July SouthPark 2023

Simplicity is key. Pizza, subs & salads - that’s it. Mid-West style pizza done right!

And

wine.

Wednesdays: Half-off glasses of wine all day!

ParkTowne Village 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd. Suite 250

Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 800-5584

@thecrustpizzaclt

Est. 2014 in Naples, FL

During summer, we lived outside, not in our phones. Summer when I was a kid: Riding bikes everywhere. Catching lightning bugs (and letting them go). Climbing trees. Collecting jars full of cicada shells. Lying on the picnic table watching for shooting stars during the annual Perseids meteor shower — blink and you might miss one. Homemade peach ice cream — always peach, because that was my dad’s favorite. Popsicles galore. I was a definitely a tomboy, if you couldn’t tell.

When I became a mom, summer was about keeping my kids as busy as possible with playdates, trips to the Nature Museum or Discovery Place, endless hours at the pool.

These days, between school and work, it’s nearly impossible to find any time that our family of four can spend together. And lately, I’ve found myself desperately craving that unplugged time outdoors, like all those years ago. Our daily lives are so enterwined with technology, it’s become increasingly difficult to break away from it, even for a few hours or days.

But this summer, during the precious few vacation days when our schedules align, I’m going to try. I’m sure I’ll snap a few photos for the memories, but I hope I’m able to resist that constant tug to check email or Instagram.

Less scrolling. More fireflies and shooting stars. SP

IN THIS ISSUE:

1 — Serenity Garden (page 98)

2 — Vaulted Oak Brewing: Where to eat, drink and play in MoRA (page 38)

3 — A Cotswold home with a backyard built for entertaining (page 90)

4 — Designing children’s spaces (page 26)

Correction: In our June issue, interior designer Tucker Donnelly’s name was misspelled. We regret the error.

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHS CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: DUSTIN PECK; JUSTIN DRISCOLL; MICHAEL BLEVINS; BAXTER MILLER; DUSTIN PECK (DONNELLY); TIM SAYER

Bringing it home since 1960

Harris Teeter is proud to support more than 500 local businesses with 1,500 plus products in our stores from Charleston, South Carolina to Bethesda, Maryland. We share in your passion to buy local, and when you do, you’re not only buying from them but supporting your community as well. After all, that’s what Home Town spirit is all about!

Find these and many more Home Town brands at your local Harris Teeter

BLVD.

22 | entertainment

Flying colors: Splatter Charlotte makes a splash across town.

26 | interiors

Children’s spaces: Big design for little people

32 | style

Behind the brand: Veronica Beard

36 | parenting

Wardrobe stylist Stacee Michelle reflects on the first year of motherhood.

38 | food + drink

A guide to MoRA, one of Charlotte’s most popular thoroughfares.

46 | fitness

With CLTMTB, young mountain bikers find community on the trail.

50 | givers

Plant people: Master Gardener volunteers share their expertise across Charlotte.

54 | around town

What’s new and coming soon in Charlotte

58 | happenings

July calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS

64 | creators of N.C.

After a devastating diagnosis, Wilmington’s Tom Ward perseveres with paint and canvas.

67 | bookshelf

Notable new releases

69| simple life

The Wish Book’s final chapter

75| well + wise

Releasing expectations around grief

110 | swirl

Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

120 | gallery

After tragedy, a tribute to first responders.

ABOUT THE COVER:

Photograph of Serenity Garden by Dustin Peck (page 98)

FEATURES

86 | 19 ways to beat the heat by Caroline Boulware, Cathy Martin and Sharon Smith Southern summers are no joke, but there are plenty of ways to keep cool in and around Charlotte.

90 | Modern luxury by Cathy Martin | photographs by Michael Blevins Designer Amber Cagle of Black Dove Interiors helps newlyweds blend two distinct styles — with a touch of whimsy — in their Cotswold home.

98 | The artful garden by Sharon Smith | photographs by Dustin Peck In Mountainbrook, Pat and Patsy Reames’ sprawling, art-filled garden is a space for celebrations and reflection.

TRAVEL

108 | The soulfulness of solo travel by Krisha Chachra

Solo travel is surging in popularity among postpandemic travelers — especially women. A travel writer shares tips for easing your fears and getting out there — on your own.

Heather Bryant, PA-C, Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, Courtney Whitley, FNP-C, Amanda Piligian, PA-C

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987 southparkmagazine.com

Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com

Cathy Martin Editor editor@southparkmagazine.com

Sharon Smith Assistant Editor sharon@southparkmagazine.com

Andie Rose Creative Director

Alyssa Kennedy Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com

Miranda Glyder Graphic Designer Whitley Adkins Style Editor Caroline Boulware Intern

Contributing Editor David Mildenberg

Contributing Writers

Michelle Boudin, Wiley Cash, Krisha Chachra, Jim Dodson, Asha Ellison, Vanessa Infanzon, Juliet Lam Kuehnle

Contributing Photographers

Michael Blevins, Adam Cannavo, Mallory Cash, Daniel Coston, Justin Driscoll, Dustin Peck

Contributing Illustrator

Gerry O’Neill

ADVERTISING

Jane Rodewald Sales Manager 704-621-9198 jane@southparkmagazine.com

Cindy Poovey Account Executive 704-497-2220 cindy@southparkmagazine.com

Scott Leonard Audience Development Specialist 704-996-6426

Sarah Fligel Marketing Specialist

Brad Beard Graphic Designer

Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com

Instagram: southparkmagazine

Facebook: southparkmagazine

Twitter: SouthParkMag

Owners

Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr.

David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com

SouthPark, we are here.

blvd.

people, places, things

COMFORT CRAVINGS

Burgers are the ultimate summer comfort food, whether served sizzling off your backyard Weber, consumed poolside, or delivered to your door for an easy weeknight meal. Chef Michael Bowling of Hot Box Next Level Kitchen has brought his pub-style burgers to South End, with a new ghost kitchen called HBX Burger. (Turn to page 56 for more restaurant openings around town.) The Johnson & Wales alum started with a food truck in 2013 and later expanded to a permanent location at Concord’s Southern Strain Brewing. One-third pound patties are served on brioche buns with a variety of toppings. Also on the menu: wings, wraps and salads. Order through DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats, or at South End Eats at 500 Summit Ave. hotboxnc.com. SP

PHOTOGRAPH

Flying colors

SPLATTER CHARLOTTE MAKES A SPLASH ACROSS TOWN.

by Michelle Boudin | photographs by Adam Cannavo

Tim Edwards often gets questions about one particular giant canvas that hangs in his Plaza Midwood apartment. It’s a splatter-paint piece he created that ended up sparking much more than conversation.

“I tried doing a large-scale splatter paint myself, and I loved the process of making it,” Edwards says. “People started asking me where I got it. I would tell them the story of how I made it, and they always seemed jealous that I painted it in such a fun way.”

Edwards, 31, realized most people weren’t going to set up a tarp in their apartment and start throwing paint at a canvas, so he wanted to come up with a way to help others have as much fun as he did while also creating colorful art. Splatter Charlotte was born.

“We set up a canvas, all the paint you need, and you get to throw colors at the canvas to make a one-of-a-kind work of art that looks

great every time,” Edwards explains.

It’s basically a BYOB painting party that has become popular for everything from dates to birthday parties to team-building exercises.

“I normally get a mix of laughter and disbelief that [participants] get to be this messy,” Edwards says. “When I lead them through a session, I tell the artist to throw the paint like they are throwing a drink in someone’s face,” he adds. “I always get told it is an incredibly satisfying sensation to throw that first cup of paint onto a totally white canvas. It almost feels like something you would get in trouble for doing, but that’s the best feeling you can get.”

April Whitlock, head of corporate citizenship at LendingTree, says Splatter Charlotte was the perfect way to bring remote workers together for a department meeting. “We were looking for a fun, interactive team-building activity,” Whitlock says. “Splatter Charlotte gave us ex-

Tim Edwards

actly what we were looking for — a chance to enjoy a beautiful Charlotte day, have every single teammate participate and end up with a beautiful new piece of art for our office.”

The splatter paint parties have become so popular, Edwards has been able to turn his side hustle into a full-time gig. He left corporate jobs in product management and customer success and started running Splatter Charlotte full time last year. He recently found a permanent home for his experiences at Charlotte Art League in NoDa. Rates start at $125 an hour for two people and include all materials, plus delivery of your canvas once it’s dry.

Edwards says people often warn him before throwing paint that “they aren’t creative” and can’t even draw stick figures. He says his favorite part is when they let go and realize they actually are creative.

“By the end of the hour, those people produce something that they love and that legitimately looks good, and as they are staring at their artwork, I can see the gears turning in their heads. They start to see that they are, in fact, a creative person, and if they could just get out of their own way for an hour, stop judging themselves so hard, and learn to let go of perfection, they’d be surprised by what they could make.”

Still, he says he gets more joy out of it than anyone.

“I can’t tell you what a positive impact this has had on my days. People show me the best versions of themselves all the time: smiling, being creative, laughing, dancing …

“We make art because it feels good, and we have something inside ourselves that wants to be expressed. To be in a position where I get to see people discover, or sometimes rediscover, how good it feels to express themselves creatively, it’s a privilege.” SP

Learn more or book an experience at splattercharlotte.com.

“We make art because it feels good, and we have something inside ourselves that needs to be expressed."

WINDOW AND PATIO

DOOR REPLACEMENT

Live healthier and happier. Experience personalized service that brings our quality products and craftsmanship direct to your home. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote.

 In children’s rooms, Cate Gutter recommends spending more on items that will stand the test of time while cutting back on heavily used items like beds and bedding. When her 3-year-old daughter was moving out of her crib, Gutter found a $200 trundle bed on Amazon and added a canopy to make it feel like a castle.

Big design for little people

CATE GUTTER SHARES PRACTICAL AND CREATIVE IDEAS FOR DESIGNING SPACES FOR KIDS.

by Cathy Martin

As a mother of three young children, Cate Gutter knows quite a bit about creating organized and imaginative spaces for kids. The Louisiana native launched CWG Design in 2020 after a new-to-Charlotte acquaintance asked for help designing her home. “That really was how I got into it — a cry for help from a friend of a friend.” After a series of referrals, the business grew organically, says Gutter, who in 2018 had moved to Charlotte from Chicago, where she had a wedding-cake business. “When we were in Chicago, my husband and I flipped [properties]. So, I’ve always loved the project-management aspect, attention to detail and being on a job site.” Design runs in the family, too.

BY BAXTER MILLER

blvd. | interiors

Gutter’s mother and mother-in-law are designers, and her father-in-law is an architect. “I’ve always loved it and had a passion for it — it’s always been in my life, generationally,” she says. Though her formal design business has just taken off in the last few years, “it feels like I’ve always been doing this,” Gutter says.

Gutter shares a few tips for designing spaces for kids.

BALANCE THE BUDGET

“I try to spend where it matters, like wallpaper or art that aren’t going to get touched a lot,” Gutter says. “[For] things that get heavy use, like bedding or beds, I try to do more on the budget side.” Dressers also tend to take a beating in kids’ rooms, Gutter says. “They’re going to use it a lot, and they’re still learning how to treat things with respect and take care of things.” Gutter suggests repurposing vintage pieces, which can be brightened with a fresh coat of paint.

CREATE A “HOME” FOR HOMEWORK

Gutter firmly believes that each child needs to have a designated workspace

 In this SouthPark home, Gutter converted a dingy storage space with a 1980s vibe into a place for homework and art projects. The wallpaper featuring sketches of famous monuments is a nod to the family’s love of travel. “That was the base of the design, and then we added a bunch of color and personality,” Gutter says. Now, the room has storage for art supplies and designated workspaces — and no toys. “It’s a space for purposeful creation.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BAXTER MILLER

that feels “creative, clean and organized,” that’s distinct from where they sleep, play or eat. If you don’t have the luxury of a separate room, she suggests carving out a space within a child’s bedroom or another room in the home. “They’re just like us — they can’t be expected to do their homework in the car or on the sofa.”

LET KIDS HAVE A SAY

Children should be included in the planning phase as much as they want to be involved, Gutter says, but that doesn’t mean they should be given free rein. When selecting new wall paint for her own kids’ rooms, Gutter gave each child three colors to choose from. “Kids can be overwhelmed — they don’t need unlimited choices.”

On a site visit at the home of a client with a 9-year-old daughter, Gutter discovered an antique Persian rug, rolled up and pushed aside. When she asked about it, she learned the girl loved the rug because it reminded her of her grandmother. Gutter designed her space around the pink and green hues in the rug, and her grandmother is even sewing pillows to match. “I haven’t found a kid who doesn’t care what their room looks like,” Gutter says. “My philosophy is, it’s their space, too.” SP

 This bedroom was designed for twin girls who had outgrown their cribs and recently moved to a new home. “We tried to make the room feel really beautiful but also something they could grow with,” Gutter says. The girls loved the birds in the William Morris Strawberry Thief wallpaper, a design which can carry them through their teen years.

Cate Gutter at home

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD ISRAEL

PHOTOGRAPH BY BAXTER MILLER

BEHIND THE BRAND:

Veronica Beard

CHARLOTTE FASHIONISTAS ARE FLOCKING TO THE NEW VB BOUTIQUE AT PHILLIPS PLACE. WE ASKED THE FOUNDERS ABOUT WHAT INSPIRES THEM, KEYS TO THEIR SUCCESS AND THE JACKET THAT STARTED IT ALL.

by Whitley Adkins

Working women: Have you ever noticed how men have it easy when it comes to getting dressed? You know, the “which tie shall I pair with my suit and call it a day” dilemma. (In all seriousness, we know that a consistently sharp-dressed man does put time and effort into creating a polished look.)

Enter the famed dickey-jacket designer Veronica Beard. The brand was founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. With a shared vision, the pair joined forces to reinvent the uniform for women on the go. Inspired by a traditional blazer and often paired with interchangeable dickeys, the dickey jacket gives women ultimate versatility with the ease of men’s dressing.

With the May opening of Veronica Beard’s newest retail store at Phillips Place, the banking-meets-fashion capital of the South now has immediate access to the dickey jacket and the rest of VB’s stylish ready-to-wear collection.

“Charlotte is one of our favorite cities,” says Veronica Miele Beard. “The culture, the energy — there is no place like it. And the women here are so chic. We can’t wait to see how they make the collection their own.” The Charlotte store is the brand’s 26th location, and VB’s first in North Carolina.

The women say being connected to their customer is key to their success. In that spirit, we invited a few Queen City muses to ask the founders about their inspiration in business and fashion. Responses have been lightly edited.

ALLISON COOK WELCH, STYLIST:

Your boutique interiors are all beautiful, yet each location is unique. Can you describe the interior-design process and what shapes the aesthetic?

VSB: All our stores reflect the world of Veronica Beard — the inspiration behind our product, our personalities as designers — but we work closely with our interior designer, Carolina de Neufville, to personalize each location with the city in mind. Our London store has a 19th-century haberdashery hutch, for example, while the decor at VB Nantucket includes a vintage surfboard and a seashell-framed mirror. No two stores are ever alike.

What is your favorite VB piece in your own closet?

VSB: Our cult classic — the Miller dickey jacket!

Founders Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard

Phillips Place

BLAIR FARRIS, PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PEACHY THE MAGAZINE:

What are five closet staples every woman needs?

VSB: Blue blazer, classic denim, white shirt, nude sandals and a midi-length dress that can be dressed up or down.

How do you get inspiration for colorways each season?

VMB: It’s always different — sometimes it’s a picture we see, sometimes it’s a place we’ve visited.

What is the best mix of classic style and still being on trend?

VMB: For us, it’s more about personal style than trend. We take the classics, rework them and make them our own.

CLAIRE SAMUELS, FOUNDER, CLAIRE SAMUELS

LAW PLLC:

I love that you are a business that believes in women supporting women. How do you support each other and take care of yourselves?

VMB: With two of us, we can divide and conquer, which is a lifesaver when balancing our own family lives. My prized downtime is going for walks or watching an NBA game at home with the kids.

NATALIE FRAZIER ALLEN, CEO + FOUNDER, THE ARTS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT:

If you had to assign a percentage to components that have led to your success, how would you divide it between perseverance, business acumen and talent?

VSB: Fifty percent perseverance, and the rest split between business acumen and talent. We built this business in a very old-fashioned way — getting out there and selling the product and shaking hands. That is real. That is never going to go out of style.

Do you have any celebrity crushes that you would love to wear or endorse your brand?

VMB: We’ve been incredibly lucky to have had some incredible women wear our clothes: Angela Bassett, Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, Gisele Bündchen, Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kerry Washington … They’re all trailblazers in their own way, multifaceted, multitasking women who make it happen. On our wish list? We think Zendaya would look amazing in VB!

How do you remain creative, grounded and inspired given the growth of your business and the increased demand for the expansion of your clothing line?

VSB: We would not be where we are today if there weren’t two of us and if we didn’t have the most amazing team. We’re also deeply invested in our philanthropic program, #VBGIVESBACK. Every quarter, we partner with a cause that supports women, children and families. It’s our greatest accomplishment as a brand and really keeps us going. There’s a quote: “To whom much is given much is expected.” We really believe that.

LIZ HILLIARD, CREATOR + OWNER, HILLIARD STUDIO METHOD:

I love VB designs because they are tailored, simplistic and elevated to accentuate the physique. What three adjectives do you use to inspire and guide your designs?

VMB: Cool, classic, chic.

MARY MARGARET PORTER, ARTS ADVOCATE:

Where did the idea for the dickey jacket originate?

VMB: We were both between jobs and having kids. We thought about how easy it is for men to get dressed and out the door in the morning because they have a suit and tie and wanted to create the same ease for women. That’s when we decided on the concept of the dickey jacket

Veronica Beard at Phillips Place

— we called it our Wonder Woman cape because, as busy moms, we are always doing the costume change on the go.

What is it like working with a family member?

VSB: As sisters-in-law, the business is family and the home is family — and we couldn’t ask for anything more. We feel so lucky that we have each other. Our two perspectives are what make this brand so unique and genuine — and while we don’t always agree on every minute deci-

sion or design detail, we are always aligned on the big picture. Having each other makes our successes that much more rewarding.

CATE GUTTER, OWNER + PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF CWG DESIGN:

I absolutely love how you balance the masculine and feminine in your designs. When I design a home, I love to use contrasting elements together — mixing a plaid and a floral, velvet and leather, etc. How do you achieve this balance when designing apparel?

VMB: Strength in femininity, classics with a twist, polished yet effortless … We love contrasting elements, too. It all comes down to making sure our designs feel as good as they look. That’s the key. I have pieces from VB that are older than my children and will never be dated. How do you find your inspiration for VB’s timeless yet trendy looks?

VSB: Our inspirations come from all of you, the women who are making it happen. The women who get up and get it done, chase after their dreams, give back and make a difference. And who do it all again the next day. SP

Editor’s note: The author, a personal stylist, is a brand ambassador for Veronica Beard.

Charlotte women wear Veronica Beard. From left, Claire Samuels, Blair Farris and Whitley Adkins.

Wardrobe stylist Stacee Michelle @itsStaceeMichelle and son Luke, who turns 1 in July.

The first year

WARDROBE STYLIST STACEE MICHELLE REFLECTS ON ONE YEAR OF MOTHERHOOD.

by Stacee Michelle | photograph by Shakira Balerna hair by Shassity Stevenson | makeup by Taï Charles

Before my son Luke was born, I read articles and books, scrutinized product reviews and maintained a needs list in Apple Notes. I was still underprepared for his early arrival. A short week prior, I was poolside at a resort in Cabo sipping virgin piña coladas at my sister’s destination wedding.

Back home, three weeks before my due date, I drove myself to a routine OB-GYN checkup, with plans to meet with a client later that afternoon. After hours of monitoring our heartbeats and receiving second and third opinions, I learned I would not go home alone. Nor would I have the delivery experience I had (sort of) practiced. The crib had only been delivered the day before and remained unboxed. The car seat was also still in the box. And not only was my overnight bag not packed, but I didn’t even have a phone charger! I do not remember this chapter in any of my parenting books.

Afterward, the breastfeeding struggles were intense. The lactation consultants were reassuring and gave me hope that it would get easier. But we had difficulty finding a groove latching, and it was a painful experience. I had chosen the best-rated wireless breast pump on the market; its sold-out status left me with only a pair of silicone suction cups from my baby-shower kit for the first few weeks.

On the Fourth of July, three days after arriving for my “routine” appointment, we nervously loaded baby Luke into his car seat, maneuvered my stiff, C-sectioned body into the passenger side, and drove 5 miles per hour to our city apartment 2 miles away. We had recently renewed our lease, understanding that we would be sharing a small space with our new baby halfway to year two. Keeping a somewhat clutter-free living space

means being mindful when choosing clothing, toys and baby gear. As with most things, there is usually a trade-off: Fewer onesies and baby bottles mean more laundry and dishes. I have found that the latter works better for me. And there is no downside to having fewer toys to clean up.

Caring for a newborn in Charlotte’s center city offers convenient access to parks for daily strolls and activities that expose him to city life. On the other hand, the constant sirens, car horns and energetic conversations from the street below can either act as soothing white noise or an unwanted alarm clock without rhyme or reason.

Work had been my primary responsibility for over a decade. The transition to balancing my time between work and parenting has been challenging and rewarding. I am fortunate that I have the flexibility to create my own schedule and the support of friends and family, especially my mother, to be an extra set of hands when my hands are full.

I have heard it expressed in many ways, yet I was still unprepared for how quickly time would pass. It is hard to remember the first weeks when Luke’s father and I traded four-hour sleep shifts throughout the night so there would always be one functioning adult on duty. Now, most mornings, the baby is the last one to rise. Or the delicate sponge baths, afraid we would break him. We have ditched the newborn support, and he can splash freely in his baby bathtub. Or those first few months where he could barely roll over. Or the first time eating an unseasoned sweet potato. Now he eats what we eat and can feed himself!

He had his first play date recently. And we took our first road trip. We were still extra cautious on the highway, but we now have confidence we can keep baby Luke safe. SP

A guide to MoRA

WELCOME TO ONE OF CHARLOTTE’S MOST POPULAR THOROUGHFARES

by Asha Ellison |

photographs

by Justin Driscoll

Some things get better with age: Turner Classic movies, your grandmother’s cast-iron pan, jeans that fit just right, a bold Sangiovese — and the Monroe Road corridor of Charlotte. The long stretch of road picks up at the end of 7th Street — just a stone’s throw from the iconic Lupie’s Cafe and Grier Heights neighborhood — and snakes southeast into the heart of Matthews. With it, Monroe Road carries a legacy of community pride, a hunger for continued cultural expansion, and booming commercial and residential development.

The bare-bones small-business corridor of yesteryear, with parking lots that emptied at dusk, has come a long way. For many southeast Charlotte residents, it’s the place to be: a hub for ethnic cuisine, healing arts, shopping and more. Next time you find yourself in the area, consider checking out a few MoRA favorites.

Vaulted Oak Brewing

New Zealand Café

CREATE

Clayworks

4506 Monroe Rd.

Don’t be afraid to work with your hands. Clayworks, a nonprofit ceramic arts studio, offers pottery classes for all ages and skill levels.

The Frame

4732 Monroe Rd., Ste. 110

An airy and bright location for studio photography, videography, solo work or small gatherings, The Frame, owned by Camille Hughes, is a venue for creatives of all kinds. “[It] has become a community hub almost overnight,” writes Jennifer (@JennMoxley) via Twitter.

The Photo Outfitters

4732 Monroe Rd., Ste. 130

Your adventure starts here: The Photo Outfitters offers photography accessories, equipment and studio rentals, and classes for all skill levels.

Sweet Spot Studio

4418 Monroe Rd., Ste. C

Owner Jossie Lukacik opened Sweet Spot in 2018, offering everything from baking basics classes for beginners to advanced workshops. Learn the basics of cookie decorating, how to make French macarons, brunch boards and more.

DRINK

Edge City Brewery

6209 Old Post Rd.

MoRA’s first brewery, Edge City, fosters community and steals hearts with its beautiful aesthetics. “We love, love, love Edge City — such a great place for families and now that their outdoor area is fenced in, we love to let our little one run around!” writes Danielle (@DSofia21) via Twitter.

Oaklore Distilling

11136 Monroe Rd., Matthews

If the Angel Barrel Program doesn’t win you over, what will? Together with master distillers, local nonprofits bottle their own single-barrel whiskey to benefit their cause. Enjoy a whiskey flight on the patio or pick up a bottle to take home.

Vaulted Oak Brewing

3726 Monroe Rd.

Brewery sangria? It’s worth it every time. Find food trucks, fun, trivia and home at this tried-and-true, well-loved Echo Hills watering hole, located in a former BB&T bank branch.

FUEL UP

Night Swim Coffee

1620 Oakhurst Commons Dr., Ste. 307 Night Swim, from the teams be-

hind Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent

Coffee, continues to make a name for itself throughout Charlotte. In addition to coffee and lattes, the cafe’s food menu features frittatas, avocado toast, and other breakfast and brunch fare. “The addition of Night Swim has improved my life,” says Jenn (@jenn_clark) via Twitter.

OMG Donuts & Coffee

6902 Old Post Rd., Ste. 107

Craft coffee, handmade doughnuts

Sal’s Pizza Factory

Bé Em Asian Kitchen

Bé Em Asian Kitchen

blvd. | food + drink

and ice cream all in one spot? The name pretty much says it all.

GRAB & GO

Verdant Bread

4410 Monroe Rd., Ste. C

Baguette, whole-wheat pullman or English muffins? Bread so good you’ll want to buy it in bulk — and you totally can. This is a judgment-free zone.

Swirl

1640 Oakhurst Commons Dr., #103

It’s not unusual to see lines outside the door at this made-to-order cupcake shop and dessert bar, conveniently located in the Oakhurst Commons shopping plaza.

EAT

The Common Market - Oakwold

4420-A Monroe Rd.

A community staple, this Common Market location serves up the best chicken sando and onion rings in town. Sit at the bar, enjoy local brews on tap, and make friends with strangers. It’s charming.

Everest Bistro

9010 Monroe Rd., Unit-I

The neighborhood’s pick for Nepali and Thai food to-go.

Halal Street Food

4044 Connection Point Blvd., Ste. B

A brick-and-mortar offshoot of the popular uptown food carts at Trade and Tryon, Halal offers a unique and robust blend of Pakistani and Dominican flavors.

New Zealand Café

1717 Sardis Rd. N, Ste. 6-A

A classic, bite-sized community favorite for sushi. Also on the menu: bento boxes, seafood and grilled specialties.

AmiMya Latin Cuisine

1610 Oakhurst Commons Dr., Ste. 401

Another star has landed at Oakhurst Commons. AmiMya is the Latin food you’ve been looking for — affordable and delicious empanadas, fajitas, bowls and more.

Bé Em Asian Kitchen

1848 Galleria Blvd., Ste. K

Korean BBQ beef bowls never tasted so good. You’ll also find pho, lettuce wraps, poke bowls and ramen at this modern family-owned restaurant, which touts local and organic ingredients and handcrafted plates.

Ted’s Restaurant

8625 Monroe Rd., Suite G

Described by locals as an “old-school” and “super chill”

OMG Donuts & Coffee

Halal Street Food

Sweet Spot Studio

dine-in spot, Ted’s American-style diner (burgers, fried chicken and sandwiches) has been serving families since 1959.

Taqueria Los Altos

8625 Monroe Rd. Ste. D

Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, from birria tacos to fajitas.

Red Sea Eritrean and Ethiopian

Cuisine

4301 Monroe Rd.

Enjoy the taste of traditional, family-cooked East African cuisine, including plenty of vegetarian options.

Royal Biryani & Kabob

9624 Monroe Rd.

Authentic, casual South Asian eats you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy. From chana masala to gluten-free and vegetarian options, Royal Biryani is committed to feeding everyone.

Roppongi Ramen Bar

9626 Monroe Rd.

Serving everything from classic ramen to Korean fried chicken, the question is: Will you have room for a mochi ice cream dessert?

Sal’s Pizza Factory

3723 Monroe Rd.

Charlotte’s own version of Mystic Pizza: classic, delicious and far above the rest.

GET OUTSIDE

McAlpine Creek Park

8711 Monroe Rd

Trails for days! Think you can spot the 188 documented bird species that inhabit the McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek greenways? Give it your best shot. Or go for a run, walk or ride your bike off into the sunset. SP

Looking for more suggestions? Check out the Monroe Road Advocates at moraclt.org

Night Swim Coffee

Jewelry by Perry’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry

Pump and stomp

YOUNG MOUNTAIN BIKERS FIND COMMUNITY ON THE TRAIL.

by Vanessa Infanzon

Matilda Gentry learned how to mountain bike when she was only 6 years old and started racing with a team just two years later. Her dad, Shawn Gentry, introduced her to the sport. Gentry is an avid rider and owner of CLTMTB, a Charlotte business offering mountain-bike instruction, coaching, day camps and skills clinics. “It’s a great place to meet new people,” 15-year-old Matilda says. “I love going really fast.”

Matilda was the reason Gentry launched CLTMTB. When his daughter was 9, Gentry looked for a summer camp for mountain biking and couldn’t find one specifically focused on riding. Matilda suggested they start one. At first, Gentry laughed it off, but the seed was planted. He began researching what certifications he’d need to run a camp.

In 2018, Gentry ran five weeks of summer camp and lost $700. For many weeks, only three or four kids showed up. Though Matilda was discouraged, Gentry didn’t give up hope. He decided to lean on his background in branding and creative marketing to attract more campers. “I said, ‘Let’s stick with it. We’re going to take pictures every day; we’re going to post on Instagram every day. We’re going to build this thing, and you watch.’ And so, that’s what we did.”

By the next summer, the camp doubled in size, and Gentry broke even. He had 14 to 15 kids a week for six weeks. Gentry

added CLTMTB Club, an after-school program for elementary and middle-school students ages 8 and up. They meet three days a week for skills training and rides on various trails. “It’s a community of like-minded young mountain bikers who get together and ride in a safe and controlled atmosphere,” Gentry says.

On that fateful day in mid-March 2020, when the country shut down due to Covid, Gentry worried CLTMTB would close. It had become his main source of income, supplemented by his graphic design and marketing business. Within 24 hours, people were told to stay home unless they were outside exercising and staying six to eight feet away from others.

“A lightbulb went off,” he says. “That’s what we do anyway. We’re outdoors; they should always be a bike-length away from each other.”

Shawn took this as an opportunity to offer his services to kids who couldn’t go to school but still needed something to do. He limited enrollment and developed a strict Covid protocol — and had zero instances of the illness.

Now, CLTMTB offers seven weeks of summer camp for up to 32 children each week. Though each week is structured, Shawn often tweaks it based on the skill level of the participants. Each Monday begins with a safety check on bikes and gear and a discussion about common dangers such as animals, bugs and poison ivy.

Shawn Gentry founded CLTMTB after he couldn’t find a camp dedicated to mountain biking for his daughter, Matilda.

“I break them into skill groups, not necessarily age groups,” he says. “My mantra is, you are here to progress your skills so you become a better mountain biker.”

Gentry’s daughter Matilda serves as an assistant instructor during summer camp and throughout the year for the Juniors Club, an after-school program for sixth-12th graders that meets at Charlotte parks three times a week. Matilda’s in charge of the fastest kids, a rowdy pack of advanced 12- to 14-year-old boys, Gentry says.

Campers participate in 40-minute segments for skills instruction on

HAPPY TRAILS

North Carolina, known as the Great Trail State, declared 2023 as the Year of the Trail. It’s a chance to highlight biking, hiking, paddling and horseback riding paths across the state and get people moving. Shawn Gentry, founder of CLTMTB, is also a trail coordinator with Tarheel Trailblazers, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education and mountain-bike trailbuilding and maintenance. Gentry suggests having the right equipment before venturing out: helmet, eye protection, gloves, padded cycling shorts, proper shoes and the right bicycle for you. A few lessons may make the experience more rewarding, he says.

Gentry recommends the following mountain-bike trails near Charlotte.

PLAYGROUND LOOP AT PARK ROAD PARK

This loop is easy for kids and beginners to get used to riding on singletrack trails. It also includes obstacles and a few jumps for more advanced riders.

Length: 1-mile loop

Best for: beginner and intermediate

and off the bike and two trail rides per day. Gentry has a mandatory one-hour break in the shade for eating, hydrating and resting. “The biggest challenge I have is getting them off the bike for an hour a day to relax,” he says. SP

CLTMTB offers summer camps, after-school programs, clinics and private coaching for children and adults. Learn more at cltmtb.com.

LAKE LOOP AT THE WHITEWATER CENTER

A popular trail through the woods has a variety of challenges. Weekends can get crowded with hikers and bikers.

Length: 3 miles

Best for: beginner and intermediate

COLONEL FRANCIS BEATTY PARK

New riders will enjoy the 3.7-mile green loop, a sandy route with some gullies. Advanced riders can test their skills on Beatty’s Black, featuring a narrow obstacle, a natural rock garden and jumps. Practice building and maintaining momentum without pedaling over roots on the pump track.

Length: varies

Best for: beginner, intermediate and expert

SHERMAN BRANCH NATURE PRESERVE

A smooth and flowing (with berms and rollers) trail. Parking can be tight on the weekends.

Length: 11.5 miles

Best for: beginner, intermediate and expert

Matilda Gentry, left. Shawn Gentry, right, with a young mountain-biking enthusiast.

Plant people

by Vanessa Infanzon

After a group from the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Mecklenburg County visited Cindy Trlica’s gardens during Wing Haven’s spring garden tour in 2010, they suggested she become a Master Gardener. “That got me thinking,” Trlica says. “I started talking to them about the program. I decided when I retired, I’d apply.”

Trlica didn’t waste any time after retiring in 2015 from Bank of America’s marketing department — she applied to the EMG program online, interviewed and became a trainee. During interviews, she was asked about her past horticulture and gardening experience, along with her specific gardening interests.

“Some people specialize in vegetable gardening,” Trlica says. “Some people specialize in perennials and native ferns. Some are more about trees, pruning, pests, growing from seeds.”

Applicants to the program don’t need to be experts, but they must have a willingness to learn and an interest in educating others about gardening and horticulture. Members answer questions at booths set up at large retail stores with gardening centers and speak to community groups and gardening clubs about specific gardening topics. They also host library workshops

and install plants in the community. In 2022, the program encountered 13,000 Mecklenburg residents during their work.

By the end of 2016, Trlica earned her EMG certification after 80 hours of training between January and May and an additional 40 hours as an intern. To remain an EMG, she volunteers at least 20 hours and participates in 10 hours of continuing education a year. She also serves on the advisory team for Mecklenburg County’s program.

**

The statewide Extension Master Gardener Program has operated under N.C. State University since 1979, six years after Washington State founded the first program. Its mission is to recruit, train and engage volunteers in sharing research-based horticulture information through various educational and service opportunities.

Mecklenburg is one of 83 counties in North Carolina with an EMG program. The program started in the late 1980s with just 10 EMGs and has grown to 126, with 33 more in the current training program. Funding for the nonprofit comes from the N.C. State Extensions Program, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, grants and donations.

EMG supports the Davidson Farmers Market, Matthews

SUN OR SHADE? MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS SHARE HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPING EXPERTISE AT SCHOOLS, NEIGHBORHOODS AND FARMERS MARKETS.

blvd. | givers

Community Farmers’ Market and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market by answering questions and giving out educational materials at a booth. An online Horticulture Help Desk is available to county residents with questions about pests, plants and other gardening topics.

“You can call or send in questions and we’ll respond with specific answers,” Trlica says. “One of the questions might be, ‘Here’s a photo of my tree. I planted it three years ago, and it was doing great. All of a sudden, it’s dying. What’s wrong?’”

The group also partners with teachers by connecting gardening to art, literature, music and science. In early 2019, Jessica Bethea was teaching sixth-grade science at Cochrane Collegiate Academy, a public 6-12 school in east Charlotte. Through a connection with the science facilitator, Bethea reached out to EMG to help develop hands-on activities for her students to learn about the plant life cycle.

EMGs worked with the students to plan and plot a garden in three planter boxes. Together they planted fruits and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, herbs, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. “[The volunteers] were instrumental in showing how particular plants grow well with other plants,” says Bethea, now an instructional designer at Central Piedmont Community College. “[The students] got to see the process of building the garden and then engaging in building the garden.”

Cochrane Collegiate’s garden continues to flourish. It’s a talking point for the school community, and students and staff not directly involved with the garden have asked to participate. Bethea attributes some of the success to how the EMGs interacted with the students. “[The volunteers] gave everyone a role, so everyone felt included,” Bethea says, “and that made the students a lot more comfortable working with them and asking questions.” SP

Learn how to become a Master Gardener, ask a question or request a community garden consultation at mastergardenersmecklenburg.org

BOTES NARANJA, 2022, Acrylic and Pigment on Moulded Handmade Paper, 26 1/2 x 19 inches

Dr. Shane Mackey

raise a glass

North Carolina breweries snagged 13 medals in the 2023 World Beer Cup Awards competition, held May 10 in Nashville, Tenn. Charlotte’s Sugar Creek Brewing won Gold for its Quad BelgianStyle Abbey Ale, while Pilot Brewing earned silver for its Pub Ale Extra Special Bitter. Huntersville’s D9 Brewing took home a bronze award for its German Chocolate Cake beer, and Lenny Boy Brewing earned bronze for its Spaghetti Handshake Hoppy Lager. The World Beer Cup is organized by the Brewers Association, the not-forprofit trade association for small and independent American brewers. The 307 medals awarded were selected from more than 10,000 entries from 2,376 breweries in 51 countries.

featured cocktail

Salted Mango Cooler

Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse

on the move

Duckworth’s is best known for its wide beer selection and solid pub fare, but the cocktail menu boasts a range of classics (Whiskey Sour, Manhattan) and seasonal concoctions, like this tropical-inspired drink. The Salted Mango Cooler combines Flor de Caña aged rum and Kraken Black Spiced Rum with a house-made salted mango syrup, Tiki bitters and pineapple. Enjoy it at one of Duckworth’s six locations around town, including its newest at Piedmont Town Center.

Kaley Laird is the new executive chef at Mimosa Grill. The chef, pastry chef and culinary consultant trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and her resume includes stints at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley and Rhubarb, The Rhu and Benne on Eagle in Asheville. Most recently, Laird was executive pastry chef at Copain Bakery. “We’re really amping up the theme of Southern farm-totable with a return to more Southern-influenced dishes,” she says. “Look for smoked collard greens and house-smoked meats like our tea-brined smoked chicken and pastrami.” The upscale Southern-inspired restaurant opened uptown in 1996.

Lenny Boy’s Spaghetti Handshake Hoppy Lager PHOTOGRAPHS

BECKY MCGRATH TEAM CHRIS T. BLACK

CAY CRAIG

LUCY BUTLER

MELISSA COLLINS LEIGH C. CORSO

LINDA HENLEY THE HUNEYCUTT TEAM CHIP JETTON LAINA KAFITI HEATHER MONTGOMERY

LINDSAY REDFERN LISA RUPP SARA ROCHE TEAM

LISA WARREN HEATHER WOLKING JOHN OGBURN

now open

 Goldie’s, a live music venue and restaurant, opened in LoSo. The 6,400-squarefoot space has three food menus (sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and New York-style pizza), two bars, two patios and a main stage with live music nightly. 3601 South Blvd. goldiesclt.com

 Sycamore Brewing reopened in South End next to the site of its original taproom. The new two-story, 10,000 square-foot space has a second-floor patio with an Airstream food truck and skyline views. There’s also an 11,000-square-foot beer garden. An onsite café serves coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. A new food menu features shareables, sandwiches, pizza and more. Sycamore is open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-midnight. 2151 Hawkins St., sycamorebrew.com

 Gourmand Market debuted at Apex SouthPark. The upscale food market and coffee bar also has a full bar serving craft cocktails, beer, wine and small bites. 4425 Sharon Rd., Ste. S120, gourmandmkt.com

 401 Social opened on the ground floor of the Embassy Suites by Hilton, across from the Charlotte Convention Center in uptown. On the menu: Mediterranean salmon, Greek roasted chicken, flatbreads and other shareables. 401 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 401-social.com

 Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken is now available in SouthPark. The fried-chicken outlet started uptown as a ghost-kitchen concept from Burke Hospitality Group.

Horace’s menu of fried chicken, wings, sandwiches and biscuits (Saturday breakfast only) is available for delivery or pickup at Harper’s SouthPark Tuesday-Saturday. 6815 Fairview Rd. horaceshotchicken.com

 HBX Burger, a ghost kitchen from Chef Michael Bowling of Hot Box Next Level Kitchen in Concord, opened in South End. HBX’s burgers, wings and sides can be ordered through Door Dash, Grub Hub and Uber Eats. 500 Summit Ave. hotboxnc.com SP

Sycamore Brewing

Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken

401 Social

Goldie’s

PHOTOS COURTESY 401 SOCIAL, SYCAMORE BREWING, HORACE ’ S GOLDIE ’ S PHOTO BY THE PLAID PENGUIN

July HAPPENINGS

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES

Raul Diaz: Dreaming of Life’s Journey at Jerald Melberg Gallery through July 22

Explore the solo exhibition of Argentine artist Raul Diaz’s paintings, sculptures and other works displaying boats as a metaphor for life’s journey. jeraldmelberg.com

The Vault at Mint Museum Uptown

July 1 - Sept. 17

Featuring items from four Charlotte Black art collectors, The Vault exhibits unique possessions ranging from vintage photographs, furniture pieces, paintings and sculptures. Adult admission is $15. mintmuseum.org

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Celebrate America!

July 2 | 8:15 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m. Spend the evening in Symphony Park and listen to a compilation of America’s anthems and hits, with a fireworks display to end the evening. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the gate. charlottesymphony.org

Charlotte FC: Marvel Hero Night

July 8 | 7:30 p.m.

Join Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium and show your team pride. The first fans to arrive will receive a limited-edition Captain America Challenge Coin. It’s the first

of two home matches this month — the team hosts Mexico’s Club Necaxa on July 29. Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com

An Evening with Karla Harris at Middle C Jazz Club

July 15 | 7 and 9:15 p.m.

Vocalist Karla Harris shares her blues favorites and album compilation, Moon To Gold, for a jazz-filled evening alongside the Joe Alterman Trio. Tickets are $28-$40. middlecjazz.com

Queen’s Feast - Charlotte Restaurant Week

July 21-30

Experience some of Charlotte’s best eats this week. With participating locations in NoDa, South End, SouthPark and other popular Charlotte neighborhoods, you’re sure to find new favorites. Prix fixe menus range from $30 to $50 per person, depending on the restaurant. More information can be found at charlotterestaurantweek.iheart.com

24 Hours of Booty

July 28-29

For 24 hours, cyclists can hop on and off the Myers Park neighborhood course, setting their own pace and goals while raising money to support families coping with cancer. Walk, run or cycle, or set up

camp on the course and support. Catered meals, snacks and drinks are available for all participants. Learn more at 24foundation. org. Adult registration is $75; virtual and other options are available.

Post Malone’s If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour at PNC Music Pavilion

July 29

With his versatile sound of R&B, pop and hip-hop, the singer-songwriter and rapper heads to Charlotte to debut new songs from his album Austin. Tickets start at $108. ticketmaster.com

*Find more summer concerts at southparkmagazine.com.

Party in the Park

July 30 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Taking place on the front terrace at Mint Museum Randolph, Party in the Park is a blast for all, including food trucks, art exhibitions, live music, a cash bar and free admission to the museum. More information can be found at mintmuseum.org

— Caroline Boulware

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to view our online events calendar — updated weekly — at southparkmagazine.com.

24 Hours of Booty PHOTOGRAPH BY LAURA WOLFF

Head for the hills

When the scorching summer heat blankets the Piedmont, head west for a little cool mountain air. Here are a few noteworthy summer events to consider.

Italian Renaissance Alive at Biltmore, Asheville

Be among the first to experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and Boticelli’s The Birth of Venus, along with other iconic works in the world premiere of this immersive exhibit. Large-scale projections highlighting Italian culture, architecture and literature spanning from the 14th to 17th centuries are accompanied by the operatic music of Puccini and Verdi. The exhibition at Amherst at Deerpark runs through Jan. 7, 2024. Lodging packages and additional information are available at biltmore.com.

Under the Stars on the Rocks guest chef series at Skyline Lodge, Highlands

This culinary series brings notable Southern tastemakers to Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge. The lineup includes

Vivian Howard (July 11), Mashama Bailey & Trevor Elliot (Aug. 22), Ryan Prewitt (Sept. 12) and Joe Kindred (Oct. 3). Prepaid reservations are $175 per person and can be made at opentable.com.

Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone

What started in 1984 as a chamber-music series has grown to include pop music, a film series, visual art exhibitions, lectures and more. This year’s featured artists include John Oates, Keb’ Mo’ and Allison Russell, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Vivian Howard, the Calidore String Quartet, and Grammy Award-winning period-instrument ensemble Apollo’s Fire. Ticket prices vary; visit appsummer.org for more information. SP

Crossroads Cinema Summer 2023 Movie Series

Thursdays at Camp North End, bring a lawn chair and some friends to enjoy a classic film. Vintage arcade games are available, along with CNE’s array of food and drink options to dig into. July movies include Independence Day (7/6), Jaws (7/13), Weekend at Bernie’s (7/20), and Space Jam (7/27). Visit eventbrite.com for more information.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

EN LA ORILLA 2 by Raul Diaz. 2021. Moulded Handmade Paper, 44 1/2 x 52 inches.

Italian Renaissance Alive at Biltmore

Skyline Lodge

ALLEN TATE REALTORS ® SOUTHPARK

The art of life

PERSEVERANCE WITH PAINT AND CANVAS

by Wiley Cash | photographs by Mallory Cash

In 2013, painter Tom Ward went to the beach to die. He and his wife, Mary, both natives of Long Island, New York, had been living in Durham for 11 years when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS, a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, including the muscles used to eat, speak and breathe. Most die of respiratory failure within three to five years.

“I didn’t know how long I was going to live,” Tom says one afternoon in late May while we are sitting in his Wilmington living room, with several of the gorgeous paintings he’s completed over the years hanging on the walls around us. “And I kept thinking, It’ll be too bad if I croak in Durham,” he says with a wry smile.

“We’re beach people,” he says. “We love the beach. When we were young and dating, even after we were married, we spent a lot of time on the Long Island beaches on the South Shore and the North Shore. So when I got the diagnosis, we came out to Wilmington and looked around. And that’s how we got here.”

Only 10% of those diagnosed with ALS live beyond a decade, and Tom can be counted among those few. His disease is mercifully slow moving, and some days he feels well enough to take a trip to the beach with Mary’s assistance to paint en plein air; Fort Fisher is a favorite spot. On other days, when his body does not feel like his own, he works from home, taking his motorized wheelchair into his studio, where he moves onto a padded chair positioned in front of his easel. Throughout his battle with ALS, and its attendant and unpredictable ups and downs, painting has been a constant in Tom’s life. So has Mary’s support and advocacy.

In 2016, Mary was named a fellow by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, whose mission is to empower and support the military caregivers who care for America’s ill, wounded or injured veterans. A former Marine (is there really such a thing as a former Marine?), Tom, like other veterans, is two times more likely than a civilian to develop ALS. Mary has spent years advocating for caregivers like herself and for veterans like Tom, even authoring three books on issues from navigating veterans benefits to service dogs to her own family’s experiences with war after the couple’s son served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But it’s not in her national efforts that Mary’s support for Tom is most apparent. It is more evident in the small moments of their day-to-day lives: her leaving the conversation to get him a glass of water; her gently correcting his memory or assisting him as he parses the details of one of my questions. And Tom is just as devoted to Mary as she is to him, supporting her through two graduate

degrees and careers as diverse as a public-school teacher and a hospital administrator. It was the latter position that prompted the couple to move from New York to Durham after she accepted a job at Duke University Hospital.

But as much as their relationship is based on intangible evidence of love and support, the larger moments still loom in their shared past, perhaps none larger than the moment in 1993, after 13 years of marriage, when Tom contracted encephalitis and, after a lengthy treatment, showed signs of cognitive impairment that affected his executive functions. Suddenly, a man who’d served in the Marines and forged a career in risk management for an insurance company in Manhattan was having trouble parsing step-by-step instructions and remembering simple tasks like picking up their 9-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son from school. Tom’s symptoms forced him to retire from a busy job, and he suddenly found himself seemingly without purpose for the first time in his life.

“When our kids were growing up, I had to appear to them to be industrious in some way,” he says. “That was just my personal rule. I couldn’t sit on the couch and give into the thing and let that thing rule me, let the fatigue rule me.”

A year or so into Tom’s battle with the long-term symptoms of encephalitis, he and Mary found themselves in an art gallery not far from their home in upstate New York. Tom had always appreciated art, but he’ll be the first to admit that he didn’t know much about it.

“I thought all painting was called impressionism,” he says, laughing. “I didn’t know there was something called classical realism or other styles of painting. I thought impressionism meant painting like someone would think all cars are Chevys without knowing about Buicks or Pontiacs or Peugeots.”

Even though Tom didn’t know much about painting, that day in the gallery he couldn’t help but be struck by the work of an artist who signed their paintings “V. Walsh.” Tom approached the gallery owner and learned that V. Walsh was a woman named Virginia. On impulse, Tom expressed an interest in studying under Walsh, and he left his phone number with the gallery owner. Within a few weeks, he and Virginia Walsh were setting up their easels side by side, a master and an apprentice with zero experience.

I ask Tom what drew him to Walsh’s work, what it was about her paintings that day in the gallery that caused him to make a decision that would change his life.

“She turned a form,” he says, referring to a painter’s ability to give the illusion of depth on a flat surface. “It was a painting of a plum that had a quarter sliced out, and the slice was laying as a half-moon shape on a tabletop. It was the light striking the flesh of the plum and the color that she put there. And then you could see the interior of the plum where the slice had been removed. Her use of color was just so perfect. It just grabs the eye. That’s what made me say, ‘Wow, that’s it. I want to do that.’”

Walsh agreed to work with Tom, but their time together got off to a rocky start. It was Walsh’s practice to educate by example, and she and Tom would regularly set up their easels and paint en plein air together for hours at a time. She was particular in the way she wanted his paints and materials organized, but to her frustration, Tom seemed unwilling to comply. Walsh ended up calling Mary in frustration to break the news that she couldn’t work with Tom because of his obstinate disposition. When Mary discovered that Tom hadn’t shared his struggles with executive function with his new mentor, she told the teacher that her pupil wasn’t being obstinate; he simply didn’t have the ability to comply without explicit, patient direction. Things went more smoothly after that, and Walsh and Tom continued to work together, painting outdoors through a number of seasons to exhibit for Tom the exquisite yet too-often-unnoticed changes the natural world undergoes when one truly pays attention.

Both his attention to detail and his deeply felt portrayals of the natural world are evident in Tom’s work almost 30 years after his lessons with Virginia Walsh, though sometimes his ALS makes it difficult for him to render detail as easily as he once could. Take the use of his palette knife when he works with it, rather than a brush, to apply a smooth layer of paint to the canvas.

“I’m just not getting the cut of the knife in a way that portrays what I’m seeing in my mind,” he says. “That’s ALS. The thought in my brain that tells my hand what to do either gets lost completely or is received in a garbled fashion. So my hand’s not really doing what I’m asking it to do.”

But, just as he has throughout his life, whether as a Marine or a businessman or a new painter struggling with organizing his paints and materials, Tom finds a way to adapt. And, as usual, Mary is by his side. No matter what comes next, it will happen to them together. And it will happen by the sea. SP

Wiley Cash is the Alumni Author-in-Residence at UNC Asheville. His latest novel, When Ghosts Come Home, is available wherever books are sold.

Bobby Wildermuth, robertbobbyart.com

July books

NOTABLE NEW RELEASES

compiled by Sally Brewster

The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt

Bob Comet, a retired librarian, is passing his solitary days surrounded by books and small comforts in a mint-colored house in Portland, Ore. One morning on his daily walk, he encounters a confused elderly woman lost in a market and returns her to the senior center that is her home. Hoping to fill the void he’s known since retiring, he begins volunteering at the center. Here, as a community of strange peers gathers around Bob — and following a happenstance brush with a painful complication from his past — the events of his life and the details of his character are revealed. Behind Bob Comet’s straight-man façade is the story of an unhappy child’s runaway adventure during the last days of the Second World War, of true love won and stolen away, of the purpose and pride found in the librarian’s vocation, and of the pleasures of a life lived to the side of the masses.

Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead

Whitehead brings back furniture salesman Ray Carney in this equally ambitious follow-up to Harlem Shuffle, moving the action to the grimy 1970s in a triptych of stories. In the first, Carney seeks red-hot Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter but soon realizes that the path to Madison Square Garden runs through a corrupt cop. In the second, Carney’s associate Pepper works security on a blaxploitation film whose star has gone missing, a darkly amusing story that allows Whitehead to comment on the commodification of Black art. In the final section, set during the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976, Ray and Pepper look for the arsonist who lit up an apartment, introducing a political angle to the novel. As in the first installment of this planned trilogy, Carney lives in a world where everyone is a potential mark and playing it straight is a sucker’s game. The real star is Harlem, with troubles that seem more buried than during the tumultuous 1960s but are always a moment’s notice from boiling over.

Somebody’s Fool by Richard Russo

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls returns to North Bath in upstate New York and to the characters that captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers in his beloved best sellers Nobody’s Fool and Everybody’s Fool.

Ten years after the death of the magnetic Donald “Sully” Sullivan, the town is going through a major transition as it is annexed by its much wealthier neighbor, Schuyler Springs. Peter, Sully’s son, is still grappling with his father’s tremendous legacy as well as his relationship with his own son, Thomas, wondering if he has been all that different a father than Sully was to him. Meanwhile, the towns’ newly consolidated police department falls into the hands of Charice Bond, after Doug Raymer, the former North Bath police chief and Charice’s ex-lover, resigns. When a decomposing body turns up in the abandoned hotel between the two towns, Charice and Doug are drawn together again and forced to address their complicated attraction to one another. Amid the turmoil, the town’s residents speculate on the identity of the unidentified body and wonder who among their number could have disappeared unnoticed. Infused with all the wry humor and shrewd observations that Russo is known for, Somebody’s Fool is another classic from a modern master.

Evidence of Things Seen: True Crime in an Era of Reckoning by Sarah Weinman

True crime, as an entertainment genre, has always prioritized clear narrative arcs: victims wronged, police detectives in pursuit, suspects apprehended, justice delivered. But what stories have been ignored? In Evidence of Things Seen, 14 of the most innovative crime writers working today cast a light on the cases that give crucial insight into our society. Wesley Lowery writes about a lynching left unsolved for decades by an indifferent police force and a family’s quest for answers. Justine van der Leun reports on the thousands of women in prison for defending themselves from abuse. May Jeong reveals how the Atlanta spa shootings tell a story of America. Edited by acclaimed writer Sarah Weinman, with an introduction by attorney and host of the Undisclosed podcast Rabia Chaudry, this anthology pulls back the curtain on how crime itself is a by-product of America’s systemic harms and inequalities. And in doing so, it reveals how the genre of true crime can be a catalyst for social change. SP

Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books. 4139 Park Rd., parkroadbooks.com.

The Wish Book’s final chapter

A FOND FAREWELL TO SEARS’ LAST REMAINING NORTH CAROLINA STORE

by Jim Dodson

Afew months ago, I learned that the last Sears department store in North Carolina was closing. So out of simple curiosity, and a dose of nostalgia, I went over to pay my respects.

Truthfully, I hadn’t set foot in our local shopping center’s Sears store since purchasing a new Craftsman lawnmower there more than half a decade ago. (Happy to report, it’s been a fine mower.)

Before that, my last visit to Sears was probably as a kid in the mid-1960s, fueled by the retailer’s famous “Wish Book” Christmas catalog. Every kid I knew haunted the toy department at the downtown Sears retail store during the run-up weeks to the holiday. My first bicycle came from Sears. It’s the same bike that was later parked outside the store the year my best buddy Brad and I innocently drifted from the crowded toy department into the adjacent women’s lingerie department to stare in wonder at the mannequins in all their under-garmented glory. As the unamused clerk with the pointy-blue eyeglasses escorted us to the exit doors, she refused to believe we were simply looking for presents for our moms (a story as old as original sin).

That iconic downtown Greensboro store, in any case, is now a giant hole in the ground, awaiting construction of a swanky office building. Time, life and commerce march resolutely on.

So, if we may, let’s pause and have a moment of fond reflection for — as Smithsonian recently described it — “The retail giant that taught America how to shop.”

Sears began modestly in 1887: A former railway lumber salesman named Richard Sears moved to Chicago to partner with an Indiana watchmaker named Alvah Roebuck to launch a catalog selling jewelry and watches. Both men were still in their 20s. Six years later, they incorporated as Sears, Roebuck and Co. Its cornerstone was a 500-page mail-order catalog that sold any- and everything an American farmer or thrift-conscious housewife could ask for at a “fair price,” shipped directly to the customer.

In a nation where most Americans still resided on farms or in small towns, Sears’ reach exploded like a prairie fire, fueling the growth of urban factories. Henry Ford was said to have studied the Sears marketing model for making and selling his cars. The company’s first stock certificates were sold in 1906. “If you picked up a

big enough chunk of stock when the company went public,” writes Investopedia, “you’d never have to work again.”

The first Sears retail store opened in Chicago in 1925. Four years later, on the eve of the Great Depression, the company was operating 300 stores around the country. By the mid-1950s, the number topped 700. By then, the corporation’s reliable Kenmore appliances, lifetime-guaranteed Craftsman tools and DieHard auto batteries were household names in America’s ballooning mass consumer culture. The stores followed the consumer’s migration from Main Street to shopping centers and, eventually, suburban malls.

Perhaps the company’s most enduring product line was introduced in 1908, when a Sears executive named Frank Kushel came up with the idea of kit houses. They were sold through a specialty catalog called “The Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans,” offering 44 styles of mail-order homes ranging in price from $360 to $2,890. Generally shipped by rail, these house packages provided everything down to screws and nails — including pre-cut framing lumber, flooring, doorknobs, wiring and plumbing — complete with instruction booklets and all thoughtfully numbered for easy assembly by the homeowner or contractor.

Between 1908 and 1947, an estimated 75,000 Sears kit houses were shipped to Americans in every style imaginable, from Bungalow to English Cottage, Craftsman to Queen Anne. Old House Journal notes that Kushel’s Modern Home Program wielded as much impact on the development of American architecture as that of his famous contemporary, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Sears boasted that its houses were built to last. And sure enough, thousands of them remain highly prized, lovingly restored jewels in older neighborhoods across America. Here in North Carolina, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh each claim dozens of surviving Sears houses.

By the 1970s, the firm owned the tallest skyscraper in the world in Chicago. Sears was among the first to introduce home internet services, and jumped into the real estate, credit card and financial-services businesses, too.

Perhaps it was too much for the gods of commerce to tolerate. Critics pointed to the company’s legal affrays over sex and race discrimination, and alleged a business model fueled by corporate hubris.

In 1993, just shy of its 100th anniversary, Sears discontinued its famous catalog. By then, Walmart was the nation’s leading retailer, and Americans were suddenly buying things online. One year later, a former hedge fund guru named Jeff Bezos started up an online book service called Amazon, pretty much putting the finishing nail in the coffin of the historic Sears, Roebuck and Co. brand. As the company’s sales steadily spiraled downward, a forced marriage with K-Mart in 2004 failed to stem the hemorrhage.

In January 2017, shortly before I purchased my Craftsman mower, the iconic tool brand was sold off to Stanley Black & Decker. Less than a year later, in October 2018, Sears filed for bankruptcy. Last December, the company emerged from bankruptcy but

announced the liquidation and closing of all its remaining stores. According to reports, less than a dozen Sears stores made it to this spring — only one in North Carolina.

Which is why, out of some strange, old-fashioned sense of brand loyalty — or at least happy memories of lawn mowers, kid toys and provocative lingerie mannequins — I felt a final farewell trip to Sears was in order.

Bright yellow “Going Out of Business” banners festooned the building. I wandered through the cavernous structure looking at the remaining stock items. Fifty-percent bargains were everywhere: a deluxe king-size Beautyrest Black mattress for six hundred bucks, a Signature Total Gym for five. I looked at Kenmore refrigerators, top-line Samsung dishwashers and GE Elite ovens, all half-price.

I decided on a lightweight Craftsman toolbox to remember the place by, a steal at $27.

On my way out, I paused to chat with a clerk named Janice, who has worked for Sears for more than two decades. “It makes me really sad to think that Sears is going away for good. This is one of the last 12 stores in America,” she said. “Like millions of Americans, everything in my house as a young married woman came from Sears. I guess nothing lasts forever, does it?”

She surprised me with a sudden, feisty grin. “You know, I think if we’d only stuck with catalogs, by golly, we’d have beaten Amazon and still be going strong!” I loved her company spirit. I wished her well.

Then I went home to mow my lawn. Whenever the math of this world doesn’t quite add up — when the sad subtractions outnumber the hopeful additions, or vice versa — I find temporary comfort in mowing my lawn. Crazy, I know. But it briefly puts things in perspective.

Besides, the Craftsman mower from Sears never lets me down. SP

Jim Dodson is a New York Times bestselling author in Greensboro.

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Accepting loss

RELEASING EXPECTATIONS AROUND GRIEF CAN HELP US ADJUST.

by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

Grief and loss show up in almost every person’s story in some way, and they can appear on many different levels. When meeting with clients who are grieving, I normalize for them that grief is very personal and that it is not something we “get over” or “cure,” but something we learn to carry differently with time. I also help name for some clients that what they are experiencing is grief when they often don’t realize that’s what they are feeling. Many people tend to just associate grief and loss with death, but we can also experience those feelings with transitions, shifts in identity, and realigning expectations when something doesn’t turn out the way we think it will.

Everyone’s grief journey is unique. There is no formula or timeline. There is also no right or wrong way to grieve — or to feel. This can be frustrating to people who just want to feel better or want to know how long it will take until they wake up without such heaviness in their hearts. In therapy, I help clients understand how symptoms of grief can manifest physically, emotionally and spiritually. Many people are familiar with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) and expect to move through them all linearly, but that simply doesn’t always happen. Sometimes people will bounce around within those five stages, and sometimes people won’t ever experience a particular stage. The unpredictable nature of grief makes it one of the most complicated emotions. This makes sense, since grief occurs because something or someone has mattered to us. It is the price we pay for having love, hope and connection.

While there are many ways to understand grief through various cultural contexts, in American culture, people often get uncomfortable around people who are grieving. They end up saying platitudes that many grievers feel are invalidating. How many of these have you heard or said after someone experienced a loss?

• I guess it was their time.

• At least they’re not suffering.

• You have to be strong.

• Now you can live your own life.

• At least they made it to X years old.

• Everything happens for a reason.

• You’re never given more than you can handle.

• You’ll find someone else.

• They’re in a better place now.

• You can just replace it.

• That was so long ago; why are you still worried about it?

As well-intentioned as people are, clichés like these can feel dismissive of the pain someone is experiencing. We’d be better off simply saying something like, “I don’t know what to say, but you can share with me whatever you’re feeling” or “Do you want to talk about it?” or offering specific help.

As wearisome as holding grief is for adults, imagine how confusing this journey can be for kids. Whether it is the very real loss of a beloved stuffed animal, a changing friendship, a realization that circumstances are going to be different than once hoped, or the death of a family member, no matter how old a kid is or what stage of grief they are vacillating between, kids yearn for adults’ steadiness, security, consistency and empathy. Validate and answer children and provide them with an environment of sincere openness where they know you will be honest. You’re less likely to be met with resistance or to undermine your kid if you simply just listen. To engage them in dialogue, you might simply reflect back on what you’ve heard or ask open-ended questions that allow them to process their experience. With validation and support, children will feel they are able to regain some semblance of balance and control. Be honest and sincere about your own grief process, with yourself and with your kids.

As hard as it may seem, you and your children can move forward from loss. Carve out intentional time to take a breather from the grief. People often feel guilty for continuing to live — having fun or even realizing moments have passed during which they didn’t think about it. This is normal. Having fun or having moments of relief does not dishonor the person who died or the experience that changed. In fact, these cycles and waves are actually helpful to the grief process. We can channel emotions and grief into living intentionally: not taking things for granted, telling our loved ones we love them, and seizing new opportunities and adventures. This can empower us and be welcome amid the heaviness. If we can release our expectations of what grief “should” look like, we can start to integrate the loss and the changes into our lives, with acceptance, as we adjust. SP

Juliet Kuehnle is the founder/owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness. Kuehnle’s first book entitled Who You Callin’ Crazy?!: The Journey From Stigma To Therapy debuted in May. Follow along on Instagram @YepIGoToTherapy.

family first

SouthPark salutes businesses with Carolina roots and foundations built on family. Get to know the faces and families behind the names and discover their passion and purpose for serving their customers and the Charlotte community.

Blackhawk Hardware & Garden Center

Providence Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances

Sixth and Steel

Veronét Vineyards & Winery

Aubrey & Brandon Grier

Blackhawk Hardware & Garden Center

Jim & Barbara Wilkerson, Owners Andy Wilkerson, COO & Owner Nacho & Scout, Tailwaggers

Often referred to as “the world’s coolest hardware store,” Blackhawk Hardware is a local, family-owned business that’s been a shopping destination at Park Road Shopping Center for more than 45 years.

The 45,000-square-foot store has a popcorn machine — serving over a million free bags to customers — and someone who greets you as you step in the store. There are dogs roaming around, fresh from the dog-washing station or shopping for treats, more than 7,000 knobs and pulls to choose from when considering cabinet hardware, and a mountain of greeting cards that will make you laugh out loud.

“It’s all about creating a fun and excellent shopping experience,” says Andy Wilkerson, who owns the store with his parents Jim and Barb. He credits the store’s 120 associates for its success in a market filled with big-box competitors. “We hire happy professionals who provide legendary customer service, take ownership and pride in what we do, and bring new ideas,” he says.

Many of those employees have been with Blackhawk for years, some marking the third generation to work at the store. At least eight couples have met and married while working there. When it comes to hiring, the Wilkersons value personality over experience. “We can teach you how to sell anything,” Andy says. “But we can’t teach you how to be a nice person.”

It’s a formula that’s worked well. Blackhawk served 46 customers its first day in 1977, making $141.95. Today, it’s sold more than $130 million worth of hardware and housewares to over 6 million customers.

PHOTO: JOSHUA VASKO

SOUTHPARK PARTNER

family first

SOUTHPARK PARTNER

Veronét Vineyards & Winery

Monique Sullivan, Managing Partner

Dave Sullivan, VP of Operations

Tucked in the shadows of Crowders Mountain, you’ll find Veronét Vineyards & Winery, a 70-acre estate featuring miles of beautiful views, rows of towering pines and more than 4,500 hand-planted vines basking in the sunshine. But for founders Dave and Monique Sullivan, along with Monique’s mother, Monica Bew, the stunning vineyard is about so much more than wine.

It’s a labor of love, rooted in family, a passion for nature and North Carolina, and a desire to bring people together. Growing up on a farm, Dave always dreamt of building a family business that involved land. When a local pine tree farm became available, the couple felt a calling to create their own rustic escape. “As we looked out toward the mountains, we couldn’t shake the feeling that this land was meant to become a wonderful vineyard,” Monique says.

The family knew little about wineries, but they did have a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and an appreciation for wine. Embarking on a whirlwind of research and discussion with viticulturists, farm cooperatives and local soil experts, they spent two years ensuring the estate would be the ideal home for grapevines. They opened Veronét in fall 2019, and it’s been expanding ever since.

In addition to ample outdoor and indoor space to enjoy the wine and small bites, the sustainably farmed estate offers tastings, idyllic spots for weddings and a new winery production facility that includes a separate patio and lawn area for large events.

The family strives to make Veronét a place that visitors find inviting and engaging, with no detail overlooked. “Our approach to farming and wine is that it is an experience, one that should bring together our family and everyone else’s as well,” Monique says. “We hope our carefully tended vines and beautiful views take your breath away and remind you to slow down a bit, laugh a little more often and make memories with those you love — just the way it has for us.”

family first

Providence Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Dr. Kaitlin Laxer Danze, DDS, MS

Dr. Adam Danze, DDS, MS

Growing up, Dr. Kaitlin Laxer Danze spent a lot of her childhood frequenting the office of her mom, a longtime Charlotte pediatric dentist. Her husband, Dr. Adam Danze, had a similar experience, being the son of a Charlotte dentist and hygienist.

Today, they find themselves in their own office, as second-generation Charlotte dentists and owners of Providence Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, a new dual-specialty practice that offers comprehensive, integrated dental care for infants to adults. Dr. Kaitlin is a pediatric dentist; Dr. Adam is a board-certified orthodontist.

“We are honored to provide exceptional dental care for families in our hometown,” says Kaitlin, a graduate of Providence Day School. (Dr. Adam attended Providence High School.) “Our hearts and our roots are here, and we want our practice to be one that sets the stage for a lifetime of positive dental experiences.”

That warm, welcoming feel is evident as soon as you step through the doors at Providence PDO. Drs. Kaitlin and Adam — who met in dental school at UNC Chapel Hill and were married in September — designed the practice with the latest, state-of-the-art technology and thoughtful, fun touches.

Having pediatric dental care and orthodontics in the same practice ensures each patient receives customized, collaborative care that starts at infancy and continues throughout the teenage years. “Having a dual-specialty approach allows us to work together on cases and provide the best outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Kaitlin says.

It’s those outcomes, along with the boosts in confidence and self-esteem that orthodontic treatment provides, that Dr. Adam finds most rewarding. “There is no greater feeling than seeing the look of joy on each of my patient’s faces as they complete their smile journey,” he says. “It’s gratifying to have a large impact on someone’s life in such a positive way, for people of all ages.”

family first

SOUTHPARK PARTNER

Sixth and Steel

Katharine Harris, Owner & Designer

For interior designer Katharine Harris, your home should reflect who you are. It should be personal, authentic and comfortable. “It should be the story you want to tell,” she says.

A walk-through of Harris’ home tells you she likes color and lots of it — from sunny yellow bath tiles to green kitchen cabinets to light chartreuse trim. “It is eclectic with a little vintage mixed in,” she says. “And it is just fun.”

Harris grew up in Louisburg, N.C., in a house built by her dad and grandfather. Her parents still live there today.

A graduate of East Carolina University’s interior design program, Harris launched design firm Sixth and Steel in 2022, after working with a designer and custom homebuilder in Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island. And while her home base is Wilmington, she works with residential and commercial clients throughout North Carolina and the United States.

Her services range from full-service to by-room design to hourly consultations, both in-person or virtual. An initial complimentary session allows her to understand a client’s vision and build a design package that makes sense.

Whether you want a vibe that is casual and calm, diverse and collected, or minimal and relaxed, Harris strives to empower clients to choose pieces, materials and fabrics that excite them and to add details that showcase their personality and style. “If you love it, it’ll work,” she says. “That’s what makes a house a home in my opinion.”

Understanding her clients and the way they live guides Harris in each design. So do her years of construction knowledge. “A lot of people assume that designers are decorators only,” Harris says. “While it’s fun to pick out the rugs, fabrics and all the details, design is so much more than that.”

Pleasing her clients fuels Harris’ passion, and every design is meaningful. “It always makes me proud when I can complete a project for someone that looks nothing like any other past client,” she adds. “Every space is truly a reflection of each individual.”

PHOTO: LIZ GROGAN

Aubrey & Brandon Grier

Dickens Mitchener

For Aubrey and Brandon Grier, “selling” real estate isn’t what they do. Instead, they view their roles as more advisor and educator — whether it’s for a client buying or selling a home or someone wanting to learn more about the industry.

“We’re not here to convince someone to do something,” Aubrey says. “We’re here to arm them with knowledge, insight and connections so they can be confident they’re making the best decision possible.”

As native Charlotteans — with eight family generations coming before them — the Griers provide an unmatched, comprehensive perspective of the city’s neighborhoods and growth as well as an extensive network of contacts and resources.

Recognized as a top producer every year since starting in 2001, Aubrey has spent her entire career at Dickens Mitchener. Brandon joined in 2021, bringing more than 20 years experience as a leading producer for some of the largest global asset managers. Working together allows the Griers to combine their strengths and expertise for the benefit of their clients.

Married for 21 years and parents to a high school daughter and college-bound son, the couple has renovated four homes and built one, giving them firsthand experience on how best to plan and execute a home’s design.

Clients praise their strong negotiation skills, proven results and willingness to go the extra mile. “Aubrey and Brandon are in the top 1% of professionals I have worked with in any field or industry,” says homeowner Jeff Klein. “Their contacts and connections within the city of Charlotte and surrounding area are exceptional and separate them from peers in the industry.”

The couple serves on numerous community boards, always giving back to their hometown. “Charlotte has really grown from what it used to be, yet it has maintained its beauty and remained grounded,” Aubrey says. Adds Brandon, “We love Charlotte, and we live Charlotte.”

Aubrey & Brandon Grier

704.502.4612 (Aubrey)

704.953.9178 (Brandon)

aubreygrier.dickensmitchener.com

brandongrier.dickensmitchener.com

@agrier1

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances

Roddey Player, President & CEO

Frances Player, Accounts Receivables

Kate Player, Controller

Roddey Player Jr., Warehouse Operations

For Queen City Audio Video & Appliances, 2023 can be summed up so far in one word: growth.

The family-owned, 71-year-old company recently expanded its Charlotte roots to the Triad, opening stores in Winston-Salem and Greensboro. It’s also added employees throughout its 10 stores, revamped its training and launched a comprehensive leadership development program.

Along the way, it’s received accolades like Top Workplace and Best Appliance Store and introduced new customers every day to its array of quality brands.

“The company has decided we are not participating in a recession,” Director of Marketing Victoria Alicea says with a laugh. Instead, Queen City’s focus is forward, working with vendor partners to ensure it offers innovative tools and the latest products that enhance everyday living.

Having a team that knows the ins and outs of those products is also key. To do that, Queen City provides continuing education for its sales force, making them certified experts for top-rated brands, like Monogram and Café. “That’s what sets us apart from a big-box store,” Alicea adds. “Everyone that works here is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed on everything we offer.”

Queen City’s commitment to its customers goes well beyond its stores. Since its inception, the company has worked with countless charities to support schools, children and those in need. Its most recent project: partnering with the Humane Societies in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

Its passion for serving the community comes back to the company’s core value: “to set the standard for serving our family and yours.”

After all, family is the foundation of the Queen City brand. Woody Player started the company in 1952, and three generations of the Player family work there today. So do many longtime

PHOTOS: JUSTIN DRISCOLL

employees, whose own families have grown alongside the company too.

Providing opportunities for them, as well as their children, is important to the Player family. “We have outstanding people in place to help us continue to grow and be the best in class in everything we do,” says Roddey Player Jr., who often brings 19-month-old daughter Hollis to the store. “We start training them early!”

704.391.6000

queencityonline.com

@queencityappliance

PHOTOS: JUSTIN DRISCOLL

TOP LEFT: The Player family — Frances, Roddey, Kate and Roddey Jr.

TOP RIGHT: Nolan, son of Victoria Alicea, director of marketing, and Hollis, daughter of Roddey Player Jr.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Victoria Alicea

ways to BEAT the HEAT this summer 19

Southern summers are no joke, but there are plenty of ways to take your mind off the rising temps in and around Charlotte. We’ve rounded up a few ideas to help you keep cool when the season heats up.

by Caroline Boulware, Cathy Martin and Sharon Smith

THROW AN ICE CREAM PARTY

Rent Maebel, an adorable vintage postal truck that’s now The Social Cow, serving ice cream classics like Push-Ups, Bomb Pops and ice-cream sandwiches. socialcowtruck.com

CHILL WITH A COLD BREW

Plenty of seasonal options abound at coffee houses around town. We like the nostalgia-themed Summer Camp from Summit Coffee — an iced mocha latte topped with marshmallow cold foam and graham-cracker crumbs, minus the poison ivy and biting mosquitoes.

SLURP AN ADULT SLUSHIE

MELLOW OUT WITH A MILKSHAKE

Like the Bedrock Blast from The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, made with vanilla ice cream blended with Fruity Pebbles and topped with whipped cream. It’s a recent menu addition at SouthPark’s go-to family-friendly spot for sushi, burgers and bento boxes.

Frosé — frozen rosé wine mixed with fruit, juice and, sometimes, liquor — seemed like a passing fad just a few years ago. But the frosty adult treat has become a summer mainstay on cocktail menus across town — and with the addition of the new Co-Op Frose and Eatery in South End (an outpost of the Sullivan’s Island OG), we can safely report the trend is here to stay. DTR SouthPark’s version, right, is made with Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon and rosé.

COWFISH PHOTO BY REMY THURSTON; FROSE PHOTO COURTESY DTR

SAVOR A SUMMER SOUP

Like this oh-so-refreshing strawberry gazpacho from Bar Marcel Executive Chef Eduardo Rios.

BOOK A DREAMY DAYCATION

Stay cool, be cool. Book a private cabana (complete with adult popsicles, fruit and energy drinks) at Aura Rooftop for next-level poolside vibes. Cabana reservations are going quickly at this trendy spot atop the JW Marriott in uptown. Prices start at $375 for four people, plus a food and beverage minimum of $125 weekdays/$200 weekends. aurarooftop.com

Stay ground level and melt your cares away with a summertime spa special. The Spa at The Ballantyne offers a tropical-inspired seasonal spa menu to help bring out your inner glow. Toska Spa and Facial Bar in SouthPark has an array of products (including an oxygenating mist treatment — a travel favorite, according to Toska) and treatments to keep your summer skin regime balanced and in check.

STRAWBERRY GAZPACHO

Ingredients:

6 cups chopped strawberries (about 2 pounds)

1 cup diced red onion

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup peeled and diced English cucumber

1 garlic clove

1 tablespoon chopped thyme

1/4 cup raspberry vinegar or sherry vinegar

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix together all ingredients except the oil.

2. Set aside for one hour to allow the flavors to marry together.

3. Transfer to a blender and blend.

4. As the mixture becomes smooth, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil.

5. Blend until smooth.

6. Finish with toppings of your choice, and serve.

BE A PINBALL WIZARD

Remember spending hot summer days hiding out in the arcade at the mall? Relive those childhood days at Pins Mechanical Company in South End. It’s an indoor-outdoor playground for grownups (littles like it, too) where duckpin bowling is also a main attraction. If there’s a wait, grab a drink and hang out at one of the high-top tables or challenge a buddy to foosball. 307 W Tremont Ave., pinsbar.com

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY BAR MARCEL AND JW MARRIOTT CHARLOTTE

MAKE THE MOST OF TOMATO TIME

Head to your nearest farmers market and reap the season’s bounty. Slice ’em on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, or make a tomato sandwich or fresh salsa. A few favorite markets include:

• Cotswold Farmers Market , 4921 Randolph Rd., 8 a.m. - noon Saturdays through October

• Matthews Community Farmers’ Market , 188 N. Trade St., Matthews, open Saturdays year-round; hours are 8 a.m. - noon through Nov. 18

• Uptown Farmers Market , 300 S. Davidson St., 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 9

• The Village at Robinson Farm Market , 8410 Rea Rd., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through October

• North End Farmers Market , 1701 N. Graham St., Wednesdays 4 - 8 p.m. through Oct. 25

Dining out? From mid-July to mid-September, Harper’s Restaurant offers a seasonal Tomato Fest menu. Locally grown tomatoes shine in dishes like tomato bisque and a BLT Platter. The crab and avocado stack, with pesto, basil and fresh sliced tomatoes, is always a favorite.

And on July 16 the Homegrown Tomato Festival, hosted by the Piedmont Culinary Guild, will offer a competition for backyard gardeners, a culinary contest among students from Central Piedmont, and a tomato plant sale. Sign up for a class with mixologist Bob Peters and learn how to create craft cocktails using tomatoes, or learn how to make a Southern classic: tomato pie. Tickets are $25 and include tomato samples and a tomato sandwich. Classes are $50-$65. 425 N Kings Dr., tomatofestclt2023.eventbrite.com

SNAP A COOL SELFIE

The optical tricks at the Museum of Illusions in uptown are a welcome distraction from a July heatwave. It takes about an hour to wander through this collection of mind-bending installations. Adult tickets are $24. Ally Center, 601 S. Tryon St., moicharlotte.com

LIVE OUT YOUR SUPERHERO DREAMS

We won’t judge if you accessorize with a cape while strolling through Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at Discovery Place Science. Get up close and personal with Hulk, wander through Wakanda and marvel at these iconic costumes, artifacts and more. Adult general admission tickets are $44. 220 W 6th St., my.discoveryplace.org/marvel

REEL FUN

Screen time is cool(er). Get tickets to an indie movie at Independent Picture House, which has a summertime cult favorites series and a free Saturday morning cartoon hour for the kids. Another parent tip: Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen has $2 select family movies for the first show of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays all summer.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Break into summer fashion mode without breaking a sweat. Early-riser brisk walkers love the AC and window shopping at SouthPark Mall. With a new slate of openings in the last year (Alexander McQueen, Rowan, an expanded Altar’d State), your next fashion lap is bound to be fruitful. And there’s nothing wrong with refueling at Suffolk Punch Brewing while the kids burn energy on the playground at the newly reimagined West Plaza.

TOMATO PHOTO BY MICHAEL HRIZUK; OPTICAL PHOTO COURTESY MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

GET YOUR MAHJONG ON

You’ve heard about the parties and mahjong-a-thons. What could be better than learning the classic tile game this summer with a nice, refreshing beverage as you gather around a table with friends? Yep, sign us up. Both @queencitymahjong and @mahjinthecity host lessons and parties in the QC.

TAKE A DAY TRIP CHASE WATERFALLS

The North Carolina mountains are full of them. Here are few to try:

• Dry Falls just a few miles west of downtown Highlands. The impressive 80-foot falls are a short walk from the parking area on U.S. 64. The paved footpath takes you behind the falls for a unique view of this natural phenomenon.

• Near Brevard, Skinny Dip Falls can be accessed from mile marker 417 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short hike leads to the falls and a swimming hole along the Pigeon River.

• In Blowing Rock, the Glen Burney Falls Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail with a 600-foot elevation change and views of three falls that provides a strenuous workout. The trailhead is smack in the middle of downtown at Annie Cannon Gardens.

FLY THROUGH A FOREST

Safely tethered to a sturdy steel cable, of course. The Whitewater Center has five zipline courses; other nearby options include The Gorge in Saluda, about 90 miles west of Charlotte. Its 1.25-mile guided canopy tour features 11 ziplines, 3 rappels and a skybridge on the edge of the Green River Gorge. SP

BE ACTIVELY SOCIAL

Grab some friends and reserve a court at Rally in LoSo, Charlotte’s newest pickleball destination with a decidedly hangout vibe. With a pizza bar, cafe and cocktail lounges, pickleball won’t be the only attraction here when it opens this summer. 101 Southside Dr., rallypickleball.com

UPGRADE YOUR SUMMER STYLE

Shops like Sloan and Boem exude that effortless, casual vibe perfect for warm weather. Newcomer Leenie Rae in Waverly also brings a taste of California chic to Charlotte. Owner Arlene Cook founded the boutique in San Francisco in 2016 and moved it to Charlotte in 2021. Labels include Mother, Clare V., Velvet, Trovata and Xirena.

WALK WITH THE ANIMALS

Follow the baby boom at the North Carolina Zoo, which, in a 10-day span in May welcomed a baby giraffe, a chimpanzee and three sand kittens. The state-owned Asheboro zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world and breeds only to preserve species that are threatened in the wild. nczoo.org.

ZIPLINE PHOTO BY MIKE BELLEME

PHOTO BY DAVE COOK, COURTESY HANGING ROCK STATE PARK; GIRAFFE PHOTO COURTESY N.C. ZOO

MODERN luxury

DESIGNER AMBER CAGLE OF BLACK DOVE INTERIORS HELPS A NEWLYWED COUPLE BLEND TWO DISTINCT STYLES — WITH A TOUCH OF WHIMSY — IN THEIR COTSWOLD HOME.

by Cathy Martin | photographs by Michael Blevins

It was a case of love at first sight. Audra Gallant and her then-fiancé, Dr. Roy Jennings, had been living in Dilworth and house hunting online when, separately, they each came across a listing in Cotswold.

“It looked like it needed a lot of work,” Gallant says of the 1974-built home on nearly an acre. After multiple updates through the years, the home was a hodgepodge of styles. “So much of it just didn’t even make sense,” Gallant says, describing a pair of oddly placed columns and a rambling backyard with an abandoned chicken coop.

Left: For the sitting area overlooking the backyard, designer Amber Cagle chose a custom daybed by Lester and a swivel chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The coffee table is from ModShop, and the homeowner found the swing on 1st Dibs.

Opposite: 2012 “Diora” print by Stephanie Vovas from Citizen Atelier.

Above: Popsicle sculpture by Betsy Enzensberger, top. A chic workfrom-home space with a glass waterfall desk, below.

Still, there was no denying her reaction when she went to see it. “There was something I kind of loved about the wildness,” Gallant says. “I fell in love with it.”

Early on, Jennings had enlisted Lake Norman Landcare to design and install the backyard fire pit, travertine table and patios and help upfit the outdoor kitchen. But for the interiors, the couple struggled to agree on a stylistic direction and knew they needed help.

“I am definitely more modern, and my husband is more traditional,” Gallant says. After interviewing several designers, a friend recommended Amber Cagle of Black Dove Interiors. “She walked in, and we just clicked,” she says.

“[Her tastes are] very modern, almost Parisian — white, no color,” says Cagle, who started her design firm in 2015 after eight years working with a local commercial architecture firm and, later, an architectural visualization firm in Argentina. “And he loves color and is very traditional. So, we had to just blend those two.”

The result is a carefully curated mix of styles: In the breakfast room, a modern table is paired with the homeowner’s existing ornate chairs. In the primary bedroom, a traditional bed frame is flanked by contemporary hair-on-hide-covered nightstands from Bernhardt. An antique settee that belonged to Gallant’s grandmother adds another traditional element, and the Caracole vanity and vintage mirror gives Frenchmeets-Hollywood Regency vibes.

Opposite: A custom sofa by Lester and accent chairs from Modshop surround a coffee table from Bliss Studio. In the breakfast nook, below, a custom banquette is paired with the homeowner’s existing chairs and a pedestal table by Nuevo. The print is Slim Aarons’ “Dinner Jazz” featuring Louis Armstrong.

Below: The couple love to have friends over to watch movies, so designer Amber Cagle added a bar with stools for additional seating behind the custom sofa by Lester.

Lake Norman Landcare installed the fire pit, travertine table and patios. The pool is by Artesian Pools, and most of the patio furniture is from Summer Classics.

Homeowners Audra Gallant and Dr. Roy Jennings

Playfulness abounds in the sunroom facing the backyard, where the unsightly columns were removed to improve the flow. A custom daybed and yellow swivel chair create a cozy seating area on one side of the room. The neon sign was Gallant’s idea, along with the fur-covered swing by CubanAmerican artist Gabriela Noelle. “[Cagle] led everything, but she really let us be a part of it,” Gallant adds.

On the opposite side of the room is a clean, modern office space for Gallant, who works from home and appreciates the room’s natural light. “One of the things I love about the house is the windows,” she says. “You’re so in touch with the outdoors.”

The couple also enjoys entertaining. With Cagle’s help, the basement, with a drop-down projector, is now a comfortable and stylish spot for movie night with friends. To accom-

A vintage chandelier and a bench that belonged to the homeowner’s grandmother add a touch of elegance in the primary bedroom. The hair-on-hide nightstands are by Bernhardt, and the mirrors are by Jamie Young.

modate a crowd, Cagle added a bar behind the custom sofa for extra seating. A Paul Newman print is a nod to the first movie the couple watched together. The large backyard was also designed for entertaining, with multiple spaces for guests to gather. Cagle helped the couple complete the design with furnishings by Summer Classics. “My husband basically lives out there,” Gallant says. But the couple find that now, following the redesign, they are able to enjoy all of their home. “We literally use every single room,” Gallant says. SP

The Caracole vanity and vintage mirror from Slate Interiors have a French flair; the chair is from Sondor Living.

Thegardenartful

NESTLED DEEP INTO SOUTH CHARLOTTE’S MOUNTAINBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD IS A SERENITY GARDEN WHERE NATURE AND ART BLEND SEAMLESSLY.

by Sharon Smith

photographs by Dustin Peck

In 2013, the Reames added a series of waterfalls and a koi pond designed by artisan Johnny Massengale.

or Patsy Reames, her backyard garden is both a masterpiece and triumph. “I didn’t have any vision. I was just doing what I enjoyed,” Reames says smiling, making it sound almost simple how the gently sloping woods beyond her deck evolved into an art-filled paradise.

But Serenity Garden is no weekend-warrior project. Reames points to a collaborative team of artisans and landscapers, inspired by nature, who have taken her ideas to create a suburban oasis.

On this edge-of-summer day, the Reames estate is lush with ferns, grasses and plantings in every hue of green. The 40-year-old azaleas, taller than a grown man, just finished blooming following the early lead of daffodils en masse.

Reames’ husband, Patrick, bought the 4-acre property in 1968. As his health declined in the last few years, Patsy found refuge in creating an outdoor sanctuary for them both to enjoy. She’s hosted parties for the Charlotte Garden Club, invited grieving groups to meet by the

labyrinth, and welcomes visits from neighbors and strangers alike.

Anyone who needs the gift of serenity is welcome here, Reames says. “I hope they walk away with a sense of joy and peace and hope — and fun.” She wants the garden to be a healing place for others as it has been for her.

Kyle McEnroe, owner of MAC Landscape along with his wife Karissa, seems to love Serenity Garden as much as Reames — and all of its layers, from gravel pathways to sun-filtering treetops. “It was intentionally designed,” McEnroe says, referencing the need for shade-loving, low-maintenance plants.

The garden’s allure seems so organic, a casual visitor could easily underestimate the craftsmanship that goes into building out an enchanting landscape of this magnitude and the sculptural art collection that complements it.

One of the newest installations is a walk-through Moongate by Gray Edgerton, lead designer for MAC Landscape. With a stone bench

The stone Moongate, designed by Gray Edgerton, is one of the garden’s newest contemplative spaces.

on one side, the Moongate offers the perfect setting to sit and contemplate while taking in a panoramic view of the garden.

Along the trail, something new constantly catches the eye. There’s a small granite pagoda (one of three) and stacking stones. It’s easy to miss the little laughing Buddha statue tucked into a natural area — a reminder to take it slow, look high and low.

Steps away, perennials surround a whimsical statue which Reames affectionately calls her “Butterfly Girl.” She clearly delights in the vignette — as do the pollinators buzzing around. “I wanted her surrounded by plants, like she was in the middle of a garden enjoying nature.”

A short path leads to a stone slab bridge with a sculpted handrail that mimics twisty, old vines overhead. “Inspiration behind the stone bridge

came out of observing how people explore the garden,” says Edgerton, alluding to the age-old way of hopping rocks to cross a creek.

It leads to the lower garden and what they call this sanctuary’s masterpiece — a massive flagstone conical sculpture named “The Hive,” which McEnroe designed and installed in 2020. “I think it’s weathering fantastically,” he says, walking around the stacked stones to point out the natural patina developing along one side.

Everything here is designed to awaken the senses and foster a moment of reflection, including most notably the “Dreams Labyrinth,” designed with a Celtic cross motif. “You have to walk intentionally and choose your steps,” says Edgerton, who worked with his brother and fellow artisan, Ransom, on the project. For Reames, it’s an important

Patsy Reames commissioned artist Jarod Brown to create “Fledgling,” a sculptural work which stands more than 8 feet tall. It depicts stages in a bird’s life between hatching and the freedom of taking flight.

place to come for healing — and a tribute to loss suffered in her own family.

Even Reames admits she is surprised by the forest garden’s expansive beauty. “It does take my breath away. I thought, this can’t be me,” she says laughing. “It’s been such a joy.”

Before I leave, she brings me to a stained glass window which her husband picked up from a church in Kings Mountain years ago. Edgerton framed the window with stacked stones and repurposed it as an outdoor altar. Another sign, if you come here seeking serenity, you will find it. SP

Getting here: Serenity Garden is open to all who want to respectfully enjoy the garden for a self-guided tour during daylight hours at 3200 Johnny Cake Ln. serenitygardenclt.com

Patrick and Patsy Reames sitting on their deck, which overlooks their woodland garden. The now-giant azaleas he planted 40 years ago are still thriving.

The soulfulness of solo travel

SOLO TRAVEL IS SURGING IN POPULARITY POSTPANDEMIC —

It is cool to travel again — and even more cool to do it alone. Data from booking.com shows that prepandemic, only 17% of travelers were going solo. By mid-2021, that number jumped to 30%. Last year, searches for single-person flights in 2023 were up 36% over the previous year, kayak.com reported in December. And multiple reports show a majority of solo travelers are women — 84%, according to passport-photo.online.com.

What could be driving this trend? For one thing, more people who live on their own and work remotely have gotten used to solitude, which in healthy amounts, can promote self-awareness. Being aware of your personal needs and desires can result in the self-confidence required to solo travel when others can’t join you.

Another appealing reason to explore alone is the overdose of family time during the pandemic. Rather than being a selfish response, the desire for “me” time is a completely normal reaction after prioritizing the health, safety and needs of our families for months or years on end.

As a travel writer and consultant for more than 20 years, I hear

people say that the best thing about solo travel is the freedom to make decisions without consulting anyone. Eat without worrying if the food is too spicy for your kids. Stay out exploring without hearing complaints of others being tired or bored. Making your own decisions when traveling feels like a dream come true.

Achint Patel, a medical doctor in Charlotte, started solo traveling in 2019. “I kept telling myself I’d travel when I was with someone special. Then I realized, I am someone special,” he says.

Still, he keeps certain things to experience with loved ones. Patel has been to Paris at least five times but has never been to the top of the Eiffel Tower. “I want someone to witness my expression when I first see the view,” he says. He’s seen more than 20 countries solo, including Egypt, Portugal, Japan, Jordan and most of western Europe. “Traveling solo has given me a better understanding of who I am,” he says. “I prefer it and plan my trips spontaneously.”

For unseasoned travelers, solo travel without planning and intention can result in high stress. Here are some important insights that’ll ease your fears and help get you out there — on your own.

Traveling solo does not mean traveling alone. In fact, nine out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours during their journey, according to SoloTravelWorld.com. There are all types of tours that cater to solo travelers — some are based on budget, others on activity level or shared interests. The tour you choose is the tour other people with the same travel goals are picking, too, so you’ll meet people with something in common. If you want culture, pick a museum or historic neighborhood tour. Is food and drink your thing? Book a tour of the local cuisine or a mixology class. If you don’t want company, skip organized touring and explore on your own. Also, find tours that offer rates at single occupancy for rooms and excursions. Explore and Exodus Travel are good options for the Gen X or millennial single traveler.

Meet new people, and make new friends. Traveling with friends and family is always fun, but when you’re with people you know, you don’t branch out from your cozy conversation bubble. When you’re solo traveling, you’re more approachable than you are in a group. On his solo travel trips, Patel meets and makes friends along

the way — and keeps in touch over WhatsApp.

“There are two human superpowers to make a connection with someone,” Patel says. “A deep, sincere smile, and saying ‘hello’.” Patel frequently hires tour guides to observe how they get around. “You meet the best of humanity when you travel,” he says. In France, he met a traveler in his hotel, and the two of them expanded their group touring the country together. Two other solo travelers randomly joined them, met and fell in love, and now they are getting married. “I plan to be at their wedding,” he says.

Pick a place that honors your headspace. You don’t need a fancy destination to discover more of who you are — you just need a place that fits your state of mind. Choose places where you can achieve your goals. Nervous about traveling solo overseas? Pick a country where English is spoken. If you’re yearning to make life changes, pick somewhere serene. Nesha Pai, motivational speaker, author, and owner of Pai CPA in Charlotte, takes a solo trip every year. “I call it a ‘founder retreat’ — where I’m the founder — and pick a five-star, safe, tropical location,” she says. Pai takes time to

reset her personal and career goals and selects beach resorts in Mexico to help boost her creativity. “The bottom line is that my dreams are greater than my fear of traveling solo,” Pai says. Quiet places like beaches or remote countries like Iceland offer the solitude needed for clarity and reflection, but other travelers may seek action or adventure. If that’s the case, head to Europe where you can take trains from city to city, meeting other travelers along the way. Or if you prefer staying in the U.S., tour the monuments in D.C. — then treat yourself to dinner. Depending on where you are in the moment, picking the right destination is key to a positive solo travel experience.

Budget your time and your money. This is your adventure. You can choose to spend more on things you value. With kids, comfort and convenience are paramount. But on a solo trip, you can skip the cushy resorts with all the amenities and opt for a five-star meal. Take a bus or rickshaw like the locals instead of a pricey, air-conditioned cab. Immerse yourself in things that you couldn’t enjoy with your regular travel companions in tow. Think about what you always want to do on vacation but never get a chance to. Need a spa treatment? Take the whole day and pamper yourself. Traveling solo unlocks your financial psychology — you truly discover what kind of spending brings you joy.

Stretch yourself and reflect. Use the experience to try something you’ve always wanted. There is a beauty in anonymity — no

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one knows you and no one expects anything. Romanticized dancing in the streets but were too embar rassed to try? Time to show off your moves! Maybe you’ve never tried paddleboarding because you were afraid you’d fall and look foolish — now do it! Parasail. Hike the waterfall. Go on a wine tasting. Meet other travelers and explore a new part of the city, then find a group of loud locals and join them for a drink. Be safe, but be daring. When you get home, you’ll feel like a new person — or maybe you’ll feel more like yourself. Traveling can teach you so much about the world and the people in it. But traveling solo can teach you more about you. Experiencing some beautiful place, just for you, is an act of selflove. It also unlocks what you like and what you value. It can give you the clarity to refocus your career or uncover your true desires. Don’t let fear get in the way of giving yourself the time to discover the world — and yourself. SP

Krisha Chachra is a Charlotte-based travel writer. Contact her at krishachachra.com or on social media at @destinationsanddelish and @krishachachra

SouthPark Magazine Pro-Am

benefiting Wheel Serve NC

Olde Providence Racquet Club

June 10

Our first annual Pro-Am was a great success! This roundrobin style competition paired athletes from Wheel Serve, local tennis pros and players for a terrific afternoon of spirited play on the courts. Congratulations to our winners, Bill Leonard, Brad Cherry, Leta Wiley and Nick Burnham.

photographs by Daniel Coston & Caroline Boulware

Nick Burnham

Kelly Flouhouse and David Woronoff

Scott Schrimsher, Ellen Smith, Robin Stuart, Perri Freel Kathy Spence and Mary Holland

Gaybe and Steve Johnson

Eric Pierce and Nick Burnham

Mary Holland, Ellen Smith, David Woronoff, Kim Wojnowich

Brad Cherry, Patrick Burns, Stuart Sherrill, Scott Fligel and Grant Tesmer

Ben Kinney and Kim Wojnowich

Richard Merino, Scott Fligel, Grant Tesmer, Madison Callaghan Ataide Suca and Breno Plentz

Mary Kay Deering and Kelly Flouhouse Dawn VanHoy and Kim Wojnowich

Johnny Ragland, Scott Wiley, Scott Schrimsher, Jeff Kegler AB Schrimsher and Jack Alexander

Sharon Smith, Cindy Poovey, Sarah Fligel, Cathy Martin Ben Kinney, Jane Rodewald, Jennifer Ware and Sarah Fligel

Scott Fligel, Evgeny Slesarev, Robbie Mudge, Brad Cherry

Sandra Holub, Juan Mendez and Kelly Flouhouse

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Fashion Breathes Life

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western N.C. March 31

From high fashion to a fabulous auction, guests at this annual gala had a great night out while supporting the effort to raise awareness and find a cure for CF. photographs by Daniel Coston

SEE MORE

Lindsay Mayer and Michael Yeary

Dallas and Lauren Strager

Amber and Will Munnerlyn Katie Gould, Susan Dudley and Chelsea McCaskill Elliott and Alana Van Ness

Brian and Rachael Moor Frank and Amy Scibelli

Neely and Michael Verano

Cathy Sloan and Debbie Hitsell

Jill Pleune and Ron Hitsell

Perry Livinious and Paige Jones

Chelsea Rhodes, Tracy Bock and Emily Hull

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Room to Bloom

Mint Museum Auxiliary

Charlotte Country Club

April 19

Lively conversation and colorful attire added to the fun at Room to Bloom’s annual Spring Symposium with special guest, designer and author Suzanne Tucker.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Ruth Runberg and Jillian Bank

Sarah Edwards, Tara Cawthorne and Cate Gutter Liz Shuford and Suzanne Tucker

Susan Pierce and Janine Moore Beverly Ladley and Jennifer Waugh Ellen Wade and Louise Hanford

Samira Farmer, Hilary Pitts and Cathy Austin

Kareena Gray, Andrea Seymour and Courtney Salton

Katie Salmon and Catherine Deutsch Katie Burchette and Mary Lou Burchette

Caroline Dyson, Fran Williamson and Maggie Gavigan

Kakie Cheek, Georgine Jeffries and Rebekah Alpert Blair Farris, Todd Herman and Carol Davis

Janice McIntosh and Ann Ruff

Jodianne Johnson, Kim Ewert, Michelle Anderson and Eva Steward

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Women of Distinction Fashion Show

benefiting The Salvation Army

Quail Hollow Club

April 20

The Salvation Army returned with its first event since 2019, full of fashion and philanthropy. The nonprofit also honored the work of Judy Vinroot, Michelle Wingo and others in the community.

photographs by Daniel Coston

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

HoopTee Charities Legends Dinner

Steak 48

March 27

Founder Fred Whitfield hosted this red carpet event, which brought together legends from sports, entertainment and business to support programs for underserved youth.

photographs courtesy Billow Media

Katy Vinroot, Judy Vinroot and Laura Vinroot Poole

Wilma Mason and Rosella Bergen

Charles Oakley, Ron Harper, Alonzo Mourning

Muggsy and Kim Bogues

Anthony Hamilton Roman Harper

Denny Hamlin and Allegra Fasulo

Tyler Reddick and Alexa DeLeon, Amanda and Bubba Wallace

Fred Whitfield and Chef Heather King Harold Varner III

Kemba Walker and Marissa

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Levine Children’s Gala

Bank of America Stadium

April 1

This year’s surprise guest, Wyclef Jean, closed out the evening filled with fine food, an auction and dancing on the gridiron.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Lady A concert

Music With Friends

March 28

Members and guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks before and after Grammy Award-winning trio Lady A took the stage at the Sandra Levine Theatre at Queens University of Charlotte.

photographs by Donna Bise

Dr. Javier Oesterheld and Gene Woods

Olufemi Lamikarra and Holland Hawkins

Wyclef Jean Molly Grantham and Wes Hyland

Whitney James and Rita Payne

Lauren Moskowitz and Kellie McGregor

Elizabeth and Chris Jablonski

Andrew Lietz and Ellison Littlewood

Dan Lyles and Kirstin Ashford Jane Lockwood and Robin Fields Stacy and Carol Nicholson

Ann Linde, Larry Farber, Tonda Rifkin

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Charlotte Wine + Food Week Collectors Gala

The Ruth by Beau Monde

April 21

Patrons enjoyed tastings from 17 wineries and dishes prepared by several local chefs, followed by a family-style meal and live auction which raised more than $175,000 for four area children’s charities.

by

A Team Approach to Ending Child Abuse

panel discussion with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center and kNot Today

Hyatt Centric SouthPark

April 24

Frank Reich, in his first season as Panthers head coach, marked the Carolinas expansion of his foundation, kNot Today, by joining this panel discussion centered around protecting children from abuse.

photographs by Daniel Coston

Jackie Hattler and Alesia Perry

Will Whitley, Julie McNaughton, Margo Whitley and Flint McNaughton

Matthew Perry and Ryan Gwin Kina Kreer and Rebecca Sciandri Griffin

photographs

Tonya Russ Price and Josh Bannen

LaVonna and Joe Paradise

Laurie and Dr. Daniel Ness Jamie and Dr. Andrew Sumich

Dr. Russ and Barbara Emerson Will and Ali Summerville

Palmer and Maria Steel

Heath Hamacher, Angie VincentHamacher, Jennie and Allan Robertson

Garren and Kelly Kirkman

Chef Edwin Cruz Mandi Powell and Ed Kowalski

Chloe Kim and Kevin Patrick

Karisa Pennell, Dan Fulco, Tracy Montross and Jesse Munoz

Melissa Collins and Lizzie Carson

Ann Tarwater, Linda Reich, Linda Davis David Tepper, Crystal Hill, Frank Reich

David Tepper, Ramona Holloway, Nicole Tepper

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Planting Seeds Of Kindness

benefiting Charity League of Charlotte Hyatt Centric SouthPark

March 31

This annual spring luncheon brought out supporters of the Charity League, which supports children in underserved communities. photographs courtesy Daniel Coston

Sandey Thompson and Cheryl Griffith

Nanine Hartzenbusch Fox, Olivia Fortson and Meg McElwain

Amy Miller, Jill Emig and Jennifer Brockington

Bina Pollack and Elizabeth Phillips

Angie Johnson and Samantha Zierler

Melissa O’Brien and Justice Morton

Lisha Morton and Lee Smith

Shelley Yoder, Jennifer Granham and Kirstan Hamilton

Kristen Miranda, Marcy McKenney and Latisha Hensley

Lauran Godwin and Julia Greer

NOTES OF APPRECIATION

WHEN TRAGEDY AWAKENS OUR SENSE OF GRATITUDE.

by Sharon Smith

There must be hundreds of “thank you” messages on the banner that now belongs to the Charlotte Fire Department. There’s one in neat handwriting that says “Thank you for protecting us!” Another reads “Thank you for your service and bravery.” Someone drew a heart around a simple “thank you.”

The white space filled quickly, as concertgoers grabbed a Sharpie and took turns during SouthPark After Five’s last concert in May. A week prior, the concert was canceled as an apartment building under construction a few blocks away smoldered.

The five-alarm fire killed two workers who became trapped, Demonte Sherrill and Ruben Holmes. Firefighters rescued 15 others in a dramatic emergency response unlike any the city had seen in many years.

And so, on this night — during the first large-scale community event since the fire — the merriment came to a collective stop at Symphony Park. City leaders stepped up to the mic with the support of SouthPark Community Partners, which organized the concert series and now, a community response to the tragedy.

“So please, if you’re willing, please take off your cap … let’s please acknowledge this loss in our community,” Mayor Vi Lyles told the crowd, after sharing a heartfelt tribute to the men who perished. Parents quietly hushed their children and people bowed their heads in a moment of silence.

Then came the first responders. All the firefighters, MEDIC workers, police and deputies who responded to the fire fanned out across the stage as city council representative Tariq Bokhari passionately called out their individual fire stations and agencies. The crowd erupted in rounds of applause and whistles.

A few minutes later, the band was back. The crowd easily settled back into its happy rhythm. And a stronger sense of community was cemented among neighbors who mourned losses and celebrated heroes together. SP

BY SOUTHPARK COMMUNITY PARTNERS