QC Exclusive No 63 - 2019 - Issue 9 - The Festive Issue

The Quintessential Charlotte Luxury Magazine

the festive issue ‘Tis the season for giving to local charities, eating delicious holiday spreads, sipping on tasty seasonal cocktails, taking memorable trips, and so much more.

Plus! 20 Winter Events You Don't Want To Miss

unforgettable holiday trips Asheville's Biltmore tops our list of the most notable Carolina destinations sure to get you in the spirit this December.

NO. 63

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H O L I DAYS 2 0 1 9

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The Exclusives

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Giving is better than receiving — 26 local charities to donate your time, energy, or money to this holiday season and spread some much needed love around the Queen City.

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A Celebration at Biltmore — America's largest home treats guests to a feast of their senses with the ultimate holiday experience.

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‘Tis the season for boards — Lindsay Anvik and Rob Henricks' burgeoning board business Babe & Butcher does holiday spreads the right way.

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Cheers to the holidays — Five winter cocktails from the talented Colleen Hughes to help you revel in the most wonderful time of the year.

Cover photo of Christmas at Biltmore and photo this page of Babe & Butcher holiday board by Jamey Price

THE DEPA RTMEN TS

98 THE CULTURE ARTS, STYLE, AND WELLNESS

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Art in Abstraction LaDara McKinnon on origins, process, and inspiration

Confetti Hearts Evelyn Henson’s public art promotes a richer pedestrian experience

Holidays at the garden An unforgettable seasonal experience you won't forget

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The Nutcracker The popular holiday performance returns

THE SPREAD

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FOOD AND DRINK

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“To quote Van Gogh, ‘color in a painting is like enthusiasm in life.’ I find joy in color and that joy informs my work.”

The Ultimate Foodie Destination Optimist Hall opens to instant popularity The Spirit of Stoke Seasonal dishes from Chef Groody

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Chef Sylvain's Bread & Butter Classic French desserts at Renaissance

Well Kept in health & Fashion Taylor Borders’ boutique activewear shop keeps Lake Norman in style and stride

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Pure Intentions Charlotte's coffee brand rides the wave

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Pickled Peach's Oatmeal Cream Pie A dessert that's worth the drive to Davidson

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Lemon Chess Pie An understated yet refined dessert

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Protagonist’s Pineapple And Spice A delicious beer cocktail

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Queen & Glass' Old Fashioned A simple, elegant classic

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THE FOLIO HOME AND DESIGN

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A Space With A Story Shannon Bowman creates thoughtful designs Peppermint Forest A store that will get you into the spirit of the season Bold & Dramatic A dark, eye-catching space from Diel Design & Interiors

Modern Elegance An inspired design from Classica Homes A Fairytale Holiday A Myers Park cottage from Gerrard Builders Southern Revival A stunning open concept Foxcroft luxury custom home from Simonini

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TRAVEL AND SPORTING

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A True Mountain Experience Boone’s premier boutique hotel, The Horton, creates a relaxed atmosphere in the midst of the Carolina mountains

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Small Town Holiday Charm With Asheville growing every year, Sylva is a great destination without the crowds

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Make Merry Five Carolina towns you have to visit this holiday season

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153 “Every board is like a blank canvas: I want it to be vibrant, colorful and with lots of textures. ”

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THE NOTE

No. 63

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t seems like we were swimming at the lake and enjoying warm summer days just yesterday. Now, after a brief, colorful fall the holidays have arrived here in Charlotte and we at QC Exclusive are so excited. To help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, in this issue we share Charlotte's best holiday events including Charlotte Ballet's The Nutcracker, and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden's Holidays at the Garden. We spread a little kindness with the art of Evelyn Henson, some optimism with our story on Optimist Hall, and a lot of holiday spirit with our visit to Peppermint Forest. In our Spread section you'll find tasty holiday dishes and desserts, including a favorite from Pickled Peach, and in our travel section we visit five towns that do the holidays right. Finally, our Exclusives will put you in the most festive of moods. You'll get to visit the Carolinas' best holiday destinations including Biltmore, give back with our annual list of local charities, sample the gorgeous seasonal boards from the talented folks at Babe & Butcher, and wash down all of that delicious turkey, ham, and sides with Colleen Hughes' winter cocktails. It's going to be a great holiday season. We'll see you in 2020!

Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice, Editor | Brett Barter, Publisher

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OUR TEAM PUBLISHER Brett Barter ART DIRECTOR Jon-Paul Grice EDITOR Sunny Hubler SALES Ashley Carlini Kathleen Hands EDITORIAL Liza Carrasquillo Eleanor Merrell EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Rachel Dressel Riley Cohen Heather Porter Lucy Murrey Lauren Griffith PHOTOGRAPHY Jamey Price Stag + Sparrow Metropolis Iconic Shots

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CONTACT US FEEDBACK We welcome your feedback—both positive and negative—and believe it is very valuable in our constant pursuit to be better as a publication. We encourage all of our readers to contact us with any critiques, compliments, or questions by email at info@qcexclusive.com.

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THE EV EN TIST

h o l idays 2 0 1 9

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Through 1.27.20 Filled with Light at The Bechtler In commemoration of its tenth anniversary, Filled with Light shares the lesser-known programmatic and design evolution of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. In 2000, Andreas Bechtler and his family began to explore a variety of approaches to fulfill the family wish of sharing their impeccable art collection highlighting the creative zeal of the best of 20thcentury Modernism. Visitors see early designs for the museum as it was originally imagined at Mountain Island Lake before the museum became slated to become part of the Levine Center for the Arts in Uptown Charlotte. Never-before-seen architectural sketches, drawings, study photographs and plans illuminate the remarkable evolution of this powerful yet intimate building. The result is an architectural piece of art that is filled with light, engaging community spaces and home to Charlotte’s largest private collection of Modern art since 2010.

Image courtesy of the Bechtler bechtler.org

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The Eventist // Holidays 2019 EDITOR’S CHOICE

Sozo Gallery is proud to present a new collection of works featuring artists Scott Gardner, Eloise Gamble, Thomas Swanston, and Gail Foster entitled Seeking Silence. The show will be on view mid November through mid January, and the exhibition will conclude with an artist panel on Saturday, January 11, 2020 that is open to the public. sozogallery.net

11-29.19 - 1.5.20 Holidays at the Garden Experience a musically-orchestrated topiary display, wander through the the illuminated prairie garden, explore the lights of fire and ice in the perennial gardens, view quaint buildings from Department 56’s Dickens’ Village Series® and more. Visitors will enjoy annual traditions including the towering orchid tree, live music Friday through Sunday evenings, holiday shopping in The Garden Store, crackling fires to warm cold hands or roast a marshmallow, an activity for children, warm beverages, and

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more. Model train displays built by the Metrolina Model Railroaders can be found throughout the garden. dsbg.org 12.3.19 A Very PostModern Christmas This holiday season, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox will take the same originality, wit and virtuosic musical performances that have garnered them over 1 billion views on YouTube to revitalize the idea of a Christmas tour itself, in their multi-city A Very Postmodern Christmas tour. blumenthalarts.org

12.4.19 Take 5 Gallery Chat Join Quentin “Q” Talley, a local musician, poet, and actor at the Mint Museum for a conversation about the Mint Museum’s exhibition of “Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint.” This talk will start at 6 p.m., and is free with admission into the Uptown Museum. mintmuseum.org 12.5.19 William Jameson Experience the beauty of William Jameson’s rich Carolinian landscape paintings. Jameson describes his need

The Eventist // Holidays 2019

to paint as an urge that just can’t be tamed; once he finishes a piece, he is driven to begin another immediately. Jameson has drawn inspiration from a wide array of landscape artists, including Chauncey Foster Ryder. Join Shain Gallery from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. to celebrate this impressive artist. shaingallery.com

Light up the holidays Give the gift of membership this holiday season, with benefits ranging from free admission at both locations to exhibition opening parties, free weekly yoga classes to discounts on programs, camps, and at the Mint Museum Store! Annual memberships start at $60.

12.6.19 Holiday Jazz at the Bechtler Kick off your holiday season with the Ziad Jazz Quartet’s performance of Jingle Bell Jazz among many other classic holiday favorites and jazz holiday renditions. Two performances will take place on December 6; one at 6 p.m., and one at 8:15 p.m. bechtler.org 12.7.19 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Come out to the Spectrum center for this classic performance of Christmas Eve and other Stories, as a part of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter Tour. Ticket prices are approximately $40. trans-siberian.com 12.12.19 8th Annual Small Works Show Shain Gallery will host its 8th Annual Small Works Show on December 12th. View new pieces from various local artists from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. shaingallery.com

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12.13.19 The Jazz Room Join them for one of the most swingin’ holiday season celebrations in town as the Jazz Room celebrates the music of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi and A Charlie Brown Christmas. The evening features five of the region’s most gifted jazz pianists playing the music of Guaraldi, best known for Charlie Brown, Peanuts television Christmas specials. This family-friendly presentation will feature classic

L e e Hal l On Paper

On View Through Jan 11, 2020

I should like to paint the reality that lurks in landscape, to uncover in speculation about landscape the secrets and patterns of the planet, and to know that landscape is the container of Gods.

Lee Hall, 1982

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The Eventist // Holidays 2019

holiday favorites and surprises that will help make your season merry and bright. blumenthalarts.org 12.13.19 Modern Dutch Design At the Mint Museum Uptown, Silvia Barisione from FIU will give a talk about Dutch Design between the years 1890 and 1940, as part of the Dutch Design Lecture Series. This event is free, with a purchased general admission ticket into the Museum. Drop in between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to hear what she has to say. mintmuseum.org 12.16.19 Capture the magic with Santa Capture a magical memory with professional photos of your children or family with Santa by Rick Haithcox Photography. dsbg.com 12.18.19 NC Yoga Bar Participate in a one-hour yoga class with NC Yoga Bar and then explore the Mint’s galleries. mintmuseum.org

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12.19.19 ArtBreak From 12:00 - 12:30 p.m., enjoy an “ArtBreak tour,” a free, guided tour every third Thursday of the month.

Visitors can choose between one of the three museums for each tour; the Mint Museum Uptown, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, or the Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture. These tours provide brief, focused encounters, and will also allow for time to grab lunch. mintmuseum.org 12.27.19 - 12.28.19 Big Boys Do Cry Men face a lot of tough issues, but most times they deal with them amongst themselves. This story will take you on a journey about a grown

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The Eventist // Holidays 2019

man named Demetrius who is still crying on the inside from things that have happened in his childhood and his daily challenges of being a man.

As a result, he struggles through life to find direction and healing. Although he is doing good on the outside his mind and heart need mending. blumenthalarts.org 12.28.19 Cirque de Noel At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform Cirque de Noel's favorite holiday tunes accompanied with a variety of wowing circus performances. Juggling, aerial arts, and contortions are just a few. blumenthalarts.org 12.31.19 New Year's Eve With The Charlotte Symphony Ring in the New Year with your Charlotte Symphony! Experience an unforgettable evening of exquisite music, topped off with George Gershwin's vibrant Rhapsody in Blue. A true American classic, Rhapsody in Blue captures the soul of the Roaring 20s with a cocktail of jazz, ragtime, and classical. charlottesymphony.org 1.3.20 Jazz at the Bechtler Birthday Bash In collaboration with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art will celebrate its 10 year anniversary on the Knight Theater stage. The Ziad Jazz Quartet and many other jazz artists will come together to provide a spectacular evening of music. bechtler.org

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1.4.20 New York Beegees Tribute Show The show is comprised of some of Long Island New York’s most versatile and exceptionally talented players.

The band includes present or former

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The Eventist // Holidays 2019

TAME YOUR SKIN

members of well known, world renown acts including The Alan Parsons Project, Happy Together Tour, Meatloaf, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, Riot, Herman’s Hermits, Enrique Iglesias, The Rippingtons, and more. blumenthalarts.org 1.7.20 - 1.12.20 Come From Away Don't miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by 2017's Tonywinning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. blumenthalarts.org 1.10.20 breatheINK Youth Poetry Slam breatheINK is a performance poetry based organization that seeks to expose all Mecklenburg area youth to the knowledge and power of spoken word. Through workshops, poetry slams, school clubs and organizations, and other activities they allow youth in our community to enhance personal and social growth through selfexpression. They also help, build stronger creative writing and comprehension techniques, increase self-confidence through personal presentations, and develop teamwork skills through group poetry. blumenthalarts.org

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1.10.20 - 1.12.20 Beethoven’s Emperor For three days in January, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No.3; Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7; and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 Emperor. With Christopher Warren-Green as the conductor, and Conrad Tao on the piano, this night will be one to remember. charlottesymphony.org 1.15.20 Assia Ahhatt Take a journey across a world of genres with Assia Ahhatt at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square and find yourself captivated by her magical prowess. blumenthalarts.org

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Craig Alan, Motivo, oil on canvas, 48” x 60” Hand Blown Art Glass by Tim McFadden

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A RT I N A BST R ACTION LaDara McKinnon of LaDara Fine Art talks origins, process, and inspiration. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos JAMEY PRICE

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The Culture // Musings

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Multimedia artist LaDara McKinnon creates gorgeous visual art from her home base in Charlotte, from abstracts and landscapes to murals and ceramics. In between commissions, mural requests, and personal projects, McKinnon took a moment to talk to QC about her artistic origins, process, and inspiration.

Where are you from originally, and if not CLT, how did you end up here?

The answer to this question is challenging, because my father is a retired veteran of the Marine Corps. I was born in North Carolina, and moved with my family to Okinawa, Japan at four years old. From Japan, my family moved to Hawaii when I was starting middle school and then moved back to North Carolina.

When did your interest in art begin?

My interest in art began when I was in Okinawa, Japan.

Even though my mom says I was always artistically inclined, I started using art as a way to deal with culture shock. The Japanese culture was full of art forms and festivals, so I experienced glass blowing, ceramics, and other art media at a very young age. Whenever we were out, my mom would carry pencils, crayons, and markers with her so that I could sketch.

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“I am inspired by the in depth conversations that I have with others and my own perspective on life, and I am often compelled by colors and the use of color theory.”

Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

I find inspiration in nature, mainly the sky and landscapes. I am also inspired by the in depth conversations that I have with others and my own perspective on life, and I am often compelled by colors and the use of color theory.

How would you describe your process?

My process usually begins with mark making and a limited color palette. I tend to do collections or a series of abstract paintings that revolve around a shared inspiration. I want my work to connect to the viewer’s inner thoughts and also be a reflection of my own. I know my process is complete after I’ve meditated on it and am pleased with the outcome.

The Culture // Musings

“I want my work to connect to the viewer’s inner thoughts and also be a reflection of my own.”

Why do you gravitate toward abstract paintings?

I gravitate toward abstract paintings because it allows me to express my own emotions while provoking emotions in others. I hope that my works create a sensory experience similar to that feeling of closing your eyes and reaching your hand out of a moving car’s window.

Do you paint landscapes from natural settings you're viewing or from your imagination?

I don’t typically work from my imagination, instead I use a photo reference and use the environment to match the color. I research further to make sure the observations and references are true to the real environment.

What is your background/training in?

I actually started going to school for accounting, and after a while I decided to take an art class. Once I was in the class, I was

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able to identify art as my true passion. I have since obtained an Associates and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. What is your day job, and how do you fit art within that?

I am a Lead Instructor at Holt School of Fine Art where I teach children the foundations needed to draw and paint. In addition, I am a Community Outreach Instructor at ClayWorks, through which I teach ceramics at community organizations in Charlotte. These affiliations allow me to be immersed in art on a dayto-day basis. how long does it take you to create one of your paintings?

It can take anywhere from three hours to three months.

Although, I rarely work on one painting at a time, unless it is for a commission. My process requires that I step away from the work for a period of time, then revisit it to meditate before its completion.

The Culture // Musings

“ I hope that my works create a sensory experience similar to that feeling of closing your eyes and reaching your hand out of a moving car’s window. ” When doing a commission, how do you develop a sense of what your customer wants?

I develop a sense of what my customer wants during the consultation for the commission by asking in-depth, openended questions. For example, I may ask what is the desired mood or emotion you want to evoke, where will the painting live, what color scheme they prefer, or what is the purpose of the work.

Who are some artists and creatives that inspire you?

Yoko Ono, Tara Donovan, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Sam Gilliam, Betty Woodmen, and Magdalene Odundo. info ladaramckinnon.com @ladarafineart

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The Culture // Exhibit

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HOL I DAYS AT T H E GA R DEN An unforgettable seasonal experience you won't soon forget. words EMMA MERCHANT

photo courtesy DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Experience the holidays at Belmont’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, where 380 acres transform into an incredible light display after dark. Until January 5, 2020, daily from 9 am until 4 pm, enjoy everything Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens has to offer–rolling meadows, woodlands, perennial gardens and fountains, an orchid conservatory, and more than three miles of garden trails on lakefront property.

The gardens will then close for an hour and reopen at 5 p.m. for the holiday light show. Wandering around the gardens becomes a completely new experience as lights are incorporated into the fountains, trees, landscape, and gardens themselves.

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Visiting Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is an annual tradition for the whole family. Every year, even more stunning light displays and musical performances are incorporated. In addition to the plethora of gardens and surrounding nature, visitors can expect to find crackling fires, a welcoming gift shop for holiday shopping, warm beverages, and plenty of child-friendly fun.

Ticket purchases are required to enter the gardens. info dsbg.org @danielstowebotanicalgarden

The Culture // Marquee

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T H E N U TCR ACK ER The popular holiday performance returns on December 6. words EMMA MERCHANT

This Christmas season will kick off with Charlotte Ballet’s first performance of The Nutcracker on December 6 at Belk Theater in Uptown Charlotte.

The Nutcracker is choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, who was born in France and practiced at the Paris Opera Ballet before transitioning to choreography. His position as Artistic Director from 1996-2017 helped to develop and expand Charlotte Ballet, and he has received Lifetime Achievement awards for his work.

Charlotte Ballet’s world-class ensemble performs exceptional classical, contemporary, and cutting-edge performances, and has received national recognition for artistic excellence. The artists

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photo JEFF CRAVOTTA

of the Charlotte Ballet are known for their energy, passion, and stunning beauty. Accompanying them for The Nutcracker is the Charlotte Symphony, who will perform Tchaikovsky’s classical soundtrack.

Get your tickets to watch the magic unfold through the story of Clara, The Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this traditional holiday experience. Performances will continue until December 23, and tickets are available now starting at $25. info charlotteballet.org @cltballet

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The Culture // Handcrafted

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CON F ETTI H E A RTS Evelyn Henson’s public art promotes a richer pedestrian experience. words ELEANOR MERRELL

One blustery and cold November week in the Queen City, artist Evelyn Henson trekked to Camden Road, paintbrush and palette in frozen hand, day in and day out warming her frigid digits under a bathroom hand dryer in order to create what is quickly becoming a Charlotte icon: a 40-foot mural now known as “The Confetti Hearts Wall.”

The mural began as a pipe dream. Henson, who owns and operates an online store that sells gifts and sundries inspired by her artwork, published a blog post surmising what she would paint if she had a spare wall to muralize. The marketing team at Asana Partners, a Charlotte-based real estate investment company, discovered the post and contacted Henson, offering their building’s wall as her canvas.

Henson seized the opportunity and sketched a few concepts sparked by the phrase “throw kindness like confetti.” The finished design is as colorful as it is joyful: brightly colored

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photos JAMEY PRICE

hearts, some of which contain the words “love others,” “do good,” and “be kind,” pepper what was once a drab wall in a dark alley, inviting people to pause in the midst of their routines and steal a moment to reflect, to appreciate, or simply to be present.

Creating the finished product involved not only shivering outside during an unusually cold winter, but also clambering up ladders, gridding and scaling, outlining, befriending a construction crew, and (finally) painting. To Henson and the pedestrians of Camden Road, the project was a success. “I set out to create something colorful that would inspire passersby to walk away happier and more filled with love and kindness,” says Henson.

Henson felt compelled to create a public piece having experienced art’s ability to elevate the everyday and promote a higher quality of life from a young age.

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The Culture // Handcrafted

”Growing up, I found art museums mesmerizing and was always doodling, making cards, and doing every kind of craft from popsicle houses to decoupaging,” recalls Henson. What was at first a hobby grew into a passion and eventually became a business. “It started with an Etsy shop that I opened for fun after college. I thought it would just be a resume booster, but my job hunt (thankfully) went nowhere and my Etsy shop slowly took off.”

Then, in summer of 2019, she wrapped her second outdoor mural project in collaboration with Jeni's Ice Cream’s NoDa location. To begin the actual painting process, the wall was pressure washed and primed a peach color before Evelyn added her stripes to the 24-foot-high wall, using a scissor lift to reach the top.

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“I set out to create something colorful that would inspire passersby to walk away happier and more filled with love and kindness.”

The Culture // Handcrafted

“To quote Van Gogh, ‘color in a painting is like enthusiasm in life.’ I find joy in color and that joy informs my work.”

The rest of Henson’s work can also be found not only online but also in many department store chains, like Pier One, Pottery Barn, and TJ Maxx. “There’s something about painting that brings out my happiest, brightest self.”

Although Henson credits artists like Matisse, Rothko, and Dufy for their influence on her style, she insists that her real inspiration stems from imagining what the people she loves might like to receive as gifts. That, and color.

“To quote Van Gogh,“ she says, “‘color in a painting is like enthusiasm in life.’ I find joy in color and that joy informs my work.”

Henson hopes that her confetti hearts wall will pave the way for more public art in Charlotte from an array of local artists. She therefore encourages Instagrammers who pose in front of the wall to use the hashtag #confettiheartswall, with the hope that doing so will prompt other building owners to welcome similar projects in their spaces. info evelynhenson.com / @evelyn_henson

1235 East Boulevard:Suite A Charlotte, NC 28203 www.storeyhomedesign.com 704-496-9902

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The Culture // Wellness

W EL L K EPT I N H E A LT H & FASH ION Taylor Borders’ boutique activewear shop keeps Lake Norman in style and stride.

W words ELEANOR MERRELL photos JAMEY PRICE

Well Kept is the Davidson area’s brick-and-mortar destination for activewear and athleisure clothing. From pop-up shop to full blown retail space, replete with an urban loft vibe, Well Kept has grown under the good taste and hard work of founder and owner Taylor Borders.

Taylor took a break from the busy day-to-day of being a successful business owner to talk about her boutique.

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MullinixMortgage.com | Will@MullinixMortgage.com | O:704-332-5072 | M:704-907-1136

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The Culture // Wellness

“We see fitness-fashion as an investment in personal health, and hope that as we grow we can continue to be a part of our customers' journey to looking good and feeling great.”

How did you come up with the idea for Well Kept?

I was trying to get healthy and reset my fitness routine. As a shopaholic, I thought finding some new workout clothes would give me the kick I needed to make the change. I hit the usual big box stores but walked out uninspired. I wanted to find something that was stylish, comfortable, and made of luxurious fabrics I could wear around town and to my yoga/barre class. I found some unique brands that weren't currently available in our area and got so many compliments. I realized people were looking for the same edgy styles that I was.

How did the company expand from a pop-up shop to having its own location?

I started Well Kept as a pop-up in April of 2015 inside

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a local boutique. Honestly, in the beginning I had no intention of it becoming more, but the customers were loving the one-stop activewear shop. We realized we needed more space and a permanent home. That’s when we found our space in Davidson and opened the doors to our first store in September of 2016.

What started your interest in fashion, and in fitness-wear specifically?

I can't remember a time when I wasn't into clothes. I have worked retail since I was old enough to hold down a job, and I can remember joining sports teams solely based off the uniform. But, seriously, I grew up very active in sports, and so I feel lucky to be able to combine two of my passions as my job.

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The Culture // Wellness Does Well Kept strictly sell athletic wear or are there other types of clothing as well?

At Well Kept, we focus on activewear; however, we do have what has been coined as "athleisure" pieces. These are those to-andfro items for in and out of your fitness class, comfortable loungewear, and tees that you can add to your everyday wardrobe.

What are your plans for the future for Well Kept?

We are currently focused on growing our community at Well Kept through hosting more fitness and wellness centered events.

We want Well Kept to be more than a store; we want to create a lifestyle. We see fitnessfashion as an investment in personal health, and hope that as we grow we can continue to be a part of our customers' journey to looking good and feeling great. info shopwellkept.com @shopwellkept

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FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY • PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY LASER DENTISTRY • OFFERING IN HOUSE DISCOUNT PLAN 15830 Ballantyne Medical Place, Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28227

(704) 814-6006 | WWW.THECAROLINADENTAL.COM 67 • QCEXCLUSIVE.COM • HOLIDAY 2019

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FOOD AND DRINK

T H E S PR E A D

THE U LTI M AT E FOODI E DESTI NATION The long-awaited mixed-use space Optimist Hall opens to instant popularity. words LIZA CARRASQUILLO photos JAMEY PRICE If there’s one thing that gets this city excited, it’s new restaurants. So, when news that Optimist Hall, a first-of-its-kind food hall, was finally opening between Uptown and NoDa, foodies across the Queen City were thrilled. The highly-anticipated Optimist Hall officially opened in early August, but over the past several months new stalls from amazing brands like Papi Queso and Village Juice have started serving their deliciousness while others, like renowned dessert maker Suárez Bakery, are coming very soon. So, when you combine well-known culinary talents already in the mix, wellrespected brands about to open, a perfect location along the Light Rail, and a timeless industrial aesthetic that is contemporary yet pays tribute to the city's mill history, what you get is the culinary talk of the town.

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The Spread // Food Destination

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Built in the center of Optimist Park, the hall signals a revitalization of the area to many locals. The area, once a booming textile center, has seen many of those factories abandoned as the textile production industry moved overseas. Optimist Hall sits within a historic mill building originally built in 1892. The updated space pays homage to its roots by keeping as much of the original style as

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intact as possible. Much of the original flooring was used, as well as the original brick from the walls. The updates came in the form of fresh coats of paint and reclaimed windows and tables, lots of greenery, and playful smiley faces that make up the Optimist logo. With seating for over 650 guests and wide outdoor patio spaces, Optimist Hall won’t likely be getting overcrowded any time soon.

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Timeless Designs, Thoughtfully Crafted Lake Norman • Charlotte • Charleston • Banner Elk

Luxury Homes & Designs Since 1989 www.esjohnson.com/QC 71 • QCEXCLUSIVE.COM • HOLIDAY 2019

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The Spread // Food Destination

For those looking to find their new favorite food stop, Optimist Hall is sure to impress. Many local favorites have opened up shop, including The Dumpling Lady, Bao and Broth, and Undercurrent Coffee along with Honeysuckle Gelato, Zukku Sushi, and more. The space also features bars and breweries, such as The Spindle Bar and Fonta Flora

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Brewery. With both sit-down and to-go options, as well as a wide range of different cuisines, Optimist Hall has something for every foodie to enjoy.

At nearly 135,000 square feet in space, Optimist Hall is big—big enough to be more than just a food hall, according to its founders. At its heart, Optimist Hall is meant to be a mixed-use building, a place

The Spread // Food Destination

where many different industries can come together.

While the eateries undoubtedly draw in most of its customers, Optimist Hall also brings in crowds for its retail stores and offices, and people looking for a communal space to set up their laptop and hang out for awhile. So far, the retail spots include Pet

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Wants, a local pet food store specializing in handcooked small-batch food, and Archer Paper Goods, a stationary store with other locations in Atlanta and Dallas. Businesses looking to have a creative HQ in the area can take over any of the offices up for rent.

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The Spread // Food Destination

Optimist Hall was an ambitious undertaking, but it’s one that's garnered support from many locals and small businesses, and with its opening, clearly has ushered in a new era for Charlotteans.

Although it's just a few months old, the hall has already affected the city, and in particular its neighborhood, Optimist Park, in so many positive

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ways. And there is no doubt that we’ll flock there often to meet friends, enjoy good food, shop, sip, and take in the skyline views, all the while paying homage to the Charlotte history that lives there. info optimisthall.com / @optimisthallclt

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The Spread // Eatery

T H E SPI R IT OF STOK E

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Stoke's new chef Tim Groody shares some of his favorite seasonal dishes with us. words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

Chef Groody made his name in Charlotte over the decades as one of the first local chefs to create sustained relationships with local farmers. He began using local produce as the foundation of his restaurant at a time when that was more than just a little uncommon. In fall of 2019, Groody took his years of experience and his unique touch to Stoke, part of the Charlotte Marriott Center City, where he serves as executive chef.

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the right stone makes the difference

Kitchen by Kelly Caron Designs, ASID Photography by Anne

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Photography by Keen Eye Marketing

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Call or visit agmimports.com to see our vast stone inventory.

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The Spread // Eatery

Spaghetti Squash and Butternut Casserole with Ricotta Cheese

“This is a play off of traditional Southern summer squash casserole, but using sweeter winter squashes without the large amounts of cream and eggs for a healthier, more flavorful option.”

Grilled UGF Trumpet Mushrooms, whipped goat cheese, and acorn squash

Charred broccoli with Urban Gourmet Farms cotija, mushrooms, and bread crumbs

Groody has a long culinary background in the Charlotte area: For nearly a decade, he worked as executive chef of the now-closed Uptown restaurant Sonoma Bistro. Groody also served as Corporate Executive Chef of FS Food Group, overseeing five concepts with seven total locations for more than two years, and owned and lead the kitchen at Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse in Davidson, NC.

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Luxury fabrics, Unmatched Craftsmanship, Personalized Style EXPERIENCE

TRUE CUSTOM Luxury fabrics, Unmatched Craftsmanship, Personalized Style

704.741.7245 • 201 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET • SUITE 2255 • WWW.ENZOCUSTOM.COM NEW YORK • PHILADELPHIA • WASHINGTON DC • CHICAGO • BEVERLY HILLS • CHARLOTTE • ATLANTA (2020)

The Spread // Eatery

Grilled Pork Belly with Scallion Pancakes, Asian Pear Slaw and Sui Haau Sauce

“This is best done in the woodfired oven at Stoke, which can get up to 700 degrees. It allows us to get the crispy outside and lock in the juices. Use a fresh, local ham instead of cured ham and coat it in herbs for a big boost in flavor.”

Kale and Crowder Pea Soup with housemade smoked hen sausage and parsnip foam

Pretzel Brioche

Harmony Ridge Fresh Ham Porchetta with Apple and Mustard

Most recently, he and his wife, Melanie, owned and operated Fork! in Cornelius. At Fork!, the bulk of each day’s menu centered around items that were sourced that day from local farmers and purveyors. Chef Groody brings that innovation and creativity to Stoke, where he will offer micro-seasonal menu additions. Stoke serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and is located at 100 West Trade Street.

With the holidays fast approaching, we were thrilled when Chef decided to dish up his take on a proper holiday spread. We hope it will inspire you to plate up something different this season, too. info stokecharlotte.com / @stokecharlotte

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DON’T LET THE SUN SET ON LOCAL ART

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The Spread // Tastemaker

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CH E F SY LVA I N'S BR E A D & BU TTER Classic French desserts at Charlotte's Renaissance Patisserie. words ELEANOR MERRELL photos JAMEY PRICE

There are few scents as charming as the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. Step into Renaissance Patisserie and that’s precisely what will engulf you as you pass through the door.

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What began as a pop-up stand serving a small selection of pastries at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market has evolved into full-scale, cozy corner in SouthPark serving a wide variety of sweet and savory goods.

IMAGE MAKER MESSAGE STRATEGY FOR LEADERS

branding · marketing · advertising · websites · editorial · publicity · photography metropolisbranding.com · 800-694-1953 · metropolisiconicshots.com HOLIDAY 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 85

The Spread // Tastemaker

“French classics are not subject to the ebb and tide of fads and popularity; they’re always in style, they’re the standards to which we hold ourselves, and they show what we really can do.”

The origin and evolution of Renaissance Patisserie is the work of Chef Sylvain Rivet, who mastered the art of baking among the cooking legends of France. When he moved to Charlotte, he noticed a gap in the food scene: there were few bakeries and almost none were deploying classical French techniques.

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The Spread // Tastemaker

BE AU T I F U L PHOT OS. I N T E R E ST I NG ST OR I E S. T H E BE ST G I V E AWAYS.

Follow @qcexclusive

“Even in France, bakeries specializing in classical French techniques and traditions are a dying breed—it’s just becoming harder and harder to fight the prices and volume offered by big box stores and technical precision unfortunately comes at a cost,” explains Chef Sylvain. Still, he was not dissuaded from trying his hand at introducing Charlotteans to the difference that authentic recipes and wellexecuted techniques can make.

“French classics are not subject to the ebb and tide of fads and popularity; they’re always in style, they’re the standards to which we hold ourselves, and they show what we really can do.”

Although French baked goods are truly Chef Sylvain’s bread and butter, they are by no means the extent of his wheelhouse; Renaissance Patisserie also offers a selection of savory, soups, sandwiches, quiches, salads, and other bistro fare. info renaissancepatisserie.com @renaissancepatisserie

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The Spread // Coffee

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PU R E I N T EN TIONS Charlotte's popuar coffee brand continues to ride the wave. words ELEANOR MERRELL photos JAMEY PRICE

There are few starts to the day as satisfying as a wellbrewed cup of coffee. Piping hot in a mug, ice cold in a Yeti, with a scone, or just by itself, coffee introduces each new day with ritualism, flavor, and (of course) caffeine.

A cup of joe is nothing new to this century or the last. However, coffee is in the midst of a revolution that has transformed it into a much-improved version of itself, akin to Patrick Dempsey in Can’t Buy Me Love. This transformation, coined the “third wave” by coffee creators and connoisseurs, elevates

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the status of coffee to that of an artisanal food and challenges roasting practices that quell rather than accentuate unique flavor notes. Coffee professionals are more intentional about sourcing their beans, traveling extensively to discover not just the country producing the flavors they desire, but the specific farms growing the beans they want to acquire. And the third wave has also led the rise of the “barista class”—that gaggle of millenials who form their own economic segment and pioneer new fads in fashion and culture.

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THE PERFECT PATIO COVER We call it the “World’s Smartest Pergola”!

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The Spread // Coffee

As is wont to happen in emerging or expanding industries, a plethora of businesses have cropped up to meet the new challenges facing coffee enthusiasts, including Charlotte’s very own Pure Intentions, founded in 2011 by Matt Yarmey.

Yarmey, in his early thirties, was working in accounting when he began experimenting on a half-pound home roaster in his Charlotte apartmen. He spent his vacations attending roasting classes, terrified his apartment complex neighbors (who on multiple occasions believed the building was on fire due to the scents emanating from Yarmey’s apartment). In 2016 he tapped his dad to assist with the opening of a 800-square-foot roasting facility.

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Thus began Charlotte's first USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified coffee roaster, Pure Intentions.

Since then, Pure Intentions has expanded both its facility and its offerings. The company offers a large variety of year-round blends that are known for their consistent tastes (no small feat when working with ingredients that evolve with something as unpredictable as the weather). You’ll find these blends at many establishments in Charlotte and beyond, including at Amélie’s, Bardo, Coco and the Director, and Earl’s Grocery. Pure Intentions also offers limited release blends that experiment with processing methods, beans sourced from new regions, and unique

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The Spread // Coffee flavors. To round out their portfolio, the company crafts both canned and kegged cold brew, as well.

Because they are so very good at what they do, the Pure Intentions team leads robust education classes and training sessions. They are an Approved Training Venue with the Specialty Coffee Association in their Coffee Skills Program, hosting students in their 3,000 square foot space just down the road from NoDa Brewing. Additionally, the company offers equipment services, such as installation, maintenance, and buying advice for all coffee-related machinery.

What began as a hobby for Matt Yarmey has morphed into a passion and a livelihood, one that majorly ups Charlotte’s hipness, sets industry-wide standards, and renders that first cup of the day even more magical. info pureintentionscoffee.com @pureintentionscoffee

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ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN

LUXURY RESIDENCE

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Contact Hadley Cropp, Your Luxury Downtown Asheville Specialist 95 • QCEXCLUSIVE.COM • HOLIDAY 2019

HADLEY CROPP Asheville Realty Group

47 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC 28801

828•989•6070 HOLIDAY 2019 • @QCEXCLUSIVE • 95 hadley@ashevillerealtygroup.com

The Spread // Plated

T H E PICK L E D PE ACH'S

OAT M E A L CR E A M PI E words EMMA MERCHANT / photo JAMEY PRICE

Sandwiched between two freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies is the infamous Pickled Peach Oatmeal Cream Pie filled with homemade marshmallow cream. One bite in and you’re hooked — think the perfectly packaged treat in your school lunchbox or your go-to afternoon snack as a kid — except much more delicious. You'll find these tasty treats only on occasion. They'll be on display next to the register beside The Pickled Peach's popular Super Delicious Brownies. Order both and share with a friend.

— info — thepickledpeach.com / @thepickledpeachdavidson

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Sometimes the best way to visualize your next kitchen is to touch, hear, and taste it.

Open drawers. Turn knobs. Light burners. Welcome to a showroom unlike any other– a dynamic space to test-drive appliances, take classes, and taste every delicious possibility.

Charlotte • 127 West Worthington Avenue, Suite 180, Charlotte, NC 28203 • 800-935-2617 • subzero-wolf.com /charlotte

The Spread // Plated

COPA I N'S

L E MON CH ESS PI E words KRYSTIN L ANGER / photo the plaid penguin

try is in its taste. The buttery texture of the pie’s center has a rich flavor from the cornmeal and is followed by the taste of fresh lemon juice. Although this dish delights with simplicity, it is brimming with notes of zest and flavor.

Copain's Lemon Chess pie is a perfect example of the eatery’s adage of crafting food that is understated yet refined. The pale yellow color of the pie promotes a pleasing aesthetic but with one bite it is evident that the true delicacy of the pasinfo

copaingatherings.com/ @copaingatherings

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The Spread // Poured

PROTAG ON IST 'S

PI N E A PPL E A N D SPICE words ELEANOR MERRELL / photo JAMEY PRICE

NoDa’s new taproom and nanobrewery, Protagonist, flung their doors open earlier this year, just in time for summer. They embraced the timing with arms wide open, catering to the season with a selection of beer cocktails perfect for whetting one’s whistle on a warm Saturday afternoon. Their “Pineapple and Spice” libation is pure sunshine in a tumbler. Poured over a lager base, spiced hibiscus syrup, pineapple juice, and ginger bitters all combine for a slightly sweet, slightly tart,

entirely delicious refreshment. Garnished with a slice of pineapple, this beer cocktail will have you yearning for warm weather year-round.

Enjoy the “Pineapple and Spice” and a healthy dose of people watching on Protagonist’s patio, located directly across the street from the Crepe Cellar. Or stake out a spot in their intimate taproom, which seats about 30 people in a bright, sunlit space brimming with decorative greenery and inviting white oak furnishings.

— info — protagonistbeer.com / @protagonistbeer

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COVERAGE THAT CARES. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE MORE TO PROTECT.

Business Insurance • Personal Insurance • Employee Benefits CHARLOTTE • LAKE NORMAN • CHARLESTON

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The Spread // Poured

QU EEN & GL ASS'

OL D FASH ION ED words RACHEL DRESSEL / photo JAMEY PRICE

Cocktail menus can be daunting these days. Chartreuse, cardamom, bergamot...

Lists of esoteric ingredients that leave you wondering what you even like. Visit The Queen & Glass and you’ll see it right on the menu: Old Fashioned. Finally, a classic drink you can confidently order.

Situated behind the People’s Market in Dilworth with only a crown emblem to find them by, The Queen & Glass quietly invites you to come in and have a drink. Queen Charlotte may grace the wall, but their cocktails aren’t full of frills. They have a classic and original spirits menu, created by mixologist Bob Peters, and most drinks do not exceed five ingredients. Their Old Fashioned, made with Maker’s Mark, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange, and cherry, is spicy and spirit heavy, but still has a touch of sweetness.

Like The Queen & Glass, the Old Fashioned is simple, elegant, and doesn’t disappoint.

— info — queenandglass.com / @thequeenandglass

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Cafe Bar Bakery

Strawberry Hill 704-364-0402

Birkdale Village 704-892-9999

Red Stone 980-689-2990

This Winter Come Gather Around Our Fire Ingredient Driven Food & Drink.

235 W. Tremont Ave. • Charlotte, NC (980) 209-0008 @zeppelinclt • zeppelinsouthend.com

A NEW ITALIAN EATERY IN PARK ROAD SHOPPING CENTER OPENING EARLY JANUARY

WOODFIRED PIZZA • HOMEMADE PASTA • OTHER ITALIAN SPECIALTIES @OSTERIALUCACLT | WWW.OSTERIALUCA.COM | INFO@OSTERIALUCA.COM

T H E F OL IO

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

A SPACE W IT H A STORY Shannon Bowman creates thoughtful, individual designs for the finest Charlotte homes. words RACHEL DRESSEL photos of spaces JOE PURVIS / portraits courtesy SHANNON BOWMAN

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The Folio // Foundation

S

Shannon Bowman, founder of S.B Interiors, welcomes all types of styles. Whether it’s modern or traditional, she can create a space that is unique and inviting. This particular talent of hers should be no surprise, as she is not just an interior designer; Bowman is a creative confidant for her clients. She works closely with them to learn about their lives, interests, and inspirations. Perhaps what Shannon Bowman has really perfected is turning a space into a story.

Bowman was born in Richmond, Virginia but moved to Charlotte when she was nine due to her dad’s placement as Head Pastor at St. John’s Episcopal. She always wanted to have her own interior design business, and graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design in pursuit of that goal. Then, after years of working for another design firm in Charlotte, she made entrepreneurship her reality. With encouragement from

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family, friends, and colleagues, S.B Interiors emerged as a residential design business.

S.B. Interiors offers full turnkey design service for construction and decorating. This can include the full comprehensive planning phase, construction selections, space planning, custom furniture selections and finishes, window treatments, rugs, artwork, and accessories. When helping create a new construction home, they work closely with the homeowner and the architect in order to see the whole vision and plan for the overall design.

The architecture of the home is one of Bowman’s biggest points of inspiration. She enjoys blending the client’s tastes and style with the architecture to create the perfect design.

S.B. Interiors can offer just about any service in a design project, which is learned and planned through thoughtful conversation with their clients. To Bowman, this understanding of a client’s needs, style, and personality is the key to great design.

The Folio // Foundation

“The unique relationships formed throughout the project with my clients is one of the most special aspects of my business. Working with our clients and learning about them not only helps us achieve the perfect design for them, but also creates a friendship that carries on.”

While every project is tailored to the client’s style, Bowman still recognizes the trends having their moment in the Charlotte design market.

“I definitely see more new constructions and renovations taking place, as well as the cosmetic ‘face lift’ for clients’ decor. I have seen a consistent pattern of light and airy color palettes, open floor plans, beautiful textures, and an elegant balance of

karenkettlerdesign.com

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whites with antique brass accents. Although nickel finishes are very classic and still being used quite a bit, the brass tones are in high demand right now. The Charlotte design market is very transitional/traditional in my eyes.”

If you are overwhelmed with the countless styles with which to design your home, Bowman suggests keeping a journal of inspiration. S.B. Interiors is prepared to take a client’s musings and actualize them in a space they can call home. info sbinteriors.co @sbinteriors_

luxur y kitchens and bathrooms

Explore this season’s designs by Matouk.

For the largest selection of Matouk Linens visit

Specialty Shops SouthPark | 6401 Morrison Blvd | Charlotte NC 28211 | 704-442-4006 | bedsidemanor.com

The Folio // Profile

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PEPPER M I N T FOR EST

Get into the spirit of the season at one of Charlotte's favorite holiday experiences. words BRIANNA WILMOTH / photos JAMEY PRICE

Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop, located in Charlotte, NC, is one of the country’s largest Christmas shops. The store has been fulfilling the area’s Christmas needs for the past 39 years, with the 40th anniversary season opening this year. Peppermint Forest offers a wide variety of Christmas-themed products, including

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artificial Christmas trees, high quality christmas lights, lush pine wreaths, garland, beautiful ornaments, wax candles, and waxless candles. For your shopping convenience, Peppermint Forest also offers 50-plus pre-decorated trees, mantles, and vignettes for you to purchase or simply get decorative ideas from.

The Folio // Profile

Peppermint Forest is a one-stopshop for all of the decorative Christmas needs. Deck your halls with any and everything you could possibly want, in any theme you want, whether it’s angles, elves, nutcrackers, or nativities.

There’s also a selection of Christmas collectibles available, from brands such as Byers’ Choice Carolers, Old World Christmas Glass, and Fontanini Heirloom Nativities. Enjoy decorating this holiday season and save time for other holiday events by making a quick trip to Peppermint Forest. You’re sure to find the perfect decor and ensure that it will be a happy, happy holiday! info peppermintforest.com @peppermintforestchristmasshop

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The Folio // Vignette

BOL D & DR A M ATIC words SUNNY HUBLER photo CHRIS EDWARDS

Cathy Diel, the owner and lead designer of Diel Design & Interiors, has made it her specialty to design sophisticated spaces with bold contrast, color, and her use of texture. She’s been in the design field for almost 25 years and has completed designs all across the Southeast.

For this particular South Charlotte project, completed in early 2019, Cathy’s client was looking for

a cozy gathering room to be able to entertain small groups and (occasionally) a place to kick up their feet and watch sports.

Diel Design’s use of bold color, a dramatic, eyecatching light fixture, and balance within the space all created an air of cozy sophistication. And it’s perhaps the most stylish sports-watching room we’ve seen, too.

— info — dieldesign.com / @dieldesign

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The Folio // Vignette

MODER N EL EGA NCE words BRIANNA WILMOTH photos courtesy CLASSICA

Classica Homes is known for creating custom homes with remarkable designs. These beautiful homes come to fruition through the labors of Bassenian Lagoni Architects and TK Designs. While it is uncommon to use two firms, bringing these talents together is where a Classica home begins.

This dining room from Classica’s new Sante Fe ranch-style home is one example of this type of inspired design. Located in Riverchase Estates, a gated resort community on the Catawba River in Lancaster, South Carolina, this dining room

brings a new take on dining traditions. The soft lighting and muted colors establishes a theme of modern elegance while the rug and painting offer points of visual interest. This is combined with an open floor plan to give the room an airy, refreshing feeling. By day, it is a bright and welcoming space for families to gather. By night, it is a soft, warm place of relaxed luxury. The glass doors slide away, opening the space to a covered porch which makes it the perfect space for fun, everyday meals or spectacular dinner parties.

— info — classicahomes.com / @classicahomes

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The Folio // Vignette

A FA I RY TA L E HOL I DAY words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JOE PURVIS

This charming Myers Park cottage, a renovation project by Gerrard Builders, invites you in year round with its painted white brick, vintage lanterns, and ample outdoor area. But there’s something especially magical about seeing it during the holiday season: The 4,500 square foot, four bed and four and a half bath beauty is lit with twinkling lights as far as the eye can see, sealing

in the “fairytale cottage” nickname it was given by its legions of online fans. If you go Christmas light-hunting this season, keep your eyes peeled for this gem. Along with Bryan Gerrard's team, this home was completed with the help of architect Don Duffy and the interiors were designed by Shannon Bowman, as well as Carolina Design Associates.

— info — gerrardbuilders.com / @gerrardbuilders

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Inspired by the You have a vision for your project. How it looks, how it feels and most importantly, how it reflects your style.

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Visit ImagineWithWindsor.com to see performance information, hardware and glass options, and download our product guide.

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The Folio // Blueprint

SOU T H ER N R EV I VA L A stunning open concept Foxcroft luxury custom home from the Simonini team. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos courtesy SIMONINI photos JOE PURVIS and LESLIE SCOT T

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The Folio // Blueprint

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Simonini Homes, the Carolinas’ award-winning, family-owned building and renovation company, has established a reputation for crafting classic and timeless homes. Their Southern revival project in the Foxcroft neighborhood in South Charlotte is just what you would expect from this top notch company, who teamed up with Smith Slovik and KBN Interiors to give the client exactly what they wanted.

When the client spotted another Simonini home in the same neighborhood, they recognized their vision for their own future home. They commissioned Simonini

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to help them make their dream a reality. The result is 6,000 square feet of a beautiful classic modern home boasting six bedrooms and six and a half baths.

An open layout characterizes the first floor, where the dining room serves as the floor’s centerpiece, blending seamlessly into the living area on one side and the kitchen on the other side. The kitchen features ample countertop surfaces and a spacious island, while the living room’s focal point is a gorgeous marble fireplace, bordered by recessed shelving. Dark gray accents contrast strikingly with light beige walls and white trim.

The Folio // Blueprint

From the dining room, the house’s outdoor entertainment areas beckon. Beneath a wide porch roof, wicker couches cluster around a stone, wood-burning fireplace. A mounted TV conjures the perfect set up for fall game days. Adjacent to the outdoor living area is an outdoor dining area, replete with table, chairs, and grill. A clear blue pool, meticulous landscaping, and careful stone work provide a gorgeous backdrop to back porch living.

Inside, a formal dining room provides a more secluded gathering space. A glittering drop chandelier elevates the ambience, while a well-placed china chest complements the refined, deep brown aesthetic of the table and chairs. An ornamental rug ties the pieces together.

Across from the stairs to the second floor, a leisurely study awaits the studious. Dark floors and dark paneling lend austerity to the room, while also contrasting

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pleasingly with the light beige and white prevalent throughout the first floor.

After moving into the home, the client decided they wanted a larger master suite, so Simonini returned to perform an expansion. A sunny sitting area connected to the bedroom provides a tempting perch to spend leisurely weekend mornings.

The suite incorporates the same color palette as the majority of the house—shades of gray playing off a lively white and subdued beige.

Simonini, with this Foxcroft residence, has crafted a stunning house, filled with indoor and outdoor gathering spaces where the client can convene nearly any time with family and friends. info simonini.com @simonini_homes

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

T H E E X PL OR E D

A TRUE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE Boone’s premier boutique hotel, The Horton, creates a relaxed atmosphere in the midst of the Carolina mountains. words L AUREN GRIFFITH / photos courtesy THE HORTON

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The Explored // Weekender

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Boone, North Carolina is known as being a quaint town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The brand new Horton Hotel opened in February 2019, and is located in the center of buzzing King Street in downtown Boone, offering guests exquisite views and fresh mountain air.

The first of its kind in Boone, The Horton boasts a traditional historical exterior that preserves the hotel’s roots dating back to the 1920’s when H.W. Horton built a car dealership and department

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store. As a connoisseur of the finer things in life, Horton would be proud to see his legacy continue with a luxurious hotel providing high-end drinks, amenities, and experiences.

Each room embodies a rustic mountain tone with exposed brick walls, raw wooden slab furniture, and views allowing an outdoor escape. The interior presents eye-drawing touches such as deep plush rugs, wide natural light-allowing windows, and decorative original artwork. Amenities such

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The Explored // Weekender

as plush robes to lounge in, essential oil experiences, and fresh roasted coffee with an artisan breakfast may encourage you to spend a little extra time in the hotel before leaving for a day of exploration into town.

The Horton Hotel’s picture-perfect setting can be fully taken advantage of from the grounds of their rooftop bar and lounge. Guests are invited to gaze upon Howard’s Knob at dusk with a craft cocktail or shareable small plates. The lively activity from King Street and Appalachian State University are within reach as well, and the cool mountain air makes a perfect chaser to a local brew or glass of red from a local winery, served at the Horton’s bar.

Boone’s booming dining scene can be enjoyed throughout the downtown area and beyond, with a multitude of options ranging from high-end to international. CoBo Sushi Bistro and Bar is an upscale Japanese bistro that incorporates contemporary takes on traditional Japanese sushi and entrees, such as the White Dragon roll incorporating salmon, yellowtail, and sweet fuji apple. For a more casual bite, Our Daily Bread offers light fare and local brews. The beloved sandwich shop’s quiet, reflective atmosphere is a favorite for locals and

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traveling visitors alike. If it’s a classical fine dining experience you’re after, Joy Bistro serves delectable French and American dishes, as well as an expansive drink menu.

In between meals, several adventures await only miles away from The Horton. The Turchin Center for Visual Arts is only a few blocks away in downtown, and offers a wide range of unique artwork from international to local artists. Grandfather Mountain is one of the tallest Blue Ridge peaks, and located about thirty minutes outside of King Street. Boone’s vast brewery lineup welcomes craft beer lovers throughout town. The Appalachian Mountain Brewery offers a long outdoor bar and plenty of outdoor seating, as well as a heated porch and tremendous list of beer and cider. Lost Province Brewing Co. is just steps from The Horton, doubling as a wood-fired gastropub and a community hangout.

The next time you’re in need of an escape from the city, an outdoor adventure, and small town excitement, look no further than the unique stay The Horton provides. info thehorton.com / @thehortonhotel

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The Explored // Carolina Town

SM A L L TOW N HOL I DAY CH A R M With Asheville growing every year, Sylva is a great mountain destination without the crowds. words SAM BRAMLET T photos JAMEY PRICE

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Sylva, NC is located west of Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountain range. The high elevation is home to rushing waterfalls and dense pine forests. It’s a wonder that Sylva doesn’t get more attention for all of its natural beauty, but also a good thing for people who want to experience a wonderland all to themselves.

The town of Sylva is old. Named for a Danish handyman in 1889, you won’t find many buildings that are more than a story tall. But you will see classic American small-town architecture and a dramatic courthouse that sits atop a hill at the center of town with a large staircase that leads to a fountain. Today, the former courthouse has been repurposed as the public library.

Sylva’s population is just under 3,000, and much smaller than its neighboring Asheville. Yet, like its neighbor, the town is full of things to do and see.

If you’re interested in unique beer, check out Innovation Brewing, run by a team of passionate people who brew a large selection of 21 distinct beers.

Downtown Sylva doesn’t have a single franchise restaurant.

Walking around, you’ll find a variety of unique victuals from man-

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go-pork tacos to Italian pastries. Locals also swear to the Cosmic Carryout food truck’s knock-your-socks-off burgers. Cosmic Carryout 's truck is parked right outside Innovation Brewery.

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Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer to the base price of the house and do not include options or premiums, unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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The Explored // Carolina Town

Geese swim on a crisp morning on Wolf Creek Lake.

A fly fisherman prepares to fish the Nantahala.

If you want to see the more unique side of the area, just minutes from Sylva near Dillsboro, visitors can find one of the more interesting mountain venues — The American Museum of the House Cat — a building that houses over 5,000 cat-related art, toys, antiques, and more.

There’s more to this gorgeous place though — while you’re staying in town, you’re in a position to see some of the most scenic parts of North Carolina.

Sylva is just thirty minutes away from Soco Falls. There, after an intermediate hike, you’re met with a double waterfall cascading down the terraced rock on both sides.

The shimmering water of the upper Nantahala River is close by too. The dam releases water daily, causing the river to rise a foot and a half. This is prime time for catching beautifully colored rainbow trout or rafting down the rivers rapids.

Just down the road in Nantahala National Forest, Wolf Creek Lake welcomes lake lovers with its pristine waters and uncrowded shores. Fall is a beautiful time to be on the water here, as the leaves turn a multitude of vibrant colors.

To really experience Sylva at its best though, head there during the holidays.

The town takes decorating to an entirely different level. There are bows on every light pole, each small shop, even the fly fishing shop, goes all out with window displays, and the public library at the top of the hill is a sight to behold.

Sometimes it’s good to get away from all the hustle of bigger Carolina cities.

Thankfully, Sylva is the kind of place where you can relax and unwind, enjoy a nice downtown stroll, grab a craft beer, experience the beautiful Carolina mountains, and so much more. So, get out there for a weekend of small-town life and enjoy the calm, sublime sensation that you can only find tucked away in the Blue Ridge.

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The Explored // Adventure

McAdenville

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M A K E M ER RY Five Carolina towns you have to visit this holiday season. words ELEANOR MERRELL photos JILL L ANG and DAVID AVRUTICK

Lights are twinkling and carols are ringing—it’s the holiday season, y’all! And the Carolinas provide some of the best ways to enjoy it. Check out these five cities and towns that make the most of the holiday season with festivals, mind-blowing decorations, unique shopping, and general merry making, and make your weekend plans with the family now.

Davidson Journey up I-77 to the college town of Davidson during the first weekend of December, and you’ll discover a community brimming with holiday spirit. Each evening, the town hosts Christmas in Davidson, an annual town-wide festival featuring live music, vendors, artisans, fundraisers, competitions, and more. And, if you drive up Saturday, plan to arrive earlier in the day to take in the annual Mecklenburg Christmas parade, too.

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McAdenville Famous across the country as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville rings in the holidays with pure Christmas magic.

Drive just 25 minutes west of Charlotte, and you can’t miss this small town. Beginning with a lighting ceremony on December 2 at 6 p.m., the lights will glow nightly at 5:30 p.m, and the streets will come alive with twinkling lights, joyful caroling, and pure holiday spirit. Lights, decorations and displays will happen every night until December 26.

Dillsboro Two hours and forty minutes west of Charlotte is the touristy mountain town of Dillsboro, where the Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries occurs every year around the holidays.

This year, Dillsboro will celebrate on Friday, December 6 by lining the streets with luminaries in ancient Scandanavian custom.

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The Explored // Adventure Charleston,SC

Dillsboro pays homage to its tourist roots by lighting more than 2,500 luminaries, opening shops and galleries, and offering warm drinks and yummy snacks to the public.

Charleston This charming Southern town likes to get decked out for the holidays. Red bows, lights, and other Christmas decorations add even more color to an already vibrant city.

When visiting the city during the holidays be sure not to miss the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, performances by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Family Yuletide at Middleton Place, the Deck the Hall Oyster Roast at Drayton Hall, and much more!

Wilmington Travel east to Wrightsville Beach for some seaside festivities this Holiday season. Wilmington’s Christmas activities begin November 29, and continue throughout December, so be sure to stick around. From The Nutcracker to film screenings, enchanted gardens, historic tours, festivals, shows, candlelight

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tours, and a magic show, there is something for everyone. To kick off the season, bring the whole family on December 7 for Wilmington’s famed Annual Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla, which entails hundreds of sailboats decorated in thousands of lights, cruising from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin. This event is free to everyone, and begins at 6 p.m.

The Exclusives

GI V I NG IS BETTER TH A N R ECEI V I NG 26 local charities to donate your time, energy, or money to this holiday season and spread some much needed love around the Queen City.

I

words ELEANOR MERRELL

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time for turkey and baked goods and presents and family and football. But the end of the year also signals what, for many, is a season of intentional generosity. As many Charlotteans contemplate how to donate their time, resources, or money over the holidays—and hopefully beyond—we have assembled our annual list of local charities deserving your attention.

This year, we’ve chosen to start out by highlighting six organizations feeding our city. A staggering number of Charlotteans are food-insecure, either due to lack of income or lack of accessibility. Fortunately, a plethora of organizations are ready to lend a hand in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

You'll also find an additional 21 charitable organizations doing amazing things across our city, from Dream On 3 that brings children's sports dreams to reality, to Thompson Child and Family Focus that gives therapy, education, and prevention-based care to at-risk youth and families.

So, remember the true reason for the season and spread the love this holiday with a donation of time or money to one of these fantastic organizations.

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Dilworth Soup Kitchen — Located inside First Christian Church, Dilworth Soup Kitchen serves an average of 150 restaurant-style, multiple course meals over the course of an hour every Monday. There are no requirements to dine at Dilworth Soup Kitchen, where the goal is as much about providing free meals as it is about fostering fellowship among volunteers and guests. The nonprofit welcomes donations and volunteers, who can serve during meal service on Mondays or assist with prep during weekends. dilworthsoupkitchen.org Second Harvest Metrolina — Second Harvest Metrolina serves 14 counties in North Carolina and five counties in South Carolina, distributing 55 million pounds of food and other household items each year. By soliciting donations and managing a regional distribution warehouse, Second Harvest Metrolina is able to keep partner agencies, emergency pantries, homeless shelters, and low-income daycares stocked with food. Second Harvest Metrolina accepts donations of food, money, and time from individuals, groups, and businesses. secondharvestmetrolina.org Hearts & Hands Food Pantry — As a faith-based organization, Hearts & Hands provides temporary and emergency food relief to families in Charlotte, Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, and Concord. This nascent nonprofit supplies food items, personal care items, and clothes to anyone in need. Neighbors are invited to visit monthly to stock up on supplies. Hearts & Hands soon hopes to host classes and workshops for their clientele as their organization grows. They accept ongoing donations, and a list of needed supplies is available on their website. heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com Food Connection — Community Food Rescue is a national organization that strives to redirect perfectly good food from overflowing landfills to sparse cupboards. Although based in Asheville, Food Connection also operates in Black Mountain, Swannanoa, and Charlotte, where it collects and transports fresh meals from food partners Johnson and Wales University, Queens University, and Belmont Abbey College to St. John’s Place, The Salvation Army, and Catherine’s House. food-connection.org Angels and Sparrows — In 2007, Sandy Tilley quit her corporate job in order to meet the need she perceived in the Lake Norman area for services

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aiding the homeless and low-income. She opened Angels and Sparrows, named with the Biblical verses Matthew 6:26 and Matthew 10:29 in mind and began to serve people of all faiths and backgrounds, offering free lunch on weekdays, as well as bagged lunches during the summer for children who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year. Angels and Sparrows welcomes volunteers over the age of 18 who are prepared to treat guests with kindness and dignity. angelsandsparrows.org Charlotte Rescue Mission — Charlotte Rescue Mission is a Christian organization that helps individuals overcome the cycles of homelessness and addiction. Charlotte Rescue Mission manages two residential programs — Rebound for men and Dove’s Nest for women — that are staffed by Christians professionally trained in substance abuse recovery. To help feed residents in the midst of treatment, Charlotte Rescue Mission relies on the assistance of volunteers seven days a week. charlotterescuemission.org Dream on 3 — Dream On 3 started right here in Charlotte before spreading beyond North Carolina. The organization brings sports dreams to life for qualified children by creating personal experiences with their favorite athletes, sporting event, or sports team. In their mission to unite communities and promote children's dreams, they partner with treating physicians and social workers to help identify candidates for a Dream Experience. Once they select a Dream Recipient, all the details and arrangements for Dreams are handled by DO3 staff and volunteers. That’s where you can help: volunteers who are looking to help kids with special needs achieve their dreams and live out their sports fantasies can apply online. dreamon3.org Girls on the Run — Girls on the Run of Charlotte inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by leading small teams through a research-based curriculum which includes discussions, activities, and athletic games over the course of ten weeks. To wrap up their fall season, the organization will be hosting two 5Ks in December. You can volunteer your time, donate money, or become a local sponsor this holiday season. gotrcharlotte.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carolinas — Since 1972, this non-profit organization has helped over 1500 children become more confident, stay away from drugs and alcohol, do better in school, get along better with family

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The Exclusives

and friends, and feel better about themselves. Help out by registering to be a big brother/sister, and donate funds or donate goods and services. bbbscentralcarolinas.org Project L.I.F.T. — Project L.I.F.T. stands for Project Leadership & Investment For Transformation. Their goal is to change the way traditionally underserved students are educated, supported and empowered to realize their full potential. Our community’s investment has made it possible for Project L.I.F.T. to make significant gains in many key areas: teacher retention, teacher leadership, academic growth, proficiency, and school and student culture. Their website includes more information on how and where you can help, too. projectliftcharlotte.org Girl Talk Foundation — Since the organization's beginning in 2002, Girl Talk Foundation has empowered young women aged 11-16 teaching them how to be confident, smart, proud, and powerful through facilitated dialogue. Through character building programs that develop self-awareness, competence, and social competence, this foundation has helped ladies learn social and emotional skills. You can donate new or nearly new dresses, shoes, and accessories for their Prom Project program, sponsor a girl to participate in their 13-week “Tailoring Teens for Success” program or become a partner in their mentorship program. girltalkfoundationinc.com KIPP Charlotte — The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students from underserved communities for success in college and in life.

You can join their team or donate monetarily. kippcharlotte.org Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation — The Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation is an organization who seeks to provide trained independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children in the custody of the county’s foster care system and work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home. This season you can submit monetary donations through their website or purchase items on AmazonSmile and have the proceeds go to this organization. meckguardian.org

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Promising Pages — Promising Pages looks to have another impactful year helping kids read. If a child is not fully literate by third grade they are four times more likely to drop out of high school, making 60,000 children in Charlotte at risk of falling behind. Promising Pages organizes volunteers who wrap new and gently wrapped children's books to underserved communities and schools. This year you can help too by donating books you may have outgrown or your own time. promisingpages.org The Knight Foundation — The Knight Foundation invests in cities where the Knight brothers once owned and sold newspapers, supporting both authentically local and relevant national ideas. They invest in public spaces and built environments that enhance the quality of life, linking people and neighborhoods, such as Open Streets 704, the North Tryon Vision Plan, and the Historic West End development. knightfoundation.org First Purse — Spearheaded by Renee L. Bradford, this initiative empowers girls and their communities to be financially literate and gain financial independence by exposing them to management classes before High School. This organization offers a six-week program for middle school-aged girls in money management and life skills to discover who they are, what they want, and how to save for it. Graduates receive their ‘first purse’ to symbolize their new knowledge. First Purse also provides employment opportunities for HIV/AIDS positive women in Kenya as purse makers. If you want to help, check out their website for donation or volunteer opportunities. firstpurse2go.org Casey and Anke Mermans — Casey and Anke Mermans, who were originally from the Netherlands, moved to Charlotte in the 1960s and began their foundation in 1989. The Merancas Foundation was founded to give support to non-profit organizations that provide the safety net to the local at-risk community, as well as to improve academic achievement for children and enable economic independence for adults. merancas.org Habitat for Humanity — Boris Henderson grew up as a child in different environments that were not well suited to help children reach their

full potential. That is until he and his family were put in a Habitat home; he now chairs the board of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte and helps the company help others who are in a situation like he was. You can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or provide monetary or item donations this holiday season. habitatcharlotte.org Thompson Child and Family Focus — This non-profit agency is a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. Through therapy, education, and preventionbased care Thompson Child and Family Focus changes the lives of at-risk youth and families. During this holiday season, you can volunteer, donate funds or goods, join their team, or possibly even foster a child. thompsoncff.org Charlotte Hornets Foundation — The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is committed to inspiring philanthropic culture and strengthening the Charlotte region by funding projects in education, wellness, hunger, and military care. One of their projects includes the Hornets Academy that provides paid internships to local high school students. It gives them early exposure to an office environment and hands-on experience for those interested in the sports and entertainment industry. nba.com Levine Children’s Hospital — Levine Children’s Hospital provides assistance from primary care to complex treatments that save children’s lives.

This branch of Atrium Health provides an unmatched level of care in over 30 areas of pediatric medicine and has a dedicated team of pediatricians. By building relationships with the community, this healthcare facility allows you to give back by volunteering at the hospital or donating money, toys, or other gifts. carolinashealthcare.org Trips For Kids — TFKC provides transformative cycling experiences for underserved youth. They use biking as a tool to help kids 11 15 learn life lessons, focused on respect, honesty, teamwork, overcoming obstacles, a healthy and safe lifestyle, service, and to the healthy, lifelong activity of mountain biking. Their Charlotte Re-Cyclery accepts donated bikes that they refurbish and sell back into the community at reasonable prices to help support the Kids' Programs and help the environment. tripsforkidscharlotte.org

Charlotte Bilingual Preschool — Charlotte Bilingual Preschool prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life by providing superior dual-language early childhood education. The preschool supports students’ families with parenting, life skills, and English-language classes, enabling them to sustain and nurture their children’s educational and emotional development. The dual-language program operating at capacity with 72 students (and a whopping 300 on the waiting list) to combat the 30% high school dropout rate among Latino students. bilingualpreschool.org The Ivey — Lynn Ivey founded the home in 2008 in loving memory of her late mother who passed from Alzheimer's. Now The Ivey is Charlotte's only Memory Wellness Day Center dedicated to serving individuals with memory loss and the families who love them: A place for friendship, healthy living, and medical assistance during the day that promotes independence and the comfort of returning home at night. A center for caregiver education, support, and improved access to services. theivey.com Wing Haven — Founded in 1927, this public park puts emphasis on plantings for birds and other wildlife in the area and providing cover, nesting sites, food, and water. Today, the Foundation preserves the legacy of these amazing gardeners through the care and maintenance of both historic properties. They offer educational programs and special events for adults, families, and children. Wing Haven also provides educational outreach to at-risk preschool children through our PEEPs program. winghavengardens.org Ignite — Individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome often have trouble finding a place of their own that will afford them social opportunities, further education and develop employment options. IGNITE staff works with each member to help them gain confidence and independence on their own chosen path in the Davidson area.

Whether it is acclimating to a college campus, tutoring, practicing for a job interview, learning to ride the CATS bus system, or just getting out to fun events in the community. autismsociety-nc.org/ignite

For more local Charlotte charity information visit: qcexclusive.com

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The Exclusives

A CEL EBR ATION AT BI LTMOR E America's largest home treats guests to a feast of their senses with the ultimate holiday experience. words EMMA MERCHANT photos JAMEY PRICE or THE BILTMORE COMPANY

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The Exclusives photos this page courtesy The Biltmore Company

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What better place is there to welcome the Holiday season than the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains? The Biltmore, George and Edith Vanderbilt’s century-old home, has welcomed guests for glamorous Christmas celebrations since 1895. Nestled in the natural beauty of the mountains, the majestic house and its gardens have been faithfully preserved, and continue to inspire guests with its elegance and charm. Every holiday season, The Biltmore spends two full months dedicated to providing stunning decorations, live music, and candlelight evenings, to name a few. Everything on the estate will be specially decorated with fresh wreaths, evergreen garland, poinsettias, and Christmas trees, with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and candles.

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Ten Carolina Holiday Celebrations You Have To Experience This Season Home for the Holidays Home for the Holidays is an annual tradition in downtown Hendersonville and the surrounding areas, about two hours west of Charlotte. This daily festival, filled with Flat Rock Playhouse productions, ice-skating, wagon rides, visits with Santa, and parades, will run until January 1, 2020. On December 6, Olde Fashioned Christmas will light up Hendersonville’s Main Street, where shops will be open late for entertainment. Expect caroling, Christmas lights, treats, and other holiday festivities.

Tanglewood Festival of Lights 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 your size vehicle, with several discounted days throughout the season.

A Candlelight Christmas Celebration The historic Tryon Palace complex includes beautiful historic architecture, homes, and gardens, all of which will be decorated for the holiday season.

This year’s annual Candlelight Celebrations will be held on Saturdays in December, where actors and dancers will perform under candlelight. While you’re downtown, stop by the unique gift shops that will definitely check a few boxes on your list.

To kick start the season, the Annual Tree Raising takes place on November 1, when a 35-foot Frasier Fir will be brought into the grand Banquet Hall by Santa and his horse-drawn carriage. Seasonal admission passes are available from November until January. Reservations are typically required for the estate’s several restaurants, and events such as Afternoon Tea and Candlelight Christmas Evenings.

As part of your admission to the Estate, you can enjoy a self-guided tour through the Biltmore House. A 55-foot tall Norway Spruce will greet you in the front lawn, surrounded by stunningly illuminated evergreens, providing the perfect entrance into this magical home. As you wander

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Holiday Flotilla Wrightsville Beach's Holiday Flotilla on November 30 is a true coastal experience. It is the town's version of a holiday parade, except it's held on the water, at night, with fireworks. The weekend also includes a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, and a Festival in the Park.

Scandinavian Christmas Fair On December 7 in Raleigh at the State Fairgrounds visitors will be able to witness an authentic celebration of the traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

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through the 250-room Biltmore House, you will feel the glow of warm fireplaces, and enjoy seasonal favorites performed by live musicians throughout. In addition to exploring Biltmore House, you can also discover the estate’s many gardens, trails, Conservatory, and a wine tasting at the property’s Winery. In the evenings, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery will provide the perfect stroll through glimmering buildings, trees, and paths. On the weekends, Santa Claus will be available for visits at the Antler Hill Village bandstand.

Make sure to plan ahead, book your dates in advance, and book your overnight stay in a private Cottage, the convenient Village Hotel, or the four-star Inn.

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photo this page courtesy The Biltmore Company

Ten Carolina Holiday Celebrations You Have To Experience This Season (Cont.)

Speedway Christmas The 10th edition of the Speedway Christmas, Charlotte's spectacular drive-through light show, will run through January 5, 2020. This year there will be over 4 million lights through a three-and-three-quarter mile course. Along with the light show, guests will be able to experience Christmas Village including a 100 foot slide, carousel, and 50 foot ferris wheel.

Christmasville The four-day festival from December 5 - 8 2019 in Rock Hill, SC will showcase horse drawn carriages, historic tours, strolling Dickens carolers, Santa, Ice skating, and so much more.

Holiday Festival of Lights For those headed south to the Lowcountry with the family for a much needed December escape, be sure to check out the James Island County Park's Holiday Festival of Lights. You can see a wonderful three mile display, visit Santa's Sweet Shoppe, ride on the Festival Train, try your best to summit the climbing wall, and much more. nutcracker ballet This Christmas season will kick off with Charlotte Ballet’s first performance of The Nutcracker on December 6 at Belk Theater in Uptown Charlotte. The Nutcracker is choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Get your tickets to watch the magic unfold through the story of Clara, The Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this traditional holiday experience.

Performances will continue until December 23, and tickets are available now starting at $25.

Spend this holiday season the traditional way at the Biltmore with a variety of holiday packages including: Christmas at Biltmore from November 1, 2019 – January 5, 2020 Enchanted Christmas from December 23 – 26, 2019 New Year’s Eve Gala Package from December 30, 2019 – January 1, 2020. info biltmore.com @biltmoreestate

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Santa on the Chimney Saturday, December 7 eat breatkfast with the Elves at Old Rock Cafe and then watch Santa practice making it down the chimney by rappelling down one of the world's largest chimneys at Chimney Rock State Park. After the rappel, guests can enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, and other activities.

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‘TIS TH E SE ASON FOR BOA R DS Lindsay Anvik and Rob Henricks' burgeoning board business Babe & Butcher does holiday spreads the right way. words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

The Exclusives

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Lindsay Anvik shows up one gray, heavily raining day, towing a cart behind her and ducking for cover. In the cart are stacks of large-ish white boxes, plus some filled Ziploc baggies and flowers. As she starts to pull the boxes out, she unveils board after board: They range from charcuterie-centric to dessert-themed, but what each has in common is the knife and flower logo emblazoned across the wooden board and the stunningly well-designed deliciousness spread across it.

Lindsay and her partner (romantic and professional), Rob Henricks, started the business only a few short months ago. “I thought it would be years before we would need a car for deliveries… and on less than a month of opening we had an SUV, and we are looking at getting a second one.”

Anvik was the owner of a marketing consulting firm before starting Babe & Butcher, the couples’ new food business, on something of a lark. The rapid rise of attention forced her to shift her entire focus to the business, which Lindsay explains was truly kicked off because of her and Henrick’s involvement with a local charity, where they wanted to have something to donate and the boards were it.

“Being involved in the community is incredibly important to us,” she says. “Since opening, we have worked with or donated boards to some incredible organizations like the 24 Foundation, Girls on the Run, Levine Children’s Hospital and more… We want to grow and also see our community improve and get better.”

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When did Babe & Butcher officially launch?

Rob and I had been talking about the idea since late 2018. He’s been in the restaurant and catering industry for 20 years, and I have always been in a creative field. I’m Italian, so I have an innate need to feed people. We officially launched in summer of 2019.

Where do you source your ingredients?

I never stop sourcing. It is one of the most enjoyable and challenging parts of this business. We purchase from wholesalers, small and local businesses, and specialty food shops. When I travel, I look for items that are special to that region. I found some sea salt from Europe that I use to season our crostini, and we import cheese from Italy and Spain. I always want the boards to have something unfamiliar for customers to try, whether it be a specialty cookie from Tokyo or a dried persimmon. Our produce is all dependent upon what is the freshest and in season.

What makes you and Rob a good partnership?

Rob is the other half of this business. He’s the Butcher, the one with the amazing knife skills, which is how we got our name. Our nickname, like many couples, for each other is “babe.” Rob is the meat to my cheese and the ying to my charcuterie yang. He masters spreadsheets, budgets, cost of goods, logistics and developing flavor profiles. I’m the creative behind the business. I work on sourcing new products, creating new types of boards, making boards look beautiful, social media, and marketing.

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“Every board is like a blank canvas: I want it to be vibrant, colorful and with lots of textures. ”

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What is the process of creating a board like?

This may sound strange, but a board comes into my mind like a painting and then I’ll spend a week or two trying to source products to create that pattern and make it look like I envision. It’s one of the reasons why I source constantly. Every board is like a blank canvas: I want it to be vibrant, colorful and with lots of textures. A good painting has layers and many elements of design. And a good bite of food is similar in that the best bites have layers of flavor and textures.

How do you custom-monogram your babe & butcher cutting boards? Do you cut the boards to size yourself?

From the start, our branding was very important to us. We wanted something that conveyed the two of us, both as a couple and for what we bring to the business. That is why we decided on the butcher knife and the flower. Rob brings his restaurant experience and knife skills and I bring the creative and romantic side of designing the boards. We brand them ourselves and we have sourced someone in Pennsylvania to build the boards for us.

and in need of household goods seemed like two really amazing groups who could enjoy our products in their home. We have been talking to some organizations and hope to donate a bunch by the end of the year.

How many people can one board feed?

We book as many events as we do individual orders. The amazing thing about the board is that it scales. So we can feed 10-15 people with one board, and up from there. We’ve fed hundreds with our boards, and our largest to date has been about 200. Seeing a grazing table come to life is amazing! I make sure each one is tailored to the event and looks different every time. We don’t want to be seen as just caterers. Babe & Butcher creates a full sensory experience. We want it to taste amazing, smell amazing, look amazing and have everyone hear all the oohs and ahhs about how it looks. It can be an appetizer or entree.

“I’m Italian, so I have an innate need to feed people.”

What inspired you to donate used boards to veterans?

Catering often creates a lot of waste with plastic and other materials. We wanted something reusable and sustainable to put our products on. We also wanted to take some of the boards and be able to give them to people who may need them.

Veterans and domestic violence victims who are in transition

Right now you only offer delivery. Do you plan to open a storefront in the future?

For the holidays we are offering pick up on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve until about noon at our commercial kitchen. And long term, we would love to be in a dedicated space where people could pick up orders and buy our branded products. info babeandbutcher.com / @babeandbutcher

The Exclusives

CH EERS TO TH E HOLI DAYS Five winter cocktails from the talented Colleen Hughes to help you revel in the most wonderful time of the year. words SUNNY HUBLER photos JAMEY PRICE

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A holiday spread is woefully incomplete without a little boozy flair. And while a Gin & Tonic or a glass of red is always nice, we wanted to branch out into a bit more creativity this season. Who better to lead the way to craft cocktail heaven than Colleen Hughes, the Vice President of the Charlotte USBG Chapter, head bartender at Haberdish, and beverage director of several other restaurants owned by the Haberdish team (Crepe Cellar, Sea Level, Growler’s Pourhouse, and coming soon Supperland) of Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel.

Colleen has worked in the food and beverage industry for over 15 years, serving everything from coffee to beer and wine, but today, her menu at Haberdish exemplifies the skill and creativity that’s positioned Colleen as one of Charlotte’s best mixologists. Seasonality and freshness rule, and Hughes’ drinks have the unique ability to look as good as they taste.

Use her ingredients as inspiration, or just stop by everyone’s favorite NoDa mill house for a beverage from the woman herself.

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Punch is one of the best parts of the holiday season: it’s shareable, seemingly never-ending, and frequently forgiving.

Ran out of pomegranate and need to do a splash of cranberry juice from the back of the fridge? Your Aunt Janice won’t notice the difference.

A Holiday Punch For The Whole House ­(above and previous spread) — Vodka,sage, simple syrup, pomegranate, clarified lemon juice, allspice dram, and champagne.

Variety is the spice of life, and while everyone loves a classic Moscow Mule, it’s rapidly become a beverage many are putting their own twist on (think Mexican Mules or the gin-heavy London Mule). If you’ve got your spirit of choice on-hand and some spicy ginger beer, the next ingredients can be as playful as you like.

Your New Favorite Christmas Mule — Doc Porter's vodka, fresh cranberry and Christmas spice reduction, orange liqueur, and ginger beer.

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No need to wax poetic on an Old Fashioned, since this is as staple a cocktail as they come. A hint of gingerbread flavor, however, makes this all the more fitting for the winter months… just in case you wouldn’t have ordered one regardless.

A Spicy Gingerbread Old Fashioned — Maker's Mark private select barrel, gingerbread reduction, dehydrated orange, and cinnamon.

Take a holiday trip to the Caribbean with this coconut and rum cocktail.

Now, the beauty of this drink is all Colleen —so, if you can recreate a cocktail this aesthetically-pleasing at home, please send us pictures or tag @qcexclusive.

I’ll Have a Blue Christmas — White chocolate and coconut reduction, rum, bitters, and handwhipped cream

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Eggnog, also classically known as a milk punch or egg milk punch, is one of our older alcoholic beverages (many date it as far back as the 14th century). It’s staying power is clearly for a reason: Few sips evoke the holiday season quite like a fresh cup full of your own take on eggnog—raw eggs not required.

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Index 17 North Market ..........................................95 AGM Imports .................................................79 Amina Rubinacci ..........................................26 Arcadia Custom Homes .............................39 ArtPop ...........................................................83 Arthur Rutenberg Homes ........................65 Artisan Rug Gallery .................................113 Ashley J Design ..........................................30 Bedside Manor ..........................................109 Blackhawk Hardware ...............................68 Blue Ridge Mountain Club .....................126 BlueWaters Construction ......................12 Cadenza ........................................................99 Carolina Dental .........................................67 Classic Attic ..............................................134 Classica Homes ...........................................75 Copain ............................................................73 Cottingham Chalk ......................................51 Delectables by Holly ................................36 Dermatology Laser & Vein Specialists.. 42 Diamonds Direct .......................................164 Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery ..........38 Donald Haack Diamonds ...........................27 DwellNova .....................................................8 E.S. Johnson Builders ................................71 Elder Gallery .............................................35 Elizabeth Bruns ..........................................21 Emerson Joseph ............................................4 Enzo custom.................................................81 Fahrenheit ....................................................10 Gerrard Builders ......................................44

Grande Custom Builders .........................32 Grandfather Homes .................................49 Hampton Inn ................................................138 Hilton Center City .....................................88 Hood Hargett .............................................101 Insight Automation ....................................31 Instyle charlotte....................................115 Jaguar Charlotte .....................................23 jerald melberg Gallery ............................37 Jim Phelps Collection ...............................115 Karen Kettler Design .............................108 Kelly Cruz Interiors ..................................111 King Carolina flooring...........................87 Kingswood Custom Homes ......................29 Lake Norman Realty ...................................47 Lucy and Company .....................................107 Marriott Center City .................................14 Metropolis Branding ...............................85 Midwood Guitar Studio ...........................35 Mint Museum ...............................................36 Mullinix Mortgage Group .......................63 Myron Greer ...............................................112 Nest Homes ...................................................53 Nestlewood Realty ...................................77 New Life Building Supplies .......................89 Novel Atherton ..........................................59 Novel Montford Park ..............................135 Omni Hotels & Resorts ............................162 Osteria Luca ..............................................103 Pai CPA ............................................................50 Pam Harrington Exclusives ...................139

Be our guest.

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

704-377-0400 • omnihotels.com/charlotte

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Peppermint Forest .....................................117 Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry ........37 Picture House Gallery ..............................43 Premier Patio Concepts .............................91 Premier Sotheby’s ........................................6 Providence Plastic Surgery ...................66 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase .......................25 RK Motors .....................................................28 Reaching Quiet ............................................83 Red Rocks Cafe ...........................................103 Rug Culture ................................................103 Sea Level ......................................................94 Shain Gallery ..............................................41 Shea Custom ................................................61 Simonini ........................................................57 Storey Home ................................................60 Subzero-Wolf .............................................97 The Charlotte ............................................131 The Ivey’s Hotel .........................................137 The Majestic Bath ......................................104 The McDevitt Agency ..................................16 The Pink Hanger ..........................................50 The Sporting Gent .....................................163 Towne Bank ..................................................93 Traditions ....................................................55 Uptown Charlotte Smiles .......................40 Watermark Lake Norman........................133 West Elm Atherton Mill. ...........................19 Windsor Jewelers ........................................2 Windsor Windows & Doors ......................119 Zeppelin .......................................................103

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