own enchanting garden, stretching almost five acres, for a refreshing way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.

Pool & Racquet Clubs Don't have a pool in your own backyard? For the ultimate luxury this summer, keep your kids occupied for hours and give yourself full access to a reclining pool chair by joining in one of the many area Pool & Racquet Clubs (like Foxcroft East and Foxcroft Hills, Sardis, Rama, Barclay Downs, Olde Providence, Blakeney, Charlotte Swim, Shannon Park, or Waverly...). Most have a waitlist however, so you get your name down sooner than later.

Private Dance Lessons with Felipe Edmiston If you want to learn how to dance, Felipe Edmiston should be your guiding north star. The talented local professional competitive ballroom dancer, who performs alongside his professional partner, Darinka Divljak, can be found at Midtown Ballroom, spinning effortlessly around the floor. But he’s also the creator and founder of the Charlotte Youth Dance Foundation and the local Dancing With The Stars annual charity event.

Whether you’re looking to hone your moves for a special occasion or simply learn a new skill, Felipe is the talent to trust.

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Xtreme Driving Experience Get behind the wheel of an exotic car at Charlotte Motor Speedway, just outside of Concord, NC, with their “Xtreme Xperience” program. Drive any one of their supercars on their 1.14 mile long infield road course, like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and more. No experience is necessary, and the Speedway’s professional instructors will teach you how to drive the racing line on the world-class racetrack.

Davinci Jet Membership Davinci Jets, founded in 2006 by a group of passionate, experienced aviators, provides you the chance to master aircraft management and charter a jet with access to 5,000-plus airports nationwide and countless locations around the globe. If you’re interested in learning the art of private aviation and taking to the skies in a brand new way, look no further in the Charlotte area than Davinci.

Ballantyne Golf AcademyPrivate golf lessons You may be a self-proclaimed weekend expert already, but Ballantyne Golf Academy, North Carolina’s only Golf Channel Academy, has a little something to teach everyone. They specialize in top quality golf programs for players of all skill levels, and offer up award-winning instructors, customized programs and an all-inclusive training facility. Get ready to kick your game knowledge up a notch — or several.

Ritz-Carlton Spa Day Amidst the excitement of the city, The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned day spa makes way for the ultimate city escape.

Stop by for an hour or make a day of it: You can relax by the indoor pool or therapeutic vitality lounge in between services, like their Himalayan Salt Stone Massage or their signature facial services. And afterward, you can even pop over to the downstairs Punch Room to round off your relaxation with a glass of wine.

A private jewelry party with Erin McDermott Erin McDermott, who sources, designs, and handcrafts jewelry for the modern Southern woman, also lets you inside her world: her effortlessly stylish studio is open to bookings for private parties where you can gather with friends, learn from Erin, and create pieces you’ll wear forever. Gather with friends, family, or even for a fun work retreat, and learn Erin’s art.

For more of Charlotte's exclusive luxury leisure activities visit: qcexclusive.com.

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IMAGE MAKER MESSAGE STRATEGY FOR LEADERS

branding · marketing · advertising · websites · editorial · publicity · photography metropolisbranding.com · 800-694-1953 · metropolisiconicshots.com

QCEXCLUSIVE'S

LU X U RY R E A L E STAT E GU I DE Charlotte's finest real estate properties from some of the area's most distinguished realtors.

FEATURED Pam Harrington | Tracy Davis | Tom Fisher | Clark Alcorn Kimberly Young | Jeff King | Bobby Sisk

Advertorial Intro

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LUXURY REAL ESTATE

7 TERRAPIN ISLAND LANE | KIAWAH ISLAND

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ntegrated into its natural surroundings and laid out to maximize prominent views, this spectacular 7,921 sq. ft. home is designed with a high degree of compatibility and respect for the natural landscape.

Immaculately maintained, it is built across two homesites, offering panoramic vistas of marsh, tidal creeks, and the Kiawah River, extending to the Atlantic Ocean.

The welcoming porte cochere, guest house, and wide deck with heated infinity pool/spa lends well to intimate family gatherings, large-scale living, and entertaining.

Each space is thoughtfully planned for a unique and inviting Lowcountry experience. Beautiful craftsmanship is evident throughout, designed by world-renowned architect, Mark Finlay.

Purchase includes an additional lot with boarded walkway and two floating docks, providing deep-water access to the Kiawah River.

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FEATURES — • MLS #19002662 • 7,921 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds / 7 Baths • Kiawah Club Membership Opportunity • Deepwater Dock • Marsh, River, and Ocean Vistas • Private Pool, Spa, and Guest House

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$6,995,000

Real Estate Sales & Rentals Kiawah Island • Seabrook Island • Johns Island • Historic Charleston Pam Harrington

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843-768-3635

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pamharringtonexclusives.com

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4343 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455

SPONSOREDSPONSORED PARTNER SECTION PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY LUXURYREAL REALESTATE ESTATE

2019 Craigmore Drive | Charlotte |

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4 Bedroom | 5 Full, 3 Half Baths | $4,950,000 | MLS 3254980

nparalleled privacy abounds with this masterfullydesigned estate situated in Pellyn Wood, one of Charlotte’s most desirable SouthPark enclaves. Perched amidst nearly five lush acres with formal gardens, walking trails, a pavilion with a fireplace, a tennis court and a resort

$4,500,000

style pool. This European-influenced gated manor features a chef’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, a walnut-paneled library, and an owner’s retreat with a private terrace. The lower level includes a wine cellar, billiard area, and media and exercise rooms.

2019 CRAIGMORE DRIVE | CHARLOTTE, NC

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FEATURES rom agent Tracy Davis with Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate comes this — masterfully designed private estate situated in one of Charlotte's most desirable SouthPark • MLS #3254980 enclaves. The Pellyn Wood home, with four-plus bedrooms and eight baths, offers unparalleled • 10,800 Sq. Ft. privacy, perched amidst nearly five lush acres that encompass beautiful and formal gardens, •18525 4+ BedsPeninsula / 8 Baths several walking trails, a| pavilion with a| fireplace, a tennis/basketball court, and an outdoor spa Club Drive | Cornelius 7 Bedroom 7 Full, 3 Half Baths | $4,275,000 | MLS 3352109 • Private, Gated South Park Estate retreat with a saltwater pool. The Edwin Lutyens English-inspired gated manor also features a • 4.9 Lush Acres with Formal Gardens chef's kitchen with a butler's pantry, a rich walnut paneled library, and an owner's retreat with a fireplace and bath, and sun decks that all border the waters of mpeccable style and a sense of scale are combined with the • Tennis & Sports Courts a private terrace. The lower level of the home includes a wine cellar, billiard area, and media Lake Norman. The master suite features a private outdoor retreat, finest materials and finishes to create an aesthetic conducive • Resort Style Pool, Spa & Sauna and exercise rooms. The upper bonus room can also be used as a fifth bedroom, and there is outfitted with a fireplace and spa. The home is a total of 9,410 to both grand entertaining and family gatherings. This was a even a spacious, unfinished heated and cooled area adjacent to one of the upper bedrooms. The square feet, 576 square feet of which encompass the carriage complete new construction redesign completed in 2008. This space is able to be finished as a living area and a secondary full bath. The estate itself is comhouse. Additionally featured on this estate is a covered pier, a estate exudes architectural sophistication across two home sites. pletely fenced in with two gates: At 10,800 stunning square feet, this unique home is listed at The outdoor amenities include a resort-style pool, a cabana with 268-foot private waterfront beach, and a four-car garage. $4,500,000.

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Tracy Davis | 704-779-9750 | tracy@ivesterjackson.com | ivesterjackson.com | 21025 Catawba Ave Ste 101, NC 28031 704-779-9750 | tracy@ivesterjackson.com | ivesterjackson.com | 21025 Catawba Ave. Suite 101, Cornelius, NC Cornelius, 28031 | Tracy Davis

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Tom Fisher

132 BECKTOWN ROAD | MOCKSVILLE, NC

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$3,450,000

his intricate manor in Mocksville, listed by Tom Fisher of HM Properties and Clark Alcorn of MPV Properties, went through a $5 million restoration in 2007, making it the incredible estate that stands today on 48 acres of land. New York City architects Delano and Aldrich put their expertise to work when creating this eight-bedroom, six full bath, and two half bath home.

The residence’s design incorporates a traditional tone with contemporary touches to modernize the overall manor atmosphere. With two floors of both formal and informal open living spaces, a state-of-the-art kitchen and scullery, and a rustic barn and pond on the land, this massive estate promises to meet every need of the potential home buyer. The guest home is an original, authentic log cabin, preserved from the main home’s renovation. The cabin offers two beds, two full baths, a kitchen, and living space complete with a stone fireplace. The one-of-akind Boxwood property has multiple uses: single family home, luxurious weekend escape, or premier venue for events and retreats. Boxwood is centrally located 15 minutes from Salisbury and Mocksville, one hour from Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Greensboro, and two hours to Raleigh, offering all of the excitement of North Carolina only a short drive away.

Tom Fisher

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tom@hmproperties.com

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704-213-1556

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Clark Alcorn

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FEATURES — • MLS #3462502 • 9,285 Sq. Ft. + 1,500 Sq. Ft. guest house • Main house with 8 beds, 6.2 baths • Guest cabin with 2 beds, 2 baths • Over 48 acres of land • Manor designed by Delano & Aldrich • Thorough Restoration completed in 2007 • Original log cabin guest house

704-754-2352

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calcorn@mpvre.com

SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

$1,600,000

5731 CLOSEBURN ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC

FEATURES — • MLS #3444642 • 4,025 Sq. Ft. • 4 Beds / 4.5 Baths • Gorgeous custom-built Simonini home • Lovely SouthPark estate lot • Owner's suite on main level • Exterior covered patio with fireplace

kimberly@hmproperties.com

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his stunning, custom-built Simonini home, listed by Kimberly Young of HM Properties, is both accessible and luxurious. Located in a quiet corner of SouthPark, ample fine dining and upscale shopping opportunities are available only minutes away. The crisp, white exterior is accented with stone and contrasting black shutters. The home accommodates all lifestyles, with a main level owner’s suite opening to an impressive bathroom, featuring dual vanities and an oversized shower. The floor plan also includes a vast kitchen with high-grade appliances, a large center island, and a wet bar perfect for entertaining. A breakfast nook and walk-in pantry complete the impressive kitchen, leading into the open floor plan of the home. The living room contains a gas fireplace and beamed ceiling, opening to an exterior covered patio designed for leisure, also containing a fireplace; the perfect place to kick back in all seasons. The second floor presents a large, open space with cabinets and a sink­­— easily transformable into a playroom for families or an extra living space.

Other spaces within the residence include a graceful formal dining area, mud room, and a study. This home’s prime location and transformative options make it a can't-miss listing.

kimberlyyoungrealestate.com

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704-560-1340

| @kimberlyyoungrealestate

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Kimberly Young

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233 WRENWOOD LANE | CHARLOTTE, NC

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his beautiful, custom cottage at 233 Wrenwood Lane in Charlotte, listed by agent Jeff King of Savvy + Co, is full of details and care at every turn. The home clocks in at five bedrooms and four and a half baths, and the open floor plan boasts a chef’s kitchen with an island that flows into the cozy living room, filled with beautiful built-ins, wood ceiling beams, and french doors leading out to the pool. The smart floor plan is set up for ease, with a main-floor master suite and a private office. The additional bedrooms are upstairs, each with private bathrooms. Upstairs, there is also a large family room/playroom and second laundry room. The outdoor area, perfect for the Carolina seasons, houses a state-of-the-art saltwater pool. At 3,937 square feet and listed at $1,600,000, this is a house that’s just waiting to be called home.

Jeff

King

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jeffkingrealtor.com

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704-332-7309

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$1,600,000 FEATURES — • MLS # 3499367 • 3,937 sq.ft.

• 5 beds / 4 fulls, 1 half bath • Custom Cottage With Open Floor Plan • Outdoor Area with Salt Water Pool • Chef’s Kitchen with Island • Main Floor Master Suite • Built-Ins and Wood Ceiling Beams

jeff@jeffkingrealtor.com

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@savvyandcompany

SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

$1,195,000

16205 CREST COVE ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC

FEATURES — • MLS #3487908 • 6,073 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds / 4 Baths 2 Half Baths • 75' Saltwater Double Lap Pool • Private Dock with Boat Lift • Luxurious First-floor Master Suite • Optional Second Living Quarters

704-819-0710

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ome home to your own personal resort: Tucked in a quiet cove on Lake Wylie, across from the McDowell Nature Preserve, this breathtaking home listed by agent Bobby Sisk at Nestlewood Realty is now available.

Stately from the front and absolutely stunning from the back, this executive home boasts five beds, four full and two half baths, as well as two kitchens and an expansive family gathering space.

The first-floor owner’s suite has a private study, plus an entrance to the deck overlooking the 75’ double lap saltwater pool. The renovated kitchen has Viking appliances, a sun-filled breakfast area, and even opens to an outdoor dining area. Upstairs, there are three beds, two baths, and ample walk-in storage. The lower level, which could be used as a second living quarters, offers a private kitchen, a spacious guest suite with adjacent office/sitting room, a family room, and a home theater.

Relax in any of the numerous outdoor areas, or take a walk to the dock, which has a boat lift and views down to the main channel. There is a tankless hot water heater, a whole house generator, newer HVAC systems, updated bathrooms, and the list goes on. This is the definition of lakeside luxury!

bobby@nestlewoodrealty.com

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nestlewoodrealty.com

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@bobbysiskhomes

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Bobby Sisk, NC/SC Realtor®

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IN DEX AGM Imports ...............................................109 Abate Design Group ....................................111 Amina Rubinacci ..........................................22 Arcadia Homes ............................................55 Arthur Rutenberg Homes .........................47 Ascent Uptown Charlotte....................... 21 Ashley J Design ..........................................34 Bedside Manor ............................................93 Blackhawk Garden Center .....................77 Blue Azalea ...............................................124 Blue Ridge Mountain Club ....................125 BlueWaters Construction ......................10 Bruce Julian ...............................................130 Cadenza Granite & Marble ......................68 Camden Grandview ...................................129 Carolina Dental .........................................61 Cellars South .............................................111 Classic Attic ...............................................80 Classica Homes ........................................59 Copain ............................................................71 Cope & Stick ................................................85 Cottingham Chalk .....................................49 Couture Knots ...........................................99 Delectables by Holly .................................74 Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists ..36 Design Centers International .............104 Diamonds Direct ........................Back Cover Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery ..........66 Donald Haack Diamonds ...........................19 Draper Place ...............................................83

Dwell Nova .....................................................6 Eastover Capital Management ..............33 Elder Gallery of Contemporary art....35 Elizabeth Bruns Inc. Jewelers ................15 Engel & Völkers.......................................... 171 Fahrenheit .....................................................8 Ferguson ......................................................89 Gerrard Builders...................................... 38 Grande Custom Builders ........................28 Grandfather Homes.................................. 43 Hilton Center City..................................... 74 Hood Hargett............................................. 95 Infinity MedSpa & Wellness............. 53 Insight Automation................................... 27 Isabella .......................................................101 Jerald Melberg Gallery........................... 33 Karen Kettler Design.............................. 98 Kauffman & Co. ............................................90 Kenna Kunijo................................................ 32 Kingswood Custom Homes....................... 25 Lake Norman Realty................................... 41 Levantina .....................................................73 Lucy and Company .....................................97 McDevitt Agency .........................................12 Metropolis Branding .............................162 Myron Greer ...............................................131 Nestlewood Luxe .......................................45 Nestlewood Luxe .......................................57 New Life Building Supplies ...................103 Novel Montford Park ...............................79

Be our guest.

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

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

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Oasis Outdoor ..........................................127 Omni Hotels & Resorts .............................170 Pai CPA, PLLC ...............................................44 Pam Harrington Exclusives .................123 Picture House Gallery ..............................23 Premier Sotheby’s .......................................4 Providence Plastic Surgery ...................65 QC Kinetix .....................................................67 RK Motors Charlotte ...............................24 Reaching Quiet ...........................................87 Robyn Branch Design ..............................118 RugCulture .................................................111 Scott Russo .................................................81 Sea Level .......................................................81 Shain Gallery ..............................................31 Shea Custom Homes ...................................51 Simonini Custom Homes ...........................63 TD Bank........................................................ 135 Taylor Richards & Conger ......................26 The Bechtler ................................................35 The Charlotte ...........................................133 The Majestic Bath ....................................105 The Mint Museum .........................................32 The Pink Hanger ..........................................44 The Sporting Gent ......................................17 The Swag ......................................................121 Windsor Jewelers ........................................2 Windsor Windows & Doors ....................107 Wolf-Subzero .............................................75

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Banner Elk, North Carolina 610 Banner Elk Highway • Banner Elk, NC 28604 USA Tel: +1 828-898-3808 • Mobile: +1 828-789-9341 Internet: BannerElk.EVusa.com Mail to: BannerElk@EVusa.com

©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 532-9041

OfďŹ cial Jeweler of the Carolina Panthers

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