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JULY 2017

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The Outdoors Issue

EXPLORING CHARLOTTE’S WILDERNESS

Expires August 31, 2017.

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Lifestyle Letter

’m finishing up the Outdoors Issue on the deck of a lakehouse in the middle of Tennessee’s mountains. To say I’m enjoying the outdoors at the moment is a bit of an understatement. But in truth, there are no outdoors I enjoy quite like our own. When I moved away from the Carolinas after college, my heart ached for them. I missed the harsh sting and humid hug of our summertime sunshine, and its merry accompaniment of cicadas and crickets. I missed the way the leaves crinkled and dried in the fall, the annual dusting of snow, and the yellow burst of daffodils in spring. When I returned, I plunged back into the bright shades of our local nature, and my heart was happy.

In a city like Charlotte, you’re just a quick zip from the outdoors, with dozens of forests and protected lands right at our tire tips. Even if you don’t feel like escaping the city, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine, like outdoor concerts and restaurants. In the middle of these gorgeous Carolina summers, it’s a shame to stay inside. This July, get outside and enjoy our outdoors. We’ll be waiting when you return.

JULY 2017 PUBLISHER

Richard Mellert | Richard.Mellert@LifestylePubs.com George Zorrilla | George.Zorrilla@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Emily Glaser | Emily.Glaser@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wesley Brown, Emily Glaser, Rudy Hayden, Bernard Lee, Kevin Massey, Anna van Erven CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Robert Christopher Photography, Daniel Conston, Shterna Goldbloom, Destiny Johnson, Rudy Hayden, Lucky Clay Farms, WBT Radio

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July 2017

Departments

Good Times

Around Town

Travel Destination

Culinary Creations

Road Trip

Driver’s Notebook

Renovate & Refine

Lifestyle Calendar

Realty Report

Parting Thoughts

18 Our Outdoors

The Best of the Outdoors From Charlotte’s Experts

22 Get Lucky

Lucky Clays Farm Offers 505 Acres of Freedom

Good Times

Whitney M. Young Gala

Over 500 community business, and civic leaders were "Standing For Opportunity" at the Whitney M. Young Gala, which celebrates the achievements of the League’s workforce development programs. In the words of one prominent legislator, the evening marked a “New Standard of Excellence.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON STRAYHORN, MEDIA ARTS COLLECTIVE, LLC

CHASF 2nd Annual Fueling Dreams Gala

The Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship Fund (CHASF) hosted its 2nd Annual Fueling Dreams Gala at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The gala is a fundraiser to support college-bound students living in Charlotte’s public housing, as well as an awards ceremony to honor community partners. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL CONSTON

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

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Around Town

Privately owned and operated, Lucky Clays Farm embodies the rustic beauty of North Carolina’s Central Piedmont. Our spacious location of over 450 acres, with versatile indoor and outdoor settings, provides a unique destination for your next private business function or corporate retreat.

W h e r e B u s i n e s s & N at u r e M e e t

AROUND TOWN Courtesy WBT Radio

SKYSHOW CHARLOTTE SkyShow Charlotte is a spectacular celebration of our nation’s independence and the largest fireworks display in the southeast! On July 4th, the day-long festivities begin with the SkyShow Street Party from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mint Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in front of the ballpark. Kid’s crafts and activities, fare from delicious vendors and live music in the evening keep all ages happy. The first pitch for the game—Team USA versus Team Cuba—will hit the air at 6:05 p.m. A ceremony to honor our veterans and active military will follow the game, and then it’s time for the finale: the SkyShow Fireworks! For the full lineup, check out SkyShowCharlotte.com.

GENDERED: AN INCLUSIVE ART SHOW The Levine Center for the Arts is hosting a

For more information, or to book your next corporate event, please contact us at 1-855-858-LUCK (5825) or visit our website at luckyclaysfarm.com

new kind of exhibit. GENDERED: An Inclusive Art Show explores the intersections of race, class, sexuality and identity, all under the question of gender. The Young Affiliates of the Mint created the show in order to quell the divisive political and social climate and unite perspectives through art, creating a

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

Shterna Goldbloom, West Rogers Park, 2014, archival pigment print, 19 x 13 inches

safe space for expression and dialogue. With 24 artists from across the country and representing a variety of perspectives, the show asks viewers and artists alike to engage in conversation. GENDERED will be on display at the Mint Museum Uptown’s Level 5 expansion space at Levine Center for the Arts through July 21.

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WATERMELON FESTIVAL It’s

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Southern

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decades, and it returns this July! The Pageland Watermelon Festival celebrates summer’s favorite fruit on July 21 and 22. Live music ushers in the end of day in Pageland, with vendors and crafters sharing their wares and foods through the evening. Saturday begins with the

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Travel Destination

BEYOND PARIS ENJOYING THE FRENCH OUTDOORS

Vienne

ARTICLE RONI FISHKIN,

t’s no wonder when people think of France, they think of Paris. The city of lights is magical, the Eiffel Tower

is iconic and it is definitely a romantic destination. But the allure of Paris can often overshadow the gorgeous countryside of France, a stunning landscape of wildflowers and vibrant fields well worth a visit! The different regions in France provide their own distinct experiences, with unique food, scenery, architecture and even dialect. The French countryside is dotted with beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages that can only be enjoyed when you venture outdoors. Here are some places that you might want to add to your next France itinerary: CLUNY is in the Burgundy countryside and boasts a

10th century monastery perfect for exploring. Nature lovers will also marvel at the Arboretum de Pézanin, one of the oldest and richest forest collections in France with walking paths to enjoy trees and plants from all around the world. Chamonix

VIENNE sits on the bank of the Rhone River and is

a town filled with Roman ruins and an amphitheater to explore. A beautiful stroll along the river, especially to see the sunset, makes Vienne a wonderful place to spend a day outdoors. CHAMONIX is a town synonymous with winter

skiing, but it’s actually full of activity year-round. The intoxicating views attract visitors from all over the globe, and in the summer months the valley offers miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. VOUVANT is a pretty village nestled into the rambling

countryside of Western France. A small formal garden Annecy

curated in the 1920s is perfect for strolling, as are the charming narrow streets filled with artist studios and picturesque stone houses. ANNECY is a lakeside Alpine town characterized by

sloping hillsides and small canals that give it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.” A favorite outdoor activity is renting a bike and cycling around the stunning lake perimeter. If you’d prefer to be on the water, rent a paddleboat and soak in the mountain vistas surrounding you. The canals also offer a great way to spend time outdoors; get lost among the winding, cobblestone streets for an inside glimpse of this lovely town. The French outdoors is waiting to be explored. Have TRAVEL TIP A great way to see France—whether it’s your first time or your fifth—is a River Cruise. These specially designed small ships sail the major waterways of France (and all of Europe) and offer travelers an up-close view of the beautiful countryside and small villages that dot the riverside. With the convenience of only unpacking once, river cruisers enjoy an intimate travel experience that is unlike any other vacation. 12

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

a picnic. Rent a bike. Hike the mountains. Explore the forests. Swim the lakes. That is, of course, after you spend a few days in Paris! Roni Fishkin is the Marketing Directors of Mann Travels which, with local ownership in Charlotte, has been serving travelers with personalized service for more than 35 years. 800-343-6266

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Culinary Creations

HOLY COW! BIKES, BEER AND BBQ AT MAC'S SPEED SHOP ARTICLE EMILY GLASER PHOTOGRAPHY DESTINY JOHNSON

n the Carolinas, we like to shrug things off with a smile. We’ll laugh at familial tales and

greet diminutives with a grin, but there’s one thing we take very, very seriously: barbecue. Which is why when five guys got together and proposed opening a barbecue restaurant in 2005—somewhere they would feel just as comfortable bringing their children as their choppers—it wasn’t just some lackadaisical idea born of one too many beers, it was serious business. 12 years and seven locations later, and that idea is arguably still serving up the best barbecue this side of the Mississippi (and given how they tend to do things on that other side, you could say it’s the best barbecue in the nation).

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

“We all ride motorcycles, and we were all looking for a place that we could go that had really good food and cold beer, and really nothing like that existed in town,” says co-partner David Jewell. And so Mac’s Speed Shop was born, offering beer, bikes and bbq in equal measure. Jewell evokes anecdotal visions of elderly couples in Sunday best sharing a table with outlaws, blue collars and white collars and no collars faded into one multifaceted whole, united by good food and a love for it. With over 28 awards and accolades in local, regional, national and global competitions, including Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking and Barbecue Sauce nods, this isn’t just good food—it’s great. At the helm of the smokers and stainless

steel tools that make it for eight years has been Executive Chef Kevin Kuruc. “Our complexity is in our simplicity,” notes Kuruc. You won’t find a rotating selection of artisanal seasonal goods on the menu, but honestly, you wouldn’t want to. The menus have stayed much the same since the first Mac’s opened and the awards have rolled in, in large part thanks to their consistency. Not to say it’s ever boring. Kuruc and his team take a hard look at the menu twice annually, holding onto favorites and tweaking things like their salads and specials to

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appeal to customers of all types—even vegetarians. “We’re always going to be a barbecue restaurant, but we want to appeal to everyone,” he says, noting the various adaptations of their veggie burgers as crowd pleasers. It’s not just the menu that’s never boring, it’s the atmosphere, too. Each location offers 50 to 60 taps with regional and national craft beers, plus 400 additional brews in bottles. At Mac’s there’s live music, bike nights, fundraising rides and, quite simply, a good time, always. But, of course, it’s still serious stuff when it comes to the ‘cue. Chef Kuruc walks us through his recipe for brisket—named the best in the nation by Rick Browne, host of PBS’ Barbecue America—and ooeygooey mac’n’cheese perfect for your own

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night of barbecue and beer (best enjoyed under the stars).

CONTINUED >

July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

Culinary Creations

(CON TI N U ED)

SMOKED BRISKET 1 whole brisket 1 c brisket rub Lay brisket on cutting board. With cimetar or carving knife, remove fat cap down to meat on top portion of brisket (the point). Lightly shave fat to a quarter inch thickness on the lower part of the of the brisket (the flat). Liberally rub with brisket seasoning and let rest at least overnight or up to 36 hours. Use all the rub to coat the brisket. Trimming the fat cap to a quarter inch thickness is instrumental in retaining all the rub on the meat after smoking, yielding a pronounced smoke flavor. In a smoker of your choice, bring temperature to a consistent level at 250 degrees. Place brisket point-side-up on cooking surface. Smoke to an interior temperature of 197 degrees in the point. Pull from smoker and let rest covered for at least 35 minutes. Slice across the grain for optimum results.

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

MACARONI & CHEESE 2 qts cooked elbow macaroni 1 ½ c heavy cream 1 egg ½ c ice water 1 lb shredded cheddar/jack mix (8oz for mix, 8 oz for topping) 1T kosher salt 1 t pepper In a 4-quart stainless steel mixing bowl, crack egg and whip until egg becomes loose and liquid (about 15 seconds). Add water, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Mix for 20 seconds. Fold in the cooked macaroni to coat noodles. Fold in 8 oz of cheese mix to combine

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Welcome Home EXPLORING THE BEST OF THE OUTDOORS WITH CHARLOTTE'S EXPERTS It's summertime, and that means one thing in these parts: get outside. Whether you like to hike, camp, fish or just relax, we tapped our local experts to help you do it, and do it well.Â

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

WHERE TO GO North Carolina is known for its wealth of

For the Hiker With Some Dirt on Their Boots:

outdoors and touted as the state where you

LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PRESERVE:

can soak in mountain views and sea spray

HILL, COVE, SPLIT ROCK TRAILS LOOP

in a single day. But with a bounty of beauty

4.2 MILES

right outside our backdoors, there’s no need

CHARLOTTE

to venture so far from Charlotte.

Historic Latta Plantation includes 16 miles of

We asked the experts at locally-owned

winding trails for hikers of all levels, but to

Great Outdoors Provision Co. for their recom-

make the most of your day the folks at Great

mendations on local hikes of all levels. And

Outdoors suggest stringing together three

when we say “local,” we mean it—these are

of the trails. Begin at Hill Trail, which departs

all in Mecklenburg County.

from the nature center off Sample Road, which will take you through the Piedmont

For the Newbie:

Prairie. This wide expanse of native grasses

EVERGREEN NATURE PRESERVE

was once a common—though mysterious—

2 MILES

formation in our wilderness.

CHARLOTTE

Looking to dip your toe—ahem, boot—into the

For the Experienced Hiker:

great outdoors? Then check out the Evergreen

REEDY CREEK PARK AND NATURE CENTER

Nature Preserve. At just 77 acres and three miles

10 MILES

from the center of town, you don’t have to worry

CHARLOTTE

about getting lost. This two mile trail might be

Reedy Creek has lots of amenities for those

small, but it features all the eye candy a new

who just want a quick taste of the outdoors,

nature lover could want, including an upland

like a dog park and ball fields, but the

hardwood forest, small tributaries and glades.

extensive trail system offers a lot more for those who want it. Take the southern leg go

For the Newbie:

the Umbrella Trail to the Big Oak Trail and

RIBBONWALK NATURE PRESERVE

delve into mature Piedmont forest. Follow

3 MILES

your feet to the Robinson Rockhouse

CHARLOTTE

Ruins, a 1700s-era structure that nature’s

Urban meets rural in RibbonWalk, 188 acres of

taking back, then loop back along the

escape in the city. The trail first follows a small

Sierra Loop, Sassafras and Dragonfly trails

creek through young hardwoods, pines and

for more wanderings.

cedars, then weaves into a stand of beech trees that date back 150 to 200 years. It’s a feast for

For the Experienced Hiker:

the eyes perfect for someone new to exploring.

MCDOWELL NATURE CENTER 7 MILES

If You’re Just Breaking in Your Boots:

CHARLOTTE

RURAL HILL NATURE PRESERVE

You’ll see a little bit of everything on these

2.5 MILES

seven miles of trails, though only a small

HUNTERSVILLE

portion of the 1,100-acre preserve. Follow

The grounds of the former Davidson Plantation,

the loop along the Pine Hollow, Creekside

begun by Scottish immigrants in 1760, still hold

and Cedar Ridge trails away from the shores

some historic structures and a healthy popula-

of Lake Wylie into old-growth forests, then

tion of birds for watchers. The preserve covers

up Cove Trail to witness the progression of

487 rolling acres on Mountain Island Lake (the

creek to wetlands to lake.

lake itself only dates back to 1924). This quick hike is a fun one that takes you out of the city.

CONTINUED >

July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

WELCOME HOME

(CON TI N U ED)

WHAT TO TAKE

FARM TO FEET: These socks are true to their name and are all North Carolina-made from no-itch, non-stink wool that will make your feet sing.

Whether you’re hitting the trails for the day or pitching your tent for the week, it’s important to outfit yourself with the best supplies and gear to make the trip a walk in the park (or woods). Rudy Hayden, manager at Great Outdoor Provision Co., shares his picks: SMITH OPTICS REDMOND: The new Chromapop tapered lens technology gives plenty of protection and comfort for all-around use.

ASTRAL BREWESS: Do anything and go anywhere with this self-draining shoe. School dropout, entrepreneur and Charlotte native, founder Philip Curry know what he’s doing. From PFD's (personal flotation devices) to shoes, this company is and Asheville-based.

HELINOX CHAIRS: Camping chairs aren't saggy-bottomed and heavy anymore. These are light, packable and extremely comfortable.

KUHL: A Salt Lake inspired pant that is very versatile. You will keep pulling these out of your wardrobe instead of everything else!

GREGORY PARAGON 58: Wayne Gregory has redefined their line and this bag fits the bill. It features a built-in day pack and raincover, and it’s just the right size for your weekend to week-long trip. Packs a punch at $229.

HYDROFLASKS: This brand is a favorite in the outdoor community. Their flasks keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours.

MSR HUBBA HUBBA: This is a great all-around tent made by a US company based out of Seattle. It's light but strong, and although it's built to last a lifetime they have a reliable repair facility for any issues. GRANSFORS AXES: The craftsmanship of these Norwegian tools is second to none; they're really built to last. A small axe is handy to have when clearing a campsite or even hiking through thick brush. GOAL ZERO LANTERN: Camping might be an escape, but we like to stay a little connected too. The Goal Zero Lantern does double duty as a phone charger and soft, warm light. SALEWA ULTRA TRAIN: Boots have their place, but shoes are preferable in the summer season. These are fast and light hikers that still provide enough ankle support for long days. 20

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Kevin Massey, Executive Director of Wild South, shares why it's so important to protect our wilds. When we go out to a movie, we enjoy the entertainment but come home with little affection for the theater itself. Carrying that same attitude into outdoor recreation is unsustainable -- a movie theater is replaceable but our favorite outdoor spot, once lost, is gone forever. The National Forests of North Carolina are destination #1 for many Charlotte residents who want to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. These federal lands depend increasingly on the efforts of volunteers working together with the US Forest Service to maintain our shared spaces despite shrinking budgets. The good news is that volunteers have an incredibly rewarding experience. It only takes a little support, and providing this support is what Wild South does best, coordinating citizen conservation on many fronts in Western North Carolina. One special venue near and dear to many Charlotte residents is

Linville

Gorge

Wilderness.

Standing on top of Table Rock Mountain on a clear day, you can just make out the distant Charlotte skyline. Turn around and hike down into the Gorge, and you enter a timeless world of natural beauty. This experience is made possible by volunteers who pick up trash, repair trails, protect threatened plant species, and engage with first time visitors. Some of these visitors in turn become volunteers, and once they do they'll realize more than ever just how precious our public lands are.

July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

et Luck

Road Trip

LUCKY CLAYS FARM OFFERS 505 ACRES OF FREEDOM

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

ARTICLE EMILY GLASER PHOTOGRAPHY LUCKY CLAYS FARM

ake the winding backroads and blacktops east of Charlotte, following

them through sprawling, vibrantly green fields and humble downtowns, over one lane bridges and a few dozen miles, and you’ll arrive at Lucky Clays Farm. Like nature’s greatest beauties, it’s difficult to articulate the organic scope and allure of Lucky Clays Farm. Situated on 505 acres, lush with second-growth forests and open fields, Lucky Clays Farm combines conference and leisure facilities for the perfect corporate getaway. At the heart of the enterprise is a sport that fits perfectly into this idyllic landscape: sporting clays. Judy Carpenter—the founder behind the extensive property—was an award-winning trap shooter. Uniting her passion for the sport with her passion for preservation, she purchased the property, located in Norwood, NC, in 2009. That vision quickly grew as her team began to carve out the property. It began with a luxurious log cabin and a state-ofthe-art 5-stand. When visitors exclaimed at the unparalleled standards already present in the 5-stand—including retractable storm shutters, a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen, a 160-inch projector and microphone and enough picnic tables to seat 40—Carpenter began to consider opening Lucky Clays Farm to more than her personal guests. Today it’s an event center seemingly hand-crafted for corporate retreats. Clay target shooting is still a popular option at Lucky Clays, but the Farm also offers trap, FITASC, flurry and 5-stand shooting, as well as archery and slingshot. The facilities at Lucky Clays Farm are easily adapted depending on how a client wishes to organize his or her visit. The two-story conference center for instance can accommodate up to 70 people, classroom style, per floor. Complete with wireless internet, a 123- inch projector screen with computer display capabilities, 90-inch and 70-inch TV screens with computer display capabilities, a sound system with Blu-ray player, and wireless microphones, CONTINUED >

July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

LUCKY CLAYS FRESH

At the other side of those hundreds of acres sits Lucky Clays Fresh, an impressive aquaponic farming venture. A recirculating aquaculture system incorporates large tanks that include a variety of fish species and dozens of raised beds, rife with leafy greens and herbs, into one ecofriendly farming system. Lucky Clays Fresh, which distributes to restaurants around the region like Kindred, recently expanded into a new 43,000-square-foot space with intentions of also spreading into the public marketplace. The new greenhouse is experimenting with different approaches to growing, including using Pacific white shrimp in a bio-floc system. 24

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

it combines the latest technology with a strong environmental ethos. Constructed with reclaimed 19th-century bricks and maple floors, the rustic-chic aesthetic makes it the perfect backdrop for a corporate holiday party or executive retreat. Lucky Clays Farm’s commitment to modernity extends into all their practices. With extensive solar panel systems around the

property,

sustainable

construction,

high-efficiency building materials, indigenous plants and a rainwater harvesting system, they’re recognized as the state’s largest

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residential renewable energy system. Like the plants that cover its acreage, Lucky Clays Farm just keeps growing. New for 2017 is the Wellness Center, which offers two tennis courts, a workout room, and two additional meeting rooms designed specifically for smaller groups. With six new energy-efficient cottages being built to complement the existing three, the farm will be able to accommodate 25 overnight guests. Perhaps Lucky Clays Farm’s greatest amenity isn’t really an amenity at all: exclusivity. The property is an intentional departure from the daily grind and a return to nature. It’s an escape, and it feels like one. The property isn’t open to the public, so whether you’re looking for a destination for your corporate retreat or your big day, you don’t have to worry about sharing those pristine 505 acres with anyone.

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Driver’s Notebook

Top-Down Trip S ARTICLE WESLEY BROWN

ummer is meant to be enjoyed in a convertible.

With the top back and the wind whipping, the

outdoors flies by in a beautiful blur of color. Slow down, and everything—from the hot blacktop to the faded blue sky—comes into sharp focus. There’s no vehicle in which

you can enjoy the sights of the great outdoors like a convertible, and there’s no convertible like a Corvette. 64 years ago, Chevrolet released a new kind of car in the form of the Corvette. 300 were released, and they left a permanent mark on the face of the American car industry. The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport pays tribute to its storied heritage. The distinctive design package is a subtle nod to its earliest roots and the racing years that followed. With a lightweight architecture, trackhoned aerodynamics, customizable Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine, this is a race car made for the road. The speedster can jump from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds, so the wind will be whipping through your hair in no time. “We didn’t hold back with the new Grand Sport,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For the first time, buyers can equip the Grand Sport with a Z07 performance package—which adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup 2 summer tires, and carbon-fiber aero package that delivers true downforce.” Performance ability is priority, but you want to look good, too—and this car certainly does. The Corvette Grand Sport features specific front fender inserts, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders that embody that track-ready sass we associate with a Corvette. Of course the Corvette Grand Sport also offers all the luxurious features we’ve come to expect from a such a sophisticated vehicle, and then some. A modern display features Chevrolet MyLink with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the five-position Drive Mode Selector adjusts the driver’s experience to suit their environment. You’re covered on the safety side, too, with standard rear-view cameras and electronic stability control. Roll the top back, don your sunglasses, and hit the road. Nature awaits. 26

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

2017 CORVETTE BASE PRICE: $57,640 MSRP FUEL ECONOMY: 16 city/25 highway HORSEPOWER: 455hp @ 6000rpm, 460lb of torque @4600rpm ENGINE: 6.2L V8 For more information, visit SteveMooreChevrolet.com or Steve Moore Chevrolet July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

Renovate & Refine

BACKYARD VACATION ARTICLE WESLEY BROWN

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

here’s nothing quite like a summertime vacation. The warm sand, hot sun and cool water of a getaway are

incomparable—but who says you have to get away in order to enjoy the benefits of a destination? What if you could create your own escape; what if you could avoid the hassles and holdups of travel and instead lose yourself in your own backyard? Metro Greenscape, Charlotte’s premier outdoor designers, can create a space that incorporates all the finest elements of the best vacations into your backyard (plus keep it looking good for years to come). SUN

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Imagine the sun-flecked tiles of a Grecian grotto, or a Spanish island soaked in sunshine. You don’t need to fly around the world to appreciate these subtle beauties; Metro Greenscape intentionally and meticulously incorporates those design elements—or any you could think of—into your own space. Luxury pieces can be shipped in from European destinations and integrated into your one-of-a-kind design. There’s also an intentional transition from indoors to out, with an elegant evolution of space that creates one cohesive home. SAND

“Imagine an ocean with concrete all around it—do you get the feeling of the dunes in the wind?” asks Darin Brockelbank, President & Chief Visionary of Metro Greenscape. “The same thing’s true with the landscape. You can’t get to that happy place by just one element, you have to create elements

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around the area with color, scents and smell.” It’s about so much more than just one element: all the senses should be alert in your backyard escape, from the feel of sand beneath your toes to the scent of your favorite flower. “You should feel like you’re not in a neighborhood.”

d by

e? c a Sp

ge allen

Ch Still

e g a r Sto

WATER

Water combines all the best elements of those senses: the cool slip of it on skin, the gurgling trickle and drip, the glint of its shining droplets. Water can be a trigger that instantly transports you to your own kind of escape. It’s a gathering ground for friends and family, too. “A pool can be active for teenagers, a saltwater pool for healing, walk-in for older people, a tanning ledge with a few inches of water to stay cool,” says Brockelbank. “Our job is to create an atmosphere that makes them go to their happy place.” MAINTENANCE

Your happy place can quickly become your un-happy why Metro Greenscape also provides maintenance services

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to keep your backyard vacation destination just that. “You can

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place when its burdened by upkeep and maintenance. That’s

come home and feel like you’re on vacation because you don’t have to do any of that work,” Brockelbank points out. “You

E-mail: bcsc@dmi-nc.com www.dmistorage.com

can wake up and it’s perfect. That level of detail creates that atmosphere of escape.” July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

Lifestyle Calendar

July

JULY 1 CELEBRATE AMERICA! SYMPHONY PARK, SOUTHPARK MALL The Charlotte Symphony salutes the land of the free with a night of patriotic favorites including Sousa Marches, God Bless America and the Armed Forces Medley with a giant fireworks finale.

JULY 5 - 9 JERSEY BOYS BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS This Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.

JULY 7 & 8 STUCK DUKE ENERGY THEATER AT SPIRIT SQUARE Written to inspire families to become un-stuck from the cycles of poverty, abuse and a lack of forgiveness, STUCK tells the story of Margaret and her family as they find happiness.

JULY 11 - 16 THE KING AND I BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS Set in 1860’s Bangkok, this classic musical tells the story of the unconventional and temCONTINUED >

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

Realty Report

South Charlotte Realty Report NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Governors Square

$659,900

$657,450

100%

Piper Glen

$800,000

$805,000

101%

Highgate

$1,425,000

$1,400,000

95%

Foxcroft

$2,249,000

$2,162,500

96%

Dovewood

$1,895,000

$1,775,000

91%

Foxcroft

$1,550,000

100%

Myers Park

$1,550,000

$1,500,000

97%

Eastover

$1,395,000

$1,300,000

84%

Songwood Estates

$1,125,000

$1,070,005

95%

Cotswold

$937,500

$900,000

96%

Royden

$815,000

$875,000

107%

Foxcroft East

$895,000

$850,000

95%

Courance

$890,000

$825,000

87%

Pellyn Grove

$835,000

$815,000

88%

243

SOUTH CHARLOTTE LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST Contact me today for a consultation on how your home can be marketed in the Carolinas and around the world.

LOCAL

PA R T N E R G L O B A L

REACH HANES WALKER 704.366.2830 haneswalker.com hanes.walker@sothebysrealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

pestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the King brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

JULY 14 & 15 C.S. LEWIS ON STAGE: THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT

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FOR THE ARTS Award-winning actor Max McLean brings to life one of the most engaging personal-

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JULY 20 SCREEN@LEVINE: WHAT WE TOLD OUR SONS LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH Filmmaker Dayvee Sutton explores the reactions families had to the death of Trayvon Martin and larger issues related to the "talk" many parents must have with their children about how to conduct themselves around law enforcement. Tickets are available at MuseumOfTheNewSouth.org.

JULY 20 THROUGH 30

Our

terraced mOuntain vineyard and

Davidson Community Players takes flight with

watauga river at the base Of grandfather mOuntain. visit the tasting rOOm, and experience Our award winning grandfather vineyard wines. picnic On the

Boeing Boeing this summer! This hilarious com-

patiO Or by the river and enjOy music

BOEING BOEING DUKE FAMILY PERFORMANCE HALL, DAVIDSON COLLEGE

edy follows 1960s bachelor Bernard as his three beautiful stewardess fiancees learn of his trickery. Check out DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org for tickets and showtimes.

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July 2017 | South Charlotte Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

HEY CHARLOTTE, WHAT’S THAT SOUND? A

ARTICLE ANNA VAN ERVEN

s if we needed another reason to love summer in the South, the warmer weather brings live music all throughout the city, transforming our favorite parks and plazas into musical landscapes. Here are some great outdoor concerts we’ll be tuning into.

BIG SOUND AT A SMALL PRICE

during the Bearden Music Series (May-Aug), musicians of various

River Jam at the Whitewater Center

genres will perform on a monthly basis with accompanying programs

5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214

that support their music style. Visit CharMeck.org for more information.

$5 Parking During the Whitewater Center’s River Jam, you get the sound and feel of

Freedom Summer Series at Freedom Park

a big outdoor concert for a small $5 parking fee. The large stage, tinted

1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

from overhead stage lights, has featured local and national bands within

Free

the bluegrass, folk and rock scenes. Concerts happen every Thursday

Mark your calendars for three upcoming jazz concerts during the

and Saturday now until September. Visit USNWC.org for details.

Freedom Summer Series. The sultry sounds of smooth jazz make for the perfect summer soundtrack. June 20, July 18 and August 22 from

Summer Pops at Symphony Park

6:00 - 9:00pm. Visit CharMeck.org for more information.

4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 Prices Vary

Also… Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Concert Series

Swap your balcony seats for a cozy picnic blanket at Symphony

(Jun-Aug), Thursdays at 6:30pm, $5. Visit ASCGreenway.org for

Park during the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops

more information.

event. Experience a full-orchestra playing your favorite music from Hollywood, Star Wars and Broadway. Prices vary per package; visit

EAT, SHOP, LISTEN

CharlotteSymphony.org for more information.

Blakeney Summer Concert Series Blakeney Shopping Center, 9870 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Also… Sounds on the Square at Spirit Square (May-Aug), free, Fridays

from 7:30-8:00pm. Visit BlumenthalArts.org for more information.

SOUNDS AFTER DARK IN THE PARK Music Lunchbox, Party in the Park & Bearden Music Series at

Free During the Blakeney Summer Concert Series (May-June), local artists will perform Friday and Saturday nights from 7:00 - 10:00pm at the fountain between Brixx and Encore. Visit ShopBlakeney.com for more information.

Romare Bearden Park 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Stonecrest Summer Concert Series

Free

Stonecrest Shopping Center, 7832 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

There are not one but three free music series at Romare Bearden park

Free

this summer. On Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, enjoy

Settle in the courtyard at Stonecrest Shopping center for their

live music during your mid-day meal as a part of Music Lunchbox (May-

Summer Concert Series (April-Sept), happening from 7:00 -

Aug). Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00pm, everyone is invited to

10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit ShopStonecrest.com for

enjoy an “Uptown Sound” during Party in the Park (May-Sept). Lastly,

more information.

South Charlotte Lifestyle | July 2017

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