Issuu

THE AVETT BROTHERS AT 20

PLUS ts r p S ring Aw ie v e Pr p. 38

TWO DECADES, 10 ALBUMS, and the love that let them spread their name

AND

Spring Fashion:

Eight Dazzling Looks MARCH 2020

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CONTENTS CHARLOTTE / MARCH 2020 / VOL. 25, NUMBER 3

Features 52

THE AVETT BROTHERS AT 20 Scott and Seth Avett came out of Cabarrus County two decades ago with songs, talent, and heart. This is their story, told by the people who know them best BY GREG LACOUR

SPRING FASHION From Bermuda shorts and waist coats to utility rompers and ’60s-inspired florals, explore these eye-catching spring trends STYLED BY STACEE MICHELLE

Plus

38 ON THE COVER: The Avett Brothers have returned to the cover of our magazine. Photograph by Crackerfarm.

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW More than 40 ways to celebrate the arts this season

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03 20 CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE 10 From the Editor 15

Connect

ANDY McMILLAN; PETER TAYLOR; LOGAN CYRUS; RUSTY WILLIAMS

104 You Are Here THE GUIDE 91 Arts + Culture What’s happening around town 94

Restaurants The city’s savviest restaurant listings

THE BUZZ 19 Life Lessons Attorney Sarah Byrne leads a pro bono advocacy project for victims of human trafficking 22

Transportation The Silver Line will service the airport. So why’s the stop a mile from the terminal?

THE GOOD LIFE 25 Nightlife Middle C is the the city’s new dedicated home for jazz

Style Ebony Staten provides stylish dorm rooms through her nonprofit, the Vogue Room Foundation

in business—and their relationship 47

Bite-Sized News Foodie news on a small plate

Weekender Life moves at a leisurely pace in Amelia Island

A Fresh Pour A woman of color owns Davidson’s first urban winery

Seen The city’s best party pics

On the Line Stefan Huebner slings cocktails at Charlotte’s coolest Prohibitionstyle hideaway

FOOD + DRINK 45 August June Desserts A Charlotte couple finds the sweet spot

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

F RO M T H E E D I TO R

LONG-PLAYING RECORDS The things that linger after the best of shows

WHEN WE WERE TEENAGERS, we didn’t keep small scraps of paper for tax purposes. We filled shoeboxes with documents of greater purpose: tri-folded notes passed in class, faded Polaroids, torn ticket stubs. This month’s cover story, written by senior editor Greg Lacour, reminds me of the particular importance of that last category. Stay with me here, because I realize this editor’s note has already crossed into “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” territory. It just can’t be overstated how much easier it was to fully submit yourself to live music before potential texts from sitters and Twitter notifications—when cellphones did nothing but Andy Smith phone calls and rounds of Snake. Concert andrew.smith@charlottemagazine.com tickets were keepsakes of revelatory experiences, which were revelatory only because they belonged solely to the people at that venue on that given night. The typical musician profile acts as a backstage pass, a look behind the scenes of a band’s rise, triumphs, infighting, and road diet. We’ve been lucky enough to talk to the Avetts over the years. We were the first magazine to put them on a cover. But for “Nothing Short of Thankful: The Avett Brothers at 20” (p. 52), we took a different approach: We hear from the fans, the merch girl, the peers, the promoters, the photographer, and others who watched, covered, hired, and supported a couple of local guys from Concord who hit it big. This Charlotte-raised The Avett band has always acknowledged that it took a village Brothers to get them here, and in this story, we hear from the appeared on our October 2005 village. It’s not a backstage pass; it’s a worn ticket stub cover as “The that you could never throw away because the memoMusic Scene’s ries are just too powerful. Best Hope.” A week or two before we finished this issue, I was invited to SOCO Gallery to check out Scott Avett’s new paintings and prints in the Myers Park space. Scott and I discussed the autobiographical nature of his visual art practice—and how it’ll always be linked to his songs. His paintings—massive narratives told through renderings of his family, treasured objects, and abstracted symbols—blend real and surreal imagery. Scott says the most dreamlike aspects of his work, and his own memory, are often the parts he considers the most “real.” At the end of our chat, I told him about “The Avett Brothers at 20,” and Scott’s face brightened when he talked about those early years. He mentioned Fat City Deli in NoDa, Manifest Discs, and the other sites from the Charlotte of yesterday. It’s not surprising that the people we interviewed about the Avetts all mentioned those same places. A music scene—and all of the concerts, great records, and acts contained within it—ends up belonging to everyone who bought a ticket and showed up. And the magic they contain is bigger than any one of us.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

Volume 25, Number 3

MARCH 2020

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What was your first concert? EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andy Smith The Ramones, Tipitina’s, New Orleans, 1988

SENIOR EDITOR Greg Lacour LIFESTYLE EDITOR Taylor Bowler ART DIRECTOR Jane Fields

Billy Joel

Dave Matthews Band

ASSOCIATE ART Melissa Stutts DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING Allison Braden EDITORS Jen Tota McGivney COPYEDITORS/ Carl Moritz FACT-CHECKERS Polly Paddock Katie Rath CONTRIBUTING Daniel Coston PHOTOGRAPHERS Crackerfarm Logan Cyrus Chris Edwards Andy McMillan Peter Taylor Rusty Williams Olly Yung

Destiny’s Child and Nelly

CONTRIBUTING Shaw Nielsen ILLUSTRATORS CONTRIBUTING Cristina Bolling WRITERS Michelle Boudin

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Email editor@charlottemagazine.com for writer’s guidelines. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

POSSIBILITY ISN’T JUST WHAT IF. IT’S WHAT’S NEXT. Minh T. Mechatronics

Earn an associate degree, work toward a four-year degree, or take a direct path to employment.

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ENJOY GOOD TIMES AND GREAT FLAVORS.

Never stop playing.

Volume 25, Number 3

MARCH 2020

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What was your first concert? PUBLISHER Allison Hollins Sublime

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ONLINE EXTRAS, EVENTS, AND CONVERSATIONS

REACT

Responses to the January issue of Charlotte magazine

To: “Life Lessons: Liz Hilliard,” page 15: Great article, Liz! I learned some things I never knew about you. I always thought of you as being very self-confident. It takes a lot of courage to reveal so much of your private life. I’m proud to be your cousin! Facebook comment from Mike Tiddy Love and happiness. What life is all about. Instagram comment from @meremullins To: “50 Best Restaurants,” page 47 “Wow. I haven’t made it to many of these @CharlotteMag thanks for the ideas for 2020. I may need to change my mind on not making New Years Resolutions #NewYearsResolutions #ThursdayMotivation #medium #blogging #blogger #mindfulness Tweet from @MarkASchrader To: “Crossword of the Month,” page 103 I have something to do tomorrow when I wake up hung over, stuck in bed. Tweet from @CLTdevelopment

Jen Tota McGivney’s feature, “Community Building,” on plans for the new Main Library drew overwhelmingly positive reaction. “You wrote a stunningly beautiful article about libraries and the new main library and posed exactly the right question at the end. Thank you for such a thoughtful approach, and for your interest.” Email from Lee Keesler, CEO, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library “I can’t tell you strongly enough how wonderful this story is. Your writing is stellar and you absolutely captured the heart of our library. It was very moving and so honest. Thank you.” Tweet from @dancnbarefoot

Want more to read? Check out these popular stories on charlottemagazine.com. 1. ANALYSIS: The Entertainment Emporium Has Arrived in Charlotte 2. Not Last Week’s Carolina Panthers 3. Tepper Takes Over

“This is an exciting time for rethinking the role(s) libraries and librarians can play in communities! #Innovation #thinkoutsidethebox #ALLarewelcome” Tweet from @johnetta_floyd “I enjoyed your inspiring and informative piece on the Main Library. As a lifelong library user and longtime Charlotte resident, I hope that this new facility will truly be a public commons.” Email from Paige Davis “@jen_mcgivney captures the essence of today’s libraries.” Tweet from @NextLibraries

Charlotte magazine’s tablet edition is available via the Apple Newsstand and at magzter.com.

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THE CONVENTION COMETH

ROAD2RNC

ON THE WEB

We’ve launched a podcast, Road to RNC, in which our editors and guests assess what the upcoming 2020 Republican National Convention (August 24-27 at Spectrum Center) means for Charlotte’s economy, culture, national reputation, and more. Look for episodes on your iPhone’s Podcasts app, the Google Play store, Stitcher, and SoundCloud, as well as charlottemagazine.com.

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

BEHIND the SCENES

Meet some of the contributors behind our spring fashion shoot at Camp North End

Janis Lozano Hair and Makeup

Lives in: Greensboro Best way to avoid the frizzies on a rainy day: A smoothing product or leave-in conditioner like Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Anti-Frizz Multi-Styling Air-Dry Balm. Memorable moment from this shoot: That pink dress we shot inside was super whimsical and fairylike!

Stacee Michelle Wardrobe Styiist

Lives in: Uptown Spring trend obsession: I am in love with jumpsuits and excited about the variety of fabrics they are coming in. Item you can’t live without at a shoot: My belt bag! It houses everything I need during a photoshoot—pins, clips, tape, scissors … and a kitchen sink. Memorable moment from this shoot: I used my soda can as neck support for Olly to get the ground perspective angle during the shoot. He said, “It was surprisingly comfortable.”

Photographer

Lives in: Shannon Park Your must-have item at a shoot (besides camera gear): A good attitude and creativity. Shooting a spring editorial in the dead of winter was hard on a rainy day, but we made the best of it with awesome wardrobe, colorful locations, and clever angles. Memorable moment from this shoot: Jane, the art director, wearing a “no trespassing” sign as a belt.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

JANE FIELDS; OLLY YUNG; STACEE MICHELLE

Olly Yung

INSIDE: LIFE LESSONS / TRANSPORTATION

BUZZ

THE

WHAT MATTERS NOW IN THE CITY

Sarah Byrne helped found a pro bono project at Moore & Van Allen to help victims of human trafficking. “I’m so in awe of all of my clients and what they’ve overcome,” she says. “The human spirit is remarkable.”

LI F E L E SS O N S

SARAH BYRNE

Charlotte attorney leads pro bono advocacy project for victims of human trafficking

LOGAN CYRUS

BY CRISTINA BOLLING

CHARLOTTE ATTORNEY Sarah Byrne grew up the daughter of a judge in western Massachusetts. Early on, she made the connection between law and public service. Byrne graduated from Boston College, then Suffolk University Law School in Boston, and moved to Charlotte in 2005 with her new husband to follow his investment banking career. At Moore & Van Allen, in addition to her regular duties as a lawyer, she worked pro bono to help victims of domestic violence and realized the prevalence of another disturbing crime: human trafficking.

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE BUZZ Byrne wondered where trafficking victims could find free, comprehensive legal services like those offered to domestic abuse survivors and was disappointed by what she found. In 2013, Moore & Van Allen developed the MVA Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, which now includes more than 190 attorneys and legal professionals and has helped more than 150 victims. A big victory came last July with the passage of N.C. House Bill 198, which Byrne helped draft. The law allows courts to clear the nonviolent criminal records of trafficking victims who committed the crimes as a result of their being trafficked. We spoke with Byrne at Moore & Van Allen’s uptown offices about what motivates her to fight for victims of an often-misunderstood crime and to address the misperception that Charlotte ranks high among U.S. cities in human trafficking. Her words were edited for clarity and space.

came to realize the prevalence and problem of human trafficking in Charlotte, I began to think, I wonder if victims of human trafficking are as supported as victims of domestic violence? I spent a lot of time looking locally, and ultimately nationally, to see what the support landscape was for victims of human trafficking. To my surprise, there really was a significant gap, not just here in Charlotte but nationwide.

Carolinas or from other parts of the country and now residing in the Carolinas. WE SEE THESE IMAGES of women being chained and bound, but so many of our clients are really self-directed, assertive people who have not been silenced. They were exploited and controlled for a period of time, but that experience doesn’t define them. They are parents, they are children, they are friends, they are employees, they are neighbors. It’s a crime of psychological exploitation, not bondage.

“They were exploited and controlled for a period of time, but that experience doesn’t define them. They are parents, they are children, they are friends, they are employees, they are neighbors.”

MY FATHER, an extraordinarily kind and decent man, was a judge in my hometown. His career and values inspired my interest in the law and more specifically in public service. It was sort of the ethos in my home: how you can serve your community and other people. Also, my faith is a big part of my calling to help other people. I feel like when I do this work, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

BEFORE AND DURING LAW SCHOOL, I worked in several different branches of government: Boston City Hall, the Massachusetts Governor’s Office, and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which is their highest appellate court, and in the U.S. Senate for Ted Kennedy. That gave rise to my interest in the law and a kind of sense of service. When I started law firm work, I knew doing pro bono would have to be a big part of my professional life. I feel like when I do this work, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I HAD BEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS representing victims of domestic violence in seeking protective orders, and when I

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

—SARAH BYRNE

WE REPRESENTED a number of labor trafficking victims a couple of years ago who came to the United States under the impression that they were going to be involved in a work-study program, and when they got here, they were forced to work without just compensation. The criminal process was successful, but they asked us to help them with immigration because they wanted to stay in the United States. I get chills every time I say that. After having come to the United States under those circumstances, to still have hope in the American dream is just outstanding to me. I still keep in touch with them and their families, and they’re thriving. THERE ARE TWO FORMS of human trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The lion’s share of our clients have been sex trafficking victims. We’ve had a handful of foreign-born victims, but most of our victims are domestic, from the

WE’VE HAD SO MANY LEGAL TRIUMPHS, and we’ve been witness to so many personal triumphs of the victims that we support, but we’ve also seen so much loss and heartbreak— everything from, “Sorry, we can’t get that charge expunged” to “I have no idea where she went; I think about her all the time.” They disappear because they haven’t developed that trust. There’s this period where the victim went from thinking she was in a healthy relationship with a trafficker to then realizing that the relationship was coercive and dangerous and he or she had no control over their life anymore. And then if they leave, can you imagine leaving that and really having nothing? Because if you’re going through that, you feel so alienated from other relationships and financial support, and it is very hard to maintain independence. Every day is so hard. Sometimes we lose them. I’VE LEARNED SO MUCH about human resiliency, because you could go through something like that, after having experienced a lifetime of challenges, and still be so hopeful and empowered, and just have full lives. I’m so in awe of all of my clients and what they’ve overcome. The human spirit is remarkable. I CHALLENGE ANY STATISTICS that attempt to rank geographic areas, because the only method for measuring this problem geographically is by hotline calls and other reports and some attempts at service provider data collection. To me, they better reflect an aware community than

they reflect the actual problem, because victims of this crime don’t self-report like victims of other crimes. That said, having worked with survivors here in Charlotte for over six years, it is a significant problem. But I have worked with survivors who have been trafficked in many small towns and cities across America, so I don’t think there is any geographic area that’s immune to this problem. THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS an underlying vulnerability that gives rise to human trafficking. It can be poverty, child sexual abuse or physical abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, homelessness, and, in labor trafficking, migrant workers or workers who don’t have status. Random abductions are not the general experience of my clients. For sex trafficking victims, the relationship almost always starts off in what seems like a healthy relationship. Then the perpetrator coerces them into engaging in commercial sex. Threats of violence is another huge coercive tactic

used. At that point they’re trapped in this exploitative relationship. ALMOST ALL OF OUR CLIENTS have more than one legal need. A huge part of the coercive tactics used by perpetrators includes engaging in criminal activity, whether it’s involving drugs or firearms or robbery or breaking and entering. A lot of that activity is coerced and can result in charges or convictions that really get in the way of a survivor ultimately seeking independence, because having a criminal record can be a barrier to a job, to housing, to education. So clearing up a criminal record is so important for the survivor to achieve independence. A lot of times when people are trafficked, they lose custody of their children. AT THE END OF 2018, the General Assembly asked the N.C. Human Trafficking Commission to make legislative recommendations to human trafficking law. One of the greatest needs is to see

whether criminal records are available for expunction or vacatur. Before this new law, the North Carolina statutes allowed for only prostitution convictions or charges to be erased from your record. What we did was expand the list of eligible offenses to nonviolent offenses. I can’t wait to see how many more victims will experience relief due to this. A YEAR INTO DOING THIS WORK, I wrote on a yellow sticky: “The North Carolina law needs to change.” I put it up on my corkboard. And then this summer, I got to tear it down. That felt pretty good. I’d had client after client say she had a criminal record and wanted to have it erased because she’d been victimized. It happened so many times that I said, “We’ve got to change this law.” When it passed in July, I said, “Well, that’s done.” And I put it in the recycling bin.

CRISTINA BOLLING is a writer in Charlotte.

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MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

2/4/20 9:18 AM

THE BUZZ

NEWS

LIGHT RAIL’S FLY-BY

The Silver Line will service the airport. So why’s the stop a mile from the terminal?

SILVER LINE:

BY THE NUMBERS

adopted a long-range transit plan in 2006, the Wilkinson corridor’s ridership estimates were so low—about 4,000 trips per day, the lowest total of any in the city— that officials thought a streetcar or bus line would be a better option than light rail. Since then, population and demand for transit have grown, the airport has expanded, and light rail has succeeded as both mode of transportation and development catalyst. City officials believe those and other factors, one in particular, justify light rail along Wilkinson and boost the Silver Line project’s chances of securing Federal Transit Administration grant money. “What really made the difference is the development going on at the River District and with our colleagues and neighbors in Gaston County,” says Charlotte Area Transit System CEO John Lewis. “That changes the equation.”

Planned number of stations.

2030

Projected completion.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

Its planned length in miles, from Central Piedmont Community College’s Levine Campus to the Town of Belmont in Gaston County.

And while the thought of a train gliding into the CLT terminal is a pretty idea, it overlooks an unavoidable roadblock. The Federal Aviation Administration strictly regulates potential hazards in flight paths. That might not be a problem for a light rail line that had to cross only Wilkinson, conceivably at ground level. But an east-west Norfolk Southern freight rail line runs parallel to Wilkinson and between the boulevard and the terminal, and any light rail line would need an overpass to traverse it. “God forbid something happens,” Lewis says. “You never want to have obstacles in the path of planes landing and taking off.” CATS is talking with airport officials about potential alternatives, which they have time to figure out: The Silver Line is projected to begin service in 2030. — Greg Lacour

50 MILLION $

What Charlotte City Council decided in November to spend on design and environmental work over the next five years.

3-4

BILLION Preliminary project cost estimate. Source: Charlotte Area Transit System

COURTESY

CHARLOTTE’S MOVING AHEAD with its most ambitious transit project to date, a 26-mile light rail line that would connect Matthews to the southeast and Belmont to the west with access to uptown and the airport. But there’s a catch: It wouldn’t actually go to the airport. The city plans for the Silver Line train to stop at Wilkinson Boulevard, roughly a mile north of the terminal at Charlotte Douglas International—which means people will have to take an extra bus or other form of transit between the stop and the terminal. Why? Wouldn’t it make far more sense to run the train right to bag check? And while we’re at it, why is the city only now executing a plan to link the city center and airport by rail? It boils down to cost, configuration, and ridership. When Charlotte officials

Not your grandma’s Wedgwood Feb 8 – Aug 30, 2020 | Mint Museum Randolph For the first time ever, the black basalt sculptures of iconic ceramic artist Josiah Wedgwood will be the focus of a special exhibition that breaks all the molds. Organized by The Mint Museum, Classic Black: The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood and His Contemporaries will feature more than a hundred 18th-century works, ranging from library busts and ornamental vases to dynamic statues of mythological heroes. The themes are classical, the presentation contemporary. It’s timeless. It’s provocative. It’s Classic Black.

Exhibition organized by The Mint Museum and made possible with generous support from presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Private Bank. Additional support provided by Moore & Van Allen and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. IMAGE: Wedgwood. Mercury, 19th century, stoneware (black basalt). Collection of Lindsay Grigsby

GOOD LIFE

INSIDE: ENTERTAINMENT / STYLE / HOME LISTINGS / WEEKENDER / SEEN / SPRING ARTS PREVIEW s.

THE

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LIVING HERE

Warren C. Raybon, a.k.a. “Warren Sax,” performs during January’s Customer Appreciation Night at Middle C Jazz.

E NT E RTA I N M E NT

FULL SWING

Middle C Jazz gains momentum as the genre’s new dedicated home in the city BY ANDY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDY McMILLAN

AS YOU HEAD NORTH IN UPTOWN, the checkered stretch of road near the NASCAR Hall of Fame now transitions into a different black-and-white motif: the swirling piano keys inside Middle C Jazz’s prominent logo, which hangs at the base of the tower at 300 South Brevard Street. It’s at this front entrance where staffer Michael Garcia greets visitors on a brisk Thursday evening in January as he guides them to the action of Customer Appreciation Night. Tonight’s the third month of operation for the jazz Continued on next page  MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

club, but Garcia meets visitors in the foyer with the warmth and familiarity of a longtime friends. “What I’ve found, from this vantage point,” Garcia says, “was that Charlotte was hungry for this type of venue. We offer a little bit of everything, so everyone can find their place in the jazz world.” (Above) Just three Middle C, named for months in, Middle C Jazz had already the note at the center of a added several keyboard, is Larry Farber’s hundred members “baby”—a metaphor he to its Baby Grand extends to describe all club. (Below) Marc Hoffman performs stages of the club’s life. during a Thursday The 68-year-old senior night set. managing partner at EastCoast Entertainment and pianist since childhood says Middle C was a dream for 30 or 40 years and entered its actual “gestational period” about a decade ago. He and his human offspring, commercial real estate pro Adam, co-founded the venue “with the greatest wishes for its future and its health, to give people a safe place to have fun and enjoy jazz.” After they secured the real estate, they hired Jonathan Gellman to manage the club; Gellman owned Jonathan’s Jazz Cellar, a jazz spot located at North Tryon and 7th streets that closed in the early 1990s. Uptown, of course, was a different place then. In the Charlotte of 2020, music venues mostly make headlines when they’re closing. Despite that—and an initial run of articles that posed the skeptical ques- packed room between sets by Middle C’s tion, “Can jazz work in uptown?”—he “family band” of staffers and friends. But still believed in his baby: “We’re going to as the opening beat of Stevie Wonder’s continue to figure this out and get better, “Superstition” kicks in, the crowd finds but I have been so overwhelmed by the Farber behind the piano, a rare treat for support of this diverse community. We are members who have gotten to know him far outpacing our projections.” over the past few months. These visiDuring Customer Appreciation Night, tors are in one of two groups Farber has Farber and Gellman mingle across the identified as Middle C attendees: The

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

first are the attendees who look for the trusted names they love on the venue’s schedule, whether it’s an international act or a recurring local musician; the others come for the broader vibe, the new cultural home in unlikely uptown. “They know that live music is alive and well in Charlotte again,” Farber says. “This is place where you’ll feel good, like your

ANDY McMILLAN

THE GOOD LIFE

favorite restaurant. You may not know the special that day, but you know it’ll be good.” By January, many of the shows at Middle C were sellouts. The list of members in Middle C’s Baby Grand club grew to 400, which is double the amount of seats in the venue. Membership gets you four ticket vouchers for the year, as well as regular discounts, merch, and for those who like the front row, early seating to every show for $300 a year. (A more affordable option, with fewer perks, was in the works during the writing of this story.) Among those members are married couple Bridget B. Sullivan and Melvin Nix, who have always had a “tendency of going where the music is,” Sullivan says. Over the past several years, they’ve been fans of Ziad Jazz Quartet’s shows at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Jazz Arts Initiatives’ Stage Door Theater sets. What was missing from Charlotte was a place made for and dedicated to jazz. Even if the club’s main space is an antidote to the splashy expectations of the Instagram era, Nix notes that the sound is “crystal clear, no matter where you’re sitting,” so priorities are in order. If it weren’t for the lack of cigarette smoke, a filmmaker could use the backdrop of Middle C as a jazz room set for any era. A cocktail list pays homage to jazz clubs across the world with monikers like “The Alleycat,” named for the famed D.C. club Blues Alley. On this night, it’s even missing the glow of iPhones that permeates most public settings nowadays, at attendees’ discretion. “You don’t want to miss anything,” Sullivan says between sets, with a chuckle. “More often than not, if you’re into jazz, you’re just going to listen to the music. You want to be open to it and constantly wondering, ‘What direction are they going to take me in?’” This is, after all, the form that forged an improvisational genius like Thelonious Monk, who once said, “The piano ain’t got no wrong notes.” And even if opening a jazz club in the uptown of 2020 may surprise us, it doesn’t mean it isn’t right.

ANDY SMITH is the executive editor of this magazine.

E LECTIC

From the Saturday morning farmers’ market, to an indie craft and film festival, to live music on the river, we’ve got more things to do than there are hours to do them. Visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

Bringing the latest restaurant news to your inbox each month.

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THE GOOD LIFE

ST YL E

The Chic Geek

Systems analyst Ebony Staten supports minority female first-generation college students with stylish dorm rooms through her nonprofit, The Vogue Room Foundation BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHS BY RUSTY WILLIAMS

TWO YEARS AGO, Ebony Staten was scrolling through her Instagram feed and stopped at a post by Michelle Obama. It was a photo of her at Princeton University in the early ’80s with a message to her fellow first-generation college students: Be brave and stay with it, because education profoundly changed her life. “Just like Oprah, I had my great ‘aha’ moment,” Staten recalls. The 33-year-old systems analyst and Charlotte native had been the first in her family to attend college, too. She wanted a way to give back and support other first-generation college students, so she launched The Vogue Room Foundation to provide dorm room makeovers. The Vogue Room Foundation is an offshoot of Staten’s interior design bou-

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

tique, The Vogue Room, which merges her love of high fashion and interiors. The program selects first-generation female college students to receive a full interior design and installation of her dorm room. The scholarship is available to high school students in North Carolina who are on track to attend an in-state college or university. Applicants must provide transcripts, extracurricular activities, and a 250-word essay that describes what it means to them to be a first-generation college student. To date, Staten has had three recipients—one in 2018, two in 2019. The first, a graduate of West Charlotte High School, was a rising freshman at Staten’s alma mater, North Carolina Central University. The others went to UNC Chapel Hill

and North Carolina Ebony Staten A&T University. “I launched The Vogue Room work with them as Foundation if they are one of to provide my clients,” Staten dorm room makeovers for says. She’ll note first-generation favorite colors and college students. study their Pinterest boards, then create a mood board of the space. Once they’re set on a design, they have a shopping day together. At a time when rising college freshmen spend $1,500 or more to decorate a dorm room, Staten wants to alleviate that expense for a deserving student. “Just go on YouTube, and there are tutorials Continued on next page

THE GOOD LIFE R E AL E STAT E

Hot Listings

Spring is the traditional season for home sales. That means a wide selection of homes will hit the market, from uptown condos to modern farmhouses. —Margaret Rawlings

Staten’s South End apartment merges her love of high fashion and interiors.

TAYLOR BOWLER is lifestyle editor for this magazine.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

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RUSTY WILLIAMS; COURTESY

where kids are decking out these dorm room spaces. But not everyone has the means to do it,” she says. “I want to create a space that will inspire them to achieve their goals. Looking at those cinderblock walls can get depressing.” Staten says she spends about $1,000 for a makeover, which can include bedding, headboards, lighting, and desk accessories. “I find stuff at HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls—those are my main gotos,” she says. “I love really rich textures and bold statement pieces. Some other companies I reach out to provide pillows, removable wallpaper, and wall decor.” The Vogue Room Foundation also accepts charitable donations through its website to help fund the dorm room makeovers. Staten, who describes herself as a “chic geek,” earned a computer information systems degree from N.C. Central. She worked an IT job in Durham for four years before taking a remote job that allowed her the flexibility to launch her interior design business. “I’ve always been a creative,” she says. “It was always deep down in me—I just didn't know what I would do with it.” After she was laid off last May, Staten accepted a job as an IT systems analyst with Bank of America and returned to Charlotte. “It’s a lifestyle change, because I have to physically go to the office every day,” she says with a laugh. “From nine to five, it’s strictly work, then I come home and I grind.” She credits local designers Cheryl Luckett and Quintel Gwinn for mentoring her as she pursues her side hustle. “When I got laid off, I thought, ‘What am I gonna do?’ That’s when I zeroed in on the foundation, and Quintel opened up her studio to me.” Today, her nonprofit board is made up of four people (“all personal friends with a community connection”), and she hopes to grow The Vogue Room brand in Charlotte. “Being from this city, there’s a sense of pride,” she says. “This is my community. And design is my outlet.”

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FEELING RITZY?

Amelia Island Time

Life moves at a leisurely pace on this tranquil north Florida barrier island IN 1896, AMERICAN RESORTS MAGAZINE named Amelia Island “The Queen of Summer Resorts” because it was a favorite destination for prominent families like the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and DuPonts. Today, the barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida, roughly 20 miles south of the Georgia line and a five-hour drive from Charlotte, still has an old-fashioned vibe. Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss frame the two-lane roads and secluded bike trails. Everything about Amelia says slow down. Turn off your cellphone, kick off your shoes, and sip some sweet tea in a rocking chair. You’re on Amelia Island time. —Taylor Bowler

EAT

STAY

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort offers your standard beach vacation with all the hotel amenities. Golf courses, pools, a fitness center, and a kids’ club are all on-site. For a homier setting, rent a condo in the Beachwood Villas on the plantation. The cottagey two- and three-bedroom units are equipped with kitchens and laundry rooms, and nothing is too precious if kids track sand in the front door. Guests have access to on-site pools and outdoor grills, and you’re a just short walk from the beach.

For a weekend brunch or lunch date, visit 29 South in Fernandina Beach and take in the Victorian-era architecture. Bring your dog and grab a table outside as weekenders stroll through the historic downtown. Order the Southern Barbecued Cobb Salad with deviled eggs, fried green tomato, and cornbread. Or splurge on the Coffee and Donuts, a bread pudding of glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts drizzled in butterscotch and topped with mocha ice cream. For a more casual, kid-friendly meal, head to Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina on Centre Street and munch on no-frills tacos and quesadillas. For something sweet, wander a few doors down to Island Time Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

Rent a bike, Segway, or golf cart at Amelia’s Wheels and ride through the wooded trails under a canopy of trees. Look for egrets, heron, and osprey as you approach the water’s edge. Head back toward the shopping village and treat yourself to a gelato or iced coffee at Marche Burette, or schedule a treatment at the spa. Play golf on one of the six full 18-hole golf courses on the island or partake in some mini golf at Heron’s Cove Adventure Golf on the plantation. Whatever you do, leave the car behind, because there’s bike parking everywhere.

Check out these annual events at the RitzCarlton Amelia Island

Every March, car aficionados flock to the Ritz to admire more than 300 rare vintage automobiles at the Amelia Concours D’Elegance. The fourday event includes driving experiences, an auction, a gala dinner— and maybe a celebrity sighting or two. (Jay Leno and John Travolta are fans.) Come for Salt & Savor Culinary Weekend in October and indulge in two days of gourmet food and wine. Take classes with Ritz-Carlton chefs, mixologists, and winemakers, and savor exquisite meals with an intimate group of visiting foodies. The package includes a twonight stay in an ocean view guest room and a farewell champagne brunch. Bring your kids to Santa’s Storybook Tea in December and see the hotel lobby transformed into a magical land of gingerbread houses. Then head to Salt, the hotel’s restaurant, for an over-thetop holiday buffet of finger sandwiches, pastries, candy, and cake. When your sugar buzz peaks, grab a seat by the fireplace as Santa and Mrs. Claus read The Night Before Christmas. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., 904-2771100, ritzcarlton.com

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THE GOOD LIFE

PART Y P I C S

Seen

Good Fellows Club

1. Felix Sabates 2. Mike Rucker and Stick Williams 3. John Fox and Ron Rivera 4. Mac Everett

I’m Possible Gala

1. Laresa Thompson 2. Bill Evans 3. Berhan Nebioglu 4. Atreece Bailey

1. Elaine Self and George Hanna 2. John McDonough 3. Van Jones 4. Katie Holliday and David Kern 5. Rev. Corine Mack and Dedrick Russell

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

DANIEL COSTON

Council for Children’s Rights event with Van Jones

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THE GOOD LIFE National Philanthropy Day Awards

1. Mike Blackwelder and James Chemplavil 2. Stephanie Stenglein 3. Jon Morris 4. Amanda Shields 5. Carl King

Good Friends

1. Madelyn Caple 2. Sonja Nichols 3. Linda LockmanBrooks, Joan Zimmerman 4. Amy Blumenthal, Stick Williams 5. Sabrina Brathwaite

CWTA Holiday Event

DANIEL COSTON

1. Sarah Bramell, with Mike Hawley and Dr. Katherine Pierce 2. Chris Justice 3. Elissa Whitcomb, and Adam Miller 4. Kadin Bertucci 5. Chloe Pittman, with Tom Howard and Will Manning

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THE GOOD LIFE

spring arts PREVIEW

Anastasia, Sturgill Simpson, and more than 40 other ways to celebrate the arts this spring BY

ANDY SMITH

THEATRE & DANCE The legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia has been portrayed across a range of media since the 1920s. Before the Broadway musical version of her life comes to OVENS AUDITORIUM (APRIL 28-MAY 3), get to know the purported lost princess through one of these outlets: • The Last Czars, a Netflix docudrama about the Romanov family. This is one of the most in-depth and factbased programs of the bunch. • The 1997 animated film Anastasia is

as much of a historical film as Jurassic Park is an accurate representation of biotechnology. But that’s why we look to animated features for fairy tales, not Ken Burns-esque accuracy. The film is on Amazon Prime. • Ariel Lawhon’s 2018 novel I Was Anastasia tracks Anna Anderson’s decades-long battle for recognition as the true Anastasia. The New York Times bestseller is a work of fiction, but it’s beloved for those who have closely followed the history.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

Also coming to Charlotte via Blumenthal Performing Arts: The Color Purple MARCH 23-26, OVENS AUDITORIUM Riverdance APRIL 7-12, BELK THEATER Blue Man Group APRIL 24-26, OVENS AUDITORIUM

EVAN ZIMMERMAN; LINDSEY BEST

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: Where to Find an Anastasia Primer

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

BY THE NUMBERS

THEATRE CHARLOTTE’S SPRING SLATE The theater company brings two big shows to the spring mix: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (MARCH 20-APRIL 5) and Dreamgirls (MAY 22JUNE 7). Here are the figures you need to know:

Years since the first show (a production of Outward Bound) was performed by the company, originally named the “Charlotte Drama League.”

Number of Tony nominations Dreamgirls garnered during its original Broadway run in 1982. It won six, including Leading Actor in a Musical and Leading Actress in a Musical. (The film version was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won two.)

1970

The year Theatre Charlotte first performed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This will be the fourth incarnation of the show at the theater.

500

Number of volunteers it takes each year to make the group’s programs happen.

COMEDY One-Liners from Comics Coming to Charlotte This Spring Here’s a taste of humor from a few of the stand-ups rolling through town: Jim Breuer MARCH 5, THE FILLMORE “You can stump any stoner with one question: What were we just talking about?”

Martin Lawrence MARCH 14, SPECTRUM CENTER “You used to be looking good from afar. Now you just far from looking good!”

THE SECOND CITY COMES TO THE QUEEN CITY Chicago’s famed Second City troupe returns to Charlotte with She the People (MAY 6-9) at McGlohon Theater. The show is constructed and performed entirely by women from the group. “We’ll bet you 72 cents on the dollar (or much, much less!) you’ll cheer for this sketch show,” the troupe promises.

T.J. Miller APRIL 30-MAY 2, THE COMEDY ZONE “I laugh at absurdity hardest, then stories, then observations, then bearded men on roller skates.”

CHARLOTTE BALLET’S NEW SLEEPING BEAUTY

MARCH 13-22, KNIGHT THEATER Called a “fairy-tailored” production, Charlotte Ballet’s new take on Sleeping Beauty condenses the original three-hour-plus running time to a brisker two. For parents, this means you can squeeze both dinner and a show out of your sitter. The company has also brought a narrator into the mix to help guide visitors.

COURTESY; ANGELA STERLING

Number of youth programs operated by Theatre Charlotte. The Student Theatre Guild, a program for high school and college students, serves as Charlotte’s own “summer stock.” TCjr is a summer program for ages 9-14 that produces its own shows.

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GOOD LIFE

LIVE MUSIC Sturgill Simpson Hits the Road With Tyler Childers MARCH 6, SPECTRUM CENTER For his newest LP, Simpson made an uncommon move within his genre: He asked an anime director to collaborate on a film to accompany it. It could be the most left-field move in country music since Garth Brooks cosplayed as the moody Chris Gaines. The result, Sound & Fury (released in September), showed why Simpson's “outlaw” label isn’t due only to his similarities to Waylon Jennings. He’s willing to take risks outside traditional concepts. Also on the bill is Tyler Childers, a magnetic singer-songwriter and current darling of country-bluegrass who has released two Simpson-produced albums. Even if Childers didn’t have a Japanese animator create a film for his acclaimed 2019 record Country Squire, the pair has plenty in common.

THE RETURN OF CHENOWETH

MARCH 10, BELK THEATER Fresh off the release of her 2019 Hallmark Christmas movie filmed in the Charlotte area (A Christmas Love Story), Kristin Chenoweth is back for an uptown concert. The Broadway star’s tour is centered on her recent record For the Girls, in which Chenoweth covers songs by—and collaborates with—female artists who have inspired her, like Dolly Parton, Jennifer Hudson, and Reba McEntire. The album includes Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, and Willie Nelson’s “Crazy,” famously covered by Patsy Cline.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

SNUG HARBOR: A MONTHLY SAMPLER PLATTER OF GENRES

This Plaza Midwood venue hosts touring and local acts, but its regular monthly programming is what sets it apart from other venues. The punk-themed night “No Future” (MARCH 10), “Player Made: An Ode to Southern Rap of All Eras” (MARCH 13), and Carolina Country Revue (THE LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH) are a few of those ongoing efforts.

AND I QUOTE

BRITTANY HOWARD

APRIL 18, THE FILLMORE Brittany Howard’s soul-shaking voice broke into the mainstream via her rock outfit Alabama Shakes. Her 2019 debut solo album, Jaime, wasn’t just a hit with fans; she received two Grammy nominations for the track “History Repeats.” The album was named for Howard’s sister, who died of cancer when both were children. Her sister was the one who taught Howard how to play the piano and write poetry. “She was a creative person all around,” Howard told NPR last year. “And when I came into the world, my sister kind of took me by my hand and was like, ‘OK, you know, our family doesn’t have a lot of money, but this is how you have fun,’ and just showed me how to use my imagination, how to be creative.”

SPRING MIXTAPE The tunes to check out from the season's performers:

➀

Marc Broussard, “Baton Rouge” (MARCH 7, McGLOHON THEATER)

➁

Mandy Moore, “When I Wasn’t Watching” (APRIL 1, KNIGHT THEATER)

➂

Shovels & Rope, “St. Anne's Parade” (APRIL 2, NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE)

➃

The Trouble Notes, “Grand Masquerade” (APRIL 4, THE EVENING MUSE)

➄

Andrew Bird, “Sisyphus” (APRIL 19, KNIGHT THEATER)

➅

Jacob Collier, “Time Alone With You” (MAY 7, THE UNDERGROUND)

➆

Astrid S, “The First One” (MAY 19, THE UNDERGROUND)

➇

The Lumineers, “Ophelia” (MAY 29, PNC MUSIC PAVILION)

The Empire Strikes Back, Back Again MARCH 13-14, BELK THEATER There isn’t a bigger name in film scoring than John Williams. Celebrate one of his most iconic efforts and see The Empire Strikes Back—a Star Wars fan favorite—on a big screen at Belk.

ALSO FROM THE CSO:

Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis MARCH 6-7, BELK THEATER

Broadway Favorites MAY 8-9, KNIGHT THEATER

007: The Best of James Bond MARCH 27-28, KNIGHT THEATER

Wonder Women: Heroes and Villains MAY 9, KNIGHT THEATER

Bach Brandenburg Concerto APRIL 17-18, KNIGHT THEATER MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GOOD LIFE

MEET THE RESIDENTS: McCOLL CENTER’S SPRING LINEUP From Charlotte to Barcelona, McColl sourced this slew of artists-in-residence from around the globe. Below, find out where some of the artists’ work has appeared across the city. Remember: On Open Studio Saturdays, you can view these artists’ studios and see them at work. The first one of the spring season arrives March 21, and this round of residencies runs through APRIL 28. Franco Fasoli Hometown: Barcelona, Spain Specialty: Collage, sculpture Where you’ve seen his work: He has a major mural on an exterior wall at LaCa Projects/The Batch House. The cascading tigers are part of a motif in the work of Fasoli, who examines converging cultures through forms such as wild beasts, Mexican wrestlers, and soccer hooligans. Holly Keogh Hometown: Charlotte Specialty: Painting, drawing Where you’ve seen her work: Keogh is a Goodyear Arts Collective member and in the stable of artists represented at SOCO Gallery in Myers Park. You may be surprised to learn that she’s also the architect of one of Charlotte’s biggest murals: the massive, multihued scene on the parking garage beside Novel NoDa and the 36th Street light rail station. Liz Nielsen Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Specialty: Photography, printmaking Where you’ve seen her work: Charlotte art collectors know Nielsen because of her high-profile shows at SOCO. She has built an international following for her “photograms,” in which no cameras are used. She works with objects, colored gels, and light directly on photographic paper, with riveting forms emerging. Her work has been described as “photographic chemistry.”

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

ALSO AT McCOLL:

Maya Gurantz Hometown: Los Angeles Specialty: Video, performance, installation, writing, social practice Azita Moradkhani Hometowns: New York City and Boston Specialty: Colored pencil, paper clay Andrew Wilson Hometown: Oakland, California Specialty: Textiles, photography, jewelry, installation, performance art

McCOLL CENTER

VISUAL ARTS

FESTIVALS

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

HOW DO THEY DO THAT? KIM KEEVER Kim Keever’s work is back at JERALD MELBERG GALLERY (MARCH 14-APRIL 25), and first-time viewers often ask the question: What is this? Keever’s photographs come from the unusual process of capturing chemicals entering a tank of water. “Painting in water” is what Keever calls it. The result is a riveting body of work that embodies the phrase “controlled chaos.”

MORE EXHIBITIONS IN CHARLOTTE: Classic Black: The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood and His Contemporaries at MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH THROUGH AUG. 30

KIM KEEVER; USNWC; COURTESY; BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Ten at the BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART THROUGH MAY 3 Painting Is Its Own Country at HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE THROUGH APRIL 12

SEEING NEW ART AROUND TOWN? HERE’S WHY. New murals are popping up in Charlotte every month, and each fall, the festival Talking Walls adds a heap of new ones in one week. Seventeen artists participated in the last batch. You’ve likely seen the obvious ones, but a few painters have tucked theirs into overlooked corners. Caitlin McDonagh’s contribution, located inside a 7th Street alleyway, shows you can be surprised even in uptown.

Time for a micro-guide: Summer and fall are typically known as the primary festival seasons, but spring also offers quite a portfolio. To help you fill out your to-do list, here are four to know:

Boom Festival Each April, Plaza Midwood transforms into a performing and visual arts hot spot. Participating venues include Snug Harbor, Rabbit Hole, Open Door Studios, Petra’s Bar, Coaltrane’s, and the festival's own “Intersection” outdoor stage on Commonwealth Avenue. Boom’s back APRIL 17-19. Moo & Brew Festival This burger, beer, and music festival packs the AvidXchange Music Factory festival grounds on APRIL 4. Sample the brews and chews, and check out tunes from Blues Traveler, Matt Maeson, and Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band.

Charlotte Black Film Festival The 10th annual edition of this film fest will include more than 40 films, workshops, master classes, panel discussions, and celebrity guests. The APRIL 23-26 event happens at Studio Movie Grill, UNCC Center City, the Fairfield Inn in uptown, and other locations to be announced closer to the event. Tuck Fest The U.S. National Whitewater Center festival offers a blend of outdoor competitions and clinics across its property, plus notable music acts. The center has several spring festivals, but Tuck Fest usually has the biggest musical lineup. Lake Street Dive, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and ZZ Ward are among the acts on the bill for the APRIL 24-26 event.

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

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11/22/19 3:46 PM

FOOD DRINK

INSIDE: LOCAL FLAVOR / BITE-SIZED NEWS / WINE / ON THE LINE

EXPLORE THE TASTES OF CHARLOTTE

The lavenderhoney cupcake is one of August June Desserts’ signature flavors.

LO C AL F L AVO R

SWEETER THE SECOND TIME In three years, Natosha Fleming got married, had a child, and filed for divorce. Now the founder of August June Desserts and ex-husband Ryan are back together and taking their time, in business and in love BY EMIENE WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER TAYLOR

IT’S SUNDAY AFTERNOON, and Natosha and Ryan Fleming sit at a picnic table with their teenaged son, Ryan Jr., in Optimist Hall. It’s been a long day, and their little band is tired.

Continued on next page MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK

“I didn’t really sleep last night,” Natosha confesses. She stayed up to make sample cakes for an appearance on a morning talk show, but the icing on one of the centerpieces refused to cooperate. Though tastier than traditional fondant, it was less pliable for designing. After several do-overs, she handpainted a stained glass effect on the cake and headed to the TV station before the sun was up. Afterward, she took part in an expo, with Ryan and Ryan Jr. pitching in until late afternoon. As they pause to enjoy some gelato, the couple relates the story of how they fell in love, lost each other and, with the help of her dessert studio, found the sweet spot in their relationship. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, Natosha was a sophomore at Hampton University in Virginia. Just five feet tall, she cut a petite figure, with a youthful baby face. Her Bahamian father, “Crab,” known for his culinary skills, had introduced Natosha to the kitchen. But she saw it as just a hobby and pursued a degree in marketing. Ryan grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. His mother attended North Carolina Central University and wanted him to continue the legacy. His great-aunt also lived nearby and could keep an eye on him. “I didn’t want that,” he says with a chuckle, shooting a mischievous glance across the table at Natosha. Instead, he became a Hampton Pirate. Though he and Natosha shared a major, they didn’t meet until their sophomore year in an 8 a.m. calculus class that “everyone was failing,” Ryan says. “I thought a pretty face could help me stay focused on the material, or at least motivate me to not embarrass myself.” Natosha agreed to be his study buddy, and they became friends over late-night trips to the Burger King near campus. But they were never unattached

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

at the same time, and after graduation in 2001, they lost touch. Natosha moved to Georgia for a job, and Ryan returned to Alexandria. A few years later, they ran into each other at homecoming and exchanged phone numbers. This time, both were single, and their renewed friendship grew. “I’d go to Georgia or she’d come to Virginia,” Ryan says, “or we’d split the difference and meet halfway in Charlotte.” Their courtship lasted a year, and Ryan proposed over a Thanksgiving visit. Six months later, they were married and living in Charlotte. Both worked for temp agencies until they found permanent jobs; they spent many nights eating hot dogs for dinner and watching Degrassi High. On the weekend of their one-year anniversary, Natosha and Ryan brought Ryan Jr. home from the hospital. “We only knew a few people in Charlotte, and we didn’t have a lot

of family here,” Natosha says. “We didn’t see them often.” With two full-time jobs, she and Ryan didn’t see much of each other, either. Their relationship flatlined. In 2014, Natosha asked for a divorce, and Ryan moved to Rock Hill to be closer to his job. “Regardless of what was happening between us, we knew we had to keep (Ryan Jr.) stable,” he says. “There were a lot of hurt feelings,” Natosha adds, “but Ryan’s always been a great dad, always a provider and present. That didn’t change.” DISAPPOINTED AND LOST, Natosha returned to her love of baking. She binged on cooking shows like Cupcake Wars and took cake-making and decorating classes. She began sharing small trifles and cakes with family and friends, and soon she was baking for weddings and private parties.

B I T E - S I Z E D STO R I E S

Foodie News on a Small Plate

(Above) Natosha and Ryan Fleming with their son, Ryan, Jr. (Opposite) Natosha adds pops of color and whimsy to her chocolate cake.

In 2010, she founded August June Desserts, which she named after her and Ryan Jr.’s birthday months. At first, she offered traditional Southern cakes: red velvet, lemon, and carrot. She researched ingredients and compared five or six different recipes to achieve the right texture and flavor. “Cake can make or break an event,” she says. “It’s a savory and visual experience. If the cake’s not good, guests are going to remember.” By 2015, she had bought a new home with a larger kitchen where she could create more intricate custom cakes, like a turntable with a crate of records. Soon, her personal style emerged: minimalist, with unexpected flavor combinations and pops of whimsy. She’s also developed a line of signature flavors for both sweet and savory cupcakes. The most popular is her lavender-honey cupcake, with its delicate but decadent flavor. Savory flavors include rosemary, cilantro, and cheddar cupcakes topped with a cream cheese frosting, and her favorite, a wild mushroom and onion cake spiked with arugula and sage and topped with goat cheese. “These are a big hit at dinner parties for more adventurous clients and people trying to watch their sugar intake,” she says. Natosha just rolled out a strawberry crunch cake, an adult version of the Good Humor strawberry crunch ice cream popsicle. It’s a vanilla cake with strawberry filling, iced with vanilla buttercream with strawberry crunches on the surface. “I would love to try a white cake with a goat cheese and blueberry or strawberry filling, iced with white chocolate buttercream,” she says. “A little bit of sweet and savory.”

With appearances on WBTV and WCCB, set collaborations with West Elm, and presentations at industry cake shows, August June Desserts continues to grow. In addition to private events and orders, Natosha does events like last fall’s cupcake and beer pairing at Catawba Brewing Company. Through it all, Ryan has supported her in any way he can. Though not officially part of the business, he’s always there to set up at trade shows, assist with marketing, and purchase equipment. “I tell him that he doesn’t need to, but he does it anyway,” Natosha says. ON A SPRING DAY in 2017, Ryan asked Natosha to lunch. “She thought I was going to say I was moving back to Virginia,” he says. Instead, he asked what he needed to do to get his family back. It took two months for her to answer. Rather than press her about it, Ryan gave her space but, “ordered something for every event I was a part of,” he says with a laugh. Now reunited, the couple balances business with family and makes time for date nights. “My next plan is to consolidate holidays,” Ryan says. “We’re still spending some of them apart. Maybe Christmas?” Natosha pauses. “We’ll talk about it. It was easy to fall back into place, because we knew each other so well,” she says. “But this time, we’re taking things slow.” EMIENE WRIGHT is a Nigerian-born, Southern-raised journalist in Charlotte. When she’s not digging deep into arts and culture, she’s cooking the spiciest food imaginable. Follow her on Instagram @m_e_n_a_writes.

The teams behind PAPI QUESO and THE PLAID PENGUIN are collaborating on a new concept called HARRIET’S HAMBURGERS, which opens in Optimist Hall this summer. The “hot and fast concept” will have a retro design and occupy one of the site’s biggest food stalls. Corey Dawson has replaced executive chef Daniel Wheeler at DOT DOT DOT. Wheeler took a position as opening chef at the new Canopy by Hilton hotel in SouthPark. STIR, a Raleigh-based seafood restaurant and oyster bar, will open a second location at South End’s RailYard. Expect oysters, ceviche, and entrees like shrimp and grits and crab ravioli. SUFFOLK PUNCH BLENDERY will open this summer on the Noble Smoke campus, which also includes Bossy Beulah’s. Look for sour, wild, and farmhouse ales at the outdoor beer shack. —Taylor Bowler

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK

WINE

A FRESH POUR Davidson’s first urban winery makes another pioneering mark: A woman of color owns it

A BISTRO with black and gold lettering on its signs occupies a spot, on Depot Street in Davidson’s historic business district, that once held an organ shop. Since August, it’s been home to a business unique to this college town, owned and operated by someone you wouldn’t expect. It’s Davidson Wine Co., the town’s first “urban winery”—owned, unusually for this field, by an African-American woman, Lindsey Williams. The 37-yearold Ohio native spent more than a decade as a corporate attorney for Wells Fargo before a trip to Europe changed her career. “I went to a wedding in Italy, where we got to tour Tuscany and visit the vineyards,” she says. “I really fell in love with the art of making wine.” She’d lived in Davidson for eight years and hoped to open the town’s first vineyard, but she knew it would be an expensive gamble. So in 2019, she decided to open an urban winery, or “microwinery,” which makes wine but doesn’t grow grapes. Williams operates under a affiliate agreement with a Californiabased company that imports grapes from around the world. Then she has the wine made off-site, about three miles away

DAVIDSON WINE CO.

121 Depot St., Davidson 704-997-5332 davidsonwineco.com

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

in Cornelius. Williams says she sees her winery as a kind of answer to people who assume North Carolina cities are just hotbeds for new craft breweries. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many wine drinkers there are here, and that they have been looking for something like my winery in this area,” she says. “North Carolina kind of gets a bad rap, because it’s difficult to grow good grapes here because of the weather.” It’s an unusual place to find black women, too. As of 2019, the global market data firm Statista reported more than 10,000 wineries in the United States— but less than one percent were owned by black women, according to Travel Noire, a digital media company that offers travel tips for black millennials. Williams believes there are so few black women in the industry due to lack of exposure to the business side of wine, and the high cost of it. She says people are often

Lindsey shocked that she owns Williams Davidson Wine Co., opened but she isn’t focused Davidson’s on being a trailblazer. first urban winery in She just embraces the 2019 after outpouring of support a decade as from wine enthusia corporate attorney. asts. “I have received support from other black winemakers across the country and even internationally,” she says. “There’s a great fellowship amongst the black community, especially for this type of thing.” Williams says business has been steady, and at times the line to enter has stretched nearly around the block. Inside, the winery has a cozy, modern feel, with a black bar, gold chairs, and gold organ pipes that hang on the wall in front of the bar. The pipes, owned by former Davidson College music professor Ralph Blakely, honor Blakely Organ Builders, which previously occupied the space.

PETER TAYLOR

BY SHAMEIKA RHYMES

(Top) Gold organ pipes hang above the bar as a nod to the space’s former tenant, Blakely Organ Builders. (Below and left) Bar bites include flatbread pizzas and cheese boards.

Gimme a Sip Davidson Wine Co. sells specialty blends, available for $16 to $55 per bottle. Listings change weekly based on availability. Here is a sampling: HOGWASH ROSÉ: A California pink rosé made from grenache grapes, with flavors of lemon, mandarin, and honey HIGHWAY 101: A Pinot Noir with floral notes and a crisp, fruity finish

With the help of Davidson College archivists, Williams has preserved the building’s rich history in a number of photos displayed on its walls. On the opposite side of the room, two fulllength rows of plants adorn a white wall that overlooks the booths, and additional tables fill the dining area. Outside, there’s a patio with more seating under the golden lanterns, and a fire pit. It’s kid-friendly, too, with games like giant-sized Jenga, checkers, Battleship, and room to run around the patio. The winery sells more than 35 varieties, including Barolos, Gewurztraminers, Pinotages, Petit Verdot, and ports. For beer drinkers, there are a few local brews on tap, and customers can order bistro-style appetizers like crab and lob-

ster dip, pimento cheese dip, salads, paninis, and charcuterie. The winery also partners with local bakeries for a rotation of desserts. The committed oenophile can experiment with the winery’s custom blends: Williams offers customers a chance to create their own private vintages, usually enough to fill about 25 bottles that they can bottle, cork, and label. The winery offers personalized custom labels, too. “We have people frequently coming in saying they aren’t wine drinkers or they only like one type of wine,” she says “I just want everyone to feel welcome when they visit.”

AIRFIELD MERLOT: A traditional red from 2014, with a splash of black cherry, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg NERO DI CIO LAMBRUSCO: A dry red sparkling wine from Italy THE SUM: A red blend of cabernet sauvignon with petite sirah and merlot CARRA COVIELLO PROSECCO: A sparkling white with a dry, fruity taste Wine flights contain four 3-ounce varieties of featured wines.

SHAMEIKA RHYMES is a freelance writer in Charlotte. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

FOOD+DRINK O N T H E LI N E W I T H

STEFAN HUEBNER

Dot Dot Dot’s co-owner and head mixologist has created a wine-based cocktail menu for Foxcroft Wine’s newest location in Waverly BY TAYLOR BOWLER

You may know him from: He’s the former bar manager at Heist Brewery Age: 46 Relationship status: Single with one daughter, age 12 Hometown: Parsippany, New Jersey Currently lives: Windsor Park Currently reading: The Autobiography of Theodore Roosevelt

What’s the most surprising thing about you? I do archery in my backyard. My doctor told me it would help with my blood pressure. What single ingredient do you always have on hand? Whiskey. What’s one drink you nail every time? An old-fashioned. What’s your favorite cocktail? The next one (laughs). Seriously, though, when you do cocktails all day, the last thing you want to drink is a cocktail. I’m more of a beer or shot guy. What’s the craziest story a customer has told you from the bar? I have a regular at Dot Dot Dot who owned a club in New York and told me about doing cocaine with Miles Davis. The guy is probably in his late eighties. It’s such a crazy story, you know he’s not making that up. What do you think is an underappreciated flavor? I really love tropical, sour fruits, like Caribbean sours. Any drink trends you’re watching? Rum is gonna be the next big thing. I’d bet my home on it.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

What’s your favorite bar or restaurant in I’d see (Conrad) out at charity events and Charlotte, other than your own? I really love he’d say, “Let’s open a bar.” This went on for the steamed buns at Good Food on Montford, about five years. Then he reached out over and I eat at Eddie’s Place Facebook one night and said, “Are twice a week. For drinks, you in or not?” Within two weeks, THE HARD STUFF: I love Idlewild and The we were writing up a partnership Chocolate or cheese? Thirsty Beaver Saloon. agreement. We opened Dot Dot Cheese Dot in 2017, and Foxcroft Waverly Coffee or tea? What would be your opened late last year. Tea last meal? Two pounds Beer or wine? of thinly sliced salami on Tell me about your wine-based Beer fresh rye bread with really cocktail menu at Foxcroft Ketchup or mustard? good mustard, a shot of Waverly. We didn’t want to blur Mustard really good whiskey, my what Foxcroft is already doing, Cake or pie? mom’s spätzle, and an we just wanted to accentuate it. I Pecan pie oversized dill pickle. Throw created low-ABV cocktails based Dog or cat? in a Mexican Coke, too. around wine, and they’re pretty Neither—my daughter darn close to what a classic cocktail has a turtle named How did this is—the only thing missing is that Gomer opportunity with alcohol bite. Comedy or drama? Foxcroft Wine come Drama to you? Conrad Hunter What makes an ideal cocktail Reality or fiction? (business partner, Dot experience for you? I’d rather Fiction Dot Dot co-owner, and have a crap cocktail from a nice Facebook or Instagram? Foxcroft Wine owner) bartender than a great cocktail Instagram and I know each other from a really mean one. A great sitfrom a previous life, down at a bar is more important when I was a touring musician. I bartended than the actual cocktail. You can’t fake a great for extra money, and it started to take off. experience.

PETER TAYLOR

Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs

N OT H I N G S H O RT O F T H A N K F U L :

Avett AT

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

20 B R OT H E R S

CRACKERFARM

THE

Scott and Seth Avett came out of Cabarrus County two decades ago with songs, talent, heart, friends, impeccable timing, a manager who promoted them with an evangelist’s zeal, and an urge to pour their bonfire energy into the vessel of tradition— the driving fiddles-and-banjos folk sound of Piedmont North Carolina. Along the way, they’ve released album after album of songs that take listeners around the world by the hand and walk with them down life’s washboard roads. The Avett Brothers decided what to be, then became it: internationally recognized artists and the Charlotte area’s fixed star in the night sky of popular music.

This is their story, told by the people who know them best.

Greg Lacour PHOTOGRAPHS BY

Daniel Coston, Crackerfarm, AND Chris Edwards

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

The band dressed appropriately for their Halloween show at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.

The Avett Brothers

take the stage in their skeleton outfits, the same ones they wore for the “High Steppin’” video and no surprise, it being Halloween and all. Between songs, Scott tells the effervescent crowd at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, how happy he is to be back in the Carolinas in the fall. “Boy, that was a very un-Halloween thing to say,” Scott remarks, catching himself. “That was much more like Thanksgiving than Halloween. So, happy Thanksgiving.” Then, to cheers, they launch into the lilting, arpeggiated introduction to “Murder in the City,” one of the songs that carried them here. The band’s on tour to promote their most recent album, Closer Than Together, released four weeks before. Not quite 20 years into their career as The Avett Brothers, Scott and Seth Avett—for now, anyway—have dropped the heartfelt songs about family and friends, the minefield of adulthood, and pretty girls from one place or another in favor of heartfelt songs about the patriarchy, political power, gun violence, and the complicated legacy of the United States. “I want to make amends,” one song asks, “but where do I start?” They take the

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

stage and play. The band has changed with the times, and the times have changed the context within which the band plays; a lusty shout arises from the audience to the line in “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” about your life not changing “by the man that’s elected.” That song was on an album released in 2009. The same line in 2019 swims in an entirely different river of meaning. Evolution is something the Avetts do well, though. They found their way in 1999 and 2000 when they decided they’d rather wrench traditional music into new shapes than play hard rock in Nemo, their band to that point. They turned softer, more introspective, after people raved about this shaggy group of guys from North Carolina who played bluegrass as if they were The Clash. “They’ve never been middle-of-thetable,” says Dolphus Ramseur, the fellow Concord native who remains the Avetts’ evangelizing manager to this day. “They’ve always been closer to the edge of the table, almost falling off of the table, pushing the boundaries of things.” A bunch of folks have seen the Avetts push against those boundaries over the years. Some have pushed along with them. Twenty years into the Avetts’ career, we asked some of them how it all happened.

The Players David Childers

musician, writer of “The Prettiest Thing” and “Lucky Stranger”

Daniel Coston

music photographer

Tim Davis

journalist, author, fan

Ted Hagaman

executive director, MerleFest

Laurie Koster

Charlotte music fan and ex-local music email newsletter publisher; co-owner, The Evening Muse

Eric Lovell and Gigi Dover musicians, husband and wife

Hollis Nixon

childhood friend and confidante, longtime community leader in NoDa, “O.G. merch girl”

Dolphus Ramseur manager, evangelist

Tommy Tomlinson journalist, author, fan

Doug Williams

CRACKERFARM (2)

founder, ElectroMagnetic Radiation Recorders, Winston-Salem

The Avett Brothers and band, backstage for the Halloween show. (Left to right) Bonnie Avett Rini, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford, Seth Avett, Joe Kwon, Mike Marsh, and Tania Elizabeth.

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

TRACK 1:

Open-Ended Life HOLLIS NIXON, FRIEND: We were kids together, and we hung out. Scott was kind of the older, cool brother that people had a crush on. I did, sure—I mean, everybody did. They come from a tight-knit family, and they care about each other a lot. They’re both very artistic, and I don’t think they get enough credit for that. I always thought of them both more, like, sketching something or painting something than I ever did about them playing music. They played a lot at the Lions Club in Mount Pleasant. They were both already playing music. It was very loud music. Kind of a grunge-metal mix, not what people would think of when they think of The Avett Brothers today. I remember a lot of bonfire parties for sure, and sitting on a log and Scott strumming the guitar, and I definitely remember beach weeks and stuff with Scott in stupid Myrtle Beach, where we’d go like every other stupid kid around here. But I remember a lot of fields, a lot of campfires, and a lot of songs. Their dad played music, and I think that’s really important because they grew up with that, knowing that that was in the realm of possibility. It’s not like another teenager, right, going to their parents and saying, “I want to be a rock star.” This sounds kind of provincial, but I don’t think everybody grew up that way, not from my town.

Noah Warner, Hollis Nixon, and Seth Avett in the mid-1990s. Seth Avett and Warner were close friends and members of the band Margo; Warner died of cancer in July 2019 at 39.

TRACK 2:

A Lot of Movin’

ERIC LOVELL, MUSICIAN: I met ’em in 2002 because I was living in Saluda. They gave me a burned copy of Country Was1 with a sticker on it and a xeroxed copy of the album cover. Because they were just putting them together themselves. I think they’d done it on either a four- or eight-track machine. GIGI DOVER, MUSICIAN: I had never heard of them, and when it came on, I was like, “Who is this?” And Eric was like, “These are my buddies. You gotta listen to these guys. They’re awesome.”

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

1. The Avett Brothers’ first studio album, selfreleased in 2002.

Hollis Nixon with her copy of a poster for an August 5, 2005, Avetts show at the McGlohon Theater.

CHRIS EDWARDS

HOLLIS: When they would do, like, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” or “I’ll Fly Away,” that was probably the gospel moment for me. I was like, “I think they’ve figured this thing out.” They made it fun. They made gospel music almost danceworthy, like, you wanted to clap your hands and stomp your feet and cut a rug, or whatever the kids call it these days. It was so energetic, you could feel the floor shaking.

They’re both very artistic, and I don’t think they get enough credit for that.

CHRIS EDWARDS

— HOLLIS NIXON

Nixon (with her dog, Ruby Clove) was the “merch girl” for the Avetts’ three consecutive New Year’s Eve shows at The Neighborhood Theatre in NoDa, where she later became the longtime neighborhood association president. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

CHRIS EDWARDS

Charlotte musicians (and husband and wife) Eric Lovell and Gigi Dover sort through old Avett Brothers albums at Manifest Discs on South Boulevard. Manifest, one of Charlotte’s oldest record shops, keeps a table drawn on and signed by band members.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

The Avett Brothers in their father’s garage in 2002, the first of many times photographer Daniel Coston would shoot photos of the band.

2. Longtime Charlotte musician turned restaurateur.

DANIEL COSTON

3. Bob Crawford, a New Jersey native and the Avetts’ bass player since 2001.

TRACK 3:

Signs (Ed.: On September 12, 2002, on the advice of Eric Lovell and David Childers, a struggling record company owner from Concord named Dolphus Ramseur went to see The Avett Brothers at The Wine Vault in the University City area of Charlotte. He went home and told his wife he wasn’t even sure what he’d just seen and heard, but she had to see them. “They just had it,” he said later. The Avett Brothers signed a contract with Ramseur Records, which released the band’s first official album, A Carolina Jubilee, in August 2003.)

ERIC: I was working on a record for a guy named Dave Rhames.2 And he wanted these dudes to come DOLPHUS RAMSEUR, MANAGER: At the time, I was mov4. and sing on it with him. He’s like, “Man, I know ing furniture for a company in Charlotte and trying to do this WBTV’s these two guys, Scott and Seth, The Avett Brothers, country music music thing … Growing up in the Piedmont, I was so fortunate they’ve got a band, they just put an independent variety show, to get to see The Arthur Smith Show,4 and Tommy Faile was a record out. It’s really great. And I want them to which aired part of Arthur’s crew. He was a great baritone voice and great from 1951 rhythm guitarist. So to me, the brothers, I guess there’s a little come up and sing.” to 1982. bit of that going on. Then there’s a little bit of—everybody in They came to my house, and they pulled up in the Piedmont here will have a piano in the living room, where this long, like, Lincoln or something. Man, it was families would get around a piano and entertain themselves. just this total pimpin’ ride, and a couple of skinny, 5. The brothers have a little bit of that. kind of greasy-looking dudes come falling out of it. Longtime I grew up about 10 miles from Davidson College, and through And as soon as I saw ’em, I was like, “Those dudes Winston-Salem musician the ’80s, they had a college radio station, late night, like, it would got something.” I didn’t even hear ’em, but you could tell, you know, it was just in their collective and producer kick up at 11 o’clock at night and go to 2 a.m. or something. who, with And, of course, I grew up on a dirt road in Cabarrus County, out vibe. You know how you see people and you kind Don Dixon, in the boondocks, and I didn’t have cable television, so I didn’t of go, “Y’all kind of got a little something going on, produced man. I don’t know what it is yet.” But they defi. . . s first have MTV. But that station would play a lot of punk rock and two albums post-punk music and alternative music from around the United nitely had a look— at e e tion States, and Mitch Easter5 up in Winston-Salem was producing Sound Studios R.E.M. So I was a fan of all that. And the brothers to me were just GIGI: And a swagger. in Charlotte. sort of the perfect marriage of roots music that’s kind of heartfelt He also ERIC: They were true. You know what I mean? They fronted the but has an edge to it. weren’t putting any front on or anything. What you jangle-pop band Let’s TIM DAVIS, JOURNALIST: They played some sort of outdoor saw was what you got. They were just a couple of dudes trying to make some music. But you could Active in the festival around 2001, back when The Penguin was still there, 1980s and and they—I want to say it was July 4—had a stage set up out feel their brotherhood. I didn’t necessarily know continues front on the back of a truck. I just happened to catch them. I they were brothers. I just saw ’em get out of the car, to record and I’m like, “Dudes look pretty cool, man. They musicians at did this column for Creative Loafing called “Scene & Herd,” and vibin’ right.” his studio in I was going out to shows all the time. There were a lot of bands Kernersville. at that time sort of doing the Son Volt or Whiskeytown kind of 3 thing, and there weren’t a whole lot of people jumping in on the DANIEL COSTON, PHOTOGRAPHER: I met Bob. In, I’m gonna say, ’98, ’99, he was playing in a band bluegrass element. I remember thinking at the time, “Well, this 6. called the Memphis Quick 50, which was a rock is not necessarily a guaranteed career move, to be playing that One of band I met through other mutual friends. Bob came kind of music these days.” the most from a video background, like I did. He was anxious Bluegrass has kind of a backbone of instrument-playing perprominent to make something out of music, and the Quick 50 and celebrated fectionism and perfect harmonies, that sort of stuff, and they bluegrass didn’t want to do that. So when Bob met the Avett were playing bluegrass instruments with kind of a punkier, rock musicians in brothers, you know, here you have two guys who ’n’ roll kind of energy. You go see Del McCoury,6 and it’s wonderthe world. ful and beautiful, and the musicianship is amazing, but they try had been touring a little bit around the region with At 81, he Nemo, and we’re kind of starting over again with continues to everything possible to sand down the rough edges, whereas the record and Avetts to begin with were all just rough edges. But there was this Nemo back-porch project, which became The perform. something there, this kind of sibling harmony thing, where, I Avett Brothers. And suddenly, I think he found the don’t know, it just barely worked, but it worked. right people at the right time, and they found him. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

HOLLIS: Those shows were so physical. They’re jumping around, they’re bobbing their heads. They’re playing these instruments as hard as they possibly can—I haven’t known Seth Avett to have a guitar and not pop a string, not a day in his life. I used to keep a spare pair of guitar strings in my back pocket back in the day because it was popping off— all the time. There’s way cooler people that handle that now, but I remember constantly having a spare thing of strings in my back pocket. I was the original merch girl, OK? The O.G. merch girl, that’s me, did not even know that that was a name back in those days, but I was responsible for every t-shirt, every CD, every poster, every sale, whatever show it was that they needed. If I had to hop in a car and get into a van and go on a small tour with them, I hopped in the van and we went on a small tour, and I handled all the merchandise. The first shows, I remember obviously Fat City.7 There was a place in downtown Concord called George Washington Bookstore and Tavern, and that was always a big show because there were a lot of people from the area. And then around here, obviously, Neighborhood Theatre was huge. I was

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

During early gigs, Avetts manager Dolphus Ramseur would sell CDs and other “merch” out of his briefcase—as he is here in Winston-Salem in 2004.

7. Fat City Deli, a bar and live music venue at 3123 North Davidson Street in NoDa that closed in the early 2000s. It’s now a condo complex— although it did retain the old bar’s yellow façade. 8. Puckett’s Farm Equipment, a farm equipment storeturned-bar at 2740 West Sugar Creek Road in Derita.

Musician and friend David Childers and Avetts bassist Bob Crawford (right) at the McGlohon Theater in Charlotte, where they played on January 24.

the New Year’s Eve girl as long as they were there. (Ed.: The Avetts played consecutive New Year’s Eve shows at the Neighborhood from 2004-06.) I remember being in dive bars. I remember one Mexican restaurant that we went to repeatedly. We were all over, and we were relying on the kindness of some people who lived in these cities to let us crash on the floor or on the couch. So we kind of had to figure stuff out that way. TOMMY TOMLINSON, JOURNALIST: We used to live up near Puckett’s,8 and we went to see them there around 2003, ’cause we moved in ’04. At the show, (Dolphus) had a briefcase with their CDs propped up on the bar, selling them out of the briefcase. That was the first time I knew any of those guys. I don’t think I’d even heard any of their music before this. I got two things. First of all, I thought they were really good, and I’d never really heard anything like that, and I couldn’t believe three guys could make that much noise with acoustic instruments. And then I remember Dolph off to the side selling the CDs out of the briefcase. I think we bought a couple of

DANIEL COSTON

DAVID CHILDERS, MUSICIAN: I first heard of ’em from my son, Robert. He’s a musician. We were playing at the Double Door Inn. I had a band, the Modern Don Juans. And we had this thing back then where every Tuesday night was Americana night for about four or five years. There was this core of players, and (the Avetts) were one of the acts that came in as a guest. But they brought a big crowd, and they were obviously connecting with people, and there was a lot of excitement generated around it. But to me, they seemed like they were just kids. And that doesn’t mean they weren’t good as hell. I think they were a little deferential toward me, you know, being an older person, and I think they had some idea that I was worth looking up to some.

They brought a big crowd, and they were obviously connecting with people, and there was a lot of excitement generated around it.

CHRIS EDWARDS

— DAVID CHILDERS

them. I remember later having a hard time figuring out exactly how to describe it because, at the time, it was sort of a bluegrass band with sort of punk rock energy. Somebody—I don’t know who— described it as “Civil War stomp.” And I thought that was pretty good. Because of their look, too— they had sort of the old-timey sideburns, which of course they change every six months; it’s like how other people change their wardrobe, they change their hair. But I just remember three guys just playing the shit out of those instruments, and even then Scott had the kick drum, and he’s playing the banjo at the same time. It’s just an incredible amount of sound coming out of these three guys. And there were probably 40 or 50 people there, and clearly some of them had seen them before, and other people like me were just like, “Who the hell is this?”

9. Manifest Discs, a record store at 6239 South Boulevard. 10. A public FM radio station based in Spindale that often plays traditional American music.

LAURIE KOSTER, FRIEND: Dolph got to be a good friend of ours. There was this one time at Manifest,9 and he was about at a breaking point. He was trying to make a living, his family was growing, and he’d put everything he had into The Avett Brothers, and he said, “They’ve got to make it. By the end of this year, if it doesn’t happen, I have got to move on.” That was probably around 2003. Then, all of a sudden, it turned the corner. Almost overnight, it happened. TOMMY: I think that’s probably around the time “Americana” became a word that people applied to this type of music. And there were starting to be radio stations, like WNCW,10 where you could listen and hear that kind of stuff. But they were different even in that genre because their music was more youthful and older sort of at the same time. A lot of it at the beginning was banjo-driven, but it wasn’t bluegrass. With that sort of pounding beat with the kick drum— bluegrass generally doesn’t have drums, so you had this guy pounding his banjo like he’s playing rhythm guitar in a rock MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

Seth and Scott Avett, MerleFest, 2004.

MerleFest, 2008.

band, and he’s got the kick drum going, and a bass player, but an upright bass instead of an electric bass, and it’s on those old instruments. So I thought they were finding a combination that I’d not heard before that I thought would really be appealing to people. I didn’t think at the time they would be, 10 years later, this constant touring machine they’ve become, where they get big crowds all over the country and parts of the world now, but I thought that the recipe they’re putting together, they can make a living doing that. And they sure have.

went, they had one of the big side stages, and there were 500 people there. The next year we went, they were on the main stage, and there were 3,000 people there.

TRACK 4:

The Perfect Space (Ed.: MerleFest, held every spring since 1988 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, is the world’s pre-eminent festival for roots and Americana music. The Avett Brothers have played it nine times: from 2004-06 and again in 2008, ’10, ’13, ’15, ’17, and ’19.) DOLPHUS: I guess the thing to me that probably helped as much as or more than anything is when they first got onto MerleFest. I do know that MerleFest was a thing that made people sit up and take notice, and while the guys were there on the grounds at the festival, they really won people over. TOMMY: That was how Alix11 and I knew they were getting big. We went three years in a row, and the first year we went, they were way off in the corner, and, like, 50 people there. The next year we

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

11. Alix Felsing, Tommy’s wife. 12. Al-Jazeera.

DOLPHUS: MerleFest, people come from all over the world. They get, like, 80,000 people, and it’s a very diverse crowd. So getting in front of that crowd, and seeing that it really connected and they were kind of the hit of the festival—people sort of were, “Have you seen The Avett Brothers?” MerleFest was really, really crucial. When we got it the first time, I think the only people that I did not reach out to about the Avetts being on MerleFest was like—what is that station that’s a Middle Easttype thing, like “algebra”?12 That’s the only—and I’m saying this jokingly—that’s the only media outlet that I did not reach out to about the Avetts being a part of MerleFest, because to me it was a big deal, and it still is such a big deal for an artist to get to play there.

DANIEL COSTON, MERLEFEST

TED HAGAMAN, MERLEFEST DIRECTOR: I was at the college in 2004 when they first appeared here. I guess the first time I ever met them, we had gone to the Americana Music Awards week in Nashville in 2003. I can remember, we were out at dinner, before the awards show, and in walk The Avett Brothers with their manager, Dolph Ramseur, and their agent, Paul Lohr, into the restaurant. I really had not heard much about them. At that time, I was over the food and hospitality section for the festival, so I was kind of getting my feet wet and everything. But I can remember the conversation at our table was, “Those guys are really climbing fast. They’re going to be something down the road.” And I’ll always remember that. I can see them in my mind, exactly where we were sitting and what was said. They seemed like really nice men and, you know, sharp-looking. Then of course I saw them several times at the festival. We don’t get to watch a lot of the acts because we’re always busy, but I did get to catch part of their set and stuff, just to watch the crowd. You could tell that they were different. They had a real unique sound, and they were already cultivating a following.

The Avett Brothers perform a special tribute to Doc Watson on the Hillside Stage at MerleFest, 2017.

MERLEFEST; DANIEL COSTON

I just felt like that was an opportunity for the band, and sometimes you get these opportunities one time, and you got to take advantage of it. If you don’t, you might not get it again. I’ll just tell you about this moment. So we’re on this stage, and I don’t even know if they have shows on this stage. It’s a very steep hill. I mean, we’ve got it packed, and Barry Poss13 comes, and I’m sitting there, the guys start, and it’s like every single person there—and I’m talking 700, 1,000 people—singing every. Single. Word. And so the top brass at Sugar Hill, the Avetts were a little too rough around the edges for them—not for the younger people who were working at Sugar Hill, but the people in charge, they didn’t really get it. Barry, on the other hand, when he saw 1,000 people singing, he was like, “What the …?” I mean, he used a few choice words. They’re singing every single word to these songs. What is there not to get? This band is connecting with people in a way that is very rare. TED: I think they are a good match for our festival because they’re not ashamed to let people know that they value family, and we’re a very family-oriented festival. As a matter of fact, a lot of times they appear with their father on a Sunday morning for a gospel set before they take the stage to do their own act. They bring their sister on the stage some with them when they are here at the festival and actually spend part of the weekend with us rather than just an in-and-out. You can see them with some of their kids out around the bus area or in the backstage area. So I think they value the concept of family, and that’s a great match for MerleFest. I mean, I think they’re world-class musicians. We certainly try to bring them as often as we can, because our fans love them.

The Avetts join their father, Jim (far right), onstage at MerleFest in 2019.

TRACK 5:

And It Spread 13. The founder, in 1978, of Sugar Hill Records, an independent record label that specializes in roots and Americana music.

(Doug Williams founded EMR Recorders in Winston-Salem in 1993 and, starting with Mignonette in 2004, served as the recording engineer for two original Avetts albums, the deluxe editions of three more, two EPs, and assorted recordings by band members.) DOUG WILLIAMS, RECORDING ENGINEER: I was really unaware of the whole Avett Brothers thing until right before they called me to start working on Mignonette … Everyone in that band moved incredibly fast. I mean, I kind of was viewing them through the lens of what it was like working with a lot of metal and hardcore bands at the time, really adrenaline, pumped-up 20-year-olds (chuckles), lots of that kind of energy in the room. (The Avetts) were all very serious, but it wasn’t really anyone in that band who was a joker or seemed like they were just along for the ride. They were really focused on what they wanted to do, and they still had a developing skill set. They didn’t sound like anyone else. So many of those kinds of bands sound like something contemporary that they’re listening to and copying. They had an original thing that bridged a bunch of different styles and eras of music. DANIEL: I’d been listening to them put Mignonette together over a period of months, and I knew that once people heard that record, they were going to go, “Yeah, this is something really special.” In “Denouncing November Blue,” there’s a bit in the song where Scott’s singing about something, and then Seth yells, “Volume one,” and it was a total goof; they’re recording live in this living room and that was what he yelled out on that take, and it made the record. And here they are five, six months later at The Neighborhood Theatre, the last New Year’s Eve they did in ’06, they get to that part in the song, and the whole crowd goes, “Volume one!” And it’s like, “Oh, my God, this is happening. This is happening on a way bigger level now than might have been happening two or three years before.” MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

They’re creating art with their truth. And I think that, regardless of how big or small somebody gets, that’s the key. —ERIC LOVELL

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

The Avetts spent New Year’s Eve 2018 playing for an ecstatic crowd at Bojangles’ Coliseum.

TRACK 6:

When You Learn 14. The Avett Brothers’ majorlabel debut album, produced by Rick Rubin and released in September 2009.

HOLLIS: I always thought they were going to be really powerful when they were together because they’re so close. And they speak the same language musically. They’ve always been humble and appreciative and kind, and they always hustle very hard to make their dreams happen. And they believed it. So I believed, because I believed in them, because I knew what good people they were. I didn’t need any convincing. You know how some kids kind of start bucking the system and getting really rebellious, especially when your parents are trying to show you the path? They just weren’t like that. TOMMY: One thing about them that really comes through is earnestness, sometimes to a fault. It’s a heart-on-the-sleeve sort of thing. Like, “I’m going to read you my diary, and sometimes it’s really corny, and sometimes it’s really beautiful, and sometimes it’s both.” But there’s no slyness or subterfuge in the lyrics. You hear it, and you know what they’re intending to say in a very earnest and direct way, and I think that’s been true pretty much from day one. It’s not Dylan. You don’t have to take a class to parse what they’re talking about.

DANIEL COSTON

TOMMY: When they were first out there, I saw ’em a lot, eight or 10 times, professionally and not professionally. And I see them when they’re close by. We’ve seen them at Bojangles’ and that sort of thing. I’m not a Deadhead—you know, go out on the road for ’em and everything. But I’m interested in how they’ve chosen to evolve, because, especially that I and Love and You14 record—it sounded so different than the other stuff. It struck me as them trying to say, “How do we make what we’ve gotten something lasting?” Because although what they did had been really successful, are people still going to go see that forever and ever and ever? Can you make yourself into something new? I thought the subsequent stuff, the Rick Rubin stuff, has been an attempt at that, with mixed results. I think some of it’s good. Some of it’s not so good. You know, when you go to a show, I think people are really amped for their older stuff, just because it’s more energetic. At a show, people want to dance, they want to jump up and down and stuff. I find when I’m listening at home, I gravitate to the newer, slower stuff just because it’s richer to me, has some depth to it ... and I think this is a credit to them, that they found a way to to be a good live band and a good listening-at-home band, because there are a lot of bands who are one and not the other.

TRACK 7:

(Ed.: The Avetts regularly cover David Childers’ songs “The Prettiest Thing” and “Lucky Stranger” in concert.) DAVID: It was huge. I mean, regardless of whatever else happened in my life, that happened, and that doesn’t happen to many people. So I’ve always got a lot of gratitude, you know, just as a person having a sense of having finally written something that got noticed on a very large scale, on a large stage. Even though I spend my time playing, you know, for tips in breweries and coffee shops, they’re out there somewhere playing “Prettiest Thing” or “Lucky Stranger” for 30,000 people. It’s certainly a confidence-builder. HOLLIS: It’s hard to explain how assured they were in this concept. It was almost like, “There’s no question we’ve got this.” Most people—I do this—second-guess themselves, and there’s selfdoubt. I never heard self-doubt from either one of them in my entire lifetime of knowing these guys ... and yet, they were appreciative of every single body that was in that room, every single opportunity that somebody gave them to get on a stage and the people who worked there, and it was nothing but love, to be honest. And I was laughing the other day, I was like, you know, I’m sure people want the story of sex, drugs, rock ’n’ roll. But there wasn’t any of it. DAVID: Watching them grow musically has been pretty astonishing. I think their lyrics are very thoughtful and very fresh. People connect to them. People see their lives reflected in those songs … Man, it’s really rooted in folk music, traditional music that was for working people, people who have to get up every day and get behind a mule and sweat and suffer with the things that life throws at you and enjoy the many good things you have, too. Hell, that’s nothing new. That’s what all good, effective writers do. I mean, go back to Stephen Foster,15 his songs, people were sitting around a parlor and heard that, and they started crying, because that’s their lives reflected in it. And that’s what the great folk songs do, going back for centuries. ERIC: I think as far as humans go, Bob, Seth, and Scott? Pretty high quality. What they lay down, what they’re doing, they’ve always been true. They’re not putting on any fronts. They’re not trying to be something that they’re not. They’re speaking their lives. They’re creating art with their truth. And I think that, regardless of how big or small somebody gets, that’s the key. That’s what it is. For those boys, it just blew the f--- up, which is a beautiful thing—that they’re able to have great lives. And I think they’re people who aren’t malcontents about it. I think they’re enjoying it and can realize it for what it is.

Tell the Truth (Ed.: The Avett Brothers released Closer Than Together, the band’s 10th studio album, in October 2019—a record that, critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote in AllMusic, “positively teems with the troubles of 2019.”)

15 The “father of American music,” author of “Camptown Races,” “Oh! Susanna,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and other 19thcentury popular songs. 16. Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen, a restaurant in NoDa. 17. “Band of Brothers: Concord’s Avett Brothers Take Their Stand on the National Stage,” The Charlotte Observer, September 27, 2009.

TOMMY: I think it’s a move for them to be explicitly political in a way they haven’t been before, and, again, with kind of mixed results. I think it’s interesting, and I think it will push them and their fans, and we’ll see how people react to it. I think every act that starts doing political stuff worries who are they going to lose and gain or whatever, but at some point, if you don’t say anything, then that becomes your statement. DOLPHUS: I don’t know, I’ve always felt like the message has always been in the songs. So is this the first time they’ve kind of tackled it head-on? Maybe. I guess some fans never want the artist or band they love the most to get politically involved. But it’s the guys making art, and if that’s the artistic statement, that’s the artistic statement.

TRACK 8:

It Goes On and On HOLLIS: It’s weird, it’s trippy, and it’s happened to me for a decade now: Like if I’m at Boudreaux’s,16 for example, and I hear a song in the background, and hear either Scott or Seth, every single time, I turn around to see where they are. Every time. Because I just recognize their voices. And I think, Did somebody call my name, or is Scott here? Then I’m like: It’s a song, Hollis. You’re listening to a song right now. So it still kind of trips me out when I go somewhere and I hear their songs. TOMMY: One of my favorite moments in doing that story with them17 was when they played Bojangles’, or whatever it was at the time. I went to the sound check, and I don’t even think Scott was there. It was Seth and the drummer, maybe Bob, a couple of other people around. And Seth grabbed an electric guitar, and they did “Dazed and Confused.” And it was really good—I mean, top-notch Led Zeppelin cover band version of “Dazed and Confused.” And I was thinking, They could have done that and probably gotten somewhere much faster than they did going the way they went. So they chose their path and stuck to it. DOLPHUS: They’re great people, and their songs and their art that they make—we’re friends and business partners, but also I’m just a fan of the art they make. I still love their songs, and I still want everybody to hear ’em and everybody to see ’em. DAVID: Everything they’ve gained, they deserve it.

GREG LACOUR is the senior editor for this magazine. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

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MARCH 5-8

Amelia Concours Week AmeliaConcoursWeek.com

ome make memories on Amelia Island, a charming barrier island off Florida’s northeastern coast. The destination captivates visitors with breathtaking natural beauty, Southern elegance and hospitality, a collection of upscale accommodations and historical inns, and a wide array of exciting, outdoor activities. Consistently voted a favorite destination in North America, Amelia Island offers visitors an irresistible mix of outdoor adventure, seaside serenity, and luxurious lifestyle. Cherished for her miles of pristine beaches, Amelia offers a perfect balance of natural beauty complimented by world-class services, a variety of well-appointed accommodations and a growing collection of award-winning independent restaurants, luxurious spas and superlative golf courses. Situated between Georgia’s Golden Isles and historic St. Augustine, Amelia Island is about a five-hour drive from Charlotte, and just 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport, with 55 weekly flights from Douglas International Airport.

A WONDER ON THE WATER Countless visitors have stepped from Amelia’s shores to explore and enjoy the island’s liquid assets. For a peaceful and picturesque aquatic adventure, visitors will find plenty of options for guided cruises, privately chartered excursions or jet ski tours of area waterways. Luring boaters and

APRIL 17-19

Amelia Island Wellness Festival AmeliaIslandWellnessFestival.com

MAY 1-3

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival ShrimpFestival.com

MAY 7-10 anglers alike, Amelia’s waters are teeming with red bass, trout, flounder, tarpon and more. Whether for fishing, cruising or sightseeing, Amelia is also home to a crew of friendly and knowledgeable guides who love to share the island’s secrets.

GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY There are countless ways to take in the island’s natural attractions, with guided tours by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, Segway and bike, perfect for all experience levels. Exploring Amelia’s calm inland waters and scenic trails, you may come face to face with egrets, herons and maybe even a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle. Amelia Island is also one of just a few places in the United States where you can saddle-up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience on the beach, taking in the scenery and local wildlife while trotting along the Atlantic shoreline.

Fish to Fork at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation FishtoForkWeekend.com

MAY 15-18

Wild Amelia Nature Festival WildAmelia.org

OCTOBER 4-11

Amelia Island Jazz Festival AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com

DECEMBER 10-13

Dickens on Centre AmeliaIslandChristmas.com Discover Amelia Island’s charm, plan your getaway at AmeliaIsland.com.

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DOWNTOWN DELIGHTS The heart and soul of Amelia’s historic past is her charming Victorian historic district, a 52-block area that blends past, present and future, where Victorian style meets modern day marvels, and where islanders gladly share the importance of Amelia’s diverse and sometimes tumultuous past. Picturesque downtown Fernandina Beach is now home to a unique collection of independently owned shops and upscale restaurants, and surrounded by 450 ornate Victorian structures, approximately 300 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The walkable downtown also leads to Fernandina Harbor Marina, where visitors can enjoy a sunset river cruise or charter a boat for a day on the water.

Courtesy, Deremer Studios LLC Photography, Roger Kirby

EVENTFUL ISLAND ESCAPE From holiday home tours and a Christmas festival, to sport fishing and ja celebrations, Amelia Island fills each year’s calendar with an amazingly diverse and lively schedule of local events. In March, the prestigious Amelia Concours Week brings thousands of car buffs to participate in seven dynamic automotive events. In April, visitors can escape to the annual Amelia Island Wellness Festival, a three-day renewal of mind, body, and soul, with educational and inspirational sessions with acclaimed names in yoga, meditation and fitness. he Annual Isle of ight Flags Shrimp Festival takes place in May, featuring pirates, parades and dozens of food booths to celebrate the island’s status as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry. Throughout the spring, the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival fills the island with world-class musical artists and performances. October brings the Amelia Island Jazz Festival and a lineup of world-renowned artists, drumming in fans and competitors from around the world for the Pétanque America Open in November. Also in November, the annual Right Whale Festival is a free, family-friendly festival celebrates the annual return of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale to the destination’s warm coastal waters and highlights local efforts to protect these whales from extinction. And every December, Amelia Island hosts a holiday

EAT

As the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry and at one time the shrimping capital of the world, Fernandina Beach is best known for its fresh shrimp. Timoti’s Seafood Shak is a local favorite and can’t-miss seafood spot for visitors, serving up fresh local and wild-caught seafood to support local fishermen.

PLAY

celebration like no other, headlined by the annual Dickens on Centre holiday event, festive Holiday Homes Tour, and so much more.

EXPERIENCE A WARM WELCOME When you arrive, start your island exploration at the Amelia Island Welcome Center. Located in a lovingly restored historic train depot at the foot of Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, the Welcome Center combines the best of 21st century technology with the personal touches of the expert ambassadors who stand ready to help you get the most out of your visit. Take advantage of interactive maps and augmented reality throughout the island, and be sure to read the story of David Yulee, whose statue in front of the Welcome Center has become a popular selfie spot.

Amelia Island offers the rare opportunity to enjoy horseback riding on the beach, an exciting an unique way to explore the shore. For more outdoor adventure, come face-to-face with egrets, herons and maybe even a dolphin, manatee or sea turtle with the folks at Kayak Amelia or Amelia Island Kayak Excursions.

STAY

So many options – from the five-diamond, oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, and Bed & Breakfast Inns in the heart of the historic downtown, to familyfriendly surroundings at Home2Suites, and beachside access at the Seaside Amelia Inn – you just can’t go wrong! Learn more information about Amelia Island’s accommodations on next page

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AMELIA ISLAND Plan your trip at AmeliaIsland.com

able hotel offers amenities to satisfy the entire family. njoy complimentary daily ot asty southern homestyle breakfast, beach chairs and umbrellas, covered parking, and Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. isitors can also choose their home away from home at the new Home2Suites by Hilton or the favorite Hampton Inn Amelia Island at Fernandina Beach, both just a quick walk from popular restaurants and a 0-minute stroll to the Atlantic shores. Dine on hot breakfast at the hotel before starting your day at these ecofriendly options. Amelia Island is also home to a collection of charming bed and breakfast inns, each offering its own distinct character, with secret gardens, shady courtyards, porch swings and rockers, fountains, stately architecture, and distinctive d cor. here is a style and location to fit every traveler’s taste.

umping ocks Inc on Crowder

melia Island offers an award-winning collection of luxury resorts, charming inns, favorite hotels and an assortment of condos and vacation homes, making it easy for visitors to find their perfect home away from home. Consistently recogni ed as one of the south’s finest beachfront resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island invites guests to discover the joys of AAA Five-Diamond luxury, directly on a stunning stretch of Amelia’s beautiful beaches. From the comfort of their private balcony and luxurious room, guests are treated to breathtaking ocean views. An onsite, full-service spa, fine dining restaurant, and private -hole golf course are among the resort’s most notable amenities. he it -Carlton truly exemplifies the luxury lifestyle of Amelia, with a setting and amenities ideal for a Florida family retreat. he Seaside Amelia Inn is conveniently located at Main Beach and just minutes from the historic district of Fernandina. his comfortable, afford-

I IC otels, Inc.

AMELIA ISLAND — VERY ACCOMMODATING

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SEA ISLAND: SO MANY REASONS TO VISIT THIS 5-STAR RETREAT

ince 1928, Sea Island has been known as an exceptional destination, appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality. With four Forbes Five-Star experiences – The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant – Sea Island entices families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, conference attendees, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for 11 consecutive years and the only U.S. resort to host a G8 Summit of world leaders. Recent enhancements at The Lodge (shown above) include an oceanfront pool, pool house, 18-hole putting course, new cottages with sleeping rooms, and a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center. Sea Island features five miles of private beach, a each Club, tennis, offshore, inshore, and nearshore fishing, Shooting School,

beach horseback riding, and Camp Cloister for kids. Steeped in golf tradition, Sea Island is home to championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic, hosted by Sea Island’s own Davis Love III. Davis and his brother, Mark, of Love Golf Design, recently redesigned Plantation, which reopened in fall 2019. More touring pros live, train and/or play at Sea Island than anywhere else. Accommodation options include The Cloister, with Mediterranean-style architecture; The Lodge, reminiscent of an English country manor; and Cottages, featuring all the privacy of a personal home. Located on St. Simons, The Inn at Sea Island offers comfortable, casual accommodations with access to many Sea Island amenities. uests may also enjoy roadfield, a Sea Island Sport Club and Lodge, with a variety for seasonal hunting, fishing, sporting, and organic culinary opportunities. Learn more at seaisland.com and plan your visit today.

SEA ISLAND 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561 Plan your trip at SeaIsland.com or call 866-526-7442

Listen, Taste, and Explore with The Blue Ridge Traveler

Satisfy your springtime wanderlust by planning a get-away with us. From downtown Charlotte, most sites are less than a two-hour car ride. The 310 District in downtown Marion is filled with amazing flavors, music, art, and a cool retro vibe. Marion’s location makes it an ideal base camp for fun and adventure.

Did you know the birthplace of the Pisgah National Forest is just outside the town of Old Fort, at the Curtis Creek Area? Pisgah old-growth forest covers 67,000 acres here and is home to more than 100 miles of roots and rock-strewn trails and waterfalls.

Call to request free maps, guides, trip ideas and more or visit us on-line.

If you’re looking for family fun, or a get-away for one, our eclectic Blue Ridge communities will not disappoint. We are here to answer questions, help with trip ideas, and to offer free resources.

888. 233. 6111 | www.blu e r idge t r ave le r s . co m

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EXPERIENCE AWESOME IN ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA!

ick off your weekend getaway by exploring the streets and seasonal events of Avalon, featuring 60+ retailers and more than 20 restaurants. Head to the charming downtown district on Saturday morning for the Alpharetta Farmers Market —over 60 vendors span this walkable market. Grab breakfast or lunch at one of downtown’s 40 eateries before strolling the sidewalks to explore the district’s 45+ exclusive boutiques. The Taste of Alpharetta, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event from 2017 - 2020, will hit downtown Alpharetta on May 7, 2020. This event attracts more than 50,000 festival enthusiasts each year with over 60 restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. The Alpharetta Arts Streetfest runs May 23 to May 24, 2020 with nearly 00 artists filling the streets to showcase their creative talents and artwork. A spring or summer weekend hardly goes by without a concert at one of the live music venues in Alpharetta—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, The Velvet Note or Matilda’s. Free live entertainment is featured every Friday

night from April through October at Avalon Nights Live. The Home by Dark Summer Concert Series at Brooke Street Park brings free music to life the 2nd and 4th Saturdays between May and September. Why not stay the whole weekend? Learn more at awesomealpharetta.com.

ALPHARETTA Plan your trip at AwesomeAlpharetta.com

TWO LEGENDARY ESTATES. ONE UNFORGETTABLE GETAWAY. BILTMORE PRESENTS DOWNTON ABBEY: THE EXHIBITION.

ou’re cordially invited to experience life as a Vanderbilt – and a Crawley – at Biltmore. This spring, America’s Largest Home® opens its gates to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition and to guests everywhere seeking an escape into a gentler, more graceful time. Our suggested weekend itinerary begins by checking into one of Biltmore’s two on-property hotels. Nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, both The Inn on Biltmore Estate® and Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® exude the hospitality of a bygone era. After a blissful night’s sleep, plan your day over breakfast in bed. Will it be touring the Biltmore house, meticulously preserved with the Vanderbilt’s own gilded-age décor? Strolling the 8,000-acre estate, ablaze with azaleas in bloom? Or immersing yourself in the costumes and characters of Downton Abbey? All excellent options. Good thing you have the weekend to enjoy each one.

BILTMORE ESTATE Plan your trip at Biltmore.com/stay or call 866-336-1245

Alpharetta G EOR G I A

EXPERIENCE

AWESOME IN ONE GREAT DESTINATION!

SHOP over 250 distinct stores & boutiques.

DINE

at more than 250 delicious restaurants & eateries.

PLAY

at over 40 familyfriendly attractions.

STAY

overnight at one of our 28 modern hotels.

Learn more and start your experience at awesomealpharetta.com!

Connect with us!

#awesomealpharetta

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SPRING AND SUMMER GET-AWAYS IN THE BLUE RIDGE

air the arts with backcountry exploration and small-town gatherings. Join us on April 18th for Reverie, a cool performing arts festival hosted by the McDowell Arts Council in Marion’s downtown 310 District. The original content festival celebrates the diversity of performance art by including a variety of mediums ranging from short-form theater to puppetry to a performance from the Old Gods of Appalachia. Tickets are available March 1st, call for details, Little Switzerland, NC 828-652-8610. mcdowellarts.org On June 6th Marion celebrates the local food culture by hosting their annual town Marion’s 310 District. Hosted by the online or at the event. gjafoundation.com/ Livermush Festival on Saturday. The fun be- Greyson J. Andrews Foundation, proceeds of brews-blues-bbq-s gins at 5pm with a livermush eating contest, this event are used to relieve financial burdens To receive free trail maps, visitor guides, pig calling contest, and more. Marion’s own experienced by families of NICU (neonatal inand more call 828-668-4282 or visit us online, Hunter’s Livermush cooks up and shares FREE tensive care unit) babies. Tickets are available blueridgetravelers.com sandwiches, get in line! This is a free event. The 2nd Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ FesTHE BLUE RIDGE TRAVELER tival takes place on June 20th, also in downPlan your trip at BlueRidgeTravelers.com or call 828-668-4282

BIKE THE HISTORIC VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL IN ABINGDON, VA

he history of the Virginia Creeper Trail is as long and twisty as a railroad itself. Where the Creeper Trail lies today was once part of the Norfolk & Western Railway’s Abingdon Line. Starting in the 1800s, trains began transporting timber from old-growth forests located atop Whitetop Mountain to a lumber mill in Damascus, Virginia. The line earned the nickname of “The Virginia Creeper” due to the sluggish speed it traveled up and down the steep mountain grades. Today the Creeper Trail is considered one of best rail trails in the eastern United States, regularly attracting thousands of visitors each year. The trail runs from Abingdon to Whitetop Mountain on the Virginia/North Carolina border. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians share the crushed-limestone and hard-packed dirt trail. It’s extremely popular with families: kids will love the downhill, coasting friendly nature of the trail. At times the trail parallels Whitetop Laurel Creek through a deep narrow gorge where

there are both spectacular whitewater rapids and the occasional quiet swimming hole. At other times the trail crosses trestles, some of which are more than 500 feet high and afford insanely beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. White steeple churches and homes from an early era dot the landscape as you enter and exit towns. Another draw of the Creeper Trail is the availability of rental bikes and shuttles. How does a 17-mile downhill ride sound? Several

outfitters will rent you the bikes and shuttle you to Whitetop Station where you can cruise down hill, aided significantly by gravity. r take the full 34-mile ride all the way back to Abingdon to experience the entire trail.

ABINGDON, VA Plan your trip at VisitAbingdonVirginia.com or call 800-435-3440

ESCAPE TO

AMELIA ISLAND • Beachside location • Spacious suites & studios • Free breakfast • Outdoor pool • Free beach chairs & umbrellas • Rooftop deck with ocean view • Free WiFi & parking seasideameliainn.com • 904.206.5300

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GRACIOUS CHARM AND MODERN RENEWAL IN COLUMBIA, SC

n the heart of South Carolina, tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly in Columbia. It’s a modern city where stately buildings bu with new businesses, and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives. It has all the gracious charm you’d expect from a Southern destination nothing saccharine, just good old-fashioned kindness. As home to both the state’s capital and its largest university, it’s a vibrant city and creative hub that’s bursting with big ideas, forward thinkers, and modern attitudes. ere, you’ll find more things to do than hours to do them. Design a different itin-

erary for every day of the year with Soda City arket on Saturday mornings, First hursdays on ain, Indie rits in April, and the ervais Street ridge Dinner in ctober. r, discover the capital city sip by sip with a brewery tour. With three rivers running right through the city, it doesn’t take long to get from the middle of town to what seems like the middle of nowhere. et it’s manageable without the headaches and hassles common to many other larger cities. With evidence of renewal everywhere, Columbia SC will leave you looking forward to what’s next.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC Plan your trip at ExperienceColumbiaSC.com or call 803-545-0002

DISCOVER SOUTH CAROLINA’S BESTKEPT SECRET —EDISTO BEACH

ith miles of beautiful beaches and an average temperature of 60 degrees in the offseason, you can spend your days on a pet friendly beach, golf course, or head to the creeks for fishing. disto is proud of its grand state park that covers over 00 acres. eachfront camping and creek front cabins are just two of the many exciting things that place disto each State ark at the top of so many lists. ake an adventure with a local tour boat captain and discover the island’s rich history and diverse ecological system. disto offers ama ing dining options. From comforting breakfast selections to cocktails overlooking the water, seafood at a renowned seafood dive, or fine dining at a chef’s table, the local establishments strive to offer the best in local culinary delights. he perfect beach vacation doesn’t just happen in the summer.

EDISTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Plan your trip at edistochamber.com or call 843-869-3867

IMMERSE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN THE YOCO TASTE TRAIL

ome immerse your taste buds in a brand-new adventure in ork County. As an emerging food destination, just minutes south of Charlotte, York County offers meals that highlight southern flavors that will create lasting memories. ome to award-winning restaurants and a state chef ambassador, York County’s unique flavors give you a truly special culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for the down-home cooked meal that reminds you of Sunday dinners with your grandparents or a high-end creation that is a culinary masterpiece, ork County has the taste for you. From classics like shrimp and grits to unique burger creations, you have to try them all. hat’s why we created the perfect curated culinary experience he oCo aste rail. his interactive trail is comprised of dishes from some of the best and most unique restaurants across ork County, full of southern favorites. o complete the trail, download the isit ork County, SC app. hen, visit the participating restaurants and order the signature dish featured on the oCo aste rail, checking-in via the app. When you’ve visited of the participating restaurants, you get a free t-shirt o start your oCo aste rail experience head to www. oCoaste rail.com and download the isit ork County app

YORK COUNTY, SC Plan your trip at YoCoTasteTrail.com

CLTCM_200300_YorkCounty.indd 1

2/3/20 4:06 PM

EDISTO BEACH, SC

Where the rivers meet the ocean, let your cares drift away…

843.869.3867 www.edistochamber.com

A perfect getaway to indulge yourself and relax. Only 1-hour from Charleston, SC— how can you resist?

2020 FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGERS Who will be named?

Find out in a special section inside the September issue of Charlotte magazine Go to fivestarprofessional.com/wmconsumerfeedback to share your opinion

Coming in September

GREAT GETAWAYS FIND NEW PLACES TO EXPLORE.

To promote your destination in our September issue, email advertising@charlottemagazine.com

INSIDE:

ARTS AND CULTURE / RESTAURANTS

GUIDE

THE

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO EAT

“She Goes Ancient” by Jackie Milad, an abstract mixedmedia painting on hand-dyed canvas, appears at the Gantt Center’s exhibition.

ART S

JACKIE MILAD

Strokes of Genius

Gantt Center survey looks at both figurative and abstract innovation in painting

With Painting Is Its Own Country, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture offers a survey that the museum says “reflects the idea that painting, despite its long existence, still offers limitless space for freedom, diversity, and self-expression.” Among the list of emerging and established artists shown: Stacy Lynn Waddell, Lavar Munroe, Mario Moore, Kimberly Becoat, Jackie Milad (shown), and several others. The exhibition, running through April 12, is curated by Dexter Wimberly.

SEE HIGHLIGHTED LISTING ON PAGE 92. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE

Arts and Culture WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

Music: Classical, Jazz, & Opera JAZZ AT THE BECHTLER: MILESTONES MARCH 6

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: 007: THE BEST OF JAMES BOND MARCH 27-28

The setlist for this CSO performance pulls from more

likes of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Hudson, and Ariana Grande. $39.50-$299.50, 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

MIJA

This month’s Jazz at the Bechtler concert features

than two dozen films featuring agent 007. Vocalist

tunes from 1958 live performances by the Miles Davis

Chloe Lowery helps bring some of those opening

Sextet, which included Davis on trumpet, Julian “Can-

songs—such as “Nobody Does It Better” from The

The electronic music producer and DJ broke through

nonball” Adderley on alto sax, John Coltrane on tenor

Spy Who Loved Me—to life. $20-$152, Fri-Sat, 7:30

with an appearance at Bonnaroo in 2014. Since then,

sax, Bill Evans on piano, bassist Paul Chambers, and

p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., 704-372-1000,

Mija’s prolific discography has included collaborations

drummer Jimmy Cobb. $10 for museum members,

carolinatix.org.

with Ghastly, Vindata, and others. $15-$67, 9 p.m.

MARCH 14

$16 for nonmembers, 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Bechtler

Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. 704-942-7997,

Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-

neighborhoodtheatre.com.

9200, bechtler.org.

Music: Popular

DAR WILLIAMS

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN’S MISSA SOLEMNIS

AUDREY MIKA

The celebrated singer-songwriter brings her tunes,

Our city’s symphony performs the Beethoven mas-

With more than a million subscribers on YouTube,

more, to the Stage Door Theater stage. $30-$35, 7

terwork under the direction of Christopher Warren-

Mika has built a reputation for performing high-profile

p.m. Stage Door Theater, 155 N. College St., 704-372-

Green. The program includes Charlotte Master Cho-

covers on the streaming channel. Her takes on artists

1000, carolinatix.org.

rale, with featured vocalists Christina Pier, Siena Licht

such Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande tracks have

Miller, Yeghishe Manucharyan, and Jordan Bisch. $20-

led to widespread interest in her original material.

$152, Fri-Sat, 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.,

$18-$32, 7 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave.,

704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

704-358-9200, visulite.com.

PIERRE BENSUSAN

JOE BONAMASSA

Bensusan’s style has been described as “the way the

When this guitarist was 12, he opened for B.B. King.

guitar would want to sound if it played itself.” He

Since then, he’s amassed a following for his incendiary

deftly moves between classical selections and styles

talent in blues guitar. $69-$199, 8 p.m. Belk Theater,

from across the world, blending brilliant guitar work

130 N. Tryon St., 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

MARCH 6-7

MARCH 11

and a distinct vocal technique. $22-$25, 7:30 p.m. Stage Door Theater, 155 N. College St., 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK MARCH 13-14

MARCH 1

MARCH 2

STURGILL SIMPSON WITH TYLER CHILDERS MARCH 6

Simpson’s newest record, Sound & Fury, blends country rock with psychedelia and a funk edge. Released last September, the album debuted at No. 3 on Bill-

MARCH 15

which explore gender issues, loss, religion, and much

MICHAEL BUBLÉ MARCH 18

The four-time Grammy winner returns to Charlotte. Previously, he’s had five sold-out world tours, with more than 60 million records sold worldwide. $68$148, 8 p.m. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. 704688-9000, ticketmaster.com.

AGAINST ME! MARCH 22

Led by Laura Jane Grace, Against Me! has been a force in punk since the early 2000s. Detroit indie rocker Stef Chura opens for the band on this tour. $22.50, 8 p.m. The Underground, 820 Hamilton St., 704-916-8970, livenation.com.

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO MARCH 23

The CSO’s ever-popular “Movie Series” offers the sec-

board’s Top Country Albums chart. $50.50-$100, 7:30

ond film in the original Star Wars trilogy. “The Impe-

p.m. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. 704-688-9000,

Raised in D.C., this singer-songwriter and bassist offers

rial March,” the John Williams tune synonymous with

ticketmaster.com.

a mix of hip-hop, reggae, rock, soul, jazz, and other

series baddie Darth Vader, premiered in this film. Hear the complete Williams score, performed live by the orchestra, while the movie plays on the big screen.

MARC BROUSSARD MARCH 7

$29.50-$124.50, Fri-Sat, 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N.

Broussard performs at one of the city’s most intimate

Tryon St., 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

venues. He arrives fresh off the release of his new LP, A

THE JAZZ ROOM: WOMEN IN JAZZ MARCH 19-21

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this threeday run brings an all-female group of jazz instrumentalists who pay homage to the greats of the genre. $16-$18, Thu-Fri, 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.; Sat, 7 p.m. and

Lullaby Collection SOS III, and a children’s book, I Love You For You, his first effort as an author. $25-$74.50,

genres. Known as one of the originators of neo-soul, she has been nominated 10 times for a Grammy Award. $27.50-$37.50, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND MARCH 28

8 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-

Formed not far from here in Spartanburg, South Caro-

1000, carolinatix.org.

lina, The Marshall Tucker Band was big in the 1970s—

KRISTIN CHENOWETH MARCH 10

but the group shouldn’t be underestimated today. Feel the same good vibes from the classic hit “Can’t You See” that fans felt in 1973. $27.50, 8 p.m. The

9:15 p.m. Stage Door Theater, 155 N. College St., 704-

Following the release of her album For the Girls, Che-

Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., 704-916-8970,

372-1000, carolinatix.org.

noweth’s revue is a tribute to the female singers and

livenation.com.

songwriters who have inspired her. She covers the

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

Theater, Dance, & Comedy JIM BREUER MARCH 5

As a past opener for Metallica, comic Jim Breuer is no stranger to rock clubs like The Fillmore. In recent years, The Jim Breuer Podcast has introduced his particular brand of storytelling to an entirely new audience. $35, 8 p.m. The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., 704-916-8970, livenation.com.

CHARLOTTE BALLET: SLEEPING BEAUTY MARCH 13-22

This edition of the tale uses British choreographer Matthew Hart and employs Charlotte Ballet artistic director Hope Muir as a narrator who helps guide the audience through the story. $25-$96, times vary. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

MARTIN LAWRENCE MARCH 14

It’s a big year for the beloved stand-up. Not only is Lawrence touring again—see his act as host of the LIT AF Tour at Spectrum Center—but he stars in the third installment of the Bad Boys franchise: Bad Boys for Life. Don’t be surprised if you hear some tales from the production. $39-$125, 7:30 p.m. Spectrum Center,

(The pub is an actual working bar, too, with the cast

venues

333 E. Trade St.704-688-9000, ticketmaster.com.

of nine men inviting visitors to have a beer at times.)

closed, including the

$32.50-$59.50, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N.

Double Door Inn and

College St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

Tremont Music Hall.

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF MARCH 20-APRIL 5

sonal favorite. See how the Theatre Charlotte production breathes new life into the 65-year-old tale. $28, times vary. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd., 704372-1000, carolinatix.org.

ANDREW SCHULZ MARCH 22

$10 for adults, $7 for

Museums, Galleries, & Fine Arts BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

This uptown venue, part of the Levine Center for the Arts, presents the works of 20th-century modern art-

See the 2016 Tony Award winner for “Best Musical Revivial” when The Color Purple comes to Ovens Auditorium March 23-26.

seniors and children 6-17, $5 for military, and free for kids under 6. Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774, charlottemuseum.org.

DISCOVERY PLACE NATURE

ists in a new context for today’s audiences. Curators

Built alongside a 100-year-old forest between Dil-

assemble shows that pull from the famous Bechtler

worth and Myers Park, Discovery Place Nature com-

Schulz’s appearances on Guy Code was the beginning

family’s collection and other community collec-

bines learning and fun through indoor and outdoor

of his celebrity and led to the creation of the popu-

tions. Ten, THROUGH MAY 3, features a selection

activities. The Fort Wild outdoor exhibit includes

lar podcast, The Brilliant Idiots. He hosts the program

of works from 16 past exhibits to commemorate the

activities that allow kids to get their hands dirty,

with Charlamagne, the personality primarily known

Bechtler’s 10th anniversary. Free for members, $9

and the Butterfly Pavilion gives visitors a chance

for co-hosting the radio show The Breakfast Club.

for adults, $7 for seniors, college students, and edu-

to walk among free-flying butterflies. Explore the

$34.50-$59.50, 7 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. Col-

cators, $5 for kids 11-18, and free for kids under 11

moon and stars in the digital planetarium, which

lege St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

and military. Mon, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed-Sat, 10 a.m.-5

offers a mix of multimedia shows and seasonal star

p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200,

shows. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the

bechtler.org.

museum offers a guided nature walk along the Paw

THE COLOR PURPLE MARCH 23-26

This production re-imagines Alice Walker’s Pulitzer

JEREMY DANIEL

have

Free for members,

This iconic play was arguably the most famous work of Tennessee Williams, who once said it was his per-

that

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Paw Nature Trail. Free for members, $8 for nonmembers, $6 for military, and free for kids under 2. Tue, 9

Prize-winning novel with a score that blends blues,

The city’s history is put under a microscope at this

a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;

jazz, and gospel sounds. The Color Purple won a 2016

east Charlotte museum. The continuing exhibition,

Sun, noon-5 p.m. 1658 Sterling Rd. 704-372-6261,

Tony for “Best Musical Revival.” $25-$89.50, Mon-Thu,

Solving the Rock House Mysteries, explores the con-

nature.discoveryplace.org.

8 p.m. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

cept of preservation through the example of the

704-372-1000, carolinatix.org.

5,000-square-foot Hezekiah Alexander House, built in

DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE

1774. The ongoing exhibit Charlotte Neighborhoods

This uptown landmark educates and entertains visi-

uses maps, photos, text, and other information to

tors of all ages in the STEM areas (science, technol-

show how neighborhoods across the city were

ogy, engineering, and mathematics). The museum

Combining dance and live music, this song-filled

formed. Unforgettable Music Venues of Charlotte dis-

has experiments, interactive exhibits, an aquarium,

show is set against the backdrop of a vibrant pub.

plays photos of and artifacts from iconic local music

and even an on-site rainforest. KidScience, the cen-

THE CHOIR OF MAN MARCH 25

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE contemporary pieces. Free admission. Tue-Fri, 11 a.m.6 p.m., Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1520 S. Tryon St. 704-3706337, eldergalleryclt.com.

HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY

Owned by Katharine Hidell Thomas and Rebecca Brooks, the South End gallery has highlighted local and regional artists for more than 20 years. Exhibits here rotate every six to eight weeks. The gallery represents notable names like Sarah Helser, Sally King Benedict, Jacob Cooley, David Kroll, and more. Free admission. Tue-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1910 South Blvd., Ste. 130. 704-334-7302, hidellbrooks.com.

HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE

Part of uptown’s Levine Center for the Arts campus, the Gantt Center focuses on works by Africans and AfricanAmericans. The museum’s permanent exhibition, the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, showcases 58 works from 20 artists, including Romare Bearden. Painting Is Its Own Country, THROUGH APRIL 12, highlights the works of more than two dozen artists who challenge traditional concepts of cultural representation and creativity. Free for members, $9 for adults, $7 for kids 6-17, seniors, military, and college students, and free for kids under 6. Tue, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (museum entry is free Wed, 5 p.m.9 p.m.); Thu-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700, ganttcenter.org.

offers kids the chance to build and race cars, explore

Taylor became a consulting firm in 2011 and moved

colors and light at the Light Table, and experience a

to South End. Hodges Taylor hosts exhibitions in its

gust of wind at the Wind Wall. The Being Me exhibit

office and gallery. Free admission. Wed-Fri, 11 a.m.-

explores the human body and celebrates the unique

4 p.m., 118 E. Kingston Ave., Ste. 16. 704-608-2016,

characteristics of human beings. Antarctic Dinosaurs,

hodgestaylor.com.

cies that were discovered in Antarctic ice over the

Founded in 1983, Melberg’s gallery carries works from

admission fee. On the third Friday of every month,

a wide range of acclaimed artists such as Romare

the museum hosts themed events that invite adults

Bearden and Wolf Kahn. Over the years, the gallery

to get in on the fun without the little ones (Science

has worked with prestigious institutions like New

on the Rocks, $12-$14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.). Regular ad-

York’s Museum of Modern Art and the National Gal-

mission: Free for members, $19 for adults, $17 for

lery of Art in Washington. Urban Stories, THROUGH

seniors and military, $15 for kids 2-13, and free for

MARCH 7, presents Susan Grossman’s charcoal

kids under 2. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;

and pastel cityscapes. Kim Keever, MARCH 14–

Sun, noon-5 p.m. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261,

APRIL 25, features new abstract photographs by the

science.discoveryplace.org.

New York-based artist, who creates his works by pour-

ELDER GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART

This South End gallery changed ownership in 2017,

(Below) Dennis Lee Mitchell’s Untitled, a smoke on paper work from Jerald Melberg Gallery’s Spring Group Exhibition.

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

JERALD MELBERG GALLERY

past 30 years. Exhibition admission: $3, plus regular

with attorney and former journalist Sonya Pfeiffer taking over as owner and creative director. Pfeiffer’s

ing pigments into a 200-gallon tank of water. Free admission. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd. 704-365-3000, jeraldmelberg.com.

LACA PROJECTS

experience as a civil rights lawyer translates to so-

LaCa opened in 2013 as the first arts venue in the

cially conscious programming. In (or for) perpetuity,

Southeast dedicated entirely to Latin American con-

THROUGH MAY 9, displays mixed-media paintings,

temporary art. The gallery works to connect Latin

drawings, and sculptural works by Carmen Neely and

American artists with the city’s art scene while pro-

a video art installation by Paul Travis Phillips. Jeong

moting Latin American art in Charlotte and the South-

and Choon Yun, MARCH 6–MAY 9, presents works

east region. Free admission. Tue-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,

by by this husband and wife from South Korea, who

Sat, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1429 Bryant St. 704-837-1688,

use ancient Asian papermaking techniques to create

lacaprojects.com.

COURTESY OF CARMEN NEELY, JANE LOMBARD GALLERY AND ELDER GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART; JERALD MELBURG GALLERY

After opening as an uptown gallery in 1980, Hodges

THROUGH MAY 25, explores four new dinosaur spe-

(Above) A mixed-media piece by Carmen Neely from In (or for) perpetuity at Elder Gallery.

HODGES TAYLOR ART CONSULTANCY

ter’s early education exhibition for children up to 7,

THE GUIDE McCOLL CENTER FOR ART + INNOVATION

month, Women in Racing (MARCH 14, free with regu-

Artists and married couple Sandy Snead and Duy

LARK & KEY

The biggest difference between the McColl Center

lar admission, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) celebrates Women’s

Huynh, who opened their gallery in 2008, offer art-

and other arts institutions is that it offers visitors the

History Month with interactive games and trivia on

work, ceramics, jewelry, and paper goods from lo-

chance to observe the artistic process. In the center’s

women who have left their mark on the sport, in-

cal, regional, and national artists. Whether you’re

nine studios, visitors can watch artists develop and

cluding racers, technical directors, and crew chiefs.

searching for functional art or browsing for a paint-

execute new ideas. Adorned, THROUGH MAY 2,

Free for members, $25 for adults, $22 for seniors,

ing, this Dilworth gallery is an ideal spot for the art

shows the works of McColl alumnus Sharif Bey and

$18 for military and children 4-12, and free for kids

lover. The gallery celebrates its 12th anniversary

Shanequa Gay. The exhibition, curated by visiting cu-

3 and under. Mon, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed-Sun, 10 a.m.-5

with Huynh’s solo exhibition, Circular Thought, For-

rator Jonell Logan, includes African-inspired masks,

p.m. Tuesdays are open for group reservations only.

get Me Not, THROUGH MARCH 27. Free admission.

large-scale clay and glass necklaces, and a site-spe-

400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 704-654-4400,

Wed-Fri, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; open house on the second

cific installation. Free admission. Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.;

nascarhall.com.

Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-3 p.m.)

Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535,

of every month. 700 East Blvd., Ste. 1. 704-334-4616,

mccollcenter.org.

larkandkey.com.

MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH

REED GOLD MINE

In 1799, the nation’s first documented gold find occurred at the site that became Reed Gold Mine. After

LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH

As the state’s first art museum, Mint Museum Ran-

the discovery in Cabarrus County, gold mining spread

For more than two decades, the museum has provid-

dolph opened in an original branch of the U.S. Mint in

to nearby counties and eventually to other Southern

ed groundbreaking exhibits and context for some of

1936. Galleries continue to engage visitors with the

states. Now, more than 220 years later, visitors can

the South’s most significant events. One of the mu-

art of the ancient Americas, decorative arts, and Eu-

tour the mine and find a treasure themselves. Admis-

seum’s core values is “using history to build commu-

ropean and African art. Resources include a reference

sion and tours of the mine are free. Tue-Sat, 9 a.m.-5

nity.” Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, an award-winning

library with more than 18,000 volumes. Classic Black:

p.m. 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, 704-721-4653, his-

exhibit that spans 8,000 square feet, uses Charlotte

The Basalt Sculpture of Wedgwood and His Contem-

toricsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine.

and its 13 surrounding counties as a case study to ex-

poraries, THROUGH AUG. 30, features black basalt

plore the “profound changes in the South since the

sculptures, including life-size portrait busts, statues,

Civil War.” #HomeCLT: People. Places. Promises. tells

and vases, by Josiah Wedgwood and other Stafford-

Chandra Johnson, named one of the 2017 Char-

the stories of Charlotte’s neighborhoods through the

shire potters in late 18th-century England. Free for

lotteans of the Year by Charlotte magazine for her

words of its residents. Brooklyn: Once a City within

members, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and college

work in the cultural sector, opened this gallery in

a City explores the rise and demise of the Brooklyn

students, $6 for children 5-17, and free for kids under

a Myers Park bungalow in 2015. Liz Nielsen, Lyle

neighborhood, once a thriving African-American

5. Tue, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (museum

Owerko, and Ken Van Sickle are a few of the accom-

community in Charlotte. Free for members, $10 for

entry is free Wed, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.); Thu-Sat, 11 a.m.-6

plished artists whose works appear at the gallery.

adults, $8 for seniors, military, and college students,

p.m.; Sun, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 2730 Randolph Rd., 704-337-

Scott Avett: In the Light of Unlearning, THROUGH

$6 for children 6-18, and free for kids under 6. Admis-

2000, mintmuseum.org.

sion is half price on Sundays. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887, museumofthenewsouth.org.

LIBERTY WALK

MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN

SOCO GALLERY

MARCH 7, is the inaugural exhibition at the gallery for Avett, co-founder of the acclaimed Concordbased band The Avett Brothers. Avett’s journals—

The Mint Uptown has a renowned craft and design

his informal studies and sketches from the road

exhibit that showcases works in a variety of materi-

and at home—are the foundation for his oil paint-

als, as well as collections of American, contemporary,

ings in this exhibit. Into the Woods, MARCH 11-

With this free self-guided walking tour, you can learn

and European art. Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at

APRIL 24, displays paintings by New York art-

about the development of Charlotte and how its

the Mint, THROUGH APRIL 26, displays five works

ist Douglas Melini. Free admission. Mon-Sat, 10

citizens were involved in the American Revolution. To

by Studio Drift, an artist collective founded by Dutch

a.m.-6 p.m. 421 Providence Rd. 980-498-2881,

get information about the 19 markers along the walk,

artists Ralph Nauta and Lonneke Gordijn. The exhibi-

soco-gallery.com.

download a brochure at charlottelibertywalk.com or

tion includes glass and light installations and films

pick up a brochure at the Levine Museum of the New

created over the last 11 years. Free for members,

South or the Visitor Info Center at 501 S. College St.

$15 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students,

Located in the Hearst Tower uptown, Sozo is a con-

(in the Charlotte Convention Center, 800-231-4636).

$6 for children 5-17, and free for kids under 5. Tue,

temporary gallery that presents original artwork

A “Charlotte Liberty Walk” app is available at handhel-

11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (museum entry

from local, national, and international artists. On its

dhistory.com to help you along. Guided tours can be

is free Wed, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.); Thu, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri, 11

website, the gallery references multiple meanings

arranged by contacting the Mecklenburg Historical

a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 500

of “sozo.” In Greek, the word means to “be healed

Association at contact@meckdec.org.

S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000, mintmuseum.org.

by God,” and in Japanese, it means “to create, to

THE LIGHT FACTORY

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

A creative home for photographers and filmmakers

This uptown complex provides a variety of attrac-

in Charlotte, The Light Factory has workshops, classes,

tions for racing fans, including hands-on exhibits, a

school programs, and exhibits. Classes include DSLR use,

state-of-the-art theater, and the Hall of Honor, where

black-and-white film photography, and portrait photog-

racing greats are enshrined. Every three years, the

raphy. A Shared Elegy, THROUGH MARCH 13, displays

Hall’s signature exhibit Glory Road receives a make-

the works of two pairs of photographers with family

over with a new theme and 18 new racecars. In Janu-

ties. Osamu James Nakagawa and his uncle, Takayuki

ary, the Hall unveiled the new version of the exhibit:

Ogawa, and Elijah Gowin and his father, Emmet Gowin,

Dale Jr.: Glory Road Champions, featuring 18 champi-

present “unique but overlapping visions” in recording

onship cars selected by Dale Earnhardt Jr. The 2nd

family histories. Free admission. Wed-Sat, noon-6 p.m.

Saturday program explores elements of racing with

1817 Central Ave. 704-333-9755, lightfactory.org.

a new topic and interactive activity each month. This

SOZO GALLERY

imagine.” Wed-Thu, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Mon-Fri-Sat, by appointment only. 214 N. Tryon St. 704-575-6777, sozogallery.net.

Compiled by Charlotte magazine staff. These listings are a reader service and are not connected to advertising in any way. Events, dates, and times are subject to change. Please call ahead. To have your event considered, email us at agenda@ charlottemagazine.com. MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE

Restaurants YOUR GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE’S DINING SCENE

Dilworth ❤ 300 EAST

$-$$

NEW AMERICAN The interior of this old house-turnedrestaurant is welcoming, as is the menu of familiar and surprising sandwiches, salads, and entrées. Save room for dessert by pastry chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish. 300 East Blvd. (704-332-6507) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ BONTERRA

$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Its setting may be a historic Southern church, but Bonterra serves up modern Southern flavors with top-notch service. Wine lovers will be impressed by the more than 200 wines by the glass. 1829 Cleveland Ave. (704-333-9463) D, BAR ✸☎

CAPISHE

$-$$

ITALIAN The pasta dishes and pizza prepared by Chef David Cavalier, previously of Kindred, are impressive for a fast-casual restaurant. Arrive early for lunch to beat the long lines. 500 E. Morehead St., Ste. 100. (980-819-9494) L, D, BAR

❤ COPPER

$$$

INDIAN Ease into Indian cuisine with standard dishes like chicken tikka masala, or be more adventurous with the spicy seafood medley "anjeeri." 311 East Blvd. (704-333-0063) L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

DOLCE OSTERIA

ITALIAN This classic, cozy, family-run neighborhood trattoria serves a mix of fresh, regional Italian cuisine and a tidy, all-Italian wine list. 1710 Kenilworth Ave. (704-332-7525) L (weekdays), D, B/W ✸☎

FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN

VEGETARIAN Fern moved from Plaza Midwood to Dilworth in mid-2016. It still has ferns on the wall, and the menu is still full of flavorful vegetarian cuisine. 1419 East Blvd., Ste. A. (704-377-1825) L, BR, D, V, BAR ✸

FIAMMA RESTAURANT

$$-$$$

FRAN’S FILLING STATION

$$-$$$

ITALIAN The open layout lends an air of conviviality to this slick eatery, which has house-made pastas, thin-crust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrées. 2418 Park Rd. (704-333-3062) L, D, BAR ✸☎

AMERICAN This small Dilworth restaurant has soups, salads, and delicious, oversized sandwiches made with fresh, thick bread filled with innovative combinations. 2410 Park Rd. (704-372-2009) L, D, BAR ✸

INIZIO PIZZA NAPOLETANA

$$-$$$

PIZZA Two words: pistachio pizza. Seriously, try it. Then grab a spot on the patio beneath the bistro lights and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends. There's a second location in Providence Commons, too. 2230 Park Rd., (704-900-0929) L, D, BAR ✸

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

KID CASHEW

LEBOWSKI’S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL

MEDITERRANEAN This bright and rustic restaurant from the owner of Georges Brasserie serves meat family-style from a wood-fired grill and a selection of small plates. 1608 East Blvd. (704-208-4148) L, D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN Dishes at this neighborhood favorite include burgers, brats, and the popular “Beef on Weck.” 1524 East Blvd. (704-370-1177) L, D, BAR ✸

THE MAYOBIRD

AMERICAN The daytime partner to The Summit Room focuses on specialty coffees, quiches, and pastries, and, of course, chicken salad sandwiches. 1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2543) B, L, B/W ✸

THE SUMMIT ROOM

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Southern classics take on a new form—and global influence—at this easygoing spot. 1531 East Blvd. (980-237-2227) D, BAR ✸☎

ZEN FUSION

FUSION Here, fusion means a sampling of dishes from the Far East and Spain. 1716 Kenilworth Ave. (704-3589688) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

Elizabeth/Cherry CAJUN QUEEN

$$$

CAJUN Nightly live jazz complements New Orleans creole favorites like shrimp étouffée and crawfish Diane in this century-old house. 1800 E. 7th St. (704-3779017) BR, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ CARPE DIEM

$$$-$$$$

NEW AMERICAN A beautiful interior and a no-fuss vibe create a stress-free fine dining experience, with dishes ranging from buttermilk-fried chicken over spinach with black pepper shallot gravy to local seafood specials. 1535 Elizabeth Ave. (704-377-7976) D, BAR ☎

$ $$ $$$ $$$$

❤

Most entrées under $10 Most entrées $10-$17 Most entrées $18-$25 Most entrées $26 & up Best Restaurants

B BR L D V

❤ CUSTOMSHOP

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Owner and executive chef Trey Wilson uses top-notch, seasonal ingredients to create fresh takes on American cuisine in a hip, rustic atmosphere. 1601 Elizabeth Ave. (704-333-3396) D, BAR ✸☎

EARL’S GROCERY

AMERICAN This upscale marketplace, with sandwiches, salads, and daily specials from chef Obie Chisolm, is a welcome afternoon spot for a grab-and-go meal or a bite and people-watching. 1609 Elizabeth Ave. (704333-2757) B, BR, L, D, V ✸

❤ THE FIG TREE RESTAURANT

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN The No. 2 restaurant on our 2018 Best Restaurants list, the Fig Tree specializes in fresh and flavorful cuisine with an emphasis on wine pairing in a 1913 bungalow. 1601 E. 7th St. (704-332-3322) D, BAR ✸☎

❤ PIZZERIA OMAGGIO

PIZZA Among a sea of by-the-slice joints, owner Daniel Siragusa sticks by his Italian roots with personal pizzas. Some think they can’t possibly eat the whole pie, but they do. And then they order dessert. 1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130. (704-370-0777) L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ THE STANLEY

$$$

SUNFLOUR BAKING CO.

$-$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Paul Verica's menu reflects a respect of seasonal produce, with playful dishes such as "Asparagus—as many ways as we could think of," and a more robust cocktail program. 1961 E. 7th St. (980-2992741) D, BR (Sun), BAR ✸☎

BAKERY With locations in Dilworth, Harrisburg, and Ballantyne, Sunflour serves croissants, cinnamon buns, sandwiches, and soups. Regulars spend mornings here with a cup of coffee, letting them fade into afternoons. 2001 E. 7th St. (704-900-5268) B, L, D, V ✸

Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

REVIEW POLICIES—The restaurants on these pages are recommendations of the editors of Charlotte magazine. They are not related to advertising in any way. Restaurant visits are anonymous, and all expenses are paid by the magazine. Reviews are written by members of the editorial staff. We regularly update these listings. New additions are denoted by “new listing” and revised reviews are indicated by “update.”

Huntersville/Lake Norman ALIÑO PIZZERIA

PIZZA Enjoy your Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza at a community table with paper towels on hand to catch the drips from crust dipped in herbs and olive oil. A second location is at Concord Mills. 500 S. Main St., Ste. 401, Mooresville. (704-663-0010) L, D, B/W ✸

❤ DRESSLER’S

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Part steak house, part upscale American cuisine, dishes are delivered with consistency and a smile, both here and at the Metropolitan Avenue location. 8630-1A Lindholm Dr. (704-987-1779) D, BAR

✸☎

FLATIRON KITCHEN + TAPHOUSE

$$$

STEAK HOUSE High-quality steaks are a given here, but the seafood and vegetables are treated with the same respect. 215 S. Main St., Davidson. (704-2373246) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ HELLO, SAILOR

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Davidson's sweethearts, Joe and Katy Kindred, opened this lakefront spot. Expect Carolina classics like fried catfish and seafood platters, as well as tiki drinks. 20210 Henderson Rd., Cornelius. (704-997-5365) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

❤ KINDRED

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Chef Joe Kindred, a James Beard Award semifinalist, serves homemade pasta dishes and creative small plates in historic downtown Davidson. 131 N. Main St., Davidson. (980-231-5000) BR, L, D, BAR ✸☎

SABI ASIAN BISTRO

ASIAN Find Asian-inspired dishes, from sushi to stir fry to sweet-and-sour chicken, in a sleek interior. 130 Harbor Place Dr., Davidson. (704-895-5707) L, D, BAR ✸

Matthews/Mint Hill KABAB-JE ROTISSERIE & GRILLE

MIDDLE EASTERN With a second location in Stone-

crest, this Mediterranean and Lebanese spot serves dishes like hummus shawarma and lamb kabobs. 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy., Ste. E. (704-8450707) L, D ✸

LOYALIST MARKET

$-$$

AMERICAN This charming eatery is a sandwich shop by day and a cheese shop by night. Choose from over 60 artisan cheeses and cured meats from the U.S. and abroad, along with gourmet food products, wine, and local beer. 435 N. Trade St., Ste. 102. (704-814-9866) L, D, BAR ✸

NEW ZEALAND CAFÉ

$-$$

LEROY FOX

MAMA RICOTTA’S

SOUTHERN A casual eatery known for its fried chicken, Leroy Fox serves Southern classics and upscale pub grub, with an additional location in South End. 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd. (704-366-3232) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

ITALIAN Frank Scibelli’s (Midwood Smokehouse, Yafo, Paco’s) first restaurant does simple Italian dishes with stylish twists in a spot fit for couples, families, and everyone else. 601 S. Kings Dr. (704-343-0148) L, D, BAR ✸☎

PROVIDENCE ROAD SUNDRIES

$-$$

❤ STAGIONI

$$$

FUSION A wooden latticework ceiling and indoor trellis add charm to this neighborhood favorite, where sushi is fresh and affordable. 1717 Sardis Rd. N., Ste. 6A. (704-708-9888) L, D, B/W ✸

AMERICAN Classic bar food and friendly service have made this a neighborhood hangout for generations. 1522 Providence Rd. (704-366-4467) L, D, BAR

SANTÉ

ITALIAN Meaning “seasons,” this concept from Bruce Moffett serves Italian standards. A must-visit for Chef Eric Ferguson's delicious, handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas, and slow-roasted meats. 715 Providence Rd. (704-372-8110) D, BAR ☎

$$$ - $$$$

FRENCH The food is far from colloquial here, and the exposed brickwork and antiqued tin roof lend credence to the French name. 165 N. Trade St., Matthews. (704-845-1899) D, BAR

❤ YUME BISTRO

JAPANESE The flavorful ramen and other Japanese classics here defy the restaurant’s plain interior. They also opened a new location in Wilmore last year. 1369 Chestnut Ln., Matthews. (704-821-0676) L, D

Myers Park/Cotswold DEEJAI THAI

THAI This family-owned eatery offers takeout, but with its modern dining room and bright patio, you’ll want to settle into a table. 613 Providence Rd. (704333-7884) L, (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

FENWICK’S

AMERICAN A Myers Park mainstay since the 1980s, Fenwick’s is a go-to for a comforting meal made with fresh ingredients, delivered with warm service. 511 Providence Rd. (704-333-2750) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

NEW LISTING

VOLO RISTORANTE

$$$

ITALIAN Volo translates to "flight," which is the Italian answer to a tasting menu. Let the chef choose a meat, vegetable, or seafood flight for you, or order off the dinner menu and enjoy a plate of gnocchi, risotto, or tortellini paired with a glass of chianti. 1039 Providence Rd. (704-919-1020) D, BAR ☎

NoDa/North Charlotte AMÉLIE’S FRENCH BAKERY

FRENCH Enjoy a flaky croissant on the outdoor patio or order from the café menu of soups and sandwiches any time of day—or night. Amélie's now has two additional locations in uptown and Park Road Shopping Center. 2424 N. Davidson St. (704-3761781) B, L, D

Best Bites Our favorite dish this month, chosen by Charlotte magazine staff

PETER TAYLOR

APPLE TART, $5 RENAISSANCE PATISSERIE RENAISSANCE PATISSERIE is an authentic French bakery that’s worth ditching your diet for. The dessert case brims with pastries, croissants, eclairs, and two-bite macaroons in every color of the rainbow. It’s the work of Sylvain Rivet, a classically trained French chef—and an artist in the kitchen. Stop in for breakfast, sit down at a two-top round table, and enjoy a delicate, apple tart between sips of coffee. Nothing about Rivet's pastry is heavy-handed—the sweet, artfully arranged caramelized apples and flaky crust coated with a simple glaze is light, delicate, and meant to be savored. —Taylor Bowler

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE BAO + BROTH

$-$$

JACKBEAGLE’S

ASIAN Follow the smell of ramen and steamed pork belly buns to this food stall, the fifth restaurant from chef Bruce Moffett, and have a seat among the other diners in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. (704-6252269) L, D

AMERICAN A mainstay for the locals, this place serves unconventional bar bites like mac-and-bluecheese with bacon. 3213 N. Davidson St. (704-3345140) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

BENNY PENNELLO’S

AMERICAN Expect all the staples from the popular food truck, along with new grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts from the brick-and-mortar location in Optimist Hall. 1115 N. Brevard St. (704-579-1779) L, D, V

PIZZA A full Benny P’s pie is 28 inches, almost double the standard—but if you divide it into eight slices, one is the ideal-sized meal for one person. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100. (980-949-8398) L, D, B/W

CABO FISH TACO

$-$$

SEAFOOD This NoDa “Baja seagrill” serves up the title dish as well as quesadillas, burritos, and salads in a fun, surf-themed atmosphere. 3201 N. Davidson St. (704332-8868) L, D, BAR ✸

CRÊPE CELLAR KITCHEN & PUB

$-$$

FRENCH The crêpes—both sweet and savory—are delicious, but the restaurant’s fare goes beyond its French roots with flavorful salads, entrées, and craft cocktails. 3116 N. Davidson St. (704-910-6543) BR, L, D, BAR

THE DUMPLING LADY

$-$$

ASIAN One of Charlotte’s most popular food trucks has a brick-and-mortar space in Optimist Hall. Order Zhang Qian’s authentic Sichuan dumplings, noodles, and dim sum, and brace for spice. 1115 N. Brevard St. (980-595-6174) L, D, V

EL THRIFTY

$-$$

MEXICAN The Mexican cantina and gaming venue in Optimist Hall serves creative tacos and cocktails with a side of duckpin bowling. 1115 N. Brevard St. (980949-7837) L, D, BAR ✸

PAPI QUESO

NEW LISTING

ROOM AND BOARD

$-$$

AMERICAN Inside a two-story Victorian home and former boarding house, have your choice of sandwiches, burgers, and wings, or come for Sunday brunch and get a "hangover pizza." 3228 N. Davidson St. (980-4303136) BR (Sun) L, D,BAR

Plaza Midwood/East Charlotte ACE NO. 3

$$-$$$

AMERICAN Rotisserie chicken with South Americaninspired sides makes for a healthy and fast lunch or dinner. 1518 Central Ave. (980-265-1290) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

HEIST BREWERY

$-$$

DELI A neighborhood hangout with additional locations in South End and Oakwold, this market and deli serves quick and delicious sandwiches, local craft beers, snacks, sweets, and more. 2007 Commonwealth Ave. (704-334-6209) B, L, D, B/W ✸

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

❤ B BR L D V

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

$-$$

DIAMOND RESTAURANT

$-$$

DISH

$-$$

AMERICAN This 1950s-style diner features retro teal booths, a jukebox, and classic dishes like burgers, fried pork chops, and fried chicken. 1901 Commonwealth Ave. (704-375-8959) L, D, BAR ✸

SOUTHERN A neighborhood joint with an eclectic clientele, good, down-home Southern food, and a funky wait staff. 1220 Thomas Ave. (704-344-0343) B, L, D, BAR ✸

❤ INTERMEZZO PIZZERIA & CAFÉ

❤ MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

MOO & BREW

❤ NC RED

SAL'S PIZZA FACTORY

❤ SOUL GASTROLOUNGE

SNOOZE: AN A.M. EATERY

THREE AMIGOS

BARBECUE With North Carolina pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, and dry or sauced ribs, there’s a ’cue for everyone—and traditional sides to pair. The restaurant has a number of Charlotte locations including Ballantyne and Park Road Shopping Center, but the Plaza Midwood spot is its flagship post. 1401 Central Ave. (704-295-4227) L, D, BAR ✸

SEAFOOD/SOUTHERN The fourth restaurant from Bruce Moffett serves a mix of Rhode Island shore food, like oysters and stuffed clams, and southern comforts, like fried chicken and mac and cheese. 1205 Thomas Ave. (704-321-4716) D, BAR ✸

❤ HABERDISH

AMERICAN This is bar food to the extreme. Beer is incorporated into several dishes at this brewpub. The beer cheese is made with Heist’s own beer and served alongside pretzels made with leftover mash. 2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 200. (704-375-8260) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

$-$$

AMERICAN Southern appetizers, fried chicken, and apothecary cocktails from Colleen Hughes draw a hip crowd to this mill town southern kitchen. 3106 N. Davidson St. (704-817-1084) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

COMMON MARKET

LUPIE'S CAFE

AMERICAN The building, interior, and menu have barely changed since owner Lupie Duran opened in 1987. It’s an ideal spot for cold days, specializing in handmade burgers, four kinds of chili, meatloaf, and "chicken n dumplins." 2718 Monroe Rd., (704-3741232) L, D, B/W

AMERICAN A playful list of burgers, craft beers, and friendly servers make this spot an easy choice for a casual dinner out. The patio is packed on nice nights. 1300 Central Ave. (980-585-4148) L, D, BAR ✸

VIETNAMESE Even if you think cilantro tastes like soap, don't let the name of this fast casual restaurant fool you—the herb add-on is optional. Structured like Chipotle, build-your-own meals include a base starch (banh mi, vermicelli noodles, white rice, fried rice), one protein, and five toppings. 2001 Commonwealth Ave. (704-345-9490) L, D, V, B/W ✸

COALTRANE’S

AMERICAN The new counter-service burger joint from the team behind Sea Level and the Waterman offers a straightforward menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. 1001 Belmont Ave. (704-910-2200) L, D, ✸

CILANTRO NOODLE

LANG VAN

VIETNAMESE Regulars love this no-fuss spot for its authentic cuisine, with loads of flavor and fresh ingredients. 3019 Shamrock Dr. (704-531-9525) BR, L, D, V, B/W

$-$$

FUSION Even the pickiest eater can find something to order here, with menu options ranging from burgers and pizzas to cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers. 1427 E. 10th St. (704-347-2626) L, D, V, BAR ✸

PIZZA The New York slices at this east Charlotte joint have thick cheese and generous toppings—the classic style of pizza that fuels nostalgia and harkens back to a time when you didn’t know what calories or gluten were. 3723 Monroe Rd. (980-219-7108) L, D, BAR

NEW AMERICAN Expect to wait a while at this no-reservations spot, known for small plates like pork belly tacos with compressed watermelon, and a rotating list of craft cocktails. 1500-B Central Ave. (704-348-1848) D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN The Denver-based breakfast spot has a huge menu, but you're free to mix and match. Choose any two benedicts with the Benny Duo, or get the Pancake Flight with three different flavors. There's also a morning cocktail menu with mimosas, mojitos, and a dirty drunken chai. 1331-A Central Ave. (704-2435070) B, BR, L, BAR ✸

MEXICAN Three Amigos remains a constant on Central Avenue, specializing in enchiladas and other Mexican staples like tinga de pollo and carne asada tacos. It's always fresh, too—they'll never save rice, beans, or meat for use the next day. 2917A Central Ave., 704536-1851. L, D, BAR ✸

The housemade burger and truffle fries at Foxcroft Wine.

Night Life

CICCHETTI

Our city, which once banned cocktail sales, offers plenty of opportunities to imbibe. Try one of these after-dark spots THE QUEEN & GLASS

SOPHIA'S LOUNGE

$$-$$$

COCKTAIL BAR / LOUNGE This intimate Dilworth lounge has creative cocktails and a small plates menu of shareable spreads, salads, and flatbreads. 1315 East Blvd., Ste. 115 (980-299-0816)

THE CRUNKLETON

PETER TAYLOR

$$$

COCKTAIL BAR If the ornate armchairs or the velvet sofas on which you could pose like a French girl don’t make you feel like royalty, the customdesigned chandeliers and regal artwork should do it. The cocktails here, rightfully, are fit for a queen. 127 N. Tryon St., Ste. D (704) 503-9322)

NUVOLE ROOFTOP TWENTY-TWO $$-$$$

FOXCROFT WINE CO.

$-$$

WINE BAR The wine bar, restaurant, and retail hybrid has a relaxed atmosphere, wines from every region of the world, and deliciously simple food. Dilworth is Foxcroft's flagship post, with additional locations in SouthPark and Waverly. 1235 East Blvd., Ste. 1 (704-602-2133)

DILWORTH TASTING ROOM

WINE BAR On a warm summer night, there’s no better place to savor a glass of chardonnay. Grab a table on the patio under the trees and relish the little white lights when the sun goes down. 300 E. Tremont Ave. (704-595-3337)

PETITE PHILIPPE

$-$$

$$$

BAR / LOUNGE Sip a cocktail and take in sweeping views of uptown from this sleek rooftop lounge on the 22nd floor of the AC Hotel & Residence Inn. Bring a few friends and order shareable plates like lobster club sliders and the bison tartare. 220 E. Trade St., Ste. 2200. (980-960-9800)

WINE BAR / RETAIL Wine bottles are on display in cabinets resembling bookcases, and chocolates are clustered under glass on a marble slab at this Myers Park tasting room. Milling around, asking questions, and sampling are encouraged. 2820 Selwyn Ave., Ste. 160. (704-332-9910)

BAR / LOUNGE This 19th floor rooftop lounge overlooking Romare Bearden Park is a great place to visit before dinner, or to cap off the night. Just remember to dress to impress, because access to sweeping views of the city requires some style. 303 S. Church St. (704-445-2550)

MERCHANT + TRADE

LINCOLN STREET KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

COCKTAIL BAR The region's best bartenders applied to work at Gary Crunkleton's Elizabeth bar and restaurant. Known for his impeccable classic cocktails, the mixologist and restaurateur opened the first Crunkleton in Chapel Hill. 1957 E. 7th St. (704919-0104)

IDLEWILD

$$-$$$

WINE BAR / RETAIL At this wine bar, restaurant, and retail shop, it’s drinks first, food second. Shop the shelves for a bottle of wine, and savor it over a small plate of meatballs or bruschetta. 100 N. Tryon St. (980-299-0039)

COCKTAIL BAR You can't go wrong with a classic Manhattan, but if you’re feeling adventurous, Idlewild's bartenders will create a cocktail based on your drink preferences. 424 E. 36th St., Ste. 2 (704572-8678)

COCKTAIL BAR Grab a spot in the main dining room, step outside to the ground floor patio, or head upstairs to the rooftop patio and take in views of uptown as you sip on a signature cocktail— they're all $13 here. 1320 S. Church St., Ste. 400, (704-595-3337)

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE THE WORKMAN’S FRIEND

$$-$$$

IRISH Enjoy Irish classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie in this rustic dining room, or grab a pint at the custom-built walnut bar. 1531 Central Ave. (980224-8234) BR, L (Fri-Sun), D, BAR ✸

YAMA IZAKAYA

JAPANESE Enjoy true, labor-intensive ramen, complete with add-ons like corn and pork belly, as well as traditional Japanese small plates and a sushi menu. 1324 Central Ave. (704-910-6387) D, V, BAR ✸

ZADA JANE’S CORNER CAFE

$-$$

SOUTHERN This funky neighborhood restaurant with shuffleboard courts, a large patio, and colorful walls serves breakfast and brunch all day. 1601 Central Ave. (704-332-3663) B, BR, L, BAR ✸

South End BARCELONA WINE BAR

$$$

❤ BARDO

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Nosh on Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tapas or customize a charcuterie board with meats from different regions in Europe. Choose from over 400 wines, and don't miss the olive oil cake. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 110. (704-741-0300) D, BAR ✸☎

NEW AMERICAN This foodie destination serves seasonal small plates and creative cocktails. The dining room looks into a big, open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work. 1508 S. Mint St., Ste. B. (980585-2433) D, BAR ☎

❤ BEEF ’N BOTTLE

$$$

STEAK HOUSE An old favorite, this steak house is just what you’d expect, serving up thick and juicy cuts in a dark interior. 4538 South Blvd. (704-5239977) D, BAR

BILL SPOON’S BARBECUE

BARBECUE Stop by for true eastern-style barbecue, mustard-based slaw, homemade banana pudding, and Mr. Spoon’s special sauce. 5524 South Blvd. (704525-8865) L (Mon-Sat)

BREWERS AT 4001 YANCEY

AMERICAN In addition to craft beers, this LoSo brewery has Southern-inspired bar food like fries topped with jalapeño gravy and bacon crumbles. 4001-A Yancey Rd. (704-452-4001) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

❤ B BR L D V

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

THE DUNAVANT

$$$

MAC’S SPEED SHOP

$ -$$

STEAK HOUSE The signature steak and bottomless fries dinner, which includes bread, a choice of soup or salad, and the option of three sauces, tastes more expensive than its $25 fixed price. 2322 Dunavant St., Ste. 200. (980-335-0125) BR, D, BAR ✸

BARBECUE Solid barbecue and cold beer (150 choices) in a bike-themed space draw fun-loving crowds, with additional locations in Matthews and Lake Norman. 2511 South Blvd. (704-522-6227) L, D, BAR ✸

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN

AMERICAN This 24-hour classic diner has everything you’d expect, including an all-day breakfast, onion rings, milkshakes, burgers, and hand-cut fries, along with Southern fare. 115 E. Carson Blvd. (980-207-3641) B, L, D, B/W ✸

GREEK Despite the sounds of South Boulevard, the Greek pastries and coffees here can transport you to the Aegean Sea in just one taste. 4004 South Blvd., Ste. E. (980-207-0508) B, L, D, B/W ✸

AMERICAN Come here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, an afternoon snack, or an evening out. The made-fromscratch bakery has sandwiches, salads, and artisan breads, and the café serves drinks all day. 135 New Bern St. B, BR, L, B/W

❤ FUTO BUTA

JAPANESE This ramen house promises authenticity, irreverence, and delightful, salty bowls of the hot noodle soup. 222 E. Bland St. (704-376-8400) L, D, B/W ✸

INDACO

$$-$$$

ITALIAN Atherton Mill's newest restaurant tenant serves wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas, proving certain dishes are classics for a reason. 2046 South Blvd. (704-741-9004) L, D, BAR

LET'S MEAT KBBQ

$$$$

KOREAN BBQ Marinated meats at this all-you-caneat hangout come with Korean sides like steamed egg soufflé. 1400 S. Church St., Ste. B. (980-299-4389) L, D, (Mon-Fri) BAR

LUNA’S LIVING KITCHEN

VEGETARIAN This vegan gem is known for its raw version of lasagna, made with zucchini noodles, sundried tomato sauce, mushrooms, and a cashew-basil cheese. Its juice bar is also a popular draw. 2000 South Blvd., Ste. 300. (704-333-0008) B, L, D, B/W, V ✸

MIDNIGHT DINER

MOCCO BISTRO

NIKKO

$$-$$$

NORTH ITALIA

$$-$$$

O-KU

$$-$$$

JAPANESE Artistic sushi, a moody interior, and thumping sound system bring in dinner and late-night crowds, but quick service makes it a great lunch spot. 325 Arlington Ave., Ste. 108. (704-370-0100) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

ITALIAN Head to the ground floor of the RailYard for a dressed-up entree like squid ink mafaldine, or get the basic spaghetti and meatballs, which is good every time. 1414 S Tryon St., Ste. 140 (980-279-8900) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

SUSHI This second location of the Charleston-based Indigo Road restaurant group’s Japanese spot has great service, a beautiful interior, and dishes full of flavor.

❤ ZEPPELIN

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN A seasonal menu includes small plates like Korean-inspired calamari and barbecueroasted octopus. The cocktail program focuses on innovative interpretations of classic drinks. 235 W. Tremont Ave. (980-209-0008) BR (Sun), D (Tues-Sat), BAR ✸

Scaleybark Station

(Arboretum, Ballantyne, Pineville, Fort Mill) $$

AMERICAN This spot serves up hearty portions of diner staples, such as meatloaf and fresh-roasted turkey clubs, all made in-house. 16637 Lancaster Hwy. (704544-0313) B, L, D, BAR ✸

CIVETTA ITALIAN KITCHEN + BAR

$$-$$$

ITALIAN This eatery in StoneCrest at Piper Glen has Italian-American dishes like snapper picatta, penne alla Civetta, and scallops risotto. Save room for a lasagnasized slice of tiramisu for dessert. 7828-E Rea Rd. (980335-2758) BR (Sun), L, D, V, BAR ✸

An all-you-caneat tablescape at Let's Meat Korean BBQ.

THE BLUE TAJ

PRICE’S CHICKEN COOP

THE FLIPSIDE CAFÉ

SOUTHERN Expect to eat your meal standing up—or sitting in your car—but rest assured it's the best damn fried chicken in the country. 1614 Camden Rd. (704333-9866) L, D (until 6 p.m.), Cash only. No seating.

RAI LAY THAI CUISINE

THAI Upscale Thai food in a sleek interior with attentive service makes this a fitting spot for South End. 1520 South Blvd., Ste. 130. (980-207-0991) L (Mon-Sat), D, BAR ☎

SEOUL FOOD MEAT CO.

FUSION This hip spot fuses traditional American barbecue with Korean flavors all the way to the sides, which include ramen mac-and-cheese. 1400 S. Church St., Ste. A. (980-299-5143) L (weekends), D, BAR ✸

SOUTHBOUND

$-$$

BAJA The breezy vibes and bright flavors at this taco joint call for a Pacifico or a margarita. 2433 South Blvd. (704-912-1889) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

PETER TAYLOR

SUPERICA

$$-$$$

INDIAN The sister restaurant of Copper has contemporary decor and a sharply dressed wait staff delivering Indian dishes to each table. 14815 Ballantyne Village Way., Ste. 170. (704-369-5777) L, D, V, BAR ✸

2000 South Blvd., Ste. 510. (704-594-1922) D, BAR ☎

$$-$$$

$$-$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chefs Jon and Amy Fortes’ first restaurant makes you feel right at home, but the food lets you know it ain’t your mama in the kitchen. 3150 Hwy. 21 N., Fort Mill. (803-802-1711) B, BR, L, D, B/W, ☎

FLIPSIDE RESTAURANT

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN This sister restaurant of Flipside Café has a more formal and spacious dining room, which fits with its elevated menu. 129 Caldwell St., Rock Hill. (803324-3547) BR, L, D, V, BAR ☎

GALLERY RESTAURANT

$$$-$$$$

NEW AMERICAN Inside the Ballantyne hotel, you’ll find Southern-inspired, white-tablecloth dining with dishes sourced from local farmers. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. (704-248-4100) B, BR, L, D, BAR

THE PORTER’S HOUSE

$$$-$$$$

STEAK HOUSE The newest member of the Rare Roots Hospitality Group (Dressler’s, Dogwood) is known for thick-cut steaks, modern sides, and craft cocktails. 7417 Waverly Walk Ave. (704-930-7878) D, BAR ✸☎

RED ROCKS CAFÉ

$$-$$$

TEX-MEX Atlanta chef Ford Fry brings the newest location of his Tex-Mex concept, with tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas, to the Design Center. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 100 (980-321-9914) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

AMERICAN Consistently good pasta, seafood, and steak make this restaurant a mainstay in the Strawberry Hill shopping center. Additional locations are in Indian Land and Birkdale Village. 4223 Providence Rd., Ste. 8 (704-364-0402) BR (Sun), L, D, V, BAR ✸

THE WATERMAN FISH BAR

SPICE ASIAN KITCHEN

$$-$$$

SEAFOOD This oyster bar has all the staples: lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters four ways. At sunset, head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail and views of uptown. 2729 South Blvd., Ste. D. (704-275-5558) L, D, BAR ✸

These sips and bites are worth a stop on light rail ZACK'S HAMBURGERS

South Charlotte BIG VIEW DINER

Along the Rail

$$-$$$

ASIAN The dumplings and Pad Thai are consistently good, but the bibimap, bossam, and curry dishes are great for adventurous palates. During patio season, enjoy a cocktail or dessert at the rooftop terrace bar. 251 Textile Way, Fort Mill. (803-548-6868) L, D, V, BAR ✸

BURGERS As you wait in line here, you’ll debate: fries or onion rings? Blurt out your decision, then wait for your number to be called from the microphone, ready for pickup. 4009 South Blvd. (704-525-1720) East-West Blvd. Station

PEPPERBOX DOUGHNUTS

BAKERY The yeast-based doughnut flavors rotate regularly, but recent iterations have included ricotta rhubarb, toasted miso caramel, and pineapple black pepper bacon bar. 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 150 (980-294-0150) Carson Station

LINCOLN'S HABERDASHERY

MARKET This artisanal market and wine shop serves sandwiches and coffee in a chill setting, and the shopping area has rare knickknacks. 1300 South Blvd., Ste. S (704-910-4660) Stonewall Station

RHINO MARKET & DELI

DELI Stop by this popular deli for a breakfast burrito, soup, or sandwich, or grab a snack like the Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese. 1500 W. Morehead St., Ste. E. (704-375-2036) Parkwood Station

STRUDEL SHOP

TAKEOUT Owners Kevin Kelly and Dee Hang grew up in the Optimist Park neighborhood, so you won't find German accents here. "This is redneck strudel," Kelly jokes. 510 E. 15th St., Ste. A (980-237-8077) 36th St. Station

THE CHAMBER BY WOODEN ROBOT $

BREWERY Wooden Robot's second location in NoDa has the same beloved beers and then some in this giant two-story space just steps from the light rail stop. 416 E. 36th St., Ste. 100 (980-938-6200) Tom Hunter Station

SOUTH 21 JR.

SOUTHERN Known for great burgers and fried chicken, its well-decorated chicken dinner comes with Charlotte's standard: fries, coleslaw, and a roll. 6920 N. Tryon St. (704-598-7407) JW Clay Station

NINETIES ICE CREAM

ICE CREAM This family-owned dessert shop serves ice cream sandwiches and cereal milkshakes with childhood favorites like Fruity Pebbles and Lucky Charms. 9009 J M Keynes Dr., Ste. 4 (704-547-1856)

MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

THE GUIDE WALDHORN

GERMAN Family-friendly Waldhorn offers authentic German dishes in a Bavarian setting. 12101 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. (704-540-7047) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸

SouthPark/Park Road ❤ BAR MARCEL

$$-$$$

FUSION The menu features shareable plates of beef carpaccio or truffle and herb frittes—but order a flatbread pizza for yourself. 3920 Sharon Road, Ste. 160. (980-237-1919) L, D, BAR ✸☎

BAKU

$$-$$$

JAPANESE Black and red decor, delicious sushi, techno beats, and a large pair of geisha eyes staring out at the crowd make for a dramatic setting in this shared plates restaurant. 4515 Sharon Rd. (704-8177173) D, BAR ☎

❤ BARRINGTON’S

$$$-$$$$

NEW AMERICAN Bruce Moffett’s first restaurant is one of the best in town, with a classic menu and stellar service. 7822 Fairview Rd. (704-364-5755) D (Mon-Sat), BAR ☎

CAFÉ MONTE

$$-$$$

FRENCH Monte Smith has done a bang-up job recreating a classic French restaurant, and diners react enthusiastically at brunch, lunch, and dinner. 6700 Fairview Rd. (704-552-1116) B, L, D, BAR ✸☎

CANTINA 1511

❤ CORKBUZZ

$$-$$$

MEXICAN This easy, casual spot draws crowds for its fresh takes on Mexican cuisine and fine margarita list. 4271 Park Rd. (704-331-9222) L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

NEW AMERICAN This place focuses on food that pairs well with wine—all 200-plus by the bottle and nearly 40 by the glass. 4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. J. (704-6251328) BR, L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

❤ DOGWOOD SOUTHERN TABLE + BAR

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Ingredients are fresh and cocktails are innovative at this spot, a sister to Dressler’s. 4905 Ashley Park Ln., Ste. D. (704-910-4919) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ☎

❤ DOT DOT DOT

❤ FLOUR SHOP

❤ B BR L D V

100

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

$$$

ITALIAN Watch your pasta get prepared in the open kitchen. Chef Trey Wilson's shared plates are great for larger groups, but if you don't want to share, get the lamb Bolognese. 530 Brandywine Rd. (980-299-3754) D, BAR ☎

❤ GOOD FOOD ON MONTFORD

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Bruce Moffett’s small-plates bistro unites a variety of influences and flavors onto one menu, and each dish is worth ordering. 1701 Montford Dr. (704-525-0881) D, BAR ☎

HARPER’S RESTAURANT

AMERICAN Jazzed-up American cuisine makes Harper’s a place to take out-of-town guests with varying palates. 6518 Fairview Rd. (704-366-6688) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸

HIBISCUS

$-$$

ASIAN Roger and Robert Kongham, the sons of Thai Taste’s owners, serve creamy curries, Thai classics, and sushi in a more formal dining room. 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., Ste. 150. (980-256-4380) L, D, BAR

fits in more comfortably with the Montford Drive scene, but still sets the standard for rotisserie chicken. 1521 Montford Dr. (704-521-8188) L, D, BAR ✸

ROCKSALT

$$$-$$$$

SEAFOOD Head to RockSalt for the spacious patio and fresh seafood—from the raw bar, with several varieties of oysters on the half shell, or the daily catch. 512 Brandywine Rd. (704-503-9945) BR, L (weekends), D, BAR ✸☎

❤ ROOSTER’S WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN

$$-$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Jim Noble’s menu features gussied-up, Southern-tinged American and European peasant fare, like hand-tossed pizzas and roasted chicken. A second location is in uptown. 6601 Morrison Blvd. (704-366-8688) L, D, V, BAR ☎

SIR EDMOND HALLEY’S

AMERICAN This pub, named for the astronomer and mathematician, serves its entire menu until closing at 2 a.m. 4151 Park Rd., Ste. A. (704-525-7775) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸

TOSCANA

$$$

ITALIAN An authentic northern Italian menu is paired with an extensive wine list, while courtyard dining adds to the experience on a nice night. 6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 6B. (704-367-1808) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

❤ UPSTREAM

$$$-$$$$

YAFO KITCHEN

YAMA ASIAN FUSION

LEGION BREWING

$$-$$$

SEAFOOD The 20-year-old SouthPark mainstay is known for upscale seafood, but executive chef Sam Diminich's sushi menu adds Pacific Rim flavors to the mix. 6902 Phillips Place Ct. (704-556-7730) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ✸☎

OAK STEAKHOUSE

$$$$

MEDITERRANEAN With additional locations in Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, this fast-casual concept serves Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare in a wrap, salad, or grain bowl. 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 120. (704-365-7130) L, D, B/W ✸

AMERICAN Unlike its flagship location in Plaza Midwood, the SouthPark brewery serves more than typical bar snacks. Chef Gene Briggs cooks pork belly gyros, duck fat chicken wings, and a full Sunday brunch. 5610 Carnegie Blvd. (980-256-4167) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

STEAK house Chef Tyler Honeycutt aces steakhouse classics like ribeye or filet, and be sure to save room for some lemon olive oil cake for dessert. 4477 Sharon Rd., Ste 125. (704-954-8900) D, BAR ☎

PACO’S TACOS & TEQUILA

MEXICAN Although you’ll find plenty of options on the menu, there are 10 varieties of tacos and more than 60 kinds of tequila. 6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 8A. (704-716-8226) L, D, V, BAR ✸

❤ PEPPERVINE

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Stefan Huebner's creative cocktails may be the main attraction at this membersonly speakeasy, but chef Daniel Wheeler's sweet potato gnocchi with bourbon glaze will convince you to stay for dinner. 4237 Park Rd., Ste. B. (704817-3710) D, BAR

$$$$

FUSION Chef Bill Greene serves a rotation of artistic small plates with unexpected pairings like lamb belly with kimchi porridge, or smoked butternut squash with miso. 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B. (980283-2333) D, V, BAR ✸☎

REID’S FINE FOODS

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Stellar service and a reliable menu have earned this market and restaurant a loyal following. 4331 Barclay Downs Dr. (704-377-7686) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

ROASTING COMPANY

AMERICAN Since adding a full bar, Roasting Company

FUSION This upscale Japanese restaurant has sushi, hibachi, and Asian-inspired entrées. A second location opened in Waverly last year. 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 130. (70s4-295-0905) L (Mon-Sat), D,BAR

✸☎

University Area AMALFI PASTA ’N PIZZA

ITALIAN The only other places where Italian food is this real, this good, and this cheap are called trattorias, and you have to take a plane to get to them. 8542 University City Blvd. (704-547-8651) L, D, B/W ✸

FIREWATER

$$-$$$

AMERICAN The food here is primarily American bistro-style, but the owner’s family tuna business makes apps like the tuna tartare standouts. 8708 J. W. Clay Blvd. (704-549-0050) L (weekends), D, BAR ✸

2020

S AV E T H E D AT E ! T H U R S D AY, M AY 28 THE MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN

Every year, we publish the BOB award winners in the May issue of Charlotte magazine. After the list is released, we host an event to celebrate the B E S T of the B E S T in Charlotte where attendees can enjoy food from BOB

award-winning restaurants, cocktails, live entertainment, and more. D E TA I L S C O M I N G S O O N !

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM/BOBSPARTY

ClosetsbyDesign

SP ON S OR ED BY:

Closets byDesign

ZAPATA’S CANTINA

MEXICAN Expect typical Mexican fare in a high-energy dining room, with an additional location in Ballantyne. 8927 J.M. Keynes Dr., in University Place shopping center. (704-503-1979) L, D, BAR

THE CELLAR AT DUCKWORTH’S

Uptown 204 NORTH

$$$

NEW SOUTHERN This uptown spot with modern Southern food is best for cocktails and conversation at the bar. 204 N. Tryon St. (704-333-3747) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ 5CHURCH

$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Executive chef Whitney Thomas's innovative, seasonal menu includes yellowfin tuna sushi tots and mint crusted lamb loin. 127 N. Tryon St., Ste. 8. (704-919-1322) BR, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ ALEXANDER MICHAEL’S

$$ -$$$

AMERICAN The blackened catfish is cooked just right, the Cajun pasta is piping hot, and chatter fills the noreservations dining room. 401 W. 9th St. (704-3326789) L, D, BAR

❤ ANGELINE'S

❤ ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

L D V

102

COWBELL BURGER & BAR

AMERICAN This sister restaurant to Leroy Fox has a trendy, pop-culture vibe—and a roster of fancy burgers (including a foie gras-topped offering for $20). 201 N. Tryon St., Ste. 1010. (980-224-8674) L, D, BAR

DANDELION MARKET

$$-$$$

ESSEX BAR & BISTRO

$$-$$$

❤ LA BELLE HELENE

$$$ - $$$$

FRENCH The Parisian menu offers rotisserie chicken and a mix of pour commencer and plats, plus decadent desserts and specialty cocktails. 300 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100. (704-9692550) BR (Sun), L, D, BAR ☎

LUCE

$$$

EVOKE

$$$-$$$$

FAHRENHEIT

$$$-$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN Guests order from a daily prix fixe menu (ranging from five courses to nine courses), choose their wine and entrées, and the staff takes care of the rest. 511 N. Church St. (704-3326159) D, BAR ☎

$$$

STEAK HOUSE In this modern space off the lobby of Le Méridien, the beautifully seared steaks and seafood crudos are among the must-try menu items. 555 S. McDowell St. (980-237-5354) B, L, D, BAR ☎

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN Located on the 21st floor of Skye Condos, chef Rocco Whalen’s restaurant is the place in Charlotte to eat a meal and see the city twinkle. 222 S. Caldwell St. (980-237-6718) BR, D, BAR ✸☎

$ Most entrées under $10 $$ Most entrées $10-$17 $$$ Most entrées $18-$25 $$$$ Most entrées $26 & up

B BR

THE KING’S KITCHEN

SOUTHERN Chef Jim Noble's restaurant, which serves traditional Southern fare, donates profits to faith-based feeding centers and employs troubled youth and people who have just come out of rehab or prison. 129 W. Trade St. (704-375-1990) L (weekdays) D, B/W, ✸☎

SPANISH This sister restaurant to Luce serves authentic regional cuisine from Spain for lunch and dinner. 214 N. Tryon St. (704344-8878) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

THAI Thai lovers can sate their cravings with tasty pad Thai, while the more daring can try dishes like crispy red curry duck, a rich, deep-fried half duck in a spicy red curry sauce. 210 N. Church St. (704-332-7212) L (weekdays), D, V, BAR ☎

Best Restaurants Breakfast Weekend brunch Lunch Dinner Vegetarian friendly

COCO + THE DIRECTOR

AMERICAN Marriott introduced this coffee and sandwich shop for locals and hotel guests alike to have a comfortable, casual dining option. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6003) B, L, D, B/W

$$$ - $$$$

GLOBAL Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences run through this menu. Order a few tapas and a bottle of wine, head out to the patio, and watch the activity at Trade and Tryon. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14. (980-406-3857) L, D, BAR ✸☎

NEW SOUTHERN Chef Mike Long's inventive menu mixes countryside favorites like biscuits and deviled eggs with bold flavors and contemporary techniques. 235 N. Tryon St. (704-342-1193) B, BR, L, D, BAR ☎

BASIL THAI

$$-$$$

NEW AMERICAN The focus is on small plates, craft beer served in its proper glassware at proper temperature, and craft cocktails. 330 N. Tryon St. (980-3494078) D, BAR ☎

❤ HAYMAKER

NEW SOUTHERN Enjoy locally and seasonally inspired dishes from North Carolina chef William Dissen in this bright, stylish space next to Romare Bearden Park. 225 S. Poplar St. (704-626-6116) BR,D,BAR ✸☎

$$$

ITALIAN This restaurant serves up an extensive Italian menu in an elegant, modern space. 100 N. Tryon St. (704-376-8880) L (weekdays), D, BAR ☎

❤ THE ASBURY

$$$$

NEW AMERICAN On weekends, this Irish pub turns into one of uptown’s hottest nightlife spots. But during the day, come for a cozy meal with flickering candles and shared plates. 118 W. 5th St. (704-333-7989) BR, L, D, BAR

ITALIAN The Italian-inspired entreés at this uptown spot are all excellent, and the whipped ricotta with sourdough, lavender honey, and pistachio is the most imaginative appetizer on the menu. 303 S. Church St. (704-445-2540) B, BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

❤

CAPITAL GRILLE

STEAK HOUSE A classic steak house, complete with a large bar for sipping martinis and a dining room that exudes power. 201 N. Tryon St. (704-348-1400) L (weekdays), D, BAR ☎

B/W Beer and wine only BAR Full-service bar ✸ Patio seating available Reservations suggested

☎

CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

❤ FORCHETTA

$$-$$$

ITALIAN Chef Luca Annunziata serves lasagna just like his mom made it and carbonara as it's served in Rome. 230 North College St. (704-602-2750) B, L, D, BAR ☎

❤ FIN & FINO

$$$

SEAFOOD Come for the raw bar, but stay for bartender Brittany Kellum's drinks. Then splurge on a slice of cheesecake. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100. (704-800-5680) L, D, BAR ✸☎

❤ HALCYON, FLAVORS FROM

THE EARTH

$$$-$$$$

NEW SOUTHERN With views from the Mint Museum Uptown, this restaurant's local menu is popular for lunch and pre-theater dinners. 500 S. Tryon St. (704910-0865) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

ITALIAN Luce is a beautiful, intimate, luxurious restaurant with simple but innovative northern Italian cuisine. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. J, in Hearst Plaza. (704-344-9222) L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

MALABAR SPANISH CUISINE

❤ McNINCH HOUSE

$$$$

MERT’S HEART AND SOUL

$-$$

MIMOSA GRILL

$$$

SOUTHERN James Bazzelle’s pride and joy serves down-home Southern cooking, with a dash of Lowcountry, in a downtown-feeling place. 214 N. College St. (704-342-4222) BR, L, D,B/W ✸

NEW SOUTHERN This popular after-work spot has a menu that changes seasonally, but always has friendly service, tasty seafood dishes, and interesting grits. 327 S. Tryon St. (704-343-0700) BR, L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎

MURPHY’S KITCHEN & TAP

IRISH Pies, tarts, meats, potatoes—everything you’d expect, you’ll find at this Irish pub with a large range of alcoholic beverage options. 445 W. Trade St. (704-332-0557) BR, L, D, BAR ✸

QUEEN CITY Q

BARBECUE Here, the barbecue slow-cooks

Charlotte magazine (ISSN 1083-1444) is published monthly by Morris Communications at 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Entire contents Copyright © 2020 by Morris Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Periodicals postage paid in Charlotte, NC and additional offices. To subscribe, renew, or change address, go to www.charlottemagazine.com or write to: Charlotte magazine, 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte NC 28203-5161. Subscription rate $19.95 for one year (twelve issues). For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Charlotte, P.O. Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Unsolicited photographs, illustrations, or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer/artist/author. Charlotte magazine assumes no liability for the return of unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

THE GUIDE

every day in wood-fired smokers and comes served with classic sides like peppery green bean casserole and slaw. 225 E. 6th St., Ste. A. (980-272-6341) L, D, BAR

❤ SEA LEVEL NC

$$-$$$

SEAFOOD Concrete beams and rustic brick give an industrial feel to this seafood restaurant, which serves up dishes that are accessible, inventive, and sustainably sourced. 129 E. 5th St. (704-412-2616) L, D, BAR ✸☎

SOHO BISTRO

ASIAN Lightning-fast, friendly service complements hot, savory Chinese favorites such as Sha Cha Shrimp and Mongolian Chicken. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 110. (704-333-5189) L, D, B/W

❤ STOKE

it with a sweet tea or Cheerwine. 2200 Freedom Dr. (980-737-1400) L, D, ✸

PINKY’S WESTSIDE GRILL

AMERICAN Housed in an old auto shop, this funky spot serves great burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, as well as tasty sides like waffle fries. 1600 W. Morehead St. (704-332-0402) L, D, BAR ✸

TOUCAN LOUIE'S

CROSSWORD OF THE MONTH

By Andy Smith

CARIBBEAN With state-sourced meats smoked inhouse and strictly NC cheese, this new cafe's commitment to local ingredients is notable, but it's their food's Caribbean flair that elevates their grab-and-go sandwiches. 2753 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. (980-209-9791) B, L, D, B/W ✸

ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine. com/crossword.

$$$

NEW AMERICAN Hotel dining gets an upgrade with this wood-fired grill, family-style concept in Marriott City Center. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6005) B, BR, L, D, BAR

SUKOSHI

SUSHI Think high-quality sushi in a fast-casual setting. Chef Michael Chanthavong brings favorites from his menu at O-Ku, like tuna wrap-it-up and salmon citrus rolls. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 120. (980-495-3800) L, D, V

THE YOLK

$-$$

AMERICAN Greg and Subrina Collier's breakfast-focused concept in 7th Street Public Market is open for breakfast and lunch, but shrimp and grits topped with Gouda cheese, jerk seasoning, and scallion pesto is delicious any time of day. 224 E. 7th St. (704-230-4346) B, L

West/Northwest Charlotte COMMUNITY TABLE BISTRO

SOUTHERN At the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, a small, cafeteria-style restaurant sears, bakes, and fries comfort food on a daily rotation for an affordable price. 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. (980-636-1000) B, L (weekdays), V ✸

ESTIA'S KOUZINA

$$-$$$

❤ HEIRLOOM RESTAURANT

$$-$$$

GREEK This upscale Mediterranean restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes like gyro pitas, lamb burgers, and hearty salads. 609 N. Main St., Belmont. (704825-7005) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎

NEW AMERICAN Ingredients are sourced almost exclusively from North Carolina, and the tasting menu includes options like fried chicken and pork and beans. 8470 Bellhaven Rd. (704-595-7710) D, V, BAR ☎

❤ NOBLE SMOKE

$-$$

BARBECUE Feast on Carolina-style pork and Texasstyle brisket, and grab a drink at the “Legends Counter” with custom plaques for Southern barbecue icons. 2216 Freedom Dr. (704-703-5252) L, D, BAR ✸☎

BOSSY BEULAH'S

AMERICAN Think of Bossy Beulah’s as the kid sister— or sidekick—to Noble Smoke. Order your fried chicken sammie bunless or add American cheese, and pair MARCH 2020 // CHARLOTTE

103

YOU ARE HERE Each month, we’ll throw a dart at a map and write about where it lands. LOCATION: 105 Statesville Rd. HUNTERSVILLE (Near the intersection of Statesville and Gilead roads)

LE RD.

IL ATESV 105 ST

An Old-Time Trim in Boomtown Huntersville

A PERPETUAL LOGJAM OF CARS chokes the intersection of Statesville and Gilead roads, just off exit 23 on Interstate 77 in Huntersville. But within view sits a place that’s barely changed since before the population boom: Gary’s Barber Shop. The five-chair shop has occupied a slot in the Bayshore Plaza strip mall for 30 years, as Huntersville’s population soared from about 6,500 to more than 57,000. A few years ago, half the shopping center was bulldozed to make way for a new Aldi grocery store, but Gary’s stayed put, and its customers kept coming. Edward Carter is captain of the prime chair in the shop’s front window. He’s been working for owner Gary Carter, his uncle, for the last 40 years: 23 at Gary’s first location in Derita, the last 17 at this spot. This afternoon, West Hunter of Mooresville sits in Edward Carter’s chair. West figures he first got his hair cut at Gary’s in Derita 35 years ago, “back when it was the only

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CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // MARCH 2020

barbershop around.” Since then, every three weeks, he’s sat in either Gary’s or Edward Carter’s chair, bringing his sons as they grew. He comes in now with tales of his five grandchildren. Working the chair next to Edward Carter is barber Scott Enloe, 37, who grew up in Huntersville and watched as hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and business parks sprung up in place of farms and forests. But Gary’s has kept its old-time feel, from the black-and-white checkered linoleum floor to the “Lather Time” hot shaving cream dispenser and the spiralbound paper calendar where appointments are jotted in pencil. “How much has culture changed inside this shop? None. Because I keep it that way,” Edward Carter says with a chuckle. “We’ve gotten to see a lot of growth in this area—changes happened, new industry came in. Thank God I’m still a part of it.” —Cristina Bolling

SHAW NIELSON; CRISTINA BOLLING

As everything around it changes by the hour, Gary’s Barber Shop stays true, and put

4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 532-9041

Ofﬁcial Jeweler of the Carolina Panthers