QC Exclusive-No.99-2023-Issue 9-The Holiday Issue by QC Exclusive Magazine

The Quintessential Charlotte Luxury Magazine

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE Where to gift local in Charlotte, see the twinkling lights, vacation for the perfect holiday getaways, and ring in the New Year in style. NO. 99 | DECEMBER 2023

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THE EXCLUSIVES

ccover photo by mike anthony — N O . 9 9 / T H E H O L I D AY I S S U E —

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104

2023 Holiday Guide To Local Gifting

Towns That Do The Holidays Right

Celebrate The New Year In Style

15 Festive Holiday Hotels To Visit

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DEPARTMENTS

CULTURE ARTS • STYLE • WELLNESS

Between Reality And Imagination Discovery and impression from artist Kim Gibbs.

Disrupting The Matrix A must-see exhibit at Elder Gallery Of Contemporary Art.

NoDa’s Artist Enclave Hart Witzen cultivates a community of creatives.

Living Creatively Artist Caroline Simas achieves her dreams one brushstroke at a time.

47 FOOD & DRINK RESTAURANTS • DISHES • LIBATIONS

From Noble’s Kitchen To Your Table Field Pea Catering joins Noble Food & Pursuits ever-growing family of local eateries.

Where There’s A Will There’s A Way Chef Sylvain finds sweet success in SouthPark.

Aria Tuscan Grill’s Seasonal Fruit Crostata A delicious dish in Uptown Charlotte.

Green Room’s Chocolate Souffle A wonderful dessert in South End.

Coquette’s Black Rose A libation perfect for the season.

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DEPARTMENTS

HOME & DESIGN PROFILES • SPACES • FEATURED HOME

Tailored To The Client Amy Lee of Artistic Interior Design on creating timeless spaces.

Dansing On Providence Whole-Home renovation from Delphinium Design and Watershed Builders.

Breathing Room A gorgeous dining space from designer Brooke Cole.

Cozy Season A stunning rustic space from Patrick Lewis.

86 TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS • TOWNS • ADVENTURES

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Southern Hospitality The 2024 Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival.

Merry In Moore County Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen know how to do the holidays right. These are our can't-miss events of the season in the Sandhills.

Light Up The Night Some of the best places to see Christmas lights in North Carolina.

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Karen Hollingsworth

Bird Bag 24x24 Oil on Canvas

Vessel 18X14 Oil on Canvas

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NOTE

No. 99

DECEMBER 9, 2023–MAY 5, 2024 MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Craft Across Continents — Contemporary Japanese and Western Objects: The Lassiter/Ferraro Collection is generously presented by the Mint Museum Auxiliary, with additional corporate sponsorship from Moore & Van Allen. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Rocky and Curtis Trenkelbach. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its donors as well as by the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Honda Shōryū 本田聖流 (Japanese, 1951–). Shadow (detail), 2005, bamboo and rattan. Promised Gift of Lorne Lassiter and Gary Ferraro. PG2022.57.5

Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts | 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

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As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, we couldn't be more thrilled to present to you our holiday-inspired issue. Brace yourselves for a festive journey filled with heartwarming stories, enchanting destinations, and a lot of seasonal magic! Get ready to explore the best Christmas towns and discover the charm of Pinehurst, a village that transforms into a holiday wonderland. In our Exclusives you'll also find local shopping guides, the most dazzling light displays, and a curated list of holiday hotels that truly capture the spirit of the season. And don't miss our recommendations for ringing in the New Year in style! But that's not all — amid the holiday hustle and bustle, we've sprinkled in some captivating arts and culture features. Immerse yourself in the world of Kim Gibbs and her mesmerizing art, explore the latest exhibit at Elder, take a tour of the new Hart Witzen gallery, and meet the talented Carolina Simas of Multiple Blessings. As you flip through the pages, indulge your taste buds in our delightful food and drink section. Allow us to introduce you to the culinary wonders of Field Pea Catering, tempt your sweet tooth with treats from Renaissance Patisserie, and savor the flavors of the Aria Crostata. For dessert, there's a Green Room chocolate dish, and for sipping there's a Coquette cocktail — both delights for the senses! And let's not forget the home and design enthusiasts among us. This issue showcases the brilliance of Artistic Interiors, unveils the beauty of a home from Watershed and Delphinium. We also open the doors to creative spaces from the talented Patrick Lewis and Brooke Cole. There's also a sneak peek into the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, an upcoming event in 2024 we are very excited about. It's an issue brimming with holiday cheer, cultural delights, culinary wonders, and design inspiration. We hope you find joy in every page and that this issue adds a touch of magic to your holiday season. From all of us here at QCExclusive, we wish you a happy holiday and can't wait to see you in 2024 — can you believe it's just around the corner? Warmest wishes, Jon-Paul Grice, Art Director Brett Barter, Publisher

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A R T S • S T Y L E • W E L L N ES S

C U LT U R E

BETWEEN REALITY AND IMAGINATION Discovery and impression from artist Kim Gibbs. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos STEPHANIE TOMEY PHOTOGRAPHY & HONEY HEAD FILMS

@QCEXCLUSIVE • 31

CULTURE

When experiencing a Kim Gibbs painting, the viewer is often drawn first to its color, then to its texture. There’s an element of discovery—of unpeeling each layer and element until the piece’s original inspiration stands bare before the viewer. Gibbs began her journey as an artist when she was just five years old. Her family owned a craft store in Tampa, where her aunt taught painting classes. Gibbs took one of her aunt’s classes and experienced an awe that has permeated her artistic pursuits ever since. Later in life, art took on additional importance for Gibbs. Her father fell ill and, to help cope, she attended a watercolor class alongside a friend. Here, she acutely felt art’s power to console and heal. This grew to a mastery of art’s ability to confront, change, and inspire, as her artistic repertoire similarly expanded. Gibbs learned to create using pastels, then acrylics, then oil. With each new medium, she taught herself the basics before engaging world class instructors to further expand her knowledge and hone her skills. Despite this decades-long love affair with art, Gibbs says, “I’m still fascinated and learning every day.”

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Large Scale Hovering — Gibbs finds inspiration for her work everywhere—in sensory and concepts and everything in between. It’s little wonder, perhaps, that her pieces are impressionistic, representing something in between reality and imagined experience. “As an impressionistic oil painter,” says Gibbs, “I allow my imagination to spill onto my canvases.” Gibbs’ process begins with setting her intention, which will then shape every piece in each series. From there, she either jumps directly into putting paint to paper, or she first sketches out her ideas, experimenting with composition, color, shape, line, and texture. Miraculously, she doesn’t paint from photos, instead drawing from memory to picture her subject. She prefers to paint on a large scale, laying pieces on the floor so that she can “hover over them while throwing, pouring, scraping, and slashing color across the surface.” In doing so, she adds texture to the piece, layering oil paint over oil paint.

CULTURE

Perhaps the most critical component to Gibbs’ process is consistency. For the past 15 years, she has painted every day, averaging 40 hours per week. As a result, she has not only sharpened her skills, but also developed confidence that enables her to approach each piece without hesitation or second guessing. In fact, she maintains that pursuing this level of discipline is the most important piece of advice she could give a budding artist: “I would advise a young creative to practice, practice, practice! And most importantly, just show up. Make a commitment to yourself,” says Gibbs.

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Around Town — For eleven years, Kim Gibbs has been a resident artist at the Dilworth Artisan Station, located in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. Her studio is open to visitors daily from 11am-6pm. Although Gibbs is based in Charlotte, her work can also be found throughout the Southeast, including at Southeastern Galleries and Reinert in Charleston, Stellers in Jacksonville, Camellia in Bluffton, and Frameworks Gallery in East Cobb. info gibbsfinearts.com @gibbsfinearts

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CULTURE Erik Waterkotte Window in the Bardo 2023, 47" x 37", Inkjet print on rayon, collage, and hotfoil.

DISRUPTING THE MATRIX A must-see exhibit at Elder Gallery Of Contemporary Art. words SUNNY HUBLER

photos courtesy BLUMENTHAL ARTS

Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, located at 1520 S. Tryon Street in South End, will open “Disrupting the Matrix” this December. Disrupting the Matrix features fifteen artists working in traditional and experimental methods of printmaking. According to the gallery, the exhibition will investigate a robust spectrum of practices and techniques, presenting a survey of printmaking that disrupts and exceeds conventional perceptions of what printmaking is or is not. Each artist’s work promises to offer unique visual and conceptual commentaries that challenge the conventionally understood matrix of our world. Through the exploration of topics such as the human condition, sublimity, politics, social systems, race, language, and the psychology of self, Disrupting the Matrix will provide an educational and insightful review

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of printmaking at the intersection of technique and narrative. Artists include: Carla Aaron-Lopez, Stephanie Berrie, Bebonkwe Brown, Myles Calvert, Zuzanna Dyrda, Bree Gant, Beth Grabowski, Anna Kenar, Heather Muise, Althea Murphy-Price, Karen Oremus, Chadwick Tolley, Erik Waterkotte, Sir Will, and Koichi Yamamoto. Also featured will be a community-driven companion exhibition to highlight works in printmaking by recent graduates of University of North Carolina Charlotte. These artists include: Callie Brewer, Abe Ekren, Asia Hanon, Laura Lucas, Nikki Thrower, and Tiara Tiana. info eldergalleryclt.com @elder_gallery_clt

CULTURE

NODA’S ARTIST ENCLAVE Hart Witzen cultivates a community of creatives. words ELEANOR MERRELL

In the 1990s, mother-daughter duo Cindy Hart and Jenn Witzen were operating a small custom cabinetry business out of a beautiful old warehouse on 5th Street in Uptown. The building offered more space than the business needed, so Hart and Witzen began leasing the unused space to artists. A community of artists and art appreciators bloomed from this unconventional artists’ hub. “Before long, we were organizing exhibits, as well as providing performance space for avant-garde theater and dance troupes,” recalls Hart. When the building was seized by eminent domain, Hart and Witzen shepherded the community they had fostered to two new locations in the NoDa neighborhood—one on Benard Ave and one on North Tryon. Despite growing from one to two locations, the operation remained—and, to this day, still is— relatively small and family run, built on an appreciation of art and the people who create it. “Original artwork is more complex than prints, and you’ll find it can look different throughout the day depending on the light. I particularly like abstract work as you can always find something in the piece you haven’t seen before,” say Hart. “It is a treat to own original artwork and support artists.”

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photos JAME Y PRICE

The Life of the Party — Between the two Hart Witzen locations, there are a total of 34 artist studios, most of which are adapted to meet the needs of a wide variety of art forms. Consequently, a medley of painters, fiber/weaving artists, photographers, sculptors, pottery artists, and ceramic artists bring a pulsing creative energy into the space. Additionally, a classical art school called The North Carolina Academy of Art, headed by instructor Mark Gucciardi, makes its home in the Benard Street location of the Hart Witzen hub. Although turnover is infrequent, it happens on occasion, and an informal review process commences to fill the vacated studio. Because Hart Witzen is primarily a workspace for its resident artists, public access is limited in order to minimize distractions. Some artists may choose to open their studios on select days, but the greatest opportunity to connect with the public occurs during the gallery’s FREE FOR ALL event that occurs twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring. As the name might suggest, FREE FOR ALL is a grassroots affair, with submissions open to anyone. Typically, around

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100 artists of varying expertise and ability participate, resulting in a nearly festival-sized gathering with a convivial atmosphere. Admission is free, and attendees can expect to discover pieces that are for sale, as well as pieces that are just for viewing. 100% of each sale goes directly to the artist, an uncommon arrangement that is indicative of the particularly symbiotic relationship between Hart Witzen and local artists. “The arts community has been good to me and my family, and this is our way of giving back,” says Hart. info hartwitzengallery.com

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CULTURE

LIVING CREATIVELY Artist Caroline Simas achieves her dreams one brushstroke at a time. words ALLY MASTRONE

To Caroline Simas, living a creative life is a necessity. From a very young age Simas knew what she wanted to be. “I wanted to grow up and become a mother, a teacher, and an artist. I feel fortunate to have been all three,” she states. In her lifetime, Simas has taught in elementary schools, raised her children, and created her very own custom painting business. Today, Simas continues to lead a creative life by creating her own art, to sell and to share, as well as coaching other artists to achieve their creative goals. When Simas’s children were still young, she decided to design her own greeting cards. Soon, what started as a small project turned into a licensed brand called Multiple Blessings by Caroline Simas. Stores began to ask to carry her stationary and greeting cards, which soon evolved into her art and patterns being sold worldwide. Today, Simas continues to sell her art but has decided to focus less on licensing her art. Currently she has been redirecting her attention to the art workshops she leads in her studio and retreats. “It’s been a wild and wonderful journey and I am so thankful to do what I love every day!”

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photos JAMEY PRICE

In addition to her workshops and retreats, Simas has been busy creating murals and art pieces across Charlotte. For the lobby of the Passage at The Line, Simas created an interactive art piece titled TRANSFORMED that translated her painting onto stainless steel butterfly wings. The design of the piece was extremely intentional, Simas explains. “I painted flowers in the wings to remind us of growth while being 'rooted' in history. Stainless steel was used for the wings as a nod to the industrial history in South End.” Simas states. “I chose a butterfly for the installation piece which represents the transformation, new growth, development, change and renewal in South End, part of our vibrant city in Charlotte, North Carolina.” Beyond TRANSFORMED, Simas has completed murals for the Foundry Commercial, Lululemon displays, alongside collaboration projects such as the painting shipping containers she worked on with Eva Crawford at The Line. Each of these pieces has one thing in common: They are infused with Simas’s desire to creative a positive impact on her community. Simas purposefully infuses her design with

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brightness and positivity, hoping to help her art connect with the viewer. She remarks that the most rewarding aspect of her life as an artist is hearing about the positive impact art has made in people’s lives. As she continues to grow as an artist, Simas is planning to carry on with growing beyond licensing by creating more public art with uplifting messages and involving herself in creative collaborations, especially with women owned businesses. She has plenty of ideas for her future as an artist, but notes that her greatest challenge is “too many ideas, never enough time!” Living as an artist, Simas has already achieved her lifelong dream of creating art as her job. Simas’s unrelenting desire for pursuing creativity has helped her achieve her dreams and will continue to do so as she keeps using her talent to create positivity in her community. info carolinesimas.com @carolinesimas

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FROM NOBLE'S KITCHEN TO YOUR TABLE Field Pea Catering joins Noble Food & Pursuits ever-growing family of local eateries. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos THE PL AID PENGUIN

@QCEXCLUSIVE • 47

FOOD & DRINK

From Noble Food & Pursuits—the same group responsible for popular local eateries Rooster’s, The Jimmy, Noble Smoke, Bossy Beulah’s Chicken Shack, Copain Bakery, and The King’s Kitchen—comes a new culinary venture: Field Pea Catering. Driven by classically trained chefs and characterized by an elegant yet understated event presentation, Field Pea Catering is a feather in the cap of a suite of endeavors to bring good food to good people. Although Noble Food has offered catering through its individual restaurants for decades, Field Pea presents a new opportunity to take food a bit further—both geographically and metaphorically. “We’re taking our decades of experience cooking and nourishing guests outside of our restaurants and to your table—wherever that may be,” says Jim Noble, chef and founder of Noble Food & Pursuits. Southern Standouts — The catering service can be engaged for a range of events— from dinner parties and business meetings to weddings and graduations—and a complementary pick-up/drop-off service is available to support events that do not require service professionals. Menu items are crafted from regional produce and protein and can include passed hors d’oeuvres, like prosciutto and fig tartine or steak tartare, as well as grazing boards, like classic cheese and charcuterie or smoked trout. Additionally, Field Pea offers plated dinners that include entrees like woodgrilled salmon and beef tenderloin, as well as chef stations that might feature a low country boil or polenta bar. If requested, Field Pea can also procure offerings from Noble Food’s other establishments, such as savory brisket from Noble Smoke or flakey pastries from Copain, bringing these staple restaurant items into homes, offices, and event venues around the Queen City.

FOOD & DRINK

Little Pea, Big Impact — The eponymous field pea encompasses a broad range of legumes, from black eyed peas to crowder peas and purple hull peas, that flourishes in the warm climates of the southeast. Farmers have historically grown field peas as a rotational crop between rice and corn harvests, because they are uniquely able to restore nutrients to starved soil, replenishing the land for the next season’s crop. “I grew up eating field peas right out of my grandfather’s garden, and grew them in my own garden decades later,” says Noble. “Aside from their flavor, I love what they represent: simplicity, nourishment, replenishment, and taking care of those around you.” This ethos sits at the heart of Field Pea Catering, which, if Noble Food & Pursuits’ other ventures are any indication, is certain to be a local success. info fieldpeacatering.com / @fieldpeacatering

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WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY Chef Sylvain of Renaissance Pâtisserie finds sweet success in SouthPark. words ELEANOR MERRELL

Although located just off Carnegie Boulevard in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, stepping through the doors of Renaissance Pâtisserie and inhaling the scents of freshly made, traditional pastries instantly transports any visitor to the streets of France, gently lit in the early morning hours, awash with the smell of baking bread. “To hear Chef Sylvain talk about his formative years studying pastry in France is to marinate in the aromas of fresh baguettes baked at midnight by students out of bounds at night,” says Martin Schreiner, marketing manager at Renaissance Pâtisserie. Sylvain is the mastermind at work here, directing the creation of the French classics—croissants, macaroons, éclairs, brioche loaves, and more—that lie at the heart of Renaissance. After moving to Charlotte from California and taking the temperature of the Queen City’s food scene, Sylvain began to dream of creating authentic, small batch French pastries for

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photos JAMEY PRICE

sale at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. The success of this endeavor propelled Sylvain from a humble market stall to a SouthPark storefront, where the Kouign Amanns and Napoleons have developed cult followings. Now, the pastry case can hardly stay stocked. Plus, in addition to bakery items, Renaissance Pâtisserie has expanded its repertoire to include an assortment of bistro fare, such as beef bourguignon, lorraine quiche, and bacon, brie, and apple croissant sandwiches. And, to meet the demand for custom cake orders, particularly those that aren’t strictly within the purview of the classically French, Renaissance acquired Charlotte’s Decadent Designs Bakery last year. As a result, they can now accommodate requests for layer, wedding, and other celebratory cakes for all occasions. And they can do so in style—one of their crowning achievements was a NASCAR-shaped birthday cake made to scale, much to the delight of a young patron.

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A Piece of the Foodie Pie — When reflecting on Renaissance Pâtisserie’s place in the broader Charlotte food scene, Schreiner is careful to applaud the discernment of Queen City’s foodies, who, by his estimate, favor quality over novelty. “You don’t necessarily have to come up with something like a cornbread croissant for people here to be interested in what you’re doing,” he says. “Foodies here deserve more credit than that.” What’s even more interesting is the way that locals have found ways to invite Renaissance’s delectable French flair into family recipes and Southern dishes. “We have customers who religiously make their grandmothers’ bread pudding recipes using our award winning butter croissants,” shares Schreiner. “We’ve even got a client who swears by our Herbes de Provence breadcrumbs for her fried chicken recipe—there’s real creativity and magic happening here with our products because the foodies in Charlotte are just so engaged.” It is seemingly a testament to Charlotte as a whole—a city that, as it becomes ever more transplant than native—finds increasingly creative and welcoming ways to fuse cultures. info renaissancepatisserie.com @renaissancepatisserie

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FOOD & DRINK

A R I A T USCA N GR I L L'S

SEASONAL FRUIT CROSTATA words ELEANOR MERRELL photo KYO H. NAM

An exceptional crostata can simultaneously be heartwarmingly homespun and so exquisite that it could hardly have been made by human hands — the precise pairing that we all strive for at a holiday dinner table. The seasonal fruit crostata at Aria, Uptown’s Tuscan restaurant, manages to strike this impossible balance. To create this delectable dessert, rolled dough is folded around a mound of seasonal fruit, topped with egg wash and coarse sugar, and baked to order. In the heat of the oven, the folded edges of the dough form a flaky crust that is a perfect foil to the soft goodness of the baked fruit. Topped with gelato made locally in Greensboro by a small batch shop called Gnam Gnam, Aria’s crostata is a delicious blend of warm and cool, flaky and melty, crisp and chewy. —info — ariacharlotte.com @ariatuscangrill

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FOOD & DRINK

T H E GR E E N ROOM'S

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

The Green Room, an intimate, plant-filled bar tucked inside Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails, is a craft cocktail-driven spot in South End that provides several great menu items, as well. When it’s chilly outside and you’re looking to end the evening on a high note, you can’t go

wrong with Green Room’s chocolate souffle. The light, puffy, French-style cake is flambéed tableside. The bar team recommends pairing the dish with the “Brandy Supreme.” Based on a Brandy Alexander, this dessert cocktail is a rich, creamy, brandy-forward beverage that pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the chocolate.

— info — lincolnstreetkitchen.com / @thegreenroom_clt

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Serving Our Charlotte Neighbors Since 1975 Woman Founded. Family Owned. Locally Operated.

helenadamsrealty.com | @helenadamsrealty

FOOD & DRINK

COQU ETT E'S

BLACK ROSE words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

Coquette is a newcomer to Uptown; the French-inspired cafe restaurant balances elegance with the casual nature of a neighborhood eatery. Coquette’s take on a “Black Rose” cocktail is a little lighter than most due to its gin-base. It’s flavored with blackberry and lemon, and then finished with fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme. The colors make for a festive looking winter drink, while the herbaceous, light flavor profile leaves plenty of room for indulgence elsewhere in your meal. info coquetteclt.com / @coquetteclt

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Highly trained certified installers with 5+ years of experience Selecting the right floors for your space and lifestyle, along with demo and installation, can be tedious processes sometimes fraught with unexpected challenges. Using a pro team with certified installers who’ve seen–and can efficiently troubleshoot–it all can drastically reduce your risk of delays, extra costs and potential damage to your home.

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Before you buy it, visualize it Flooring is a major investment, so seeing it all in context is important when making your product selections. MyNewFloor.com utilizes an advanced scanner that measures your rooms and overlays products in 3D. “You can fully visualize the flooring from corner to corner, and around every piece of furniture,” Garcia says. “This way, accuracy is ensured and there’s no guesswork. Our imaging capability allows our measurers and installers to embed notes directly on the photos, specifying unique needs and details. We’re proud to provide an industry-leading method that changes the nature of how flooring is measured and installed.”

Start your next flooring project today Ready to find the flooring that’s right for your home? Visit MyNewFloor.com to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop the curated collection of hardwood, laminated wood, carpet, LVP and tile at MyNewFloor.com’s Blakeney, South End or all-new Lake Norman showrooms.

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P R O F I L ES • S PA C ES • F E AT U R E D H O M ES

HOM E & DE S IG N

TAILORED TO THE CLIENT Amy Lee of Artistic Interior Design on creating timeless spaces. words SUNNY HUBLER photos s by LAURA SUMRAK courtesy ARTISTIC INTERIORS

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HOME & DESIGN

Amy Lee is the designer and owner of Artistic Interior Design, a full-service firm serving Lake Norman, Charlotte, and beyond. She began her design career when she was only 19 years old. Today, Amy draws from her long foundation in the industry to create award winning work and to effectively collaborate with clients on many different sizes and styles of projects. Her design aesthetic is geared towards clean, sophisticated and simple designs, and her approachable but elevated aesthetic is seen throughout everything Artistic Interior Design touches. She credits COO Mark Coffino, who works hand-in-hand with Amy to meet client’s daily needs, as being “imperative to the operation of the company and our projects coming together seamlessly.” Here, Amy tells us more about what goes on behind the scenes and what keeps her work fresh. How did you decide to go into this kind of work? I studied interior design in college, and quickly learned I loved

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the architectural nature of the field and the construction aspect of the job. I loved it so much that I almost left interior design school to study architecture, thinking that I really wanted to focus more on the entire building and not just the interiors. However, after a lot of thinking, I decided to stay, but opted to work in architectural firms upon graduation to satisfy my love for buildings and details. During this time, I got to work on many types of projects and found my true love for residential design and interiors. What is Artistic's "signature"? Are there certain kinds of projects that you gravitate toward in particular? We gravitate towards high-end custom interiors where we can shape the entire project, from floor plan and exterior design to interior selections and finishing. These are typically new construction projects or large gut renovations of older homes. I want each one of my projects to feel unique and custom tailored to the client.

Photographer – Dustin Peck • Builder – Noble Homes • Designer: Carolina Design Associates / Amanda Swaringen

CHARLOTTE’S PREMIER CUSTOM STONE AND TILE CONCIERGE SPECIALIZING IN TURNKEY FABRICATION AND TILE SELECTIONS

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HOME & DESIGN

Where do you draw most of your inspiration for your designs? My clients and what they’re hoping to see or achieve is always my first inspiration. It’s very important to me to understand what makes them tick in terms of interior design and overall aesthetic. These days everything is online for me and on social media. I watch other designers and current trends, design forecasts, etc. When working in the idea phase with a new client, how do you go about getting a feel for their tastes and their aesthetic? So much of what I do is intuitive and stems from my meeting the client and getting to know their personalities. I prefer a client to send me design inspiration photos, something that conveys the overall mood and aesthetic. But part of my job is getting it right for the client and part of the talent that my team brings to the table is doing just that. What are your goals for the future? In what ways are you looking to grow? I am currently looking to grow into creating and providing turnkey homes that can be purchased fully designed and furnished. I feel there is a market for homes that are move-in ready, homes that clients don’t have to struggle with all the design decisions and construction management. info artisticinteriordesign.com @artisticinteriordesign Styled by Kendra Surface

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family law EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

Tonya Graser Smith

Sean P. Smith

GraserSmith welcomes former North Carolina District Court Judge Sean P. Smith to the firm. After 12 years presiding over domestic, divorce, and family related cases in Mecklenburg County, Sean now represents and counsels individuals confronting these same issues. Using the insight gained from ruling on thousands of cases in court, he now offers his clients a case perspective that only a former judge can provide. We are now offering private mediation options to resolve your matters with discretion and without unnecessary delay.

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HOME & DESIGN

DANSING ON PROVIDENCE

Whole-home renovation from Delphinium Design and Watershed Builders. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos TIFFANY RINGWALD

Delphinium Design partnered with Watershed Builders for a whole-home renovation and furnishing in the Providence Plantation neighborhood that leveraged Delphinium’s characteristic bright and refined aesthetic alongside Watershed’s meticulous building services. Named “Dansing on Providence”—a riff on the client’s last name and the location of the home—this project transformed a house into a comfortable, modern home.

entertainer’s island that was outfitted, along with the rest of the kitchen, with Shaker cabinetry. The countertops were updated to quartzite that extends throughout the backsplash for a cleaner, lighter look. Alongside these aesthetic changes, functional improvements including additional hidden storage throughout the room and new appliances from Sub-Zero/ Wolf equip this kitchen as equally for entertaining guests as for whipping up large family meals.

Kitchen — Before Delphinium’s work, the focal point of Dansing on Providence’s kitchen was an outdated peninsula. The renovation replaced this peninsula with a more modern nine-foot

Dining Room — In the dining room, the client requested to preserve the antique furniture already furnishing this room, as well as the existing crystal chandelier. So, Delphinium thought-

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HOME & DESIGN

fully designed around these features, working alongside local wallpaper installer Carolina Wallcoverings to introduce navy, grasscloth Thibaut wallpaper in lieu of the sage paint, replacing the curtains with window treatments from Charlotte-based Chancery Custom, and swapping the rug for a custom wool piece. Most impactfully, Delphinium brought the same quartzite countertops from the kitchen to the dining room bar, while also introducing new cabinet knobs from Modern Matter Hardware. Primary Bath — Delphinium introduced an ultra-light marble tile for the bathroom floor with just enough variation for visual interest. The tile floor is balanced by the warm undertone of the new vanity. Skinny shaker doors coupled with marble countertops that incorporate a mix of warm brown and gray veining

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result in a vanity that feels at once modern and timeless. New sconces from Visual Comfort in South End and a framed pop of color from Art House Charlotte add the finishing touches to this remodeled primary bath. Living Room — “We love designing spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable,” says Jena Bula, Principal Designer of Delphinium Design. This was the guiding principle when Delphinium turned their attention to the living room, which needed to fit the lifestyle of a family of five (six, if you count the dog, which we do). All fabrics are performance, and the coffee table is lacquered linen, meaning it possesses an interesting textural element while still being easy to wipe down. Plus, the coffee table is covered with a glass top for extra protection against spills and drink rings. The mantle is custom and

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HOME & DESIGN

Texaco Gas Station | Oil on Canvas | 24″ × 60″

Charles Edward Williams is an award-winning visual artist from Georgetown, SC. C E W L A N D A N D S E A . C O M | C H A R L E S E D WA R D W I L L I A M S . C O M

uses the same quartzite as the kitchen for visual continuity in the home. The wall of windows prohibited the introduction of built-ins, so Delphinium added etageres with woven backs to frame the fireplace and showcase personal decor. Throughout the Dansing on Providence remodel, the team strives to partner with local business and vendors to create spaces that are both timeless and unique to the area. Doing so creates a community of creators and consumers that weaves together good design and goodwill. info delphiniumdesign.com / @delphiniumdesign watershedbuilders.com / @watershedbuilders

Sophisticated Design, Personal Approach.

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Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside. — Coco Chanel Be an opener of doors — Ralph Waldo Emerson

WINDOW & DOOR PROS Established 1996

Inspiration From Every View Showroom: 1141 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704.344.1875 | Mike@WindowAndDoorPros.Com | WindowAndDoorPros.Com

HOME & DESIGN

BREATHING ROOM words SUNNY HUBLER / photo DUSTIN PECK

Designer Brooke Cole, owner of Brooke Cole Interiors, made her clients’ eclectic dream come true with this Myers Park breakfast nook. “The client wanted a chic breakfast nook with some durable materials for her child, but still stylish enough for entertaining,” she explains. Based on the client’s tastes, Brooke implemented the toile fabric on the Ro-

man shades for a mix of old-meets-new world. The dining banquette is covered in a commercial grade faux leather and the ice stone table top is durable enough for kids of all ages. The toile fabric is by Schumacher, the faux leather on the banquette is by Designers Guild, the dining chairs are C.R. Laine and the light fixture is Visual Comfort.

— info — brookecoleinteriors.com / @brookecoleinteriors

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HOME & DESIGN

COZY SEASON words SUNNY HUBLER / photo WILLIAM ABR ANOWICZ

With this mountain home redesign, Patrick Lewis, of the Charlotte-based firm Patrick Lewis Interiors, did what he does best: create a space that effuses relaxed yet refined elegance. Even better? While this room is inviting year round, there’s something particularly inviting about it when the weather outside turns chilly. Patrick explained that one of the guiding principles was to “evoke a sense of calmness by carrying the surrounding

forest and mountains into the interiors.” The room is also warm, a little rustic, and plenty livable. The stylist here is Eleanor Roper and architecture is by Pursley Dixon. The beautiful home was photographed in entirety for “Finding Home: The Houses of Pursley Dixon” for anyone interested in seeing more. Patrick used pieces from Circa II Antiques and Ralph Lauren Home.

— info — patricklewisinteriors.com / @patricklewisinteriors

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Holiday Gatherings Elevated.

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Drive, chip, and paddle. Golf and so much Moore.

HomeofGolf.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DINING SHOPPING GOLF

RESERVOIR PARK, SOUTHERN PINES

Here in Moore County, our golf courses aren’t the only place you’ll find unforgettable water features. We’re home to incredible outdoor adventures, world-class dining, amazing shopping—everything you want in a getaway. So plan your visit today. We guarantee: It’s Moore than you’re expecting!

A C C O M M O DAT I O N S • P L A C ES • A D V E N T U R ES

T R AV E L

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY The 2024 Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival. words SUNNY HUBLER photos courtesy HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

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Discover the unexpected delight of visiting Hilton Head Island in February! While you may not immediately think of it, this picturesque island is home to an incredible event that will awaken your senses. The annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is not your average foodie gathering: It's a week-long, multi-location extravaganza celebrating the island's rich history and vibrant culture. One of the many highlights is the Lowcountry Experience on the Water, where you can embark on a unique expedition to shrimp, crab, oyster, and fish all in one breathtaking adventure. But that's just the beginning. Get ready to unleash your culinary

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skills with Master Classes led by world-renowned chefs. Indulge in worldly bites and sip on craft cocktails at Zero Forks Given. And don't miss out on the unforgettable Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast, a quintessential Southern soiree bringing together pitmasters and pastry chefs from all corners of the country. What sets this festival apart is its inclusivity. While most food and wine events are limited to adults, the Saturday Seafood Festival is a family-friendly affair. Enjoy live music, witness thrilling chef cooking competitions, and let the little ones embark on a thrilling adventure of shark teeth hunting. It's a day filled with wonder for everyone.

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But here's the best part: This annual event also serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits, with close to two million dollars already contributed to the community since its inception in the early 2000s. By visiting the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, you're not only treating yourself to an unforgettable experience but also giving back. Visiting from out of town? There are two fantastic options for where to stay. The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, the official host hotel, offers everything you need just a stone's throw away from the event. Or, stay at the Palmetto Dunes Resort and have a full vacation experience by pairing your visit with golfing and biking. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable winter getaway. Mark your calendars from February 1925, 2024. Hilton Head Island is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Dare to experience something truly extraordinary! info HiltonHeadSeafoodFestival.com @hhiseafoodfest

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From our Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® family to yours, wishing you a happy holidays! We look forward to serving your mortgage needs in 2024. Mike Ray | Producing Sales Manager

Michael Woodard, CMA | Mortgage Banker

NMLS #415542, Licensed in GA #415542, NC, SC, VA mikeray@atlanticbay.com www.MikeRayMortgage.com

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704-724-9997

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Contact us today and let’s talk! Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All loans subject to income verification, credit approval and property appraisal. Not a commitment to lend. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, L.L.C. NMLS #72043 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Located at 600 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

MERRY IN MOORE COUNTY

Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen know how to do the holidays right. These are our can't-miss events of the season in the Sandhills. words JP GRICE / photos courtesy HOME OF GOLF

Moore County is famous for its golf, quaint downtowns, Queen Anne-style homes, cute shops, tasty restaurants, and wonderful community areas. This area gets especially decked out for the holiday season. As the crisp air and fanciful celebrations begin, curious visitors from across the state can experience the memorable holidays in the Sandhills. If you are looking for a place to visit in the Carolinas this December that will truly get you in the spirit of the season, we highly recommend you consider the Moore County area. It's such a festive place this time of year. Here are some of our top upcoming Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Moore County events to consider when visiting. December 1: A Village Christmas Pinehurst Business Partners cordially invites you to partake in their Holiday Open House, in a momentous collaboration with the Village of Pinehurst Tree Lighting. They invite you to leisurely explore the downtown's unique specialty shops, galleries, and boutiques, where extended hours and pop-up shops await. December 1: Pinehurst Christmas Tree Lighting At James W. Tufts Memorial Park The Village of Pinehurst celebrates the holiday season with the highly anticipated annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. Join with your family and friends at Tufts Memorial Park for an evening filled with music, holiday cheer, and the exciting opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Festive activities and entertainment will be available from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, culminating in the official tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm. Additionally, on-site vendors will offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase. This is a complimentary event, inviting your whole family to delight in the festivities.

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December 1 - 3: Weymouth Wonderland: Outdoor Wonderfest & Market The Weymouth Center for Arts and Humanities has scheduled an Outdoor Wonderfest & Holiday Market to be held from December 1st to December 3rd. The holiday market will include several pop-up shops selling homemade goods, crafts and face painting activities, Christmas caroling, food vendors serving steaming hot foods, and Santa’s magical toy shop. There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy! And don't forget to visit the fully decorated Boyd House, and the stables to say a holiday "Hey" to the horses. Open to the public, visitors can enter with any monetary donation. December 2: Southern Pines Annual Christmas Parade Join the festivities in downtown Southern Pines on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at 11am for the Annual Christmas parade and experience the most festive of atmospheres. The parade will showcase high school bands, dance teams, floats created by local organizations and Moore County businesses, fire trucks, antique cars, political representatives, and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade will commence at Sunrise Theater, proceeding south down Broad Street to Massachusetts Avenue, crossing the tracks, and returning north along Broad Street to Connecticut Avenue. December 3: Bryant House Holiday Open House The Bryant House & McLendon Cabin is hosting a Christmas open house this holiday season. The cabin in Carthage, North Carolina, is one of the most famous historical dwellings in the county. The cabin will be lit with a warm fire and the house will be tastefully decorated with greenery, handmade ornaments and berries. Guests will also be served handmade cookies and hot cider. Enjoy the historical views of the cabin or sit back and enjoy the live music at this historic Christmas event.

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December 7: Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lighting The Christmas Tree Lighting is a traditional small-town holiday celebration held every year in the town of Aberdeen. Hundreds of people are expected to gather to witness the celebration. Apart from the tree lighting, Santa Claus will be making an entrance, so bring along your young ones to meet him. Attendees can also enjoy the night's special performances and light refreshments. December 8: Supper with Santa The Aberdeen Parks & Recreation Department is hosting an exciting catered dinner at the Aberdeen Recreation Center and everyone is welcome to join in. The event will include holiday crafts and a holiday movie that you can enjoy with Santa. It is scheduled for Friday, December 8th, from 6pm to 8pm. You will have to register for the event by December 1st with tickets priced at $5 for children, $10 for residents, and $15 for nonresidents. December 9: Shaw House Holiday Open House The Shaw House, also known as the Old Shaw Homestead, is a historic home on the edge of downtown Southern Pines. It dates back to the early 19th century, featuring historic Federal Greek Revival style elements in its architecture. It is also regarded as one of the oldest surviving houses in the county. The Shaw House Holiday Open House will take place on December 9th from 1pm to 4pm this year. Visitors can tour the house and enjoy old-time decorations and the house’s intriguing architecture. Admissions to this event will be free for all. It is a fantastic way for history lovers to enjoy the holidays in Southern Pines. December 9: Aberdeen Christmas Parade Every year, the town of Aberdeen hosts its Christmas Parade. This year is no different, with the parade scheduled for December 9th. Visitors are welcome to gather in downtown Aberdeen at 11am to truly get into the holiday spirit. Highlights of the parade will include live music, floats created by local organizations, local charities, sports groups, local businesses and a classic appearance by Santa Claus!

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December 9: Old Fashioned Christmas Head over to the Malcolm Blue Farm on the 9th of December and enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas, as it was celebrated back in the 1800s. The farmhouse will be decorated in the fashion of the 19th century, with live music and refreshments to get the holiday spirit going. There will also be several activities available for young children to enjoy, including writing letters to Santa with feather pens and making bird feeders. You can also explore their barn-style museum that showcases historic farm equipment, agriculture, handiworks and other extensive displays. December 16: Moore Philharmonic Orchestra 19th Annual Holiday Concert The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra cordially presents their 19th Annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 16th, at 7pm. The concert will take place at Pinecrest High School’s Robert E. Lee Auditorium. Doors will open promptly at 6pm. Whether you appreciate the holiday classics or seek a contemporary sound this season, MPO has precisely the melody to suit your taste. Admission is by donation of choice, and any amount will be greatly appreciated. The proceeds from their concerts contribute to funding their scholarship programs, music, operating expenses, and more. If you attend, be sure to visit their merchandise tables in the lobby to participate in the gift basket raffle. Moore County is one of our favorite areas to visit around the holidays. The county always has a rich assortment of events for the coming holiday season. Visitors can attend the annual Southern Pines parade, see the ultimate tree lighting ceremony in downtown Pinehurst, enjoy a carriage ride through the town, see the shimmering lights, experience a joyous holiday concert, and have plenty of opportunities to meet Santa. There is so much for you to enjoy in the Sandhills during the holidays! info homeofgolf.com @homeofamericangolf

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Some of the best places to see Christmas lights in North Carolina. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos JP GRICE or JAME Y PRICE

We all have different things that excite us when it comes to getting into the holiday spirit. Sometimes it’s baking sugar cookies for Santa, hearing “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey play on the radio 44 times per day, present shopping, ice skating, curling up with a loved one in front of the fire, or a combination of all these activities. Undoubtedly, though, a critical ingredient for the holiday season is seeing winter skies aglow with strings of Christmas lights. North Carolina has no shortage of opportunities for people young, old and in between to drink in the magic of a well placed twinkling light. Christmas at the Biltmore Asheville, NC There’s no missing the entrance to the Biltmore at Christmastime. A towering Norway spruce with branches wrapped in lights stands sentry out frog, and luminaries guide visitors straight to the doorsteps. Within, soft twinkle lights and cozy candles dress this already dazzling home up for the holidays. Extend your Biltmore experience with a trip to nearby Antler Hill Village, where a winery, a farmyard, and small shops are similarly festooned. Winter Lights at NC Arboretum Asheville, NC In addition to fostering one of the most diverse collections of plants in the southeast, the NC Arboretum also happens to host an impressive light show that strings over one million lights along a walking path and up a 50-foot tree. Expect to find a blend of elegance and whimsy here. Similarly, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens (Belmont, NC), Cape Fear Botanical Garden (Fayetteville, NC), and Elizabethan Gardens (Manteo, NC), offer garden pathways lined with glittering Christmas lights during the holiday season.

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Hometown Holiday Festivities Forest City, NC From Thanksgiving to New Years, over a million lights dazzle over the heart of downtown Forest City. This quaint small town has the look and feel of a small town straight out of a Hallmark movie and has the suite of activities one might expect from such a place: horse-drawn carriage rides, synthetic ice skating, and hay rides. Christmas Town USA McAdenville, NC McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town, USA, has long been one of North Carolina’s top destinations for Christmas light viewing. Although it’s worth a visit just to see the quaint downtown area strung with lights, part of McAdenville’s allure lies in its neighborhoods, where each resident pitches in with light displays of their own. U.S. National Whitewater Center Charlotte, NC This holiday light display can be viewed via a meandering walk throughout the grounds. Part holiday festivity, part art installation, this holiday experience is one you’d be hardpressed to find elsewhere. Plus, the Center is also outfitted during winter months with a 24,000 square foot ice skating track, where an on-ice Airstream trailer serves beverages both warm and cold. Light the Knights and Christmas Village Charlotte, NC In the heart of Uptown amid glittering skyscrapers, Truist Field, home to the minor league baseball team The Knights, transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, retail, and the lights.

HOPING YOU FIND LAUGHER AND JOY IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

A Magliocca Co.

RICK AND KRISTEN MAGLIOCCA GRANDSON RICO

1930 ABBOTT ST., UNIT 401 | CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 | 980-237-2670 | WWW.NEWLIFEBUILDINGSUPPLIES.COM

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Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, NC At the Charlotte Motor Speedway, 4 million lights are set up annually along 3.75 miles of roadway in the center of the speedway, making it one of the largest holiday light shows in North Carolina. It’s small wonder that visitors flocked to this spectacle from all 50 states last year. Tryon Equestrian Center Mill Spring, NC Each holiday season, the Tryon Equestrian Center converts itself into a winter wonderland, where a drive-thru light show displays hundreds of thousands of lights that flicker and dance to the rhythm of festive tunes. Visit for the lights, but be sure to stop by the Winterfest Village, ice skating rink, and Christmas market for a full evening of holiday happiness.

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2023 LOCAL GUIDE TO GIFTING

For presents big and small this holiday season, these Charlotte retailers offer countless ways to shop for everyone on your list while supporting small businesses.

words SUNNY HUBLER, ANA RUIZ, AND MERCY FISHER / photos JAMEY PRICE or KYO H. NAM or courtesy BUSINESSES

The holidays are a busy time, and shopping at the big retailers is quick and easy. But if you can avoid the pull of quick-click convenience, we have some recommendations so you can shop and feel good about it, too. And, if convenience really is your elixir of the season, many of these small Charlotte businesses have ways to order virtually, too. Buying local has far reaching effects: It stimulates the economy in our community, helps the environment, and even translates into stronger infrastructure. Plus, it’s just pretty dang rewarding to know exactly where your dollars are going this holiday season. Here is a shortlist of some of our most beloved Charlotte shops.

Woodhouse Spa Give a little luxury. Treat someone you love to a custom spa experience that gives them permission to indulge. Woodhouse Spa is Charlotte's newest sanctuary for Body + Mood Care, opening December 2023 in SouthPark. A Woodhouse Spa gift card is the perfect gift for that special someone who could use a little extra self-care this season. southpark.woodhousespas.com Peppermint Forest If you love everything Christmas, the Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop of Charlotte was made for you. Peppermint Forest has no shortage of trees, ornaments, decorations, lights, candles, florals, or Christmas collectables for this upcoming holiday season. For the past 41 years, they have been the premier retail source for all things Christmas. peppermintforest.com

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Tiny Gods For the person in your life who likes to stand out with unique style, Tiny Gods Jewelry is the place to go. Founded in 2020, Tiny Gods curates beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry for their clients, placing importance on both quality and creativity. Shop online or in person, and you can even choose to shop by designer rather than by product. Find that extraordinary piece today. tinygods.com Taylor Richards & Conger For the special men in your life, give the gift of sophistication this holiday season. Offering much more than suits and blazers, choose from their plethora of apothecary items including Acqua Di Parma shaving needs, and Fulton & Roark soaps. With close to 100 different designers, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect staple piece!

shop-trcstyle.com Paper Skyscraper Find goodies galore in Charlotte’s Paper Skyscraper. This is the perfect place to come and check multiple people off your holiday shopping list. Find something for every part of the gift-giving process, from wrapping paper to quippy cards. Maybe you’ll leave with an eye-catching coffee table book, a local artist's print, or both! paperskyscraper.com Moxie Mercantile With a sweet and helpful staff ready to help you find the perfect gift for the important people in your life, stepping inside feels like coming home. Offering selections from bath and beauty, stationery and cards, apparel, accessories, and home decor, Moxie Mercantile offers online order placement for pickup. moxiemercantile.com Bedside Manor Give the gift of a good night's sleep with Bedside Manor's ample selection of all things comfort. With some of the finest brands in bedding, there isn’t much about the essence of hospitality and luxury left out of this wide selection of finely curated bedding sets, sleep appar-

Peppermint Forest, Woodhouse Spa, Selenite Beauty, Paper Skyscraper.

el, home goods and more. Bedside Manor offers both in person and online shopping to make your process as convenient as can be. Be sure to check out their beautiful holiday collection featuring festive patterns to welcome the season. bedsidemanor.com Girltribe This for girls, by girls store offers everything from stickers, water bottles, makeup and nails, to outfits for every occasion. Find the perfect gift for the spunky and colorful in your life. Anything with print on it is sure to be trendy and tasteful and garner compliments! If you find yourself in South End or SouthPark be sure to stop in or shop online. girltribeco.com Park Road Books For the book lover in your life, stop by Park Road Books to grab a signed copy of your favorite local novelist or browse the best sellers and employee choices of the month. A staple in the independent bookstore community, this shop celebrates 46 years of calling Charlotte its home. This Christmas season get lost inside the aisles and find something for everyone in your life, young and old alike. parkroadbooks.com boem Whether you’re shopping for a chic sister-in-law or an elegant friend, boem offers a clothing collection that blends taste and comfort to create that down-toearth look. Find fall and winter favorites for the holidays as well as accessories, home decor, and more. You won’t have to

look far for the gift of the season here. shopboem.com Charlotte Collective Support a small business this season when you shop from over 20 local brands offered at Charlotte Collective’s shared retail space in South End. From jewelry to dog collars, with an emphasis on all things Queen City and brands like 11 & Thoms, Fernweh Candle Co., and Queen & Cotton, you won’t have to look too hard to walk away with the perfect gift for the special people in your life! cltcollective.com Grow Located in Camp North End, Grow is for the green thumb in your life. From the simplest of care to exotic plants, they have the perfect plant for the friend who loves to add a little life to their space. The owners are knowledgeable and friendly and will go above and beyond to help create the perfect gift bundle with their selections of home goods and decor, plant care, and specialty coffee and chocolate. growcharlotte.com Vestique Finding the perfect outfit for any fall or winter events can be a problem. Luckily, you can find the solution quickly at Vestique. At this colorful and resourceful women’s clothing shop, there are all kinds of things to wear including dresses, rompers, sweaters and skirts. This place offers a variety of options when it comes to finding the perfect clothing for a festive event or a regular day during the holidays. vestique.com

OMJ Clothing Founded in 2013, this shop was created by men for men, bringing a fresh take on menswear with a focus on simplicity and significance in men’s style. OMJ CLothing is the place where any man should go during the holidays to find the perfect button down, sport coat and tie for a special event. Don’t leave the decision to look great at the dinner table until the last minute. omjclothing.com Sleepy Poet One of our favorite antique stores in the Queen City, Sleepy Poet is perfect for a holiday shopping spree that may lead you to find things you’ve never thought about buying before. At this antique mall, you will find nearly anything you can think of, including furniture, vintage clothing, home decoration and even vinyl records. This is the perfect place to go to if you are looking to buy a gift for someone. sleepypoetstuff.com Pura Vida Worldly Art This local small business is home to products from over 40 countries around the world. If you are looking for a unique gift for someone or just to go to a cute shop with “handmade, ethically sourced products,” this is the perfect place to check out. puravidaworldlyart.shop Midwood Flower Shop The holidays are the perfect opportunity to buy your significant other, a close family member or even a friend

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a beautiful gift — like flowers — to brighten their day. The detailed arrangements this shop offers include flowers of all kinds and colors, and gift options like blankets, baskets, food and comfort crates; the perfect way to show someone how much they mean to you. midwoodflowershop.com Social Status Born in Charlotte in 2005 and located on Central Ave., Social Status aims to aid anyone who is looking for the perfect outfit to a popular location. If you are looking for clothes, shoes or just a simple jacket that will elevate someone in your family's style in a sophisticated manner, this is definitely a place you should check out. socialstatuspgh.com Fancy Pants Are you looking to buy something for your child, a niece or nephew, or your grandchild? Located in Providence Road, Fancy Pants is an excellent choice to walk into and have a variety of outfits to choose for the kid in your life. This clothing store is an awardwinning children’s boutique that offers styles of all kinds for both newborns, infants, toddlers, young girls and boys and youths. fancypantschildren.com Toy Mania Toys never go out of style. At Toy Mania, located on Sharon Amity Rd. you will finda ton of great options to give presents to children up to 11 years old. From games to dolls, to entertainment

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and educational toys, you will find a large variety of gifts perfect for the most wonderful time of the year! toymaniausa.com Diamonds Direct Diamonds Direct has a mission of enhancing the diamond shopping experience. With over 50 designers carried, you are sure to find your perfect diamond or piece of holiday jewelry at Diamonds Direct. diamondsdirect.com Happy Kat Candles & Gifts This candle shop offers a large variety of candles that come in all shapes and sizes. You will find almost anything can be shaped into a candle, which makes it the perfect place to shop during the holidays. happykatcandles.com One Twenty Two Boutique One Twenty Two is a women-owned Charlotte-based boutique that offers everyday women’s fashion. They have a wide variety of shirts, pants, jackets, and hats from XXS to 4XL that are perfect for the fashionista in your life. onetwentytwoboutique.com Selenite Beauty Selenite Beauty is a Charlotte-based beauty brand that only uses clean and natural products to make their skincare and cosmetics. Perfect for the person who loves clean beauty, the shop also has tons of cute gift options like jade rollers, baby toys, crystal eye masks, and more. selenitebeauty.com

Blackhawk Hardware Blackhawk Hardware is a locallyowned hardware and gardening store where you can find all the essentials you need to finish that project or your garden. Perfect for the people in your life who have a green thumb or love building things, Blackhawk Hardware provides you with all the essentials. Learn more about their services and inventory online, or visit them at the Park Road Shopping Center. blackhawkhardware.com Rebel Base Comics and Toys Rebel Base Comics and Toys is your one-stop-shop for all things comics and collectibles in Charlotte. Perfect for the superhero fanatic in your life, you can find comics from Marvel, DC, Top Cow and more. Visit them online for updates on the inventory changes each week. rebelbasecomics.com Windsor Jewelers Since 1986, this family-owned business has been helping couples get engaged with only the finest quality of diamonds guaranteed to last a lifetime. Windsor Jewelers will help you build your ideal engagement ring for that perfect person in your life. If it is not engagement rings you are looking for this holiday season, however, they also offer a wide variety of other gorgeous diamond jewelry and timepieces. windsor-jewelers.com Repo Record Repo Record is a locally-owned record store that sells used rap, metal, and

Taylor Richards & Conger, Bedside Manor, Toccare, OMJ

R&B, vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. Perfect for the music lover on your list, give them the perfect album to listen to this holiday season. Learn more about their inventory in store. reporecord.com Mood House Mood House, in Dilworth, is reimagining the traditional massage spa. From easy online booking, to amazing massages, meditation classes and more, you are sure to enjoy Mood House. Gift a family member or a friend a day of relaxation. Bonus: They also sell locally made holiday candles that make for an excellent gift, too. thisismoodhouse.com Donald Haack Donald Haack is your go-to diamond and fine gems retailer in Charlotte. Perfect for that special person in your life, help them add a bit of sparkle this winter with Donald Haack’s “Find Your Diamond'' feature to customize your gift. donaldhaack.com Charlotte Candle Company Opened in 2017, Charlotte Candle Company is an eco-friendly company that make their candles from all-natural soy wax. What is different from these candles than others is that they barely produce any smoke, adding enjoyment to the burning experience. charlottecandlecompany.com Evelyn Henson Evelyn Henson is a solo artist who produces all sorts of goods such as art, ac-

cessories, home goods, and even custom jobs. Evelyn started off on Etsy in 2013 and soon moved on to bigger things. evelynhenson.com Infinity Boutique Infinity Boutique is sure to wow you with its chic, trendsetting style and fashion. As a brand, they take pride in keeping up with the latest trends and styles. They also offer sizes from petite to plus. infinityboutiquecharlotte.com Reid’s Fine Foods All over the Carolinas you will find the very distinct Reid’s Fine Foods markets, specializing in superior wines, locally grown produce, baked goods, and beautifully arranged gift baskets. These gift baskets, among the many other products that Reids provides, are the perfect present for the individual in your life with a more refined palate. It’s also your one stop shop for hosting any holiday soirees: wine, charcuterie, flowers, snacks, and more. reids.com Southern Distilling Company Found in Statesville, North Carolina, the Southern Distilling Company is home to award-winning spirits such as their ultra-premium bourbons, rye whiskeys, and fruit brandies. Proudly located in the former “liquor capital of the world,” the Southern Distilling Company prides themselves on working with local farmers to bring you an elevated selection of premium liquors. This is a gift for the 21+ person in your

life who knows quality when they see it. southerndistillingcompany.com Perry's Diamonds & Estate Jewelry Perry's Diamonds & Estate Jewelry has been in business in the Charlotte area for over 40 years and offers wonderful options for holiday gifts including fine jewerly and vintage and estate pieces. perrysjewelry.com Abode Housing all the latest in-home furnishing, décor, and interior accessories, Abode Home layers modern elements and antiques to create unique pieces for any style. Whether you are looking for something fresh and vibrant, or keeping it more classic, Abode Home will help you find a thoughtful gift to turn any house into a home. abodehomedesign.com I.C. London Found in the heart of SouthPark, I.C. London is a boutique that offers elegant and sophisticated lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of sizes and price points to choose from, all while browsing through exclusive brands and a wide selection of styles. Whether you are treating yourself or buying something special for someone else, I.C. London is the place to go. iclondon.com info qcexclusive.com @qcexclusive discoverthecarolinas.com @discoverthecarolinas

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HOLIDAYS DONE RIGHT These vibrant Carolina towns are filled with holiday joy. words EMILIE WIDARSSON / photos JP GRICE or JAME Y PRICE or HOME OF GOLF

The Carolinas are home to many cozy towns perfect for the Christmas season. These are some of the most jolly and festive in the states! Blowing Rock, NC Visitors can take part in a wide range of festive family-friendly activities, like meeting Santa or playing carnival games in Memorial Park. Enjoy hayrides and hot chocolate while thousands of dazzling tree lights glow vividly in the night sky. You can rest up before the following day’s Christmas Parade at a nearby luxury hotel such as the Chetola Resort or Inn at Crestwood. Throughout the holidays, families can also board the Tweetsie Railroad that passes through over a million Christmas lights.

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Asheville, NC North Carolina’s most iconic mountain town offers a lot during the holdays. Bundle up and enjoy the brisk weather as you explore the beautifully decorated NC Arboretum, host to 434 acres of Christmas lights. In addition, buy your loved ones a gift at one of Asheville’s many quaint shops, and celebrate the season with a visit to the luxurious Biltmore estate. Beech Mountain, NC The impressive snowfall and abundant ski resorts of Beech Mountain in North Carolina make for the perfect white Christmas. The town offers a wide range of merry activities, taking place over the days leading up to Christmas. The Beech Mountain Resort is the

Biltmore In Asheville. Snow in Southern Pines.

perfect spot to stay while visiting, as its View Haus hosts many of the town’s holiday attractions. Guests can enjoy photos with Santa, a craft station, and free hot chocolate for children. Greenville, SC Greenville is another magical spot for holiday celebration. Along the town’s Main Street are plenty of shops that follow a Christmas theme, giving the town a whimsical atmosphere. One of the town’s biggest holiday attractions is its Night of Lights, which features thousands of twinkling lights, along with fun activities for the whole family. Guests can talk to Santa, check out local vendors, and enjoy a meal from food trucks. Those visiting Greenville can also enjoy the town’s signature Poinsettia Parade, as well as the Hyatt Regency’s Festival of Trees. The Ice on Main skating rink is another popular destination, with over 3,200 square feet of ice right next to the Courtyard Marriott. Southern Pines and Pinehurst, NC The Sandhills are a great place to visit for the holidays. It’s not as

cold as some of the other towns on the list, so you can get out and about and enjoy some outdoor activities while visiting which is always nice. Maybe you like golf and want to play a round of golf in the mild conditions. But after 18, it’s time to get in the spirit of the season. The downtowns of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen sparkle. Storefronts and windows are decked out in displays. There are tree lightings, carriage rides, and area parades. Franklin, NC The town's Winter Wonderland festival is the perfect place to spruce up your holiday season. Bundle up and sip on hot cider while you take a carriage ride through the quaint city streets. Or, opt to walk through the downtown, where you can shop and take in the sights and sounds of the season with several of the living window displays. Hendersonville It's always nice to be in Western NC during the holidays. Crisp air, a chance of snow, and towns that really know how to decorate. And Hendersonvills is one of the best! “Home for

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the Holidays” is an annual tradition in downtown Hendersonville and the surrounding areas, about two hours west of Charlotte. This festival, filled with Flat Rock Playhouse productions, ice-skating, wagon rides, visits with Santa, and parades, will occur through December 21. Sylva, NC Sylva offers the perfect North Carolina Christmas vacation. For those who want to brave the cold, take a hike at Pinnacle Park and take in scenic winter views. Or, head downtown and shop local for your gift needs. While there, you can stop at the Farmhouse Mercantile and Coffee bar, and sip on a delicious cup of coffee while you browse the boutique store. Davidson, NC To enjoy the flavors of the season, drive up to Davidson, NC. Savor the season at Summit Coffee, where you can relax with a cup of their spiced apple cider and for dinner, head to Kindred, where the team carefully curates small plates that incorporate the best flavors of the season. Expect Davidson to be decked out with twinkling lights and festive notes. For one weekend in December, Christmas in Davidson, an annual festival, takes over the entire Main Street with vendors, a tree decorating contest, sleigh rides, and more.

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McAdenville, NC This town goes by another name: Christmas Town USA. McAdenville is famous for its extravagant Christmas celebrations, including its Yule Log Parade and incredible light show. The parade is one of the longest running customs in the small town of 1,000 residents. This community-wide walk is spectacularly lit by the hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights that are on display for almost the entirety of December. The town’s commitment to the holiday season has attracted thousands of visitors, comfortably placing it as one of the top Christmas destinations in the Carolinas. Forest City, NC The small North Carolina town of Forest City is well known for its holiday festivities. Beginning with the lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night, visitors can take a carriage ride down Main Street to enjoy the lights. Alternatively, spend a romantic evening going ice skating like something straight out of your favorite Christmas movie. Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg has a unique twist—the South Carolina town takes on a Victorian-themed Christmas. Antique clothing and live music bring a vintage charm to the town during the last month of the year, giving the town a unique atmosphere.

Lights in McAdenville. Downtown Sylva.

There are plenty of cozy shops and cafes to explore. Main Street hosts an annual trolley tour that showcases the town’s Christmas lights and carolers. Every year, the town hosts its Dickens of a Christmas event, perfect for spending time with family and finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. Winston Salem Not too far from Winston-Salem, you’ll find the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, an annual festival at Tanglewood Park. Come the holiday season, the park’s rolling hills are filled to the brim with stunning light displays. Tune in your car’s radio for jolly Christmas music while you drive through the whimsical lights and decorations. Tanglewood Park is known for its “dancing tree,” for which students at the University of North Carolina have created an original composition. Tickets are priced dependent on the size of your vehicle, with several discounted days throughout the season. December 1 through December 23 visitors should also check out Christmas at Old Salem. Edenton On December 2 the annual Flotilla of decorated boats in the harbor kicks off holidays in Edenton. Then December 8, the City of Edenton holds its Christmas Candlelight Tour. In the following weeks, this holiday destination will host a plethora of other an-

nual celebrations including the There's Christmas in the Air orchestra performance. New Bern This riverfront city is nearly 4.5 hours from Charlotte, but well worth the drive. The historic Tryon Palace complex includes beautiful historic architecture, homes, and gardens and is known for thier Palace Holiday Decor display where everything will be decorated for the holiday season. The town is also known for their Candlelight Celebrations. While you’re downtown, stop by the unique gift shops that will definitely check a few boxes on your list. Beaufort Beaufort, South Carolina is a city on Port Royal Island known for a quaint, cozy beach-town feel. In its historic downtown, Beaufort boasts many a mansion. When Christmas rolls around, Beaufort decorates the beautiful downtown scene, hosts a Christmas parade, markets to support local artists, a locally performed The Nutcracker, and even a “Crystal Coast” Flotilla. info discovethecarolinas.com @discoverthecarolinas

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CELEBRATE 2024 IN STYLE How to ring in the New Year in Charlotte and beyond.

words MERCY FISHER and ANA RUIZ / photo of skyline courtesy CHARLOT TE CENTER CIT Y PARTNERS photos courtesy INCLUDED BUSINESSES

The first moments of the new year set the stage for how we experience the Earth’s next trip around the sun. Whether you like a quieter evening or an active one, we’ve got our annual guide for how to celebrate in and around the Queen City. Be safe, cheers, and we’ll see you in 2024. GET HEALTHY — Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K Kickstart your New Year with an invigorating experience that promises fun and fulfillment for all. The Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K on January 1st at 10 am is a fantastic event designed for runners and walkers alike. Participants will run through the picturesque greenways of University City, ending at the UNC Charlotte campus near Robert Snyder Drive for a post-race celebration. Enjoy live music, savor a delectable brunch, sip on warm beverages, and toast to your achievements with a refreshing beer. The Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K also proudly supports the University City Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing community development, fostering community bonds, and creating remarkable places in the University City market area. 5K at The Whitewater Center Start the year right by signing up for the Whitewater Center’s annual 5K and 5

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Mile Trail Race this New Year’s Eve. Runners can choose between the two races, both of which will start on New Year's Eve at 11 pm and end on New Year's Day by 1 am. There’s no better way to get on top of your resolutions. The Whitewater Center offers 1,300 acres of recreation perfect for family, couple, or solo activities right here in Charlotte. Registration for the New Year’s Eve race includes a celebratory drink of champagne or grape juice to celebrate your accomplishment! Preregister by December 18th for a race day t-shirt. Headlamps are required to light your path as you compete within your age bracket or race for fun. GET CULTURED — CLT NYE at Levine Avenue of the Arts Have a night to remember with the whole family by celebrating New Year’s Eve with the city of Charlotte. CLT NYE presented by Ally is the best way to ring in the New Year. This annual, free Charlotte tradition

is back to celebrate the start of 2024! CLT NYE includes a DJ, live music, the lighting of the Queen City crown and a huge CLT NYE fireworks display starting at midnight. In fact, this is the only place to catch fireworks in Uptown on NYE. Join in on Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts starting at 8 p.m. December 31st. The Avetts at PNC Ring in the new year with 10,000 strangers and one legendary band. Concord boys turned Grammy winners, The Avett Brothers have played a New Year’s Eve concert in North Carolina every year for almost a decade. Catch them this New Year’s Eve at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on Sunday, December 31, 2023. Middle C Jazz Club Presents… The Middle C Jazz Club is one of the Queen City’s best-kept secrets. This swanky Uptown venue will celebrate with The Voltage Brothers on December 31 at 7 pm and 10 pm. The high performing group will bring in R&B, swing, beach music, disco, funk hip-hop, jazz, motown, and more. Voltage Brothers has performed at the Atlanta Olympics, multiple presidential inaugurations, and nine Super Bowls. Groove with the band on a desig-

Charlotte skyline, Cirque Du Soleil's BAZZAR, Middle C Jazz, Whitewater Center 5K

nated dance floor, and pause at midnight to watch the Times Square ball drop and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast. Cirque Du Soleil’s BAZZAR If you are looking for an interesting family event, witnessing one of the fantastical Cirque Du Soleil shows is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. Running through January 14, Cirque Du Soleil will be bringing its show Bazzar into Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is a perfect way to enjoy a different type of New Year’s Eve activity. NYE at The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium Bring your whole family to Gastonia, NC for a unique experience at The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium. This limited exhibit will include activities, snacks and cool ways to learn about New Year’s Eve traditions that happen all over the world. On Dec. 31, the doors to this museum will open at 10 a.m., just an hour before Japan’s New Year is celebrated inside. Make sure to join before the museum closes its doors at 5 p.m. GET REJUVENATED — The Spa at Old Edwards Welcome renewal and relaxation this New Year’s by booking a spa getaway. Escape to chic mountain town Highlands, North Carolina to book a stay at The Spa at Old Edwards Inn or head to the town of Duck for a relaxing coastal experience

like no other. If you don’t want to stray too far from home, The Spa at Ballantyne is popular for their package deals and therapies. Treating your body to a fresh start is one of the best things you can do for it, and what better time to indulge than the fresh start of the New Year! New Year’s Eve High Tea 2023 Looking for a fun, relaxing activity that will allow you to reflect on the last year and what’s to come? Collect your tickets for the New Years Eve High Tea 2023. This is an hour-long event that invites all people to celebrate and embrace the last moments of the year at the Historic Sharpe House at South Center Street in Statesville. Throughout this event, the organization will be offering freshly brewed black tea, along with champagne during the day. A raffle will also take place throughout the event. It’s ideal for all ages. Relax at The Biltmore Celebrate New Year’s in one of NC's most impressive estates. Located in Asheville, The Biltmore Estate is the perfect place to welcome the new year and celebrate like no other with exclusive access to the grounds, midnight fireworks, and a carefully prepared four-course dinner in the grand Dining Room. Add to your stay by booking an exclusive New Year’s Day wellness and mindfulness session to start the new year feeling your best. With several unique and immersive packages offered through January, there won’t be any shortage of experience during your stay.

GET EXCITED — Gatsby House New Years Celebration Are you looking for a little party that will help you kick-off the new year in a different way? Tickets for the Gatsby House 2024: New Years Eve Celebration are selling quickly, so make sure you secure your place at the exclusive New Years party at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown Hotel. This Gatsby-inspired event invites people to join in the celebration starting Dec. 31 at 8:00 p.m. until Jan. 1 at 1:00. If you are looking for a 5-hour prepaid bar, good music to dance to and a great place to mingle, this is exactly where you should be celebrating the incoming 2024 year. Rich & Bennet’s NYE Bash If you are looking for a traditional Charlotte New Year’s Eve party, you cannot miss out on Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash. The doors to this party open every Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. and do not close until after midnight. Tickets usually sell out so make sure to get yours: Prices range from $85 to $140. Sycamore Brewing Sycamore bills its New Year’s Eve celebration as the most laidback New Year’s Eve event in Charlotte. With no dress code and no tickets, it’s the perfect place to sip on a Mountain Candy and come as you are. info qcexclusive.com / @qcexclusive

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SPIRIT OF THE SEASON 15 festive holiday hotels perfect for a December getaway. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos courtesy HOTELS

There’s no place like home for the holidays… unless of course you’re given the opportunity to kick up your feet, not tend to a single household chore, and enjoy holiday decor perfected by someone else. These resorts, inns, and festive hotels will enhance your holiday season in a unique way. Carolina Hotel It's truly hard to beat this favorite holiday hotel! It's beautifully lit, and there are carriage rides, gorgeous decorations all right in the heart of a charming small town. Plus the restaurants on the property serve up the most amazing seasonal fare, and you can play some of the best golf courses in the world. Count me in. homeofgolf.com The Inn at Biltmore Relax in style or explore the outdoors at this high-end inn in Asheville. World-renowned for its beauty and hospitality, The Inn at Biltmore offers a variety of indoor relaxation and outdoor adventure. On top of offering complimentary wine-tastings, guests can also visit the winery, shops, restaurants, and spa at their leisure. With more than 100 decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, and an array of festive Christmas displays, there’s nowhere else quite like the estate during the holidays. biltmore.com

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Grand Bohemian Asheville Come explore the secrets that hide in festive hotels like this boutique Asheville escape. Grand Bohemian invites guests to a sensory experience with their curious displays of interior design and unique furniture. The hotel offers a variety of experiences such as their Poseidon Spa and inhouse art gallery. Red Stag Grill, onsite, will host several different holiday dining options, including Christmas brunch and dinner. For a stay like no other in Asheville, take a closer look at the enticing Grand Bohemian. kesslercollection.com Chetola Resort Reconnect with nature and relax at this immersive lodge. If you are looking for a peaceful escape, look no further than Chetola Resort, located a walking distance from the village of Blowing Rock in the mountains of North Carolina. From November through January, enjoy the annual Festival of Lights by walking or driving the pond loop. For more fun,

head to the sporting range, the spa or indulge in high-end dining at Bob Timberlake’s. Everyone can find something they love at Chetola, making it the ideal place for a memorable family vacation. chetola.com Hotel Emeline Wander through the past while enjoying something new at Hotel Emeline. The hotel places an emphasis on the culture of Charleston, not only with its classic hospitality but with iconic restaurants that guests can choose from, in between taking strolls around The Battery and shopping at King Street. Emeline incorporates the Lowcountry aesthetic with modern amenities to provide the ultimate luxury experience of the South. This place is decked out for the holidays. While there make sure to eat at Frannie & The fox and sit with your loved one at the foxhole! hotelemeline.com Omni Grove Park Inn It's truly hard to beat the holiday vibes at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Sit by the giant fireplaces and enjoy a hot chocolate, take in all the lights and decor, maybe relax at the spa, and enjoy

Chetola, Inn at Biltmore, Hotel Emeline, The Ryder Hotel

mountain views (perhaps even snowy ones). Doesn't get much better than that. omnihotels.com The Carolina Inn The beautifully decorated hotel nestled right in downtown Chapel Hill is well known for its holiday celebrations and for good reason. It's the perfect place to spend a night getting into the spirit of the season! hyatt.com French Quarter Inn French Quarter Inn is one of Charleston’s most luxurious hotels. Guests can go into downtown Charleston and explore the city. Inside, guests can also indulge in many amenities in the five-star suites like an in-room sound machine, a 40-inch TV, valet laundry, and evening turndown services. At FQI, the special Sleigh Bell Suite is completely decked out in holiday décor including garland, a holiday tree, and an in-room eggnog bar. Available throughout December, the seasonal suite offers complete privacy and the ultimate holiday experience. Other holiday amenities for the entire hotel include a special ornament delivered at turndown, classic holiday movie screenings, and the melodies of Christmas carolers on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. fqicharleston.com The Ryder Hotel The Ryder Hotel in Charleston exudes a captivating boho aesthetic, trans-

forming into a holiday haven. Picture a whimsical pop-up adorned with retro Christmas booths, giant floating ornaments gracing the pool, a symphony of lights and trees everywhere, and to top it off, the unexpected delight of a snow machine—a touch of winter magic in the heart of Charleston's warmth. theryderhotel.com Montage Palmetto Bluff It doesn't get much better than being in the Lowcountry for the holidays, and there’s nowhere more quintessentially Lowcountry than the Palmetto Bluff property. During the winter months, expect the grounds to be especially warm, festive, well-lit. Beautifully decorated and always inviting, the Montage provides a lovely home-away-from-home. montage.com/palmettobluff The Vendue Experience a stay that is like no other at Charleston’s first and only art hotel, The Vendue. Each room has a different feel, staying true to its artistic nature and history and some have fireplaces to get you in the winter mood. Best part, is guests can enjoy nightly milk and cookies by the beautiful tree and lights in the lobby. thevendue.com The Duke Mansion Just two miles outside of the Queen City, the Duke Mansion allows guests to experience the lively city and relax away

from the boisterousness of the city. The property covers 4 1/2 beautiful acres for guests to stroll. Decorations abound here to get you in the spirit and to indulge in the Southern charm provided by The Duke Mansion. dukemansion.com Grand Bohemian Greenville Bring your family and establish a new tradition at The Greenville Christmas Market. Explore the exquisitely adorned Grand Bohemian Lodge and continue the celebration with live music, local vendors offering holiday-themed food and beverages, and photos with Santa Claus. The New Year's celebration at the Grand Bohemian is a must as well! kesslercollection.com Charleston Place It is tough to beat the decor, lights, anholiday ambiance that is Charleston Place. From ornament decorating to snowfall photoshoots and a PJ Cocoa Party, this one has it all! charlestonplace.com The Spectator Experience the 1920s glamor offered at The Spectator Hotel. Well-known for their eclectic vibe, The Spectator has everything you need for a luxurious stay. Book the Romance Package to enjoy several complimentary services, including in-room massages, and a carriage ride through Charleston’s Historic District. thespectatorhotel.com

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INDEX A Shade Above. .................................... 71

GraserSmith PLLC............................ 69

Omni Hotels & Resorts ...................106

Allen Tate Realtors ........................107

HartWhite Interiors .......................73

Osteria Luca .......................................92

Anne Neilson Fine Art .......................29

Helen Adams Realty ...................51, 59

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives........... 89

Arcadia ................................................37

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival... 92

Outer Banks .......................................83

Art Of Stone ......................................67

Home Of American Golf ................80

Peppermint Forest ............................87

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group .....85

Home Technology Solutions .........79

Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry..... 41

Ballantyne Dentistry .......................8

Homestyles Interior Design .........77

Plumped ................................................61

Bedside Manor ....................................21

JLayton Interiors ...............................19

Premier Sotheby’s ..............................6

Blackhawk Hardware..................... 93

Jones & Hedges ...................................43

Renaissance patisserie...................50

Blue Ridge Mountain Club ..............14

Kingswood Homes .............................27

sarha lena MUA.................................40

Bossy Beulah’s ..................................53

La Capital MX ....................................50

Selenite Beauty .................................57

Brandon Lawn Real Estate ...........33

Lake Norman Realty .........................39

Shain Gallery .....................................23

Catalina ...............................................54

Local Loaf ............................................18

Sonoma Restaurant Group .............49

Charles Williams..............................74

Lucy and Company .............................25

TLG Doors & Hardware ....................34

Copper Builders ................................51

Majestic Bath .....................................64

Taylor Richards & Conger ............26

Cottingham Chalk ............................45

McDevitt Agency ................................16

Tiny Gods..............................................35

Crystal Coast .....................................12

Mint Hill Orthodontics ..................44

Visit York County ..............................84

Diamonds Direct.............. Back Cover

Mint Museum .......................................24

Watershed Builders .........................40

Gerrard Builders .............................30

My New Floor ................................4, 62

Window & Door Pros .........................75

Giles Barker ........................................10

Myron Greer ........................................74

Windsor Jewelers ...............................2

Grande Custom Builders ..............46

Nestlewood Realty ..........................55

GraperHarperCosmeticSurgery...28

New Life Building Supplies ..............91

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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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