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FROM THE EDITOR
S
eptember brings back-to-school, fall festivals (fingers crossed) and a few more sunny weekends to squeeze in one last trip to the beach. It also marks our annual IT List of stylish Charlotte men and women. Rather than a definitive ranking, the list is a roundup of local individuals with a strong sense of personal style, making their marks on this city by confidently following their instincts versus subscribing to the latest trends. We hope you enjoy learning about them. In the spirit of fun, this year — the fifth year we’ve published the list — we asked our 22 style icons to share a retro trend they would love to revive, along with a style they hope never comes back. And let me tell you, there were some very strong opinions about that. Here are a few of them:
CATHY MARTIN EDITOR editor@southparkmagazine.com
Felicia Bittle: “I just want acid-wash jeans to die! I know they tend to be a retro favorite, but I’m not a fan at all.” Kent Youngstrom: “Let’s not ever pleat or peg our pants ever again, please.” Courtney Sloan: “I loved my jelly shoes when I was little, but I don’t think I would ever wear those again!” Regine Bechtler: “I still have nightmares about the brown corduroy pants from the ’70s — I hope that style never returns.” Amy Welton: “Please don’t bring back the parachute pants or the flip-flop with the little kitten heel — they are both terrible!” Other dreaded styles included neon, poodle skirts and skinny pants for men. But by far the most hated trend was that mid-2000s staple: the low-rise jean. Still, fashion is cyclical, and it seems like what goes around almost always comes back around. A few years ago, I never, ever thought the high-waisted mom jeans I remembered from the late ’80s would take hold. Boy, was I wrong. Hi-rise, low-rise or somewhere in between, as Style Editor Whitley Adkins notes, what’s more important than fashion is how you carry yourself through life. “The IT List is a celebration of differences based on an established common ground — personal style. … What you wear is telling, but how you wear it is more so.” Turn to page 72 to see the list. SP
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©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.
September BLVD. 22 | artists Kristin Dills makes her mark through partnerships with top brands.
26 | style Shopping for recycled and sustainable clothing is in fashion.
30 | food + drink Summit Coffee comes to SouthPark.
34 | people Mahari Freeman: My favorite things
36 | givers Autism Strong helps local families pay for life-changing therapies.
38 | around town
22
Latest openings and events
40 | creators of N.C. History is brewing again in downtown Asheville.
44 | travel Fall festivals that are worth the drive
46 | happenings September calendar of events
DEPARTMENTS 53 | simple life True love and harmless fun on the links
57 | bookshelf Notable new releases
59 | omnivorous reader Wiley Cash’s new novel weaves a tale of mystery.
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63 | the road home Looking at life’s layers
67 | southpark stories Larry Mellichamp inspires students and gardeners across Charlotte
69 | well + wise Trusting in your ability to bounce back
137 | swirl Parties, fundraisers and events
144 | gallery Family photos provide a nostalgic look at Charlotte’s social scene.
ABOUT THE COVER Kent Youngstrom, Claire Weigel, Marissa Jade Willinsky, Courtney Sloan and Nina Johnson, photographed by Richard Israel in South End/The Collector’s Room by Beau Monde.
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FEATURES 72 | The It List produced by Whitley Adkins, photographs by Richard Israel 22 of Charlotte’s most stylish men and women 90 | All angles by Cathy Martin, photographs by Digital Lasagna
A midcentury A-frame is part of the 10th Mad About Modern home tour.
96 | Weddings by Taylor Wanbaugh The latest trends, an epic engagement party and three couples tie the knot. 126 | Wheel away by Ben Jarrell, photographs by Michael Hrizuk
A visitor’s guide to the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance.
132 | Slow down and savor by Cathy Martin, photographs by Kirk Robert Weekend away at the Post House Inn in historic Mount Pleasant, S.C.
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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 Editors David Mildenberg, Taylor Wanbaugh Contributing Writers Michelle Boudin, Wiley Cash, Jennings Cool, Jim Dodson, Ben Jarrell, Juliet Kuehnle, Caroline Langerman, Liz Logan, Ebony Morman, Tom Nunnenkamp, Caroline Portillo Contributing Photographers Mallory Cash, Daniel Coston, Richard Israel 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
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Published by Old North State Magazines LLC. ©Copyright 2021. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Volume 25, Issue 9
be playful be light be bright
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F I N D YO U R H O M E AT CO R CO R A N .CO M
© 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.
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). The Sketch Class (detail), 1890, oil on panel, 5¼ x 7 inches. Private Collection
blvd. people, places, things
The Chivito: grilled steak, ham, applewood bacon and Jack cheese topped with lettuce, roasted peppers, tomato and a fried egg
BREWS AND VIEWS The last time Legion Brewing expanded beyond its Plaza Midwood home, SouthPark reaped the benefits. The Juicy Jay-maker’s taproom on Carnegie Boulevard — with Chef Gene Briggs’ menu of wood-grilled meats and veggies, sandwiches and pizzas — has become a neighborhood hot spot. Legion’s newest expansion, Trolley Barn Fermentory and Food Hall, opened last month adjacent to the rail trail in bustling South End. The Trolley Barn has three food stalls, its own line of beers, cocktails and a second-floor mezzanine with skyline views. A brewhouse and taproom on West Morehead Street, expected to open this fall, is next up for Legion. See what else is new around town on page 38.
southparkmagazine.com | 21
blvd. | artists
Artisan made CHARLOTTE-BORN ARTIST KRISTIN DILLS MAKES HER MARK THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH POTTERY BARN, LOUIS VUITTON AND MORE. by Caroline Portillo
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PHOTOGRAPH BY LUNAHZON PHOTOGRAPHY
t’s hard to pinpoint a signature work of art by Kristin Dills. Is it the watercolor painting of a bow tie-clad giraffe sold by the thousands through Pottery Barn Kids and Minted? Or the Charlotte skyline custom painted on a Louis Vuitton trunk case? Is it a breathtaking floral arrangement of cascading orchids, tulips and lush greenery at a high-end wedding? Or the neon florals on the home-office walls of one of the city’s top event planners? Dills, 38, loves that the breadth of her work defies categorization. For her, art is more about losing (and finding) herself in the creative process, not sticking to a single medium or fitting her finished works in a prescribed box. “It’s very therapeutic for me,” Dills says. “I’ve always struggled with anxiety throughout my life. I’m able to sit quietly and create something out of nothing that I know someone will love and
appreciate. And I do it in a calm state.” A Charlotte native, Dills graduated from UNC Greensboro with a fine arts degree and started her professional career on the visual merchandising team that helped open Neiman Marcus at SouthPark Mall in 2006. There, she helped design the store’s iconic windows and was later tapped to create stunning floral arrangements for the store and its many extravagant events. Flowers were one of Dills’ first loves. As a child, she had a pen 22
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blvd. | artists series through her personal website, kristindills.com. After the success of her Dapper Animals, Dills began posting more of her art on social media and participating in live painting gigs at her old stomping ground, Neiman Marcus. She was painting perfume bottles at the celebration for Aerin Lauder’s new fragrance line when the manager of the Louis Vuitton store at SouthPark spotted her and reached out to see if she’d be interested in doing live painting for some of their special in-store events for VIP clients. Months later, she took a skills test to join a rarefied group of official Louis Vuitton artisan painters — Dills says she is now just one of 13 people across the nation with that distinction. But if you can’t spring for a $30,000 Louis Vuitton case personalized with one of Dills’ custom designs, that’s OK. Consider commissioning a beloved pet portrait or peruse the “Zero Gravity” abstract series on her website. Or you could do like event planner extraordinaire Ivy Robinson and tap Dills to paint giant neon flowers with metallic elements on the black walls of your chic home office. Because Miss Bumble — and all of her creative pursuits — is here to stay. SP
chant for playing in flower beds and emerging drenched in pollen. “My mom used to call me ‘Miss Bumble,’ like a little bumblebee,” she says. So it was no surprise when Dills parlayed her florals for Neiman Marcus into a full-time role as the lead designer at a top local florist, where she spent nine years crafting unforgettable arrangements — “living art,” Dills says — for some of the city’s biggest weddings and events. All the while, she would come home, pad over the drop cloths in her home art studio, and turn to a blank canvas and her paints to unwind. About six years ago, when she was pregnant with her son, Edison, Dills decided to paint a few pieces for his nursery that were youthful but elevated, for a child but not childish. Enter: a series of zoo animals clad in chic bow ties. Soon after, she saw an email from Minted, an online marketplace of independent artists and designers, calling artists to submit work for a new children’s collection with Pottery Barn Kids. We’ll see what happens, Dills thought, as she submitted what she’d dubbed her “Dapper Animals.” There were more than 7,900 entries for the Minted and Pottery Barn Kids collaboration, and only 30 were selected, according to Dills. Her Dapper Zebra and Dapper Giraffe were two of them. “I was out of my mind,” Dills says, laughing. “I was so excited.” Prints of Dills’ paintings appeared in the Pottery Barn Kids catalogs and were featured prominently on the Minted site. Dills says the retailers sold thousands of them for nurseries across the globe, from Texas to Singapore. The artist even extended the 24
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blvd. | style
How it's made SHOPPING FOR RECYCLED AND SUSTAINABLY MADE GOODS AND CLOTHING IS SUDDENLY IN STYLE. by Jennings Cool
Charlotte-based Johnny Fly’s sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses are made with wood and other sustainable materials.
Y
ou walk into your favorite boutique or department store and see a must-have top to add to your wardrobe. You try it on, fall in love and decide to buy it. Now, your stylish new top hangs in your closet, surrounded by an accumulation of seasonal blouses, sweaters and T-shirts. This is the typical retail experience of shopping for clothes, but it isn’t the whole story. “I never realized in 33 years that someone physically made my clothing — sewed every button, hemmed it,” says Alara Baltmiskis, co-owner of Siela Boutique in Waxhaw. “I never considered there was a person behind it — it was out of sight, out of mind.” While fashion is constantly evolving, the way garments are created has remained consistent. It starts with designers sketching products and trying out different colors, fabrics and styles. Those designs are then brought to life through fiber and garment production and shipped to various retailers and buyers to sell. In the 1980s, fast fashion came along and turned the industry upside down — the result: lower costs and a glut of mass-produced, poorly made clothing. In 2018, the fashion industry produced 2.1 billion tons of carbon-dioxide emissions — about 4% of total global carbon emissions, according to a report by McKinsey & Company and the Global Fashion Agenda. The damaging effects of fast fashion not only harm the environment but also present humanitarian issues, including discrimination, abuse and unfair pay among workers. Instead of waiting on larger companies to take a stand, Baltmiskis and other Charlotte-area business owners have begun to lay the
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foundation for sustainable shopping. Baltmiskis founded Siela Boutique in 2018 after learning how the fast-fashion process negatively impacts the planet and the people involved in the production. “We have lost all connection to our clothing and how it is made — or really any goods we consume,” she says. “As conscious consumers, it’s about taking a step back and buying less. It’s asking, ‘Do we really need a thousand different styles?’” At Siela Boutique, customers are encouraged to shop with a purpose — not an impulse — with a meaningful intention for zero waste. The boutique partners with vendors, small-batch factories and co-ops that align with the store’s core values: social responsibility, environmental stewardship and giving back to the community. Siela Boutique also partners with Turning Point, a Union County nonprofit, to offer a collection of carefully selected secondhand items for sale, with proceeds providing emergency resources for survivors of domestic violence, assault and abuse. With retro styles making a reappearance, vintage shopping has also become a popular way to find chic outfits without fueling the fast-fashion industry. “Fashion is reciprocal, and everything comes back in generally a 20-year cycle, so we are now seeing ’90s and Y2K trends appearing,” says Christi Williams, owner of Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage inside Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. “Instead of buying the fast-fashion version of a ’90s trend, it’s much more unique to purchase the real thing. It’s better for the environment, and often it’s more economical — especially when it comes to the basics.”
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blvd. | style Local stores and brands that support sustainable manufacturing Johnny Fly Co.
Eyewear made with wood and other sustainable materials and nontoxic leather goods. 519 E. 36th St., Charlotte, and 19911 N. Cove Rd., Suite B, Cornelius, johnnyfly.com Recover Brands
Alara Baltmiskis founded Siela Boutique in downtown Waxhaw in 2018.
Luxury consignment boutique Street Commerce opened this summer in uptown.
Williams grew up in the ’80s and did all of her shopping at thrift stores and the occasional vintage shop. She sought dresses from the 1940s and 1950s to alter, cut or dye to update them, quickly realizing she could turn her vintage shopping hobby into a business. Her approach to vintage shopping is to be imaginative. If you don’t like the sleeves on something, roll them up. If you aren’t into shoulder pads, take them out. Remove the dated belt and replace it with a different one if you don’t like it. “There are no rules,” she says. Some of Williams’ favorite vintage finds are a 1960s leopard-print coat, a 1940s tweed wool coat, a 1960s two-piece swimsuit and a 1950s beaded Christmas sweater — items she says she will keep forever. “If someone is really hesitant about wearing ‘old clothes,’ I usually suggest they start out with accessories, jewelry or a coat. Work your way into finding other fashions that work with your style or wardrobe,” she says. “And above all else, if you like it and it makes you feel good, then buy it and wear it!” JT Posh, an upscale consignment store in Dilworth, also offers a more sustainable way to shop, with a collection of pre-loved and gently used items. The store caters to young adults and college students looking for boutique brands without paying top dollar. Its inventory consists of on-trend styles, like biker shorts and wide-leg jeans, and ranges from boutique apparel to designer labels. Living in a sorority house in college, JT Posh co-founder Tracy Auten loved sharing clothes with her sorority sisters and noticed she wasn’t the only one. “Nowadays, since there is a lot on social media, girls don’t want to be seen in the same outfit. So, it becomes cheaper — and better for the environment — if they want to consign and make money or shop recycled clothes for a new outfit,” Auten says. “Plus, I also feel like things never really go out of style — or once they do, they come back in style.” Camille Ross-Allansson, owner of Divine Consign boutique in south Charlotte, says that shopping for recycled clothing is smart shopping. “People come here because they want to be a more savvy shopper. You could go to Gucci and get a $1,000 handbag or come here and get it for $400.” Divine Consign looks and feels like an upscale boutique, offering high-quality clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories for less. Most of the store’s inventory comes from people within the community or businesses with overflow stock, many of which are local, repeat consignors. If a consignor’s clothing does not sell within 60 days, they can opt to donate the items to Thomas Rogers Ministries, a nonprofit that operates a thrift store and supplies free clothing and accessories to those in need. “All around, it’s a win-win,” Ross-Allansson says. SP
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T-shirts and outerwear for men, women and children made from recycled plastic bottles. recoverbrands.com Siela Boutique
Ethically and sustainably made women’s apparel, accessories and home goods. 318 E. South Main St., Waxhaw, shopsiela.com Where to shop for previously owned or recycled clothing in Charlotte Divine Consign
Women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and home accents. 8145 Ardrey Kell Road, Ste. 101, divineconsigncharlotte.com Jilson’s Men’s Consignment
Men’s clothing, accessories and furnishings. 117 Middleton Dr., jilsonsconsignment.com JT Posh
Upscale women’s clothing in Dilworth. 2400 Park Rd., jtposh. com Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage
Vintage fashions and home decor inside Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. 4450 South Blvd., kitschycoolvintage.com Street Commerce
Men’s and women’s designer clothes and accessories. 325 E. 9th St., streetcommerce.shop
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Contact us today to learn more about our pre-owned Ferrari inventory. Contact us today to learn more about our pre-owned Ferrari inventory. Contact us today to learn more about our pre-owned Ferrari inventory.
blvd. | food + drink
Summit Coffee's “Basecamp” location in downtown Davidson.
Peak perks SOUTHPARK’S NEWEST CRAFT-COFFEE SHOP IS, IN FACT, ONE OF CHARLOTTE’S OLDEST.
T
by Liz Logan
he art of craft coffee has been making its way around Charlotte, arguably, since NoDa’s Smelly Cat opened in 2000. The Friends-inspired Central Perk atmosphere gave way to Central Coffee in 2009 and, in 2011, third-wave coffee descended upon the city via Not Just Coffee and other shops featuring pour-overs and latte art in virtually every neighborhood. Before all of this, there was Summit Coffee, quietly serving a loyal crowd in the heart of Davidson. For 23 years, the shop has resided in a 19th-century building that houses Summit’s “Basecamp” location. Outside, the brand’s signature teal adorns windows, allowing passersby a peek into the newly renovated space where rustic wooden shelves sit above a row of round tables and French bistro chairs. Bags of coffee line shelves, emblazoned with Summit’s signature teal-and-white logo, the minimalist mountain a nod to the brand’s premise of taking in the outdoors and allowing oneself a peak experience in both life and coffee. This design throughline will follow at Summit’s eighth location at SouthPark’s Piedmont Town Center, which is slated to open Oct. 1. But while there is clear Summit branding and a loose template for design, each space has its own unique atmosphere, blending into its 30
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CHRIS BLACK
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SARA ROCHE
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LISA RUPP
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blvd. | food + drink community. CEO Brian Helfrich calls Summit’s SouthPark space “remarkable but approachable,” with upscale elements while staying true to the brand. The tiled coffee bar was conceptualized by Helfrich’s wife, Tyler. Each Summit location has a tile design unique to its neighborhood. Hues of navy elevate Basecamp’s bar, while sporadic (yet intentionally placed) coral and green floral tiles line NoDa’s counter. SouthPark will have its own rendition that will reflect a more upscale design scheme, something Tyler has worked to develop alongside franchisees Jon Cowles and Brett Cohen. The two partners have worked together in the financial industry for years, both commuting to SouthPark from Davidson, where each has his own ritualistic relationship with Summit. Cowles and his wife, Betsy, have lived in Davidson for 20 years, making a habit of hitting up the coffee shop on Saturday mornings as they peruse the farmers market. Cohen and his wife, Susan, often stop in for wine and live music after dinner. While working from home in the early days of the pandemic, Cohen and Cowles saw Summit’s announcement for franchise opportunities on social media, and they knew this was their chance. After scouting locations in South End, Dilworth and Myers Park, nothing seemed to fit their vision. Something kept driving them back to SouthPark and their ultimate landing spot on Piedmont Row. Having worked in the area for over a decade, the two saw a need for accessible local coffee and a gathering space. Visions began to form of SouthPark’s business community
stopping in on the way to work, settling in for meetings by day, or winding down with wine and beer after work. Local families could gather with a safe space for children to play. They signed a lease and began intensive training, not just as Summit owners — but as baristas. Being well-versed in Summit’s coffee offerings was one thing, the partners joke, but learning how to make lattes — complete with intricate, steamed-milk designs — was another. Running an espresso machine is an art — beans are dialed in for the perfect blend of brightness, conveying the notes the roast intends. Milk (be it dairy, oat or almond) is steamed to around 140 degrees, then poured gingerly over the espresso with a slight flick-of-the-wrist to create shapes atop the creamy, quintessential coffee-shop beverage. “Trying to make designs was hilarious,” Cowles says. (Cohen can make a heart, though Cowles still struggles.) But the two trained to better understand the skills and passion needed in the industry. The momentum of recent Summit openings in NoDa and Huntersville, as well as the Triangle area and a second Asheville location, has created an excitement and anticipation of what Summit will bring to SouthPark. The opening of the new location helps further Helfrich’s vision of becoming the highest quality coffee purveyor around — possibly even in the U.S. A beautiful atmosphere, a community environment, and expertly crafted coffee and baked goods — with an upscale line of wine and beer — are making their way to the neighborhood, bringing with it a local flair and big dreams. SP
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Mahari Freeman by Ebony L. Morman
C
harlotte native and Providence Day School graduate Mahari Freeman is an operatic singer who frequently performs at events across the Carolinas. Freeman received her bachelor’s degree in music from UNC Chapel Hill and master’s in voice performance from the University of Michigan, and she’s currently working toward a doctorate in musical arts at the University of South Carolina. Freeman is also the founder of La Voix Academy, a music school that offers in-home private music lessons to students across Charlotte and virtual lessons to students in various states and abroad. In her free time, she loves to travel and try new recipes with her husband, Demetris. Freeman is a resident artist with Opera Carolina, which performs main stage events uptown along with various community events. “I just love being a part of that and seeing what they put on and the way they share opera with the community,” Freeman says. “I Dream is an opera they will be doing in the fall that I’m really excited to participate in.” Composer Douglas Tappin’s opera that reimagines the last hours of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life will be performed at Belk Theater Sept.16-19. You can follow Freeman’s work on Instagram @mahariamc and @lavoixacademy. Comments have been edited for brevity and clarity. LIVE MUSIC
I’m usually the one up [performing] the live music, but Tosco Music Party is a great place to listen to live music and local artists of various kinds. I’ve performed there as an opera singer, but they have everything — every kind of performer that you can think of, and every kind of music. It really is a party. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
I love to go to Freedom Park. It’s probably my favorite place. Sometimes I love to just walk around and look at nature, sunshine and the ducks. Sometimes I’ll find a bike or scooter. [My friends and I] sometimes have picnic lunches at the park. I also have picnics there with my husband, and we’ll take board games. It actually holds a special place in our hearts because it’s one of the places where we had one of our first dates. DINING OUT
For over a year now, I have switched to vegetarianism, and sometimes I’m a vegan. I love places that can cook veggies in a creative way. Veltree is one of my favorite restaurants. It’s a Black-owned 34
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vegan restaurant. Another one is Dumpling Lady in Optimist Hall because they have great vegetarian options. I recently went to Texas and found this place called Velvet Taco and just realized they have one in Charlotte at Optimist Hall. It’s probably one of the best taco places I’ve ever been to. They have a Nashville hot tofu taco — it is so good. TRAVEL
We love to go to Charleston, S.C. My husband and I go there every year and go shopping. Asheville is also a really cool place we love to go. We like to do things on the Biltmore property like wine tastings and trying the various restaurants. They also have cute little shops, as well. SHOPPING
It depends on the mood. If I want something that’s designer, then my favorite place by far is SouthPark Mall. My mom is my shopping buddy — she and I can go there and spend the whole afternoon. Another place I like is Blakeney Shopping Center. They have really cute boutiques and they have good restaurants. I enjoy just spending an afternoon there, especially if the weather is good. SELF CARE
I’m a naturalista, so I really enjoy wearing my natural hair. I go to Nourish Salon. Corine is my stylist. She’s also a really good family friend. I also enjoy getting my nails done. I go to V Refine Nails in Ballantyne. It’s run by three sisters, and I really like them because they take their time. It’s always a good experience. EXERCISE
I like to work out a lot. I go to Pure Barre Charlotte in Myers Park. I try to go four to five days a week. I really like their classes because they are 50 minutes long. They are controlled and have low-impact movements. I finally made it to the 100 Barre Club, which is really exciting for me. ... It goes into self care. It’s a great hour for myself in the day. SP
blvd. | givers
Five years strong RUDY AND BECKY THOMS STARTED AUTISM STRONG IN 2016 TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL FAMILIES. NEXT MONTH, THEY’LL HOST THEIR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER YET AT SYMPHONY PARK. by Michelle Boudin
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udy Thoms didn’t mean to start a nonprofit. It just sort of happened as a way to help his son, Landon, who is autistic, and others like him. “My son was born very early. He was 32 weeks, premature, and spent five weeks in the NICU, so we knew he’d have challenges, but he was progressing normally until he was 18 months old. That’s when he shut down, and we got the diagnosis,” Thoms says. “We were in denial and shock.” But not for long. Thoms and his wife, Becky, immediately set out to find the best care for their son. “We tried to seek out therapy, and it was really challenging. Insurance didn’t want to pay for it, and it was really tough to find the things he needed. That’s what eventually made us start this foundation on our own.” The couple first hosted a fitness fundraiser in 2013. About 100 people showed up, raising $8,000. They sent all the donations to a national autism organization. Each year they hosted the event and the money doubled, until 2016 when 350 people showed up to what was then BB&T Ballpark (now Truist Field) and they raised $30,000. “When we drove home from that event, we said we need to do something different. We want to see this money in Charlotte, helping local families who can’t afford therapy.” In 2016, the Thoms officially launched Autism Strong, with money raised now going to help area families pay for needed therapies. Natalie Clark has twin boys, Elliott and Cooper. Elliott has moderate autism; Cooper’s condition is so severe that Clark once worried he might have to move to a special home. The Clarks received a
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scholarship from Autism Strong to help pay for therapy for both boys. “For us, the therapy is truly life-changing — completely and totally life-changing. We had safety issues with one of our sons. He was so overwhelming, and it was heartbreaking — and now we have hope.” Clark says thanks to therapy, Cooper, who was nonverbal, is now speaking, and his brother Elliott is now in a typical class at school. “The Thoms are an inspiration … it’s what started us in therapy and made it possible for us. ... Our quality of life and our kids’ quality of life is just so much better, and the amount of work they’ve put into [the nonprofit] along with having an autistic child is really just amazing.” Stories like that are the reason Autism Strong, which is run by volunteers, is getting ready to host its biggest fundraiser yet, Thoms says. The nonprofit is teaming with Choate Construction to present BuildStrong, a festival celebrating autism, spreading awareness and of course, raising money. “I love the fact that with therapy, you are able to give some sort of normalcy to a situation that isn’t normal to a family,” Thoms says. “I also love being able to raise awareness and compassion for kids that are different. We’re a small nonprofit, but every year we’re getting bigger and bigger, and with BuildStrong we’re really going to take off here.” SP BuildStrong will take place October 9 from 3-7 p.m. at Symphony Park at SouthPark. On-site will be bounce houses for kids, a 100-team cornhole tournament, beer from Suffolk Punch and barbecue from Noble Smoke. Tickets start at $15; children 6 and under are free.
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blvd. | around town
eat + drink
La Caseta, which sells street food inspired by the flavors of El Salvador, Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina, opened on Montford Avenue. 1730 Abbey Pl., Suite 4, lacasetaclt.com u Velvet Taco, the Dallas-based fast-casual taco chain with a location at Optimist Hall, plans to open its second Charlotte spot at Park Road Shopping Center. Expect the unexpected here: beer-battered cauliflower, Nashville hot tofu, and Kobe bacon burger are just a few of the taco varieties on the menu. 1601 E. Woodlawn Rd., Suite B, velvettaco.com u MIZU is open at the Hyatt Centric at Apex Charlotte. The rooftop restaurant and bar serves a menu inspired by the wood-fired robata grills of Japan. 3100 Apex Dr., mizu. restaurant u FS Food Group plans to open Amma’s Pizza & Cheesesteaks in Midtown in 2022. Amma’s will serve pizza by the slice and fresh chopped cheesesteak sandwiches. The restaurant group led by Frank Scibelli is also expanding to Raleigh, opening a Midwood Smokehouse at downtown’s Smoky Hollow mixed-use development. u Trolley Barn Fermentory and Food Hall is open in South End adjacent to Atherton Mill. The 11,400-square-foot space, the latest from Legion Brewing, has indoor and outdoor seating, a second-floor mezzanine with skyline views and three food stations: Green Works (salad and grain bowls), Daily Shift Food Co. (sandwiches, burgers, tacos, bao buns and other handhelds) and Brand & Steel (woodgrilled meats and seafood). In addition to small-batch beers, Trolley Barn will serve up original cocktails such as the TB Thunder (bourbon, grapefruit, lemon and honey Arbol ginger) and Mr. K’s Punch (rum, lime, Angostura and nutmeg). 2104 South Blvd., trolleybarnclt.com
stay
The 381-room JW Marriott Charlotte is open at the new 23-story Ally Charlotte Center. The luxury hotel in uptown has a full-service spa, rooftop pool, 22,000 square feet of event space and three restaurants: Dean’s Italian Steakhouse (steak and pasta dishes in a rustic-modern setting); Caroline’s Oyster Bar (fresh seafood and raw bar); and Aura Rooftop Bar (a fifth-floor space with botanical craft cocktails, wine and small bites). 600 S. College St., marriott.com
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La Caseta opened its second location on Montford Avenue.
Central Piedmont Community College received a $10 million gift commitment from an anonymous donor to advance the school’s arts and humanities programming. It’s the largest individual donation in CPCC history. The gift will be used to create a scholarship endowment for students and establish an endowment to attract and retain faculty members in the arts and humanities. It will also be used to bring renowned authors, artists and performers to CPCC and to establish a public art fund. “The generous donor believes regardless of students’ academic background and desired education and career pathway, their perspectives should include experiences in the arts and humanities to achieve a better comprehension of the past, a better analysis of the present, and a better view of the future,” CPCC President Kandi Deitemeyer said in a news release.
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CH A P TER 11
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blvd. | creators of n.c.
Moving on up HISTORY IS BREWING AGAIN IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE. by Wiley Cash • photographs by Mallory Cash
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n 1994, Oscar Wong began brewing beer in the basement of Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria in downtown Asheville. Wong, the son of Chinese immigrants, grew up in Jamaica and moved to the United States to study civil engineering at Notre Dame University. After forging a successful career in nuclear engineering, he later created an innovative nuclear-waste disposal company, then went on to found Highland Brewing Company, Asheville’s oldest independent brewery. As the first legal brewery in western North Carolina following the repeal of Prohibition, you can imagine its allure. Still, it took Wong eight years to break even. Why? Because he was determined to produce a high-quality product on a consistent basis. He invested in his vision. While that superior quality persists, little else remains from those early days in the basement. In 2011, Wong’s daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, officially joined the team at Highland Brewery. More than a decade earlier, Ashburn had applied for a position with her father’s company after graduating with a degree in journalism from UNC Chapel Hill, but her father turned her down. He wanted her to find her own way, he told her. And so she did. Years later, after Ashburn built a thriving career in sales and marketing at a yearbook publisher in Charlotte, her father actually recruited her for a position at Highland; however 40
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in the intervening years, the tables had turned: He could no longer afford her. But blood is thicker than water, and, apparently, so is beer. “Other things became more important, and the brewery was one of those more important things,” Ashburn said in a 2018 interview with Business North Carolina magazine. “It was about being part of the community. You can’t put a value on that.” Ashburn is now Highland’s president and CEO, and her tenure has marked an era of rapid change, both for the company and the city of Asheville. In 2011, Highland opened a tasting room at their 70,000-square-foot mountaintop manufacturing facility in east Asheville, which offers complimentary tours of the on-site brewery, a lively taproom with ample seating, a performance stage, a rooftop garden bar and an indoor event space. According to Brock Ashburn, Leah’s husband and the company’s vice president, “We built the taproom to accommodate the throngs of people who were showing up, part of an ever-increasing interested public who wanted to drink our beer where it was made.” Over the last decade, a lot of people have — as Brock Ashburn puts it — “shown up” in Asheville, and the city is now an international destination for foodies, beer connoisseurs and outdoor enthusiasts. “There’s always been a soul and a spirit in Asheville,” Leah says, “and Highland got to join up with other people who
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believed in the potential for Asheville. Great beer is a complement to great food and quality of life.” Community and regional pride are more than just branding tools; Highland is a company whose culture is built on stewardship and community responsibility, tenets apparent in their practices of reducing or reusing waste, partnering with local nonprofits, and embracing solar power. The company also collaborates with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, naming seasonal beers after unique regional landscapes. Ashburn has always made clear that she intends to keep the company concentrated on regional endeavors and has no plans to ship beer across the country, choosing instead to focus the company’s efforts within the confines of the Southeast. This comes as no surprise for a brewery that has spent two and a half decades fostering a regional brand in a region that has quickly gained international attention. Today, Leah and Brock are sitting at the brewery’s new downtown taproom in the old S&W Building, a quintessential example of Asheville’s stunning 1920s art deco architecture. Late morning sunlight pours through tall windows that overlook Pritchard Park, illuminating the gold-plated fixtures and ceiling tiles, the two-story marble columns and tiled floors in a glowing aura that sweeps visitors back into the Roaring ’20s. You can almost sense what Asheville must have been like a century ago, when it was first known as a destination for Hollywood stars, politicians and titans of industry. Highland anchors the new S&W Market’s downstairs dining area with a taproom, along with sev 42
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eral local restaurants that provide counter service. Upstairs, on the mezzanine level, Highland has opened a full bar and tasting room with ample space for guests to relax over a pint. One can only imagine what it must mean to Leah for Highland to return to downtown, where it all started from such humble beginnings over a quarter century ago. “As a second-generation owner, I was encouraged to make the brewery my own,” she says. “That did not feel safe to me at first because of the long history of Highland, but my father’s sentiment was honest, and he’s let us create our own vision.” That meant changing the beer portfolio and re-envisioning the brand. She says it also meant improving the property: “We started as a manufacturing company, but Brock’s an engineer and a builder, and I’m a marketer,” Leah says. Combining all of those interests and backgrounds led to a complementary hospitality component. “It appeals to tourists because it highlights some of the great things about Asheville in one location.” Outside, people are waiting for the S&W Market’s doors to open for the day’s business. A line of tourists and downtown office workers in business attire snakes down the sidewalk. Leah and Brock look out the window and pause for a moment, perhaps recalling the throngs of beer enthusiasts who showed up the minute the first taproom opened at Highland’s manufacturing site a decade earlier. “This is an opportunity to tell our story downtown and also attract people to come out to east Asheville to visit our brewery,” Brock says. “It’s a great opportunity to get our brand out there and let people know where this all started.” From a downtown basement to a mountaintop in east Asheville to the second floor of one of the city’s most iconic downtown buildings, Highland has come a long way. But whether it’s the quality of the beer or the family name, some things never change. SP Wiley Cash is the writer-in-residence at UNC Asheville. His new novel, When Ghosts Come Home, will be released this month. Mallory Cash is an editorial and portrait photographer.
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blvd. | travel
Celebrating Our Worth the drive 36th Fall Season
HOP IN THE CAR AND SPEND A DAY — OR TWO — ENJOYING ONE OF THESE REGIONAL FESTIVALS.
EUPHORIA | Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 16-19 Greenville’s premier culinary festival returns with four days of chef dinners, tasting events, classes and live music. This year’s festival includes 32 events highlighting more than 60 chefs, mixologists and musicians. A handful of Charlotte locals are involved as well, including Dogwood mixologist Eli Privette and Chris Coleman, chef/owner at The Goodyear House. Signature events include Feast by the Field, where you can sip and sample bites while listening to live music. Ticket prices vary. euphoriagreenville.com Getting there: One hour and 40 minutes via I-85 South
MERLE FEST | Wilkesboro
Sept. 16-19 The 33rd annual music festival founded in memory of guitarist Eddy Merle Watson, son of music legend Doc Watson, is back with four days of country, blueWe Banjo 3 grass, Americana, folk and classic rock across 13 stages. This year’s lineup includes Sturgill Simpson, Johnnyswim, Melissa Etheridge, The Milk Carton Kids, Shovels & Rope, Jim Lauderdale, Brittney Spencer and bluegrass and Celtic musicians We Banjo 3. The band — two sets of brothers based in Galway, Ireland, and Nashville, Tenn. — will perform their infectious fusion of bluegrass, Irish traditional and Americana twice, on Saturday and Sunday. The festival is alcohol- and smoke-free. Attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Tickets start at $60 for oneday general admission (advance purchase). merlefest.org Getting there: Two hours via I-77 North and US 421 North
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through Sept. 26 Asheville’s multiday culinary festival debuted in 2019 with a mission of celebrating the foodways of Southern Appalachia. After a hiatus in 2020, Chow Chow returned in June as a summerlong event series that concludes this month. The series wraps up with Food Stories, a multicourse dinner at Wicked Weed Brewing’s Funkatorium. Featured chefs include Ashleigh Shanti, culinary assistant for Chef Vivian Howard, and Eric Morris from Cultura. Tickets for the five-course meal are $200 and include a cocktail hour and paired beverages. exploreasheville.com/ chow-chow-culinary-festival Getting there: Two hours via I-85 South, US 321 North and I-40 West SP
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blvd. | calendar
September
HAPPENINGS
Remember the giant inflatable bunnies, interactive light displays and bustling uptown streets during Charlotte SHOUT! in 2019? Good news: The festival returns in a two-week extravaganza Sept. 17-Oct. 3 showcasing works by local artists, musicians, chefs, poets and more, along with internationally acclaimed artists and installations. For a full list of events and programs, visit charlotteshout.com
Events + activities Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium Sept. 2 and 4 Don’t miss the highly-anticipated opening weekend of college football with East Carolina University vs. App State and Georgia vs. Clemson. Ticket costs vary. charlottesports.org/event/dukes-mayo-classic Labor Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center Sept. 4-5 Start the holiday weekend with the Labor Day 5K or 15K trail race and end with live music. Trail race registration varies by signup option, $6 parking per car. usnwc.org Around the Crown 10K presented by Truist Sept. 5 The highway race taking runners around I-277 and through uptown Charlotte returns, with proceeds benefiting Partners for Parks. Registration costs vary by sign-up date. aroundthecrown10k.com Yiasou Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Sept. 9-12
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One of Charlotte’s most beloved cultural events returns, albeit in a drive-through format: Bring the whole family and enjoy authentic Greek food, pastries and more. 600 East Blvd. yiasoufestival.org Potters Market at the Mint Sept. 25, 10 a.m-4 p.m. More than 60 North Carolina potters selected through a jury process will sell their wares at this daylong event on the lawn of Mint Museum Randolph. Look for pottery demonstrations, live music, a beer garden and food vendors. Proceeds support educational programs of the Delhom Service League, the ceramics affiliate of The Mint Museum. Tickets are $15; kids 12 and under are free; 2730 Randolph Rd. pottersmarketatthemint.com Festival of India Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The 26th annual festival of Indian culture includes works by more than 40 local artists, performances and cultural exhibits. Get a henna tattoo, learn about sari draping, shop for souvenirs and sample Indian cuisine. Admission is free; Gateway Village, 800 W. Trade St. indiafestival.net Girl Tribe Pop-Up at Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Peruse unique wares from boutiques and beauty brands at this curated collection of women-led businesses. Tickets start at $5. girltribepopup.com
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blvd. | calendar Museums + galleries Visual Vanguard at Harvey B. Gantt Center Through Jan. 17 Guest curators David Wilson and Stephen Hayes Jr. assembled works by 26 artists that “surveys the struggles, strengths and celebrations of Black creativity in the Carolinas.” 551 S. Tryon St. ganttcenter.org Identity at Sozo Gallery Sept. 1-Oct. 2 A duo exhibition featuring Kenny Nguyen’s paint and silk works and Dimeji Onafuwa’s figurative paintings. 904 Pecan Ave., Suite 101. sozogallery.net Opening Weekend Celebration at Carolina Fine Art Sept. 4-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This new artist-operated Dilworth gallery aims “to capture and promote the spirit and energy of the local art community and its extraordinary talent.” Browse original paintings, pottery and other unique creations. 2400 Park Road, Suite G. carolinafineart.com
New work by Beverly Fishman at SOCO Gallery Sept. 1-Nov. 3 Detroit-based Fishman’s bold, abstract paintings are a commentary on issues like substance abuse and the pharmaceutical industry. Also on view are collages — color studies for the larger forms in the paintings. Opening reception Sept. 1 from 6-8 p.m. 421 Providence Rd. socogallery.com
MICROCOSM at Anne Neilson Fine Art Sept. 4-Oct. 16 This dual exhibition features artists Meredith Connelly and Stuart Coleman Budd. The composition of both artists inspires soulful connections to the natural world and reflection upon the building blocks of which it is comprised. 532 Governor Morrison St.; Suite 110. anneneilsonfineart.com Manuel Reyna at Jerald Melberg Gallery Sept. 11-Oct. 23 Trained as a brick mason and self-taught as an artist, Reyna’s paintings possess a sense of selflessness as he silently and openly shares his world with the viewer. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd. jeraldmelberg.com Kristin Blakeney & Laura Park at Shain Gallery Sept. 24-Oct.6 This show marries moving works by travel-inspired Blakeney and abstract visions by Park, a teacher-turned-designer who now embraces her painting talents full time. 2823 Selwyn Ave., Suite K. shaingallery.com JOY at Elder Gallery opens Sept. 25 Featuring works by Erin Comerford Miller, Carla Aaron-Lopez, Windy O’Connor and Lo’Vonia Parks, this exhibit unveils how innate joy fuels the artists’ individual works and delves into the transformative power of women coming together. Opening reception is noon-5 p.m. Sept. 25; reservations required. 1520 S. Tryon St. eldergalleryclt.com
— compiled by Amanda Lea
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|simple life
Golf and marriage TRUE LOVE AND HARMLESS FUN ON THE LINKS by Jim Dodson
N
ot long ago, my wife, Wendy, and I were discussing our 20th wedding anniversary. “So, Old Baggage,” I said, affecting the accent of a toffee-nosed English aristocrat. “Where exactly would you like to go? SkyMiles and hotel points are the limit!” “Oh, no,” she came back with feigned horror. “I thought we’d seen the last of that old boy!” Needless to say, I was pleased when madam suggested motoring down to a lovely old hotel and sporty golf course in South Carolina where we celebrated our 15th anniversary. But first, friends, a word of caution. Referring to your dearly beloved as “Old Baggage” does not come without certain risks to domestic harmony, though in this instance it was one of those affectionate inside jokes that long-married couples share to remind themselves of their matrimonial journey through the fairways and thickets of life. At any rate, while participating in a mixed foursomes tournament during the annual Royal & Ancient Golf Club autumn meeting some years ago, we got paired with an elderly English couple straight from the pages of P.G. Wodehouse — a crusty old RAF colonel and his long-suffering wife, Edyth, who spent an entire trip around the Duke’s Course in St. Andrews tossing colorful insults at each other. “Alright, Old Baggage, put your considerable rump into this shot!” he urged his bride. “No halfway measures, girly! Give the old wedge a solid knock!” “Sod off,” she muttered as she settled over the ball. “How about I give you a solid knock instead?” Round they went, hole after hole. He grumbled about everything from “elephants buried in the green” to his wife’s choice of exotic leopard-print golf trousers, giving unsolicited advice on almost every shot. “Try and roll this one close to the hole for a change. Remember, never up, never in!” “You would know about that,” she snipped. “Perhaps you’d enjoy a nice nap in the bunker?” Over drinks afterward, we were surprised to learn they’d been
married for 40 years, and that their entertaining Tracy-Hepburn routine was designed to amuse themselves and startle unsuspecting playing partners. “Lovely way to relieve the marital tensions,” Edyth advised matter-of-factly over her raspberry gimlet. “Just a bit of harmless fun to keep mixed opponents off balance,” Lionel chortled. “Never fails to put them off their game.” “It keeps both golf and marriage interesting,” she added coyly. “True, Baggage,” he rumbled. “Damned shame, though, about that easy 10-footer for the win you missed on 17.” “Ah, well.” She gave us an unconcerned smile. “Maybe next time you should hit the ball where you were instructed.” To paraphrase our late friend John Derr, the CBS Sports broadcaster who worked with the inimitable Henry Longhurst for years (and quoted him frequently), the institution of marriage is only slightly older than the game of golf and not quite as fun. Golf has probably saved at least as many marriages as it’s ruined — and vice versa. “Blessed be the man or woman who enjoys their spouse’s company on the golf course,” the ageless “One Derr” — as Wendy and I called him — declared at our supper table one evening after we told him about our encounter with the English aristos. “For theirs is a shared adventure of fond memories and pleasant disasters, an unbreakable bond of friendship forged by generous mulligans and preferred lies in a game that cannot be beaten — only endured.” With his next breath, Derr glanced at me, smiled and added, “You’re a fortunate man to have a beautiful golfing wife, James. But I am placing you on notice that if you pre-decease me, I’m moving in on Wendy.” He’d recently turned 96. But John’s point was well-taken. Like many couples who share a love of the game and each other, golf has been a feature of our romance almost since our first hours together. The day after meeting Wendy at a dinner party thrown in honor of my first golf book, we took a casual Sunday drive to one of Robert Trent Jones’ early golf course designs in upstate New York. It was southparkmagazine.com | 53
|simple life
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there — upon the discovery that she once played in an after-work golf league and had a germ of interest in the game — that I stole my first kiss and Wendy Ann Buynak stole my heart. The last two decades have indeed been a shared adventure of bogeys and birdies, colorful characters and memorable places, beginning with our first trip out west after we got engaged at The Lodge at Sea Island, where I threw her into the breech at Pebble Beach with a new set of Callaway golf clubs. It was her first full 18 holes of golf, as she later pointed out. Her caddie that morning had eyes like a roadmap from hell due to an all-night bachelor party. He and half a dozen tourists with video cameras bore witness as Dame Wendy teed up her ball and made a fierce swing. The ball trickled a few feet off the tee. Without hesitation, she fetched her ball and tried again. This time the ball rolled 10 feet. “Listen, ma’am,” groaned her suffering caddie, massaging his pink eyes. “Let’s just pick it up and go.” She blissfully ignored him, teed up again, took dead aim, and calmly swatted her drive to the heart of the fairway. The tourists broke into applause, and I realized this was true love on the links. The first time Wendy broke 100 was on a work trip to France. It happened at the elite Golf de Chantilly, a famous old Tom Simpson layout. Nary a soul was visible that drowsy summer afternoon following a leisurely lunch of crusty bread, foie gras and considerable sparkling wine. The attendant in the golf shop — buffing her nails with exquisite boredom — waved us out to an utterly empty course, cuckoos calling dreamily from the surrounding forest. Somewhere on the back side of the masterpiece, after all that wine and no relief station in sight, nature summoned me into the forest, after which I joked that the lone advantage God gave man over woman at the dawn of creation was the ability to make water on an empty golf course, if need be. A few holes later, I heard someone call my name and turned to see my new wife squatting behind a clump of bushes, grinning like a schoolgirl. “What was that about man’s advantage on the golf course, monsieur?” she teased. I had to laugh. “Monsieur is certainly enjoying the view,” I pointed out. Through a gap in the foliage directly behind her, an elderly gentleman in a blue beret was raking out his veggie garden. He was grinning like a teenager, too. “Bon soir!” he called out, waving. “Wee wee,” I replied in the American vernacular. We’ve had many memorable golf journeys since that incredible week of our early married days, but that time in France ranks atop both our lists of favorite moments. Which is why it was no surprise that our anniversary interlude in South Carolina was such a quiet success, a reflective moment that scored well under par as both a golf getaway and a marriage milestone. The only “baggage” we brought with us was a dozen new golf balls, 20 years of great memories — and a hope for 20 years more of the same. SP
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September books
|bookshelf
NOTABLE NEW RELEASES compiled by Sally Brewster
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe Journalist Anderson Cooper joins historian Katherine Howe in exploring the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the family’s empire, basked in “the Commodore’s” wealth, hosted lavish galas and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other. Matrix, by Lauren Groff Another masterpiece by the two-time National Book Award finalist Groff. Cast out of the royal court by Eleanor of Aquitaine, seeming too coarse and rough-hewn for marriage or courtly life, 17-year-old Marie de France is sent to England to be the new prioress of an impoverished abbey, its nuns on the brink of starvation and beset by disease. At first taken aback by the severity of her new life, Marie finds focus and love in collective life with her singular and mercurial sisters. Marie steadily supplants her desire for family, her homeland and the passions of her youth with something new to her: devotion to her sisters and a conviction in her own divine visions. Born the last in a long line of women warriors and crusaders, Marie is determined to chart a bold new course for the women she now leads and protects. Harlem Shuffle, by Colson Whitehead To his customers and neighbors on 125th street, Ray Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably priced furniture, making a life for himself and his family. Few people know he descends from a line of uptown hoods and crooks, and that his façade of normalcy has more than a few cracks in it — cracks that are getting bigger and bigger all the time. Cash is tight, so if his cousin Freddie occasionally drops off
the odd ring or necklace at the furniture store, Ray doesn’t see the need to ask where it comes from. He knows a discreet jeweler downtown who also doesn’t ask questions. Then Freddie falls in with a crew who plan to rob the Hotel Theresa — the “Waldorf of Harlem” — and volunteers Ray’s services as the fence. The heist doesn’t go as planned; now Ray has to cater to a new clientele, one made up of shady cops, vicious minions of the local crime lord and numerous other Harlem lowlifes. Harlem Shuffle is driven by an ingeniously intricate plot that plays out in a beautifully recreated Harlem of the early 1960s. Another dazzling novel from the Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning Colson Whitehead. The Book of Form and Emptiness, by Ruth Ozeki One year after the death of his beloved musician father, 13-yearold Benny Oh begins to hear voices. The voices belong to the things in his house — a sneaker, a broken Christmas ornament, a piece of wilted lettuce. Although Benny doesn’t understand what these things are saying, he can sense their emotional tone; some are pleasant, a gentle hum or coo, but others are snide, angry and full of pain. When his mother, Annabelle, develops a hoarding problem, the voices grow more clamorous. At first, Benny tries to ignore them, but soon the voices follow him outside the house, onto the street and at school, driving him to seek refuge in the silence of a large public library, where objects are well-behaved and know to speak in whispers. There, Benny discovers a strange new world. He falls in love with a mesmerizing street artist with a smug pet ferret who uses the library as her performance space. He meets a homeless philosopher-poet who encourages him to ask important questions and find his own voice among the many. And he meets his very own Book — a talking thing — that narrates Benny’s life and teaches him to listen to the things that truly matter. The Book of Form and Emptiness is classic Ruth Ozeki — bold, wise, poignant, playful, humane and heartbreaking. SP Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books at 4139 Park Road. parkroadbooks.com southparkmagazine.com | 57
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|omnivorous reader
Overseeing the evil and the good WILEY CASH’S NEW NOVEL WEAVES A TALE OF MYSTERY. by Stephen E. Smith
I
t will come as no surprise to anyone who’s read Wiley Cash’s previous bestselling novels — A Land More Kind Than Home, This Dark Road to Mercy and The Last Ballad — that his latest offering, When Ghosts Come Home, is a sophisticated, skillfully rendered mystery that focuses, despite being set in 1984, on the personal, societal and racial conflicts that trouble Americans in the moment. Cash, like most accomplished writers, is attuned to the environment from which he’s writing (even if the events he’s describing occurred decades ago), and he has, with good reason, consistently drawn on North Carolina as his setting of choice: He was born and raised in Gastonia, teaches at UNC Asheville and lives in the Wilmington/Oak Island area, the region of the state that serves as the locale for his latest mystery. The coastal setting may be familiar to many North Carolina readers, but the story that unfolds has nothing to do with a family outing at the beach. If the region suggests tranquility, it’s also the source for the grisly ingredients that make for a good whodunit, and Cash’s leap-frogging narrative continually moves forward with an economy of style and structural tension that’s a balance of the familiar with the unexpected. Despite numerous twists and turns, Cash is always the consummate craftsman; not a word or gesture or errant piece of information proves irrelevant. This storytelling acumen has earned for Cash the status as one of our state’s literary celebrities. The Last Ballad was an American Library Association Book of the Year and received the Southern Book Prize, the Sir Walter Raleigh Award and the Weatherford Award — the list goes on and on. Moreover, the characters he creates aren’t easy Southern stereotypes; they may live in an atmosphere troubled by shifting notions of race and social standing, and they are almost always dangerous to themselves and each other, but
their view of the world is more comprehensive, more contemporary, than those of the usual Faulknerian rabble. If his characters exhibit anger, bigotry and violence — all in plentiful supply in the South — Cash never displays contempt for the foolish and unwashed, never sets himself up as arbiter. He simply oversees the evil and good and allows his readers to make their final judgments based on their view of the available world. The mystery opens with 63-year-old Winston Barnes, the Brunswick County sheriff and the novel’s protagonist, awakening to the roar of a low-flying aircraft approaching a little-used local airport on Oak Island. Barnes is at a crisis point in his life: His wife is being treated for cancer; his daughter’s marriage is failing after the loss of a child; he’s up for reelection in a few weeks — his prospects are less than promising; and he desperately needs the health insurance that comes with his job. He knows that the disturbance created by the aircraft is reason for concern and that the publicity generated by his handling of any criminal activity on the island could be crucial to his reelection. Cash’s strong sense of place is apparent when Barnes leaves home to investigate the downed aircraft, and his use of detail and small observations deftly and beautifully brings the moment into focus. As a young man, Cash took in those same sights on mornings when he drove to catch the ferry to Bald Head Island where he worked as lifeguard. “When Sheriff Winston Barnes leaves home in the pre-dawn hours to drive to the airstrip to explore the sound he heard, he drives past dark, shuttered businesses, some of them closed for the off-season and others of them simply closed for the night,” Cash revealed in a recent email interview. “I made this same drive every morning before dawn during the summer of 1998 when I was 20 and my parents
southparkmagazine.com | 59
|omnivorous reader had first moved to Oak Island. … I had to leave my parents’ house to catch the ferry to make it to a shift that began at 7:00 a.m. It was summer and the island was incredibly busy, but I was always struck by how those pre-dawn hours were so still and haunting.” When he arrives at the airstrip, Barnes discovers an abandoned DC-3 with its cargo hold empty. Not far from the plane, he happens upon the body of a local Black man, Rodney Bellamy, who has been shot in the chest. From these simple clues, the mystery wholly unfolds and the elements in this straightforward block of information play out in the novel’s action from beginning to end. The essential characters are quickly introduced, including Colleen, Barnes’ daughter; Jay, Rodney Bellamy’s teenage bother-inlaw; Ed Bellamy, Rodney’s father and a former Marine sharpshooter; and Deputy Billy Englehart, a furtive white supremacist. Add to these a cast of cameo characters who agitate the subplots, and there’s much to consider by way of human imperfection — race, class, jealously, betrayal, old animosities, personal history — all of it churning up a jumble of possible suspects. When Cash digs deep into his characters, he reveals the secrets that shape their prejudices, and the straightforward structure of the traditional mystery assumes a vaguely parabolic intent. Set in a time when, believe it or not, racial attitudes were less obvious, readers will sense that Cash is addressing the present racial tensions that plague America. In a country divided against itself, we are suddenly forced to confront the frightening truth that underlies the attitudes and beliefs of once-trusted friends and acquaintances.
“There was a time — especially in the South in the 1980s — when political and cultural attitudes were much more implicit, especially with Ronald Reagan sweeping 49 states in the 1984 election,” Cash says. “But the past several years have caused those attitudes to become much more explicit, from the politics of vaccines and masks to carrying tiki torches when protesting the removal of monuments to storming the U.S. Capitol to overthrow American democracy. The attitudes and beliefs that were once below the surface have now become markedly apparent. Whether on social media or T-shirts or hats, we’re besieged by markers of political beliefs and cultural attitudes that align with or conflict with our own. And we’re not one bit interested in investigating the roots of our beliefs; we’re much more invested in ferreting out those who don’t agree with us.” When Ghosts Come Home is a mystery that’s compelling in its suspense and topical intrigues. Cash creates a wealth of fully dimensional characters, and he permeates the novel with a melancholy that will leave readers wondering about an open-ended denouement that invites them, via a gentle authorial nudge, to participate in fleshing out the novel’s most brutal and unexpected consequence, an act of dehumanizing violence and betrayal that could only occur in the frightening world in which we now find ourselves. SP When Ghosts Come Home will be in bookstores on Sept. 21. Wiley Cash will sign books at Park Road Books at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22. At 7 p.m., Cash will take part in an in-store and virtual conversation with authors from Friends & Fiction.
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|the road home
Shark teeth LOOKING AT LIFE’S LAYERS by Caroline Langerman
A
t first, the baby only drinks and naps — your life goes on while he sleeps. You are still the protagonist, only now with a noisy sidekick and a stroller addiction. You still go to dinner and, sometimes, even the weddings of second-tier friends. You go to the new restaurant and laugh with your friends about diapering. Your life is still now; there’s buzz about that thing you did, and that thing is not the baby. The baby is gravy. But a few years later — long enough for your chin to get soft but not so long that you’ve thrown away your smallest-sized jeans — your little boy says something on the way home from tennis clinic that you realize has a narrative. “That kid always whines,” or “Wednesdays are the worst.” You’re at a red light, and suddenly his life is remember-able to himself, has a story. Now, you’re sending regrets to every wedding, setting alarms for T-ball sign-ups. All you want to do is go camping so he can see the constellations. The baby has two baby sisters; he is not gravy. When even is your life? You can bet I believed my mother’s life was an antique in the formal living room, just like her old records and her old dolls and her old pictures of people with braids who looked back at me from the top of the stairs. It was my turn. You can imagine my frustration, when, after her day at work — and work was another old thing, something she’d gone back to after having children — she would put down her purse and have her five o’clock “let down,” bringing her hands over her eyes. Surely her life was not after this, after she made boring chicken and lukewarm baths and screamed about moldy hockey pads blocking the doorways? Surely it was not something she was working toward? I knew she had a life, but in the way you might know about an addiction or a secret: something she was nursing, neglecting. Meanwhile, I was a cartoonist. I was a poet. I was tracking the movements of an orange-haired boy named Charlie who scowled at me while I waited for him to hang his jacket. My life could not wait five minutes. “When’s dinner?” I asked. Her hands didn’t move from her eyes. Is it like an hourglass, relevance? The more of me, the less of her? The less of me, the more of him? Last spring, I found myself reading a story to a group of kindergarteners. Their teacher had dashed into another room to take her break, and I stood at the front of the class while the little pandemic people put up their windshields, peeled off their masks and ate their sandwiches. I’d chosen a book about New York. My son, John, liked the extravagant sums of the city — there are over 72,000 elevators in Manhattan! “John was born in New York,” I said, by way of introduction,
kind of pathetically bragging about my own old life. A boy in the front row raised his hand and asked, suspiciously, “How do you know?” I laughed. How do I know? In Manhattan, there are thousands of patients and only a few doctors. In Manhattan, you are allowed one ice chip every five minutes after giving birth. There were a bunch of life-threatening difficulties, but it was the thirst that was going to kill me. They allowed my mom to come into the hallway where I was lying on a cot, and I remember she was asking me to call my grandmother. Was it my life, on the cot, or my mother’s life, holding out the phone? Did life’s lens belong to my half-hour-old baby, who was making news, or to his 95-year-old great-grandmother, who was receiving it? I left the kindergarten classroom knowing that behind me, on the playground, there was an entire world coming into being, and ahead of me, that “burst of midlife energy” that my mom promised me would come in my 40s. Maybe life was not an hourglass in which one part drained while the other filled. Maybe it was more like what we found in my son’s mouth when kindergarten was over. It was the end of a June beach day. Everyone was sunburned and lethargic, and when I summoned the energy to peel my hands from my eyes after my five o’clock let down, I found John splayed on the bed admitting he hadn’t brushed his teeth. I brought to his bed a grubby travel toothbrush with a swoop of Crest, and when he opened up, I was surprised to see, neatly behind his baby teeth, another row of fully emerged adult teeth. It looked like a tiny movie theater. “Did you know,” I asked slowly, for effect, to a kid who had waited all year for a tooth to fall out, “That you already have your grown-up teeth?” Incredulous, he ran to the mirror, then clattered down the stairs to his grandparents, calling, “There’s a surprise in my mouth! There’s a surprise in my mouth!” Even though 6-year-olds tend to grow new teeth, we were truly surprised, and pounded him on the back like he had gotten into Harvard. I reported the victory to a friend a couple of weeks later. “I’ve heard of that,” she said. “Shark teeth!” Oh, I loved a great name, and she laughed with me. Then, “Have you called the dentist?” I had not called the dentist, I shamefully admitted. It was sometimes so hard to know which was a right-now problem and which was the kind of problem to collect slap-happy GIFs about. I texted the dentist a picture, and he prescribed six weeks of wiggling followed by an extraction. “Well buddy,” I said to movie-theater-mouth man over his Cheerios the next day, “We have some wiggling to do.” He looked at southparkmagazine.com | 63
|the road home
A TRADITION OF KNOWLEDGE AND TRUST Gay Dillashaw 704-564-9393 gay.dillashaw@allentate.com
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me like I had taken Harvard away. But we could figure this out, right? We two, whose lives were both real, and both now. Why is it so hard to let go of the things we know we’re going to lose, that we need to lose? Why do some kids lose their teeth as painlessly as fallen eyelashes and others have to have them yanked with plyers, or, like my daughter, knocked out by a sibling’s hard head? During the Six Week Wiggle, I noticed doubleness everywhere: I had brown hair and behind it, white hair; I had a daughter pushing me to let her go, and behind her a daughter longing to be held. My very existence, next to John’s, seemed like a layer waiting to be shed. I had a husband who had been a son, a father who had been a son, and a brother who had been a son, and it was as dizzying as those constellations we still hadn’t visited — keeping tabs on old little-boy hearts while I tried to raise one as well. Maybe mothers are like a first set of teeth — you don’t get to choose how much of your adult life emerges before they fall out. At first, his next-row teeth will feel naked and ill-equipped, cutting the skin of apples and forming words. But soon, Shark Teeth will just be something weird he used to have. Comic relief. Pillow talk. It will line up behind whatever nowness grabs him by the shoulders next and holds his gaze. If I may add a prayer? To be here to witness what grabs my children next, but to still be grabbed by the world myself. Not just to be the gravy to my kids’ lives but to feel my own nowness beating through me till the end. On long days, it feels like I’m nursing and neglecting my own life. If you think about it, it’s magic to be in a world where old people and new people can exist at the same time; some struggling to emerge, some starting to wiggle. To take it a step further: Can you believe they can talk to each other? It’s a daily assumption we forget to celebrate for what it is: a surprise in our mouths! A surprise in our mouths. Amen. SP Caroline Langerman is a writer in Charlotte. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Glamour. She also teaches writing classes at Charlotte Center for Literary Arts.
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|southpark stories
Paying it forward RETIRED UNC CHARLOTTE PROFESSOR LARRY MELLICHAMP HAS INSPIRED STUDENTS AND BACKYARD GARDENERS ACROSS THE QUEEN CITY. by Tom Nunnenkamp
INSET PHOTOGRAPH BY FRANCES FURR
TOP PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY UNC CHARLOTTE BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Mellichamp Native Terrace, above, is named for retired UNC Charlotte professor Larry Mellichamp. Right: Mellichamp with the author and his wife, Lib Jones.
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s I write this article, my friend and mentor, Lawrence Mellichamp, is very much alive and well. Professor emeritus in biology and retired director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, Mellichamp was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and by all estimations is doing much better than his physicians expected. He continues to reach many new students through his well-attended Zoom classes. Known as Dr. M to many of his friends and colleagues, to me he has always been Larry. A 1966 grad of East Mecklenburg High School, Larry earned a bachelor of science in biology at UNC Charlotte and a doctorate in botany at the University of Michigan. Looking back, I surely hope that this learned man who worked so hard for that Ph.D. doesn’t feel disrespected by my familiarity. Larry’s research specialties include the study of native flora of the Southeast, including rare and endangered plants. Some of his bestknown work has been in the area of carnivorous plants of eastern North Carolina. This accomplished plantsman can also demonstrate “absentminded professor syndrome.” As he relates the story, he acquired a Cornus pringlei, better known as Mexican dogwood, and put it in the garden’s nursery until he found a proper location for planting. But the professor got busy, forgot about it, and later discovered that it had rooted through the bottom of the container into the soil of the nursery. Since dogwoods do not often transplant well, it is still growing in the same location today! I say all this as a prelude to how this remarkable man influenced me and was instrumental in the expansion of MapleWalk, the private garden that my wife, Lib Jones, and I have called home for more than 30 years. About 20 years ago, Lib and I decided to create a woodland garden on the lot we had purchased a few years earlier. Bear in mind that, up to this point, we had not yet lost our sanity. We had been typical backyard gardeners and had purchased the property behind us as protection from the runoff during heavy thunderstorms. Our experience had been that many who called themselves
landscape designers were not qualified to help us as we tackled this heavily wooded and neglected piece of property. Having purchased a couple of Dr. M’s books (he’s co-authored six), we had met him casually at a signing. Given his extensive knowledge and his reputation as a much-loved botany professor, we thought he might be able to give us some names of qualified professionals. The phone conversation that ensued changed our lives. Larry, who is married with an adult daughter, suggested that he might come out and take a look at our project and possibly serve as a consultant. Our purposeful walks over the hilly terrain and his musings as to which “hard-to-find” plant might look good in a particular location eventually took two enthusiastic “backyard” gardeners into another realm. Lib became an avid collector of perennials, while I became obsessive about Japanese maples and hardscaping. Our friendship deepened when Larry asked me to join his newly formed advisory council for the Botanical Gardens. Serving with other dedicated lovers of public gardens, Dr. M’s passion for the development and preservation of this on-campus treasure was evident. During the later years of his tenure, the Asian Garden was created, followed by the Mellichamp Native Terrace in 2015. This one-fifthacre area that bears his name demonstrates how homeowners can use native plants to enhance the beauty of their property while at the same time encouraging flora and fauna indigenous to the area. When people ask me why Lib and I have such an open visitation policy for our garden, part of my response includes our desire to share our knowledge and passion. Larry has taught us that enthusiasm is contagious. In these stressful times, I believe we all need places of peace and beauty. While Dr. Mellichamp was obviously instrumental in the development of such a place at UNC Charlotte, his impact across Charlotte has also been significant. Thousands of area residents have taken his classes, read his books or visited the Botanical Gardens. Thousands more have visited us at MapleWalk. Our SouthPark property is in part a tribute to this remarkable man we love. SP southparkmagazine.com | 67
shoes • clothing • accessories 4310 Sharon Road Suite T01A sloanboutqiue.com 704.338.1400
|well + wise
Being resilient TRUSTING IN YOUR INNATE ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER HARDSHIP by Juliet Lam Kuehnle
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ell, we’re still talking about — and dealing with — the impact of the pandemic, and we will be for quite some time. This past year-and-a-half has impacted us in many ways and tested our resolve. Still, it is possible to undergo hardship and be OK. I often tell clients that therapy isn’t about learning how to make discomfort go away but learning how to tolerate it. Therapy is also about understanding how the “negative” shapes us and allows us awareness of the “positive.” The movie Inside Out depicts this well: We wouldn’t know joy without fear and sadness. There is room for all emotions, and there is power in learning to tolerate all of them and trust that some situations are temporary. In psychology, we call this resilience, or psychological flexibility. We often use the image of a tree being blown around in the wind by a storm and ultimately being righted when the wind passes. Humans are this way, too! We may be tested and pushed, but we are best served to trust in our innate abilities to bounce back. Deanna Goldner is owner and therapist of Queen City Psychotherapy and is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical addictions specialist. “Our ability to be resilient is influenced by both nature and nurture,” Goldner says. “Nature is our internal makeup of how we are emotionally wired. The ability to persevere through difficulties is part of our nature. Nurture is based on external factors, such as our social networks. The support of one’s community serves to bring out and enhance one’s ability to persevere. However, this ability stems from our innate drive to work through problems.” Goldner cites a study that measured the happiness levels of both people who had lost the use of their legs and people who had won the lottery. “They found that after a year of these events, the lottery winners were only slightly happier than paraplegics. It is evident that the paraplegics found ways to manage their new life challenge and restore their moods. This finding brings light to our natural disposition to recover.” Especially as pandemic restrictions and recommendations continue to shift and we create our next normal, it’s important to believe in our ability to bounce back and tolerate whatever comes our way. SP
Kuehnle recently spoke with former NFL player Eugene Robinson, a coach and anchor of WCNC’s Charlotte Today. Below are excerpts from their interview, lightly edited. What can you share about your mental health journey? When I think of mental health and wellness, I have to harken back to my dad. Growing up, my dad was an alcoholic. There’s a lot that goes on with that, but when you’re a kid and you’re exposed to it, it’s devastating, and it stays with you. Alcoholism impaired his judgement, and because of that, we kids suffered. You become a product of what you see. It can shape you. We carry that younger child, that inner self, no matter how old we are. Forgiveness is such a pivotal moment. I can remember looking my dad in the eye and asking him for forgiveness, because I had something against him, and I needed to get it off my chest. It healed that relationship and healed me. As you became more successful, your relationships surely shifted. How does someone so young handle that? You’re human, so no matter the success, you [can] experience significant hardship in your life. I’m just like anybody else — I hurt, and I cry. I was a kid who was hurt. I have a passion for anyone going through something tough. I extend much more grace because there are so many things we humans have to fight, and it’s not easy to do. So [for] anyone dealing with mental illness at all, it’s no joke. I know that it can be devastating, and it’s something people have to work through and have to do that really hard work to get to the other side. Juliet Kuehnle is the owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness. The full version of Kuehnle’s “Who You Callin’ Crazy?!” interview featuring Eugene Robinson can be found on Instagram @yepigototherapy or wherever you stream podcasts.
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Pumpkin Palooza
FA L L F E S T I VA L SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 PUMPKINS (ALL COLORS, SIZES & STACKS), PEPPERS, PICKLES, APPLES AND ACORNS
Charlotte’s Only Hot Glass Studio and Gallery
GATHER YOUR IMAGINATION JACOB “JAKE” PFEIFER 438 ATANDO AVENUE CHARLOTTE, NC 28206 980.209.9284 | HOTGLASSALLEY.COM
Charlotte’s tree canopy is declining at a rapid pace, adversely impacting the benefits trees provide our community - shelter from the hot sun, clean air and water, reduced energy use, and enhanced physical and mental health. TreesCharlotte is a public/private nonprofit collaboration to grow, diversify and steward the city’s iconic urban forest, primarily through volunteer efforts with a focus on underserved communities. Over the past 10 years TreesCharlotte has: • Planted and distributed 40,000 containerized trees and 50,000 seedlings. • Engaged 20,000-plus volunteers. • Educated thousands of students and residents on tree care and tree benefits. • Held numerous stewardship events to care for trees already planted.
Want to help plant trees or get a tree for your yard? Learn how at TreesCharlotte.org 70
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Visit TreesCharlotte.org/donate to learn how you can help protect and grow Charlotte’s tree canopy, and create a healthier environment and enhanced quality of life in Charlotte.
For All Walks of Life Located on hundreds of acres, Aldersgate is a 62+, entrance-fee, non-profit community that offers a vast variety of living options and amenities. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 1PM
Get Your Legal Ducks in a Row Lunch & Learn Sip mimosas and enjoy a light lunch while our guest speaker discusses the legal ins and outs of aging and estate planning.
RSVP by calling (704) 774-4763 or visit AldersgateLiving.org. 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
MANUEL REYNA (1912-1989)
Simple Eloquence September 11 - October 23 With a wonderful sense of solitude and impeccable attention to composition, Reyna silently shared his world with the viewer.
CASA AMARILLA Mixed Media on Board 8 1/2 x 10 3/8 inches
625 South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-365-3000 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4
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It List
The
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Created and produced by Whitley Adkins Photographer: Richard Israel On-site makeup touch-ups: Josiah Reed Production assistant: Isabelle Pringle On location at Mint Museum Randolph and The Collector’s Room by Beau Monde and surrounding South End
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his year marks the fifth annual IT List, a celebratory number indeed! As I’ve said before, personal style is how you carry yourself, the consistency of your dress and how you evolve through life’s stages — but most of all, it is how you behave and treat others. What you wear is telling, but how you wear it is moreso. Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of this project isn’t the fashion at all, or the personal style — it’s about the people and the relationships that are made in the process. This project has been an exemplary way, through fashion and style, of bringing together people with different backgrounds, personal styles, ages, races, careers, communities and more. It is a celebration of differences based upon an established common ground — personal style. While not the most important thing in life, that common ground brings individuals together to celebrate what is — compassion for others. The list is by no means comprehensive — in a city full of so many stylish individuals, how could it be? We hope that you sit back and enjoy learning more about 22 of the most stylish people in Charlotte.
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Liz Faison
49, arts advocate; board member and chair of the Collections committee at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Personal style: “My style is inspired by contemporary art and an ode to urban living. I cannot paint, but I do enjoy expressing myself through my individual style.” Fashion influences: Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Poppy Delevingne and Lee Radziwill; London and NYC. “Closer to home, my elegant mother-in-law, Mollie, and my sequin-loving daughter, Blair, inspire me every day.” Where she shops: Capitol, Tiny Gods and Kirna Zabete (New York) Style advice for her younger self: “Don’t be afraid to stand out.”
Felicia Bittle 46, style consultant
Personal style: Polished, classy, vintage and bold. “I am not restrained or restricted by trends.” Fashion influences: “My beautiful grandmother, Sadie Bell. She always reinforced looking your best at all times.” Bittle gives an honorable mention to Whitley Gilbert, Jasmine Guy’s character on the ’80s sitcom A Different World. Retro style she’d love to resurrect: “I adore leg warmers. They had me at Flashdance and Jane Fonda workouts — just a simple way to add some personality to an outfit.” Neighborhood that best represents her style: Dilworth. “Quaint, historic with sprinkles of modernization. Charming and cozy!”
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Tonya McLeod 47, cosmetic dermatologist
Personal style: Classic African luxury with an international flair Style advice for her younger self: “Once it becomes a trend, move on! Stay ahead of the curve and continue to be fashion forward.” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: “I still rock some of my childhood favorites like riding boots and stirrup pants.” Neighborhood that best represents her style: “Although I adore Charlotte, my neighborhood style is more aligned with being a ‘world citizen’ — classic, elegant, international and cosmopolitan.”
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Melissa Carnegie
35, lifestyle blogger and content creator at melissachanel.com, founder of Kicks & Fros sneaker lifestyle brand Personal style: Tomboy chic Where she shops: Zara, Urban Outfitters, Neiman Marcus and small Black-owned businesses that she discovers online or through friends and influencers Style advice for her younger self: “Be yourself — wear those sneakers! Express yourself and have fun with your personal style.” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: “The big collars with sheer sleeves — I used to rock those heavy and wish they would come back.” Neighborhood that best represents her style: South End: “Very creative, artsy and fun!”
Regine Bechtler
52, painter, ceramic sculptor and mixed-media artist Personal style: “As an artist, I see fashion as another creative outlet to experiment with. I enjoy combining bold colors, diverse patterns, low-end and high-end brands, as well as layering vintage pieces with modern silhouettes until I’m left with a sort of wearable collage. In short, my style is about freedom, and this quote from Alexander McQueen explains it the best: ‘Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment.’” Fashion influences: Elsa Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rei Kawakubo and Alexander McQueen Style advice for her younger self: “Be brave.” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: Oversized and dramatic chunky jewelry from the ’80s 76
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Frankie Zombie 32, artist
Personal style: “My style reflects my life growing up — making the best of what you have forces you to be really creative, and that stuck with me the rest of my life.” Fashion influences: Family, including his grandmother from Harlem that taught him about fabrics, and Black culture, from jazz to ’90s New York culture to Pharrell Williams. Style advice for his younger self: “I don’t think I would give my younger self advice, because that little guy influenced who I am today. I started on my fashion journey at an early age, mismatching everything I’d had in my closet or from my dad.” Retro style he’d love to resurrect: ’70s band fashion (e.g., The Isley Brothers, Sly and the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire) or bicycle street style as seen in movies like Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.
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Michael Gallis
78, CEO, real-estate developer at Michael Gallis & Associates Personal style: “I like to feel situationally appropriate; the beach is one style, the opera something very different. Each offers an opportunity to think about dressing creatively.” Fashion influences: “San Francisco when I was growing up was a very diverse and artistic but formal city. My European parents emphasized quality and tradition, and my partner, Berhan, style and flair.” Style advice for his younger self: “Think more about what you like and less about what’s expected of you.”
Elizabeth Edwards
45, chief operating officer at Gulf Stream Asset Management Personal style: “A cross between preppie and hippie — but my daughter would say Amish.” Fashion influences: Little House on the Prairie, Laura Poole, Ann Mashburn, Ruth Runberg, Sarah Walker Leitner Style advice for her younger self: “Learn how to sew! Cover up. Dress for your shape. Choose good fabric.” Neighborhood that best represents her style: “Our 1936 mill home in Fort Mill is reminiscent of patchwork fabric and aligns perfectly with my style. I felt right at home the minute I entered the space.”
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Marissa Jade Willinsky
owner, The House of Jade Sky clothing and art boutique Personal style: “Distinctive but playful, sophisticated yet raw.” Fashion influences: “Growing up in Brooklyn and New York City, being engulfed in art, fashion and nightlife from a very young age — all of these experiences are woven into the thread of my collections. ... Graduating with my bachelor’s from The Fashion Institute of Technology gave me my education, and being on tour with Lady Gaga for 10 years [as a makeup artist] gave me my Ph.D in all things fashion and art.” Style advice for her younger self: “My darling, if nothing else, go against the grain!” Neighborhood that best reflects her style: Plaza Midwood meets SouthPark
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Nina Johnson
39, wardrobe stylist, Styled By Nina J., and women’s ready-to-wear stylist at Nordstrom SouthPark Personal style: “I love classic, feminine, well-tailored pieces combined with a pop of color, a structured shoulder or another ornate detail that makes the look unique and memorable.” Fashion influences: Her mother. “She has always dressed so chic, elegant and polished. That woman can rock a St. John knit like none other! She also started dressing me in fancy baby boutique clothing before I could walk. I’m fairly certain that’s where my love of designer luxury fashion began.” Style advice for her younger self: “Lean into and embrace your love of fashion.” Johnson left a corporate career in marketing and IT in 2017 to pursue styling full-time. “I was always afraid that I wouldn’t be taken seriously, or I simply wouldn’t be successful. Today, I could not love what I do more, and I wish I’d had the intestinal fortitude to just go for it sooner!”
Kent Youngstrom 49, artist
Personal style: “Different is always a better story. However, finding a balance between eccentric ‘Look at me, look at me’ and ‘I didn’t notice him’ can be a challenge. Hearing, ‘That’s just Kent being Kent’ always makes me feel like I’m writing the story the right way.” Fashion influences: “The confidence gained when you feel like a choose-your-own-adventure story in your clothes,” along with traveling, art shows and fashion photography. Where he shops: Revolution Clothier, Luna’s Lifestyle, House of Abbeydale, Imogene + Willie (Nashville), Two Old Hippies (Nashville), online at NOBULL Project and “any sneaker store I can find.” Style advice for his younger self: “Fit is first, and logos are dumb.”
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Claire Elizabeth Weigel 27, manager, Poole Shop
Personal style: “Color, patterns and feeling feminine in how I dress. There’s something about dressing up that makes any occasion feel more special. I have found that my style is a way to connect with others. I have many friendships that started because someone asked what I was wearing. I love that style and fashion bring people together.” Fashion influences: “As a child, my mother always let me dress myself, which had a major impact on my personal style. I was able to express myself, whether that meant wearing a Little Mermaid princess costume, a gown or just a smocked dress!” Style advice for her younger self: “Don’t be afraid to stand out and wear what you love. Opportunities will present themselves when you own who you are and live it.”
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Jill Sloan Pleune
44, co-owner of Sloan boutique in SouthPark; co-founder of Fashion Breathes Life fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Personal style: “Classic with a ‘twist’ and a touch of boho-California style. As a businesswoman and mom to two young boys, I dress for both jobs.” Fashion influences: Her mother, Cathy Sloan. “Coming from a small rural farming community in Illinois, she never let that hinder her amazing style. She would be on the sidelines of our high school football games in a fur coat, heels and sunglasses — always glam. She taught [my sister] Courtney and myself to always dress, no matter if you were just going to the grocery store, and heels were always a must!” Style advice for her younger self: Buy pieces of clothing that you can grow with. Neighborhood that most reflects her style: Uptown. “Sophistication by day and party by night!” 82
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Courtney Sloan
45, co-owner of Sloan boutique in SouthPark, volunteer with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and board member of Fashion Breathes Life Personal style: “Glam on the go. I love to look great, but with six kids (three stepchildren and three of my own), I try to keep it a little practical.” Fashion influences: Her mom, Cathy Sloan. “She is as fabulous today as she was when I was growing up. [Also] Young Sun Lee, the owner of boutiques in central Illinois and my first boss, helped open our eyes to the world of retail.” Style advice for her younger self: “Age should not define you, and age is just a number. Don’t dress your age, dress how you feel!” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: Layered jacket looks inspired by ’70s and ’80s trends
Ulrike W. Miles
48, head of philanthropy and community engagement at Kingfisher Capital Personal style: “A blend of sleek European and hopeless romantic, both pragmatic and whimsical. I tend to juxtapose pieces that might not normally go together.” Fashion influences: “My European upbringing created a style sensibility reminiscent of the iconic Brigitte Bardot. I also love Katharine Hepburn’s classic menswear look and the way Madeline Albright was able to use just one piece of jewelry to focus her look.” Style advice for her younger self: “Dare to trust your own unique eye and independent spirit to reflect your personality, experiences and personal ambition. Find inspiration everywhere — a busy sidewalk in the city, dreaming in nature, a photograph — then create around it.”
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Hannah Blanton
52, owner and founder, SOZO Gallery; co-founder, About Face CLT; art curator at The Brooklyn Collective Personal style: “Inviting, curious and with purpose.” Fashion influences: People with stories. “One of my favorites is a very long-loved babysitter who has since passed away. Harriette Merrill, in her 70s and 80s, would show up to babysit my toddlers in her full-length mink coat. We would laugh, and she’d always exclaim, ‘Well it’s my warmest coat, and what on Earth am I saving it for?’” Where she shops: Local women-owned businesses: Found Collection, The Edit, GW Charlotte, MINE by Sandy, Sloan and Elston. “And my favorite local man designer everyone should know — ROOLE (Gordon Holliday).” Style advice for her younger self: “Know what styles flatter your shape best and stick with that. Be you. Be comfortable. If you are having a bad day, put on the fancy formal skirt with a jean jacket and sneakers and own it. Laugh with yourself.”
Mary Margaret Beaver
42, owner of Tiny Gods jewelry store and co-founder and designer at Love Thy Rival fine jewelry Personal style: An eclectic mix of old and new. “I am not afraid of taking a chance with mixing colors and patterns.” Where she shops: Five One Five and Elston (“the grooviest shoe truck”), Hampden in Charleston, and online at Moda Operandi. “I often find the best pieces on sale, because I tend to choose what other people would never select for themselves.” Style advice for her younger self: “Invest more in special pieces rather than accumulating things that won’t stand the test of time.” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: Pantsuits Neighborhood that best reflects her style: Plaza Midwood. “I rock a mix of new and old, high and low, and the vibe is authentic but ever evolving.”
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Joy Farley
31, real estate professional, M/I Homes Personal style: “If I could translate my style into two words it would be ‘Live colorfully.’ Color and print have a way of uplifting my spirit and the spirit of everyone I come in contact with — it’s science!” Fashion influences: Trina Turk and Diane Von Furstenberg Where she shops: “It may come as a huge surprise but I don’t! I have always found it really hard to shop [as a tall woman], and I also don’t have an attachment to my closet. Thanks to Rent the Runway, I have a revolving designer closet full of endless style possibilities for every occasion.” Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: Big, bold color. “Maybe one of these days, we can make bright the new black.”
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Amy Welton
49, Realtor at Brandon Lawn Real Estate Personal style: “Classic with a little twist every now and then.” Fashion influences: Her mom and two daughters, Maggie and Avery. “When I was little, I would go into my mom’s closet and wear her clothes. I still love to go in her closet when I’m home in Raleigh. She has a very classic style (think Jackie Kennedy).” Where she shops: Capitol, Poole Shop, Five One Five, Charlotte’s and The Edit; Moda Operandi, Matches, Amazon and TheRealReal online. Style advice for her younger self: “Stop perming your hair. This isn’t a good look for you!” Childhood trend she’d love to resurrect: Laura Ashley. “Bring it back. I loved my dresses and rompers. I can just remember the smell walking into the store.”
Kimsioux Montgomery Entrepreneur and stylemaker
Fashion influences: Her mom. “She loved fashion, furniture, music and food. Her sense of style — exquisite like Vreeland; her love of music — iconic like Aretha; home furnishings — eclectic like Platner; and a real foodie, like Vertamae [Smart-Grosvenor]. Exposure to these icons, including my mom, informed my personal style.” Where she shops: “I’ll shop anywhere … the hospital gift shop, family-owned boutiques, sample sales, thrift stores, estate sales, airports, department stores and, of course, online luxury websites.” Neighborhood that best represents her style: Northwood Estates. “It’s a neighborhood of rich history that boasts of iconic ‘first Black’ civil rights leaders, politicians, teachers, doctors, lawyers, pastors and an ongoing legacy of the same.” 86
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Claire Talley
76, retired interior designer; co-founder, Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Inc. Personal style: “Classic with an edge and always figure-flattering.” Fashion influences: Felipe Edmiston and Daniel Gonzalez; her travels. “Shopping in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London and all over Italy helped to develop my love of fashion and my sense of style.” Where she shops: Neiman Marcus, Sloan and other Charlotte boutiques Retro trend she’d love to resurrect: Bell-bottoms
Irina Toshkova
37, owner, TFA Gallery & Advisory Personal style: “I love a mix of street wear and designer. I am not a fan of trends, and I usually go for clothes that are functional yet elegant” that will transition well from daytime into night. “I also love bling and good shoes! I think fabulous shoes can definitely take an outfit from good to amazing.” Fashion influences: Art, architecture and her mother, “who very early on showed me the power of good style and introduced me to fashion.” Style advice for her younger self: “Be bold and confident.” Neighborhood that best reflects her style: Uptown
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All angles A 1964 A-FRAME IS ONE OF FIVE MIDCENTURY MARVELS FEATURED ON THIS YEAR’S VIRTUAL MAD ABOUT MODERN HOME TOUR. by Cathy Martin | photographs by Digital Lasagna
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hen someone mentions classic A-frame architecture, quaint vacation homes come to mind — a laid-back surf shack by the beach, or a snug mountain getaway. The architectural style peaked in popularity from the 1950s through the 1970s — you could even order a prefab kit and build your own. During that time, Frank and Bonnie Mullen were living in Dayton, Ohio, when Frank, a psychologist and researcher, decided to join the faculty at Queens College (now Queens University). Ahead of their move to the Queen City, the couple subscribed to The Charlotte Observer, where they read an article about a German architect building A-frame churches in North Carolina. They commissioned the architect, Friederick Hans Schmitt, to build a home for them on a wooded lot in their new city. “It was very peaceful and quiet living at the end of the cul-de-sac in the middle of a woods” recalls Bonnie Mullen, now in her 80s and living in Florida. The Mullens only lived in the home for five years before Frank took another university job in Michigan, but the flat-topped A-frame built in the shape of a cross still stands. It’s one of five mid-mod houses on this year’s Mad About Modern home tour, now in its 10th year. Like last year, the tour organized by The Charlotte Museum of History will be virtual, with a VIP kickoff event at the museum on Sept. 23. Perched on a sloping lot that backs up to Little Sugar Creek, the A-frame completed in 1964 is a relic, surrounded today by large, modern homes. Like many neighborhoods in the area, several of the original houses on the street have been torn down and replaced with infill projects. When Jennifer Misenheimer first visited the 2,700-square-foot house a decade ago, the home had seen better days. A rental property for years, floors were covered in green, thick-pile carpet, and much of the home’s original charm had been lost, thanks to a hodgepodge of renovations. “It wasn’t cool vintage — it was like that vintage that went out of style for a reason,” says 92
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Misenheimer, an artist and hairstylist who discovered the house when a friend was renting it. “It had a very hunting-lodge vibe.” Still, the home made an impression. “I remember the first time I walked into [the living room], I just got this feeling like, it’s really one of a kind. I have never been anywhere else exactly like this. We had a fire going in the fireplace, and another friend of ours was playing some records.” A few years later, after her friend announced he was moving, she discovered the owners were ready to sell. Misenheimer, who was 29 and living in a condo at the time, watched and waited as the price dropped, then dropped again. It was 2012, and the country was still climbing out of the Great Recession. After a while, the sellers turned off the power and listed the property as a lot. “And that’s when I got really nervous that it was going to get torn down,” Misenheimer says. After consulting with her Realtor and her father, she made an offer and eventually purchased the home. Misenheimer’s original plan to replace the carpet and kitchen countertops mushroomed into a full-home renovation that included everything except the kitchen cabinets and an upstairs bathroom, which she recently updated. “Unfortunately, when you start renovating, when you fix something ugly, something that wasn’t that ugly before suddenly looks really outdated,” says Misenheimer, who lives in the home with her toddler son. Luckily, underneath all that hideous green carpet were white oak floors, which Misenheimer had refinished in a medium tone to bring out the natural wood grain. New, larger windows were installed in the living room to let in more natural light. Stacked stone was installed to cover the painted cinder-block wall behind the black metal fireplace, which was designed by the original architect Schmitt. Skinny columns that limited the amount of usable floor space were re
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moved and replaced with load-bearing beams to open up the space, and track lighting was replaced with softer undermount lights. In the stairwell, Misenheimer kept the original open beams that allow light to filter through. Features such as built-in desks in the kitchen and in an upstairs bedroom were also left intact, though Misenheimer did make a few structural changes, adding a powder room and reconfiguring the owner’s suite. Piecing together the history of the home and its various owners through the years has been a fun part of the renovation process, Misenheimer says. In a closet under the stairs leading to a screened loggia beneath the house, Misenheimer found hundreds of terra cotta pipes that had been used for storing wine. When she mentioned the discovery to a friend and wine collector, he recalled purchasing a few bottles from the home’s previous owner. After removing the pipes, tearing out the wallboard and installing new flooring, she now uses the area for wine storage as well. Renovating around the unusual angles of the home has been a challenge, Misenheimer says, but worth the effort to maintain the integrity of the original structure. “It’s funny, I didn’t see myself setting out to be a preservationist. I just had a goal — I wanted a house when I was 30, and with the housing market the way it was at the time, it was a really good time [to buy],” says Misenheimer, who grew up in a midcentury home off Sardis Lane. “Growing up in one of these homes is why I’ve always loved 1960s houses, and I didn’t want something cookie-cutter,” she says. “There are just so many beautiful things here that we’re not preserving — I was really happy to be able to make sure that this didn’t end up as a new build.” SP Mad About Modern: Learn more about this home and other notable mid-mods on this year’s Mad About Modern home tour. The virtual event includes 360-degree tours of five historic, midcentury homes in Charlotte, plus a digital guidebook. Purchase tickets and learn more at madaboutmodern. com, including details about a VIP kickoff event at The Charlotte Museum of History on Sept. 23. All tour proceeds support the museum’s mission of saving and sharing Charlotte’s history. 94
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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
4332 Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28205 www.thehearthandpatio.com 704.332.4139 M-F 10-6, SAT. 10-5 Find us on southparkmagazine.com | 95
Weddings by
SouthPark
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HREE COUPLES GIVE AN INSIDE LOOK AT THEIR “I DO” DESTINATIONS, FROM A ROMANTIC ITALIAN GETAWAY TO A TROPICAL GARDEN PARTY TO A CHIC INDUSTRIAL SOIREE. PLUS, AN EYECATCHING ENGAGEMENT EXTRAVAGANZA AND A LOOK AT THE LATEST WEDDING TRENDS. by Taylor Wanbaugh
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THE BEAUFORT INN BOUTIQUE HOTEL. CORPORATE EVENTS. WEDDING VENUES.
Scan QR Code to learn more.
BeaufortInn.com | 843-379-4667 809 Port Republic Street, Beaufort, South Carolina
Photo by: Rachel Red Photography
T I M E L E SS , P E R S O N A L W E D D I N G P H OTO G R A P H S AS CO LO R F U L AS T H E T WO O F YO U. M E M O R I E S YO U ’ L L T R E AS U R E FO R E V E R
A M Y KO LO.CO M
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FO L LOW @ A M Y KO LO P H OTO
Italian Affair
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VILLA EVA, RAVELLO, ITALY PHOTOGRAPHER KRISTIN BYRUM PHOTOGRAPHY 100
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they both were on different career paths — W hile New York City working in the fashion industry and
SARAH was in TEDDY was
volunteering at Levine Children’s Hospital — fate brought them together when they both decided to go back to school to study health care. The couple met in a biology class at Appalachian State University. “There was definitely some ‘chemistry’ there,” Sarah says cheekily. Teddy proposed in Sarah’s Charlotte apartment by filling the space with flowers, wine and candles. The two wed in Italy on June 13, the anniversary of nine other couples in Sarah’s family, including her grandparents, parents and sister, overlooking the Amalfi Coast. She wears a gold wedding band engraved with her grandparents’ initials and their wedding date — June 13, 1945. “It is one of my most cherished heirlooms.” The five-course dinner, which included pasta and fresh fish, was served in an open-air structure blooming with white jasmine. “The smell of white jasmine instantly takes me back — hopefully, it will remain with our guests as well.” The couple honeymooned in Italy, traveling to Anacapri, Rome, Florence and Tuscany.
THE DETAILS DRESS Oscar de la Renta gown from Capitol SHOES Castañer BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES LoveShackFancy GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS J.Crew FLORIST Armando Malafronte (Italy) RINGS Morrison Smith Jewelers INVITATIONS Delighted Calligraphy PLANNER The Italian Wedding Event (Italy)
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Photo: Cheyenne Shultz
natural beauty, gracious hospitality, timeless memories northcornerhaven.com | @northcornerhavenweddings | 704.778.8460
Ready to Relax? Ready to Relax?
Escape to the Lake Escape to the Lake
Lake Norman’s Premier Yacht Club is Lake Norman’s Premier Yacht Club is closer than you think.
Say Yes at the Lake closer than you think.
Ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinner and bridal showers in a spectacular waterfront setting SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
Cornelius, NorthCarolina Carolina Cornelius, North www.PeninsulaYacht.com 704-892-9858 www.PeninsulaYacht.com | | 704-892-9858 Cornelius, North Carolina
NTaylor@peninsulayacht.com www.PeninsulaYacht.com | 704-892-9858
FINE JEWELRY BRIDAL REGISTRY FINE TABLEWARE & GIFTS Complimentary gift wrap and local delivery!
Garden Party
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH PHOTOGRAPHER CAROLINE LIMA PHOTOGRAPHY
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hen and met, it was off to the W races — literally. They met on a bus heading to BRADY
LAUREN
a horse race in 2017. When it was time to pop the big question, Brady got down on one knee while the couple strolled with their pup, Tex, around Lakeside Park in Dallas, Texas. Mint Museum Randolph was the perfect place for their big day; only a block away from Lauren’s childhood home, the neighborhood held a special place in her heart. One of Brady and Lauren’s favorite memories from the wedding was skipping the cocktail party and sneaking off to enjoy a drink together in a little secret garden on the grounds. “We could see all the people at the cocktail party and just took it all in, just the two of us.” The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia.
THE DETAILS DRESS Nardos Design (Dallas) SHOES Christian Louboutin GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Culwell & Son (Dallas) and Paul Simon FLORIST In Bloom RINGS Herbert Goldberg (Dallas) HAIR Blushing Hair and Makeup MAKEUP The LALA Girl CATERER Porcupine Provisions CAKE For Goodness Cakes PLANNER DBB Events
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l a r u t a n T he r u o y r o f e choic wedding 10 Venues | Unique Historic Structures 2,100 Acres of Pastoral Landscape Located South of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC Scan to Learn More
Creating Smiles for a
NEW JOURNEY
www.threeleafortho.com
704-727-6868 • WAXHAW | SOUTHPARK
Set your registry apart from the others... Our bridal registry is for the couple who appreciates understated luxury and timeless heirlooms that can be passed down to future generations. From tabletop linens, glassware and everyday china, to upscale furniture and home décor pieces, ours is a wedding registry to build upon for years to come.
Register in-store or online
Home Furnishings, Antiques, Interior Design & Gifts The Shops at Morrison in SouthPark: 720 Governor Morrison, Suite E110 Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
Phone: 704.364.4004 | bdjeffries.com complete design services available
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Opening September 1, 2021
Photographs by Lindley Battle Photography
Phillips Place, SouthPark 6809 Phillips Place Ave, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28210 Appointment Reservation: 704-547-4208
Mira Zwillinger | Marchesa Couture | Marchesa Notte | Sassi Holford | Suzanne Neville Sareh Nouri | Alyssa Kristin | Allison Webb | Lis Simon Bridal + Separates
Intimate Industrial Chic
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I
n true millennial fashion, as CAITLYN jokes, the couple met through dating app Bumble. “Neither of us really expected love from our cell phones, but the first date at Foxcroft [Wine Co.] turned into dinner and more drinks after. We never looked back.” With the help of their dog, Turley, MATT proposed at sunset after a romantic day at Asheville’s Biltmore Estate. After a difficult year of social distancing, the couple says having everyone together meant more than ever. It was also important to incorporate the memory of Caitlyn’s mom, who passed away from cancer a few years ago, into the ceremony and reception. Lace from her mom’s dress was used in Caitlyn’s custom veil, and she carried a handkerchief embroidered with a handwritten note from her mom. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison, a special song for Caitlyn and her mom, was played during the cake cutting, and the lyrics were draped in the cocktail area. The couple whisked off to Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, for their honeymoon.
THE DETAILS DRESS Alexandra Grecco dress from Lovely Bride Charlotte SHOES custom from Greece BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Jenny Yoo GROOM AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS OMJ Clothing FLORIST Seeded Events & Design RINGS Diamonds Direct HAIR AND MAKEUP Lovely by Lindsey CATERER QC Catering CAKE Blossom and Bee Bakery PLANNER Dotted Weddings
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MAKE YOUR BIG DAY A WORK OF ART 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org/rent-the-museum © 2021 Chantelle Jordan Photography
New York Bride & Groom Best Selection, Best Price, Best Service
Family Owned & Operated since 1995 No Appointments!
Full Service Bridal & Menswear Departments In-house Alterations by Expert Seamstresses
4618 South Blvd, Charlotte | www.Nybride.com |
With over 1,000 handselected bridal gowns and a full service menswear department, there is truly something for everyone. Visit us for the uplifting, stress free shopping experience you deserve! @newyorkbridecharlotte | 704-529-6400
Say I do
with a mountain view
Bridal Show November 6, 2021 • 10am-2pm
Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall 800.828.4244
Vis itHe n d e rs onville N C . o rg
Epic engagement party R
ACHEL, founder and CEO of Urban Skin Rx, and JAVIN, a real estate broker with Daniels Real Estate
Group, first locked eyes at a formal gala in Charlotte but didn’t chat until months later when Rachel slid into Javin’s DMs with a heart emoji. Javin popped the big question at Not Just Coffee on Park Road, where the
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two had their first date. Rachel, alongside event planner Ivy Robinson, came up with the sophisticated yet playful aesthetic for the engagement party, focusing on bright pops of color, plenty of fresh florals and a unique collection of neon signage. Rachel and Javin are set to be wed in September 2022.
THE DETAILS VENUE Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte PHOTOGRAPHER Crystal Cofie Photography DRESS PatBO, SHOES YSL SUIT Custom suit by Nyoni Couture SHOES by Salvatore Ferragamo PLANNER/DESIGNER Ivy Robinson Events FLORIST/RENTALS Carolina’s Luxury Event Rentals
DJ DJ Micki SIGNAGE/TEQUILA WALL Elisabeth Rose RINGS Diamonds Direct HAIR Drybar MAKEUP Tai Charles CATERER/CAKE Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte southparkmagazine.com | 119
WWW.KELSIEELIZABETH.COM CONTACT@KELSIEELIZABETH.COM
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704-433-7875
The Collectors Room by Beau Monde is a place to entertain, celebrate, laugh and enjoy loved ones. Situated in Charlotte’s bustling South End neighborhood, adjacent to one of South End’s top contemporary art galleries. The Collector’s Room is a renovated warehouse ready for your personal touch, perfect for your entire wedding celebration including, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners or engagement parties. • 11,000 sq ft of private event space • Flexible, open layout • Can comfortably handle as few as 25 or as many as 300 people • Gold chiavari chairs and tables provided for up to 150 guests • In the heart of South End and just a short walk to the Bland St. Station
(980) 598-9772 // Events@BeauMondeVenues.com // BeauMondeVenues.com // @TheCollectorsRoomCLT
Setting the scene
WANT TO SEE YOUR WEDDING FEATURED IN A FUTURE ISSUE? CONTACT WEDDINGS@SOUTHPARKMAGAZINE.COM
Y
our big day takes lots of preparation, from figuring out the perfect decor to narrowing down the guest list to picking that special venue. It can feel a little overwhelming fine-tuning the details to stay current while keeping your event personal to your own style. We asked local wedding experts who have their finger on the pulse of the latest trends to share inspiration for planning the perfect day.
Green scene Catherine Dooley, director of sales and brand experience at wedding venue and working farm North Corner Haven in Lancaster, S.C., says one of the hottest wedding trends is fresh greenery. “Whether at your ceremony location, a foundation for table centerpieces or to soften an overall space, greenery can have a high impact and lend itself to a more natural look.” She emphasizes coordinating with your venue and florist to map out a game plan for installation that won’t damage the space by using simple command hooks, wire or freestanding displays. “Wherever you choose to add greenery, it’s bound to be a stunning addition to your celebration.”
The Gin at Aw Shucks Farms Rustic Elegance in a relaxed setting, access to 25 acres of romantic, unique photo opportunities. Sensibly priced with so much included! 704-709-7204 CottonGinBarn.com
(soon to be: www.TheGinatAwShucks.com)
info@CottonGinBarn.com
(soon to be: info@theGinatAwShucks.com)
3714 Plyler Mill Rd., Monroe, NC 28112
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THE DETAILS: Photography: Katheryn Jeanne Photography; Planning: Ivy Robinson; Floral design: Meraki Blommor; Chairs: Party Reflections; Venue: North Corner Haven
t Micro-weddings Though Kelly Kohler, owner and lead hospitality designer for Charlotte-based Haviland Events, saw a major increase in “micro” weddings during the pandemic because of gathering limits, she’s noticed the trend has continued beyond Covid. More couples are opting out of traditional larger weddings in favor of intimate soirees “as it gives them more freedom to be intentional with their choices in food, design and how their event is structured,” Kohler says. “I think many couples have felt a little relief from the pressure to invite people they may not be as close with anymore. ... Smaller weddings also benefit from the amount of quality time you can spend with your loved ones. ... Since your timeline doesn’t have to account for moving hundreds of people from one location to the next, there’s flexibility to be a little less traditional with the flow of the event and design an experience that feels highly personal and intimate.”
THE DETAILS: Photography: Phylicia Willis Photography; Planning/ event design: Haviland Events; Venue: Duke Mansion; Floral design: Gather Floral Studio
Bridal Shop
Featured Designers Made With Love Rue De Seine Lovers Society Alexandra Grecco Sarah Seven Louvienne Vagabond Jenny Yoo 1233 W. Morehead St. Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28208 @lovelybrideclt @lovelybride 980.938.8578 | charlotte@lovelybride.com By appointment only: lovelybride.com
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THE DETAILS (from left): 1. Planning/design: Katrina Hutchins Events; Venue: Myers Park Country Club; Floral design: CLux; Rentals: Party Reflections; Linens: BBJ Linen; Photography: Kristin Byrum Photography
Light up the room One of Katrina Hutchins’ favorite popular decor elements is unique lighting. “Typically and traditionally, we see floral arrangements that draw the eye up — I love doing the opposite by hanging from the top and drawing the eye down,” says Hutchins, owner of wedding and event planning and design company Katrina Hutchins Events. She says the key to
2. Planning: Ivy Robinson Events; Venue: North Corner Haven; Macrame pendants: Moss Hound Designs; Floral design: Meraki Blommor; Tent and rentals: Party Reflections, Old South Collection, Snyder Events; Drapery, fabric pendants and linens: Party Tables; Dance floor: Elisabeth Rose; Photography: Katheryn Jeanne Photography
success is making sure your venue has hang points and electricity nearby, and tents are also a great option. Custom lighting and the use of drapery can help personalize an event, North Corner Haven’s Dooley adds, and is an easy way to tie in a particular color scheme or pattern. “A favorite combination is string lights or chandeliers designed around and with fabric draping in a space.”
Curating EvEnts intEntionally with lovE & Passion www.coutureeventsbysharee.com info@coutureeventsbysharee.com instagram@coutureeventsbysharee
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3. Planning/design: Katrina Hutchins Events; Venue: Duke Mansion; Lighting: Eric Winkenwerder; Floral design: The Bloom Room; Drapery and linens: Party Tables and La Tavola Fine Linen; Photography: Cheyenne Schultz Photography
THE DETAILS (from left): 1. Planning/design: Katrina Hutchins Events; Venue: Duke Mansion; Furniture: Kelley Event + Design; Floral design: The Bloom Room; Drapery: Party Tables; Photography: Allison Kuhn Photography 2. Planning/design: Katrina Hutchins Events; Artist: Windy O’Connor; Floral design: The Bloom Room; Photography: Lauren Friday Photography 3. Planner: Madison Moseley Events; Mobile bar: Sidebar Trailer Co.; Venue: North Corner Haven; Photography: Amanda Somerville Photography
Kick back
Raising the bar
Having a room filled with identical tables can get boring quickly. Hutchins suggests switching it up by incorporating lounge furniture — couches, ottomans, benches, coffee tables, side tables, poufs and more. “I often see guests kicked back and completely relaxed in the lounge pods we create — just what they’re used for! We have a lot of great rental companies in Charlotte that I frequent like Old South Collection, AFR Furniture and Avery James [Event Rentals].”
Custom bars are another fun element popular with brides and grooms. Bars can be personalized to fit individual tastes using everything from a custom monogram or logo to wallpaper or fabric. “Everyone at a wedding or event uses the bar at some point in the night,” Hutchins says, “so it’s a great focal point to draw the eye to, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.” Mobile bars add a fun element to cocktail hour, Dooley adds, and most can be decorated to match the theme of the event using floral or balloon arrangements and lighting. SP
Charlotte’s Formal Wear Headquarters Hickey Freeman ~ Samuelsohn Corneliani ~ Jack Victor ~ Paul Betenly Rentals by Jim’s Formal Wear
The Village at SouthPark ~ 4310 Sharon Road 704.366.4523 ~ www.PaulSimonCo.com
2104-PS Formal SP MagAd.indd 2
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travel | excursions
Wheel away by Ben Jarrell
photographs by Michael Hrizuk
MORE THAN A LUXURY CAR SHOW: A VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE & MOTORING FESTIVAL
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gainst the verdant backdrop of Port Royal Golf Club, wide-eyed youngsters hold their parents’ hands, brushing past a seasoned couple in the fancy period dress of their swinging youth — a black waistcoat for him, rabbit stole and elbow-length gloves for her, with only the cigarette holder missing to complete the look. It may be a car show, but the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival feels more like a celebration of everything on wheels. While the history of the Concours dates to 17th-century France, the motoring festival debuted in Hilton Head in 2002. Last year’s festivities were canceled due to Covid, but the event is slated to return Nov. 5-7. Strolling the fairways surrounded by the beauty and power of those steely beasts, it’s easy to get swept up in the fervor of the crowd, to get lost in the indulgences of the fashionably well-traveled, the uber-wealthy. Proud owners relax in lawn chairs next to coolers of chilled wine and light beer, ready to answer all your questions about their pride and joy. Cars range from an unassuming 1972 BMW 3.0 CS to a handmade Italian Bertone Iso Grifo with a factory-installed Corvette big-block engine — winner of the Best European car in 2019’s Saturday Car Club Showcase. In the span of a decade and half, only 413 were made. Best in Show that year was a hometown favorite — a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Jepson Jr., who had but a short drive across the river in Savannah. Whether you’re into cars or just looking for a theme around which to have a fall vacation, here’s a guide to making the best of this year’s event.
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On the island WHERE TO EAT BREAKFAST Hilton Head Social Bakery At his tiny coffee shop on the marina in Shelter Cove, French-born owner Philippe Feret churns out classics from a flaky pain au chocolate to razor sharp baguettes. But it’s Southern charms like his pecan croissant that truly stand out. Enjoy a treat overlooking the harbor and be sure to fill a box for later. Or don’t, and feel regret’s cold embrace. A second location is set to open in the fall. hiltonheadsocialbakery.com Harold’s Diner With a slogan that reads “Eat here or we both starve,” guests can expect early morning attitude with your corned beef hash. According to island chef and local personality Clayton Rollison, this cash-only greasy spoon is an “authentic dive of dives.” He recommends a classic Southern breakfast of fried eggs, grits and bacon. Or go with the trash can omelette, which the menu warns is “as big as your head.” haroldsdinerhiltonhead.com
LUNCH Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks At Hudson’s, seafood is always fresh and in season. Sunbaked wooden tables soak up fallen oys 128
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ter juice and the sweat from a cold beer. Ask about private boat tours of the marsh, where you may be able to catch your own meal. During the Concours in early November, along with fresh local shrimp, seasonal fish will be in flush, from flounder to grouper to black sea bass to mahi mahi to snapper. Just add lemon. hudsonsonthedocks.com
HAPPY HOUR Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar Stop by this newly renovated restaurant, under new ownership, for a bourbon or gin cocktail and try a bite — jumbo lump crab cakes, peel-and-eat shrimp and PEI mussels are on the menu — from executive chef David Landrigan, who arrived this year after more than a decade at Circa 1875 in nearby Savannah, Ga. luckyroosterhhi.com
DINNER Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana sets the standard for casual Italian fine dining in the South Carolina lowcountry, with a long-standing reputation of exquisite service, food and wine. Ask about their new tapas restaurant across the street, featuring sandwiches and personal pizzas alongside take-home sauces and pastas. michael-anthonys.com Nectar Farm Kitchen With a local vibe and funky food, Nectar serves breakfast all day along with supper offerings from a deepwater fish sandwich (think tuna, mahi) to short ribs braised
in root beer. Pro tip: Order a few sides for the table and share. From Carolina Gold rice to a butterbean ragout, everyone will want in on the action here. nectarfarmkitchen.com
SUNDAY BRUNCH FARM Bluffton The food at FARM Bluffton is typically local, yet atypically prepared. Often varying both texture and temperature in each dish, chef-owner Brandon Carter treats each ingredient with care, keeping preparations simple but thoughtfully composed. Stop by on your way out of town for their “Brunch & Two” setup, available only Sunday mornings — a constantly changing but always familiar menu that features the best of what’s in season from the lowcountry’s farmers and fishers. Worth a bonus dinner trip if you have the time. farmbluffton.com
PROVISIONS Carolina Cigars Owner Tom Peterson, a former Chicago firefighter, moved to Hilton Head with his wife, Carrie, and son, Eric, and the three took over this cigar shop in June 2020. A holdover from the previous owner, the Petersons have stuck with Ashton cigars for their house brand — a smooth, mild smoke with a light Connecticut wrapper. For a special occasion like the Concours,
Peterson recommends a 1926 80th Anniversary Padron. Rollers or Park Plaza Spirits & Fine Wines With a huge wine selection and multiple sommeliers on staff, Rollers is a favorite for stocking local cellars. But it’s the store’s barrel pick programs — buying entire barrels of Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace* — that separates this spot from your everyday liquor store. Buy two bottles, make a few friends over the weekend with one, and use the other as a boozy memento to stock your top shelf at home. Milton Beville, owner of Park Plaza Spirits & Fine Wines, also buys directly from bourbon producers, with a barrel of Woodford Reserve due in the fall. *limited quantity, call for availability
FOR THE FAMILY Bicycling adventures The Concours offers complimentary bicycle parking on-site at the Port Royal Golf Club. Rated as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Hilton Head Island is the ideal place to spin your wheels under the filtered sun, with more than 60 miles of multiuse trails connecting you to everywhere you want to go. Lowcountry Celebration Park Opened in December 2020, The Lowcountry Celebration Park provides scenic views and several recreational amenities for families. Children will clamber about for
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hours at the Adventure Playground, which features a giant replica of the ship from which Captain William Hilton discovered the island, and at Sandbox Children’s Museum. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf Practice your short game and go for that hole-in-one. Live oaks covered in Spanish moss play backdrop to mini waterfalls, making this spot as classic as they come. Bundle up and play at dusk for a fun night with the family. Invite the (older) kids Want an excuse to reconnect with your college-aged kids? Day-of tickets to Saturday’s Car Club Showcase and Aero Expo and Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance are free to anyone with a valid student I.D.
At the Concours
Each year, some of the finest automobiles in the world are on display at the Concours. But don’t sleep on the wide array of high-end retailers, from jewelry to local art to craft distilleries, that set up shop on the fairway among the cars.
WHAT TO BUY Vintage designer leather handbags from Green Gator Resurrected Reptiles Whether it’s a gift for yourself or someone soon to love you even more, designer handbags are a girl’s best friend, and one that, like a 1963 Shelby Cobra, won’t lose their value over time. Rarities like a Chanel ostrich may cost a month’s salary, but affordable options also dot the tablescape, waiting for an arm to carry them away. Sweetgrass baskets from Daurus Niles Experience this local art, hundreds of years in the making. The techniques that lie in these baskets date back to the complicated plantation history of the Gullah, descendants of West and Central Africans who have inhabited these lowcountry islands for centuries. Classic posters from Old Town Vintage Posters Forget reproductions — over the years, owner Tom Lewis has collected authentic advertising posters from Ferrari to Ritz-Carlton to the Monaco Grand Prix. One up your neighbors’ vintage-inspired martini poster with the original. Handcrafted jewelry Find an accent piece that matches both your personal style and the antique car collection of the Concours. Selina King creates jewelry inspired by the designer’s Southern roots, Native American and Sephardic Jewish heritage, and bohemian upbringing. selinaking.com. Little Fish Boateak sells handcrafted jewelry by owner Lissy Rawl, from sweetgrass hoop earrings to statement necklaces made with shells, pearls and rope. littlefishboateak.com. CRASH Jewelry’s unisex line is crafted from discarded metal from luxury cars. crashjewelry.com 130
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala The kickoff event for the 2021 Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, Hilton Head Island Airport hosts vintage aircraft from across the country, with a starlit sneak peek at some of this year’s top automobiles and motorcycles. Tasting tables and locally inspired cocktails are all around as the legacies of the automotive and aviation industries come together for a truly elegant and vibrant event. Friday, Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m., Hilton Head Island Airport. Tickets are $200-$305. Design Among the Stars Meet some of the world’s most notable automotive designers in an iconic Hilton Head Island setting. Watch heads of design from top car companies and creative directors behind Pixar’s Cars franchise work in real time, creating automotive art that goes to the highest bidders. Saturday, Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m., Harbour Town Clubhouse. Tickets are $375. Satisfy Your Thirst after party presented by Hagerty The party continues after the awards have been handed out. Enjoy tastings from a selection of South Carolina-based distilleries, wineries and breweries and a cash bar serving classic cocktails. The evening is capped with live music by the Synergy Twins. Saturday, Nov. 6, 4-6 p.m. Admission is included with tickets to Saturday’s Car Club Showcase ($60). Pro tip: For $475 per couple, buy the Patron’s Pass and get complimentary drinks, food buffets and on-site parking. Port Royal Golf Club hosts a variety of food options as well through its partnership with the SERG restaurant group, which runs many prominent kitchens on the island. SP The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival is Nov. 5-7. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hhiconcours.com.
Facts on the Concours, 2002 year the HHI festival was introduced 600+ cars on display 1903 year the oldest cars in this year’s Concours were made (a Columbus Electric Folding Top Runabout and a Franklin Model A) 300 volunteers assisting with the event 40 local small businesses involved in the festival $600K donated to Driving Young America, which supports youth organizations and regional automotive educational institutions
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travel | weekend away
Slow down and savor CHARLESTON’S ALLURE IS UNDENIABLE — BUT FOR A CHARMING GETAWAY WITH FEWER CROWDS, HEAD EAST OF THE COOPER RIVER TO HISTORIC MOUNT PLEASANT AND THE POST HOUSE INN.
W
by Cathy Martin • photographs by Kirk Robert
hen Ben Towill left New York City for Charleston about eight years ago, the British-born chef, entrepreneur and cookbook author thought he was done with the restaurant business for good. Lucky for Charleston, he had a change of heart. “I vowed never to do another restaurant after leaving New York, where we had three,” Towill says. “And then here we are, sitting in this one, with more on the way.” Where we are is a cozy corner booth in the dining room of The Post House Inn in the Old Village Historic District of Mount Pleasant, S.C., while staff members dart and dash, preparing for the nightly dinner service. The tavern and seven-room inn opened in August 2020 after a year-and-a-half renovation. It’s the second Charleston-area restaurant from Basic Projects, the design and hospitality firm Towill started with his wife, Kate, a former film set designer, after moving to the Holy City in 2013. Basic Kitchen, a vegetarian-friendly spot
in downtown Charleston debuted in 2017; other concepts include The Windrose Apartment Hotel in Savannah, Ga., home to The Fat Radish restaurant. The former general store built in 1896 went through several iterations before it was converted to a restaurant in the 1980s. “It had been loved as a neighborhood spot,” Towill says. “It’s a great location — it just needed updating.” And by updating, he means essentially gutting the three-story property, reconfiguring the 100-seat dining room, bar and kitchen, and adding lots of tall windows to give the space a cheery, bright and airy feel. If you’re a sucker for design details, you’ll appreciate the little library under the stairs, the antique William Morris wallpaper in the guest rooms and the imported Murano glass chandeliers illuminating the second-floor event space — an intimate spot for wedding rehearsal dinners, birthdays, micro-wedding parties and other small gatherings. Decor at the postcard-perfect inn is a mix of antiques and modern furnishings. In the guest rooms, vintage rugs give a timeless, cozy southparkmagazine.com | 133
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feel while rattan beds lend a subtle coastal vibe. Little luxuries like plush robes, Malin + Goetz toiletries and a well-stocked mini bar will make you want to settle in and stay a while. Most of the art in the inn is local: Behind the bar, Towill points out a soulful seascape by painter Mickey Williams of Sullivan’s Island. Elsewhere, you’ll find watercolors by Way Way Allen, lowcountry landscapes by Shannon Wood, and framed photographs from Heart of Gold Gallery. If you like what you see, you can visit the gallery, along with Charleston Artist Collective, which represents many of the artists here, just around the corner in the village. Quiet during the day, the Post House comes alive in the evenings, when the place buzzes with locals and visitors stopping by for a drink, a casual bite or a relaxing dinner. Chef Nathan Hood’s menu is updated regularly and leans heavily on regional seafood and produce, with flavorful, well-crafted dishes like ceviche, yellowfin crudo and market fish showcasing what’s in season. For something simple and hearty, order the Brasstown beef burger or the bar steak with fingerling potatoes and John’s Island carrots. A delightful surprise on the menu is the fish and shrimp curry, a dish with a spicy kick that’s served over Charleston Gold rice with vegetables and peanuts. Even if you’re not staying overnight, the Post House is a charming spot serving thoughtful, fresh fare that’s well worth the short drive from downtown Charleston, Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. In the morning, after breakfast and coffee (included with your stay), you’ll want to take a stroll around town or hop on one of the inn’s loaner bikes and explore the area. The 37-block village district is largely residential, with roots dating back to the 18th century. If the shady, tree-lined streets and rows of homes with picket fences
and wide porches don’t win you over, the views from Pitt Street Bridge — about a half-hour walk or a short bike ride — just might. Originally built in 1898 to connect Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, today it’s a public park popular (but not too popular) among walkers and cyclists, with a vista spanning from Sullivan’s to Charleston Harbor. Just a few doors down from the Post House, stop by Leeah’s Old Village Wine Shop for a tasting or Out of Hand, a boutique filled with unique jewelry, women’s clothing, accessories and home goods. Next to the boutique at Pitt Street Pharmacy, a steady stream of kids pull up on bikes and spill out of minivans and SUVs to get a scoop from the old-fashioned soda fountain or a treat from the candy counter at the back of the store. If sand and surf are requirements for your stay, Sullivan’s is just 3 miles away — look for a new restaurant from Basic Projects opening this fall, just a few doors down from the always popular Obstinate Daughter. The design firm also has a new hotel project in the works nearby. In the shadow of Charleston, Mount Pleasant sometimes gets a rap as another humdrum suburb. But spending a couple of days at the Post House and soaking in the laid-back charm of this picturesque village proves it’s a worthy destination of its own. SP Mount Pleasant, S.C., is a little more than a three-hour drive from Charlotte. The Post House Inn is located at 101 Pitt Street in the town’s historic village district. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, with patio seating available. theposthouseinn.com
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|swirl A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate America Truist Field June 25
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More than 4,000 people packed Truist Field as the Charlotte Symphony returned to the ballpark to celebrate Independence Day.
James Lees leads the Symphony
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|swirl A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas
It Takes a Village Mint Museum Randolph June 12
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Philip Kowalski and Isabella Dahlke
Lisa Bond, Donnie Uzelac and Sally O’Harrow
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Art patrons gathered for the opening event of The Mint Museum’s It Takes A Village exhibition highlighting works by local artists.
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|swirl A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas
Opera Guild of Charlotte May 23
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The Opera Guild of Charlotte’s most recent fundraiser took place at a private home at Lake Norman. Established in 1954, the guild supports music education and promotes appreciation for the art of the opera.
|swirl A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas
Queen Charlotte’s 1st Annual Ball The Galleries at Eight Eleven May 29
Lizabeth George, Debbie Butson and Joye Palmer
Lavisha Johnson, Michael Gallis and Berhan Nebioglu
Luis Machicao
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Grazia Walker and Victoria Schweizer
Sebastian Klos and Ringo Chipa
Monique Douglas
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Denis and Melanie Simmons
Melissa and Jessica Couts
Meghan Clemmons and Mike Anderson
Chequelle Brown and Tempestt Harris
Easter and Leo DaRosa
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL COSTON
This new gala was a celebration of Queen Charlotte, with a runway show presented by Luis Machicao while raising money for several local charities. Monique Douglas, co-owner of Studio 229 on Brevard, was honored with the Socialite Humanitarian Award.
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TIME CAPSULE by Cathy Martin
T
he fashions. The perfectly coiffed hairdos. The smoking! Another era indeed, but it’s clear Charlotteans who came up in the 1950s and ’60s knew how to have a good time. Through the Instagram account, @classicmyerspark, Charlotte native Jenny Rowland shares a peek at the world of the Queen City’s social scene not only during the Mad Men era but from the 1910s through the 1980s. As the daughter of a Methodist pastor, Rowland, 42, moved around quite a bit growing up, but she maintained a strong connection to Charlotte — in particular, the Myers Park neighborhood, where both sets of grandparents lived for decades. The family lived in Charlotte until Rowland was 5 while her father was an associate pastor at Dilworth United Methodist Church. They returned to the Queen City when Rowland was in college and grad school. When the pandemic hit, Rowland took time off from her job as a brand-strategy consultant to homeschool her kindergarten son. During pockets of downtime, she began sorting through old family photographs and started posting them on Instagram. “I just always thought they should find their way somewhere,” says Rowland, who now lives in Winston-Salem. From lounging poolside and sipping cocktails on the lawn to masquerades and basement parties — a late-night tradition following formal gatherings Rowland believes traces to Prohibition — the account spotlights lighter moments from a simpler time.
From left: Poolside at Myers Park Country Club in the 1950s; a masquerade party circa 1968; happy hour circa 1940s; Rowland’s grandmother, Evelyn; a basement party in the 1950s “I think it’s wonderful to piece back informal history like this — what things really looked like day to day. So much in the newspapers and other [historical] records is more formal,” Rowland says. Though Rowland doesn’t consider herself a historian, she professes a passion for thrift stores and retro TV as a way of “viscerally connecting with another time.” The project, however, did prompt a recent visit to the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room at Charlotte’s Main Library to dive into the history of one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods. More importantly, the account has created a way for Rowland to connect more deeply with family members, deciphering the mysteries of the who, what, when, where and why in the photos. She’s made plenty of connections beyond her family as well, with followers responding and sharing their own vintage photos. About 30% of the photos she posts on the account are submitted by others. “That’s been one of the most rewarding things — realizing how much other people enjoyed seeing it,” Rowland says. SP Follow along on Instagram @classicmyerspark or submit your own vintage photos via email at classicmyerspark@gmail.com.
Jenny Rowland with her grandparents, RS and Evelyn Ison, in the early 1990s. Rowland says Evelyn was her inspiration for the project.
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