October SouthPark 2021 by SouthParkMag

342 Circle Avenue in Myers Park JohnMorgan@UBGCharlotte.com 704.307.4606 See Our Portfolio @ UrbanBuildingGroup.com

KITCHEN & BATH I FULL SERVICE DESIGN I REMODELING I CUSTOM HOMES I INTERIOR

DECORATING I HARDSCAPES I POOLS I OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

WINE &DINE LAKE NORMAN | BLAKENEY | SOUTHPARK | ASHEVILLE

All Fresh | No Freezers | Hickory Wood Fire Grill

Join us at our SOUTHPARK location for HALF OFF ALL BOTTLES OF WINE every Tuesday. DINE-IN or CURBSIDE-TO-GO. Reserve wines included. 704-343-0131 | 5970 FAIRVIEW ROAD

Stylish

Artistic 2 Showrooms To Serve You As You Create The Home Of Your Dreams.

Voted #1 Furniture Store In South Charlotte

We Design. You Enjoy.

12 Months Special Financing * Complimentary Design Services Nationwide Delivery Whether you have a passion for design or you want to create the perfect retreat, Good’s Home Furnishings has something unique for you and your family. Featuring stylish Hooker Furniture.

Unique

Explore your interior motives. Famous Luxury Brands • Design Services Available • Special Orders • Custom Fabrics • Locally Owned & Operated

H OO K E R

FURNITURE

Pineville-Charlotte NC • 11735 Carolina Place Parkway • Phone 704.910.4045 • Mon - Sat 9:30 am - 7 pm Sun noon - 6 pm Hickory NC • Hickory Furniture Mart • Phone 828.322.3471 • Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm Closed Sunday

goodshomefurnishings.com

FROM THE EDITOR CATHY MARTIN EDITOR editor@southparkmagazine.com

Me and my thrill-seeking black Lab Hampton — who had previously survived a death-defying swim down Class IV rapids — at a waterfall near the Chattooga River, circa 1990s.

A good walk As anyone who knows me well will tell you, I’m a walker. Around town or on the trail, for me, it’s more than just exercise or a hobby — it’s like oxygen. If I’m wrestling with a decision (weighty ones, or others, like what to write about here), it’s while walking that I’ll often have my “lightbulb” moments. Walks can also lead to great discoveries. Many years ago, I frequently took camping trips with a group of friends down by the Chattooga River along the South Carolina-Georgia border. How we found this spot is anyone’s guess — it was a primitive campground in the national forest, near a parking area mostly used by experienced kayakers (which we were not) to put in for a day on the river’s Class IV and V rapids. One of my friends, a meticulous planner, would busy himself for days ahead of a trip — he’d spend at least a couple of hours just organizing his cooler. When we got there, he was equally conscientious about setting up camp. He was great company, but he was there to relax, whether sitting around the campfire in the evenings or perching on the rocks by the river during the day to watch the paddlers go by. One summer, after several earlier visits to this same spot, we discovered a footpath along the river that we’d never noticed before. A few of us who had done enough sitting for the day decided to follow it. Despite multiple snake sightings warning us to turn around (usually, one is all it takes), we continued a mile or so down the path, only to discover a secluded but breathtaking waterfall tucked in a small cove, where we spent hours splashing in pools and soaking up the sun. Unlike all the crowded waterfalls in the tourist guidebooks, we had this one all to ourselves for the entire afternoon. I don’t get out in the woods nearly as often as I used to. But putting this issue together has me craving adventure once again. Likewise, we hope it will inspire you to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors. You might just have a very important aha moment, or stumble on a secret natural wonder you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. SP

SP behind the scenes

Photo shoot fun in Roanoke, Va., where photographer Olly Yung and Style Editor Whitley Adkins shot this month’s style feature on page 102.

SOUTHPARK

C H A R LO T T E C H A R L E S TO N World Class Living

The Mark of Distinction in World Class Home Building™ Charlotte (704) 889.1600 Charleston (843) 801.1600 www.kingswoodhomes.com

Michael Baker 704.526.9510

Heather Bonner 704.756.1394

Katy Bradfield 704.965.5968

Maren Brisson-Kuester 704.287.7072

Mark Brown 704.975.7386

Bush | Thomas Team 704.904.1212

Suzanne Cowden 704.301.1012

Melanie Coyne 704.763.8003

Harper Fox 704.804.0101

Bridget Graves 704.560.2311

Laria Hairston 980.263.9291

Sher yl Hallow 704.907.1144

Patty Hendrix 704.577.2066

Christy Howey 704.996.0484

Jessica Jenkins 704.607.9389

Tina & David Kostelnik 704.770.7133

Beth Livingston 704.778.6831

Liz & Greg McIntosh 704.488.6224

Elizabeth McNabb 704.763.8713

Valerie Mitchener 704.577.8200

Your Residential Real Estate Specialists For The Carolinas SO UTHPARK | WAVE RLY | L A KE N OR MA N | 7 0 4 . 5 5 2 . 9 2 9 2 | H MPR OPERT I E S . C OM

Rivers & Chip Moon 704.619.9693

Vivian & Mark Munson 704.661.7551

J.J. Olszow y 704.649.3540

Dena Parr y 803.287.9105

Peggy Peterson Team 704.904.6279

Susan Prince 704.301.2046

Jimmy Randle 704.651.1955

Jocelyn Rose 704.975.9900

Tiernan Rose 561.706.5450

Sandra Singer 704.231.8575

Anne Spencer 704.264.9621

Helen St. Angelo 704.839.1809

Stacey Stolar 704.400.1539

Kate Terrigno 631.903.3021

Meredith Tomascak 704.806.7650

Catherine Cauthen Turner 704.578.5551

Lisa Wilfong 704.909.5062

Meg Wilkinson 704.906.5747

Margaret Wood 704.904.6022

Sharon Yoxsimer 704.819.2567

©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

October BLVD.

23 | outdoors Gear up for fall adventures with top picks from local outfitters.

27 | artists Two Charlotte artists team up to create a pop art sensation.

32 | food + drink First look at Mizu, SouthPark’s new rooftop restaurant

39 | people Danny Knaub returns to the Blumenthal, bringing a profound passion for theater.

43 | givers Ten Charlotte interior designers create dreamy spaces to help Furnish for Good.

47 | racing Speed seekers experience the thrill of the Roval at a private racing school in Concord.

51 | music A guitar-repair shop with a rockin’ reputation

57 | around town

The latest openings and events

60 | creators of N.C. Jazz and photography are lifelong staples of Wilmington’s Maurice Martinez.

65 | happenings October calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS 71 | simple life A legendary car, two old dogs and the end of the road in sight

75 | bookshelf Notable new releases

77 | queen city journal Former SouthPark editor Leigh Dyer shares her breast cancer journey.

136 | swirl Charlotte’s parties, celebrations and galas

144 | gallery Sharon Dowell’s staircase mural brings a splash of color.

ABOUT THE COVER All the fall feels in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Models Lane McAllister and Noelle Hunt with Modelogic Mid Atlantic are photographed in Roanoke, Va., by Olly Yung, with styling and production by Whitley Adkins. For wardrobe credits, turn to page 102.

SOUTHPARK

signature homes renovations additions

Charlotte and Boone

andrewroby.com 704.334.5477

making it home since 1950

A T O

LEBR

CE E

YEARS Y DING I L CE EN

G SEVEN IN HOMEB T F XC E L U L E

O S T . 1 9 5

G E N E R A L C O N T R AC TO R

FEATURES 84 | Middle ground by Cathy Martin • photographs by Laura Sumrak Melissa Lee helps a newlywed couple design a midcenturyinspired home.

92 | Hail and farewell by Michael J. Solender The Charlotte Symphony’s longtime music director prepares for his final season. 96 | Eternally fall by Charles Marshall

A father-son football odyssey, played out over 10 years

TRAVEL 102 | Fall fling photographs by Olly Yung • styling and production by Whitley Adkins Roanoke, Va., is the backdrop for a magical mountain getaway. 112 | Head for the hills by Cathy Martin Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to Highlands. 118 | Peak college by Page Leggett A guide to exploring Boone

102 16

SOUTHPARK

PHOTO TAKEN PRE-COVID

Heather Bryant, MPAS, PA-C, Courtney Whitley, FNP-C, Amanda Piligian, PA-C

EXCEPTIONAL CARE, REMARKABLE RESULTS

TRUST YOUR FACE TO THE EXPERTS Botox Cosmetic®

Lip Filler

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

26+ years of combined injectables experience • 10,000+ Botox ® treatments • 8,000+ Restylane ® and Juvederm ® filler treatments

Medical Director • Jonathan Kulbersh, MD 6817 Fairview Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 325-8062 CarolinaFacialPlastics.com

@CarolinaFacialPlastics

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987 southparkmagazine.com _______________ Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com Cathy Martin Editor editor@southparkmagazine.com Andie Rose Art Director Lauren M. Coffey Graphic Designer Alyssa Rocherolle Graphic Designer Whitley Adkins Style Editor Contributing Editor David Mildenberg Contributing Writers Michelle Boudin, Wiley Cash, Jim Dodson, Leigh Dyer, John Gessner, Vanessa Infanzon, Page Leggett, Liz Logan, Charles Marshall, Michael J. Solender Contributing Photographers Mallory Cash, Daniel Coston, Justin Driscoll, John Gessner, Laura Sumrak, Olly Yung Amanda Lea Proofreader _______________ ADVERTISING Jane Rodewald Sales Manager 704-621-9198 jane@southparkmagazine.com Scott Leonard Account Executive/Audience Development Specialist 704-996-6426 scott@southparkmagazine.com Sharon Smith Marketing Specialist Brad Beard Graphic Designer _______________ Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com Instagram: southparkmagazine Facebook: facebook.com/southparkmagazine Twitter: twitter.com/SouthParkMag

Owners Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels Jr., Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff

www.sallysoptical.com | sally@sallysoptical.com | 704.342.0123 1419 East Boulevard, Suite G, Charlotte, NC

SOUTHPARK

Gil Hanse thought of every angle. Now it’s your turn. Play Pinehurst No. 4.

It’s time to test your mettle on this rugged masterpiece. Renowned course architect Gil Hanse transformed what Donald Ross first carved out of the sand a century ago into 18 dramatic holes you’ll want to play again and again. Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina | 844.366.0950 | Visit pinehurst.com

Know Your Banker. When you bank with TowneBank you won’t just have a relationship with a bank – you’ll have a friendship with a banker. At Towne you’ll know your banker, you’ll know you can reach us, and you’ll know we’re here for you.

S OUTH P ARK

M YERS P ARK

B ALLANTYNE

TowneBank.com | Member FDIC

Stephanie Bryant • 704-644-4023 SVP, Private Banking Officer

blvd. people, places, things

CAMPFIRE CRAVING Ooey-gooey s’mores might be the ultimate fireside treat. If you want all the flavor without the marshmallowy mess, consider a dessert inspired by the beloved confection. “I have been s’mores crazy recently!” says Hannah Neville, owner and pastry chef at online bakery Honeybear Bake Shop. To create these s’mores cookies, Neville makes a graham-cracker cookie and simply tops it with a square of Hershey’s milk chocolate and vanilla bean fluff, torched until golden. But the s’mores-obsessed Neville doesn’t stop there: She also recently featured a Ritz cracker s’mores cookie, a s’mores blondie and a Nutella s’mores croissant. Honeybear’s selection of sweets varies each week. Follow on Instagram @honeybearbakeshop or check out the website, honeybearbakeshop.com, to keep up with the latest offerings. SP

southparkmagazine.com | 21

September 18, 2021–January 2, 2022 • Mint Museum Uptown Step into a world of en plein air sketch classes and sun-dappled flower fields as you explore more than 70 iconic paintings by 19th-century artist John Leslie Breck, who helped bring the Impressionist style and techniques of Claude Monet to the United States.

John Leslie Breck: American Impressionist is generously presented by Bank of America, with additional support provided by The Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Foundation for the Arts, and the Mint Museum Auxiliary. Individual support provided by Charlie and Susan Murray in honor of Welborn and Patty Alexander, and Mary and Dick Payne. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. IMAGE: John Leslie Breck (American, 1860–99). Chez M. Monet (detail), 1888, oil on canvas, 18 x 22 inches. Private Collection

blvd. | outdoors

Ready, set, roam GEAR UP FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH TOP PICKS FROM LOCAL OUTFITTERS. Spyderco Chaparral Birdseye maple pocketknife: A man needs a good knife, and this isn’t a bad place to start — where quality and strength meet function and practicality. $230, The Sporting Gent, 2848 Selwyn Ave., thesportinggent.com Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia: If you haven’t learned it already, this book will teach you. A guide to camping, fishing, hunting, boating, wilderness survival and first aid. $35, The Sporting Gent, 2848 Selwyn Ave., thesportinggent.com

Men’s or women’s Barbour Classic Beaufort wax jacket: A stylish, practical and versatile jacket with a mid-length relaxed fit. Useful either in the brush or in the city. $415, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, 4732 Sharon Rd., Suite 2M, jessebrowns.com

Waxed canvas bottle caddy: It may not be the fanciest bottle of wine, but at least you look classy carrying it. $35, The Sporting Gent, 2848 Selwyn Ave., thesportinggent.com

Home away from home: Big Agnes Big House 6 tent, $449.95, Big Agnes Mica basin armchair, $169.95, Big Agnes Skyline UL chair, $109.95, Yeti Roadie 24 hard cooler, $199.95, and Camp Chef Pro 60X stove, $315, all from Great Outdoor Provision Co., 4275 Park Rd., greatoutdoorprovision.com

For anglers: The classic Abel Super Series reel, now in a lighter weight and featuring a quick-change spool system, is equally at home on the trout stream, the salt flats or demanding deep blue water. This unique design with engraving from Casey Underwood is a limited-edition offering. $999, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, 4732 Sharon Rd., Suite 2M, jessebrowns.com

southparkmagazine.com | 23

blvd. | outdoors Easy street: Retrospec women’s Beaumont Rev electric step-through bike, $1,400, Great Outdoor Provision Co., 4275 Park Rd., greatoutdoorprovision. com

Stanley Classic thermos: These classic “my grandpa had one of those” thermoses are making a big comeback and now come in several colors. $35, The Sporting Gent, 2848 Selwyn Ave., thesportinggent.com

The Last Wild Road: Adventures and Essays from a Sporting Life, by author and outdoorsman T. Edward Nickens. $27.95, Great Outdoor Provision Co., 4275 Park Rd., greatoutdoorprovision.com Lodge cookware: 5-inch skillet, $14.99, 8-inch skillet, $24.99, hot-handle holder, $7.99, Blackhawk Hardware, 4225 Park Rd., blackhawkhardware.com Dexas collapsible dog bowls: Ideal for the owner who needs his best fourlegged friend along for the trip. $16.99-$19.99, Blackhawk Hardware, 4225 Park Rd., blackhawkhardware.com

The Skeeter Hawk personal mosquito zapper and lantern: The UV light technology attracts and zaps mosquitoes and other flying insects. $39.99, Blackhawk Hardware, 4225 Park Rd., blackhawkhardware.com 24

SOUTHPARK

DON’T JUST LIVE HERE ...

LOVE IT HERE.

NOW OPEN Select Your Home Today! Residents of The Barclay love the living choices, abundant resort-like amenities and nearly endless social engagements available to them. Here, residents and their families will love the emphasis on nutritious dining options, whole-person wellness and the peace of mind that comes from having continuing care in place should they need it. Call 980.224.8540 to schedule a private visit and don’t just live here...LOVE IT HERE. 4801 Barclay Downs Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 BarclayAtSouthPark.com

A Life Plan Community oﬀered by Liberty Senior Living

blvd. | artists

Rise together CHARLOTTE ARTISTS JEN HILL AND TORRIE SAVAGE TEAM UP TO CREATE A POP ART SENSATION. by Liz Logan

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

few years ago, in a small yoga studio on Hawthorne Lane, Jen Hill and Torrie Savage met as they moved alongside each other in Chakti yoga, a practice dedicated to dance, balance and empowerment. The two artists had seen each other’s work displayed around town and on Instagram — Hill with Jen Hill Pop and Torrie with The Savage Way. Hill’s work focuses on brightly colored, often glittered paintings of pinup and pop icons with an Andy Warhol-meets-feminism approach. Savage concentrates on nature-inspired moss art, creating textured murals and logos, with a bit of clean graffiti — sidewalk art created with stencils and pressure washing — on the side. The duo formed a friendship based on mutual respect for one another’s work, the intimacy that comes with the yoga community, and a shared love of hip-hop and creativity. In September 2019, as Hill’s partner, Chef Vince Giancarlo, was developing an event at Camp North End merging food and music, he began dreaming up ideas for art inclusion. One of these ideas grew from a flicker to a full-on glow: What if Hill and Savage collaborated on a project for the space? A band performing during the dinner would feature the music of Jimi Hendrix and Prince — thus, Hill says, “The first love child was born.” The two got to work immediately, conceptualizing what this first project featuring two of music’s biggest icons would entail. The process was somewhat the same then as it is now: Savage and Hill mull over images of a given subject, finding the best fit for their marriage of moss and paint. Hill creates a rendering, while Savage determines where to place the moss amid Hill’s signature style. After weeks of work on their inaugural project, the pieces were completed, and the

"Frida" graces the Dilworth studio of cosmetic tattoo artist Stephanie Leigh.

southparkmagazine.com | 27

blvd. | artists

crowd went wild. Prince looks stoically into the distance, a yellow popped collar setting off the chartreuse details of the moss hair slightly covering his face in various shades of greens and blues. Jimi Hendrix, meanwhile, looks straight ahead, his piercing eyes captured in grayscale, his hair of moss incorporating the same color scheme as his counterpart. Moss is sourced in shades varying slightly because of a unique preservation process — moisture is replaced with an oil-based element, ensuring the integrity of texture. Then, colors are added for an individualized look. Unlike her typical vivid color scheme, Hill keeps colors muted when collaborating with Savage, allowing the moss to pop and keeping the pieces from appearing “too busy.” As if on a first-name basis with the late musicians, the artists say the completion of “Prince and Jimi” birthed the next venture: Biggie Smalls. It was the beginning of the pandemic, and Savage needed a project — something to do with her hands. “So I told Jen, ‘Paint me a Biggie.’” Then she got to work, affixing moss to create Biggie’s signature sweater, and posted a time lapse of the process on social media. The piece sold quickly and now hangs in the home of former Carolina Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart and his wife, Natalie. As word spread, the commissions rolled in, like former Fox 46 anchor Page Fehling and her husband, Jake. After seeing The Savage Way’s clean graffiti on the streets of NoDa, the couple began following Savage’s work on Instagram. As Biggie graced their feed, Page thought, “This is the most amazing piece of art I have ever seen.” Despite the ease with which Fehling curates her eclectic decor, she could not 28

SOUTHPARK

“Surround yourself with women who speak proudly of you when you’re not in the room. We need more women in this space.”

Persian Rugs & Antiques Exquisite Turkish and Persian Rugs

Restoration. Repairs. Cleaning. Padding and Appraisals. Trades are Considered

Your source for handmade rugs that meet your style and expectations. 102-A Middleton Drive Charlotte NC 28207

704-342-1117 | charlotteorientalrugs.com

blvd. | artists find the right piece for the couple’s two-story stairwell. She envisioned a statement piece flowing with her aesthetic while holding sentimental value. Nothing was hitting the mark. At their wedding, before Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control” became a viral hit on YouTube, the couple did a surprise first dance to the 2005 rap anthem. After seeing the artists’ take on Biggie, Fehling knew exactly what they needed. With elements from their wedding, the Fehlings commissioned a 3-by-4 portrait of Elliott, embodying both the statement and sentimentality Page sought: Blue silk strands from Jake’s tie became Missy’s ring, and Page’s wedding veil also was incorporated in the work. “We’ll post to social media with the painting in the background, and people will completely ignore what we’re saying and jump straight into asking us about Missy,” Fehling says. Together, Savage and Hill have collaborated on close to 20 unique works, ranging from Dolly Parton to Mr. T, with dreams of David Bowie and Diana Ross. “The moss thing isn’t new, but what we’re doing with it is,” Hill says. “It’s an unexpected pairing, and people have reacted so positively to it.” The collective work has been formative for the two artists, stepping against the current of competition while embracing collaboration, each endorsing the other when potential clients are looking for a specific work. “Surround yourself with women who speak proudly of you when you’re not in the room,” Hill says. “We need more women in this space. We all rise together.” SP

htbforbusiness.com 210907-857293720

SOUTHPARK

The Care You Trust at O e Health Fa ily Medici e! n

many families in the Charlotte area – maybe even yours! Now, Atrium Health Primary Care is excited to welcome them to One Health Family Medicine. In addition to connect you and your family to the region’s best care for kids and adults at Atrium Health.

Schedule an appointment at their new location. AtriumHealth.org/OneHealth 704-801-7990

le Rd esvil Stat

d ad R Gile

Reese Blvd

Atrium Health Primary Care One Health Family Medicine 13620 Reese Blvd., Suite 100B Huntersville, NC 28078

Rd ille rsv e t n Hu

Mt Ho lly -

Linda Hoang, DNP

blvd. | cuisine

Fire and water FIRST LOOK: MIZU

by Cathy Martin • photographs by Justin Driscoll

t’s a weeknight in Charlotte, and you’re sipping craft cocktails and enjoying succulent oysters, sushi and other gourmet bites while taking in the sunset view from the ninth-floor rooftop terrace. It’s a lively scene, as couples and small groups gather for a fun and relaxing night out. These days, trendy rooftop bars dot the skyline in uptown Charlotte. But wait … this isn’t uptown. It’s SouthPark, the suburban enclave known for swanky steakhouses, family-friendly neighborhoods and upscale shopping. Mizu, the new restaurant atop the Hyatt Centric at Apex Charlotte on Sharon Road, joins other neighborhood hot spots such as RH Rooftop Restaurant, Steak 48 and Dilworth Tasting Room in reenergizing the drinks and dining scene in this busy part of town. Led by Executive Chef Michael Chanthavong, formerly

SOUTHPARK

chef at O-Ku Charlotte, Mizu is a seafood-focused restaurant with a menu packed with Asian flavor with a subtle Southern slant, thanks to a prevalence of local and regional ingredients. Mizu (Japanese for “water”) is the latest from Charleston, S.C.’s Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which operates more than two dozen restaurants from Jacksonville, Fla., to Washington, D.C., including O-Ku, Indaco and Oak Steakhouse in Charlotte. While O-Ku is more sushi-focused, Mizu’s distinction is the robata grill, an instrument for barbecuing over hot coals that traces its origins to fishermen in northern Japan. “It’s fire and ice — instead of a sushi bar, we have a grill,” Chanthavong says. The robata grill at Mizu is compact but mighty, reaching temperatures exceeding 1,100 degrees. “It’s high-intensity, flameless heat,” adds Chanthavong, a Rochester, N.Y., native who

“Growing up, my parents were in the restaurant business ever since I can remember,” says Mizu Chef Michael Chanthavong. Originally from Rochester, N.Y., Chanthavong moved to North Carolina with his family when he was 7. The chef has lived in Charlotte since 2004, with a resume including stints at McCormick & Schmick’s and others before he joined O-Ku in 2016. “Seafood has always been a lane for me,” the chef says, adding that sourcing fresh seafood has gotten much easier since he started in the business. “We’re always going to have fresh or abundant seafood, whether it comes from the Pacific or our local Atlantic waters.”

grew up working in his family’s restaurants. “We’ve been using white coal — higher heat, less smoke, less flames.” At Mizu, guests can grab a seat at the counter and watch behind a glass partition as the chefs prepare dishes such as robata-grilled oysters topped with yuzu corn butter, panko and spicy aioli. The chefs at Mizu primarily use the robata grill for small, shareable plates like the oysters, along with panko-crusted lobster tail with truffled chive butter and lemon; smoky mushrooms with mirin and a seasoned soy sauce; and the Thai stick — tender braised octopus with tomato, scallion and Thai chili. Diners will find plenty of chilled seafood options as well, including the Saki Tataki — a shareable, almost too-pretty-toeat dish of salmon with ikura (salmon caviar), daikon and a buttery-smooth yuzu truffle aioli. For a light and zesty appetizer, try the King Crab lettuce wraps with preserved lemon aioli, pickled carrots and fried shallots. If seafood isn’t your thing, there are enough non-seafood options to please your palate, including Yaki-Toris — chicken cutlets, scallions, lime teriyaki and toasted sesame — or fire-roasted broccoli with sambal honey and crispy shallots Mains include a beautifully seared miso sea bass with grilled baby bok choy and a mushroom soy; duck breast with five-spice, orange, watercress and grilled scallion; and Wagyu beef with a spicy XO sauce and truffle salt. And while sushi isn’t the main focus here, the menu still offers a small selection of hand-rolled maki. You’ll want to save room for the Mizu Dragon roll — otoro (tuna) tartare with citrus crab, tempura shishito, and a sweet and sour amazu sauce. The interior of Mizu is sleek and modern, while the vibe on the rooftop terrace feels a little more casual (outdoor seating was first-come, first-serve at press time). While the hospitality business has been slow to recover from the pandemic-related shutdown, SouthPark seems to be thriving with promising additions like Mizu. And we’re here for it. SP Mizu is open for dinner and cocktails Sunday-Saturday. 3100 Apex Dr., mizu.restaurant

southparkmagazine.com | 33

blvd. | cuisine

Mizu sits atop the new Hyatt Centric SouthPark, a 175-room hotel at Apex Charlotte that opened in June. Hyatt Centric is the hotel group’s millennial-focused brand, with locations mostly in vibrant cosmopolitan areas. The sleek interiors feature wood tones, lots of natural light, a living wall in the lobby and a dramatic curved staircase leading to the second-floor cocktail bar. The hotel also has 4,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom that accommodates up to 300. You’ll notice subtle nods to Charlotte all over, with artwork featuring Queen Charlotte and the crown in unexpected places. Check out the installation in the lobby by Charlotte artist Hilary Siber, featuring 100 handmade porcelain pans. While Mizu might be the hotel’s crowning glory, lobby bar IRO also boasts a stellar cocktail menu with Japanese-

SOUTHPARK

inspired snacks and shareables. For a citrusy, goes-down-easy refresher, order the Hazel Made Me Do It, made with vodka, lemon, strawberry-nigori syrup and hazelnut olive oil. Snack on sweet and salty green beans with local Cloister Honey (a staff favorite) or the French-cut tangy chicken wings with Gochujang hot sauce, black sesame and scallions. Mains include fish tacos with a ginger-chili aioli, shredded cabbage, micro cilantro and lemon kosho hot sauce; and a poke bowl with Ahi tuna, salmon, edamame, yuzu ponzu and more. Weekly events at IRO include Wine Down Wednesdays, with $5 glasses of wine all day and live music from 6-8 p.m., and Turn it Up Thursdays — live music on the first and third Thursday of the month, along with signature cocktails. IRO is also open for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. hyattcentriccharlottesouthpark.com

PHOTOGRAPH THIS PAGE BY ANDREW CEBULKA

The dining room at Mizu, on the ninth floor of the Hyatt Centric SouthPark.

Bobby Wildermuth, robertbobbyart.com

For 25 years Window & Door Pros has been serving Charlotte builders and homeowners with the finest selection of windows, doors, and architectural products.

Established 1996 Visit Our Showroom at 1141 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28205 704.344.1875 | Mike@WindowAndDoorPros.com WindowAndDoorPros.com

blvd. | cuisine

Cocktails at Mizu run the gamut from floral to fruity to herbaceous. Bar manager Ed Parowski blends Japanese and other spirits with seasonal ingredients, including housemade mixes and garnishes. Pictured: The Queen City Spritz blends orange-flavored Tanqueray Sevilla with Chandon Garden Spritz. The Tai-Dye is a citrusy, floral concoction made with butterfly pea flower-infused rum and “Ed’s secret tiki mix” and topped with bruleed lime. The Watermelon Spumoni is an easy-drinking refresher made with a deceptively long list of ingredients, including el Jimador silver, Aperol, fresh watermelon, pink peppercorn agave, habanero tincture and grapefruit soda. For something a little more spirit-forward and botanical, the White Tiger (not pictured) is a smooth blend of Ilegal mezcal, Italicus Bergamot and a basil-infused vermouth.

SOUTHPARK

CHRIS BLACK

LUCY BUTLER

CHIP JETTON

SARA ROCHE

BUSTER COX

BECKY MCGRATH TEAM

LISA RUPP

CAY CRAIG

HEATHER MONTGOMERY

MARY BETH SNYDER

LISA WARREN

LINDA HENLEY

LINDSAY REDFERN

HEATHER WOLKING

Built on a foundation of integrity and trust, Cottingham Chalk has a long history of serving the Charlotte community. From the beginning, our focus has been on the people. Now, in our second generation of leadership, we are a family business more than ever. And when you hire a Cottingham Chalk broker, you can rest assured that you have the entire company in your corner.

704. 36 4 .170 0 | COT T I N G H AM C H ALK.COM

Peters Custom Homes, Inc. We design and build upscale homes that suit the lifestyle of discerning individuals. Utilizing the finest quality of products and services, we provide our clients the complete solution for design and construction of distinctive spaces.

peterscustomhomes.com

(704) 264-4572

blvd. | profile

Sunshine boy BROADWAY DREAMS FULFILLED, DANNY KNAUB RETURNS TO THE BLUMENTHAL, BRINGING A PROFOUND PASSION FOR THEATER. by Page Leggett

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

heater public-relations guru Danny Knaub was living his best life in New York City and promoting touring Broadway shows when Covid hit. The extended hiatus eventually led him back to his parents’ home in Lake Lure. After a yearlong, unplanned sabbatical, Knaub got an unexpected call from his former boss, Wendy Oglesby. The Chief Marketing Officer at Blumenthal Performing Arts asked if he’d consider coming back to work at the place he started his career in 2008 as marketing and video coordinator. He wasn’t about to say, “No, No, Nanette.” In fact, “Once” was not enough for Knaub, who turns 40 this month: After nearly a decade working in New York and San Francisco, he’s back, this time as Blumenthal’s vice president of marketing. It’s “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” We sat down with the ever-optimistic Knaub to learn more about the Great White Way and what it’s like to come home again. Comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Was Broadway everything you thought it would be? Yes, Broadway has been my dream since I was a little kid. Moving to New York was one of the highlights of my life — getting to ride a subway every morning, eating bagels and working in Times Square. It’s fast-paced — it is constantly entertaining. The fact that I could just sit at work and go, “I want to see a Broadway show tonight,” blew my mind. There was a moment I actually struggled because I thought, “I don’t know what’s next — my dream came true.” But I don’t want to stop dreaming because that, to me, is my driving force. What was it like when everything shut down in New York? Scary, surreal — it was the first time I experienced almost a disconnect within our country. I was watching my entire city shut down. I was essentially confined to a very tiny apartment, just me and my dog. Obviously, the pandemic was awful, but I was grateful to be part of a city where we all had each other’s backs. Every day southparkmagazine.com | 39

blvd. | profile at 7 p.m., we would all be on our balconies cheering for the nurses, frontline workers and first responders. And when I say everybody, I mean everybody. Did you think Charlotte would ever be on your list of places to live again? Honestly, no — not because I don’t love Charlotte, but the Blumenthal already had their whole team in place. A true testament to the Blumenthal is that they kept going. [CEO] Tom Gabbard really fought to keep everybody employed. Wendy [Oglesby] was my first boss and has always been my guiding force. When Wendy called, saying that a couple of people in the marketing department were leaving ... It was the moment I was waiting for. I had been saying, “Something good is going to come out of this pandemic.” I thought it was an embarrassment of riches. I had been living with my parents, sleeping in my childhood bed in Lake Lure, which is only 90 minutes away. I had built a foundation of friends there, and I was going to miss them. But I landed in Charlotte — I got to keep all those friends, reignite my relationship with my sister (who lives here), and see my niece and nephews regularly. I’m taking Josie, my niece, to Wicked. [Note: Wicked runs through Oct. 3 at Oven Auditorium.] This will be her first Broadway show. We’re going to dress up. I’m taking her to dinner. She’s at that age where she’s singing “Frozen” and dancing around in dresses.

What’s changed since you’ve been away? Blumenthal is really embracing the community more than ever. I love seeing that we’re employing local artists (at “Immersive Van Gogh,” for instance). That’s slightly new territory for me. I know how to promote the shows, but this is a new segment, which is exciting. I like to learn. I want to keep learning. I want to learn from my team. I’m not going to dictate. I want to be collaborative — that’s how you get the best results. What are you most looking forward to this season? I’m just excited that Broadway’s coming back. We’ve got this incredible lineup of shows, and our subscribers have been so understanding. I think that’s a huge testament to our ticketing staff, because we were very forthcoming with information and keeping our subscribers in the know. I know the first show I sit down and see, I’m going to be a blubbering mess. I can see it in my head: I know those first few notes of the Wicked score, and as soon as those lights go down, I know I’ll cry. It’s similar to when I graduated with my master’s degree [from UNC Wilmington]. I celebrated by taking my best friend to New York because I wanted to see a Broadway show. It was the first time I’d gone to New York as an adult and bought the tickets. The lights dimmed. Those first notes played, and I started sobbing. My best friend was like, “Danny, the show hasn’t even started yet.” SP

Find a Copy

A TrAdiTion of Knowledge And TrusT GAY DILLASHAW 704-564-9393 6700 Fairview Road, Charlotte, NC 28210

SOUTHPARK

gay.dillashaw@allentate.com

Subscribe for home delivery or find a previous issue:

southparkmagazine.com/store

Actual patients of Dr. Joubert

SAME DAY CROWN REPLACEMENT • DENTAL BRIDGES • DENTAL IMPLANTS • DENTURES FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION • PORCELAIN VENEERS • PERIODONTAL TREATMENT Feel and look amazing every day with safe, innovative restorative and aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Frederick M. Joubert, of Arboretum Dentistry, is the only certified dentist of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health in the Charlotte area. Dr. Joubert and his professional team provide individually tailored treatments to help clients feel healthier and happier for years to come. A different kind of dentistry. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (704) 544-9199 if you have any questions or would like more information on how we can care for your teeth and mouth. 3135 Springbank Ln #210 | Charlotte, NC 28226 | Phone:(704) 544-9199 | arboretumfamilydentistry.com

blvd. | givers

Kelley Vieregg created this winning design for last year’s Furnished. Again this year, 10 interior designers will create vignettes for the nonprofit Furnish For Good’s annual fundraiser.

Noble design TEN CHARLOTTE INTERIOR DESIGNERS CREATE DREAMY SPACES TO HELP FURNISH FOR GOOD SERVE THOSE IN NEED.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DUSTIN PECK

by Michelle Boudin

aria Lindsay was homeless for 10 years before finally getting a place of her own last year. She moved in with her two children but didn’t have any money left over for furniture. That’s when she was introduced to Furnish For Good, a Charlotte nonprofit that provides gently used home furnishings for people in need. “I was overwhelmed with everything they offered,” Lindsay says. “They gave me a checklist of everything they thought I might need — beds, kitchen table, dishes. I broke into tears — it was the boost I needed to get back on my feet. My daughter kept saying, ‘I have my own bed, I have my own bed!’” Furnish For Good is set up like a showroom — clients can wander through and choose what they like best. “We reuse quality furniture and work with people transitioning out of homelessness and poverty and help to transform their lives by empowering them,” explains co-founder Priscilla Chapman. Chapman, Mary Beth Hollett and Lesley Faulkner started Furnish

For Good in October 2019, initially taking over the fifth floor of a Morningstar Storage facility near uptown and transforming the 4,000-square-foot space into a showroom. They were brought together by Kathy Izard, a champion for the Charlotte homeless community who challenged the women to find a more dignified way to help people transition into home ownership. The volunteer-run organization has grown so much, the showroom now takes up several floors, and the women are currently searching for a new home, hoping to find a space with at least 10,000 square feet. Furnish For Good partners with 15 agencies in Charlotte, including Roof Above and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, with a waitlist of a dozen more groups that want to work with them. Clients pay a small fee, typically about $200 for a family of four, to select furniture and household goods for their homes. Leaders of the nonprofit saw the need skyrocket during the pandemic and are bracing for what they anticipate will be an even bigger need in the year ahead. southparkmagazine.com | 43

blvd. | givers “It’s been a really big year for us,” Hollett says. “We’ve served 520 people in total. Last year we worked with 104 families, and this year we expect to work with almost three times that. It’s enlightening and scary, and I really think once the moratorium on evictions comes up, it’s going to get worse for a lot of our families.” Faulkner adds, “There is so much need, it’s a little overwhelming — but it’s also awesome to feel like we’re having an impact.” The growing need is one of the reasons the founders are so excited about their second annual fundraiser, Furnished, when they invite 10 Charlotte interior designers to create vignettes in Furnished For Goods’ showroom. During the virtual fundraiser, the public is invited to vote on the winning design and bid on featured items in an online auction. Last year, Furnished raised nearly $100,000, and this year, the organizers hope to raise at least $150,000. “It’s an awesome collaboration with volunteers, the designers we work with and the communities we serve to help people who need a hand up,” Chapman says. The silent auction items — including furniture, artwork, mirrors, rugs and more — will be available to preview October 25-31 at ffgfurnished.com, or you can swing by and see them in person at South End Exchange at 111 New Bern St. Lindsay says being in her fully furnished home has been life-changing. She got her GED, is now working, and is studying to be a nurse at Central Piedmont Community College. “I look at this as one big step toward me being self-sufficient. I’ve always told my kids, ‘No matter what it takes, we are going to come

Furnish for Good founders Priscilla Chapman, Lesley Faulkner and Mary Beth Hollett

out on top.’ And this has brought us so much joy and happiness, I already feel like we’re on top.” SP SouthPark Magazine is the media sponsor for Furnished, which takes place online Oct. 25-31 at ffgfurnished.com. Learn more about Furnish For Good at furnishforgood.org.

BO BARTLETT November 6, 2021 - January 1, 2022

Know that when we work hard and create something beautiful that we are leaving an indelible mark in the world... a mark which counters the chaos and adds to the wonder and ineffable mystery of nature, and life, and all that is. -Bo Bartlett

UNTITLED, 2020, Gouache on Paper, 22 1/2 x 30 inches

SOUTHPARK

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

NORTH CAROLINA

Move beyond your expectations

7101 Old Dairy Lane | Charlotte, NC | PREMIERSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

C H A R L OT T E

Nothing Compares.

PremierSIR.com | 704.248.0243 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

A Tar Heel partnership for the win.

University of North Carolina quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Howell, and Realtor® Susan May, have more in common than a university. They share a tireless work ethic and a drive to be the best in their fields. Get in touch with Susan today, and discover championship performance that will advance all your real estate goals.

Susan May

Leading luxury real estate firm serving Charlotte and the Carolinas

Broker | Corcoran HM Properties 6857 Fairview Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 704.650.7432 susanmay@hmproperties.com www.hmproperties.com 28 years in Residential Real Estate

live who you are

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY FORD PERFORMANCE DRIVING SCHOOL

blvd. | racing

Speed seekers THE BANK OF AMERICA ROVAL 400 TAKES PLACE THIS MONTH AT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY. AT A PRIVATE RACING SCHOOL IN CONCORD, RACING ENTHUSIASTS CAN EXPERIENCE THE THRILL FIRST-HAND.

by Vanessa Infanzon

hen Paul Sexton was a boy growing up in Denton, a rural community in Davidson County, he remembers seeing a 1965 Shelby GT Mustang at Hill Motor Co. “Every 11- and 12-year-old’s dream is to drive a hot car,” says Sexton, 69. The High Point resident bought his first Ford, a 1966 silver-blue Mustang with a 289-cubic-inch V-8, when he was in college. Over the years, he purchased two more: a 1973 blue Mustang Fastback and a 1986 black Mustang GT convertible. “When the Ford v. Ferrari movie came out a couple of years ago, it kind of reignited that fire in me,” says Sexton, who, with his wife, now owns a pair of Ford Escapes. In May, Sexton treated himself to a two-day course at the Ford Performance Racing School to celebrate his retirement from Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. The school offers one- and two-day classes at its facility in Concord. Professional instructors 47

SOUTHPARK

teach participants how to drive on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s roval (road course and oval) in a Ford Mustang GT. “My heart rate goes up — you crank [the engine up], you hear the motor and you take off, and you start following the lead person. At every turn, [the instructors] are talking to you through the mic in your helmet — they’re telling you where to break, where to turn and accelerate,” Sexton says, describing the experience. “It’s exciting anytime you’re going to get to drive faster than you can on the highway,” he says. “It’s exhilarating in a controlled environment, where things are safe.” Ford Performance Racing School is a private entity with permission to operate under the Ford name. The school offers corporate team-building and custom programs. An SUV experience program operates in Asheville at the Biltmore Estate and in Park City, Utah. Instructors come to FPRS from a variety of backgrounds in southparkmagazine.com | 47

professional racing. They have ute behind-the-wheel lead-follow knowledge of various vehicles, from sessions. An instructor in the lead go-karts to NASCAR Cup cars, car is followed by the students. on different styles of tracks. Some Everyone rotates to get a chance have worked in testing, government behind the instructor. training, the film industry and By the end of the day, most private coaching. students will hit speeds in the three “These folks are highly trained,” digits, Reilly says. “Each session, says Matt Reilly, who joined FPRS as we are building up our speed with the instructor supervisor when the every lap. There’s no speed limit at a A one-day class at Ford Performance Racing School will set you program moved from Grantsville, racetrack. There’s no state troopers back $1,695. The school also offers a two-day class and custom Utah, to Concord in spring 2020. He on the racetrack.” and corporate team-building programs. has more than 30 years of experience Sexton hit 120 mph by the end as a professional driver and instructor. “[We want them] to extract of his day on the track. On the second day, his instructors set the best out of each student.” him loose on the roval once they gave him the instructions. Participants must already know how to drive a manual trans“When you get on the high bank, that’s a thrill. Everything in mission. Each student is fitted with a racing suit and a helmet. your body is telling you, ‘You can’t take a corner this fast,’” he says. Mornings include ground-school training in racetrack nuances, how “We teach an everyday person to be a race car driver,” Reilly to recover from a skid and flag recognition. Students learn about says. “The whole purpose of this program is for enthusiasts to learn acceleration, heel-to-toe downshift and weight transfer. Each particcar control and how to properly drive on the racetrack. It’s geared ipant is paired with a track-prepared car equipped with racing seat for the person who wants to go on the racetrack and have fun.” SP and harness, radio communication, roll cage, and modified brakes, exhaust and suspension. Ford Performance Racing School is located at 5115 Morehead Rd. The afternoon is spent on the racetrack in three, 20-minin Concord. fordperformanceracingschool.com

For All Walks of Life

Located on hundreds of acres, Aldersgate is a 62+, entrance-fee, non-profit Life Care Community that offers a vast variety of living options and amenities. TUESDAY, October 5 | 10AM

HEAR BETTER Webinar TUESDAY, November 9 | 2PM

Life Plan Living Resident Panel Discussion Learn more or RSVP by calling (704) 774-4763 or visit AldersgateLiving.org. 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215

SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPH B Y JEREMY HENRIE AT PHOTO GP IMAGES

blvd. | racing

You will feel a difference the minute you walk in. The people at our dealership are unlike any that you have ever experienced. Furthermore, our commitment to clients with service pickup and delivery, plus sales concierge services that allow you to purchase a car from home -- are unmatched.

5201 E Independence Blvd | (704) 909-6941 | www.HendrickMotorsOfCharlotte.com

blvd. | music

Axe men NICK PLESZ STRINGS SUCCESS AT A CHARLOTTE GUITAR-REPAIR SHOP WITH A ROCKIN’ REPUTATION. story and photos by John Gessner

here are an estimated 16 million guitar players in the U.S., and, as with many passions, you can’t just have one. Eventually, those guitars need repairs and servicing, creating an opportunity for Nick Plesz, owner of NC Guitar Works near Charlotte’s Camp North End, who is just as passionate about repairing guitars as his customers are about playing them. “[We] literally have over 200 guitars in our shop constantly for repairs. I don’t think anybody has that much work across the nation,” says Plesz, 47. Plesz moved from Pittsburgh to Charlotte in 1998 to start a homebuilding company with his brother, Chris, who had come to North Carolina three years earlier. In 2004, the business was hired to construct a guitar-repair shop in a warehouse. Plesz took on

the project and asked for his payment to be instructions on how to build a guitar. Before his own instrument was completed, the client, Landau Guitar of Harrisburg in Cabarrus County, offered Plesz a job. He spent the next several years learning the business, and in May 2012 he bought the company and renamed it NC Guitar Works. Plesz’s company has thrived during the pandemic, with business doubling over the last 18 months. “We used to be busy with 80 to 100 instruments in the shop. We have been hitting over 200 constantly, and it’s actually kind of out of control,” Plesz says. “I had to stop taking in work for a few weeks, but it was still coming in. It’s hard to tell people, ‘No.’” The first guitar that Nick built was a Gibson Les Paul copy. southparkmagazine.com | 51

blvd. | music

The famous guitar design has been played by many famous artists, even inspiring a new collaboration between Gibson and Slash from Guns N’ Roses. Kyle Petty, the race car driver turned commentator, owns some Les Paul guitars, and they are maintained once a year by NC Guitar Works. And when the Foo Fighters played at the Fillmore in 2012, Nick’s shop came to the rescue when the band had issues with some of their guitars. “We got to hang out and watch them practice with no one else there,” Plesz says. “They gave us all-access passes to the show that night. That was really cool.” Plesz almost sold a guitar to his childhood hero, Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe, a few years back. “He actually called me to discuss it. He didn’t buy it because it was a 1960 rather than a 1958, which is his birth year, but still wanted to talk guitars.” Some customers have driven as many as five hours to the shop without calling ahead, Plesz says. NC Guitar Works also gets many instruments sent from the Carolinas locations of Guitar Center, the California-based retailer that has nearly 300 stores nationwide. “A lot of people are picking up their instruments

SOUTHPARK

Queen City has over $17 million in local inventory with same day and next day delivery!

The fastest growing brand in Europe, Beko focuses on developing products that inspire a healthy lifestyle and make easy work out of after-dinner messes. Beko has the home appliances you’ve been looking for – from kitchen to laundry – with products that are energy efficient, innovative, and reliable.

6 convenient locations | QueenCityOnline.com

Monday - Saturday 9am-7pm | Sunday Noon-6pm

blvd. | music

that haven’t touched them in years. It happened when people started working from home,” Plesz says. Nick and his two guitar technicians, Stacey Leazer and Austin Hughes, are “rockin’ around the clock” to keep up with increasing demand for repairs, he says. Leazer is a talented bass player who has performed nationally. “He’s kind of a gearhead and has a lot of knowledge on bass guitars and base electronics,” Plesz says. Hughes, who is a big fan of Pantera guitarist Dime Bag Darrell, walked in the shop one day while one of the Texas heavy-metal band’s songs was playing in the background. “He must have thought he walked into heaven when he came into the shop where he now works, with Pantera playing on the radio,” Plesz says. Plesz feels what sets his business apart is the quality of work that comes out of his shop. “We hold ourselves to a higher standard and are very proud of our work. There’s nothing we can’t modify or fix.” SP At press time, NC Guitar Works was serving customers by appointment only. ncguitarworks.com

SOUTHPARK

2738 Beverwyck Road

2409 Kenmore Ave

Charlotte, NC 28207

Charlotte, NC 28210

Charlotte, NC 28204

Closed at $1,695,000

Closed at $1,115,000

Myers Park Kemp Dunaway Jr. 704-458-6997

Offered at $995,000

Deering Oaks Kemp Dunaway Jr. 704-458-6997

Elizabeth Gay Dillashaw 704-564-9393

209 Altondale Avenue

2038 Dartmouth Place

124 Amirita Court

Charlotte, NC 28207

Charlotte, NC 28211

Call Agent for Price

Closed at $900,000

Eastover Lauren Campbell 704-579-8333

Offered at $799,000

Myers Park Gay Dillashaw 704-564-9393

Cotswold Lauren Campbell 704-579-8333

2823 Providence Road Unit 224

5944 Cabell View Court

7701 Ridgeloch Place

Charlotte, NC 28211

Charlotte, NC 28277

Charlotte, NC 28226

R NT

E ND

Offered at $779,000

Rosewood Condominiums Team Severs 704-564-7346

Closed at $775,000

Carrington Kemp Dunaway Jr. 704-458-6997

Offered at $725,000 Ridgeloch Charlie Emmanuel 704-906-8800

ALLEN TATE SOUTHPARK

1719 Queens Road West

Experience the elegance of

FRAMELESS

shower doors

Showroom

980.819.5050 CharlotteShowers.com info@CharlotteShowers.com

10810 Southern Loop Blvd, Suite #8 Pineville, NC 28134

When QUALITY Matters

blvd. | around town

eat + drink

PHOTOGRAPHS: MARIPOSA - COURTESY OF THE PLAID PENGUIN, EMMY SQUARED – COURTESY OF EMMY SQUARED

Brooklyn-based Emmy Squared Pizza opened its first Charlotte location in Plaza Midwood. Started in 2016, Emmy Squared serves Detroit-style pizza — deep-dish with a crispy, cheesy crust — along with burgers, salads and more. 1508 Central Ave. emmysquaredpizza.com u Mariposa is coming soon to Mint Museum Uptown in the space previously occupied by Halcyon. Led by Executive Chef Jonathan Moore, Mariposa — Spanish for “butterfly” — will feature mezze, or small plates for sharing, craft cocktails and desserts. The restaurant is part of Mother Earth Group, which includes Something Classic Catering and vegetarian restaurant Fern. 500 S. Tryon St., mariposaclt.com u White Duck Taco Shop’s newest location is open in Matthews beside Fullwood Market. 131 E. John St., Matthews. whiteducktacoshop.com u Community Brewing Ventures in Newton acquired Unknown Brewing and will continue making and selling its popular beers such as Pregame Pilsner, Over the Edge IPA and Giggle Juice Hazy IPA in stores year-round.

Mariposa

southparkmagazine.com | 57

blvd. | around town

hall of fame

Colleen Hughes, beverage director at Supperland and Haberdish, was named Mixologist of the Year at the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association’s 2021 Chef Showdown in August. Hughes’ award-winning cocktail, Exotic is Perspective, is made with Sutler’s Gin, acidified pine stock, blackberry honey gomme syrup and sea salt air — try making that at home. uLower Left Brewing Co. earned two top honors at the 2021 N.C. Brewers Cup Competition: N.C. Brewery of the Year and N.C. New Brewery of the Year. The brewery’s Edge of Precipice Pale Ale, Three Hour Tour Coconut Vanilla Blonde Ale and Cemetery Gates Smoked Porter each took home first-place medals in their respective categories. More than 800 beers from 110 breweries took part in this year’s competition, administered by the North Carolina Brewers Guild. Lower Left Brewing opened in August 2019 at 4528 Nations Crossing Dr. in lower South End.

shop

Bridal shop Ladies of Lineage opened a 3,800-square-foot boutique at Phillips Place, with gowns priced from $2,000 to $15,000. The store is by appointment only. 6809 Phillips Place Ct., Suite B. ladiesoflineage.com u Charlotte Collective, which showcases more than a dozen local brands from jewelry to clothing to home goods, opened a second location in South End. 110 West Blvd., Suite B. cltcollective.com

SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPH OF COLLEEN HUGHES BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

Colleen Hughes

blvd. | creators of n.c.

Time capsule in jazz WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM AS DR. MARTINEZ OR MARTY MOST, YOU KNOW THE BIG EASY IS ALIVE IN HIS HEART AND HIS PHOTOS. by Wiley Cash • photographs by Mallory Cash

estled in a patch of pine woods just south of Wilmington, Maurice Martinez, New Orleans’ first beat poet, is sitting in a favorite chair in his sunlight-flooded living room. At his feet are several crates of black-and-white photographs, carefully encased in plastic sleeves. He bends down to pick up an image, staring at it for a moment before gesturing toward the subject — a Black man in a suit playing a soprano saxophone. The man’s eyes are closed in concentration. “John Coltrane was the most serious musician I’ve ever met,” Martinez says. He looks down at the photograph with such intensity it’s as if he’s traveling back in time, peeling back the years and the stories that led him from a childhood in New Orleans to the halls of American academia by way of a barnstorming concert tour across Brazil. Photograph in hand, Martinez’s mind and memory are focused on the string of shows Coltrane played when he came to New Orleans in 1963. Martinez and his camera were there to capture it. He presented a composite of several of the photos he took to the jazz musician. “When he saw it, he got warm and opened up,” Martinez says. “He could see that I was serious about music, too.” Maurice Martinez has been serious about many things over the course of his life — music, education, social justice, documentary filmmaking, plus Creole heritage and history — but jazz and photography have been lifelong staples. His two passions have recently come together in A Time Capsule in Jazz, an exhibit on display at the Genesis Block Gallery in downtown Wilmington until October 20. Martinez was a college student at Xavier University of Louisiana when he began to take photography seriously. His early steps were tentative, but experimental. “It was a little black box, and it only had one speed on the shutter,” he says, describing the camera. “But it also had a way that you could do a time exposure by disengaging the automatic shutter.” So, he did just that, then put the camera on the desk. “It came out like a Rembrandt.” He soon moved on to Instamatics and 35mm cameras, experimenting with various lenses before graduating to better and more advanced equipment. After starting a wedding photography business with a buddy, he soon learned the best photographs came at what he calls “the peak moment of joy,” such as when the newlyweds are seated in the limousine, and the wedding and all its fuss is behind them. Only then do you see the couple relax, he says. Martinez saw that those moments of joy were also evident in the jazz musicians who brought their soulful music to New Orleans in the 60

SOUTHPARK

1960s. Music had always been a passion for Martinez, and his parents recognized his talent when he was young. A local university offered a junior school of music, so Martinez began piano classes there when he was 9 years old with his buddy, Ellis Marsalis — father of Branford and Wynton. Martinez would eventually step away from the piano and pick up the bass, purchasing what was reportedly the first electric bass played in New Orleans. Along with his photography business, he founded a jazz quartet that played gigs for fraternities at Tulane University. When he finished college at Xavier, one of his professors encouraged him to apply to graduate school at the University of Michigan. While segregation ensured that state universities in Louisiana were closed to people of color, $750 grants were available to Black students who sought degrees outside the state. But by the time Martinez was admitted to Michigan, the December

deadline to apply for the grant had passed. His father, who had made a career as a master bricklayer and stonemason, reached out to one of his wealthy patrons, and the $750 needed to enroll at Michigan was secured. Martinez packed up his camera and headed north, bringing his love for jazz with him. At Michigan, he found himself as the music curator for a creative arts festival, and while many of the students wanted to invite The Who and other rock ’n’ roll bands, Martinez invited Miles Davis. After finishing his master’s in education at Michigan, Martinez returned to New Orleans and followed in the footsteps of his mother by teaching math in the public schools for six years. His mother had taught in the local schools before opening a private school that first catered to Creole children and educated some of the city’s most exceptional Black citizens, including jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, a former mayor and a former chief of police. But Martinez felt himself floundering after returning home. People encouraged him to leave the city and make a name for himself, so he returned to Michigan for a doctorate in education. It was there, while studying Portuguese, that he discovered a Ford Foundation grant that was sending students on internships in Latin America. After landing a grant, he lived in Brazil for two years, studying the ways in which tradition and modernity affect life in urban and rural areas. He was also taking photographs and playing jazz. Along with another American and three Brazilians, he formed a quintet called Grupo Calmalma de Jazz Livre, and they went on to play a 14-city tour sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. It was after returning to Michigan to complete his Ph.D. that Martinez met Marjorie, the woman who would become his wife of 48 years. After graduating, the couple moved to New York City, where Martinez spent 24 years teaching in the education department at Hunter College, taking students and professors into some of the city’s most challenging schools to gain a clear perspective on the profession he was preparing students to pursue. The experience was fraught with issues of race, class and caste, but coming of age in New Orleans assured he was familiar navigating that terrain. southparkmagazine.com | 61

blvd. | creators of n.c. By the early ’90s, Martinez had grown weary of life in New York, and when he was invited to join the faculty at UNC Wilmington’s Watson College of Education as a visiting professor, he jumped at the chance. He joined the full-time faculty the following year, spending 20 years as a professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education. But no matter where he has lived, New Orleans has always been alive in his heart. After all, he is known as Marty Most, Jazz Poet and often credited as the first person to put the words “The Big Easy” in print: Have you ever been to an old time jazz man’s funeral in my hometown? Put on your imagination, baby, and come on down To an old time jazz man’s funeral in my hometown. It’s called the Big Easy, way, way down. What’s the biggest difference he sees between Wilmington and the Big Easy? “Wilmington was settled by the British,” he says. “So, we have

the Azalea Festival. But things would be different if it had been settled by the French.” He leans forward, a smile playing across his face, a light twinkling in his eye. “Because then we’d have Mardi Gras.” SP Wiley Cash is the Alumni Author-in-Residence at UNC Asheville. His new novel, When Ghosts Come Home, was released last month.

Three Leaf is now open in SouthPark! Our combination of cutting-edge technology, quality care, and an experienced team creates a fun journey toward amazing results with braces or Invisalign. Convenient hours and flexible payment options. Schedule a complimentary consultation at our new facility at Apex-SouthPark.

SOUTHPARK 3151 Apex Drive, Suite 102E, Charlotte, NC 28211

WAXHAW 8412 New Town Road, Suite A, Waxhaw, NC 28173

704-727-6868 | www.threeleafortho.com 62

SOUTHPARK

HU N T ER S V ILLE A LDER SGAT E SOU T H M I NS T ER

When your family member needs care that cannot be handled at home… They may come to ours. No detail is too small when ensuring that our patients feel like they are at home. Each of our six hospice houses, exclusive to patients of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, feature comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, spacious family rooms, chapels, landscaped gardens, and family kitchens.

To find out more, call 704.375.0100 or visit our website at www.hpccr.org.

www.hpccr.org

PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE SINCE 1978.

Call us anytime: 704.375.0100

W O N

! N E

Conceptual Rendering

See The New Residences AT WINDSOR RUN!

Senior living in Matthews just got even better! Our new residence building is now open. White Oak Terrace boasts a variety of stunning new apartment homes for vibrant living. •

Explore stylish, new floor plans with contemporary fixtures and finishes

•

Enjoy easy access to amenities like the fitness center and restaurants

•

Retire from the hassles of home maintenance and pricey repair

New Homes Are Selling Fast!

Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com

79204

Call 1-866-462-6351 to request your free brochure or to schedule your personal tour.

blvd. | calendar

October

HAPPENINGS

Museums + galleries In process: Matthew Steele at Hodges Taylor Gallery Oct. 1-Dec. 17: A solo exhibition of works by Charlotte-based Matthew Steele features the artist’s pieced-walnut sculptures and works on paper. Meet the artist at an opening reception Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m. 1414 S. Tryon St., Suite 130; hodgestaylor.com Karen Hollingsworth Solo Show at Shain Gallery Oct. 8-20: Known for her unique WindowScapes bathed in sunshine and ocean air, Hollingsworth’s large oil paintings depict ordinary subject matter in a captivating way. 2823 Selwyn Ave., Suite K; shaingallery.com Signs of Home at Charlotte Museum of History Opens Oct. 16: Guest curated by Christopher S. Lawing, this exhibition tells the story of Charlotte through the unique signs of businesses, neighborhoods and institutions that defined it. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, children 6-17 and students. 3500 Shamrock Dr.; charlottemuseum.org

Events + activities Tuck Fest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center Oct. 1-3: Outdoor enthusiasts unite for a weekend packed with competitions, exhibitions, yoga and more. Performing artists include Dawes, Hiss Golden Messenger and Steep Canyon Rangers. Free to attend, event registration costs vary, $6 parking per car. tuckfest.whitewater.org Taste of Charlotte at Truist Field Oct. 1-3: Sample fare from Queen City restaurants at this three-day food festival, and enjoy live performances and activities for

all ages. Free to attend, tokens are available for purchase for food and beverage tastings. tasteofcharlotte.com Moo & Brew Craft Beer and Burger Festival at AvidXchange Music Factory Festival Grounds Oct. 2: Sample beers from more than 75 local, regional and national breweries and vote for which Queen City restaurant will take home the trophy for “Best Burger.” Tickets start at $45. mooandbrewfestclt.com Charlotte Wine and Food Festival at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall Oct. 2: Sip and savor more than 100 wines from across the region and around the world. Graze on fare from some of Charlotte’s food trucks and dance the day away with smooth jams by live bands. Tickets start at $39. drinkeatrelax.com/ event/wine-food-festival-charlotte The 25th Annual Komen Race for the Cure Oct. 2: Every step counts in this annual run to end breast cancer. This year, the event kicks off with a virtual opening ceremony, then participants will join smaller groups of the Komen community across Charlotte. Or, earn your Virtual Finisher Medal by walking 6,000 steps on the sidewalks of your own neighborhood. Registration cost varies by signup date and fundraising options. komen.org Carolina Renaissance Festival Oct. 2-Nov. 21: Feast like royalty, cheer for the jousting knights on horseback, laugh along with the acrobats’ antics and shop the artisan market. Ticket costs vary; children 4 and under are free and parking is free. 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville. carolina. renfestinfo.com Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Oct. 10: Cruise up to Concord for this

Matthew Steele, Basalt Pillars, 2021, walnut, 23-gauge nails, 49 x 15 x 4 inches

annual NASCAR showcase packed with championship drama and white-knuckle excitement. Tickets start at $49. charlottemotorspeedway.com Charlotte Symphony Presents The Nightmare Before Christmas Oct. 22-23: Tim Burton’s classic film comes to life on the large screen at the Belk Theater, with Danny Elfman’s colorful score masterfully performed by the Charlotte Symphony. Ticket costs vary. charlottesymphony.org southparkmagazine.com | 65

blvd. | calendar Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival at Camp North End Oct. 22-24: Event founders Gregory and Subrina Collier of Leah & Louise honor the culinary practices of Black culture with an array of participants who are redefining American cuisine. Tickets start at $10. bayhavenfoodandwine.com

that features works by fine and emerging artists. The peaceful paths and skyline views make for an inviting outing for the whole family. Free to attend. festivalinthepark.org/kings-drive-art-walk

2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Truist Field Oct. 23: Walk the half-mile Gregory and Subrina Collier, founders of or 2-mile route through uptown Bayhaven Food & Wine Festival Charlotte alongside others supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s. All funds raised furThe Wedding Singer presented by ther the care, support and research efforts Central Piedmont Theater of the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration Oct. 29-Nov. 7: Welcome to 1985. Perms costs vary. act.alz.org and spandex reign supreme, and a rock star wannabe hopes to pull off the performance Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest of a lifetime in an effort to win the girl of his Oct. 24: Discover something new around dreams. Tickets start at $10; cpccfacilities. every turn on this two-wheeled scavenger com/events.aspx hunt. Collect stamps along the route in your official Biketoberfest passport for a chance to win raffle prizes at the after party at Triple C Brewing Co. Registration costs vary by signup date. sustaincharlotte.org/biketoberfest

Kings Drive Art Walk along Little Sugar Creek Greenway Oct. 30-31: Enjoy a weekend of arts and entertainment at this community event

Running Scared 5 Miler, 5K and Monster Mile Oct. 30: Costume party or fun run? Why not both. Dress up and run the 5-mile or 5K scenic route through uptown Charlotte. Then stick around for face painting, food trucks and more at Romare Bearden Park. Registration costs vary by signup date. runningscared5miler.com SCarowinds and The Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds Through Oct. 31: Scare yourself silly with a scream-worthy trip to SCarowinds, the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event. For fun without the fear, pint-sized goblins will appreciate the games, entertainment and costume contests at The Great Pumpkin Fest. Ticket costs vary. carowinds.com — compiled by Amanda Lea

Join us Saturday, October 30th for an Open House and Sidewalk Fair on Barclay Downs!

YOUR NEW DESTINATION FOR LIFESTYLE LIVING 4401 Barclay Downs Drive • Charlotte, NC 28209 A PA RT M E N TS

Now Leasing • HazelSouthPark.com • 704.556.3700 66

SOUTHPARK

PARTNER WITH THE WORLD’S LUXURY REAL ESTATE POWERHOUSE 158 MCALWAY ROAD

$2,174,999 Charlotte | 28211 MLS #CAR3745578 Jill Gibson

704-840-6558

5511 CARMEL ROAD

$1,349,900 Charlotte | 28226 MLS #CAR3781604 Catherine Marie

732-650-2304

706 SAINTE ROSE LANE

$975,000 Charlotte | 28226 MLS #CAR3772938 May Sung

704-957-6386

2620 WINDSOR CRESCENT COURT

$945,000 Charlotte | 28226 MLS #CAR3772478 David Huss

Under Contract

704-634-9682

4342 WALKER ROAD

$932,000 Charlotte | 28211 MLS #CAR3745181 Ann-Dorthe Havmoeller

Under Contract

704-608-7216

4812 PARK PHILLIPS COURT

$850,000 Charlotte | 28210 MLS #CAR3773599 Marlyn Jamison

704-363-4432

Allen Tate is a founding member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the world’s premier network of 550 market-leading independent real estate firms in 70 countries.

“...Our process is all about listening to our clients needs and keeping them excited about their outdoor space...”

Pierpointe Landscape has been helping SouthPark neighbors for more than 30 years. Our philosophy is rooted in finding solutions for each property and listening to our clients. Whether it’s a few simple improvements or total makeovers, Greg and the Pierpointe team know how to unlock the full potential of your outdoor space. We start with a one hour consultation to analyze your needs and concerns, then determine a plan. Greg designs a simple, fresh, clean outdoor aesthetic, while taking into account important aspects like drainage, soil prep, and plantings to complement your local environment. Once the initial work is completed, clients turn to us for maintenance and perpetual care to ensure the ongoing health and beauty of their landscape. Our process is all about partnership. We make needed seasonal adjustments and craft future property goals, to keep clients excited about their outdoor space. As people spend more time at home, they notice more areas of needed improvement outside. Trust Pierpointe Landscape to help turn things around and create an enjoyable outdoor space. Since 1985 – Helping one SouthPark neighbor at a time!

704.609.2989 pierpointelandscapinggroup@gmail.com DESIGN | INSTALLATION | MAINTENANCE | LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

|simple life

The last ride A LEGENDARY CAR, TWO OLD DOGS AND THE END OF THE ROAD IN SIGHT.

by Jim Dodson

knew this day would eventually come. In recent years, I’ve pushed the thought to the back of my mind that it might be time to say goodbye and hand her off to someone who can restore her to her glory. But every time I take her for a spin, by Jove, The Pearl works her automotive magic on me, riding like a dream, cruising the world on eight cylinders and a Corvette engine. With her roomy leather seats and patented “Dynaride” suspension system, she’s still like driving in your living room. We’ve been together a dozen years, almost half The Pearl’s life and almost one-sixth of mine. We survived the Great Recession, the end of cassette players and four teenagers. My dog Mulligan has spent most of her long life riding shotgun in The Pearl. Oh, the places we’ve been together, up and down the highway! The Pearl is a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate station wagon, reportedly the last true production wagon General Motors made before switching to prissy little SUVs. The mighty Roadmaster is an American automotive icon, introduced in 1936 as the nation began to crawl out from under the Great Depression. Its creators had this nutty idea that Americans getting back on their feet might want to take the family on a road trip to see the land of the free and the home of the brave. With its oversized windows, sleek lines, wide chassis, faux wooden siding, “vista roof” and proverbial third seat facing backwards, the versatile Roadmaster wagon was just the ticket for seeing America from ground level. The end of the Roadmaster line came in 1996, when 22,989 models rolled off the assembly line for the last time. Mine previously belonged to a nice gentleman from New Jersey who loved the car so much he kept the dashboard covered with protective felt and put only 60,000 miles on its odometer over 12 years. Fate and quiet desperation brought us together when my chil-

dren began stealing the Volvos and Subarus to take off to college. I wrote a newspaper column joking that I was shopping for a car like the one my old man drove when I was a kid — a gas-guzzling monster of the American highway that no enlightened, environmentally-minded millennial would be caught dead riding in around town. It turns out, that car was a Buick Roadmaster wagon. Not two days after the column appeared, a woman phoned to say, “Mr. Dodson, I am here to make you a happy man.” Her parents were residents of a local senior-living community. They owned a 1996 Buick Roadmaster station wagon that the daughter had fooled her father into giving up, lest he injure himself or someone else due to his declining driving skills. “My father bought the car new and absolutely adores it,” she explained. “We all loved it. It took me off to college and helped me move several times. She has a few dings but still runs like a dream. But it has to go.” She explained that a vintage car buff out West was interested in buying it — Roadmasters were apparently big with car collectors — but if I wanted to check it out at a local garage, she would consider selling it to me. “If you don’t buy this car,” said the mechanic, handing me the keys for a test drive, “I probably will. They don’t make cars like this anymore.” I purchased it an hour later. My wife laughed when she saw it pull into the driveway. “Oh my,” she said. “That really is your father’s Buick.” Son 1 — the Subaru thief — asked if he could take the car off to college. Not a chance, I told him. Son 2 thought my new land yacht needed a nautical nickname. He suggested The Pearl, pointing out that my Roadmaster model was ranked No. 6 on the “official list of Best Car to Own in the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse.” He wondered if he could take it for a spin. southparkmagazine.com | 71

|simple life “Maybe after the zombie apocalypse,” I said. I had, after all, my own big plans for this oversized jewel of the 20th century American highway. For many years — decades, actually — I’d dreamed of finding and traveling the Great Wagon Road of Colonial America, the famous backcountry highway that brought thousands of Scots-Irish, German and other European immigrants to the American South during the 18th century, including my own English and Scottish forebears. Historians and old road experts had recently determined the Great Road’s original path from Philadelphia to Augusta, Georgia — an 850-mile land route that passed through some of the most historic battlefields, towns and sacred landscapes of early America. Dan’l Boone and his family followed it from Pennsylvania to the banks of the Yadkin River. The most pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War were fought along the highway, including engagements at Cowpens, Kings Mountain and Guilford Courthouse, leading to the British surrender at Yorktown. America’s first immigrant highway also bisected the killing fields of the American Civil War at Antietam and Gettysburg, where Abraham Lincoln — whose grandfather lived on the Great Road in Virginia — gave the Gettysburg Address on a hill just above the highway. By my count, in fact, no less than seven U.S. presidents were either born directly on or traveled the Great Wagon Road most of their lives. The Scots-Irish brought their balladry, fiddle music and God-given talent for fighting (and making corn whiskey) down the road, giving birth to bluegrass in

the hollers of Appalachia. Four summers ago, after years of research and planning, Mulligan and I set off along the road in our own Great Wagon, hoping to travel the entire route in two or three weeks. Silly me. It took a month just to get out of Pennsylvania. The abundance of great stories and memorable people we met along the road turned an 800-mile road trip into a three-year, 3,000-mile odyssey of discovery that recently drew to a close, including the year of travel we lost due to Covid. Though she is showing her age and is more dinged up than ever, The Pearl managed to make the entire journey and then some. She brought us home with an engine that still runs like a dream. Along the way, she provided absolute strangers with fond memories of their own childhood. “My father had a car just like that,” they would say with a note of pure wonder. “It was my favorite family car.” A man in the parking lot at Gettysburg actually offered to buy The Pearl. “How much do you want for her?” he asked. “Nothing,” I replied. “But I might someday give her to the right person.” He handed me a card, which I promptly lost. Since finishing the road last autumn, The Pearl has mostly been my gardening car, hauling shrubs and mulch, though Miss Mulligan and I go out for a spin every now and then. Mully is now 16; The Pearl is pushing 25. The last ride can’t be far away. But what a time we’ve had, what a sweet journey it’s been. SP

Cooler Weather Is On The Way

Let’s Get Ready!

VENT FREE LOGS - INSERTS WITH BLOWERS ELECTRIC FIREPLACES - COMPLETE FIREPLACES SHOP NOW!

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

SOUTHPARK

4332 Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28205 www.thehearthandpatio.com 704.332.4139 M-F 10-6, SAT. 10-5 Find us on

Client Testimonial: “Angelia is very creative and always comes up with new ways to make each Christmas design special and unique. We are in year six of working with her and her team. And we are looking forward to many more.”

Christmas Lights & Much More specializes in exterior and interior Christmas light installation, decorating, and much more for both residential and commercial spaces. Our team will work with you to create an experience that is tailored to bring your vision for the Holiday season to life. Call today for a Consultation!

Angelia J Schifferle

Area Supervisor and Senior Designer

704-201-5759

www.christmaslightsandmuchmore.com

live who you are

MYERS PARK

EASTOVER

200 Hermitage Rd, Charlotte

Patty Hendrix 704.577.2066

$3,295,000 – Custom Tudor built in 1929 & meticulously renovated. 4BR/4.1BA, impeccable details & elegance, 3 car garage w/apartment.

1500 Twiford Pl, Charlotte

Sandra Singer 704.231.8575

HIGHLAND FOREST

LAUREL HILL

232 Highland Forest Dr, Charlotte

Valerie Mitchener 704.577.8200

$2,695,000 – Built by Arcadia on a 1.85 acre parklike estate. Open plan, 5BR/5.2BA, vaulted & beamed ceilings, screened porch, 3 car garage.

911 Laurel Creek Ln, Charlotte

Patty Rainey 704.534.0096

DEERING OAKS

704.907.1144

$1,100,000 – Charming brick home on 0.71 acre cul-de-sac lot. 4BR/4.1BA, formals, study, sunroom, den with fireplace & built-ins, & Bonus Room.

939 Laurel Creek Ln, Charlotte

Steven Chaberek 704.577.4205

CHERRY

STARMOUNT

7812 Morgan Park Dr, Charlotte

704.756.1394

$995,000 – Stunning home built in 2021 in new gated community. Incredible attention to details. 4BR/3.1BA, open plan, covered rear porch.

Under Contract

Heather Bonner

$1,200,000 – Fantastic open concept plan in new gated community. 4BR/3.1BA, primary suite w/spa bath, chef’s kitchen opens to Great Room w/fpl.

LAUREL HILL

2201 Whilden Ct, Charlotte

Sheryl Hallow

$2,750,000 – Elegant & thoughtfully redesigned beauty, 6BR/6.1BA, high ceilings, chef’s delight kitchen, covered patio, private 0.49 acre.

$779,500 – Built in 2016 by Saussy Burbank. Open plan, beautiful finishes, 4BR/3.1BA, chef’s kitchen, sound system & screened porch. Great location!

1426 Edgewater Dr, Charlotte

Melanie Coyne

$372,000 – Fabulous 3BA/1BA atomic ranch with vaulted & beamed ceilings, deck & private bkyd.

704.763.8003

SO UTHPARK | WAVE RLY | L A KE N OR MA N | 7 0 4 . 5 5 2 . 9 2 9 2 | H MPR OPERT I E S . C OM ©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

|bookshelf

October books NOTABLE NEW RELEASES compiled by Sally Brewster

The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles In June 1954, 18-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he served 15 months for involuntary manslaughter. With his mother long gone, his father recently deceased and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his 8-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California, where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction, to New York. Spanning just 10 days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’ third novel is his best to date.

restricted to his bed. He reads the recently published The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and has many questions about the book. He pleads with his sister Megs, a physics student at Oxford, to seek out Lewis and get the answers. She manages to meet the esteemed author and share George’s request with him. Over several visits, Lewis tells Megs stories of his life, which she brings home to George. Along the way, and with the help of a handsome fellow student, she learns that truth lies both in physics and in fairy tales, and new worlds open for her family and herself. Callahan (Becoming Mrs. Lewis) mines the life and work of C.S. Lewis in this enjoyable exploration of the power of imagination to see one through difficult times.

Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide, by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras Created by the ever-curious minds behind Atlas Obscura, this breathtaking guide transforms our sense of what people around the world eat and drink. Covering all seven continents, Gastro Obscura serves up a loaded plate of incredible ingredients, food adventures and edible wonders. Ready for a beer made from fog in Chile? Sardinia’s “Threads of God” pasta? Egypt’s 2,000-year-old egg ovens? But far more than a menu of curious minds, delicacies and unexpected dishes, Gastro Obscura reveals food’s central place in our lives as well as our bellies, touching on history, culture, travel, festivals and hidden gems that might be right around the corner, like the vending machine in Texas dispensing full-sized pecan pies. Dig in and feed your sense of wonder.

A Line to Kill, by Anthony Horowitz When ex-detective inspector Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, author Anthony Horowitz, are invited to an exclusive literary festival on Alderney, an idyllic island off the south coast of England, they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of murder investigation — or to be trapped with a cold-blooded killer in a remote place with a murky, haunted past. Arriving on Alderney, Hawthorne and Horowitz soon meet the festival’s other guests — an eccentric gathering that includes a bestselling children’s author, a French poet, a TV chef-turned-cookbook author, a blind psychic and a war historian. When a local grandee is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Hawthorne and Horowitz become embroiled in the case. The island is locked down, no one is allowed on or off, and it soon becomes horribly clear that a murderer lurks in their midst. But who? Another great addition to the Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery line. SP

Once Upon a Wardrobe, by Patti Callahan Eight-year-old George was born with a weak heart, so he is often

Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books at 4139 Park Road. parkroadbooks.com

southparkmagazine.com | 75

Scan QR Code to learn more.

BeaufortInn.com | 843-379-4667 809 Port Republic Street, Beaufort, South Carolina SOUTHPARK

|queen city journal

Lessons learned ONE CHARLOTTE WOMAN’S BREAST CANCER JOURNEY by Leigh Dyer

he phone call last spring caught me off guard: Following a mammogram and ultrasound that had found suspicious images, the results of my first biopsy were back. “You have a form of cancer ...” began the woman’s voice on the other end. Despite my knowledge that this happens to one in eight women, I’d been in denial that it could happen to me. I’m happy to report that my breast cancer was caught early, and I have received excellent care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. As I write this, I am two weeks away from finishing radiation treatments. That follows my second biopsy, two MRIs, genetic counseling, chemotherapy consultation, a second opinion, two surgeries and several integrative-medicine appointments. Radiation is the final step of treatment. Before this happened, I’d done my share of reading about breast cancer — risk factors, prevention tips, the latest studies on mammograms and treatments, and so forth. But it struck me throughout my journey how far the research on breast cancer has progressed, with some advances being relatively recent. So I wanted to pass along some of the information I found most useful over the last six months in hopes it might be helpful to others — whether you’re seeking to lower your own risk or if you or someone you love is coping with a similar diagnosis.

CHECK YOUR SOURCES. I’ll start with the first piece of advice I received during that first phone call: Wanting to do a lot of reading on this topic is natural. But you’ll want to spare yourself a lot of credible-sounding sources who cite dubious science. Start with the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) and the National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov), and if you find a tip elsewhere that isn’t repeated at one of those two sites, you’ll want to check it with your health care provider.

DON’T SKIP THOSE MAMMOGRAMS. I had a variety of excuses for not getting mammograms as often as my doctors recommended, most recently because of the pandemic. Following my diagnosis, I beat myself up for skipping a mammogram, wondering if I had blown it by not doing the one easy thing that was within my control. Ultimately, mine was caught at a

lucky time — my cancer was invasive, but it was still very early. If I’d let it go another year or two, it could have been a much scarier story. So, if the takeaway is that at least one woman out there decides to catch up on her mammograms, telling this story will be worthwhile.

FIND A CANCER MENTOR. I’m so very grateful to the many (too many) women I know who’ve been through this journey before me. Their knowledge and perspective have been so helpful. (In general, this is a time of intense gratitude to all the friends and family who have been so supportive). My only caution might be to double-check any medical information that sounds surprising from another woman’s experience, especially if her diagnosis was more than a couple of years ago. You never know what might already be out of date. If you don’t know a survivor to reach out to, Levine Cancer Institute offers free support groups.

UPDATE YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS ADVICE. Looking to shed that “quarantine 15” but lacking motivation? That was me. May I suggest “avoiding cancer” as a pretty powerful motivator? Studies surprisingly show that premenopause, having a few extra pounds might be OK — but only a few, as obesity is a risk factor. However, once you hit menopause, losing even a small number of pounds can lower your risk. A recent study from the NIH found that losing as little as 4.5 pounds post-menopause lowered the risk of breast cancer by 18%, while the risk reduction was even greater in those who lose 10 to 20 pounds or more, and keep them off long term.

EXERCISE — DUH. In the least surprising news ever, getting the recommended 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week lowers your risk. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to try new activities — both tai chi and qigong are recommended for breast cancer survivors, and free video introductions are plentiful on YouTube and elsewhere. For cardio without increasing any of the discomforts that come along with cancer treatment, I have found a recumbent exercise bike helpful. southparkmagazine.com | 77

|queen city journal TRY INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE. My oncological surgeon referred me to an integrative specialist, who was covered by my insurance and became a resource for advice on nutrition, supplements, exercise, meditation, sleep habits/insomnia and other forms of healing such as reiki (three free “healing touch” appointments are available to all Levine Cancer Institute patients). If I’d needed chemotherapy, she would have had plentiful advice for managing the side effects — fortunately, though, chemotherapy was not recommended in my case.

LOWER YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL RISK.

Approx. ½ tbsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar Freshly ground black pepper and coarse salt, to taste Crumbled or cubed feta cheese, to taste Pitted kalamata olives, to taste Directions: Mix all ingredients. It’s fine to serve this on a bed of salad greens if preferred, but the Greeks eat it just like this. If you like crushed garlic or thinly sliced red onions, throw some in. It’s even better after it marinates for about 30 minutes, and leftovers can keep a day or so in the fridge. I enjoy topping it with a dollop of hummus.

Lots of scary news articles warn about environmental factors that might increase your risk of cancer, and it can be overwhelming. I was grateful when my integrative specialist told me about the Environmental Working Group, which issues consumer guides on everything from household cleaners to personal-care products to food. I chose some EWG-certified products for things I put directly onto my skin, such as sunscreen. (ewg.org).

SOME BRIEF WARDROBE ADVICE. Bamboo fabric pajamas are a miracle invention, with antibacterial, moisture-wicking and cooling properties. The natural-fiber garments are pricey, and you have to check brands for sustainable manufacturing processes, but when your skin’s going through a lot of punishment between surgeries and radiation treatment, I found they are worth every penny.

DO YOUR DIET RESEARCH. You’ll find a lot of sometimes-conflicting dietary advice out there, but my specialist agreed the best solution for me is the Mediterranean diet (also ranked as the No. 1 “healthiest diet overall” in U.S. News & World Report rankings). I was already halfway there following a family vacation to Greece in 2019. It struck me as the most promising for long-term success because it does not completely forbid any major food group — and you’re even permitted the occasional glass of wine at dinner (sorry, but more than one glass per day is a risk factor). This part was actually fun, if any part of this experience can be called fun. Three cookbooks I’ve found helpful: The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (Ball & Segrave-Daly, Rockbridge Press); The Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Solution (Stassou, Rockbridge Press); and The Cancer Diet Cookbook (Detraz, Rockbridge Press). Below, I share a couple of my favorite recipes. SIMPLE GREEK SALAD I’m one of those who don’t like having too many “extra” salad greens remaining after all the toppings are eaten, so an authentic Greek-style salad appeals to me. I’ve thrown together a version of this almost daily with whatever appropriate ingredients I have on hand. Ingredients: 1 small green bell pepper, chopped 1 small or Persian cucumber, chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped Approx. ½ tbsp. olive oil (I just eyeball it as I drizzle straight from the bottle; it’s hard to go wrong)

SOUTHPARK

EASY SHRIMP SCAMPI (serves 3-4) I was so relieved to find recipes for this popular favorite listed in weight-loss cookbooks. The Mediterranean diet is heavily plantbased, but occasional seafood (and less frequent poultry or red meat) are permitted. This can be served with whole-grain pasta or lightly sauteed zucchini “zoodles.” Ingredients: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 shallot or small onion, minced 1 pound fresh medium shrimp, peeled & deveined 6 cloves minced or crushed garlic Juice of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon ½ cup dry white wine ½ tsp. Kosher or sea salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Pinch red pepper flakes ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Directions: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shallot or onion about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the shrimp and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is pink. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, wine, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat, cooking for about 2 minutes until liquid reduces by about half. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley. SP Leigh Dyer was editor of SouthPark Magazine from 2008-2011. She now works in communications and can be found on Twitter and Instagram @editorleigh.

a g a z i n e

Thursday, December 2 Mint Museum Randolph $25 per ticket 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Join SouthPark for MINGLE AT THE MINT, an exclusive shopping event designed to connect our readers with unique local retailers and artisans. Enjoy complimentary libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. For more information, please email Scott at scott@southparkmagazine.com or Jane at jane@southparkmagazine.com

Missing an Issue? Sold in Eastover

1056 BOLLING ROAD, CHARLOT TE 4BR | 5BA | 4,353 SQ FT | $2,100,000

Sold in Myers Park

1234 WAREHAM COURT, CHARLOT TE 3BR | 3.1BA | 3,043 SQ FT | $1,195,000

The Salton Team CO N TAC T S COT T L E O N A R D scott@southparkmagazine 704.996.6426

Sarah & Lynn Salton Brokers / Realtors ® Top Producers 704-315-9515 sarah@hmproperties.com hmproperties.com ©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC and fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

southparkmagazine.com | 79

BOTOX/FILLER

704.344.8846 309 S. Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211

2 DAYS ONLY! Nov. 4-5 BOTOX: $11/UNIT JEUVEAU: $10/UNIT XEOMIN: $9.50/UNIT DYSPORT: $3.20/UNIT FILLER: $50 OFF 1ST SYRINGE $100 OFF each additional syringe of Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse, and others. OFFER: Patients must pay in full either Nov. 4 or 5, 2021 to take advantage of the event pricing. Procedures may be scheduled on either of those days or at a later date. Patients may not buy additional product for future office visits.

We came. We rode. We donated. See you next year!

| 80

SOUTHPARK

Customized plans on your homesite. We build in the greater Charlotte area from the $500’s to over $2 million.

EMPIREDESIGNBUILD-NC.COM | 704.602.3333 Formerly Shea Homes North Carolina. Sales: ECH Brokerage LP. License #C33712. Construction: EHC Homes, LP, DBA Empire Communities (NC: 85275; SC: 123509). Shea Homes North Carolina is not affiliated with the national homebuilder Shea Homes Limited Partnership. E.&O.E. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SOUTHPARK

Med Spa HIGH END HEALTHY BEAUTY With state of the art technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures we serve a multicultural community providing beauty and wellness from inside out.

Rafael Nieto, MD • Colon Hydrotherapy • PDO Thread Face Lift • Skin Tightening • Male and Female Facial Sculpting • Natural-looking Lip Augmentation • Massage Therapy (Deep Tissue, Hot Stones) • Botox, Dysport, Xeomin 6324 Fairview Road, Suite 204, Charlotte, NC 28210 980.960.0477 704.579.9056

KATHERINE RICHEY HICKMAN

Brokers / REALTOR® 704-444-0898 khickman@cottinghamchalk.com 2020 Rookie of the Year

• Weight Loss • Dermal Fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, Radiesse) • Laser Hair Removal (Pain-free, All Skin Color Types) • Cellulite Treatment • Brazilian Butt Lift Non-invasive

info@izarwellness.com izarwellness.com IzarWellness izar_wellness_medical_spa

Book your Suite at Tuscarora’s!

RECENT OFF-M ARKET SALES

2124 GREENWAY AVENUE Elizabeth | $825,000

2426 WESTFIELD ROAD Myers Park | $1,450,000 “We would not have been able to find a house in this market without Katherine’s off-market expertise. With the market being so limited, she used her connections and went the extra mile to help us find a home.” – Kate U.

33 scenic acres Huge in/out suites, no cages Nature trail walks Resident club staff 24/7 Golf cart rides in the forest Van pickup & delivery

1573 MARYLAND AVENUE Myers Park (Lot) | $960,000

COT T I N G H A M C H AL K .CO M / K ATH E R IN E-HI CK MA N

704-436-6122

tuscaroracc.com See our videos

southparkmagazine.com | 83

Since the homeowners have a woodburning fireplace outside on a covered patio, they decided to convert the living room fireplace to gas. The fireplace surround is polished Carrara marble. |

SOUTHPARK

Middle ground MELISSA LEE DESIGNS A PET-FRIENDLY SOUTHPARK HOME FOR A NEWLYWED COUPLE. by Cathy Martin • photographs by Laura Sumrak

southparkmagazine.com | 85

SOUTHPARK

southparkmagazine.com | 87

SOUTHPARK

ettling into your first home as husband and wife can be exhilarating, from choosing furniture, fixtures and fabrics to picking out paint colors. It also can be stressful, especially when you aren’t sure how closely your tastes align. “Calm and welcoming” was the vibe this newlywed couple sought when they set out to furnish their new SouthPark-area home. And while creating a space that took into consideration the homeowners’ four dogs — welcoming, sure; calm, not so much — might have flustered some designers, Melissa Lee of New South Home was up for the challenge. “We had a really good slate to work with,” Lee says of the new-construction home by custom builder Halley Douglas. When the owners purchased it in May 2019, the house boasted plenty of handsome features, including high ceilings, natural stained oak

beams in the living room, and Carrara marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. But when it came time to tackle the interior design, the homeowners decided they wanted a little help. “My husband and I know what we like but are never quite sure how to achieve it,” the homeowner says. “Melissa had designed the home of one of my partners at work — I loved the clean, modern but classic aesthetic.” Also on the punch list was a neutral color scheme and a little midcentury-modern flair. While the couple have similar styles (“We both avoid bold colors and like natural materials,” the homeowner says), Lee noticed the husband preferred substantial, ruff-hewn pieces in a Restoration Hardware-inspired style while his wife leaned toward a clean-lined, midcentury aesthetic. southparkmagazine.com | 89

White marble bathrooms are everywhere these days, and bringing in natural textures can add warmth. “A lot of times, bathrooms can feel a little cold — I just try to bring in some elements to make it a little cozier in there,” interior designer Melissa Lee says. In this primary suite, Lee added a teak stool in the shower and wooden floating shelves over the bathtub. Framed artwork, decorative accessories, a small table perfect for a glass of wine, and a colorful rug complete the design.

SOUTHPARK

“So, it was really just mixing in more of those heavier, manly elements, then balancing it out with softer colors and textures,” Lee says. “They both really liked navy and blues, so we used a darker navy in the foyer and then lighter blues in the bedroom.” Lee also points to how the white upholstered headboard helps soften the visual impact of the sturdier bed. Lee describes the style as “organic modern,” a blend of elements such as natural woods and leathers with plants and textured, woven materials such as rattan — all tied together with clean lines and black accents for a bit of a mid-mod vibe. As for the home’s four-legged inhabitants, Lee stresses that creating a dog-friendly environment isn’t all that different from designing a home for a family with children. She used performance fabrics — durable, easy-to-clean textiles designed to withstand a little extra wear and tear — throughout, and pillows are encased in zippered, removable covers that can be easily dry-cleaned.

While leather is generally considered a dog-friendly material, Lee says it’s still important to test product samples before committing. “There are different types of leather. Some leathers scratch — other leathers are protected and don’t scratch,” the designer says. “So even though leather can be termed as dog-friendly, a lot of the time you can still get the pet scratches on it.” Steering the homeowners toward less expensive rugs was another way the designer took pets into consideration. “It provides a lot more peace of mind for our clients, so they don’t have to worry about a really expensive, custom antique rug that their dog just had an accident on or tracked mud through the house on,” Lee says. The home is now a stylish space that is also practical for the family’s needs. “Melissa helped us mostly by listening to our needs and likes, then narrowing our choices — we would dither endlessly if allowed,” the homeowner says. “She really made the process so easy.” SP

southparkmagazine.com | 91

Hail and farewell AS CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES 90 YEARS, EXPECT LONGTIME MUSIC DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER WARREN-GREEN TO WRAP UP HIS FINAL SEASON WITH FANFARE. by Michael J. Solender

SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS LEE AND MICHAEL HARDING

s Christopher Warren-Green comes into his 12th and final season as Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s music director, he reflects on a tenure that soars with high notes, marking the connective power of music in the community. Remarkably, one of his most memorable moments came in the aftermath of one of our city’s most tragic incidents. In late September 2016, less than 48 hours before the symphony was scheduled to host Symphony on Tap, a free community concert, the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott led to extensive civil unrest and a citywide state-of-emergency declaration by public officials. “I received a call that evening from our CEO,” Warren-Green recalls. “He told me we needed to cancel the forthcoming performance. I said, ‘Don’t cancel it. Get the staff to ring everybody in the orchestra on my behalf and ask them if we can just completely change the program and do a concert for peace.’ Not one member of the orchestra turned me down.” Just 36 hours later, Warren-Green led the CSO in presenting One Charlotte: A Performance for Peace, a free lunchtime event at Knight Theater. In a completely revamped and unrehearsed program, the orchestra delivered an emotional and enthusiastic concert featuring works by Dvorak, John Rosamond Johnson, Edward Elgar and a stirring Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland narrated by Rev. Clifford Jones, senior minister of Charlotte’s Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Charlotte’s WDAV radio station broadcast the performance live, and community leaders including former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl came and spoke. “As the city’s orchestra, we have a moral imperative to provide

an opportunity for reflection and community,” Warren-Green said during that time. “Music cares beyond pain. The symphony is really for the community, to help people think with their heart and know music really can make the world a better place.” It’s moments like these that the Charlotte community will recall with joy and wonder as Warren-Green lifts his baton on Oct. 15, when CSO opens its 90th season with a program featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Warren-Green, 66, is retiring to spend more time at home in England. The 2021-2022 season will likely be bittersweet for the maestro who’s built many strong relationships here, established considerable outreach programs and leaves a legacy with far-reaching community impact. “Maestro’s legacy will be evidenced in many ways,” says David Fisk, who became CEO of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in August 2020. “The quality of what he’s built over the last decade in the musicians that he’s chosen, and in the way in which he has built the quality of the ensemble of the orchestra, to a point where even after all the restrictions of Covid, even after not being able to play together, they can still come back and play like a great team. That really, I think, is evidence of how his legacy is built.” Another lasting contribution of Warren-Green’s is his commitment to providing musical education to local youth, many without means, access and exposure to instruments, instruction or classical music. CSO’s Project Harmony provides free instruments, ensemble music training and homework help to Charlotte students. The program is inspired by the Venezuelan music program El Sistema, which uses music to effect social change. southparkmagazine.com | 93

SOUTHPARK

“Christopher has been as keen as anybody to lead our work in education,” Fisk says. “Project Harmony and the Charlotte Symphony Youth [Orchestras] act as a bridge for kids who are just beginning to learn an instrument to have a chance to play together.” Education and outreach run in the Warren-Green family, as Christopher’s wife, renowned violinist Rosemary Furniss, has also made her mark in Charlotte through teaching and development work at Winterfield Elementary, a Title I school. “[CSO outreach] started in Winterfield school when a young teacher brought her violin into the class,” Warren-Green says. “A lot of the kids then started wanting to be taught the violin. And she thought, ‘Well, I can’t cope with teaching all of them. I can’t get the violins — I can’t afford it.’ But she knew where to go, because Charlotte, guess what, has a symphony. And that’s when things took off with Rosemary. I have no doubt in my mind that the Charlotte Symphony will continue [to] push the boundaries [of this outreach], without us, further and further.” Since joining CSO, Warren-Green has divided his time between Charlotte and London, where the U.K. native has led the London Chamber Orchestra as music director since 1988. Career highlights include conducting the London-based Philharmonia Orchestra, where Warren-Green was a one-time concertmaster, for the Service of Prayer and Dedication celebrating the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. To mark the occasion of the queen’s 80th birthday in 2006, he conducted a private concert for the entire royal family at Kew Palace. Warren-Green’s international reputation as a musician’s conductor and musical director has helped Charlotte Symphony Orchestra attract top talent. During his tenure, he’s appointed 40 musicians to the orchestra, an achievement he believes has made a lasting impression. “Because of the career I’ve had,” Warren-Green says, “I’ve appointed people of an international standard. By doing so, I think I’ve improved the orchestra itself. I was very lucky because my predecessor, Christof Perick, had done fantastic work with the orchestra. I had a good ground to base that on. Anyone succeeding me now with the Charlotte Symphony will inherit a very fine orchestra.” Musical highlights over the last decade have been numerous, including: • Bringing Gustav Mahler to Charlotte with Mahler’s Second Symphony, performed in May 2017. (Mahler returns this season with the Ninth Symphony in January 2022.) • The 2018 Rite of Spring collaboration with Charlotte Ballet. (There will be an encore collaboration of this classic work with Charlotte Ballet Oct. 7-9.) • The 2020 performance of Si Otsedoha (We’re Still Here) with students of Cherokee Middle and High Schools. The work musically documents the past, present and future of the Cherokee people who have lived in western North Carolina for several thousand years. In celebration of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary, CSO’s programming bears WarrenGreen’s signature style. “This season is one that is Christopher’s,” Fisk says. “He very much designed it. We wanted to celebrate what he wanted to accomplish in his last year ... And then we fitted the rest of the season around the pillars of the work that is his.” The 90th anniversary celebration concert in March will feature Gustav Holst’s Walt Whitman Overture, Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances and two works by Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and Dona Nobis Pacem, a traditional canon. Plenty of popular music is slated to complement the classical performances during the season, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Kings of Soul, A Very Thorgy Christmas, and concert performances of Jurassic Park and Home Alone. When Warren-Green was asked to reflect upon the evolution of the Charlotte arts and cultural community over his tenure, he was wistful. “I think the Charlotte community has always cherished the arts,” he says. “It’s why we have a wonderful ballet company and a very fine opera company. I find a more enthusiastic audience in our concerts than there used to be. And they’ve always been incredibly enthusiastic, but they seem to be more so now, and incredibly supportive. ... I want to make sure that I am leaving a legacy of artistic excellence, and I’ll always have a fondness for my time here.” SP

southparkmagazine.com | 95

Eternally

fall

A FOOTBALL TRADITION, PLAYED OUT OVER 10 YEARS by Charles Marshall

SOUTHPARK

would drive to a different college football game in a different college town to experience some of the richest traditions, largest stadiums, bitterest rivalries and most exciting game-day environments: 10 years, 10 stadiums, 10 games. Here’s how it went.

Year One: Alabama 23, Ole Miss 10 Tuscaloosa, Ala. — I met my friend Britton Stutts at a summer camp near Brevard when we were both 14. He was from Birmingham, Ala., and I was from Charlotte. We kept in touch over the years — we were even in each other’s weddings. Since he went to college at the University of Alabama, he was the obvious person to help jump-start our tour. We decked out my boys in ’Bama gear, then rode to Tuscaloosa together for the 9 p.m. kickoff. It was a clear, cool October evening. After a buffet meal at a fraternity house, we strolled through the campus’ manicured quads before settling into our seats in Bryant-Denny Stadium — just myself, Foster, Drake and 100,000 other fans. Only two of our seats were together, so the three of us crammed into them. After the national anthem, during the fevered anticipation of kickoff, I knelt down in front of my boys and promised them, over the roar of the crowd, that we’d do this every year for the next 10 years. They stared at me and nodded solemnly. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy threw two touchdown passes. The games were on.

Year Two: Florida 33, Tennessee 23 Gainesville, Fla. — Foster loved Tim Tebow, so the University of Florida was an easy next choice. Without a host family, we would be making it up as we went along. Hotels in college towns cost more

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSHUA STEADMAN

n a Saturday in November 2009, the sights and sounds of Georgia battling Auburn on television were juxtaposed with my elementary-school-aged kids — Foster was 7, Drake was 5 — slamming doors, tearing apart train tracks and bouncing balls. Typically, I found refuge from the whirlwind of parenting in the pageantry and excitement of big-time college football on television — those images of sun-soaked spectators smashed together in packed stadiums and an endless sea of tailgaters picking apart chicken and ribs and mixing cocktails with old friends. But something on this particular Saturday made me desperately want to be a part of it all. And I wanted to bring my boys. Growing up in Charlotte, my life unfolded along a well-worn path between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., a land where college basketball is king. These marquee college football extravaganzas seemed a million miles away, and they took place in remote outposts with curious names like Tuscaloosa, at menacing-sounding stadiums like University of Florida’s “The Swamp.” But when I mapped the routes to the meccas of SEC and Big Ten football, I discovered we could reach most in less than a full day’s drive. If I could grab an unsweetened tea by 6 a.m., my boys and I could transport ourselves right into the scenes I’d spent years watching from my den. It occurred to me that I only had a decade before my oldest son would leave for college. I recalled the allure of the car trips of my youth: AM radio, hotel pools, breakfast buffets and souvenir T-shirts to show off back at school. I thought about the unbroken spells of time where, if you’re lucky, kids talk to you about things that really matter. So I made a plan. For each of the next 10 years, my boys and I

southparkmagazine.com | 97

than a hip replacement the night before a game, so we stayed in Jacksonville and drove to Gainesville in the morning — without GPS or a clue what to expect. We paid $30 to park in the front yard of an older woman’s single-story white house. She took our money from her seat in a lawn chair and, in an act of kindness, let us use the bathroom inside her home. Off we went, hunting-and-pecking our way through Florida’s sprawling campus, embarking on what would become a long-suffering tradition of watching Drake, the youngest, agonize over what fan gear he would purchase. After sorting through racks at several stores, an orange T-shirt from a stadium vendor that simply said “Gators” made his day. It was mid-September, hot and muggy for the late afternoon, nationally televised game. We watched the sun go down in the fourth quarter over the corner of the orange-colored stadium that said “WELCOME TO THE SWAMP” — and suddenly, being there, in person, seemed surreal.

Year Four: Ohio State University vs. University of Wisconsin

Year Three: Georgia 48, Vanderbilt 3 Athens, Ga. — On a spin through Atlanta the night before the game, we ate at The Varsity, a legendary hot dog joint, visited the World of Coke, then went to a music festival where we saw the Avett Brothers and Foo Fighters in a crowd of 50,000. The next day, our seats for the September evening game were “between the hedges” in University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium. We sat behind a colorful array of fraternity kids with an equally colorful vocabulary — but the bigger impression was the cheering for Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, two North Carolina highschool standouts who were running backs for Georgia. Foster wondered aloud why UNC didn’t land them before reality sank in: In 2012, this was a bigger stage. Vanderbilt was supposed to make the game competitive, but they failed miserably. We left at halftime only to find the car’s battery dead, the biggest disaster of our vagabond decade. It took a good two hours to fix the issue as my boys watched me alternate between problem-solving, frustration and fury. Once we were on the road, we drove as far as Commerce, Ga., where we rented a hotel room and watched the end of the Florida State-Clemson game on television while an oversized roach crawled across the ceiling.

Year Four: Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 24 Columbus, Ohio — On the way into Ohio, we heard a local sports talk-radio host deconstruct in mouth-watering detail how to eat a particular corned beef and pastrami sandwich from a particular downtown deli. Sadly, it was closed by the time we rolled into town, so we had to settle for chicken wings and cornhole at a brewpub across the street from our hotel. In the SEC, tailgaters often bring elaborate spreads of precooked food to avoid firing up the charcoal on 100-degree days in an asphalt parking lot — a rookie move that once betrayed my ACC roots. Big Ten tailgates, on the other hand, are where meat goes to get burned. 98

SOUTHPARK

It was bright and sunny as we walked through the Ohio State University campus on a Saturday morning, and the tailgaters were already busy. One was serving ribs and brats hot off the grill by 9 a.m. The heavenly odor was everywhere — in paved parking lots, in grass lots and floating in the spaces in between. The tailgating particularly piqued the interest of Foster, leading to our own charcoal-cooking experiments at home in the weeks afterward, testing an array of homemade sauces and rubs on friends and neighbors. Urban Meyer was in his second season coaching the Buckeyes and had yet to lose a game. Among the 105,000 or so fans in “the horseshoe” for the 8 p.m. kickoff was a guy seated right behind us who went on and on about how Meyer couldn’t hold a candle to former coach Jim Tressel because Meyer “hadn’t scheduled anybody any good.” It was a reminder of the impossibility of coaching college football: You’re undefeated, and you’re still a bum.

Year Five: Oklahoma 45, West Virginia 33 Morgantown, W.V. — I’d heard about the beer, the moonshine and the burning couches. So why not take the kids to see what the fuss is all about? If Morgantown seemed deserted before the 7:30 p.m. game, it was only because everyone was in the parking lot of West Virginia University’s Milan Puskar Stadium. We found a tailgate of a friend of a friend of a friend — who wasn’t even there — and I was immediately offered beer and a swig of moonshine straight out of a Mason jar. We were surrounded by amiable strangers sipping from similar jars and spewing profanities about Pitt. “Dad,” one of my sons quietly said to me, “they aren’t even playing Pitt today.” The game was as boisterous and fun as I’d imagined. Our seats were on the end of an aisle across from the Oklahoma band. The band would play “Boomer Sooner” right up to the snap of the ball, but the West Virginia fans angrily accused the band director of

playing past the snap. A fight was brewing, and the police were summoned but, overall, the atmosphere was exhilarating — and the fans were warm and hospitable toward my boys throughout the game. Oklahoma was ranked second in the country, and the expectations for an upset were off the rails. West Virginia put up tons of points, but Oklahoma put up more. On the way out of town, my boys announced that since we had made it through a West Virginia game, “we could probably handle LSU.”

Year Six: Arkansas 24, Tennessee 20 Knoxville, Tenn. — My sons and I thought we were geniuses for picking this game. Both teams had new coaches and were supposedly “on the rise.” This was to be the year for each. Their favorable schedules made it seem possible that both could come into this early October game unbeaten, making an ESPN Game Day visit to University of Tennessee feasible. But here was Tennessee at 2-2 and Arkansas at 1-3. It rained and rained and rained, but we marched ahead — to Calhoun’s On the River for amazing ribs, chicken, potatoes and dessert; past the Vol Navy; through campus and “accidentally” through the off-limits practice facilities. (Everyone thought we were boosters on an exclusive tour.) We even stood outside in a downpour to watch the Vol Walk. So, it became an important game anyway. The rain let up for the 7 p.m. kickoff, and the teams fought until the last set of downs.

in a temperature-controlled hotel room in Altoona watching Penn State pull off the upset of the year. As the fans stormed the field, my son — the same one who had blazed our trail out — was in full denial, blaming the rest of us for leaving and promising he would have stormed the field, too.

Year Eight: Michigan State 14, Michigan 10 Ann Arbor, Mich. — During the last hour of our drive to Ann Arbor, we learned the Pistons were playing a preseason game against Atlanta in Detroit. While my sons bought tickets online, I navigated the downtown parking. Within minutes, we were inside the arena, enjoying footlong hot dogs, nachos and some impromptu

Year Seven: Penn State 24, Ohio State 21 State College, Penn. — This year, we invited my father as well as my brother and his two boys to join us. We toured the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park the day before the Penn State University game. Three generations of our family learned about the heroism of the 20th Maine on Little Round Top, walked in the footsteps of Pickett’s Charge, and solemnly listened as the tour guide detailed the mind-blowing carnage on both sides. The drive from Gettysburg to State College is a seat-burner: After the farms come long stretches of forest, mountains and hairpin turns. Beaver Stadium is a mammoth structure, even when judged against the other massive stadiums we’d already visited. We got swept up in the pregame “whiteout” hysteria, when the entire stadium dresses in white. We purchased some last-minute gear and thought it smart to settle into our seats an hour early for the late October game. Wrong: It was in the low 40s, with 20-mph winds and rain destined to turn to sleet. We were frigid. The game, though, was electric. It proved to be a breakout for both quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. By halftime, we had been in our seats almost three hours, the sleet was coming down hard, and the hot chocolate had run out. When I suggested we watch the second half from the hotel, my dad was willing to brave the elements, but Drake, dressed in only a sweatshirt, eagerly led the way out. Ninety minutes later, we were

Year Eight: Michigan State vs. University of Michigan

NBA basketball. On the University of Michigan campus the next day, we stumbled onto a midday frat party in full swing. Boozy undergrads were taking a sledgehammer to an old car painted in Spartan colors and logos. When a drunken Michigan State fan tried to intervene and stop the destruction, a fight broke out and spilled into the street. In the midst of this early afternoon chaos and tomfoolery, Drake observed, “I thought it was hard to get into Michigan.” In that moment, I couldn’t think of an answer that made any sense. The Big House was everything that has been said about it. That evening, 100,000 fans sat in a single bowl that had the intimate feel of a giant high-school football game. The game quickly retreated into a defensive struggle that ended in an unseasonably warm, southparkmagazine.com | 99

young alumnus next to my wife celebrated each successful play with a swallow of bourbon and repeatedly offered her a swig — which she declined. Eventually, he had to be escorted out by friends. A few minutes later, LSU escorted Auburn out with a walk-off field goal to win. As night began to fall, we passed a woman packing her family’s tailgating gear into an SUV. Her crew had undoubtedly spent all week planning the food, drinks and decorations, cooked all day and night on Friday, and gotten up early to pack the car — only to spend the entire day setting up, hosting, cleaning, breaking down and, now, loading up for the drive home. Maybe those tailgate companies aren’t so bad after all.

Year Ten: LSU 58, Ole Miss 37

Year Ten: Louisiana State University vs. University of Mississippi

October downpour during the fourth quarter. The drive home to North Carolina was long, and somewhere in southwest Virginia, we stopped at a Shoney’s breakfast bar. The waitress brought me a note from an anonymous customer — who had since left — thanking me for spending time with my boys and letting me know he had paid for our breakfast. My boys were awed by the charity, humility and anonymity of the act. It spoke more to them than a thousand words from me.

Year Nine: LSU 22, Auburn 21 Auburn, Ala. — This was our penultimate year, and by this time Foster was a junior in high school, so we were touring colleges. My wife, Fraley, and our daughter, Sadler, wanted to come along for this one. We fled Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and arrived at Auburn University for what my wife still refers to as the hottest day she’s ever endured. By this point, my sons were tailgate aficionados. Unimpressed by the companies that do all the setup for you, my boys gave high marks to the families slogging their own gear. This was a game played before Joe Burrow was Joe Burrow, but I vividly remember him throwing the ball downfield several times on LSU’s first possession. My sons had fantastic lower bowl seats, while the rest of us were five rows from the top of the second level. The 100

SOUTHPARK

Oxford, Miss. — Foster was a high-school senior, so this was his year to pick the destination. He chose a game at University of Mississippi, and we invited two of his closest friends, plus their dads and younger brothers. We had Friday lunch on the Square, caught a basketball game on campus that night and walked through The Grove — the tailgate area in the center of campus — where SEC Game Day was setting up shop. The next morning, the dads fixed breakfast and sent the boys on foot to see Game Day live while we watched it on television. By lunch, The Grove was wall-to-wall tents decked out with rugs, televisions and button-down shirts with blazers. We knew some North Carolina friends hosting a tailgate with their Memphis relatives and used that as our “headquarters.” Around 4 p.m., I made up an excuse to march my boys to the stadium three hours early. When we got there, we were greeted with pregame access lanyards and made our way down to the field as guests. We walked around both sidelines, taking in the sights and sounds of warmups as the atmosphere began to build. Recruits were ushered onto the field, then the players began coming out in full game gear. When the game started, we were up in our seats. At one point, Drake went to the restroom, still wearing his field pass. A fan mistook him for a recruit, and he couldn’t have been happier to tell the rest of us. When I suggested that it would be hard to mistake an undersized high-school sophomore soccer player for an SEC football recruit, he clarified that the fan “thought I was a kicker.” By this game, Joe Burrow had become Joe Burrow, and it was like watching an NFL team. The next day, we began a 13-hour drive with the best doughnuts I’ve ever eaten, on one of the best mornings I’ve ever had. Before we left home for that final game, I asked my boys if they remembered my commitment to them in Bryant-Denny Stadium: that we would go to a different game every year for 10 straight years. They both said they remembered thinking that I was serious — but that I was unlikely to make good on my plan. It was a fair point — I have always been stronger on the idea side than on the execution. That winter, my wife and I returned to Tuscaloosa with

Foster for a final college visit. It was sunny, with temperatures in the mid-60s, and we saw Alabama’s basketball team beat a ranked LSU team in the final minutes. After a lively dinner at Taco Mama and another evening stroll through the campus, he chose Alabama. I wondered whether these annual adventures had shaped his college choice more than I imagined or intended. Did they make big schools seem less intimidating? Was there something about the first trip to Alabama that held a special foothold in his memory? My son

says he doesn’t really know, and in the end, it doesn’t really matter. What matters are the memories we made together: late nights in tiny hotel pools, the glories of a breakfast bar, listening to a highschool football game on the radio, and those long car rides where, just as I’d hoped, my boys began to talk about things that really mattered. SP

Charles Marshall grew up in Myers Park and graduated from Charlotte Country Day School in 1988. He never played football. southparkmagazine.com | 101

Fall

fling

Her: Derek Lam Jessie blouse, $295, and Anna Quan Morgan dress (worn as skirt), $580, both from Showroom; A.L.C Oakley sweater, $500, Sloan Him: Ralph Lauren soft tartan linen-blend sport coat, $588, Gitman for Tabor blue oxford shirt, $149.50, A.P.C. Ludo cottonblend sweater, $310, Raleigh Denim Martin resin rinse jean, $210, all from Tabor 102

SOUTHPARK

Photographer: Olly Yung Styling + production: Whitley Adkins Hair + makeup: Josiah Reed Models: Lane McAllister and Noelle Hunt with Modelogic Mid Atlantic Photography assistant: Corwin Gillie Stylist assistant: Jennifer Williams on location in Roanoke, Va. special thanks to The Hotel Roanoke and Blue Mountain Adventures

southparkmagazine.com | 103

Her: Rachel Comey Camisiam dress, $495, Showroom; Vivo Buffalo horn earrings, $42, Sloan; Jerome Dreyfuss crossbody bag and Free People zip-up boots, both stylist’s own Him: The Sporting Gent Stanley button down, $125, The Sporting Gent Boone five-pocket pant, $135, Onward Reserve Highland Chelsea boots, $225

Her: A.L.C. Corinna dress, $500, L’Agence slim raw denim jacket, $376, Claris Virot leather Andrea bag, $650, Twine & Twig stacked cowrie necklace, $125, CATH•S Longhi necklace, $260, MKT Studio hat, $300, all from Sloan; Jimmy Choo black leather boots, stylist’s own Him: Dries Van Noten Velston plaid jacket, $1,855, A.P.C. Fred marled wool sweater, $325, Officine Generale Lipp organic cotton plaid shirt, $310, Raleigh Denim Martin stretch jean, $225, Oliver Peoples Cary Grant sunglasses, $451, all from Tabor; Onward Reserve Highland Chelsea boots, $225 On location at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a 329-room Tudorstyle hotel built in 1882 that is on the National Register of Historic Places. 104

SOUTHPARK

southparkmagazine.com | 105

Her: La DoubleJ Soleil skirt, $760, and turtleneck, $235, both from Showroom; Cleobella Brynn clutch, $248, and Vivo Buffalo horn earrings, $38, both from Sloan; J.Crew boots, stylist’s own Him: Officine Generale wool jacket, $665, and pant, $280; RRL by Ralph Lauren Farrell work shirt, $199; all from Tabor On location at Explore Park, an 1,100-acre recreation area off the Blue Ridge Parkway with hiking trails, river frontage, an aerial adventure course and more.

106

SOUTHPARK

Her: Munthe Pamplona knit top, Showroom, $190; Frame Le Original jean in limelight chew, Sloan, $248 Him: Onward Reserve brown plaid tailored fit stretch button-down, $115, and fivepocket stretch pant, $145; Filson duffle pack, $245, Onward Reserve Owned and operated by Jonathan and Holly Hart, Blue Mountain Adventures provides accommodations including canvas tents, treetop platform campsites and primitive campsites at Explore Park, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

southparkmagazine.com | 107

Her: Victoria Beckham belted cord trench coat, $685, Showroom; Pistola Kellin trousers, $130, Sloan; Coclico Lono boots, stylist’s own from Elston Him: Barbour Tember quilted jacket, $230, Onward Reserve; Raleigh Denim Martin pant, $215, Tabor On location at the Texas Tavern, a 10-stool breakfast and burger spot that has served Roanoke customers since 1930.

108

SOUTHPARK

The Roanoke Star is a 100-foot steel and concrete structure built in 1949 that sits atop Mill Mountain — its glow can be seen from as far away as 60 miles. Her: Dorothee Schumacher velvet Instinct blouse, $490, and Rejina Pyo Sofia bag, $495, both from Showroom; Pistola Kellin trousers, $130, and Guanabana woven belt, $68, both from Sloan; Coclico Lono boots, stylist’s own from Elston Him: Gitman Vintage blue oxford, $149.50, A.P.C pullover, $310, Raleigh Denim Martin pant, $215, all from Tabor; Onward Reserve Highland Chelsea boots, $225

southparkmagazine.com | 109

Connections Co nit C e ie MPHS FOUNDATION FAMI TREE INITIATIVE

Introducing the Myers Park High School Alumni Family Tree initiative. Join today and receive timely updates, connect with old friends, and support your alma mater! www.mphsfoundation.org/alumni-family-tree

110

SOUTHPARK

Find a Copy

For Sale in Morrocroft Place

2263 Richardson Dr., #8D

3BR | 4.1BA | 4,700 sq. ft. | $1,950,000 Morrocroft Place is a prestigious and secure building situated on over 16 acres in the heart of SouthPark offering complete privacy in a park-like setting. This 8th floor unit is a rare find in Charlotte and has stunning views of SouthPark and Uptown from each balcony. This gracious unit features oversized rooms, 10 foot ceilings, beautiful moldings, custom cabinetry, large primary and secondary suites with private baths, multiple cedar closets, private guest suite, large kitchen with breakfast area, and each room has balcony access. Additional features include 24-hour security guard/concierge, fitness center, mail room, 3 elevators, and a newly renovated swimming pool. This unit also includes two parking spaces and a storage unit.

Jocelyn Rose Subscribe for home delivery or find a previous issue:

southparkmagazine.com/store

Broker / Realtor ® Top Producer 704.975.9900 jocelyn@hmproperties.com hmproperties.com

Welcome Home

©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC and fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Charlotte’s Only Hot Glass Studio and Gallery

southparkmagazine.com | 111

112

SOUTHPARK

travel | weekend away

Head for the

hills IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE WITH A VISIT TO HIGHLANDS. by Cathy Martin

PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG NEWINGTON

he road from Charlotte to Highlands is long and winding — after passing through Brevard, westbound U.S. Highway 64 twists and turns through resort communities like Lake Toxaway, Sapphire and Cashiers before you reach your destination. On a plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands sits nearly at the intersection of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Given that proximity, it’s no wonder that well-heeled Atlantans discovered the allure of this mountain town decades ago — Highlands has long been a favored summer retreat and second-home market for residents of the Georgia capital. Here in the Queen City, we’re blessed with a plethora of nearby options for a mountain getaway — Asheville, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and others are less than three hours away. But having never visited Highlands before, I set out (twice) this year to see what all my Georgia friends have known for years. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, Highlands — a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte — is a hiker’s paradise with a lovely, walkable downtown, and scarcely a chain store in sight. Of course, I’d heard about the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, the chic retreat that opened in downtown Highlands in 2004. But recently, a couple of other local historic properties have undergone major facelifts, providing stylish accommodations at a slightly more approachable price point.

f you’re looking to convene with nature (and why else would you be here?), drive 10 minutes from town to Skyline Lodge, a 40-room inn atop Flat Mountain that dates to the 1930s. The U-shaped property surrounded by forest was designed by Arthur Kelsey, a student and friend of Frank Lloyd Wright, who incorporated natural granite and timber native to the area in its construction. Now owned by Charleston, S.C.-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the lodge has been recently restored to its midcentury glory. southparkmagazine.com | 113

114

SOUTHPARK

Skyline Lodge

The renovation kept the lodge’s original layout intact, so there’s a distinct retro feel to the rooms accessed by a covered walkway and surrounding a shared courtyard. Here, what once was a pool deck now feels like an adult playground, with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, bocce and string lights. It’s a social place — don’t be surprised when locals dropping by for dinner want to stop and chat about the improvements to the hotel (they approve) and how the area has changed through the years. The midmod theme carries through to the guest rooms, with dark paneling, retro accents and large private balconies great for sipping morning coffee. My room, the Hemlock, had peaceful, unobstructed views of the forest, with the soothing sounds of the Big Creek tributary rushing below. The bathroom, a bit small in keeping with the lodge’s original footprint, was nicely updated with sleek marble, zellige tile and luxurious botanical soaps and lotions from Grown Alchemist. At press time, the hotel was wrapping up construction on Butler’s, a bar with a sunroom and patio that will serve breakfast in the morning and cocktails at night. Meanwhile, the standout here is Oak Steakhouse, situated at the back of the property. The central bar with a soaring, exposed-beam ceiling is accented with a massive granite stone fireplace and several cozy spots for conversation and cocktails. In the main dining room, windows line three sides, allowing plenty of light and more of those mountain views. If the winter chill hasn’t yet set in, ask for a table on the terrace to take in the fresh mountain air. If you’ve visited one of Oak’s other locations, you know to expect USDA prime and dry-aged steaks, and you’ll find some familiar favorites on the menu here. Much of the menu, however, is exclusive to the Highlands location, including pan-seared mountain trout, heritage pork loin and braised rabbit agnolotti. Cocktails are inventive twists on the classics: Try the skyline sour — lemon, Empress gin and Apertivo — or the Dark, Truthful Mirror – Chartreuse, Mezcal, Lillet, lime and ginger with fresh mountain herbs. You’ll see plenty of sport coats here — it is Highlands, after all — but you’ll be equally comfortable wearing something a bit more casual. While you won’t find valet parking, a spa or other extravagances you might expect at pricier resorts, you’ll find plenty of historical details, gorgeous scenery, good times and low-key luxury at Skyline Lodge. Back downtown, perched on a prominent corner lot, expect a different vibe at Highlander Mountain House, an 18-room inn built in 1885. The farmhouse was a private residence for southparkmagazine.com | 115

Clockwise from top left: Menu highlights at Oak Steakhouse in Highlands include braised rabbit agnolotti, venison Wellington, sorghum caramel cake and heritage pork loin.

many years before becoming a bed and breakfast. When the newly christened Highlander Mountain House opened its doors last October, the inn was an immediate Instagram sensation, with its moody blue exterior, art and antique-filled spaces, and dreamy wallpapered guest rooms. If Old Edwards is the rich uncle, HMH is the fun-loving, Ivy League-educated nephew. With a roaring fire, a playlist ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to classic rock, and friendly flannel-clad staff, the inn buzzes in the evenings, when the Ruffed Grouse Tavern fills with locals and guests stopping by for drinks and a dinner of Appalachian trout or steak frites. The tavern is open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday brunch. Check their site for information about guest chefs, literary events and more — in recent months, the inn welcomed acclaimed author Ron Rash and Charleston chef Dano Heinze.

116

SOUTHPARK

OUT AND ABOUT Three miles west of downtown, Dry Falls is an 80-foot waterfall with a paved path allowing you to walk behind the falls for an up-close look at this natural wonder. It’s one of many waterfalls in the area and can be easily accessed from the parking area just off U.S. 64. For a short hike that won’t wear you out for the day’s other adventures, head to the opposite end of downtown and the Sunset Rock trailhead. Park on the street or at the Highlands Nature Center and follow the .7mile, wide gravel trail to the summit, which offers panoramic views of the region. When you return from your hike, explore the Highlands Botanical Gardens behind the nature center, where you can learn about the native flora. Admission is free, and the gardens are open year-round. Another short hike with stellar scenic views is the Whiteside Mountain Rec Trail, a 1.9-mile loop just a few miles outside of town. A half-mile west of downtown, The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts hosts exhibitions featuring works by regional artists on a 6-acre former horse farm. PROVISIONS Mountain Fresh Grocery is a one-stop shop for coffee, snacks, lunch, pizza or any provisions you might need for a picnic or to take along on your hike. There’s even a small wine and coffee bar in the center of the store, for your pre- and post-excursion refreshments. Shoppers will find plenty of one-of-akind boutiques, including Bardo, an eclectic home decor, jewelry and furniture store. Just outside of town, head to Reclamations and search through an endless array of architectural salvage pieces, furniture and unique decor items, from rustic dough bowls to whiskey barrels to antique German cigar molds. The Highland Hiker (brands include Barbour, Frye and Mountain Khakis) can outfit you for whatever outdoor activities you have planned during your stay. SP The bar at Oak Steakhouse in Highlands

southparkmagazine.com | 117

travel | college towns

Peak college PLANNING A TRIP TO THE HIGH COUNTRY WITH YOUR FUTURE MOUNTAINEER? HERE’S A GUIDE TO EXPLORING BOONE. by Page Leggett

118

SOUTHPARK

rowing up with a mother and grandfather who went to Carolina, I thought Chapel Hill (the town) and Chapel Hill (the university) were the same thing. I didn’t realize anything existed in the town besides the school and its football stadium. But on childhood vacations to the mountains, it never registered that there was a university in Boone. That’s where the Dan’l Boone Inn was — where we always went for a big, Southern supper. And it was near Tweetsie Railroad, where a hysterically crying, 4-year-old me forced the train to stop and the actors playing cowboys and Indians to explain they were just pretend fighting. Visit Boone today, where Appalachian State University enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and there’s no mistaking it’s a college town. It’s hard to tell where the school ends and the town begins. The campus and its football stadium dominate the city. And downtown’s main drag, King Street, might remind some of Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street back when it was still home to independent diners, bars and bookstores. Boone and Blowing Rock, next-door neighbors, are often mentioned in the same breath. But they are distinctly different towns, and each has its own charms. Blowing Rock is refined; Boone is a little rough around the edges, like a college town should be. Taking your college-bound kid to Boone on an App State scouting mission is a good excuse to explore the town. (Not that you need an excuse — Boone’s a fun destination for anyone, anytime.) You’ll hardly need to venture beyond downtown, which is also where the campus is situated. It’s highly walkable, as long as you’re prepared for steep hills.

southparkmagazine.com | 119

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

HUNGRY?

Lost Province Brewing Co.

120

SOUTHPARK

You and your future scholar will need something to eat, and there are many tasty options nearby. Pizza and college go together like cheese and pepperoni, and ASU students have more options than we did in my college days, when it was Domino’s or nothing. You could get your order to-go from Lost Province Brewing Co., but then you’d miss out on the taproom’s lively atmosphere and, depending on the night, the live music. The cheese boards include local and international cheeses, and there are substantial salads for those who don’t want pizza. But how could you turn down toppings that include country ham, prosciutto di Parma, pickled jalapenos and cheese curds? Lost Province’s wood-fired take on Hawaiian pizza — the “Aloha Y’all” with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, country ham, pineapple, rosemary and Parm — is a work of art. Speaking of art, it’s everywhere in Boone. Murals are painted on the sides of many of the town’s red-brick buildings, and statues (of school mascot Yosef, folk legend Doc Watson, Daniel Boone himself) dot downtown. ASU’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street features a rotating series of exhibitions throughout several galleries, and the university’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts brings regional and world-renowned musicians, dance troupes and theater companies to campus.

PHOTO BY MARIE FREEMAN

Lost Province Brewing Co.

Common Good Co., an artisan market and art gallery in downtown Boone

southparkmagazine.com | 121

travel | college towns

Cold Air. Dark Night.

READ UP Every college town needs an independent bookstore, and Boone delivers. Foggy Pine Books on King Street gained a following beyond Boone when Stephen Colbert made it famous in March. The Late Show randomly chose a small business that had been impacted by Covid and created a TV ad for them. This ad happens to feature the voice of Sam Elliot. And it stars Tom Hanks. The little shop has creaking hardwood floors like the Intimate Bookshop (formerly of both SouthPark Mall and Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street) and was forward-thinking enough to have set up a drive-thru during last year’s lockdown.

RETAIL THERAPY My own favorite activity when my parents came to Wake Forest University for visits was … shopping. We had to drive to Hanes Mall for that. ASU students and their parents need only wander over to … you know, King Street. My first stop will forever be Common Good Co., an artisan market and art gallery. Candles, ceramics, jewelry, prints, plants, textiles and original art are all here in what could be Watauga County’s most charming retail experience. Mothers and daughters may love with equal fervor Lililu on King. The independent boutique offers a well-edited selection of women’s clothes, shoes and accessories. And if your college-bound kids need to pick up a logo’d sweatshirt or koozie, shops selling ASU merch are as ubiquitous as Starbucks. If one shop is too crowded, keep walking. There’ll be another two doors down where you can stock up.

MORE EATS AND DRINKS

greatoutdoorprovision.com Park Road Shopping Center

122

While Mom’s buying school clothes for her daughter, fathers and sons can bond over exceptionally good bar food and sports at The Local, which is not on King St., but it’s a short walk from it. (The gals shouldn’t miss this either — make plans to join after the shopping spree.) This industrial-looking spot is deceiving from the outside. The menu is made up of elevated bar food: pulled pork and smoked Gouda nachos, truffle frites and a fig-

SOUTHPARK

GOPC_OCT21_VERT_SP.indd 1

9/3/21 1:43 PM

travel | college towns

The Horton Hotel

and-bacon grilled cheese. For dinner, there’s heartier fare, such as salmon, steak frites and local trout. The 15-room historic Horton Hotel’s small, sophisticated rooftop lounge offers the best view in Boone. Enjoy regional brews, light bites, cocktails and, if needed, blankets — and the best perch in town. For something really special, and a chance to see more of Boone than its downtown, make dinner reservations at The Gamekeeper. There’s a reason people have been coming to the

Warm Fire. Bright Stars.

GOPC_OCT21_HORZ_SP.indd 1

old-house-turned-restaurant for decades. It’s fine dining, but wildly unfancy. Normally, you need to get gussied up to enjoy emu, bison, elk and boar. Not here — you could wear jeans and a T-shirt and not feel out of place. For a weekend in nearby Blowing Rock, you might feel the need to dress up a bit. But Boone will welcome you just as you are. It’s a town so cozy and comfortable, your college student may try to convince you they need to be on the five-year plan. SP

greatoutdoorprovision.com Park Road Shopping Center

southparkmagazine.com | 123 9/3/21 1:43 PM

EDUCATION MATTERS: Private schools serving south Charlotte

hen it comes to choosing a private school, parents have a range of choices. The most recent state data shows nearly 19,000 students attend private schools in Mecklenburg County, up 2.3% from the previous, pre-pandemic year. We’ve partnered with several private schools serving south Charlotte families to share helpful information and resources to support families along the school choice journey.

124

SOUTHPARK

Preferred Partner Section

PROGRAMS & AMENITIES E

ducation is not one-size-fits-all. Private schools offer more than just strong academic programs. They provide a host of opportunities through excellent athletic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and amenities. At Palisades Episcopal School, the campus boasts an indoor recreation center, plus outdoor learning spaces and recreational areas equipped for golf, tennis and swimming. There’s even an equestrian program to fulfill the PE requirement.

“Our PES Equestrian curriculum is designed to promote good horsemanship and good sportsmanship as well as cultivate riders of all skill levels.” Palisades Episcopal School Of course, academic rigor and college prep is often a key attraction for families. At British International School, students benefit from a world-leading international curricula that prepares them to enter the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.

“Our class of 2021 recently achieved an impressive 39.8 average score on their IB Diploma, well above the global average of 33, with 80% receiving 40+ marks out of 45.” - British International School Before making your private school decision, ask questions and consider how a certain school’s offerings compare with your child’s interests and overall family goals.

Choosing the best school community for your children is a critical decision. We all want a school with dedicated teachers who bring learning to life and stretch our children’s minds to achieve their full potential. At Latin, crafting an education that is individualized and personal is important to our faculty. We want our students to grow up with strong character and to be confident leaders. Leadership, honor, work ethic, friendship, teamwork, inclusivity, empathy, and compassion are taught not only in the classroom, but also on the athletic field, on the stage, and in clubs and organizations. Charlotte Latin is a community that is intentionally designed to capture every teachable moment as each year builds on the next, pedagogically and personally. Our 128 contiguous acres provide a setting with plenty of space for children to explore. State-of-the art facilities like our new Inlustrate Orbem Building, world-class Horne Performing Arts Center, nationally-known Fab Lab, and Beck Student Activities Center, as well as eight athletic fields, an outdoor challenge course, and Lake Latin, provide spaces for children that enhance their educational setting. Charlotte Latin School has more than 1,500 students. Kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade are the primary entrance points.

Learn more at CharlotteLatin.org/admissions 704.846.7207

southparkmagazine.com | 125

126

SOUTHPARK

THE CHECKLIST I

t’s that time of year when private schools in our area start accepting applications. For parents, that means doing their own homework by gathering forms and making school visits.

“A tour allows a family to not only see the school’s facilities and learn about academics and extracurricular programming; it allows them to experience the culture of the school.” Carmel Christian School Fall: Schedule tours and interviews Attend information sessions Take any required standardized admission tests

Winter: Check application deadlines -- most are due in January or February Gather any required test scores, references, financial aid forms, and transcripts Beyond financial considerations, review important factors like student/teacher ratios, distance from home, and special programs offered. During a tour, ask students what they like about the school.

“When choosing a school for their child, parents should consider how each model will develop their child, not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually.” - Oaks Christian School

Preferred Partner Section

Serving Grades TK-7 (2022-23) Oaks Christian School is a Christ-centered, independent school located in Charlotte, NC. OCS exists to nurture the whole child - mind, body, heart, and soul. Our holistic model promotes a love of learning and offers handson, project-based learning rooted in Biblical Truth.

Christ-centered Holistic Relational Service-oriented

For more information, call (980) 242-9933 or email info@oakschristianschool.com.

www.oakschristianschool.com The school does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid policies, employment practices, or other school-administered programs.

southparkmagazine.com | 127

Palisades Episcopal School Celebrating 15 Years of Joyful Learning

Every day is Open House at PES – schedule a tour at your convenience anytime!

13120 Grand Palisades Parkway Charlotte, NC 28278-8449 704.583.1825 pescharlotte.org

Palisades Episcopal School (PES) is a school honoring Christ and committed to providing a classical education challenging the mind, body and spirit. Serving students in Junior Kindergarten – 8th grade, PES offers intimate class sizes and low teacher-student ratios which allow for differentiated instruction across every grade. In addition, our service integration helps students develop citizenship skills and fosters values of integrity, courage, responsibility, compassion, and hard work. PES students graduate knowing how to connect their heads to their hearts, becoming lifelong learners who are academically prepared for high school and beyond.

For more information about PES or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, visit us at pescharlotte.org. B U S S E RVICE – E Q U E ST RIAN – PE RFO RMING AR TS – ATHLETICS

October SouthPark 2021

Articles inside

gallery

bookshelf

simple life

creators of N.C

around town

music

racing

givers

outdoors

people

artists

food + drink