South Charlotte LIVING
The Art of Love
THE CLUB AT LONGVIEW
North Carolina’s Premier Country Club in the Charlotte Area is the Club for Sharing All Your Special Moments with Friends and Family. Receive extraordinary service and enjoy all the club’s amenities with a club membership! Call 704.916.9223 or email us at membership@theclubatlongview.com to schedule a tour.
Love is in the Air and Spring is on the Way!
As we celebrate the end of a rather chilly winter, our hearts and minds are ready to embrace change. If you’re fortunate to have found a new love that will lead you to the altar soon then you’ll want to take a look inside this issue at the Club at Longview and consider this gorgeous property for your wedding venue. We also introduce you to the best bakery in town for your choice of wedding cake at Sunflour Baking Company.
We’re excited about our friendships with Providence Gallery and Frames and clothier Paul Simon, who has a love for painting. In the same way Paul has established himself as a successful retailer with his fine clothing in Paul Simon stores for men and women at SouthPark, he is now an intriguing artist of fine art. His latest collection can be seen at Providence Gallery and Frames on Providence Road.
southcharlottelivingmag.com
Melinda Burris Publisher
Melinda Burris, Edie Marshall Editors
Melissa Latin Social Media Director
Edie Marshall, Effie Russell, Melinda Burris Writers
Arlene Ferebee, Kobi Brinson, Club at Longview, Providence Gallery and Frames, C & W Steakhouse, Hotel Hartness, Sunflour Baking Company, Murphy Photography, Alicia McMakin
Photographers
Picante Creative
Design & Production
Rachel Moore
Ad Designer
Barbara McKay Advisor
Ready for a short road trip to a quiet luxurious hideaway? We found the perfect spot in Greenville, SC at the Hotel Hartness. However, if you want a wonderful experience close to home then make a reservation at one of the best escapes in South Charlotte for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends at C & W Steakhouse in Ballantyne.
In any event, love whatever art you enjoy and love all the people, places and things in your life South Charlotte!
Melinda Publisher
South Charlotte Living SouthCharlotteLivingMag.com
Melinda Burris
• Ranked in the top 1% for Charlotte region’s REALTORS
• Jackie ranked #120 out of over 17,000 Charlotte area agents.
• #1 Sale in Mecklenburg County for March 2024
• #1 Sale for 2024 in all RE/MAX Executive offices (NC and SC)
• Team received Diamond Award from RE/MAX for an incredible 2024
• Record Breaking Sales in Multiple Neighborhoods in CLT
• Jackie has received Torchbearer recognition from RE/MAX International for multiple years. Torchbearers rank amongst the top 5 “under 40” agents for each U.S. state and Canadian province.
Gina LaRosa for
LIFESTYLE HOME LOANS
Partnering with Financial Planners & Realtors to Unlock Housing Wealth
Potential for Clients’ financial success REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST
Gina LaRosa
NMLS 20153
Reverse Mortgage Advisor, NC, SC, PA, FL, CA
Cell/Office: 704.778.0728
525 N Tryon St • Charlotte, NC 28202
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Services Offered:
• Preventative/wellness care
• General and advanced surgery
• Ultrasonography
• Breeding assistance/services
• Sick visits
• Walk-ins welcome!
Dr. Erin Koballa, DVM
The Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Hosted a
Reception for Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker Performer Elyn Jenkins
Members of the Crown Jewels and visiting Links honored Elyn Jenkins before her stellar Nutcracker lead performance as Clara with the Charlotte Ballet at the Belk Theater in Uptown. The Crown Jewels partnered with the Charlotte Ballet to celebrate Elyn’s performance.
> See more upcoming performances by the Charlotte Ballet on their website at charlotteballet.org.
Dr. Erin Koballa and Her Team Celebrated the Holidays with their Pet Clients and Families
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital was overflowing with love for pets during the practice’s Paws and Claus holiday celebration. Many dogs came dressed for the occasion to visit Santa. The animal hospital partnered with the Purple Leash Project founded by Purina and Red Rover for the event. Vendors brought items to sell to pet owners and the Gaston County Animal Shelter also showcased dogs for adoption.
> Your pets would love visiting Dr. Erin at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, 13331 York Center Road, #A, Charlotte, NC 28273, 980.276.1205, charlottecompanion.com.
South Charlotte Living Magazine’s Client Appreciation Event hosted by C & W Steakhouse Ballantyne
The magazine was delighted to show appreciation for relationships with its marketing partners and friends at C & W Steakhouse in Ballantyne. Pianist Israel Deveaux provided music to set the mood. The food was plentiful, the drinks were flowing, and smiles were abundant while guests engaged in conversation and appreciation for a successful 2024.
> C & W Steakhouse located at 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 135 is a prime spot for any spirited and festive event. Make a reservation for your next event at cwballantyne.com.
FOR
Written by: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall
Dream Weddings THE CLUB AT LONGVIEW
Now that you have the ring, it’s time to plan the wedding! One of the best turn-key wedding venues in the Charlotte area is The Club at Longview in Waxhaw, NC. Whether you plan to invite your friends and family to a small indoor or outdoor ceremony, would like to entertain your guests for a celebration with you during a reception or do both, the team at Longview is ready and most able to assist you with planning for one of the most significant events in your life.
Photography: The Club at Longview
When you meet with staff at Longview, you will be presented with options for bridal packages to evaluate, including access to areas for gorgeous photo opportunities and exclusive rental of the Club’s private Clubhouse. The Club at Longview offers a variety of special event locations throughout the property. Its 28,000 square foot Clubhouse offers different entertainment spaces including the Graham ballroom, garden room, bar and lounge, wine cellar, courtyard room, terraces, event lawns, and more.
Fully customizable wedding packages include multiple options to match every couple’s taste and budget. Couples can choose from an array of delicious hors d’oeuvres, plated dinners, and buffet-style dinners. In addition to your wedding ceremony and reception, you can also celebrate during your
engagement party or bridal shower at the Club to make your event unique.
The venue offers many services to help you navigate your wedding day. Hosting your day at The Club at Longview includes everything from a formal setup of tables and chairs, lap length table linens, and dance floor to a personal tasting and meal planning. From set-up to clean-up, the staff will ensure that your day is everything you’ve dreamed of. Your gorgeous photos will truly remind you of your special day at
the Club. In addition to basic services that you would expect from a premier country club, you can choose his and her signature cocktails, non-alcoholic beverage service, cake cutting service, champagne toast for all guests and more.
There are other events to be celebrated by members at The Club at Longview as well. Whether planning for a special occasion, a leisurely lunch, or meeting friends and family for a casual dinner, The Club at Longview is the ideal
venue for members who enjoy a private, personalized, or entertaining dining experience. The club’s executive chef and his staff build menus of opportunity, taking advantage of fresh items that are only available during certain times of the year. Members and their guests experience an ever-changing menu of seasonal ingredients, stunningly prepared with finesse and flair. By design, the menu includes a mix of old favorites and new selections not commonly found in other dining establishments. Consider joining The Club at Longview family by becoming a member this year.
Whether you’re a member or not, The Club at Longview is open to working with you to plan your wedding or next major event. Reach out to the Club’s team at 704.368.1111 for assistance. Also, visit the Club at Longview’s website at theclubatlongview.com to learn more about becoming a member. The Club at Longview would love to welcome you into their family.
Providence Gallery Displays Distinctive Fine Art
Created by Notable Charlotte Artists
Written by: Melinda Burris and Effie Russell
Providence Gallery and Frames
Paul Simon has been a creator and provider of elegance, luxury, and style in fashion with unmatched personalized service for Charlotte’s modern individuals at Paul Simon stores for 50 years. In the same way that he has built upon his legacy by curating fashionable collections, he is now delivering the same dedication to quality in a selection of oil paintings that he is introducing into Charlotte’s art world and philanthropic theme. Paul has been expressing his love for painting by creating works of art with beautiful themes, especially landscapes featuring trees in recent years.
Photography:
Paul’s current collection can be seen at Providence Gallery and Frames, located at 601-A Providence Road, at an opening reception being held on March 7, 2025, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Proceeds from this event, titled, ‘Leaves for Literacy’, will support the Augustine Literacy Project-Charlotte (ALP) which is a non-profit organization committed to help improve the reading, writing, and spelling skills of young, aspiring readers in under-resourced communities by providing free, long-term, one on one instruction from highly trained tutors. Paul Simon Co. supports ALP along with many other non-profits. Paul is committed to community service. He believes that his company’s success is indebted to the incredible support of the Charlotte community. The company selects causes that resonate with the company, its customers, and supports initiatives close to the company’s heart.
Providence Gallery and Frames is the perfect match for displaying Paul’s works since like Paul Simon stores, the Gallery is a long-standing asset in the Charlotte community. Since opening its doors in 1978, Providence Gallery has established an unparalleled reputation for offering a stellar combination of custom framing and an extensive selection of distinctive fine art. The gallery represents more than 25 painters who have earned acclaim for their work on a regional, national, and international level.
Providence Gallery is always expanding its inventory of artwork to include subject matter in every genre and medium and continues to offer an evolving selection of artwork for residential and corporate design.
Owner Deborah Campbell Bass has almost 50 years of experience in framing and design. The gallery offers custom framing options perfect for family
photos and works of art as well as cherished mementos and collectibles.
Rod Wimer, former manager at Providence Gallery, is one of the most talented and diverse fine artist with works in the gallery. Rod enjoys the journey of creating abstract and contemporary figurative paintings with multiple mediums and the infusion of collaged elements. Working on substrates of wood panel, canvas, and paper, he builds multi-layered works with paint, graphite, colored pencils, and oil sticks. Much of his work includes the use of handmade papers, wood, dirt, fabrics, and found objects.
Born in 1960, Rod was adopted by missionary parents, and most of his formative years were spent in the Central African Republic. Largely ignored by the rest of the world, and ruled by then dictator Jean Bedel Bokassa, this poverty-stricken country in
the center of the African continent was where Rod first discovered his love of creative expression. The African culture, with its unique design aesthetic, exotic wildlife, and visionary landscapes are all continuing influences in this artist’s ongoing exploration of his works.
After Africa, Rod spent several years in Hawaii. Lush island landscapes, tropical fish and flowers, and vast horizons of azure sea and sky further developed his passion for texture and color. You can see his collection of exotic tropical fish currently on display at Providence Gallery.
Rod currently lives in Charlotte. In addition, to his art being seen in Providence Gallery, his art is found in both private and corporate collections across the continental United States, as well as Hawaii, Canada, Great Britain, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
> Visit Providence Gallery and Frames in the Manor Shops at 601-A Providence Road or visit online at ProvidenceGallery.net.
in
Written by: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall
Photography: C & W Steakhouse
Fiore Restaurant has been transformed into C & W Steakhouse, Ballantyne’s very first steakhouse! The exciting evolution not only reflects owners Sharon Conklin’s and Dean White’s dedication to providing exceptional service, but also enhances the commitment to quality dining experiences. The mother/son ownership team decided to bring a new form of entertainment and dining to Charlotte with Fiore. They did a lot of research to find a niche that would set them apart from other restaurants and offer a uniqueness not found anywhere else in our city. They discovered an antique bar in Chicago that would work perfectly to create a Chicago-style adult venue. They shipped it to their Ballantyne location and had it rebuilt and refinished to fit perfectly into their space. Then last year, they realized that there was a missing piece in the entertainment and dining landscape in Ballantyne, and that’s when they recreated their already fabulous restaurant into an even more exciting venue now known as C & W Steakhouse.
The ambience of the venue invites you into a place brimming with friendly warmth for celebrating a remarkable chapter of culinary excellence. Once inside you’ll want to stay a while to indulge in the delightful offerings that await you.
The award-winning, chef-designed menu has been thoughtfully curated based on invaluable customer feedback, showcasing an array of exquisite steaks and delectable dishes. Meals are all crafted with the utmost care to tantalize the palate. Seasonal items and special cuts are generously offered.
Experienced bartenders and mixologists create some of the best drinks and beverages found in the Ballantyne area. They explore unique drinks that they love, sharing them with their patrons. With their forever-changing list of local spirits, they have everything you need to have a great night out. They’ve mastered the art of making drinks that not only taste good but will keep you fascinated while they are being made and as they come to life. The crew has carefully curated a list of drinks that leave your mouth buzzing with layers of flavor. The bar offers traditional bourbons, classic old fashioneds made from the finest whiskies, cocktails, margaritas, an extensive beer selection. Their wine storage is heavily stocked with some of the finest bottles in Charlotte. Outside seating is perfect for enjoying drinks, cigars and laughter.
C & W Steakhouse is the Perfect Venue for Celebrating Special Occasions
If you’re looking for a venue to help you host your next event, reception, corporate dinner, rehearsal dinner and more, C & W is a great spot! The restaurant offers in-house, turnkey packages that are fully customizable for partial or full venue
space. The professionals at C & W can also assist with locating live music, special decor, floral arrangements, special cakes and desserts, photography, videography, invitation designs, print and marketing. Offsite catering is also available and can be customized to any taste, theme or style. Schedule your complimentary consultation today to start the process. They will meet with you to discuss your preferences, provide customized package options and pricing for a fabulous event.
Sharon and Dean also own great restaurants in Louisville, KY, and will soon open a third location in Greenville, SC.
> Make your reservation today for an exceptional dining experience at C & W Steakhouse,14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 135, Charlotte, NC 28277, 980.275.0173 or visit us at cwballantyne.com.
Visit stage it’s Designer House on tHe lower leVel of soutHern lion in Carolina PlaCe Mall!
Cozy Post-Winter Get-Away A Short Distance,
Written by: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall
Photography by Hotel Hartness
he approaching end of winter excites us and may press us to plan a trip soon to give us a change in scenery and routine. You may choose not to travel to a far-away destination by plane but prefer instead to just enjoy a quick road trip.
We’ve discovered a new, easy get-away that will delight all your senses. The Hotel Hartness, located in Greenville, SC has been reimagined as a destination for luxurious accommodations with resort-style amenities and elevated dining and entertaining indoors and outdoors.
The hotel is located in a tranquil natural retreat minutes from downtown Greenville and is managed by Hay Creek Hotels. The property is a South Carolina destination unlike any other in the upstate. The Hartness Hotel sits on land where a grand family home once sat amongst rolling pastures, sparkling lakes, flowing creeks, and lushly canopied woodlands. It features 73 guest rooms and suites, as well as its Patterson Kitchen plus Bar, the intimate Captain bar, and other dining areas with elevated foods and drinks. Breakfast is included with each night’s stay. Relaxation is the common theme throughout. Even the fitness area, Spa H »
and a couples spa beckon you into a unique calmness. The designs, furnishings and decor throughout encourage peace and mindfulness.
The family’s upstate roots date back to 1940 when entrepreneur Tom Hartness purchased the Pepsi-bottling rights in Greenville, resulting in a packaging business and to the family’s home for residing on the sprawling unspoiled land that now serves as the canvas for the Hartness community. The winding walking trails are challenging yet delightful. The historic Hartness family estate incorporates the family’s history and original home which draws on the spirit and culture of its location in Greenville and on the family’s estate. The property is in proximity to downtown Greenville and not far from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Hotel Hartness can be the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories as a romantic get-away or when families gather for traditional events like family reunions,
birthdays and other celebrations. It can also create great opportunities for special group events with friends and even with business associates. The indoor/outdoor spaces at the hotel are wonderful for weddings and other social events.
In 2024 Travel and Leisure magazine named the Hartness Hotel as the Best #1 in South Carolina, #3 in the US and #24 worldwide.
The property is nestled within the awardwinning Hartness urban village founded by the Hartness family on its 482-acre estate boasting views of the Blue Ridge Mountain skyline, a 180-acre nature preserve, and an onsite farm.
> You’ll enjoy a visit to Hotel Hartness, 120 Halston Avenue, Greenville, SC 29615. Visit online at hotelhartness.com and dial 864.686.8900 for direct reservations.
The Best Wedding Cakes
Are Made at Sunflour Baking Company
Written by:
Melinda Burris and Effie Russell
Photography: Sunflour Baking Company
hen you’re planning for your special day, you will likely have a vision of the perfect wedding cake for you to share with each other and with your guests. You will want your wedding cake customized to coordinate with your choice of theme and colors. You’ll want it to reflect your taste and style as a couple. An artisan bakery, Sunflour Baking Company, in South Charlotte prides itself in creating all its cakes, especially wedding cakes from scratch and in small batches.
Sunflour is also committed to supporting local vendors, sourcing ingredients from area suppliers whenever possible to ensure the ultimate freshness of all items. All baked goods including wedding cakes are handmade onsite, using the best raw materials available. Sunflour embraces authenticity in its culinary creations and no shortcuts, mixes or pre-made anything ever goes into any item on their extensive menu.
Sunflour has been serving the Queen City since 2009 from its original location in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood. The Parrish family has owned Sunflour since 2014 and has expanded by opening four additional locations in NoDa, Dilworth, Harrisburg and Ballantyne.
The team at Sunflour prides itself on providing excellent baked goods second to none with unrivaled customer service and an unwavering commitment to actively contributing to the local community.
In addition to providing wedding cakes, Sunflour Baking Company is the bakery and cafe you have been looking for to provide you with
baked goods and sandwiches as well. Visit any of their five cafe locations to get a taste of their fresh brewed coffee or small batch, homemade pastries, breads and sandwiches. Their sandwiches are perfect for lunch and for catered events. They are made with fresh breads, meats and vegetables every day and they travel well, too. Their cafes are all great spots to hang out in, get work done, catch up with friends or just enjoying some quiet time. You are sure to love their bright, friendly interiors with sunflowers and of course their pastry case as well.
For over 13 years Sunflour Baking Company has been a local favorite all around Charlotte and beyond. People all over the country order their cake jars and baked goods every day. They are shipped everywhere!
> Reach out to Sunflour at ballantyne@sunflourbaking company.com to schedule a wedding cake tasting and plan for your cake today! Visit the Sunflour Bakery Company location nearest to you and experience the difference in baked goods and sandwiches at Sunflour. For more information, site locations and menus go to SunflourBakingCompany.com.
LOWER SOUTH END
Giovanna is the new sister restaurant of Ballantyne’s Zinicola Italian Restaurant, with the same ownership and the same reputation for soulful, pure ingredients and exceptional service. Conveniently located near Uptown in Lower South End, Giovanna has all the amenities of fine dining with extensive Italian wines and a well-stocked bar. As a bright light in Lo So, it is approachable for any occasion and has a warm, friendly, at-home atmosphere.
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Stonecroft
Summerlake
Myers Park
Cotswold
Whitegate
Highgrove
Firethorne
Providence Downs
Providence Plantation
The Manors at Mattie Rose
$2,330,389
$1,475,000
$5,500,000
$3,500,000
$1,375,000
$1,477,000
$2,600,000
$1,275,000
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$3,778,458
$2,450,000
$1,499,900
At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We want you to feel at home. We want our food to inspire. We want you to know that a refined experience doesn’t have to feel cold. Instead, we aim to feed the soul and we invite you to our table. Above all else, we welcome you to sample our authentic Italian cuisine & wine selection today!
Art Galleries:
Providence Art Gallery
Auto - New, Used, and Service:
Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte
Country Clubs:
The Club at Longview
Education:
Barbara McKay, Speaker and Author
Carmel Christian School
Entertainment:
Israel Devaux, Pianist
Charlotte Ballet
Paul Williams III, Photography
Financial Services:
Wealth Enhancement Group
David Ragosta, TaylorMade Home Loans
Fitness & Wellness:
Perspire Sauna
New Day Wellness Center
Home Accessories:
Backyard Flavor
Curtains and Company, Pineville
Home Furnishings and
Interior Design:
Nouvelle Furnishings
Stage It, Staging, Interior Designs and Renovations
Home Services:
A Diamond In The Rough Cleaning
CertaPro Painting of South Charlotte
Hotels:
Hyatt Centric SouthPark
Physicians & Medical:
Arboretum Dentistry
Arboretum Gynecology
FYZICAL Pineville
Dr. Kristin Black, New Day Wellness Center
Professional Services:
Zeaba Computer Solutions
Real Estate:
Anise Monroe, Alliance Realty
Jackie Smith, Charlotte’s Finest
Properties, RE/MAX Executive
Michelle Zawacki, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Robin Nitsche, Premier Sotheby’s
International Realty
Marsela Green, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Restaurants:
C&W Steakhouse Ballantyne
Sunflour Baking Company
Zinicola Italian Restaurant
Giovanna Italian Restaurant
Amelie’s - French Bakery and Cafe
MIZU Wood-Fired Grill Restaurant
Enzo’s Italian Market
Salons and Spas:
BJ Cherry Hair Designs
Le Petit Spa
Shopping:
Plaza Appliance Mart
Paul Simon Men and Paul Simon Women
Veterinarians and Pet Care:
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital
