QC Exclusive No. 49 - 2018 - Issue 4 - The Good Life

T H E Q U IN T ES S EN T I A L C H A R LOT T E M AG A Z IN E

The Good Life Queen City luxury defined, from uncommon experiences to classic indulgences Plus! Charlotte luxury real estate listings

The Peninsula Yacht Club and 40 ways to live your best life in Charlotte and the Carolinas starts on p.150

no. 49 • may/june 2018

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The Exclusives THE LUXURY ISSUE

150 The Good Life A guide to living it up in the Queen City, from uncommon experiences to classic indulgences

166 The Finer Things If luxury is beauty, then these pieces from our favorite jewelry shops are the best symbols of living well.

Peninsula Yacht Club’s Nopkehee cruises on Lake Norman near Cornelius. Photo and cover by Jamey Price.

THE DEPA RTMEN TS

48 THE CULTURE ARTS, STYLE, AND WELLNESS

39

54

Remembrances in Monochrome Raymond Grubb on how he found photography

Elisabeth Rose Davidson’s gorgeous stationary shop

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48

Thunderhead Brian Rutenberg comes to Jerald Melberg Gallery

50

The Mind of a Mystery Writer Megan Miranda’s new novel

84

Zinicola Artisanal Italian in Ballantyne

92

Cafe Monte’s Waffle Sunday brunch doesn’t get sweeter

94

Zeppelin’s Wagyu Tartare An artistic plate in South End

96

Copain’s Pecan Pie An edible Southern tradition

98

NJC’s Rye Chai Coffee shop spice in a rye cocktail

100

Subterranean Spritz Hello, Sailor’s summery vodka cocktail

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Toska Talks Toska Husted on confidence, beauty, skin care, and more

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FOOD AND DRINK

Uncharted Waters Uptown’s Fin & Fino

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79

THE SPREAD 75

Luis Machicao Q&A with the renowned Charlotte fashion designer

“The world happens in front of you and sometimes you’re able to catch it.”

100 54

THE DEPA RTMEN TS

127 THE FOLIO HOME AND DESIGN

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120

110

122

A Quiet Force Scott Carpenter talks interior design Addison Weeks Hardware Luxe gemstone pulls and knobs from the jewelry maker

118

Classic Living A Myers Park living room from Katie Emmons

TRAVEL AND SPORTING

Zero George A new boutique gem in the heart of the Lowcountry

133

140

Into The Wilderness A beginner’s guide to North Carolina’s most rugged destination: Linville Gorge

144

A Different Takeoff The Piedmont Puddle Jumpers are your ticket to a ride unlike any other

112

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Lutyens-Inspired Island Masterpiece An international art and furniture collection finds its permanent home

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THE EXPLORED 133

A Not-So-Quiet Place Insight Automation lives in a Charlotte Lucas design

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THE NOTE

JP Grice (editor) and Brett Barter (publisher) walk to their office at The Foundry on Cedar Street.

photo by Jamey Price

The Good Life Our annual luxury issue covers the entire gamut of living well, from uncommon experiences like a visit to the Ritz-Carlton’s salt room and Baku’s omakase tasting to more classic luxuries like cruising on the lake in the Peninsula Yacht Club’s wooden boat, the Nopkehee, or buying a roadster from Charlotte’s own RK Motors. In our cover story entitled “The Good Life,” we showcase 42 luxury experiences in and around Charlotte that can help you enjoy life the way it was meant to be enjoyed. To accompany those memorable moments we also feature a 14-page photo essay on wearable indulgences from our favorite Charlotte jewelry purveyors.

In this issue, outside of those feature stories in The Exclusives mentioned above, we also showcase some amazing arts and culture content, including a beautiful interview with Charlotte photographer Raymond

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Grubb, a sample of work from Brian Rutenberg’s Thunderhead show at Jerald Melberg Gallery, an introduction to the new Davidson stationary shop Elisabeth Rose, and a fantastic Q&A with local couture designer Luis Machicao.

You can also read about the newest restaurant from Rare Roots Hopitality, Fin & Fino, taste the flavors of Ballantyne’s Zinicola, meet interior designer Scott Carpenter, see Addison Weeks’ hardware line, take a weekender to Zero George Street Hotel, fly above Lake Norman with Piedmont Puddle Jumpers, and so much more.

Until next time, we hope you’ll enjoy the wonderful spring weather out on the patio with a delicious beverage and your favorite magazine.

Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice, Editor

EST. 2011

DETAILS ADDRESS 619 S. Cedar Street Suite B Charlotte, NC 28202 WEBSITE www.qcexclusive.com EMAIL info@qcexclusive.com PHONE 704.219.9088 828.773.4922

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C H A R LOT T E · C H A R L E STO N World Class Living

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OUR TEAM PUBLISHER Brett Barter EDITOR Jon-Paul Grice SALES Ashley Carlini Kathleen Hands EDITORIAL Sunny Hubler Corey Miller EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Chanahra Fletcher Denise Lorraine Davis PHOTOGRAPHY Jamey Price PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Kyo H.Nam Metropolis Iconic Shots The Plaid Penguin

CONNECT @QCExclusive

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THE EV EN TIST

SPRING 2018

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Through 7.27.18 Liz Neilsen At Soco Gallery SOCO Gallery will present Tracing the Azimuth, a new series of unique photograms by artist Liz Nielsen. Tracing the Azimuth will run May 16 – July 27, 2018. This will be the artist’s second solo exhibition with SOCO Gallery. For Tracing the Azimuth, Nielsen is unveiling two years of new works. By using colored lights to expose sections of the surface, Nielsen is ultimately able to blur the boundaries of space to create these luminous “light paintings.” The resulting imagery is reminiscent of mountainous landscapes, celestial objects, and ethereal horizons, each vacillating between representational and abstract. info soco-gallery.com

MAY/JUNE 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 29

The Eventist // Spring 2018 EDITOR’S CHOICE

6.22.18 | Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops | blumenthalarts.org | Photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony

5.16.18 James Taylor with Bonnie Raitt James Taylor announced his seven remaining U.S. Summer Tour dates with special guest Bonnie Raitt, including a mid-May concert at Spectrum Center. spectrumcentercharlotte.com 5.16.18 - 7/27/18 Liz Neilsen The talented Brooklyn-based photographer Liz Neilsen showcases her new work in an exhibition at SOCO entitled Tracing the Azimuth. soco-gallery.com 5.19.18 Dinner With An Artist 5/19/18 - McColl Center’s annual fundraiser and artist-focused evening pairs

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renowned alumni artists-in-residence with Charlotte’s most passionate arts and culture supporters. mccollcenter.org 5.25.18 I Dream A modern Rhythm & Blues opera recounts the final 36 hours in the remarkable life of American icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. operacarolina.org 5.26.18 taste of the mint: oscar de la renta Go on a curator-led tour of the special exhibition The Glamour & Romance of Oscar de la Renta, and then wine and dine on small plate tastings. mintmuseum.org

5.27.18 Eva Ayllon The legendary voice of Peru brings her country’s musical heritage called música criolla to the McGlohon Theater. museumofthenewsouth.org 5.29.18 Charlotte: The Signs of the Times Visit the Museum of the New South as Christopher Lawing will be showcasing his new photo book of his favorite roadside signs. museumofthenewsouth.org 5.30.18 - 7.14.18 Black Blooded The New Gallery of Modern Art hosts a group exhibition with 70 pieces from 50 artists that demonstrates the diver-

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Cathryn Miles Transformation, 40x50

Laura Fontaine Hold My Hand, 36x48

Opening ReCepTiOn: June 1, 2018 MeeT THe ARTisTs

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The Eventist // Spring 2018 EDITOR’S CHOICE

5.30.18 - 7.14.18 | Black Blooded at New Gallery Of Modern Art | newgalleryofmodernart.com | Photo courtesy of NGMA

sity of tradition, kinship, and origin. newgalleryofmodernart.com 5.31.18 Landscapes Without Borders South End’s popular Elder Gallery hosts the renowned Larry Horowitz’s solo show featuring paintings on amusing antiques and found objects, coupled with a collection of unique contemporary landscapes in both abstract and realistic representation. eldergalleryclt.com

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5.31.18 Uptown Crawl Mint Museum Uptown, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art offer three free hours of access. mintmuseum.org 6.2.18 Engineer-In-Residence Join Discovery Place Science educators and their Engineer-in-Residence for this hands-on workshop to work

with robots and (human) engineers to solve a unique challenge. discoveryplace.org 6.2.18 NoDa Brewing 5K Join in for a Saturday afternoon 5k through the neighborhood of NoDa Brewing Company. Enjoy cool swag, beer, music and food trucks. Grab a pint as soon as you cross the finish line and then see the results from the MyLaps timing system. nodabrewing.com

The Eventist // Spring 2018

THE GL AMOUR AND ROMANCE OF

6.4.18 Diamond Classic This tournament that will grow into a weekend built around an annual charity golf open was established to support Safe Alliance and its mission to provide hope and healing for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. ballantyneclub.com

year of

6.8.18 Mint to move Enjoy four hours of Afro-House, Afro-Cuban, and Latin-American dance rhythms with DJ Jorge Moran, live musicians, and unique themes to celebrate multi-cultures, ethnic and gender diversity, dance, and visual and performing art. mintmuseum.org 29 APRI L 2018 – 29 J U LY 2018 | #TH EMI NTMUSEUM MI NT MUSU EM R AN DO LPH | MI NTMUSEUM .O RG

Exhibition organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with the collaboration of Oscar de la Renta, LLC. Presented to the Charlotte community by Wells Fargo Private Bank, with additional support from the Mint Museum Auxiliary, Moore & Van Allen, and Dickens-Mitchener. IMAGE: Designer Oscar de la Renta poses with models after the showing of his spring 1996 collection in New York, November 1995. AP Photo / Paul Hurschmann.

6.8.18 Charlotte Knights Experience minor league baseball at its best as the home team Charlotte Knights host Lehigh Valley at the picturesque BB&T Ballpark. bbtballparkcharlotte.com 6.10.18 Home and Garden Tour From 1pm-8:30pm, join the Duke Mansion for a free, self-guided tour of the grounds and garden. dukemansion.com 6.16.18 Sol Fest at usnwc Sol Fest builds on the tradition of the Brew Stash Bash in a way that provides unique experiences for all guests. This is far more than a traditional beer festival, and will offer races, yoga, music, and more. usnwc.org 6.19.18 - 6.21.18 Tosco Music Beatles Tribute Tosco Music parties showcase an eclectic mix of music styles and engage the audience with singalongs.

The Beatles Tribute will take place at Knight Theater. toscomusic.org

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Brian Rutenberg Thunderhead May 19 - July 21, 2018

THUNDERHEAD, 2018, Oil on Canvas, 60 x 180 inches

704-365-3000 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4

625 South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211

Carlos Estévez: Transeúntes Exhibition extended until June 2, 2018

Conversation with Carlos F r i d a y, M a y 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 6 PM | Wine & Cheese 6:30 PM | Conversation 1429 Bryant Street | Charlotte, North Carolina 28208 | info@lacaprojects.com | www.lacaprojects.com

MAY/JUNE 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 35

The Eventist // Spring 2018 6.19.18 - 6.21.18 God’s Trombones God’s Trombones is an ode to the importance of the African American church tradition and James Weldon Johnson’s iconic collection of sermons. Like the brass instrument, as James Weldon Johnson’s described, God’s Trombones “is a testament to the range and sound of the human voice.” In honor of Black Music Month, join On Q Productions on a musical journey that showcases Black Americans’ contributions to the tapestry of American History. youarenowonq.org 6.23.18 Piano Under The Stars Enjoy a performance of original music composed and performed by Chilean pianist Claudio Recabarren Madrid. schielemuseum.org 6.22.18 CSO Summer Pops Eexperience this unforgettable movie classic as you’ve never seen or heard it before. Your CSO performs Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live, in sync with the movie projected in HD. blumenthalarts.org 6.23.18 Creative A Cappella Hosted at the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, Creative A Cappella explores the creative side (literally!) The Impromtu group dazzles with familiar songs treated with new settings and brand new songs that let the imagination run wild. Don’t miss performances of Fast Car (a heart-breaking arrangement of Tracy Chapman’s song); Home (a take on this Phillip Phillips anthem); and Honeybee (a whimsical, imaginative new song) by Steam Powered Giraffe. blumenthalarts.org

To list an event here contact us at info@qcexclusive.com

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AR TS, ST Y LE, AND WELLNESS

T H E C U LT U R E

words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

Remembrances in Monochrome Raymond Grubb talks about his work, inspirations, and how he found photography.

MAY/JUNE 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 39

The Culture // Musings

R

Raymond Grubb is a Charlotte icon in the art world, recognized for the photography prowess he has curated over the last 25 years. His art displays in SOCO Gallery these days —he is a working fine art and commercial photographer—but his path to getting there was nothing short of unexpected.

Grubb, born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised in the foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, went to Davidson College to receive a biochemistry degree. He then worked in the medical field for several years before becoming... a baker.

Only later did he refocus again, and this time his creative energies went toward the art of photography.

Raymond Grubb’s talent was immediately apparent, so much so that it drew critical attention. Part of what makes Grubb exceptional—and his work so artistically striking—is that he often works using the century-old platinum process during printing. It imbues his images with a unique warmth and softness as they emerge in monochrome. The method is typically used to create a matte image less susceptible to deterioration, and the platinum tones can range from warm black to reddish brown to expanded mid-tone grays: What you’ll see is a gradual shift from black to white. There’s a softness to these types of images, and a quality that makes you feel as if you’re peering into history, or even a memory.

Indeed, that’s what Grubb’s work is about: “capturing and recording those things you want to keep.”

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“I’m not sure photography teaches how to see, but it teaches how some people see.”

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The Culture // Musings

“Daily life is a daily project.

There’s a lot of bread coming out of the oven and a lot of light coming through the windows” When did you become interested in art and photography?

I always played piano, sketched, and painted as a kid, but I majored in biology and chemistry and then also took some studio art classes with Herb Jackson. Then, I spent my junior year in France which is when I first saw friends using something besides an Instamatic camera. I then knew I was going to buy a 35mm camera, but it took a couple of years for that to happen.

I took a lot of classes at CPCC, mostly self-directed darkroom classes. For years I used a Canon FTb and dozens of plastic Diana cameras.

How frequently do you work?

I always have projects I’m working on. Plus, daily life is a daily project. There’s a lot of bread coming out of the oven and a lot of light coming through the windows. I concentrate on portraits and landscape... And Tom [Thoune, Grubb’s partner and another well-known Charlotte artist] is well-documented. I also approach strangers regularly. I spend time in the woods nearby, I work around my old hometown, and I work in the mountains.

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The Culture // Musings

“One of the greatest challenges for me has been to overcome timidity. I now feel confident in how I approach my work.”

What do you shoot with today?

Now I use a Nikon D700, a digital camera, and a 6x9 Voigtlander Avus film camera. Post-production is done on my desktop or laptop and an Epson printer.

Printing is done on my back porch. Platinum palladium, my usual process for printing, doesn’t require total darkness, so I’m out of the darkroom. I work by myself, but my partner works at home too, so he often works with me. I work at home and on location most every day.

I’m interested in the baking you did before fully turning to photography.

I began teaching myself to cook and bake in the late 70’s. Then a college friend’s sister moved to town to open a takeout food shop, and she hired me to bake. Totally inexperienced, both of us. Robin Mack, who was also a talented photographer and now designs womenswear in Greensboro, opened Palatable Pleasures in 1981. I worked there for seven or eight years. I am a dedicated bread and pastry maker, and Robin is still a close friend. Five years ago, Tom and I, with our surrounding neighbors, built a wood-burning oven in our backyard. Château D’ough is where we all gather with lots of friends to cook together regularly.

Creating an artist’s life isn’t simple. What has been the biggest challenge to pursuing your passion?

I’ve spent too much time doing repetitive work, wasting time, with some nasty people. But it’s really a waste to dwell on that since that’s such a small part of my life. One of the greatest challenges for me has been to overcome timidity, but I now feel confident in how I approach my work.

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The Culture // Musings

“The world happens in front of you and sometimes you’re able to catch it.”

What helps you know you’ve created an image that’s “art”?

It certainly helps when there’s a positive response from others. Sometimes it’s intuition. The world happens in front of you and sometimes you’re able to catch it. I’m not sure photography teaches how to see, but it teaches how some people see.

What are you working on currently?

There are several projects I’ve been working on for a while. I’m shooting immigrant friends, acquaintances, and strangers in my home and neighborhood, working on how we fit in together, share space. Mountain beaches have been a focus for the last few years, starting with some locations I used to play in growing up. There’s a project I’m formulating to be shot in France. I’ve begun working in color over the past year; I just received grant money to invest in a new printer to continue that work.

Platinum palladium portrait commissions are keeping me busy now. info raymondgrubb.com

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The Culture // Exhibited

Thunderhead Brian Rutenberg comes to Jerald Melberg Gallery words SUNNY HUBLER

photos courtesy JERALD MELBERG GALLERY

Jerald Melberg Gallery will open artist Brian Rutenberg’s new exhibit Thunderhead. Widely considered to be one of the finest American painters of his generation, Brian Rutenberg has a distinctive method of richly-colored, complex landscape paintings. The South Carolina native transforms the landscapes of his youth into abstract paintings with an impasto surface that is both vibrant and lush.

The first official day of the show is Saturday, May 19. The Gallery will host a “Coffee & Conversation” with the artist, open to the public, at 11 am that day. Thunderhead, an exhibition of all-new paintings, will run through July 21, 2018. info jeraldmelberg.com @jeraldmelberg

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The Culture // Author

The Mind of a Mystery Writer Megan Miranda On Her Latest Novel, All the Missing Girls words CHANAHRA FLETCHER photos courtesy JAMEY PRICE

“Write what you love, embrace your passions and your voice—I think it’s the things that make us unique and different that ultimately make us stand out.”

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Born and raised in New Jersey, New York Times best-selling author Megan Miranda, fell in love with writing at an early age.

If you’ve heard of Megan Miranda already, it’s likely because of her widely popular most recent novel, an award-winning page-turner set in North Carolina called All the Missing Girls. The book flew off the shelves, a devourable mystery with intriguing characters and an ever-deepening plot.

As a child, Miranda was an avid reader of her mother’s mystery and thriller novels, but her early passion for literature always lived alongside a zeal for science. When the time came for Miranda to choose between her two great loves for college, she chose to first pursue a career in biotech at MIT. It doesn’t sound like the jumping-off point for a fiction writer, but Miranda says that the single most valuable piece of writing advice she did learn at MIT was to never fear failure, but to view it instead as a step in the process.

The Culture // Author

Years after MIT, Miranda decided to uproot herself from that science-based career to pursue novel writing. With the inspiration of young adult authors such as Mary Pearson, and Michael Crichton as a driving force, Megan Miranda’s first novel came in 2010.

Although that first book’s publication was a strenuous process—it was soundly rejected and rewritten twice from scratch before it was accepted—Miranda has been a dedicated working author since.

Coincidentally, the career change also soon meant changing locations. After touring the Charlotte area and falling in love with all the Queen City has to offer, Miranda and her husband moved their family from Boston to Huntersville within a month’s span. North Carolina served as her backdrop as Miranda’s work began on All The Missing Girls. In the hours when her children were occupied, Miranda wrote tirelessly. “I started treating it like a job in the hopes that one day it would become so.”

It was the scenic drive from North Carolina back to New Jersey one day that carved the initial setting for The New York Times bestseller. Miranda recalled how—with the dramatic changes of the scenery as she drove north, toward her childhood home—she felt as if she could feel herself “becoming the person that she used to be.” Something about this revelation sparked in her the desire to craft a mystery that embodies this feeling, and unfolds in reverse. All The Missing Girls is heavily centered around ideas of home and rediscovering the past.

And the rest, we suppose, is history. Megan Miranda continues to be a reckonable force within Charlotte’s growing literary community, and through her writing, she teaches a simple, but essential lesson: “Write what you love, embrace your passions and your voice—I think it’s the things that make us unique and different that ultimately make us stand out.”

info meganmiranda.com / @meganlmiranda

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The Culture // Handmade

Elisabeth Rose

T words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

The buzz started quickly once Elisabeth Rose opened its doors in downtown Davidson, NC. The quaint Main Street is a hub, with a bustling campus, local shops, and beloved restaurants. Naturally, newcomers are always of interest in this tight-knit community. Elisabeth Rose, a full-service stationary shop and special occasion services center, managed to fit in seamlessly.

The shop is nestled alongside Pickled Peach and across from Summit Coffee, right where the Davidson Farmers Market sets up shop every Saturday during the spring and summer. The space is both studio and store, housed in a beautiful, light-drenched, exposed-brick space that presents a proper ode to both modernity and nostalgia.

The force behind the shop is Elisabeth Connolly, a Charlotte native who opened up for business in 2017. The storefront is the final piece for Connolly, a way of bringing all the components of her passions together. As for where her story starts, well, that’s with a big cast iron letterpress. Connolly took a few hours out of her day to tell us all about the seeds of the business, what a typical day looks like, and what’s next for Elisabeth Rose.

The Culture // Handmade

“For me, the art of custom stationery is a combination of the tactile art of print methods, paper types, colors, shapes, and the art of etiquette and wording.”

Tell us about the letterpress—I hear this is how it all started.

After leaving the photography business on a whim, I searched Craigslist for a letterpress machine. I immediately found a gorgeous cast iron Samson letterpress from 1881 for sale in Annapolis, Maryland. The press spent its life aboard a U.S. Navy ship based out of Annapolis and when the ship was retired, the gentleman that ran the press years before asked if they could move it to his home. The press lived in his basement where he printed family announcements for years until he passed away —his grandchildren sold it to me. My endlessly supportive husband, Michael, our best friend, and myself piled into a truck two days later and drove to Annapolis to haul all 600 pounds of the cast iron beauty up out of the basement it lived in and back to Charlotte. I set up shop in one of our guest rooms— utterly ruined the carpet with ink and grease, not sure what I was thinking—and began printing sample wedding invitations and thanks to social media, word spread. One thing led to the next and here we are seven years later.

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Tell us about your background in art and photography.

I took one photography class during my freshman year at UNC Charlotte and completely fell in love with shooting and processing film. During my time at UNCC, I studied a number of the studio arts—painting, graphic design, printmaking, 3D design, ceramics and the list goes on. Some time in my junior year, I somehow managed to get a job shooting for Richard Israel [a Charlotte-based photographer]. I learned as much working for Richard as I did in my college years combined, and will forever be grateful for the chance he took when hiring me straight out of school with no “real world” experience.

And then you began working for yourself?

When I got to a place where Richard “had taught me everything he knew,” he encouraged me to step out and begin my own photography company. I hit the ground running and eagerly started booking my own wedding clients, all of who wanted digital images. About six months in, I realized I desperately missed the messy and magical side of photography—shooting film—and if I

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The Culture // Handmade

“I find a lot of inspiration in the quiet, blank space when I begin a design. The possibilities are endless.” was going to be shooting all digital, editing, and delivering to the client on a disc, I needed to find a more hands-on creative outlet to do on the side.

So, what drew you to stationary specifically?

What is special or important, to you, about stationary?

When we were young, my mom assigned each of us kids an elderly relative to write a letter to each week. My person was my dear great Aunt Cindy who lived in New England.

Aunt Cindy wrote back to every single letter that I sent her for years. In college we transitioned to phone calls to catch up and she taught me to fall in love with all things beautiful and refined. At the top of that list were manners and etiquette. Her engagement gift to me was my own copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette which still sits on my desk. I refer to it multiple times a week when wording clients’ wedding invitations. Aunt Cindy lived till 2013, passing away just a couple of weeks before our daughter and her namesake, Cynthia Rose, was born. Her advice, encouragemen, and the lessons she taught me will always be a key part of how we operate at Elisabeth Rose.

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How do you approach producing stationery?

For me, the art of custom stationery is a combination of the tactile art of print methods, paper types, colors, shapes, and the art of etiquette and wording. I pull inspiration from the “feel” my client wants the event to have to create a design that gives guests a hint of what is to come. The same can be said about personal stationery—with a simple note card you can communicate a lot about a client’s style and personality.

I absolutely love the art of capturing these things and putting them on paper. Continuity is extremely important in our designs and that takes careful planning and attention to detail in design. We create everything from the paper goods to structures we design and build for backdrops, seating chart displays, anything that continues the design—the list goes on and the possibilities are endless.

How did you settle on Davidson for the storefront?

About three years in to running the stationery business, my husband and I started planning to open a storefront. I wanted to have a space for my studio and a space for retail where I could sell my own products as well as a carefully curated

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The Culture // Handmade

selection of other stationery and gift items—my mom’s beautiful watercolor paintings printed on stationery at the top of that list—and a space for hosting classes and workshops. What we found is an absolute dream location. In three-anda-half months, we designed, gutted, renovated, furnished, stocked the shelves, and opened the shop. I love the laid-back pace, that the locals all know and support each other, the family-friendly environment, and the food... I love the food.

Where do you get inspiration?

People. I love to hear their stories, and I love to see what they find beauty in.

I find a lot of inspiration in the quiet, blank space when I begin a design. The possibilities are endless, but there’s always a personality that I am working to portray... I love that task most of all.

What’s next at the shop?

Lots! We will host classes, events, and pop up shops. We have already had the opportunity to host some networking and educational events in the evenings as well as our first two calligraphy courses. This summer, we plan to teach kids’ letter writing classes in an effort to bring back the lost art of handwriting notes in this digital age.

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The Culture // Style

“I think the classy woman is always in: It survived the 50s, the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s, the 2000s, and God knows what is coming now. A classy woman will survive any decade.”

Luis Machicao words CHANAHRA FLETCHER

photos JAMEY PRICE

Meet Luis Machicao: Charlotte’s renowned couture fashion designer. From Peru originally, Machicao settled in the South to create a home base for his creative work and luxe designs. With his inspiring vision, Machicao has helped put Charlotte on the map, designing for and participating in exclusive events like New York and Paris Fashion Week. He held the prestigious title of Best Designer for the 2013 Paris Fashion Week, and continues to present innovative and timeless designs each season.

Machicao, ever the gentleman, sat down with us at QC Exclusive to talk about where he’s been, how he got to where he is today, and what’s in store for the future of his designs.

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The Culture // Style

Why did you make the move to Charlotte?

I’ve been visiting the U.S., specifically Miami, since I was seventeen years old, but when I was working for the presidential family in Peru—designing for the First Lady and the President—the political climate became really bad. There were a lot of terrorist attacks on the staff, so that’s why I decided to move to the U.S. I moved to Charlotte after a friend invited me to visit, and I fell in love; I’ve been here for seventeen years.

How did your interest in fashion design begin?

My childhood housekeeper told me that, since I was about five or six, I used to lay out and color coordinate all of my outfits for Mass on Sundays. That surprised me, because I don’t recall that, but it seems that ever since I was a little kid, I have always been interested in the fashion world.

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Where do you get the inspiration for your designs from?

Sometimes silly things, like if I’m in a restaurant and somebody comes in with a nice dress, and that dress is a red color.

Instantly, a whole variation of that dress comes to mind. I get ideas for 70 different dresses in red. Sometimes, in my travels overseas, I could be in a museum, and suddenly the muse comes to my mind and I start designing everything. In moments like that, I need to have paper so I can start sketching; I don’t want to lose track of my ideas. So inspiration comes to me in different ways, varieties, shapes—you name it. My dresses, they have some 1950s-related inspiration, but they’re timeless. I think the classy woman is always in: It survived the 50s, the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s, the 2000s, and God knows what is coming now. A classy woman will survive any decade.

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The Culture // Style

Tell us about your design process from start to finish.

Everything is by appointment. I take at least fifty measurements, because it needs to be precise, it needs to fit like a glove—everything needs to be perfect about it. We pick the material that the client wants, I suggest some shapes, and then I begin to sketch. Once she approves the sketch, I order the fabric from New York and do the fitting. I like to have a long period of time to complete the gown, because it is a work of art.

You need to do everything button by button, application by application.

Do you only design gowns?

I only design formal wear, but I also do bridal gowns, tuxedos, and red carpet gowns. I design swimwear for women and men also, as well as purses and handbags. I have a perfume line as well. I’m the only couturier in Charlotte—the only one that was trained in Paris—and I’m very lucky to be able to offer that. I also show my own collections at the Mint Museum Uptown every March. info luismachicao.com @lmachicao

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The Culture // Wellness

Toska Talks An Authentic European Spa Experience in the heart of Dilworth words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

When I first walked into Toska European Spa, up a flight of stairs in a small Dilworth shopping center, I had already heard no shortage of accolades about the luxury facialist herself, Toska Husted. With her A-list of Charlotte (and well beyond) clients, I was more than a little expectant.

The day I head over is a rare rainy, gray-ish day in Charlotte, but inside the spa is bright and light. I quickly find a hot cup of tea in my hand, and the first thing that happens next is I’m given a quick “skin analysis.” In other words, one of Toska’s facialists uses a little machine to read everything from my skin’s hydration level to the amount of oil and my skin elasticity. With that information recorded, Toska can personalize each person’s facial, which is exactly what she does next. Toska herself is an open book, eager to answer questions, and surprisingly insightful (she guesses—correctly—just ten minutes into our conversation that I’m a libra. I’m intrigued).

In a quiet room with a fire going, the process takes around an hour. During that time, my face is scrubbed clean, exfoliated, massaged, moisturized, face-masked, and even treated to microelectric currents (think a mild electric sensation and a slight metallic taste in your mouth), meant to tone and sculpt facial muscles. When it’s all over, I walk out of the spa with what feels like a wealth of information—you’ll have to visit her yourself to hear the full depth of her expertise— and, indeed, my skin looks ten times healthier. The mastermind behind this exclusive skincare haven stepped away from her round-the-clock work for a few moments to answer a few of our biggest questions.

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“A woman who is happy with her looks is a confident one. I wanted to be one of them myself and wanted to help others.”

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The Culture // Wellness

“I hope that I can raise the awareness for proper skin care and have the young generation understand that prevention is key.”

What inspired you to begin a career in the beauty industry?

From a very young age, I was always the girl who would fix everyone’s eyebrows and makeup… I was fascinated by how much power a little lipstick has. A woman who is happy with her looks is a confident one. I wanted to be one of them myself and wanted to help others, so when the opportunity to attend the Steiner school in London came along, I decided to pursue that dream.

Is skincare an important practice in Kosovo, where you were born, or did your passion for skin care begin when you moved to London?

The art of looking good begins at a very young age for most girls in Kosovo— they’re proud of the effort taken to maintain their good looks. I was a young teen when my mother introduced me to skin care and explained to me the importance of taking care of my “only face!” I value that lesson tremendously and continue to share it with not only my daughters, but my clients and their teens, too.

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What inspired you to open Toska in the Charlotte area after having a spa in Charleston?

We moved to Charleston from London for my husband’s job. Soon after, I noticed there was a need for skincare that was effective without requiring any downtime, and was safe for the client. During the years we lived in Charleston, I visited Charlotte many times. I fell in love with the city, its tree-lined streets, the skyline, and the energy and diversity of its people.

The success of the spa in Charleston gave me the insight to recognize a void in the Charlotte market for a European spa that’s holistic but also results-driven.

What is the biggest thing you aim to bring to the Charlotte community?

I hope that I can raise the awareness for proper skin care and have the younger generation understand that prevention is key. Rather than seeking instant gratification from invasive procedures, skincare must be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle that combines nourishment, adequate rest, and an active body and mind.

Do you employ both American and European skin care practices or strictly European practices?

Having trained in Europe, I think it’s safe to say that we are a true European spa.

Most of our equipment, products, and techniques come from France. We use products that are highly-concentrated, have active ingredients, and are of botanical or marine biological origin.

We start each treatment by diagnosing the client’s skin using our Skin Instant Lab which helps us understand better the condition the skin is in. We also incorporate microcurrent to stimulate the muscles, galvanic current to aid product penetration, LED light treatment for collagen boosting and healing acne, MPL for collagen induction and so on, all in the effort to provide the clients with the best results possible.

You exclusively use a single product line—tell us about that.

I discovered Biologique Recherche through my research while looking for a line that was unique and luxurious, but

The Culture // Wellness

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Do you have any expert tips or tricks for us regarding skincare?

The best thing one can do for their skin is to cleanse it properly, use effective-yet-clean products, avoid the sun, and be consistent with your at-home regimen. info toskaspa.com @toska_europeanspa

FOOD AND DRINK

T H E S PR E A D

Uncharted Waters Uptown’s Fin & Fino embraces seafoodies searching for something new.

words COREY MILLER photos THE PLAID PENGUIN and JAMEY PRICE

MAY/JUNE 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 75

The Spread // Eatery

I

If you, like me, have even the slightest working knowledge of fish anatomy or fortified wine, you may have put together by now just how Fin & Fino got its name. But that doesn’t mean you really understand the intricate goings-on in this new uptown seafood joint, like all the care that goes into the preparation of every freshly caught halibut, or the R&D required to ensure the accompanying cocktail tweaks its sherry base in all the right ways. But you don’t need to know all that. These things are the business of the experts, the seasoned explorers of flavor serving you: And the veteran foodies at Rare Roots Hospitality are anything if not experienced—and adventurous.

Whether you’re partial to the sea-foam-and-seashell bar atmosphere or find yourself in a cozy shiplapped corner seated around a white tablecloth, Brittany Kellum and her bar crew will likely be your first exposure to what Fin & Fino has to offer. Kellum, who first found herself falling in love with cocktails under mixologist Brian Lorusso’s tutelage at Dressler’s and Dogwood Southern Table, is just thrilled to be playing with drink bases that are less than common.

“It didn’t take me long to realize how much I enjoy sharing new things with people who maybe haven’t experienced those things before,” Kellum says. “I can’t get enough of this, really: helping people expand their idea of what they like. You may think sherry is for cooking, or for your grandma, or that rum only works in an obnoxiously sweet beverage on a beach—we’re trying to make those things accessible and approachable in really fun ways.”

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The Spread // Eatery

“You may think sherry is for cooking, or for your grandma, or that rum only works in an obnoxiously sweet beverage on a beach— we’re trying to make those things accessible and approachable in really fun ways.”

- Brittany Kellum

Rum and sherry-based drinks are the things to try here, if only because they pair so darn well with the predominantly freshcatch menu (more on that in a second). But there’s plenty of other audacious little drinks to love on Fin & Fino’s ever-tweakable cocktail list. I’m particularly partial to the Manhattan-esque No Scrubs, which trades angostura for the slightly more bitter Cynar, sweetening and aromatizing the experience with honey and Lillet. Drinks like the Doo Wop, playfully combining cognac and gin with a dash of chamomile and a float of bubbles, showcase Kellum trying weird things, making landfall on the palate with surprising grace.

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And the bar is just the tip of the proverbial oversized ice cube at Fin & Fino. A whole lot of very palatable things are coming out of the kitchen, too, thanks to the collaboration between Chef Ryan Daugherty and Executive Chef Scott Hollingsworth.

Daugherty is heading up the kitchen at this new venture, while Chef Hollingsworth oversees every Rare Roots kitchen. Hollingsworth says he’s just “the idea man,” and that Daugherty is “the talent.” But the Fin & Fino chef insists there’s obvious finesse and efficiency in everything Hollingsworth does.

“I’ve seen him work three different kitchens in a day,” Daugherty says seriously. “He’s a machine.”

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The Spread // Eatery

“I’m whatever I need to be,” Hollingsworth laughs. “If we’re down a dishwasher, that’s where I am. Right now, I’m the oyster guy.

I’ve shucked about every single oyster in here so far.”

- Chef Scott Hollingsworth

I’ve interrogated folks at this restaurant group many times, and they only ever have the highest praise for one another— which can only be good for us diners.

“I’m whatever I need to be,” Hollingsworth laughs. “If we’re down a dishwasher, that’s where I am. Right now, I’m the oyster guy. I’ve shucked about every single oyster in here so far.”

I don’t envy him—they’re serving one of the largest selections of oysters in the city, and they have every intention of growing that part of the menu—but of course he (as well as Daugherty) is just being modest. Their menu exudes talent, with items like the fresh-caught monkfish (which shares its plate with fife berry, spinach cakes, tomato, lobster, and saffron veloute) and the

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The Spread // Eatery

buckwheat tagliatelle (Carolina shrimp, sungolds, pac choi, sherry, and scallions). But it’s also not so fine as to be above the fun seafood restaurant fare you expect. The concessions made for uptown happy hour crowds are many and varied—like the five-dollar burger, a hoisin-chili calamari, or the oh-so-classic seafood tower—but no less chef-driven. With a menu that manages to do everything, Hollingsworth and Daugherty entice you to try, well, everything.

And then you’ve got to try it all again, but with a different drink pairing. Naturally, it’ll keep changing, because there are always new places to go. It’s possible that’s the point. There’s a pursuit of new ideas in the kitchen and behind the bar here, one not unlike the restlessness of the seafaring cultures that inspired the whole endeavor. And that’s exactly what they want to share with you.

Or maybe that’s reaching. Either way, I’m hooked. info finandfino.com / @finandfino

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The Spread // Artisanal

Zinicola As Charlotteans usher in a new season, one of the city’s newest fine-dining destinations introduces the authentic taste of springtime in Italy. words A JOLL A COLE

photos THE PLAID PENGIUN

The story of Zinicola is one rooted in love.

For executive chef and owner Richard Cranmer, the foundation of the new Italian spot is his relationship with the cooks who helped him grow up. For years, meals prepared by his mother and his nonna brought their family together.

As a young child, Cranmer traveled every year to the small Italian town of San Giorgio a

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Liri to visit his nonna; there, he says, he was able to watch a woman who loved her family through the food she cooked. Following in her footsteps with Zinicola, Cranmer incorporates the flavors of each season, making all pastas from scratch and serving guests as if they were family.

The Spread // Artisanal

“Using ingredients that are largely from Carolina farms to recreate my family’s oldworld recipes feels harmonious,” says Cranmer.

“It’s the perfect marriage of past and present.”

Located in Ballantine Village, Zinicola opened its doors just this past December. Even though

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it’s only been open a few months, the eatery is already leaving its mark on the Queen City.

In addition to the requisite handmade pasta options, the menu includes lighter fare, like tuna crudo and a beet salad, freshly prepared pizzas, and heartier entrees ranging from short rib to

The Spread // Artisanal

seafood and vegetarian options. With locallygrown produce driving new springy menu items, and Cranmer channelling his family’s recipes through these Carolina ingredients, it’s no wonder Zinicola is already becoming a staple.

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In addition to new seasonal menu options, the restaurant is also opening a full-service outdoor bar and dining space in early summer, further complementing their specialty cocktail menu and extensive wine list.

The Spread // Artisanal

“Using ingredients that are largely from Carolina farms to recreate my family’s old-world recipes feels harmonious.”

All this is in the name of a certain kind of hospitality. For Cranmer, Italian cuisine isn’t just a passion; it’s the foundation of the heartfelt dining experience he hopes to create. Eating at Zinicola, Cranmer insists, should feel like coming home. info zinicolaitalian.com @zinicolaitalian

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The Spread // Plated

Cafe Monte’s Belgian Waffle words SUNNY HUBLER photo JAMEY PRICE

A staple of European dessert and street food culture, the Belgian waffle emigrated over to America as breakfast fare (first it underwent a name change too: In Belgium, it’s actually called a Brussels waffle). Not everyone gets this dish right here in the US of A, but SouthPark’s Cafe Monte, as usual, is predictably on point.

Instead of drowning the pastry in toppings or sweets, theirs is simple and perfectly rendered. Even if you’re typically a savory breakfast eater, this waffle is still right up your alley: It’s a light batter, complete with the traditional large squares and deeper pockets that allow for all the butter and syrup you’d like (or not—dust a little confectioners sugar and you’re set, too). Paired with a hot cup of coffee and good company, this is the breakfast or brunch dish that’s been missing from your rotation. info cafemonte.net @cafemontebistro

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The Spread // Plated

Zeppelin’s Wagyu Tartare words COREY MILLER photo JAMEY PRICE

Warning: Consuming raw or undercooked meats may increase your risk of consuming more raw or undercooked meats—especially in the case of this wagyu tartare at Zeppelin.

It may look a tad abstract at first blush, but Chef Vince Giancarlo constructs this dish with intentionality—there is, I’m sure, a correct way to consume it. My best effort:

Grab a root veggie chip of your choice (taro or sweet potato), load it up with the rich beef, and garnish that with some dollops of egg custard and roasted tomato relish. Patiently try all this alone first, and then break that black truffle yolk on top of it. When finished, you’ll probably need to order another for the table. I mean, you were warned.

info zeppelinsouthend.com / @zeppelinclt

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The Spread // Plated

Copain’s Pecan Pie words SUNNY HUBLER

We’re going to go ahead and make generations of our mothers and grandmothers mad: Pastry chef Maris Petersen of Copain has perfected the pecan pie. The newest addition to Jim Noble’s Noble Food and Pursuits, Copain is serving up all kinds of pastries, sweets, and breads, but this particular pie is something special. Pecan pie is a storied tradition in the South, and while it’s most typically served on holidays, this one is

photos JP GRICE

deserving of a place in everyday life. Petersen uses the classics: nuts mixed with eggs, butter, and sugar in a perfectly flaky crust—but hers is also particularly beautiful, a theme with Copain’s baked goods. Chef Maris has that rare touch where everything manages to taste even better than your eyes might suggest. This one is a pie to gather round—and that, we’d like to note, would make those moms and grandmas happy after all.

info copaingatherings.com / @copaingatherings

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The Spread // Poured

Not Just Coffee’s Rye Chai words COREY MILLER photo JAMEY PRICE

I expect that Not Just Coffee’s newest location—with its patio space, roll-up overhead doors, and expanded menu—will have people flocking to Dilworth Crossing in the summer, and luckily for those patrons, the new spot seems to have a firm grasp on patio cocktail sipping. One of their amazingly delicious creations, the Rye Chai, served in a predictably fashionable Nick and Nora glass, seems particularly suited to the coffee empire’s strengths, harkening back to

their penchant for seasonal café specials.

This time around, though, the warming spices are constituted mainly of the distinct warmth of Henry McKenna 10 Year, the gentian-y citrus of Aperol, and the concentrated bitter sweetness of Rishi Masala Chai. With just a hint of herbiness from a Green Chartreuse rinse and a touch of burnt orange, the cocktail makes an undeniably good case for this coffee shop’s transition toward more than just coffee.

info notjust.coffee / @notjustcoffee

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The Spread // Poured

Hello, Sailor’s Subterranean Spritz words COREY MILLER photo KYO H. NAM

Hello, Sailor’s tiki-ness may be the cornerstone of the drink menu, but cocktails like the Subterranean Spritz insist that rum isn’t the only liquor here deserving of attention. Carbonated with lime La Croix, sweetened with agave, and accented with key lime and smoked pineapple, the Spritz is definitely a vodka drink… but one that knows how to dress up its liquor base. Falernum lays on the

additional Caribbean flavors, resulting in a drink that’s easy sipping yet decidedly unlike the tiki beverages dominating the menu. Make no mistake, this tropical beaut is for those lovers of warm weather who make it their business to avoid rum drinks. Having just recently tried this Spritz outside for the first time, taking in the lake views from Sailor’s breezy deck, I can’t say I blame them.

info hellosailornc.com / @hellosailornc

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H O M E A N D D ES I G N

T H E F OL IO

A Quiet Force Scott Carpenter talks interiors, yachts, commercial design, and how he found his unique niche in the design industry. words SUNNY HUBLER portraits JAMEY PRICE photos of spaces MICHAEL BLEVINS

MAY/JUNE 2018 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 103

The Folio // Foundation

“In my designs, I aim for the surroundings to always provide warmth.”

Scott Carpenter is a bit elusive. Google his name and you won’t find a million hits. Search him through social media, and you aren’t about to be bombarded with dozens of images of his designs. But say his name in the right crowds, and you’ll see clearly that his reputation precedes him.

Before Scott Carpenter became a force at the forefront of Charlotte’s interior design industry, he was a young person growing up in southern West Virginia with a love of interiors. He attended school for Commercial Art and Design before completing an internship with a design studio in South Carolina. He found himself doing interiors that ranged from commercial and residential to custom-built yachts in New Orleans. Before long, he relocated to Charlotte and started Scott Carpenter Interiors.

Here in Charlotte, Carpenter has been at the cutting edge of design for high-end homes, like that of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, and he’s worked on well-known Charlotte businesses like Ink & Ivy, Whiskey Warehouse, Baku, and Brazwells. He has also lead the completion of yachts for Janie, Wheels, and Lohengrin.

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The Folio // Foundation

“I feel the client gets a better outcome when you are part of the project from the ground up.”

How did you first know you wanted to get into design?

I always knew I wanted to do design work… I can remember when I was in high school. I would move the furniture in my parents living room after I finished with football practice (laughter). I truly am very blessed to be able to make a career out of something I enjoy so much.

What’s a day in the life look like for you?

For me, all days are different. I travel often for projects, so that makes them all the more exciting. Residential is different from commercial work, and then when I’m doing yachts, I have to be extra aware of space. You never know what each day has in store for you.

Is most of your work centered in Charlotte?

Charlotte is my home, so yes, a little over 50 percent of my work is in the Carolinas. The other 50 percent has been all over the United States: Southern California, the Midwest, New York, Washington DC, Virginia, South Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Charleston to name just a few.

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The Folio // Foundation What inspires you?

Traveling. I have been able to go around the world with projects from India to South America, China, Europe, and, of course, our great US-of-A. How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?

In my designs, I aim for the surroundings to always provide warmth for me and my clients.

Do you often work with builders and architects?

Yes, I work closely with both builders and architects. I feel the client gets a better outcome when you are part of the project from the ground up.

What are the rewards and challenges of your work?

The most rewarding part is when I finish a project and my friends and clients love what we have done. It always makes me so happy to see it come to life after all the time and energy we put into it. As for challenges… I think that all projects are challenging. It makes you a better designer and lets you think outside the box.

Tell us about some of your recent projects.

I truly have many that come to mind, and I am so thankful for being able to do to them all. Rick Hendrick’s personal car museum in Concord, Channing Tatum’s restaurant (Saints and Sinners) in New Orleans, one of the top ten yachts built for Trinity Yachts and published in the Robb Report, and the Sonic Automotive offices here in the Cotswold area. I have been able to do several fun NBA, NFL, and NASCAR homes over the years that I’ve loved, too.

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The Folio // Crafted

Addison Weeks’ Hardware Luxe gemstone hardware offerings from the jewelry experts at Addison Weeks words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

Katherine Weeks Mulford and Lee Addison Lesley, the talented duo behind the brand name, have been friends and business partners for fifteen years. During that time, they’ve managed to bridge the gap between classic and modern through their locally handcrafted gemstone jewelry.

The pair’s pieces incorporate striking gemstones like turquoise, quartz, moonstone, and others, fixed within versatile gold and silver settings.

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The Folio // Crafted

The two met in Atlanta, where they each worked for large corporations.

That is, until they began making jewelry together in their free time. Their creations started out as gifts for friends and family until both women decided to take the craft to the next level.

Now, with their office located in the South End area of Charlotte, Kat’s hometown, the company is growing rapidly. The pair went from shipping a few dozen orders a day to a few hundred after their Whitten Stud earrings caught Oprah’s eye.

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The Folio // Crafted

“Our customers are our best inspiration—we love to listen to what they need and try to incorporate that into our collection.”

Most recently, the pair has kicked off their latest line: hardware. “Lee (my business partner) and I have always been obsessed with gemstones, but we felt like our jewelry designs could easily transition into home decor,” Katherine explains.

Lee and Katherine tinkered with a few home decor designs and showcased them at High Point. The next big break came when the duo had an opportunity to collaborate with the Southeast’s beloved interior designer Barrie Benson. It seemed everyone was in need of unique, luxurious hardware in the marketplace.

“It was an education in manufacturing something other than jewelry,” Katherine says.

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The Folio // Crafted

Now, they sell hardware that includes everything from refrigerator pulls to curtain tie backs. The team has the metal handmade in one factory while the gemstones are mined and hand-cut in another. They then assemble all the hardware by hand in their Charlotte office.

“We try to design hardware that is functional but also adds a unique element to a project,” Weeks says.

“We have seen our hardware used to transform an old chest and throughout an entire kitchen. It is so fun to create something and see how people choose to put it to use... Our customers are our best inspiration—we love to listen to what they need and try to incorporate that into our collection.” info addisonweeks.com @addisonweekshardware

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The Folio // Vignette

Classic Living words SUNNY HUBLER photo TRI GROUPS STUDIO

Katie Emmons brings decades of experience to her interior design work. Though she first established Katie Emmons Design in 1995 in Dallas, Texas, she now lives and works in Charlotte, bringing her creative touch and signature style to clients across the Queen City.

This Myers Park living room was designed to incorporate both homeowners’ tastes: the husband’s love of the outdoors and hunting combined with the wife’s elegant style and serene personality. Emmons tapped local

artists to paint and draw original artwork for the gallery wall of images from their farm.

“We also wanted to layer the space for warmth (given that we were using a palette of neutrals), while maintaining a clean, simple, classic atmosphere,” Emmons explains. “We played with value of color as well as texture to add interest and contrast.”

The overall result is a livable but sophisticated space that perfectly embodies her clients’ interests.

DETAILS Painting Amy Sullivan Sketches and Watercolors Lisa Gatlin

info katieemmonsdesign.com / @katieemmonsdesign

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The Folio // Vignette

A Not-So-Quiet Place words COREY MILLER photo METROPOLIS ICONIC SHOTS

This library in Eastover, with its juxtaposition of bold color and strong patterns, is eye-catching, no doubt.

Charlotte Lucas’ inspired design is expectedly beautiful, but there’s a lot to this space—and how the homeowners live in it—that you can’t see. That’s where Esbith Andaya and Insight Automation come in.

You won’t find any angry bespectacled librarians here.

Shelves and shelves of books and hidden bar notwithstanding—this space is all about sound. The clients insisted on the

extremely high-quality audio, and Insight Automation delivered. An exceptional wifi network, powered by Luxul, ensures that those stone walls aren’t an issue. Audio is distributed via a Marantz amplifier and a Sonos Connect streaming system—both necessities for achieving the desired fidelity of sound in this space. And it’s all in service of the space’s focal point: those flashy die-cast aluminum Fazon F5 loudspeakers. It’s all extraordinarily lovely to look at, but this is a space you have to hear to fully appreciate.

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The Folio // Vignette

Poolside, at the Lake words SUNNY HUBLER photo MICHAEL BLEVINS

The Lake Norman home of professional NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin was a massive collaborative project led by architectural designer JJ Barja, of Elite Design Group, interior designer Scott Carpenter, and builder Ted Thompson. Hamlin had a vision of a home that could suit his lifestyle in every way imaginable, a place where his stress could seep away, but also where he could kick-off an after-party.

The home sits comfortably on The Peninsula in Cornelius, overlooking the water. The back-

yard area (which even includes a helicopter landing pad) is the pinnacle of the home’s luxe comfort. You can access the water, enjoy the yard, or relax on the patio.

“I took the approach of a house built on the cliffs in California,” explains Carpenter. “Postwar, easy living, great for entertaining, and what a view…I call it the ‘Malibu.’” The waterfront property affords a spectacular view of the shimmering lake, especially from the custom pool spanning much of Hamlin’s yard.

DETAILS Pool Bill Clawson Landscaping G&G Landscaping

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The Folio // Blueprint

Lutyens-Inspired Island Masterpiece An international art and furniture collection finds its permanent home. words DENISE LORRAINE DAVIS photo METROPOLIS ICONIC SHOTS

It’s a fantastic story over cocktails with your guests: While living in Washington, DC, you drove by the British Ambassador’s residence often, became inspired, and started to sketch ideas for the home you are entertaining them in. And it’s a true story.

Tom McDuffie and his wife Barbara have lived all over the world including a “terrific apartment in Paris,” he mused. During this time, they amassed a stunning collection of art, sculpture, artifacts, décor, and furniture. Early in his career, Mr. McDuffie was a commercial architect in Charlotte with CTHL (now known as LS3P) and made lasting friendships there.

After they purchased a lot bordering the Cassique golf course and marshland on Kiawah Island in 2008, the process of inspiration and imagination began. “I contacted my long-time friend and former colleague, Mike Tribble, former partner and now chairman emeritus of LS3P,” explained McDuffie, “The plan was to just have some fun on this design and we did just that.”

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The Folio // Blueprint

“As you view the art, what is immediately self-evident is that this residence must have been designed to house this collection. It is frankly too perfect.”

Tribble explained the collaboration process, “The first concepts were designed upon his wishes and evolved from there. He served as the critic, often sketching on airline napkins as he traveled.

LS3P (Charlotte office) handled all the drawings, plans, and models from start to finish. As a team, we were all like-minded about the outcome.”

The foundational reference was, yes, the only residence in the United States that Sir Edwin Lutyens designed. The English architect is mostly known for the 8-ft long Thakeham bench he designed in 1902­—the now mass-produced Lutyens Bench. A higher-end replica crafted in teak by Restoration Hardware stands proudly centered off McDuffie’s pool as a salute of sorts.

So what exactly inspired McDuffie to reference his creative process to this palatial building on Embassy Row? “Compelling symmetry,” states McDuffie, “a motor courtyard defined by winged

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structures that serve as garages with administrative spaces above. Everybody has L-shaped residences. I loved the symmetry, formality and command of a common courtyard entry.”

McDuffie goes on to explain the magnificent setting of the lot and what he aspired to achieve. “I sketched (on a napkin) how one could see through the house to the marsh from the front of the house for a visual experience that creates an expansive, single indoor/outdoor living space.”

True symmetrical balance was profoundly key in every ounce of effort by all involved. It required constant communication and buy-in to hit the mark consistently. “I told Rob [Hutzler] and John [Glider] of Kingswood, that I would be visiting the job site every two weeks; and asked if anything is not aligning perfectly at any phase, to stop and call me instead of making concessions in the moment. I’d rather delay the schedule than compromise perfect

The The Folio Folio //// Blueprint Blueprint

symmetry in each and every detail of this design,” asserts McDuffie. “And I have to say, they understood this architectural pin-point focus. They would call often and really wanted to make this happen. Even the follow up today is tremendous as we tweak, change, and add things.”

This architectural plan had over 80 sheets during the design process (including many napkins). Most luxury homes may have 20-30. The art of rendering perfection was the team’s commitment from start to finish. Tribble adds, “To improve our presentation of ideas in real context (to the architectural review board), we created several models, each one taking 1215 hours to print on a 3-D printer. We were going in a more unique direction in this development and wanted everyone to feel confident that our ideas were solidlybased on decades of combined architectural experience and plenty of credentials.” It’s certainly not your typical tag team on a residential project: Both men are honorary fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and Tribble is also a fellow of the American Institute of Architecture.

At the center of everything was the fact that McDuffie did not want to move in the home and regret any decision he had steered. And there were plenty of

challenges. Originally, they wanted two double-car garages, but the wing buildings were too large and overtook the main structure of the home. They had to scale down the size of the “gate houses” to a proportion that was complimentary. When they redesigned them to single car garages with full-amenity guest suites above, the flanked structures still looked too large.

To create a pleasing and effortless balance, they lowered the fascia to align with the main house and designed vaulted-ceilings to create greater comfort and appropriate scale of interior space for guests. The effect is remarkable: the facia aligns visually across the front elevation spectrum even though the main house is 5 1/2 ft. above the motor courtyard.

The property at 5,478 heated sq. ft. is a system of respective datum points and anchors. For example, the gate houses anchor the main residence (but at a comfortable distance), every exterior corner is punctuated with a column and throughout the interior living spaces, all elements of various materials are visually aligning. There is not a single line that does not relate to another. It all makes so much sense, that you instantly relax in its presence from any perspective allowing the artwork and design aesthetic to come alive in your senses over anything else.

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The Folio // Blueprint

As you view the art, what is immediately self-evident is that this residence must have been designed to house this collection. It is frankly too perfect. McDuffie chuckles, “You are correct. I had an inventory of our collection including furniture and every detail on planning floating walls, wall sizing and lighting was prioritized to accommodate our collection. We even drew these pieces into the plans during the design process. We knew where everything was going to live well before we moved in.”

Another appreciated achievement was that while the couple desired to have a grand open space for entertaining guests, they wanted the same space to feel intimate and homey when they spent time in the home alone, as they did recently over the holidays.

The museum-like space seems to be restful and cozy due to its exacted sublimity. The master bedroom and study are exactly the same rooms, just decorated differently. Even the fire places in these spaces are precisely in the same location on the left and right exterior walls. The guest

suites with covered walkways and runway lights for late nights are precisely identical. McDuffie’s ideation of every detail was often inflight, as the runway lights were inspired by landing one night in a plane.

The master bath is a sight to behold as well. Unusual floor to ceiling teal glass tile from Germany frames the oval window, which is mirrored from the kitchen window on the opposite side of the home. The glass enclosures were inspired by a stay at a luxury hotel in China. Although much larger in scale in this home, the concept of a floating tub flanked by two glass enclosures is unique and jaw-dropping. “I have to give my wife and Kingswood credit for this one. I had concerns about the color, the pattern and how it would turn out in the end. They knew it would be great and now it is one of the great features of the home.” says McDuffie.

From an architectural journey standpoint, Tribble summarized it this way: “The best projects are the ones that stay true to the concepts.”

info kingswoodhomes.com / @kingswoodhomes / metropolisiconicshots.com / @metropolisiconicshots

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T R AV E L A N D S P O R T I N G

T H E E X PL OR E D

Zero George Street A new boutique gem in the heart of the Lowcountry . words CHANAHRA FLETCHER photos courtesy ZERO GEORGE

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The Explored // Weekender

C

Constructed in 1804 in Charleston, South Carolina, the Zero George Street hotel is a bright, quaint community of sixteen studios and suites enclaved together throughout five historical residential buildings in a lush, private landscaped area. The hotel’s effortless blend of European chic with Southern charm provides the perfect aesthetic to accentuate the gentle Charleston breezes, vintage settings, and overall easy air of the nook in which the hotel is nestled.

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The Ultimate Boutique Experience

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The Explored // Weekender

Here, relaxation is encouraged, but comfort is guaranteed. Each room, modeled after the simple elegance of European luxury, features lofty beds with posturepedic mattresses, triple-sheeted Italian frette linens, and foam and down alternative pillows that certainly make parting with the bed a sweet sorrow. If you gain the resolve to throw back the covers, however, many more amenities await around the property of the Zero George.

Enjoy the complimentary continental European breakfast on the furnished outdoor piazza, or reflectively sip wine around the cast iron fountains, statuesque palmetto palms, and the luxurious plantings encamped in the hotel’s garden courtyard. If food is what you’re feeling after a long day of blissful do-nothingness, stop by the Zero George Restaurant + Bar to try the tasty creations of Food-Network-featured and world-renowned Head Chef Vinson Petrillo.

Tantalize your tastebuds with the flavors of dishes such as Parmesan Tortellini, Herb Roasted Cervena Venison, and Whole Roasted Kabocha Squash. If you’re feeling more hands-on, enroll in one of the many threecourse cooking classes that the Zero George Restaurant + Bar invites both the general public and hotel guests to partake in.

The Explored // Weekender

Afterward, once the inviting call of Charleston becomes too enticing to resist, step out into the city and enjoy the sights that the historic setting has to offer. Sink your toes into the sand of one of Charleston’s five beaches, or walk in the footsteps that the past has carved at the Magnolia Plantations and Gardens, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point Military Museum, or Charleston’s Museum of regional artifacts.

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If a change of scenery is what you want, and a weekend of repose is what you need, fall into the open embrace of Charleston’s Zero George Street hotel, and let the charming, airy atmosphere of the city wrap itself around you until your responsibilities seem like distant memories, and your worries cease to exist. info zerogeorge.com | @zerogeorgest

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The Explored // Sporting Destinations

Publisher Brett Barter sits atop the summit of Table Rock.

Into the Wilderness A beginner’s guide to North Carolina’s most rugged destination: Linville Gorge words JP GRICE photo STEPHEN PHILPOTT The Chimneys Your trip to the gorge should start here.

Simply drive up Old Table Rock Road and park at the parking area near the top.

Pack up some water and snacks and hike just ten minutes to the left from the parking area along the ridge; you’ll quickly see why they call it The Chimneys. These pillars of rock are perfect for mountain climbers, and they create an epic backdrop for landscape photographers. The long-distance views from the top of The Chimneys will make you feel like you’re truly on the top of the world. Note that the trail here is exposed to big cliffs, so be very careful.

T

The Linville Gorge Wilderness is one of the most rugged places in our state. Challenging hikes abound, but the obstacles of each are outweighed by the big payouts along the way and at each trail’s end. The daunting size of this area, at over 11,000 acres, makes it difficult to see in twenty-five trips, let alone in one. However, we made you a beginner’s guide to the wilderness are, featuring five mustsee destinations in the gorge that, if you go after it hard, you can do all in one summer weekend.

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Table Rock After you’re finished with The Chimneys, head back to the parking area. This time. go to the right and hike up the Table Rock Summit Trail. A 15-minute walk on the winding but well-groomed trail guarantees 360-degree views of the foothills to the south, with Grandfather Mountain above in the distance and the adjacent gorge and river directly below. In late spring hikers can see the beauty of the flowering rhodendron along this trail and atop the summit.

Hawksbill Mountain Park at the accessible trailhead off Table Rock Road, and start your one-and-a-half mile round trip to Hawksbill Mountain.

It’s a strenuous hike to the top, but from the summit you can see Table Rock’s silhouette, the harsh cliffs of The Chimneys and the entire canyon below. On your hike into Hawksbill, if you are extremely lucky, you have a chance to see the elusive black bear.

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The Explored // Sporting Destinations

Delectables by Holly Hiker Chris Hough stands atop a cliff at The Chimneys. Photo by Jamey Price

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Linville Falls Head to mile marker 316 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s where you’ll find a handful of amazing views of the popular Linville Falls. This 90foot drop is where the Linville River enters the gorge. We recommend viewing it from above and going out of your way to view it from the bottom as well—At the base of the falls is where you can really see its true power. Be on the lookout around the water here, as a variety of snakes —including northern water snakes, copperheads, and even timber rattlers—look to feast on prey.

Wiseman’s View On the other side of the gorge, Wiseman’s View offers stunning straightdown-the-pipe views of the gorge, Table Rock, and Linville River below. There are two stone observation points to visit, but the upper viewing area offers the ultimate Wiseman’s view.

If you finish these five hikes and still have additional time to enjoy more of the gorge, we encourage you to check out Babel Towers Trail, a scenic trail that drops all the way to the Linville River, where rock spires tower above waterfalls and deep pools. Here, at the bottom of the gorge, you can cool off, swim, fish, and even camp.

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The Explored // Adventure

A Different Take-Off The Piedmont Puddle Jumpers are your ticket to a ride unlike any other. words COREY MILLER photos JAMEY PRICE drone photos JOE PURVIS You’ve probably been in a boat, lazily drifting on a lake before. And you’ve surely been in a plane before—maybe even a tiny private one. But those are just vehicles— one for transportation, and the other mostly for sport. Marry the two concepts, though, and you’ve got yourself a good oldfashioned experience.

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The Explored // Adventure

Seaplane flight might seem an intangible experience, the kind of thing you’ve seen in movies and magazines, but to which you definitely don’t have access. That’s where the Piedmont Puddle Jumpers come in.

A collaboration between two flight schools located in central NC, Piedmont Puddle Jumpers is headed up by Mike and Mike. These guys are two of the friendliest, most down-to-earth Carolinians you’ll meet… They just happen to enjoy spending a lot of their time in the air, and on the water. Luckily, they’re set on sharing that experience with others: PPJ offers an array of aquatic aviation opportunities, ranging from instructive training courses to more affordable “discovery flights.”

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BUILDING HOMES WITH C H A R AC T E R

A Magliocca Co.

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The Explored // Adventure

Trust me, you’ve got to give it a try, at least once: Seaplanes may be among those things you don’t think your life needs to include, and that’s a fair assumption. They’ve probably always been in your peripheral (as they were in mine), along with all those other things you haven’t tried that seem like they may or may not be worthwhile. But frankly, there’s nothing like it. info piedmontpuddlejumpers.com

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The Explored // The Good Life

T he

Good Life

D

A guide for living it up in the Queen City, from uncommon experiences to classic indulgences words COREY MILLER and SUNNY HUBLER Luxury can be tough to define.

Despite our brand being bound to the term and multiple media dedicated to dissecting what luxury means to Charlotte, a succinct meaning for the concept can be hard to pin down. At its most abstract, luxury has a vaguely golden sheen; an elusive idea often summoning images of handand-foot service and all things outside of some arbitrary, subjective price range. But that seems at best too restrictive, too narrow to build a whole magazine on. At worst… well, it just seems too unattainable.

In our book—and we have, for all intents and purposes, written the book on what this means to Charlotte—luxury is malleable. It can be both impossibly out of reach and all-tooaccessible, depending on what it means to you. You can find it in a grand ballroom setting with pricey cocktail dresses and hors d’oeuvres, or in a fiery sunset on Lake Norman, next to the people who matter most. In short, it’s too broad, really, to label once and for everyone. So this year, we’ve made our approach more roundabout, compiling some of our favorite instances of luxury in our own spheres. It’s a list of ways that we individually manage to live our best lives. Consider it 16 pages of attempted definitions.

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The Explored // The Good Life // Water

The Peninsula Yacht Club A fixture of lake-area tradition since 1995, the Peninsula Yacht Club is the be-allend-all of exclusive social organizations on Lake Norman. The club and its sprawling marina are a boon for Peninsula-dwellers—and, honestly, members from all over—but the sublimest amenity here is the Nopkehee yacht. Designed by the renowned team at Joubert-Nivelt and constructed off the west coast of France, it’s all very 007. This headturner of a vessel can be booked for all the important occasions—from lake picnics to those all-too-important meet-the-parents dinners. But we recommend an evening cruise for no reason at all, complete with sunset hues and boozy cocktails.

More on t he water CAROLINA GRACE LUXURY YACHT CHARTERS This is how to properly host an event this summer. Whether you’re looking for a teambuilding exercise outside of the office or to just entertain family and friends, a luxury yacht from Carolina Grace definitely isn’t going to hurt your reputation. Plus—10 percent of everything you spend on private yacht cruises goes to charity.

STEPHEN PIERCE WAKEBOARDING It’s a sport that definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. Wakeboarding is one of the most exhilarating things we’ve done on Lake Norman, though it takes some resolve to get up on that board the first time. Whether you’ve dipped your toes in before or you’re completely new to it, professional wakeboarder and instructor Stephen Pierce is the guy you want showing you the ropes (and what to do with the rope). He’ll ensure that trailing one of his Malibu Wakesetters is a ton of fun, but he’ll also keep you safe.

CATAWBA QUEEN The Catawba Queen, a beautifully-kept, customdesigned replica of a Mississippi Riverboat, provides a dinner cruise that allows for, arguably, the prettiest dinner view in our area. The Queen’s captain will take you out on the open water, wellequipped with its fully functional bar and the chefserved buffet.

Crew at Belmont Rowing Center The Catawba River has been a haven for serial hobbyists for years, but only recently has it become a spot for the proliferation of that most Ivy League of sports: The Belmont Rowing Center is a nonprofit working to expose Charlotteans—of all ages—to the classic watersport. If you’ve got kids, start them early… but if you’re just looking for an exhilarating hobby on the water, look no further.

Photos by Jamey Price

THE CAROLINA BOAT CLUB ON LAKE WYLIE The Carolina Boat Club is an exclusive private club, for boat lovers without a boat of their own.

It’s possibly the best way to enjoy beautiful Lake Wylie: Members can boat on the lake for only about half the cost of actually owning and keeping a boat in a marina. With membership to the club, there’s no upkeep, no hassle, and you’ll get unlimited access to a variety of boats, depending on your mood: There are runabouts, fishing boats, pontoons, and cabin cruisers, to name a few.

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The Explored // The Good Life // Drive

RK Motors Showroom At RK Motors Charlotte, over a hundred classic American automobiles are available for viewing at any given time. It’s one of the best windowshopping experiences in the state. It can get even better though when you decide to pull the trigger and take one of these classics home, especially if it’s the Porsche Roadster shown above.

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More to drive METROLINA AUTO GROUP One of the largest independent luxury and exotic car dealers in the nation is right here in Charlotte: With inventory way up in the millions, Metrolina’s showrooms have plenty of flashy machines for potential buyers to ogle—and take for a test drive.

RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE Offered just up the road at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Richard Petty Driving Experience is the NASCAR fan’s dream. What’s more, the experience is tailored to you: The options include everything from a ride-along to multiple solo race sessions. You just need a license… and some nerve.

BMW DRIVING EXPERIENCE Your vehicle is delivered to the BMW Performance Driving School Delivery Center, after your complimentary one-night hotel stay at the Greenville Marriott the night before. The Performance Center hooks you up with lunch, professional driving instruction, and a tour of both the BMW Zentrum museum and Manufacturing Plant.

Photo on this page courtesy of RK Motors. Photo on opposite page by Jamey Price.

Land Rover Driving Experience You haven’t really experienced the extreme luxury offered by a Land Rover vehicle until you’ve taken it off-road and maneuvered your way in and out of a few deep muddy ruts.

That’s what Biltmore Estate’s Land Rover Experience is for: If you don’t already own one of these awe-inspiring machines, these wooded trails will probably win you over.

The Explored // The Good Life // Savor

More to savor CAVIAR SAMPLER AT BENTLEY’S ON 27 This sampler offers up what may be the city’s most exquisite selection of caviar (alongside the usual condiments and blini). Standouts on the plate include the Oscietra and Tradition eggs, from the Oscietra and white sturgeon, respectively. Production of these eggs requires about a decade of maturation in the fish’s life cycle, making them a true delicacy.

And we’d be lying if we said the skyline views at Bentley’s didn’t improve the taste.

DINNER AT HEIRLOOM Eat anything at Heirloom Restaurant. We’re cheating a little here, but seriously, Clark Barlowe’s restaurant serves up freshness and unconventionality daily. Spring might be the most ideal season for dining at Heirloom, due to the endless amount of foraging this season affords the chef and his strict local-only mentality. Go in May and June, or go anytime really—Clark is always doing creative things when the season challenges him. Regardless of season, you can rest assured that the immaculate dinner in front of you came from very close by.

MCNINCH HOUSE RESTAURANT The McNinch House Restaurant offers a dining experience like few others: Six courses of continental fare, served in a beautifully restored Victorian house—each course with its own wine pairing. All courses are set at the discretion of Chef Matthew Shepard, and thank goodness for that.

Gather with Copain Sit back and let Copain cater your next get-together. There’s little that this JimNoble-led collective doesn’t offer: Chef Maris Petersen’s European bakery-style bread, painterly pastries, savory tarts, and beautifully sculpted cakes are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Whether someone’s tying the knot, or you’ve just got someone to impress, Copain’s chef-driven catering, wide array of prepared food and provisions, and immaculate presentation is the definition of luxury: All you have to do is gather ‘round the table.

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LADY OF THE LAKE DINNER CRUISE The evening starts with assorted cheeses and lazy drifting on the water and ends (if you know what’s good for you) with an ice bucket of Dom Pérignon. A dinner cruise aboard the Lady of the Lake grants you four courses, with an impressive wine selection to boot. The Catawba Queen is another lovely, albeit slightly more old-world, dinner cruise option. Either way you go, Lake Norman sunsets are included, free of charge.

Photo on this page by Jamey Price. Photo on opposite page by Kyo H. Nam.

Baku’s Chef Choice In Japanese, the phrase “omakase” means something along the lines of, “I’ll leave it up to you.” Maybe it’s 17 rounds of sushi you’re after, or just one huge overarching sampling of Baku’s selection of Japanese delicacies. Either way, the SouthPark restaurant’s Omakase tasting is all about your preference: It’s a ‘chef’s choice’ experience curated by you.

The Explored // The Good Life // Sip

Fig Tree Wine Pairing Maybe you think you’re in the mood for a red from the south of France, and maybe you even have an idea which vintage should make its way to your glass, but… just let Greg Zanitsch choose which wine you’re having. Seriously. Inspired though his food may be, The Fig Tree chef is no slouch when it comes to his wine offerings.

A great palate is a great palate. Also, Greg knows exactly what to pair your wine with: that delicious foie gras you’re about to dig into.

The Cellar At Duckworth’s Beer Cellar It’s okay to be obsessed with the expansive craft cocktails and incomparable small plates in Uptown Charlotte’s original speakeasy, but the beer cellar here is the namesake of this atmospheric underground lounge—and for good reason. Head in here for a selection of hundreds of rare beers, kept at the temperature that both best maintains their flavor and primes them for consumption. The Cellar even offers personalized lockers, but the wait for those is long. Still, there’s no good reason why you shouldn’t add your name to the list.

More to sip DOGWOOD’S BAR Belly up to the bar at Dogwood Southern Table (after a lengthy and life-affirming dinner, of course) and ask bar manager Brian Lorusso for the kind of drink he’d make himself at home.

Disclaimer: You probably need to be into whiskey. Regardless of your spirit preference, though, Brian’s sure to make something you’ll enjoy. If he asks for your preference of base spirit, that’s easy: Ask for the oldest bottle of Pappy Van Winkle they offer.

THE $400 COCKTAIL Order it at The Punch Room, and let cocktail wizard Bob Peters tell you all about it. He’ll likely have to explain the price, and no, it’s not a joke: The base of this drink—can we even use so banal a descriptor as “drink” for this beauty?—is a 3000-dollar bottle of 100-year-old Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac. The Louis XIII holds court with Byrrh Grand Quinquina wine, sassafras and sorghum bitters, and a homemade brandied cherry. Silky, floral, and requisitely boozy, it’s worth every penny.

SHAKE.STIR.SIP.SOCIALIZE COCKTAIL CLASSES Liberate your Palate runs these private cocktail courses, which attempt to free mixology from all of its pretentious trappings,and allow you to bring this craft home. Every class provides all of the shakers, mixers, fresh herbs, spices, fruit, bitters, botanicals, and small bites necessary for the course: You just have to show up.

BARKEEP’S CHOICE AT KINDRED The gentlemen behind our favorite lake-community bar know their spirits… and their liqueurs… and their fortified wines… Long story short, Kindred’s barkeeps know how to make a damn fine cocktail on the spot—and they seem to relish the challenge. You just have to specify a few things, like your preferred base spirit, a tendency toward sweetness or booziness, and what kind of flavors you’d like to see represented. Or, if you really want something worthy of the kind of creativity this restaurant is known for, let the bar guys make all the choices. And if you’re feeling particularly bougie, buy a round of beers for the kitchen while you’re at it.

Photos on this page by Kyo H. Nam . Photo on opposite page by Jamey Price.

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The Explored // The Good Life // Wellness

The Salt Room At Ritz-Carlton Salt chambers are one of the most soughtafter wellness offerings, and The RitzCarlton, with their new Salt Vault, officially has the only experience like this available in central Charlotte. The Salt Vault provides all kinds of exceptional benefits, proven to do everything from improving skin, to helping with breathing, allergy resistance, antiaging, and general wellness. You simply enter the chamber, relax on a bench for as long as you feel comfortable, and afterwards have the rest of the Ritz spa at your fingertips. It’s a restful day you can feel good about.

More wel lness JAMIE SCOTT FITNESS Boutique fitness is at its best with Jamie Scott Fitness in South End. What we like about this spot is its versatility and inclusivity, not to mention that the noon hour MAX class is killer. It offers up a 30-minute “maximum interval training” workout that left us dripping sweat and way more energized than the average lunch break can. And at only half an hour, this is the type of group exercise you have no excuse to skip.

HILLIARD STUDIO METHOD Hilliard Studio Method has had the corner on the market for luxe fitness experiences since 2007. If you’ve yet to take a class at the infamous Myers Park studio, start with “The Essential Method” (it breaks down the moves at a slower pace), and if you’re an experienced class-goer, treat yourself to a private class for a totally tailored workout.

NC YOGA BAR AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOM Wherever NC Yoga Bar, the Charlotte-based yoga event series, pops up, you’ll want to follow. But when you can find them scheduled for the Cedar Street venue known as The Assembly Room, it’s really time to clear that after-work schedule. This is a beautiful space, composed of bright white walls, reclaimed wood beams, and huge windows—the perfect backdrop for your Charlotte yoga practice to take place in style.

SPA DAY AT THE BALLANTYNE CAROLINA LAVENDER ESCAPE This one is a truly indulgent spa experience: At a four-and-a-half-hour minimum, the Carolina Lavender Escape pulls out all the stops. The service comes with a Body Wrap, Signature Massage, and Pedicure, accompanied by a cocktail and a spa-inspired entree of your choice.

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Photos by Jamey Price.

Toska Facial Renowned celebrity esthetician Toska Husted opened her first spa in Dilworth in 2016 due to popular demand.

Toska is practically a household name amongst the right crowd, beloved for her unique approach and those consistently unmatchable results. Go all out with her top-of-the-line Signature Life and Glow service that uses micro-current technology to achieve a facial you’ll find yourself wanting to splurge on over and over again.

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The Explored // The Good Life // Style

Wardrobe Styling

by Whitley Hamlin When it comes to style, sometimes you don’t just need “help,” you need an entire overhaul. Whitley Hamlin, a Southern tastemaker, stylist, and personal shopper, simply needs the word and she’ll make your closet a wholly better place. It’s not just a way to treat yourself, it’s a way to get ultra-organized, streamline your dressing, and make sure you only have pieces you absolutely love—this is where Whitley shines.

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Photos by Jamey Price.

Fitting At Bruce Julian Bruce Julian is a man of many talents, not least of all being his bartending.

The guy knows how to host, and his line of Bloody Mary mixes and garnishes (sold and served in-store) tend to drive that point home. A fitting at Bruce’s is part afternoon respite, part suit shopping, and all laughs. Go for the most precise fitting; stay for the spicy beverages and the funny anecdotes about Charlotte’s past. Or... just go for the Bloodies. No judgment.

More style WINDOW SHOPPING AT AMINA RUBINACCI When you stroll past Amina Rubinacci, the luxury Italian womenswear boutique in SouthPark, you can’t help but pause. The looks on display are consistently eye-catching: Classic, clean, and upscale, the shop truly is effortless style at its best. No matter how often you walk by with the intent to only glance at the window display, you’ll find yourself sifting through the racks inside time and again.

KIDS’ ELEVATED STYLE AT TINY Tiny is a charming SouthPark shop with the top children’s designers and brands all on hand.

Luxe style of the littlest kind has a home here, and we’re confident even a single shirt or pair of kicks will elevate your kid’s fashionability tenfold.

SOCKS AT TRC One of our favorite things in the whole city to peruse is the sock selection at Taylor Richards & Conger. The men’s store in Phillips Place, which has been serving SouthPark since the 80s, is chock-full of hand-selected menswear pieces that meet an extraordinarily high standard of fit, comfort, and style… But we can’t help but obsess over one section of the footwear on offer.

A carefully curated selection of some of the best modern footwear technology on the market, these are socks you simply will not lose.

PRECISION FITTING AT ALTON LANE Honestly, it’s a little like something out of a science fiction film. The good folk at Alton Lane will measure you by hand, but the bulk of the work is done with state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology, which takes over 300 measurements in 30 seconds. You don’t need to know how it works, just that it looks cool. And it’ll make you look cool. And naturally this whole process is accompanied by whatever small-batch whiskey (or beer, or wine) you choose from the store’s fully-stocked design bar.

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The Explored // The Good Life // Staycations

The Duke Mansion’s King Porch Room The King Porch Room at The Duke Mansion is one of our favorite spots to stay awhile. It’s Southern style at its best, with an inviting shared sleeping porch overlooking the beautiful on-property gardens.

More staycations BALLANTYNE HOTEL The Ballantyne captures Southern hospitality at its most luxurious; when you arrive, you’re greeted immediately with gracious service and the hotel’s abundant amenities. There’s everything from a spa, to pools, a sauna, tennis, golf, fitness, and upscale dining. We recommend making dinner reservations at The Gallery during one of their monthly cocktail tastings.

THE MOREHEAD INN The historic Morehead Inn in Dilworth is just a few minutes from Uptown Charlotte. It’s an elegant estate, built in 1917 and renovated in 1995, that boasts one of the best stays in the area. They offer several special packages, for friend weekends and couple weekends, that we highly suggest taking advantage of—the staff will pull out all the stops for you.

THE KIMPTON TRYON PARK As one of the newest additions to Uptown, the Kimpton offers the perfect blend of rest and relaxation.

There’s a sleek rooftop bar set nineteen stories above Romare Bearden Park, an award-winning Italian restaurant, and stylish, contemporary rooms to meet whatever your trip’s needs may be.

LE MERIDIEN This boutique hotel experience is best enjoyed in the summer, when the rooftop pool and bar is as lively a spot as you can find in Uptown Charlotte. Of course, if you can’t make it during the warmer weather, there’s also the beautiful rooms, five on-site restaurants/bars, social club, and fitness center to keep you entertained year-round.

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Photo on this page by Jamey Price. Photo on opposite page courtesy of The Ivey’s Hotel.

The Balcony Suite at The Ivey’s Hotel Whether you’re traveling from out of town or you’re a Charlottean looking for a staycation, the Uptown Ivey’s Hotel is the perfect destination. If you really want to step it up, book one of the exclusive rooms, like the Balcony Suite. With a stylish living room, bedroom, and oversized private balcony peering out onto North Tryon Street, the room gives a one-of-a-kind intimate view into the heart of the city.

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The Exclusives // The Finer Things

jewelry from (top row left to right): Elizabeth Bruns. David’s LTD. Allen’s Jewelers. jewelry from (bottom row left to right): Windsor Jewelers, Donald Haack Diamonds, Diamonds Direct.

S

T he

Finer Things

words COREY MILLER and SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

Sometimes, luxury seems exactly as surface-level as we think it is: gold necklaces, diamond rings, and flashy timepieces. These things are, maybe more than anything else, the ultimate visual representations of living well. We wear them for aesthetic reasons, sure, but they’re often intensely functional parts of our lives—and I’m not just talking about the watches here. Maybe we’re not always conscious of this fact, but jewelry is functional luxury in the same way any piece of fashion is: It’s a means of speaking to your worth without actually saying anything—and oftentimes, accessories speak the loudest. If luxury is beauty, these pieces from our favorite jewelry shops in Charlotte are the best symbols of the good life.

C ontent s Diamonds Direct............................................168 Donald Haack Diamonds ..............................170 David’s LTD ......................................................172 Allen’s Jewelers ...........................................174 Windsor Jewelers .........................................176 Elizabeth Bruns, Inc. ....................................178

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The Exclusives // The Finer Things

DiamondsDirect 4251 Sharon Rd. / Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28211 diamondsdirect.com @diamondsdirect

A bold timepiece that simply cannot go unnoticed, the 44-millimeter Hublot Big Bang boasts Hublot’s characteristic rubber and leather sports watch bracelet for extreme comfort and versatility—no amount of water is going to hurt this thing—and 18-karat red gold to boot.

This light-yellow, pear-shaped 3.71-carat diamond, accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 7.80 carats in total, adorns a 14K gold necklace that needs no other dressing-up.

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The Exclusives // The Finer Things

The yellow gold Vermeil Cuff, at 40-millimeters wide with .33-carat diamonds and .26-carat black diamonds, has a vintage flair that’s timeless.

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This Fire Opal Pendant, at 28.48 carats with a brushed 18-karat yellow gold bail and diamond accents is seen here on an 18-inch, 18-karat yellow gold chain. This is a necklace for a bold wearer: It’s unique, stunning, and finely-crafted.

Donald HaackDiamonds 3900 Colony Road / Suite E Charlotte, NC 28211 donaldhaack.com @dhaackdiamonds

The Exclusives // The Finer Things

David’sL TD ‘

4310 Sharon Rd. / Suite T-09 Charlotte, NC 28211 davidsltd.com @davidsltdjewelers

This shiny timepiece from Detroit’s Shinola—the definition of affordable luxury in wristwear—is a 42-millimeter Bedrock chronograph in stainless steel, sporting an eye-catching silver dial with midnight blue sub-dials.

This 16” Riviera diamond necklace in white gold, by William Levine, features 105 bezel-set, full-cut diamonds with a total weight of 8.07 carats. It’s the kind of beautifully simple piece that ties together any understated ensemble.

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The Exclusives // The Finer Things

This stunning Rubelite and diamond ring is 18-karat white gold with a 4.33-carat Rubelite tourmaline and 1.76-carat diamonds. This one is a “special occasion” ring to be certain, the type of jewelry meant to be worn when you need a little extra boost.

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A l len’sJewelers ‘

4400 Colwick Rd. Charlotte, NC 28211 allensfinejewelry.com @allensjewelers

This eye-catching piece, the “Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond” ring, is 18-karat gold with a 1.76-carat oval center diamond. Styled to look old-school classic, it manages to also be eye-catchingly luxe for the modern wearer. The bangles are 18-karat gold feather design with diamonds.

The Exclusives // The Finer Things

A timepiece that’s just noticeable enough, this Tudor Black Bay 43-millimeter watch uses bronze and a vintage leather strap to be boldly classic, but not too flashy: Business meeting or safari, it won’t look out of place.

Windsor Jewelers 6809 Phillips Place Ct. Charlotte, NC 28211 windsor-jewelers.com @windsorjewelersnc

This Ladies’ Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendezvous timepiece, rendered in glorious stainless steel, has a 0.69-carat diamond bezel—the better to complement additional diamonds, like this 4.03-carat, three-stone Forevermark ring.

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The Exclusives // The Finer Things

The Monica Rich Kosann “Compass” Pendant above is seen paired here with the Temple St. Clair “Vine” amulet below. Both have become highly sought-after styles, notable for their charmingly iconic aesthetic that manage to look just as good with evening wear as they do against a daytime button-down shirt.

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This stylish stunner of an 18-karat yellow gold, diamond, and turquoise ring was made in Italy, and evokes summertime seaside fashion in the most luxurious sense possible.

Eliz abet Bruns,Inc. h 6401 Morrison Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28211 elizabethbruns.com @elizabethbrunsinc

QC Exclusive’s

Luxury Real Estate Guide Charlotte’s finest real estate properties from some of the area’s most distinguished realtors Featured In This Section Pam Harrington | Tracy Davis | Cortney Griffin | Matthew Paul Brown Nilou Saniri | Sally Parker | Debbie Monroe | Heather Gibbs | Liza Caminiti Shane McDevitt | Winnie Simmons | Julie Cash | Scott Russo

SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

160 FLYWAY DRIVE | KIAWAH ISLAND, SC |

5 Bedroom | 6 Full, 1 Half Bath | $5,950,000 | MLS 17010731

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he finest European finishes can be found in this custom French country estate that offers both a pool and guest cottage. It is privately situated in a picturesque setting overlooking the 17th fairway of Osprey Point Golf Course and Canvasback Pond. The impressive home includes exceptional indoor and outdoor living spaces, suitable for small family

534 OYSTER RAKE DRIVE | KIAWAH ISLAND, SC |

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his Kiawah home was beautifully renovated in 2015 and given timeless updates throughout. It offers a desirable open floor plan with transom topped wall-to-wall windows allowing natural light and forever vistas of the golf course, tidal creek, and marsh. Located in popular West Beach, it is only a short walk to Kiawah Island’s pristine 10-mile beach,

gatherings or large social occasions. The expansive rear loggia and covered balconies are detailed with stone flooring, stucco walls, ceiling fans, antique iron lanterns, iron hand rails, and archways framed by round brick columns. The estate, offered here for the very first time is adjacent to the beach access in exclusive Osprey Beach on Kiawah Island.

4 Bedroom | 3 Full, 1 Half Bath | $1,195,000 | MLS 17031555 and conveniently located near Freshfields Village and Bohicket Marina. Current neighborhood revitalization plans are underway to offer both peaceful seclusion and close proximity to an abundance of Kiawah Island restaurants, outdoor attractions, and family-friendly activities. View all West Beach listings on our website!

Pam Harrington | 843-768-3635 | pamharringtonexclusives.com | 4343 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

2019 Craigmore Drive | Charlotte |

4 Bedroom | 5 Full, 3 Half Baths | $4,950,000 | MLS 3254980

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nparalleled privacy abounds with this masterfullydesigned estate situated in Pellyn Wood, one of Charlotte’s most desirable SouthPark enclaves. Perched amidst nearly five lush acres with formal gardens, walking trails, a pavilion with a fireplace, a tennis court and a resort

18525 Peninsula Club Drive | Cornelius |

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mpeccable style and a sense of scale are combined with the finest materials and finishes to create an aesthetic conducive to both grand entertaining and family gatherings. This was a new construction redesign completed in 2008. This estate exudes architectural sophistication across two home sites. The outdoor amenities feature a resort-style pool, a cabana with a fireplace and bath, and sun decks that

style pool. This European-influenced gated manor features a chef’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, a walnut-paneled library, and an owner’s retreat with a private terrace. The lower level includes a wine cellar, billiard area, and media and exercise rooms.

7 Bedroom | 7 Full, 3 Half Baths | $4,275,000 | MLS 3352109 all border the waters of Lake Norman. The home is 9,410 square feet with 576 square feet in the carriage house. The master suite features a private outdoor retreat, outfitted with a fireplace and spa. The home is a total of 9,410 square feet, 576 square feet of which encompass the carriage house. Additionally featured on this estate is a covered pier, a 268-foot private waterfront beach, and a four-car garage.

Tracy Davis | 704-779-9750 | tracy@ivesterjackson.com | ivesterjackson.com | 21025 Catawba Ave Ste 101, Cornelius, NC 28031

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

18311 NaNtz Road | CoRNelius | 6 Bedroom | 6 Full, 1 Half Bath | $4,495,000 | MLS 3294669

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his gorgeous waterfront Mediterranean-style estate is a mustsee! Located over an absolutely stunning 1.4 acre gated estate with magnificent views of Lake Norman throughout the home, this is epitome of luxury lake living. An immaculately-conditioned wine cellar makes this home a wine connoisseur’s dream. The outdoor living space continues from the kitchen with fold-a-way doors that are perfect for entertaining. You can relax in your own private

oasis, with an outdoor fireplace and a waterfall Infinity pool, amid impeccably landscaped grounds. The boat slip and floating dock allow you to take full advantage of the lake, whether you are enjoying the sunset from the overhang or are ready to take the boat out for the day. The open floor plan and exquisite attention to detail makes this estate a special opportunity. Don’t miss out on this incredible Lake Norman home.

Cortney Griffin | 704-534-0247 | cortneyg@ivesterjackson.com | ivesterjackson.com | 21025 Catawba Ave # 101, Cornelius, NC 28031

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY LUXURYREAL REALESTATE ESTATE

754 eagle road | waxhaw |

5 Bedroom | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | $1,250,000 | MLS 3368443

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iscover paradise at 754 Eagle Road, a home that provides you a waterfront vacation escape everyday. This Aero Plantation home is the ultimate in luxury living, due in part to the breathtaking setting on the waterfront. It is a custom-built residence with an inviting floor plan situated on 2.8 acres of serenity. Enjoy Southern living at its finest with the pool house and gunite in-ground pool.

727 Beach Bridge road | Pawleys island |

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The community is within minutes of shopping, restaurants, Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International airport.

Take your golf cart and enjoy hitting some golf balls, playing tennis, kayaking, bass fishing, savoring the wildlife, or take off from your private air strip. Contact Matthew Paul Brown of Reside Realty 704-650-1928 to schedule a private preview.

7 Bedroom | 7 Full, 1 Half Bath | $3,650,000 | MLS 1804801

legantly appointed, this oceanfront gem is one of a kind in the prestigious gated community of Prince George.

Spanning the distance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, Prince George is one of the most sought after communities on the East Coast. The timeless appeal of Lowcountry living is evidenced by the endless ocean and marsh views from almost every vista in this home. An elegant, curved

three-story staircase graces the grand foyer. Seven bedrooms with en suite baths, a chef’s kitchen fully equipped with Viking appliances, and a formal dining room are outstanding features of this home. The Riverside amenities include a clubhouse and marina for the enjoyment of property owners. Contact Carol Jayroe 843-240-4492 or Rhonda Bryant 843-833-1502 to schedule a private preview.

Matthew Paul Brown | 704-650-1928 | matthew@residerealty.com | residerealty.com | Charlotte, NC | Pawleys Island, SC

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SPONSORED PARTNER SECTION

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

111 CATAWBA COVE LANE | BELMONT |

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

7 Bedroom | 8 Full, 1 Half Bath | $3,100,000 | MLS 3386518

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his gated home is something of a waterfront paradise, sitting in a quiet cul de sac on the lake. It’s custom-built, and encompasses 13,000 square feet of living space under the roof. Hardwood floors flow seamlessly throughout the main level as you enter the foyer and head down the hall to a spacious rustic Italian kitchen outfitted with a Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, and a Viking range with double ovens.

19211 YOUNGBLOOD ROAD | CHARLOTTE |

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With its seven bedrooms and eight and a half baths and a finished lower level, this home is perfect for entertaining.

The home offers two outdoor living spaces complete with a full kitchen, a fifty-inch Viking grill, a Kegerator, and a tiki hut bar. Enjoy lake days with a property-conveying MasterCraft ski-boat, a dock with two boat lifts, and so much more.

7 Bedroom | 6 Full, 1 Half Bath | $2,250,000 | MLS 3365907

ntroducing the award-winning “Hamptons Haven” home: Masterful design comes to life in this seven bedroom, six and a half bath estate located in Charlotte’s exclusive gated country club community, The Palisades. This stunning home offers high ceilings, a huge Chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances, and one of the largest residential elevators you’ll come across. A detached

carriage home makes for the ultimate entertainment space with two guest bedrooms, two full baths, and a full-size washer and dryer.

Guests will enjoy the billiards room and the full bar with Sub-Zero appliances and wine coolers that can hold up to 300 bottles. Double sliding glass doors open to the backyard oasis that’s complete with a large swimming pool, spa, outdoor fireplace and water fountains.

Nilou Saniri | 704-492-3426 | nilou@themcdevittagency.com | nilousellscharlotte.com | 237 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

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18924 Casual Cay lane | Cornelius |

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his is an incredibly well-built, well-designed, unique house with gorgeous water views. It has possibly the best boat dock on the lake, with a 70,000-pound boat lift perfect for a 50-foot Marquis. The home has gorgeous floors and a spacious, incredible master bedroom. The kitchen

5 Bedroom | 6 Full, 1 Half Bath | $2,649,000 | MLS 3334972

boasts a double refrigerator, two dishwashers, and a Thermador range. A grand hall opens into a twostory great room with floor-to-ceiling windows—all overlooking an infinity pool, a hot tub, and the lake.

The home also features an office on its mezzanine level and a bonus room with a theater area.

Sally Parker | 704-880-6757 | sallyp@lakenormanrealty.com | 211 S. Center Street, Ste 205A Statesville, NC 28677

20337 enClave oaks Court | Cornelius |

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his exquisitely designed estate on Lake Norman is located in an elite waterfront community.

The private cove here is great for swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking, yet is also close to big water! Excellent craftsmanship can be seen in the high ceilings, the gourmet kitchen with professional appliances (two dishwashers and double Thermador ovens), two fireplaces, two laundry areas,

5 Bedroom | 4 Full, 1 Half Bath | $1,747,500 | MLS 3221987

an expansive master on the main floor with lake views, and all the additional bedrooms. The home’s unfinished basement is a blank slate with roughedin plumbing and walls, and the house is prewired for an elevator. Retreat to the outdoors on the screened porch, terrace, patio, and dock with Trex. The dock offers a covered boat slip with a lift, and there’s also plenty of room for a pool!

Debbie Monroe | 704-533-0444 | debbieM@lakenormanrealty.com | 20117 W. Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031

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5701 PRESTON LANE | CHARLOTTE | 4 Bedroom | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | $2,495,000 | MLS 3382448

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n exceptional blend of Old World design and modern architecture by Mermans, and masterfully built by Short Development Group, this home will be available in fall of 2018.

The private showings are by appointment only. The custom estate has a brick privacy wall surrounding the 0.76-acre compound and a circular front-driveway entrance into the five-car-garage motor court. There’s trendsetting design throughout the open floor plan, with white oak Rubio-Monocoat flooring. The solid white poplar millwork creates a warm and refreshing space, which embraces the infusion of indoor and outdoor living. The home is ideal for

entertaining, with an abundant walk-in pantry off of the scullery and an oversized kitchen island (which welcomes guests seated at the custom banquette). The four wood-burning fireplaces add a touch of warmth and elegance. Entertaining features extend into the avant-garde circular dining room, opening onto a private glass wine storage space. The luxurious master suite includes a his-andhers closet, full-spa bath with heated tile floors, and a private steam room. The large bonus room also leads to a tiered media room.

Private without being removed from the community, this property is walking distance from top private schools, dining, and shopping.

Heather Gibbs | 704-975-9485 | heathergibbs@hmproperties.com | hmproperties.com | 6857 Fairview Road, Charlotte, NC 28210

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10158 EnclavE circlE | concord, nc |

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7 Bedroom | 7 Full, 2 Half Baths | $2,350,000 | MLS 3384441

n exquisite, private mountain-resort-style estate situated on 7.25 acres, this home is located in the highly soughtafter, gated neighborhood “The Enclave:” a private preserve at Timber Ridge of 21 wooded home sites in Concord, NC. The pinnacle of luxurious indoor living, the open floor plan offers tons of entertaining space inside, and the main living area overlooks a beautiful private tree-covered backyard. The main floor also features the luxurious master-suite. The basement level offers a guest bedroom, office, kids’ playroom, a wet bar, and large

game room—perfect spaces for entertaining guests. The third level includes a gym and five bedrooms, one of which can be used as an office. The oasis-style pool has a breathtaking view, accompanied by a beautiful outdoor wood-burning fireplace. No expense was spared on the finishes of this expertly built home.

The highly desirable location offers a top-rated school district, a five-minute drive to Concord Regional Airport, easy access to all major highways, and proximity to shopping and entertaining. The definition of custom, this home truly embraces its “wow” factor.

Liza Caminiti | 704-526-6695 | liza@ivesterjackson.com | ivesterjackson.com | 6100 Fairview Road, Ste 1202, Charlotte, NC 28210

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222 S CALDWELL STREET #2203 | CHARLOTTE | 3 Bedroom | 3 Full, 1 Half Bath | $2,348,635 | MLS 2222075

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he SKYE penthouse offers an exclusive opportunity to own your own piece of the Charlotte skyline. As the valet parks your car, enter the two-story lobby, pass the 24-hour concierge desk, and approach the elevator to the penthouse floor. A doubledoor entry welcomes you onto marble floors and leads you into the luxurious foyer. You are then taken into the dining area and to a stunning gourmet kitchen. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city while preparing meals in this fine space, or while entertaining guests on your private, oversized terrace. The kitchen opens into a

two-story great room with soaring 20-foot windows. Two luxurious guest suites are located on the main level, each with its own customdesigned en suite bathroom and access to a private terrace. A glass staircase leads up a two-story travertine wall to the second level, dedicated to the master suite, but the stairs also open onto a large sitting area. You’ll wake to skyline views in your spacious master bedroom, pamper yourself in the large spa-like master bath, and just generally relish this rare opportunity for luxurious Uptown living.

Fore more information on this property, visit SKYEpenthouse.com.

Shane McDevitt | 704-763-0063 | shane@themcdevittagency.com | charlottepenthouses.com | 2375 Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

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136 Canterbury roaD #5 | Charlotte |

5 Bedroom | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | $1,985,500 | MLS 3378019

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his new, semi-custom construction, with high-end finishes, hardwood flooring, and master suite on the main floor, could currently be your new home. A huge, gourmet kitchen is outfitted with a Wolf range and Subzero appliances. A vaulted ceiling in the breakfast room with a skylight, huge island, and scullery pantry, with a second wet bar and wine fridge.

The great room features a full wall of custom built-ins, and

S. KingS Drive S #l2 | Charlotte |

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an elegant fireplace, while the gorgeous master houses a gas fireplace and a private entry to the terrace. The two-story entry features a beautiful staircase and a herringbone hardwood design with wainscoting, windows, and natural light. Two bedrooms upstairs have en suite baths, while two share a Jack and Jill. The home has a covered terrace off of the kitchen and great room—perfect for entertaining.

3 Bedroom | 3 Full, 1 Half Bath | $1,250,000 | MLS 3378076 & 3378077

his luxury townhome duplex, expertly built by Sixteen Penny Construction, offers a rare opportunity: With the property’s superior location, the master and main living area offer an expansive open view of the large backyard, all the way down to the greenway. Both homes include high-end, handselected materials with kitchen appliances by Subzero and

Wolf. In addition to a large kitchen island, the kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, marble, and stone. The main floor is full of cove molding, hardwoods, gas appliances, and a fireplace. The property includes a two-car garage as well as ample parking for both units, and its location ensures walkability to shops, restaurants, and other nearby amenities.

Winnie Simmons | 704-576-9225 | wsimmons@dickensmitchener.com | dickensmitchener.com | 2330 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

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213 TUSKARORA TRAIL | MOORESVILLE | 3,869 Square Ft. | $1,500,000 | MLS 3360573

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his beautiful Lake Norman Home is situated on 400-plus feet of pristine shoreline. Located just beyond The Point in Mooresville, this non-HOA property is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and offers stunning, long-range views across the lake. This custom home has been continually updated to the finest quality standards. The master-suite is located on the main level, highlighted by a newly renovated spa-like bath, complete with a shiplap ceiling and rain shower. Quality and high-end finishes throughout this estate include a travertine

marble fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with double islands, and even a lakeside dining room, outfitted with built-ins and elegant trim work. An additional 514 square-foot heated guest quarters sits atop the detached garage. The meticulously manicured yard leads up to a sandy beach and private dock, allowing homeowners to enjoy all that the lake has to offer. This beautiful waterfront oasis could currently be yours, so don’t miss out on this rare opportunity! Contact listing agents Julie Cash or Dawn Wilson of J. Cash Real Estate for more information.

Julie Cash | 704-799-5407 | juliecash@jcashrealestate.com | jcashrealestate.com | 109 Chuckwood Rd, Ste 112, Mooresville, NC 28117

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The RaTcliffe PenThouse 904 | chaRloTTe | 2 Bedroom | 2 Full, 1 Half Bath | $1,299,000

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arely does a property offer the ultimate in location and gracious indoor/outdoor living spaces. Ratcliffe’s Penthouse 904 boasts stunning south-facing views over The Green, a romantic owner’s suite on the main floor, a separate office, a luxury bath, dual vanities, and a sizable walk-in closet.

A soaring two-story wall of windows brings the energy of the city into the space. The gourmet kitchen features gas cooking, a wall oven and microwave, granite countertops, wine fridge and walk-in pantry. Grab your favorite glass of wine, spill out to one

| MLS 3320136

of two entertaining terraces, and consume the sunset. Terrace one is a massive rooftop space with a seating area and hard-lined grill, while terrace two is positioned off the great room—it’s just steps from everything that is Uptown Charlotte. The Ratcliffe is the only residential building directly connected to the Overstreet Mall, with indoor walks to Bank of America, Hearst Tower, the Blumenthal, Wells Fargo, and the Epicentre entertainment complex. Romare Bearden Park, the Charlotte Knights ballpark, and Panthers Stadium are all just a few blocks away.

Scott Russo | 704-421-0706 | scott@themcdevittagency.com | weselluptown.com | 237 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

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IN DEX AGM Imports............................................... 85 Alair Homes .................................................47 Allen’s Jewelers .......................................34 Amina Rubinacci .........................................22 Amodernary ................................................114 Anthony & Sylvan Pools .............................6 Arcadia Custom Homes .............................51 Artistic Contractors ..............................55 Ascent Uptown Charlotte .....................97 Ashley J Design ...........................................66 Bedside Manor ...........................................105 Blackhawk Garden Center ......................74 Blue Ridge Mountain Club .......................132 Bruce Julian ................................................121 Buffalo Jackson ........................................141 Cadenza ........................................................89 Cambria .........................................................93 Carolina Men’s Clinic ..............................149 Classic Attic ..............................................116 Clean Catch .................................................82 ClearSmile .................................................143 Copain ............................................................77 Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas ....19 Cotswold Marketplace ...........................65 Cottingham Chalk Hayes ..........................41 Couture Knots ...........................................113 Curated by Reaching Quiet .....................109 David’s LTD ......................................................2 Delectables by Holly ...............................142 Design Centers International ..............123 Diamond Springs .......................................142 Diamonds Direct .......................Back Cover

Donald Haack Diamonds ........................33 Dwell Nova ...................................................10 Elder Gallery ..............................................37 Elite Design Group ....................................99 Elizabeth Bruns, Inc. .................................27 Fahrenheit ....................................................12 Ferguson ......................................................91 French Quarter Inn ...................................60 GCG Wealth Management ........................69 Gerrard Builders ......................................38 Good’s Home Furnishings .......................107 Grande Custom Builders .........................43 Grandfather Homes ..................................59 Infinity Medspa & Wellness ....................71 Inspire ..........................................................139 Isabella ........................................................111 Ivey’s Hotel ................................................135 J. Landon ......................................................115 Jerald Melberg Gallery ...........................35 KBN Interiors ..............................................73 Kauffman & Co. .............................................87 Kingswood Custom Homes .....................23 LaCa Projects .............................................35 Lake Norman Realty ...................................61 Land Rover Charlotte ..............................21 Lucy and Company .......................................95 Majestic Bath ............................................102 McDevitt Agency .........................................15 Mint Museum ................................................34 Movement Mortgage ................................49 Myron Greer ...............................................123 Nestlewood ...............................................180

Be our guest.

Plan your next getaway, and experience a fun-filled stay packed with amazing amenities, including complimentary access to the Charlotte Athletic Club, as well as fine dining and much more!

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

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New Gallery Of Modern Art ....................37 New Life Building Supplies .....................147 Oasis Outdoors........................................ 145 Omni Hotels & Resorts ...........................194 Pam Harrington Exclusives ...................137 Paragon Bank ..............................................53 Picture House Gallery ..............................28 Piedmont Town Center ...............................81 Premier Sotheby’s ........................................8 Remax Exclusive ...........................................4 RugCulture ................................................143 Shain Gallery .............................................31 Shea Urban ..................................................63 Simonini Custom Homes ............................67 Stark Carpet ................................................45 Stickley Audi & Co. .....................................108 Storey Home ................................................57 Subzero Wolf ..............................................83 Taylor Richards & Conger .......................26 Technocom .................................................148 The Furniture Connector .......................117 The Pink Hanger ...........................................36 The Sporting Gent ...................................195 The Swag ......................................................121 Theory Design Studio ..............................101 Tiny .................................................................72 Versa Salon ................................................143 Walker Zanger ............................................79 Windsor Jewelers .......................................17 Windsor Windows & Doors ....................119

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