South Charlotte, NC May 2023

Dr. Rachel Selman Pelvic Health

Dr.

Celebrating Women

May is our month to show love for women and we are pleased to celebrate them in our May issue.  Some of the best women we know happen to be marketing partners with us and we want you to get to know them too so we showcase them here. One is taking over her father's 50 year old business, another is a top women's health care professional and lastly, we present a charming lady who moved here to oversee the construction of Charlotte's latest gem for adult living in uptown. Their stories will inspire you.

In addition, we share with you a relatively new restaurant, That's Amore, to be enjoyed by women and families alike.  We also make a case for fashionable eyes in an article about eyelashes and eyebrows.

One of the best ways for women to share experiences is through travel and we feature the perfect girls' trip to the South Pacific by two friends of our magazine!

In May love all the women you know.  This is a special time for them, especially for all the moms around us. Give thanks for them every day.

Love on all the women you know South Charlotte!

LYN COALDWELL, PUBLISHER @SOUTHCHARLOTTELIFESTYLE

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Lyn Coaldwell | lyn.coaldwell@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Carol Long | carol.long@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Alexandra Rothman alexandrarothman10@gmail.com

Nelson Sweezy | nsweezym22@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Melissa Latin | melissa@charlottefashionplate.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Melinda Burris | mbwillms@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ann Brewer, Melinda Burris, Marilyn Long, Melissa Latin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Williams III; Acosta Heating, Cooling and Electrical; Marilyn Long; Arboretum Gynecology; Yellow Duck Marketing; Billow Media Company

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

LUXURIOUS MODERN FURNITURE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Greg Olsen speaks on behalf of his Foundation, The HEARTest Yard at Steak 48 in SouthPark 2: Betsy Mack Rinke and Sean Rinke shared in the fun at Steak 48 during the event 3: Greg and Kara Olsen show gratitude to Steak 48's Executive chef 4: David and Nicole Tepper, owners of the Carolina Panthers, are proud supporters of Greg's Foundation 5: Kevin and DeLana Harvick enjoyed the Foundation's event 6: Jonathan and Natalie Stewart attended the fundraising event 7: Jose and Mary Armario enjoyed the fabulous food and drinks provided to guests by Steak 48

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give support for Charlotte's most worthy causes 14: It’s always good to see the handsome Luke Kuechly out and about

8: Jimmie and Chani Johnson enjoyed seeing friends at Steak 48 during the event 9: Tammy and Matt DeBoer attended and enjoyed the event 10: Regan Smith and Graham Smith had big fun at Greg's HEARTest Yard Foundation Ungala event 11: Marcus and Cassi Smith enjoyed being at Steak 48 for the event 12: The Olsen's event raised $275,000 which will provide in-home nursing care for families of heart patients 13: Jeff Gordon always shows up to

The Rage Over Eyelashes and Eyebrows

ARE LASH EXTENSIONS AND EYEBROW WAXING RIGHT FOR YOU?

ARTICLE BY ANN BREWER AND MELISSA LATIN

Like never before, women are excited about the look of their lashes.  The beauty industry has experienced a massive shift in the last decade. Women are no longer just limited to applying mascara and eyebrow pencils to enhance their lashes and eyebrows. The latest trend in the beauty world is lash extensions and eyebrow waxing. It’s not showing any signs of slowing down either!

Lash extensions are a semi-permanent cosmetic treatment that involves attaching individual lashes to your natural lashes to give you fuller, longer and more voluminous lashes. The extensions are applied using a special adhesive that is safe for use around the eyes. The procedure takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the desired look. Lash extensions can last three to five weeks. Aftercare is essential to maintaining the extensions, as oil-based products can weaken the adhesive bond.

Eyebrow waxing, on the other hand, is a quick and effective method of removing unwanted hair from the eyebrow area. The process involves the use of hot wax to remove hair from the root, leaving behind a smooth and defined shape. Waxing is a popular method of hair removal for many women, as it can provide longer-lasting results compared to other methods like threading or tweezing.

So, why have lash extensions and eyebrow waxing become so popular in recent years? The answer lies in the desire for a low-maintenance beauty routine. In todays faced-paced world, women do not have the time or energy to spend hours perfecting their makeup every morning. Lash extensions and eyebrow waxing allow women to wake up looking refreshed and put together without any effort.

Moreover, the rise of social media has contributed significantly to the popularity of lash extensions and eyebrow waxing. With the advent of Instagram and other platforms, beauty influencers have become a huge part of our online lives. These influencers showcase their perfectly made-up faces to thousands of followers, making it easier for women to aspire to achieve the same look. Lash extensions, eyebrow waxing and microblading have become a staple of this trend, as they provide a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect “Instagram look.”  Another reason for the trend is the increasing acceptance of cosmetic procedures. Lash extensions,  eyebrow waxing and microblading were once considered a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Currently, they have become more accessible to the average woman. With the rise in affordable options, women are more willing to try out these treatments without breaking the bank.

The trend toward lash extensions, eyebrow waxing and microblading has not only changed the beauty industry but also the way women feel about themselves. Studies have shown that when women feel confident in their appearance, they are more likely to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Lash extensions and manicured eyebrows provide a quick and easy way for women to boost their confidence, which in turn can lead to greater success in other areas of their lives.

The current trend shows no signs of slowing down. As women continue to prioritize low-maintenance beauty routines and social media influencers continue to set trends, these  treatments will remain popular among women of all ages. Whether you are looking to enhance your natural beauty or simply want a quick and easy way to look put together, lash extensions and eyebrow enhancement are worth considering.

Celebrating Accomplished Women!

ARTICLE BY MELINDA BURRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL WILLIAMS, III AND PROVIDED

In honor of our May issue and its focus on celebrating women, we interviewed three successful professional women working in diverse fields to get their take on living and working in the rapidly growing Charlotte Metro region. As the Queen City continues to thrive, women are pursuing new opportunities, exceeding expectations, overcoming challenges and naturally stepping into leadership positions both professionally and in the community.

Lauren Acosta Huckleberry

Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical is a family business that many native Charlotteans instantly turn to when in need of heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) service or repair. The business celebrated its 50th anniversary in October last year, marking a half-century of service to the Charlotte area. Founded in 1972 by Ezequiel “Zeke” Acosta, the business has earned a reputation for knowledgeable salespeople and technicians who care about their customers.

In December 2019, Lauren Acosta Huckleberry took over as president of the company when her dad officially retired. Although she was around the business often, particularly in her teen years when Lauren occasionally helped in the office performing a variety of tasks, she eventually left for college and began a career in marketing that lasted for six years.

When Lauren’s father offered her a sales position at Acosta, there were expectations that had to be met first. Lauren shares, “He made me go to school all over again!” Lauren attended CPCC for HVAC classes (just as her father had done) and when she had completed those, he sent her to Texas to train for a few weeks with one of Acosta’s primary manufacturing suppliers to learn all aspects of how the equipment was built to gain a thorough understanding of the products Acosta sales and services.

Lauren is quick to point out it was never assumed that she or her younger brother would join the family business.

Lauren Acosta Huckleberry

She explains, “It really wasn’t pushed upon me. From my mom’s perspective, that was really intentional. She didn’t want my brother nor I to feel limited or that going into the family business was our only option.” Lauren acknowledges with a good-natured laugh that she and her brother, who works in sales, are definitely involved in the business now!

The business became more of a family affair in 2020 when Lauren’s husband obtained his electrical license from the state of NC, prompting the business to expand to include electrical services as well as HVAC. The company initiated a brand refresh in 2022 to introduce itself as Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical with a bright teal color scheme and bold logo. The reasons for this were twofold, to introduce all Acosta has to offer to the large influx of people who continue moving to the area and to let all their customers know that Acosta’s menu of services now included electrical services.

A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD

HVAC and electrical services have not traditionally been considered areas where women could make a career, let alone thrive, working their way up in the business to management positions or even becoming the president of the company as Lauren has done. She recalls how when she first began working in the field, “People were always surprised when I was the going into the attics and crawl spaces where this equipment is usually housed.” Surprise turned to amazement when she and her husband decided to start a family and Lauren was still going into these areas as long as she was physically able despite being pregnant.

Lauren is working to change that perception by staying active in pro-women networking groups and by promoting her own female employees who have proven themselves worthy of advancement. Her sales manager is a woman and began her career at Acosta more than five years ago as a sales lead coordinator. Likewise, her service manager began working for Acosta as a customer service representative and now runs the entire service and electrical department.

ACOSTA’S APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

When asked what challenges she anticipates her business facing in the future, Lauren cites “the lack of young people going into the trades as one of the biggest limiting factors” for the organization’s continued growth. She says she sees a new openness to choosing a career in the trades today compared to years past when obtaining a college degree was widely viewed as the only viable career path.

Lauren is excited about Acosta’s Apprenticeship Program not only as a path forward for her business’ future growth but also as an opportunity to let people looking for an alternative career path that skilled tradespeople are in high demand and can have a career earning six figures. The apprenticeship program at Acosta includes a learning phase that lasts four months. Within five months, apprentices can be out in the field with their own company vehicles.

Visit AcostaInc.com or call 704.859.8883 to learn more!

The business celebrated its 50th anniversary in October last year, marking a half-century of service to the Charlotte area.

Dr. Freeman-Kwaku heard about Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology (as it was called then) while still in residency at Georgetown University. “I had met the founder of the practice at a Black Alumni Reunion as we had both attended the University of Virginia during our undergraduate years. I saw a write-up about her Charlotte practice and was quite intrigued. By the time I was ready to graduate, she was ready for a partner.”

CALLING CHARLOTTE HOME

Questioned about her early impressions of Charlotte, Dr. Freeman makes it clear she found the city and its inhabitants to be warm and welcoming. As she puts it, “I loved the city, the environment, the layout, the mixture of people, the size of the area…I interviewed in several other places, but I kept coming back to Charlotte, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Much like Charlotte, the practice has evolved considerably since Dr. Freeman joined as a partner in 2003. Two years ago, the practice went through a major transition, deciding to offer gynecological services only. There was also a notable change in staffing as Dr. Paige left to open another practice in South Carolina, and former partner Dr. Octavia Cannon left to return to her native state of Michigan.

Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku

Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku

Dr. Freeman explains that given the change in focus and the reduced number of physicians at the practice, “I am essentially the anchor of the practice at this point with Dr. Deborah Parry Warren.” Dr. Warren joined the practice eight years ago on a part-time basis and remains in that role. Dr. Freeman is also excited that Brenda Lieberman, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years’ experience, is also joining the practice within the next month.

When asked about referrals for her patients when they need an obstetrician, Dr. Freeman notes with pride that the practice works diligently to develop “close relationships with our patients, so I really try to individualize it; I try to think of where they live in the area and what kind of [birthing] experience they are looking for.”

Dr. Freeman considered retiring a couple of years ago but soon realized she would miss the daily interactions with her patients, noting that she has been caring for many of the same patients since she moved to Charlotte two decades ago. Dr. Freeman confides the most rewarding part of practicing medicine for her is to have a patient come in with a problem and for her to be able to help them because she has seen so much, giving her the expertise required to know the best plan of treatment.

Dr. Freeman is content in her personal life as a married mother of four children, two of whom are proud Aggies, currently attending Texas A&M University.

To learn more about how you can experience “having a concierge gynecologist without the concierge fee”, contact Arboretum Gynecology at 704.341.1103.

I loved the city, the environment, the layout, the mixture of people, the size of the area...I interviewed in several other places, but I kept coming back to Charlotte, and I've been here since.

— Dr. Mala Freeman

Lynn Wallace

Lynn Wallace serves as the Senior Vice President of New Development Sales & Marketing for Bridgewood Property Company and its operating affiliate, The Aspenwood Company, a boutique provider of luxury retirement communities across the Southeastern United States. Lynn focuses on sales, marketing and business development for Bridgewood communities, including its latest luxury retirement community, the Village on Morehead located at 727 E. Morehead slated to open this November at the head of the Dilworth, Myers Park and Eastover neighborhoods.

Lynn has 25 years of experience in the new development of luxury living spaces. When asked about The Village on Morehead, Lynn observes that this community is unique to Charlotte. She remarks that its location near historic Dilworth and Eastover “makes it unique in itself because we are the only luxury retirement community that’s conveniently located to all the arts, Charlotte’s top medical centers and numerous places of worship.”

STAYING CLOSE TO WHAT MATTERS

Explaining how The Village on Morehead differs from other retirement communities in the area, Lynn notes, “Our company has been long focused on building state-of-the-art properties in the best neighborhoods which offer a lifestyle that’s based on walkability and ready access to the arts and culture. We also wanted to ensure our residents have convenient access to Novant and Atrium Healthcare, both of which are only a mile from our project.” The Village on Morehead elevates the concept of luxury living, offering concierge services, luxury amenities including a cinema, pool and fitness center, as well as numerous floorplan options to meet most any need. Wellness is also central to the Village on Morehead’s offering, with onsite home care providers who can help maintain healthy habits or assist with physical rehabilitation if desired.

“Its location in historic Dilworth makes it unique in itself because we’re pretty much the only retirement community that’s conveniently located to downtown.”

Lynn Wallace

Lynn admits, “I’ve always loved to be involved with more of the luxury line of our company…because you’re going to be looking for the right neighborhoods, walkability, the convenience of stores, shopping, restaurants—culture and all that has to offer residents.” As any good realtor would agree, it really is all about location, finding the location that’s right for you and the type of lifestyle you prefer.

Lynn emphasizes how life at The Village on Morehead offers a welcome alternative to “campus-based” living in suburban retirement communities which tend to be further away, insular by nature and offer much less access to a variety of amenities that can easily be found and enjoyed when living close to Myers Park, Eastover and Dilworth.

SELLING DREAMS AND WATCHING THEM COME TRUE

Lynn has many inspirations that drove her to pursue a career in this field: “I’ve always liked to help people. I love real estate of course. New development—I love it because I love to see a dream become a reality.” Lynn recalls interviewing for her first job in senior housing and being asked to tell the interviewers a bit about herself. True to form, Lynn frankly replied, “Well, I’m good in sales. I’m great in marketing, but I love to sell dirt, paper and a dream.” She got the job and has been working to help people’s dreams come to fruition ever since.

The Village on Morehead will be Lynn’s 29th opening in this business. She shares that her work still gives her professional and personal fulfillment as she has the privilege of experiencing the journey along with the residents and she takes great joy in witnessing the sense of camaraderie and seeing new friendships begin to blossom among soonto-be residents, often in the development and building stages, well before the community opens!

For those less sure of making the transition to a retirement community, Lynn offers some words of wisdom, “the opportunities for socializing can make a profound change in your life.” Most people don’t readily embrace change and it can take time to come to terms with the fact that you have given up your home, your backyard and your garage. However, the opportunities for socializing can make a profound change in your life. Lynn contends, “I’ve seen people get healthier. As individuals begin to interact and participate in the exercise programs and take advantage of our wellness amenities, their physical and mental health often improves as they can finally focus more on their overall well-being without the stress of having to worry about the demands of home ownership any longer.”

Lynn relocated to Charlotte a year ago and has found the people here to be hospitable and welcoming. She likens Charlotte to “a big little city.” Not surprisingly, given her vocation, Lynn remarks she loves the location: “I love Charlotte…being close to the mountains and being close to the ocean has been a great experience.”

To learn more or schedule a tour, contact 704831-8000, info@villageonmorehead.com or visit VillageOnMorehead.com today! The Village on Morehead opens this fall at 727 E. Morehead Drive with the Information Office located directly across the street at 801 E Morehead in Suite 201B.

The stories of these women are representative of numerous women whose contributions, both professional and community-oriented, are instrumental in improving the daily quality of life in the Charlotte area. Women play many, varied, key roles across a multitude of sectors that will place them at the forefront as our city continues to evolve.

“I’ve always liked to help people. I love real estate of course. New development—I love it because I love to see a dream become a reality.”

Ladies’ Time Out

Fun Times with Great Food and Drinks at That's Amore

ARTICLE BY MELINDA BURRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THAT'S AMORE

That’s Amore is a charming Italian restaurant conveniently located to South Charlotte just a short drive beyond Ballantyne off Highway 521 in Bridgemill Commons shopping center in Indian Land. The restaurant was designed by DD Lux Designs and construction took two years to complete.

Anthony Durazzo is the owner and founder of That’s Amore. Originally from Naples, Italy, Anthony moved with his family to New Jersey as a young child. Although That’s Amore opened just two years ago, Anthony is an experienced restauranteur having opened his first restaurant in 1997 and owning four well-received eateries in New Jersey prior to deciding to make the move to the Carolinas in 2018.

Anthony and his family have a long heritage dedicated to creating delectable dishes made fresh using the finest ingredients available. When he decided to open a new restaurant here, he persuaded his childhood friends, Vincenzo and Enzo to join him as partners in the new venture as they had both worked with Anthony in his various family restaurants for years and shared the same vision for how an authentic Italian restaurant should be run.

While Anthony takes on the daily responsibilities of running the restaurant, Vincenzo is the eatery’s chef. Enzo is charged with creating stone oven-baked pizzas, a specialty that is extremely popular among patrons of That’s Amore. Family is at the heart of every dish prepared at the restaurant. The pizza dough recipe that is freshly prepared by hand each day on site is a family recipe that was passed down to Anthony from his father. Because the dough is freshly prepared, pizza lovers can be sure of enjoying a crisp, delicious crust with every order.

At That’s Amore, fresh food is always the order of the day! In his quest to always use the freshest ingredients available in the restaurant’s array of homemade dishes, Anthony works with local produce farmers whenever possible.

Dishes are prepared using a variety of homemade sauces (also based on Anthony’s family recipes) from a light lemon sauce, perfect for the coming hot summer days, to variations on traditional marinara sauce. Anthony and the team at That’s Amore are passionate about creating cuisine that does more than simply feed the body; the love and attention that goes into each detail provide customers with more than a meal—they are given a food experience.

There are plentiful options to tempt any appetite from the simple, traditional dish Linguine Alle Vongole, sauteed claims with olive oil and garlic served with a captivating white wine sauce to the more complex Seafood Risotto, a glorious mix of mussels, clams, scallops, baby shrimp, calamari and shitake mushrooms served in a light plum tomato sauce.

That’s Amore: Fresh Italian Cuisine with an Emphasis on Family

Ultimate Girls' Trip: A Southern Pacific Adventure

ARTICLE BY MARILYN LONG, ANN BREWER AND MELISSA LATIN

A Bucket List Trip Shared by Sisters

In 2018, my cousin Mary Ann reached out to invite me on a Girls’ trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji set for November 2020. It sounded like a trip of a lifetime including countries I have dreamed of visiting since seeing the “Crocodile Dundee” and “Lord of the Ring” movies.  I said yes, I’m in, and immediately reached out to my big sister Minnie who said count me in too!  Obviously, we could not have foreseen the coming pandemic when we were making our plans. In April 2020, we lost our dear

cousin Mary Ann to Covid-19. She was a nurse working in Manhattan. While we were dealing with the loss of our cousin, Australia and New Zealand closed their borders and the travel agency gave us the option of canceling the trip or postponing it. My sister Minnie Frazier and I decided to reschedule it for November 2022. We were committed to taking the Girls’ Trip in memory and in honor of Mary Ann who was an avid traveler. We wanted to fulfill her dream of visiting another part of the world that was on her bucket list.

We were so happy we decided to take this 18-day trip down under. We knew traveling from the US to the Southern Pacific would be an adventure of a lifetime! It would give us a chance to really reconnect and bond in our sisterhood. We were sure we would have fun together, despite the 12-year age difference between us. I flew from Charlotte to Los Angeles where Minnie lives. The two of us flew out of LA bound for the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, Australia.

This region of the world is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders, vibrant cultures and delicious cuisine on the globe. Upon our arrival in Melbourne, I immediately noticed the magnificent skyline. After a short rest following our long flight and adjusting to the time difference, we were eager to set out and begin sightseeing.

On our first day, we visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Botanical Gardens, which were exceptionally beautiful and inspiring. While in Melbourne, we also explored the city’s art scene, enjoyed great coffee and visited the iconic Brighton Beach. We also took a day trip (approximately four hours) to Victoria, Australia to marvel at the Twelve Apostles rock formation by the Great Ocean Road.

Next, we visited Sydney where we were greeted by the city’s famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We spent the next few days exploring the city, taking in the stunning views and sampling the local cuisine. We visited the Royal Botanic Garden, watched koala bears at the Taronga Zoo and basked in the sun on Bondi Beach. Later, we took a ferry to Manly, where we enjoyed the relaxing beachside atmosphere and indulged in some delicious fish and chips.

Leaving Australia, we took a short flight to Auckland, New Zealand where we spent the next few days exploring the city’s museums, galleries and cultural landmarks. We also took a ferry to Waiheke Island, where we sampled some of the region’s best wines and enjoyed the island’s beautiful beaches. Our next stop was Queenstown, New Zealand, which is known for its adventure sports and stunning natural scenery. The Milford Sound is amazing!

Our final stop was the beautiful island of Fiji, where we spent our days lounging on the beach and enjoying the local cuisine. We spent time in a traditional Fijian bure and took part in a traditional kava ceremony. We also took a day trip to the stunning Yasawa Islands, where we explored the hidden coves and marveled at the crystal-clear waters.

This trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the bustling cities of Sydney and Auckland to the stunning natural beauty of Queenstown and Fiji’s islands, this itinerary offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beaches, watch adventurous activities, explore new cultures or experience native cuisine, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

Above all else, we experienced a renewed appreciation for one another. We realized how much we have in common and appreciate that the opportunity to share this fantastic voyage at this point in our lives was truly a blessing.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beaches, watch adventurous activities, explore new cultures or experience native cuisine, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in South Charlotte.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Wells Fargo Championship 2023

QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB, CHARLOTTE

The Wells Fargo Championship features 156 of the world's top golf professionals competing for their share of the $9 million purse.  Ten of the top 25 major champions in the world have already committed to play, including Tony Finau, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.  Max Homa will also defend his 2022 Wells Fargo champion title.  wellsfargochampionship.com

Jazz at the Bechtler | Miles Davis

BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, CHARLOTTE | 6:00 PM

Miles Davis - The Second Great Quintet - E.S.P

The Ziad Jazz Quartet will perform the music of Miles Davis during the May Jazz at the Bechtler Concert.  Miles' Second Great Quintet included Wayne Shorter (saxophone), Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (acoustic bass), and Tony Williams (drums).  This event will highlight E.S.P., the result of their time in the recording studio in 1965.  bechtler.org

Janet Jackson: Together Again Tour

PNC MUSIC PAVILLION, CHARLOTTE | 8:00 PM

The iconic Janet Jackson is coming to PNC Music Pavillion with special guest Ludacris for the Together Again Tour.  Janet's path through R&B and pop has been defined by her no-nonsense attitude and desire to change the world.  The state of her world is in excellent shape, thanks to her ruling it with a defiantly independent spirit and undeniably great music!  janetjackson.com

An Evening with Branford Marsalis, Romare Bearden Revealed

KNIGHT THEATER, CHARLOTTE | 7:00 PM

This one-time, special engagement features jazz compositions from Marsalis’ 2003 album “Romare Bearden Revealed,” as well as a song written by Romare Bearden, and other jazz favorites. The concert is a collaboration between JazzArts Charlotte and The Mint Museum in coordination with the Mint’s exhibition Bearden/Picasso: Rhythms and Reverberations blumenthalarts.org, carolinatix.org .

2023 CHARLOTTE MEMORY GALA

THE WESTIN CHARLOTTE HOTEL, CHARLOTTE | 6:00 PM

Join influential community and business leaders and enjoy a wonderful event to celebrate the lives of loved ones impacted by dementia while raising funds to underwrite the Alzheimer’s Association’s support, education, advocacy and research initiatives. You will enjoy an elegant, black-tie optional evening at uptown’s The Westin that features a welcome reception, seated dinner, powerful mission moments, auction, dancing and live entertainment. CharlotteMemoryGala.org

Wynton Marsalis

BELK THEATER - BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CTR, CHARLOTTE | 7:30 PM

Wynton Marsalis has been described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, as one of the world's top classical trumpeters, as a big band leader in the tradition of Duke Ellington, a brilliant composer, a devoted advocate for the arts and a tireless and inspiring educator.  wyntonmarsalis.org