November SouthPark 2023 by SouthParkMag

Charlotte/Pineville, NC • Hickory, NC goodshomefurnishings.com

KITCHEN & BATH | FULL SERVICE DESIGN | CUSTOM HOMES | REMODELING | IN

342 Circle Avenue in Myers Park JohnMorgan@UBGCharlotte.com 704.307.4606 See Our Portfolio @ UrbanBuildingGroup.com TERIOR DECORATING | HARDSCAPES & POOLS | OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

FAR F R O M O R D I NA RY, YET CLO S E TO EV ERYTHING.

Built in 1915, the Duke Mansion has been home and host to leaders of the 20th century. Today the inn and meeting place is owned and operated as a nonprofit. When you choose the Duke Mansion, you help support and protect this community treasure. With proximity to uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International Airport and nestled in one of the Queen City’s most idyllic neighborhoods, the Duke Mansion is the perfect spot to meet, stay and relax. Stay the night in one of our twenty beautifully appointed guest rooms, featuring fine furnishings, luxurious linens, private bathrooms, and scenic views of our fountains, gardens and grounds. With unique event spaces and an exceptional on-site culinary team, the Duke Mansion is the perfect backdrop for any celebration.

400 Hermitage Road | Charlotte, NC 704.714-4400 | dukemansion.org The Duke Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a nonprofit supported by its patrons, donors and neighbors.

FROM THE EDITOR 1

hen we planned our 2023 editorial calendar last fall, the theme for this issue was supposed to be “Gathering and Entertaining.” As my coworkers can attest, I sometimes have trouble sticking to plans. Oh, I had visions of beautiful tablescapes, punch recipes, fall décor — sort of Southern Living meets Magnolia Journal, but Charlottestyle. You’ll still find a few ideas for getting together with friends and family sprinkled throughout these pages. But then other ideas started swirling, and my plans went a little off the rails. Like when Natalie Dick, who readers may know from her time as a local TV reporter or her work at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, came to us with an idea for a print and video series featuring interviews with local heavy hitters and other interesting Charlotteans at their favorite local haunts. Her first interview is with Fred Whitfield,

10 | SOUTHPARK

who just started his 18th season as president of the Charlotte Hornets. You can read the story on page 24 and watch more of the interview at southparkmagazine.com. Or when the stars aligned for a sensational style-travel feature on The Greenbrier. For as long as I’ve worked with Whitley Adkins, SouthPark’s style editor has dreamed of producing a fashion photo shoot at the fabled Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. So a few months ago, when contributor Krisha Chachra proposed writing a story about the legendary resort, I connected the two of them, and voila (page 94). Planning ahead is essential — we’d never get a dozen issues of this magazine out each year if we didn’t have staff and contributors looking six to 12 months down the road. But the ability to pivot — that overused buzzword that’s become part of our everyday vocabulary — allows us to keep things interesting and, hopefully, entertaining. SP

IN THIS ISSUE: 1 — Porch party in Old Foxcroft (page 84) 2 — Late-night fun at The Greenbrier (page 94) 3 — Fred Whitfield at Steak 48 (page 24)

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR

editor@southparkmagazine.com

C H A R LO T T E C H A R L E S TO N World Class Living

The Mark of Distinction in World Class Home Building™ Charlotte (704) 889.1600 Charleston (843) 801.1600 www.kingswoodhomes.com

Michael Baker 704.526.9510

Heather Bonner 704.756.1394

Katy Bradfield 704.965.5968

Mark Brown 704.975.7386

Suzanne Cowden 704.301.1012

Melanie Coyne 704.763.8003

Kathy Davis 704.363.8450

Tom Fisher 704.213.1556

Harper Fox 704.804.0101

Dana Galli 843.655.4023

Madison Macher Gardner 540.597.8779

Bridget Graves 704.560.2311

Sher yl Hallow 704.907.1144

Patty Hendrix 704.577.2066

Christy Howey 704.996.0484

Jennifer Jackson 704.622.5721

Jen & Jamie Team 704.904.1212

Jessica Jenkins 704.607.9389

David Kennedy 704.201.0039

Beth Livingston 704.778.6831

Liz & Greg McIntosh 704.488.6224

Valerie Mitchener 704.577.8200

Rivers Moon Team 704.619.9693

Alan Parker 415.269.0240

Peggy Peterson Team 704.904.6279

Judy Raghavan 704.807.9970

Jocelyn Rose 704.975.9900

Sarah & Lynn Salton 704.315.9515

Kim Sheehey 704.612.3210

Helen St. Angelo 704.839.1809

Kelly Stimart 704.607.1060

Stacey Stolar 704.400.1539

Yvette Tariq 910.968.5315

Kate Terrigno 631.903.3021

Peter Thevaos 704.576.5673

Meredith Tomascak 704.806.7650

Catherine Cauthen Turner 704.578.5551

Meg Wilkinson 704.906.5747

Margaret Wood 704.904.6022

Sharon Yoxsimer 704.819.2567

©2023 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

November BLVD.

24 | people Charlotte Hornets President Fred Whitfield on working with MJ, his passion for supporting underprivileged youth, and where to get a great steak.

30 | interiors A kitchen and family room designed for both entertaining and relaxing at home.

34 | cuisine 14 splurge-worthy restaurants for life’s celebrations

38 | cuisine Nearing 20 years in business, Bentley’s is a fine-dining alternative to the turn-and-burn style of restaurants today.

44 | cuisine The Asbury resets with chef Tim Groody at the helm and a familiar focus on modern Southern fare.

50 | my favorite things Former college basketball coach and player Matt Doherty

54 | givers Congregations for Kids supports foster children, families and social workers in Charlotte.

56 | around town What’s new and coming soon in the Queen City

60 | happenings November calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS 65 | art of the state Chieko Murasugi’s art subverts order and changes perspectives.

71 | bookshelf Notable new releases

75 | simple life A cure for the summer blues

79 | well + wise Checking in — and monitoring the red flags that can show us how we’re really doing.

113 | swirl Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

120 | gallery Kennedi Carter’s snapshots of the unseen Black experience.

ABOUT THE COVER: Models Elle Danielson, represented by Ursula Wiedmann Models, and Channing Queen represented by Directions USA, Model and Artist Management, photographed by Mira Adwell at The Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, W.V. Styling by Whitley Adkins. For additional credits, turn to page 94. 14 | SOUTHPARK

signature homes renovations additions

Charlotte Asheville Boone

making it home since 1950

G E N E R A L C O N T R AC TO R

andrewroby.com 704.334.5477

30 FEATURES 84 | Cool and collected by Catherine Ruth Kelly photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck Christi Pringle’s insatiable wanderlust and deep-rooted appreciation of art and culture manifest as a passion with purpose — and throughout her Old Foxcroft home.

94 | Glamour & grandeur produced and styled by Whitley Adkins photographs by Mira Adwell story by Krisha Chachra Style at The Greenbrier: A story of beauty and transformation, fashion and family

108 | Mill-era charmer story and photographs by Jennings Cool Roddey Hop in: We’re going to Belmont for the day.

16 | SOUTHPARK

CHARLOTTE:

Your Hair Comeback Starts Here Comprehensive hair restoration treatments available: • NeoGraft ® Hair Transplant

• Low Laser Light Therapy

• Exosomes

• Propecia®

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

• FinPlus®

• PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix)

CHARLOT TE ’ S # 1

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE 4 Y E AR S IN A ROW 6817 Fairview Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 CarolinaFacialPlastics.com

704.325.8062 @CarolinaFacialPlastics

READY TO LIVE YOUR DREAM LIFESTYLE?

Look No Further

EXPANDING OUR CHARLOTTE PRESENCE: VISIT US IN SOUTHPARK

BROKERAGE | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com | 704.248.0243 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1117 Crestbrook Drive, Charlotte, NC $2,495,000. Exclusively offered by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

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 Contributing Editor David Mildenberg

CURATED FOR YOU.

Contributing Writers Michelle Boudin, Krisha Chachra, Natalie Dick, Jim Dodson, Vanessa Infanzon, Catherine Ruth Kelly, Juliet Lam Kuehnle, Ebony Morman, Liza Roberts, Jennings Cool Roddey Contributing Photographers Mira Adwell, Daniel Coston, Justin Driscoll, Amy Kolo, Dustin and Susie Peck, Tiffany Ringwald, Jennings Cool Roddey 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

LOVE YOUR FLOORS. LOVE YOUR PRICE.. MyNewFloor.com simplifies your search with our Curated Collection of wood, carpet, vinyl and tile from leading manufacturers — all for one low all-inclusive price. Our design-focused team is here to help you, and our certified installers will do the job right — quickly, accurately and professionally. Visit one of our Charlotte area showrooms, and you’ll see why thousands of satisfied customers have chosen MyNewFloor.com as their flooring partner.

704.325.5952 SOUTH CHARLOTTE Blakeney Town Center 9716-C Rea Road Charlotte, NC 28277

MNF_TwoThird Ad SOUTHPARK.indd 3

20 | SOUTHPARK

SOUTH END Factory South 1300-C South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203

Scott Leonard Audience Development Specialist 704-996-6426 Sarah Fligel Marketing Specialist sarah@southparkmagazine.com Brad Beard Graphic Designer _______________ Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com Instagram: southparkmagazine Facebook: southparkmagazine X: SouthParkMag

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

LAKE NORMAN Village at Oakhurst 9606-A Bailey Road Cornelius, NC 28031

David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com Published by Old North State Magazines LLC. ©Copyright 2023. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Volume 27, Issue 11 5/26/23 12:24 PM

S P E C I A LT Y S H O P S S O U T H PA R K 6401 Car negie Blvd | Charlotte NC 28211 | 704-442-4006 b e d s i d e m a n o r. c o m

WE RAISE THE BAR Holiday Parties Special Events Celebrations

BOOK YOUR PRIVATE EVENT WITH US 980-880-4801 bar1@baronelounge.com @Bar1Lounge

blvd.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

people, places, things

SWEET SPOT

When one of the hottest restaurants in town debuts a weekend brunch buffet, you gather your crew and prepare to indulge. Brunch at Supperland (Saturdays and Sundays) includes a buffet table with tea sandwiches, Jell-O bites, lobster deviled eggs, and assorted pastries — like these bite-sized fruit tarts. But that’s just the beginning — see what else is on the menu on page 32, where we highlight splurge-worthy spots around town for marking those extra-special occasions, from birthdays and anniversaries to simply a celebratory brunch with your besties. SP southparkmagazine.com | 23

blvd. | people

CHARLOTTE, and the SouthPark region in particular, is home to many interesting and influential residents, from business and real estate icons to superstar athletes, entrepreneurs, artists and philanthropists. This month, we’re excited to introduce SouthPark Sit-down, a casual conversation with those movers and shakers at their favorite local spots. Who better to kick it off than Hornets Sports and Entertainment President and Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield? He sat down with contributor Natalie Dick at Steak 48 to talk basketball, life lessons and more. For more of the interview, scan the QR code after the article.

SOUTHPARK SIT-DOWN

Fred Whitfield THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS PRESIDENT AND VICE CHAIRMAN HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE CAREER WORKING ALONGSIDE MICHAEL JORDAN. BUT HIS PERSONAL PASSION IS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH. by Natalie Dick | photographs by Richard Israel

red Whitfield loves a good steak. So it seems only fitting that we meet for a late afternoon meal at his favorite restaurant anywhere: Steak 48. His go-to dish isn’t one you’ll find on the menu. “It’s called the butcher’s cut. It’s the end cut of a ribeye, very tender,” he tells me as our meals are delivered to the table. Whitfield’s allegiance to the restaurant extends beyond his palate. “They have been great partners of my personal charity, HoopTee. We’ve filled the whole restaurant with supporters. I feel like I’m part of the Steak 48 family.” Whitfield has lived in SouthPark since he arrived in the Queen City in 2006, when he accepted the role of president and chief operating officer for the then-Charlotte Bobcats. (In 2014 he led the franchise through a name change back to the beloved Hornets.) At 64, he is the third-longest-tenured president of business in the NBA. New Hornets majority owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin have assured him they don’t plan to make changes anytime soon. In August, when the new owners took control of the team, they advised Whitfield they planned to allow him and his senior leadership team to continue running the business. Whitfield says he’s grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside the talented staff he’s assembled over the years. And despite the team’s disappointing performance on the court last season, he’s proud of the way he, Chief Operating Officer

24 | SOUTHPARK

James Jordan and their team have built and maintained such a profitable organization. Whitfield credits his success in life and in business to building strong relationships. At a young age, his parents instilled in him the importance of education, and of dreaming big while remaining humble. His friendship with Michael Jordan kicked off a career he says he never could have fathomed. “I met Michael when he was in high school, and I was playing basketball for Campbell (University). He came to Campbell’s basketball camp. We just connected, I think because of the way he was raised by his parents, and [how] I was raised by my parents. We had a lot in common — a lot of mutual thoughts and feelings, and we gravitated to each other and became true friends.” The friends became lifelong business associates. While Jordan was busy playing in the NBA, Whitfield was earning a law degree at North Carolina Central University with a goal of becoming a sports agent or sports attorney. “I was very fortunate that a lot of the large sports-management firms started recruiting me because they had done their

blvd. | people

due diligence and knew I had a relationship with this guy from Wilmington. They wanted me to help them steal (Jordan) from David Falk, who was his sports agent and attorney at the time.” Instead, Falk asked Whitfield to join his firm. “And from there, I have pretty much been in the sports business and worked with Michael in some capacity almost my whole career.” Whitfield went from private practice to negotiating sports deals at Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME), then on to

careers with Nike Basketball, the Washington Wizards and Nike’s Jordan Brand. Through it all, he has become a master negotiator. His secret weapon: kindness. “One of the things I learned early in my career is oftentimes people mistake kindness for weakness. My mom and dad taught me that at a very young age. But they also taught me to always say please and thank you, and that those two words will take you a long way in your life. Anybody that is even remotely successful has had the help of a lot of people, typically a village. So, I have always thought about how I got the opportunities that I got and realized that I didn’t do it on my own. A lot of it had to do with how people wanted to help. I think people want to help people that they like being around, that they feel a connection to. I think the more successful you are, the more you have to say thank you and be appreciative of the people who helped you get to that next level.” The current season is Whitfield’s 18th as the Hornets’ president. He’s brought a community focus back to the organization through charitable events, partnerships and themed nights at Spectrum Center. Fans feel connected to the team. “We’ve reimagined the fan experience. It’s more family-friendly and welcoming to every demographic. It’s intentional that we play rock ’n’ roll, R&B, hip-hop, country. We play something for everybody, and Hugo has as big a brand in the arena [as] our players.” southparkmagazine.com | 25

blvd. | people

“One of the things I learned early in my career is oftentimes people mistake kindness for weakness.” 26 | SOUTHPARK

On the business side, Whitfield has forged long-term lucrative partnerships for ticketing, entertainment and broadcast rights. And he’s worked to elevate Charlotte’s profile on the national and international stage, teaming with city leaders and other CEOs to promote the region to economic-development prospects. He successfully lobbied to repeal HB2, making it possible for the Queen City to host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. He also played critical roles in bringing the 2019 ACC men’s basketball tournament, the 2020 Republican National Convention, and the 2012 Democratic National Convention to Charlotte. In May, Whitfield received the Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, and later this month, he’ll receive the North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state and awarded to a select few. Whitfield is humbled by the accolades, instead praising his colleagues (“an unbelievable team that is there every day making sure our business keeps moving forward”) and what he says is a talented and impassioned local business community. “Charlotte has everything that a great community should have, and our quality of life just continues to improve because we all have been and are focused on how we can make this place better.” Whitfield’s personal passion is helping ensure at-risk and underprivileged youth in the community can have a bright future. His nonprofit

blvd. | people

TAKE FIVE

Comments have been edited for length. Why SouthPark? I feel like I’m at home in SouthPark. It sort of has a city feel but a suburban feel as well. It’s a vibrant community. It has everything that you would want. Great restaurants, great shopping —obviously the best shopping in town. It is easy to get to the airport. I can get to the arena in 15-20 minutes any time of day going the back way. It’s just great people, great neighbors. Favorite dining spots: We’ve become regulars at Firebirds, BrickTop’s, Toscana, Village Tavern, CharBar 7 and Selwyn Pub. For special occasions, Steak 48 is our absolute favorite. (Whitfield’s go-to meal at Steak 48 — not found on the menu — is the wagyu butcher’s cut ribeye with corn, sweet potatoes and creamed spinach.) Favorite grocery store: The Harris Teeter at Morrocroft. What does SouthPark need? A five-star hotel. We have a lot of great hotels in Charlotte and around SouthPark, but I think this area needs some of that caliber. What do you miss or would you bring back? Manzetti’s! It was where Paco’s Tacos is now. They had great food and a great atmosphere.

28 | SOUTHPARK

HoopTee Charities provides academic scholarships for four students (two boys and two girls) for all four years of high school at Charlotte Country Day School and Providence Day School. The nonprofit also just announced a new partnership with the John Crosland School to fund two scholarships to underprivileged students (one boy and one girl) in grades K-6. Part of HoopTee Charities, Whitfield’s Achievements Unlimited basketball school has provided more than 15,000 underserved kids the opportunity to attend a one-week summer camp at no cost. Begun in his hometown of Greensboro 38 years ago, the program moved to Charlotte in 2011 and is now held at Charlotte Country Day School. It blends the hardwood with the blackboard and features prominent sports figures and business leaders, character-building messages, and daily vocabulary quizzes. “We bus the kids from various areas in Charlotte,” Whitfield says. “We work with the Boys and Girls Club, the Police Activities League, the YMCA and more. They get breakfast and lunch, great fundamental basketball training, and life lessons. There is an anti-drug message. We teach the importance of education.” The school also invites CEOs and entrepreneurs to visit and share their stories. “Successful people that look like them, and that’s important because it helps them to dream. A lot of them have never even been out of their zip code. “I pretty much have dedicated my life to it, and I love it,” says Whitfield, adding that he plans to continue his philanthropic work as long as he’s living. “Forget the fact that I’m an NBA president and all that stuff, and I have won all these awards and whatever. It’s about seeing kids 20 years later that came to our camp, and they’re a military officer or they’re a doctor or they’re a lawyer, a schoolteacher, a fireman. And they’re thrilled and having a great life and they say, ‘I remember [learning] all those vocabulary words at your basketball camp — that’s when I really started to realize how important school was.’ “For me, that’s what I hope, if anything, I will be remembered for.” SP Online extra: Watch the video to hear what Whitfield has to say about the NCAA’s NIL policy, the one time he was fired, and whether he always thought MJ would become the GOAT.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 • 5:30 - 9 PM The Union at Station West Join SouthPark for MINGLE AT THE UNION, a boutique pop-up shopping event with live music by Middle C Jazz, signature sips, savory bites, great giveaways and more. Shop for artisan foods, florals, jewelry and gifts from more than 25 hand-selected vendors in a NEW location for 2023. Plenty of parking, giveaways and VIP swag bags, too! PRESENTING SPONSOR

SIGNATURE SPONSOR

MINGLE AT THE UNION VENDORS

BOEM Caroline Simas Studio CLT Find Delta Glow Asheville Hourglass Woodworks

J. Hilburn Jen Gerena Design Kirsten Dexter Kristin Hayes Jewelry

Leenie Rae Midwest to South The Nomadic Jeweler The Pearl Pagoda

Scan for tickets or visit: southparkmagazine.com/mingle-union

Please Be Seated Primm’s Rallies & Rackets The Rooted Nest

Ruxton Mercantile The Social Shop Stone and Strap Sweet’s Elderberry Wilders

blvd. | interiors

30 | SOUTHPARK

blvd. | interiors The fireplace is the focal point in the living room. The painting over the mantel is from Art House Charlotte.

Out with the old JENA BULA REDESIGNS A KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM FOR BOTH ENTERTAINING AND RELAXING AT HOME. by Cathy Martin photographs by Tiffany Ringwald

he holiday entertaining season is upon us, and having a kitchen ideal for gathering was on the punch list for this family of five in Ballantyne Country Club. The adjacent living room needed updating, too, and the homeowners tapped Jena Bula, founder and principal designer at Delphinium Design, to bring their ’90s-era home into the present. It was the second phase of the renovation: Last year, Bula led the design of the home’s basement-level kitchen and a spa-like primary bathroom. Completing the project in phases allowed the homeowners to have access to a functioning kitchen throughout the process. The flow and footprint of the two rooms worked well, but the cream-colored cabinets, beige tile backsplash and faded green walls felt dated. “In the kitchen, we didn’t change the floor plan much as it worked for them, but we changed everything within the floor plan,” says Bula, who teamed with Watershed Builders on the project. Existing cherry floors were refinished, and frameless custom cabinets were installed for a clean, modern aesthetic. “The homeowners love to cook, so they wanted materials that they could use on a daily basis and

southparkmagazine.com | 31

blvd. | interiors

In the kitchen, the homeowners wanted a large island for guests to gather. The previous island had a dark wood countertop; the new one is topped with durable quartzite with a mitered edge. The Roman shade is by Chancery Custom, and the pendants are by Visual Comfort. The carpet runner is from Charlotte Rug Gallery, and the paintings are from Art House Charlotte.

not stress over the upkeep,” Bula says. Her solution: sealed quartzite countertops that can withstand high heat, along with a maintenance-free porcelain tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern to add texture and movement. A large island for guests to gather around was essential, along with a dedicated space — organized, but out of sight — for storing a collection of cutlery and chopsticks acquired during seven years the homeowners spent living in Japan. Bula, who prioritizes function along with design, also incorporated a knife-block drawer and rollouts for spices and large utensils. Another priority: A place to display a collection of colored glass dishes and drinkware the homeowner inherited from her grandmother. Glass-doored cabinets on either side of the range hood fit the bill. The fireplace is the focal point in the living room. A custom surround crafted of white stone with a floating wood mantel runs from floor to ceiling, flanked by custom built-in cabinets. The cabinets were designed with inset doors, four small drawers on each side, contemporary hardware, and a soothing paint color. “It’s a neutral that adds sophistication to the space,” the designer says. SP

32 | SOUTHPARK

CRAFTSMANSHIP. REFINED. Exquisite custom luxury homes for the discerning client.

gerrardbuilders.com

blvd. | cuisine

Fit for a feast 14 SPLURGE-WORTHY RESTAURANTS FOR LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

nniversaries, graduations, birthdays, promotions – you don’t want to celebrate these milestone occasions just anywhere. We’re talking about places where the ambience is as special as — in some cases, perhaps even outshines — the food. And with the holidays approaching, what better way to host out-of-town friends and family than by taking them to one of Charlotte’s swankiest spots? Here are a few local favorites for toasting your most special occasions.

SUPPERLAND The lauded Plaza Midwood restaurant in a former church is known for its elevated family-style dinner menu with clever nods to a church potluck, expertly crafted cocktails and stylish setting. Recently, Supperland debuted a weekend brunch buffet ($65 per person, not including beverages) that’s a feast worthy of a special celebration. From the honey-charred pineapple delivered tableside upon arrival to the lobster deviled eggs and spicy shrimp and grits, you’ll want to pace yourself to take it all in. There’s the buffet table with ambrosia salad, Jello squares, cucumber and pimento cheese tea sandwiches, and bite-sized pastries. But there are also hot stations with frittatas, benedicts and skewers (grilled shrimp and steak), along with a few special treats — shrimp cocktail, oysters and heavenly cinnamon rolls with cream-cheese frosting — served throughout the meal. Order a round of mimosas for the table, or go spirit-free with mocktails like the refreshing G&T with nonalcoholic gin, strawberries, lemon and mint. Dinner nightly, Saturday and Sunday brunch 1212 The Plaza | supper.land

34 | SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

Weekend brunch at Supperland

Are You Heading In The Right Direction? Navigating your financial life can be a challenge. We’ll help you find your way. When it comes to your finances, don’t just follow the current. Instead, set the course you want and choose the right partner to navigate. At First Citizens Wealth Management, we help our clients understand the ins and outs of their financial journey. And we provide an experienced team to show them the way forward – leading them to the calm waters they’re looking for. First Citizens Wealth Management. Forever First.® firstcitizens.com/wealth-overview

INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT

Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results. First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SECregistered investment advisor. Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services. Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.

blvd. | cuisine

Steak 48

La Belle Helene

More splurge-worthy spots

Limani

ARIA TUSCAN GRILLE, uptown A pre-theater mainstay, Aria’s lively atmosphere, curated wine selection and modern interpretation of Tuscan comfort food make it ideal for special occasions, too. Dinner only, Tues.-Sat. 100 N. Tryon St. | ariacharlotte.com BEEF ‘N BOTTLE, South Blvd. This top-rated, old-school spot is a Charlotte landmark, with cozy booths and classic steakhouse fare. Dinner nightly 4538 South Blvd. | beefandbottle.net BENTLEY’S, SouthPark Jim and Kay Emad moved their fine-dining restaurant from uptown to Piedmont Town Center in 2019 to be closer to their devoted clientele. What better way to celebrate than with flambeed bananas Foster, served tableside? (Read more about Bentley’s on Page 38.) Dinner Mon.-Sat. 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 110 | bentleysrestaurantnc.com THE FIG TREE, Elizabeth A fine-dining favorite for the most intimate celebrations, located in a historic 1913 Craftsman-style bungalow. Dinner nightly 1601 E. 7th St. | charlottefigtree.com KINDRED, Davidson Yes, it’s a drive to get there. And yes, the deliciously crafted, seasonal fare at Joe and Katy Kindred’s original downtown Davidson restaurant is worth it. Dinner Tues.-Sat. 36 | SOUTHPARK

131 N. Main St., Davidson | kindreddavidson.com LA BELLE HELENE, uptown One of the most stunning interiors in town, with oversized chandeliers, antique mirrors and curved leather booths. The menu features French classics with a modern twist. Dinner nightly, lunch Mon.-Fri. and brunch Sat. and Sun. 300 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100 | labellehelenerestaurant.com LIMANI, SouthPark This seafood-focused, Mediterraneaninspired restaurant at Phillips Place has a contemporary, airy feel, with soft blue furnishings and a stunning 360-degree marble-topped circular bar with a soaring domed ceiling. Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 6902 Phillips Place Ct. | limani.com MIZU, SouthPark The rooftop location of this seafood-focused spot atop the Hyatt Centric does it for us. Start with drinks on the patio to take in the view, then on to the modern-yet-elegant dining room for robata wood-fired dishes, sushi and other shareables. Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch 3100 Apex Dr. | mizu.restaurant PEPPERVINE, SouthPark Airy and modern, with rotating fine art, plenty of shareable small plates, and a private mezzanine for intimate gatherings. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Ste. 170B | peppervine.com

THE PORTER’S HOUSE, Waverly With three private rooms and a semi-private dining area, this chophouse from Rare Roots Hospitality can accommodate groups from 18 to 120, though it’s also a south Charlotte favorite for everyday gatherings. Dinner nightly 7417 Waverly Walk Ave. | theportershouse.com RH ROOFTOP RESTAURANT, SouthPark Sipping Bellinis in a greenery-filled rooftop atrium dripping with sparkly chandeliers? It doesn’t get much more glamorous than this rooftop aerie atop RH’s 50,000-square-foot Charlotte showroom. The menu includes boards for sharing, burrata flown in from Italy, salads, and a 16 oz. charred ribeye. Brunch, lunch and dinner daily 6903 Phillips Place Ct. | rh.com STAGIONI, Myers Park This Italian restaurant in a historic villa is simultaneously warm-and-cozy yet elegant enough for celebratory occasions. Dinner Tues.-Sat. 715 Providence Rd. | stagioniclt.com STEAK 48, SouthPark This upscale steakhouse at Apex SouthPark has an upbeat, contemporary vibe with top-notch service to anticipate your every need. The seafood dishes and decadent sides are every bit as delicious as the steaks. Dinner seven days a week 4425 Sharon Rd. | steak48.com SP

blvd. | cuisine

Sip and savor NEARING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS, BENTLEY’S OFFERS A FINE-DINING ALTERNATIVE TO THE TURNAND-BURN STYLE OF RESTAURANTS TODAY. by Ebony L. Morman | photographs by Amy Kolo

im Emad didn’t set out to be a restaurateur when he arrived in Charlotte in the late 1970s to attend UNC Charlotte. While studying mechanical engineering, the Persia native helped out a friend at the French-inspired La Tache at the Registry Inn on Woodlawn Road. He quickly realized he had a knack for hospitality, and within six months, he was promoted to manager. Now, more than 40 years later, Emad is on the cusp of celebrating 20 years as founder and owner of Bentley’s, a Frenchinspired fine-dining restaurant in Piedmont Town Center. Since 2004, Emad — along with the support of his wife, Kay Emad, whose maiden name is Bentley — has been at the helm, sharing his affinity for French cuisine with patrons at the dinner-only restaurant.

Jim Emad

38 | SOUTHPARK

ALLEN TATE SOUTHPARK SOLD

CHARLOTTE | $974,000 6620 Morrowick Circle Drive Tiffani Dallas | 732.492.0113

CHARLOTTE | $1,500,001 2640 Flintgrove Road Lauren Campbell | 704.579.8333

UNDER CONTRACT

CHARLOTTE | $780,000 10704 Honey Nut Drive SasserFritz Team | 704.975.9577

WAXHAW | $1,280,000 8701 Victory Gallop Court Martina Linford | 980.307.3211

A HOWARD HANNA PARTNER

blvd. | cuisine

At Bentley’s, guests are encouraged to sit, enjoy and stay for hours. One distinctive detail is the tableside service, where skilled waiters carve steaks, debone fish and flambé desserts on mobile cooking carts. Tableside preparation was popular in the U.S. until the 1970s and ’80s. “I love tableside — it’s an old art and something no one else does,” Emad says. The restaurant is designed for it, with tables spread out to ensure privacy and space for the cooking carts. “It’s about the dining experience rather than just going to have something to eat,” Emad says. When visitors enter Bentley’s, which relocated from uptown to SouthPark in 2019, there’s a good chance they’ll meet Emad, who enjoys engaging with guests. Before Bentley’s, he spent 18 years at the Fish Market, a fine-dining seafood restaurant in SouthPark, and five 40 | SOUTHPARK

years at LaVecchia’s Seafood Grille in uptown, where he was general manager. “We try to give visitors the best quality and the best service with a great price — that’s been our model,” he says. “We don’t want to rush people, we want them to enjoy themselves.” That aversion to the turn-and-burn culture that most diners experience nowadays is one of the key reasons for Bentley’s

11729 CAROLINA PL ACE PARKWAY PINEVILLE, NC

704.541.0892

PEPPERMINTFOREST.COM

blvd. | cuisine success, Emad says, along with consistency and commitment to the customer experience. “The restaurant industry is something you have to love, or you shouldn’t get into it,” he says. “You have to be consistent with your food, quality and service. That’s why I’m here every day, working the floor, greeting customers and helping my staff.” With 18 appetizers, 18 entrees, several specialty dishes, and tableside desserts such as bananas Foster and crepes Suzette, there’s something for every palate. Emad, who helps Executive Chef Moises Bollo develop new menu items, goes to great lengths to get the best ingredients, including fresh sea bass overnighted from Hawaii along with East Coast snapper, grouper and halibut. Dover sole is pan-seared in the kitchen, then filleted at the table and served with a lemon caper sauce. “It’s a delicacy,” Emad says. “It’s the best mild whitefish in the world.” There’s also the Chateaubriand for two. The tender steak is flambéed tableside, carved at the table and served with potato dauphinoise, wild mushrooms, grilled asparagus and a redwine reduction. Over the years, Emad has witnessed many changes in the restaurant industry. Recently, price increases along with staffing and product shortages have been particularly challenging. His fix is to conduct research and buy as much as he can, when he can. For example, when a local supplier of the restaurant’s preferred pasta discontinued it, he found the pasta in Los Angeles and purchased enough to last. Even the transition to SouthPark wasn’t without challenges. The reopening was postponed due to the pandemic, but Emad and his team persevered, knowing the new location was closer to their customers and more accessible than the former uptown spot. Despite the hurdles, Emad finds joy daily in ensuring that each time people visit, they get a unique and quality experience. “My favorite part is meeting new customers and taking care of them,” he says. After more than four decades in the business and in the Queen City, he’s learned an important lesson: Stay on top of your game. “Charlotte has been great for me,” Emad says. “People are friendlier than other cities. It’s growing, and it’s a good place to call home.” SP

42 | SOUTHPARK

Only 3 Estate Residences Remain

YOUR ESTATE AWAITS

Occupancy Fall 2023 Enjoy the luxury of low maintenance living in the heart of Eastover. Tour the nearly completed residences. A Collection of 32 Residences Starting from the Low $2M with Completion this Fall

WATCH THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION UPDATE SALES GALLERY 119 Cherokee Road 704.705.8181 | TheRegentatEastover.com

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

blvd. | cuisine

Herb Gnocchi and Market Vegetables

Local flavor THE ASBURY RESETS WITH CHEF TIM GROODY AT THE HELM AND A FAMILIAR FOCUS ON MODERN SOUTHERN FARE. by Cathy Martin | photographs by Justin Driscoll

ince The Asbury debuted in 2014 at uptown’s historic Dunhill Hotel, the farm-to-table restaurant has been home to some of Charlotte’s most celebrated chefs, including Chris Coleman, Matthew Krenz and Mike Long. Now, a local culinary veteran has taken the reins: Tim Groody joined the Asbury team earlier this year as executive chef. Groody, who this magazine dubbed “The Original Locavore” in 2014 — was executive chef at Sonoma Bistro for more than a decade in the early 2000s before opening Fork! in Cornelius and Ramen Soul in Mooresville. More recently, he’s worked as executive chef at Stoke at Charlotte Marriott City Center and as director of R&D for meal-prep startup The Good Kitchen. 44 | SOUTHPARK

S O U T H PA R K ’ S

Hidden Gem

Bring your appetite and come see what all the buzz is about. Whether you are looking for a new place to take a stroll, grab a coffee, get your nails done, or stay for a drink, you can find it all in Piedmont Town Center, just off Fairview Road near SouthPark Mall.

blvd. | cuisine

Sticky Biscuits The Asbury Stack

Under Groody’s direction, the restaurant retains its focus on locally sourced ingredients and regional cuisine. “We’re staying with that southern influence,” Groody says, a familiar avenue for him. Some dishes are Asbury mainstays, like the savory-and-sweet Sticky Biscuits (buttermilk biscuit dough with Benton’s country ham and goat-cheese “frosting”) and the Deviled Eggs, now topped with fennel-radish kimchi and a crispy grit crumble. Others reflect what’s in season, like the Herb Gnocchi & Market Vegetables. “We’ve reinvented the burger a bit,” says Groody, who’s joined in the kitchen by Chef de Cuisine Graham Stilwell. It’s now made with brisket, short rib and chuck and topped with pickled-tomato mayo, caramelized onions, mushrooms and artisanal American cheese. Other dishes reflect the attention to detail of a seasoned chef, from the barely-there, piquant olive-garlic romesco atop smashed fingerlings accompanying the Rosemary Roasted Flatiron

46 | SOUTHPARK

Steak to the sweet-and-salty “cracker jack” topping on a seasonal Caramel Apple Cake. Weekend brunch ranges from a classic two-egg breakfast to Banana Pudding Pancakes to the Asbury Stack, a savory dish of fried-jalapeno potato cakes served over a bed of spicy nduja and topped with eggs, goat feta and scallions. Any menu that bills itself as “modern Southern” will likely include chicken and waffles, and the Asbury’s version features pickle-brined chicken with a hot honey sauce, sorghum butter and toasted benne seeds. Groody also oversees the wine menu and cocktail program at the adjacent lobby bar, where libations such as The Apparition and The “Dusty” are a nod to local lore suggesting the hotel is haunted. The Dunhill was opened in 1929 as The Mayfair Manor, a 100-room hotel and residences designed by architect Louis Asbury Sr. Renamed The Dunhill in 1987, the property has been owned

D I S C O V E R T H E T R U E F L AV O R S O F I TA LY Meet our chef: Alessandro Magnani from Bari, Italy. Chef Alex has spent his life traveling the world, cooking authentic, Italian cuisine inspired by family recipes and the freshest ingredients. Visit Volo and experience his one-of-a-kind menu.

Join us for celebrations, date nights, holidays, and just because!

blvd. | cuisine and operated by Raleigh-based Summit Hospitality since 1991. An extensive renovation of the 60 guest rooms and lobby was completed in early 2020. The intimate dining room — modest when compared with a crop of splashy uptown restaurants that have opened in recent years — has been refreshed with new flooring, paint and an art wall celebrating North Carolina’s diverse geography and agricultural heritage. “Most of what we do is locally sourced food and fresh vegetables, so that’s kind of the theme behind the wall,” says Craig Austin, general manager at The Dunhill. With Groody at the helm, the Asbury is sure to stay true to its roots. SP The Asbury at the Dunhill Hotel is open for dinner Monday-Saturday, breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, and brunch Saturday and Sunday. theasbury.com.

STEAK LOVERS, MEET YOUR HAPPY PLACE.

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD @EPIC CHOPHOUSE

@EPIC_CHOPHOUSE

FORT MILL · MOORESVILLE

EPICCHOPHOUSE.COM

Epic Southpark Steak Ad Nov 2023 7.5 x 4.837 10.13.23.indd 1

48 | SOUTHPARK

10/13/23 7:59 AM

blvd. | people

MY FAVORITE THINGS:

Matt Doherty

att Doherty is perhaps best known as a member of UNC Chapel Hill’s 1982 NCAA championship basketball team and for his college coaching career, starting as an assistant coach at Davidson College under Bob McKillop and including three tumultuous years as the men’s head basketball coach at his alma mater. But did you know he has lived in or around Charlotte, off and on, since 1989? “I was working on Wall Street. I hated my job, and I always loved Charlotte,” says the Mooresville resident. “I told my boss I was leaving, and I moved into a friend’s house, a rented room in Dilworth. I wanted to get into the real estate business, and I interviewed with a lot of different companies. During that time, I found coaching, and coaching found me.” Doherty met his wife of 32 years, Kelly, a Concord native, at an Alive After Five concert on the convention center rooftop in 1989. “She was out with her friend, and I was out with a Tar

50 | SOUTHPARK

Heel friend of mine… She always says I recruited her.” The couple has two children: Tucker, 26, works at Weber Screwdriving Systems in Mooresville, and Hattie, 24, works at Ralph Lauren in New York City. Today, Doherty is pursuing all things in the leadership sphere, including the publication of his first book, Rebound: From Pain to Passion; executive coaching; and keynote speaking, where he seeks to help others by sharing personal stories about overcoming adversity. Doherty also makes weekly appearances on local radio stations, hosts a monthly talk show on Bloomberg TV, and produces segments for his own podcast, “Rebound,” where he interviews business and sports leaders. Comments have been lightly edited for length. COMMUNITY SPACE Just behind Bank of America Stadium, Community Matters Cafe is a great space for dinners and fundraisers. I’m a teacher and a coach, so I feel like I can encourage the students

COMMUNITY MATTERS PHOTOGRAPH BY JONATHAN COOPER

by Whitley Adkins

ALLEN TATE SOUTHPARK

CHARLOTTE | $864,999 13700 Glen Abbey Drive Team Severs & Patty Smith 704.564.7346

INDIAN TRAIL | $1,150,000 1500 Tarrington Way Rebecca Hunter | 704.650.4039

SOLD

CHARLOTTE | $925,000 3601 Johnny Cake Lane Rebecca Hunter | 704.650.4039

CHARLOTTE | $584,500 5130 Amherst Trail Drive Kaye Bender | 704.904.3221

A HOWARD HANNA PARTNER

blvd. | people

The Vintage

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER TAYLOR

working there who are going through a rehab program. I’ve developed a relationship with them, because I feel like they are doing God’s work in the community, and if I can support that in any way, shape or form, it warms my heart. There’s good parking, the food’s good — breakfast, lunch and a coffee shop — and it’s a cool vibe. SNACK BREAK I’m a little obsessed with Lance Nekot crackers. I have them every Wednesday at 4 p.m., when I do a weekly radio show at WBT with Brett Winterble. We cover current events and local, national and international news. We like to entertain and educate, laugh and learn. I also do a weekly show on WFNZ with Kyle Bailey, where we talk sports, mainly basketball, pro and college. LAKE LIFE Living in New York, where can you get that kind of access to water? You have to get on the train and go out to the beaches or rent a car and drive, so to have the beauty of Lake Norman within 20 miles of Charlotte is pretty fascinating.

South End

DINING OUT My wife Kelly and I go to Novanta restaurant in Langtree a lot. It’s a nice little community with shops and restaurants. They have live music. I also like FlatIron Kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson. The Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Dilworth is a very nice cigar lounge that used to be an auto garage. I don’t drink, but I like to smoke a cigar when I’m in town. NEIGHBORHOODS I like the vibe of South End. It reminds me a lot of Greenwich Village. Good restaurants, the train, young people. We like to go to Barcelona Wine Bar, where they have great tapas. PEOPLE When you have civic leaders like Johnny Harris and Hugh McColl, then you have the infrastructure in place, you have a great city in the South. ... Richard Vinroot, Kieth Cockrell at Bank of America, and Dan Lugo, the President of Queens University — so many great leaders. NONPROFIT Do Greater Charlotte is a great organization helping to educate young people, and, in a safe environment, giving them skills, confidence and hope for a better future. I met the owner William McNeely at an event where I was the host of a panel discussion. We got to talking, and I said, “I’d love to see your place.” He let me know he’s a State grad, and in spite of that, I seemed to like the guy. His brother was a cheerleader at Carolina when I was there. My wife and I recently donated money to purchase a van for the organization to get kids from home to the facility and back. SP

52 | SOUTHPARK

Doherty’s first book Rebound: From Pain to Passion, was published in 2021.

WINDOW AND PATIO DOOR REPLACEMENT Make your home comfortable this season with Marvin Replacement. We’ll handle every step of your project, you’ll enjoy our low-maintenance, energy-efficient Ultrex® fiberglass windows.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE + SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

704.327.5900

MARVINREPLACEMENT.COM/CHARLOTTE

blvd. | givers

Fostering hope A PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTHPARK MALL IS ONE OF MANY WAYS CONGREGATIONS FOR KIDS SUPPORTS FOSTER CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN CHARLOTTE. by Michelle Boudin

Left, personal shopper Suzanne Libfraind helps foster kids shop for clothes and shoes through a partnership between SouthPark Mall and CFK. Right, CFK Executive Director Nicole Taylor.

a technology platform that works “The transformation CAREnow, like an Amazon shopping list where social request specific items that kids need, these kids experience workers donors can buy them, then CFK delivers It’s one of four pathways CFK helps on these shopping them. champion kids in foster care. Others are reand training foster parents, matching trips would bring cruiting foster children with mentors, and supporting social workers. most people to tears.” child-welfare CFK’s Executive Director Nicole Taylor

ighteen-year-old Juliette laughs excitedly when she talks about her recent shopping trip to SouthPark Mall. With the help of a personal shopper and generous donations and discounts from some of the stores, the teen got a new wardrobe for her new job and school. It was a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise terrible year. She was just 17 when she suddenly lost her mom in a deadly accident. With no relatives to take her in, she and her younger brother were placed in foster care until Juliette turned 18 and was abruptly forced out on her own. Juliette found an apartment, got a job as a barista at Starbucks and started classes at Central Piedmont Community College. But she didn’t have much in the way of clothing — until she learned about Congregations for Kids (CFK), a local nonprofit that connects foster kids and families with people in the community who can help them. The agency set her up with Suzanne Libfraind, SouthPark Mall’s personal shopper. “It was really fun,” Juliette says. “I got a little bit of everything — jeans from Old Navy, dresses, shoes from [The] Athlete’s Foot. It was really amazing that people are willing to help and support foster kids.” Earlier this year, CFK partnered with the mall to help Juliette and others like her. Libfraind says as soon as she heard about CFK she wanted to help, and she spent six months working to bring stores on board to make it happen. Many foster kids leave home with nothing but a trash bag filled with a few clothing items, and Libfraind wanted to fix that. “I just want these kids to have this experience — come into the mall, and let’s choose what you want. These kids all need a break,” she says. So far, she’s shopped with almost two dozen kids and plans to keep growing the program. The program is an offshoot of Congregations for Kids

54 | SOUTHPARK

says the new mall partnership has been life-changing for all involved — including her. “[These teens and young adults] not only get a special gift bag from SouthPark Mall, but a CFK volunteer along with a personal shopper helps them to pick out shoes, clothing, seasonal items, and the necessities like socks and underwear. “The transformation these kids experience on these shopping trips would bring most people to tears. I’ve been on a few of these trips, and I will never forget taking a 12-year old girl to pick out shoes. She told me her favorite color was pink, and then she passed right by a pink pair of Nikes that were on display. When I pointed them out to her, she said ‘I didn’t think I could get the Nikes.’ When she realized she could and tried them on, she began to sob, saying she never thought she would be able to wear something like that.” Since CFK started six years ago, the organization has served 3,500 kids, families and the social workers who help them, but Taylor says there is much more to be done. “Kids in foster care are hidden. They are fiercely protected by the government, so much so that their stories become invisible. CFK brings light to these stories but more importantly gives the community real, tangible ways in which they can do something to help. Not everyone needs to be a foster parent — there are so many other ways to use gifts and talents to come alongside these children and teens.” SP

Five years strong. It’s a milestone marking how far we’ve come. It’s the starting line for an exciting journey ahead. And most of all, it’s a moment where we pause to say:

THANK YOU. The opportunity to serve the community we love, on our mission to bring the personal touch back to healthcare, fills us with gratitude today and fuels our excitement for tomorrow. With you, we’re proving that better health comes from stronger relationships. Thank you for your trust and partnership. For five years. And counting.

tryonmed.com

blvd. | around town

Culinary Dropout

The stream of openings in South End continues: Culinary Dropout opened its first East Coast location at Vantage South End. Its menu of comfort and bar-style food includes fried chicken Culinary Dropout with drizzled honey, slow-roasted pork ribs, Detroit-style pizza, pork-belly nachos, sandwiches and seasonal salads. Expect craft cocktails, local beer, multiple TVs to catch the game, live music, a pet-friendly patio with skyline views, and two private event spaces. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 1120 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100  The Dumpling Lady opened its first standalone restaurant in the former Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit space at 327 W. Tremont Ave.  French-Asian bakery Tous les Jours debuted its third Charlotte-area location at 2041 South Blvd. The bakery is owned by local franchisee Yidi Chen.  Chapter 6, a new restaurant from Rare Roots Hospitality, is now open at The Line. The menu is inspired by the flavors of the western Mediterranean, including Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy. Chapter 6 serves dinner daily and weekend brunch. 2151 Hawkins St.  SupperClub, a dining and entertainment concept from Charlotte restaurant veterans Brad Byrd and Andrea Nivens, is open at 3521 Dewitt Ln. Chapter 6

Elsewhere: Catalina Kitchen + Bar is open in Elizabeth. The concept from Ditka’s Restaurant Group, named for partner and legendary pro football coach Mike Ditka, serves coastal-inspired and Southern cuisine and offers a Californiafocused wine selection. Menu items include a Carolina Sunburst Farms Trout with Butter Bean Succotash, a Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, protein bowls, house-made pastas, salads and a raw bar. 1942 E. 7th St., Ste. 106.  Phillips Bistro opened in the former Bonterra space at Phillips Place. 6809-A Phillips Place Ct.  The Fox & Falcon from celebrity chef David Burke is now open in the former Dogwood location at Sharon Square. 4905 Ashley Park Ln. 56 | SOUTHPARK

Catalina Kitchen + Bar

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CULINARY DROPOUT AND THE PLAID PENGUIN

Food + drink

CELEBRATING

BECKY MCGRATH TEAM

CHRIS T. BLACK

LUCY BUTLER

LEIGH C. CORSO

MELISSA COLLINS

CAY CRAIG

LINDA HENLEY

THE HUNEYCUTT TEAM

CHIP JETTON

HEATHER MONTGOMERY

LINDSAY REDFERN

LISA RUPP

SARA ROCHE TEAM

LISA WARREN

HEATHER WOLKING

Celebrating 40 Years. Setting the standard for real estate excellence in Charlotte.

704.364.170 0 | COT T I N G H AM C H ALK .COM

The Long Room

TAILGATE TIME

Midwood Smokehouse

New in town

Luxury real-estate broker Premier Sotheby’s International Realty opened its North Carolina flagship office, designed by archi-

tect Shook Kelley, at the Shops at Morrison in SouthPark. 532 Governor Morrison St., Ste. C-110.  Swedish electric automaker Polestar, which is owned by Volvo, opened a dealership at Apex SouthPark. 425 Sharon Rd., Ste. S140.  The Long Room, a 2,800-square-feet event space, opened in Plaza Midwood. The space includes a dance floor, baby grand piano, and professional-grade lighting and sound systems and accommodates 100 seated or 150 standing. 1111 Central Ave.  Hardy Boys Records, a family-owned vinyl shop, opened at Camp North End. The store sells new and vintage records of all genres, plus vintage comic books, cassette tapes and CDs. 701 Keswick Ave., Ste. 106.

Football season is in full swing and, Midwood Smokehouse makes it easy to feed a crew with party packs ($50-$185) for groups from four to 24 at its four Charlotte-area locations. Choose two meats (brisket, chopped pork or pulled chicken) and two sides (classic mac and cheese, collards, barbecue baked beans, and others). Add-ons like St. Louis pork ribs, Texas sausage and bacon-wrapped jalapenos are available, as are slider trays ($30), pecan cobbler ($60) and banana pudding ($45). Order 24 hours ahead of time; party packs are available for takeout only. midwoodsmokehouse.com

KATHERINE BOXALL Time & Place On View Through December 9

625 South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-365-3000 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4 THE PURPLE CROWN 2023 Mixed Media on Canvas, 60 x 48 inches

58 | SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; THE LONG ROOM PHOTO BY MATTHEW JOSEPH SENECA; COURTESY MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE

blvd. | around town

www.ppsd.com

Plastic Surgery Breast Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Gynecomastia

Facelift Neck Lift Rhinoplasty Eyelid Surgery Brow Lift

Face

Ear Surgery Facial Implants Fat Transfer Hair Restoration

Body Brazilian Butt Lift Liposuction Mommy Makeover Tummy Tuck

Dermatology Acne Athlete’s Foot Cysts Dry Skin Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

Fungal Infections Hair Loss Hives Keratosis Moles

Nail Fungus Parasitic Infections Pigmentation Irregularities Mohs Micrographic Surgery Dermatopathology

Psoriasis Precancerous and Cancerous Growths Rashes Rosacea

Scars Skin Allergies Sunspots/Sun Damage Warts

Cosmetics DiamondGlow Neurotoxins & Fillers (All) Permanent Makeup Eyelash and Brow tinting Chemical Peels Sclerotheraphy Eyelash Lift Cool Sculpting Skin analysis Deep pore cleaning/extractions PRP Hair Loss Spray Tan PRP + Skin Pen/Micro Needling Dermaplaning Waxing services

Permanent Make-Up Lymphatic drainage massage Microblading Sclerotherapy Microdermabrasion Facials Micro-needling/ skin pen HydraFacial Profound Micro-Needling Laser Hair removal

November HAPPENINGS Giordano Bruno Crater from an angle, from A New Moon Rises at Discovery Place

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES Verse & Vino Nov. 2 This celebration of reading and writing features five bestselling authors, a three-course dinner and plenty of enlightening conversation. It’s the annual fundraiser supporting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation. Individual tickets are $200; book club tables for 10 are $2,000. cmlibrary.org Furnished Nov. 2-5 Ten local interior designers vie for the most votes in this annual design competition benefiting Furnish For Good, which helps Charlotte families secure needed home furnishings. Vote online for your favorite vignette and bid on home decor items sourced by the designers. furnishforgood.org Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Nov. 4 The annual fundraiser for Novant Health Children’s Hospital is actually four events in one: A marathon, half marathon, 5K and relay for teams of 3 to 5 people. Registration costs vary. thecharlottemarathon.com

The Wiz Nov. 7-12 The Tony Award-winning musical comes to the Queen City with an all-new tour. Adapted from The Wizard of Oz, this revival of the Broadway hit blends jazz, pop and ballet for a new audience. Tickets start at $30. Belk Theater. blumenthalarts.org Southern Christmas Show Nov. 9-19 Nauti or Nice is the theme for this year’s holiday shopping extravaganza at the Park Expo and Conference Center. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Tickets for a preview night benefiting The Sandbox on Nov. 8 are $26. southernchristmasshow.com 60 | SOUTHPARK

Ott and Brewer (Trenton, NJ, 1871-93). Coffeepot, 1882-90, Belleek porcelain, ivory glaze, polychrome enamels, flat and raised gold decoration. Jacobsen Collection.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER/ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY: THE MINT/LENOX

blvd. | calendar

B L I N D S | S H A D E S | S HUT TE R S | M OTO R IZATION

50% OFF PowerView®

Motorization ON SHADES & BLINDS USE C OD E : SOUT HPA R K

P ROV I D E N C E RD S H OWROOM

CORN E L I U S SH OW R O O M

101832 Providence Rd, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28277

19924 Jetton Rd, Suite 103 Cornelius, NC 28031

Call for an appointment ( 70 4 ) 5 41 -1 2 0 0 | A SACH A R LOT T E. CO M

Ally Tipoff Nov. 9 Women’s basketball teams from Iowa and Virginia Tech, fresh off 2023 Final Four appearances, will face off at Spectrum Center in this inaugural event. Tickets start at $33. ticketmaster.com

SouthPark Magazine’s Mingle at the Union Nov. 14 Join us for this year’s Mingle, an exclusive pop-up shopping event. We’ll have live music, signature sips, savory bites, great giveaways and more. Regular tickets are $25; VIP tickets with a swag bag are $60. southparkmagazine.com/ mingle-union Bria Skonberg Quartet at The Jazz Room Nov. 17-18 The Canada-born trumpeter and vocalist is known for her unique compositions that reflect a blend of influences, from classic to country to modern jazz. Skonberg and her quartet are making their Jazz Room debut at Stage Door Theater. Tickets are $25 in advance, $32 at the door. thejazzarts.org

Montana 2023, David Yarrow, on view at TFA Gallery +Advisory

Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade Nov. 22 | 5:30 p.m. Charlotte’s 77th annual Thanksgiving Parade takes place on Tryon Street uptown. The parade is free to attend;

for adventure giftguide

GreatOutdoorProvision.com/giftguide

9 Locations Across NC & VA • GreatOutdoorProvision.com

62 | SOUTHPARK

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY TOSHKOVA FINE ART GALLERY + ADVISORY IN EASTOVER

blvd. | calendar

blvd. | calendar VIP reserved seats can be purchased for $25. Come early and bring the kids to Santa’s Winter Wonderland from 3-5 p.m. — $35 includes a photo with Santa Claus, sweet treat, hot beverage and reserved seating. novanthealththanksgivingparade.com

Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Nov. 26 This concert tour is a holiday tradition for the country music star, who says the show is designed for the whole family to share in the celebration of the season. Ticket prices start at $59.75. Ovens Auditorium. ticketmaster.com

GALLERIES + MUSEUMS David Yarrow: Storytelling through Nov. 19 Legendary Scottish photographer David Yarrow is known for his dramatic and evocative black-and-white images; his subjects range from wildlife across the globe to athletes and celebrities. It’s Yarrow’s first exhibition in the Carolinas, at Toshkova Fine Art Gallery + Advisory in Eastover. tfa-advisory.com Time & Place by Katherine Boxall through Dec. 9 Painter Katherine Boxall’s newest exhibition at Jerald Melberg Gallery features new works created in the artist’s Austin, Texas, studio and her summer studio in New York City. A hand-knotted rug, a special collaboration between the gallery, the artist and Couture Knots, will also be on view. jeraldmelberg.com Walter Scott Lenox and American Belleek through Jan. 21 Eighty decorative porcelain objects from America’s Gilded Age are on view at this exhibition at Mint Museum Randolph. mintmuseum.org

You’re gonna need a bigger bag

Kennedi Carter: Sight Unseen through Jan. 15 The Durham photographer made a splash when she photographed Beyonce for the cover of British Vogue in 2020. Her work has since been featured in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, The New York Times and others. This exhibition at the Gantt Center explores the artist’s depictions of Black life and “moments often overlooked or invisible to society.” (Read more about Carter on page 120.) ganttcenter.org A New Moon Rises through early 2024 This exhibition at Discovery Place Science features large-scale photographs of the six Apollo moon landings captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera between 2009 and 2015. More than 50 photos are on view, along with videos and 3D models of impact craters. Included with museum admission, starting at $18 for children 2 and up and $23 for adults. discoveryplace.org All These Too by Halsey Hathaway Nov. 7 - Jan. 3 The New York artist’s fourth solo exhibition at SOCO Gallery features Hathaway’s colorful, kaleidoscopic abstract paintings. An opening reception with the artist will be held Nov. 7 from 5-7 p.m. socogallery.com

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

9 Locations Across NC & VA GreatOutdoorProvision.com

southparkmagazine.com | 63

|art of the state

Waves, 2021, acrylic and collage (incl. paper, cheesecloth, nori) on linen, 60 x 80 in

Careful chaos CHIEKO MURASUGI’S ART SUBVERTS ORDER AND CHANGES PERSPECTIVES. by Liza Roberts

bstract painter Chieko Murasugi has navigated conflicting perspectives all her life. She holds a Ph.D. in visual science and works as an artist; she is the Tokyo-born daughter of Japanese immigrants who was raised in Toronto and lives in America; she is a former impressionist painter who has turned to visual illusion to anchor her geometric art. “I want to make the elusive, disparate, confusing, multifaceted nature of the world absolutely clear,” says the Chapel Hill artist. “I want to be clear in my view that the world is unclear.” Illusions underpin this message; her interest in them is one of the few things that has remained constant in her life. As a scien-

tist, Murasugi studied visual perception because she was fascinated by mysteries like 3D illustrations that seem to flip upside down or right-side up depending on the angle of the viewer, or the ghosts of afterimages, or the way the interpretation of a color changes depending on the colors that sit beside it. Now, as an artist, she uses phenomena like these to tweak a viewer’s perception, to make a picture plane shift before their eyes, to turn it from one thing into another. She populates these paintings with crisp, unambiguous, flat-colored shapes. “I have clarity, and I have ambiguity at the same time,” she says. “And that’s really at the crux of my art — it’s the ambiguity, the clarity, the dichotomy.” southparkmagazine.com | 65

NOV. 21-26 BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG • 704.372.1000

|art of the state

Which Way Home, 2023, flashe vinyl paint on canvas, 36 x 48 in

Her art creates it, and she’s long lived it. Murasugi grew up in a “very white” Canadian suburb, “very clearly a minority.” As a child, her father — a descendent of 1600s-era samurai — showed her maps of Japan’s former reach across Asia, and told her “Americans took it away.” He told her about how American forces firebombed downtown Tokyo, and how he and her mother barely escaped with their lives. But these were not facts she’d been taught in school or heard anywhere else. “I had taken world history, and I had not heard anything about the firebombings of Japan,” she says. “And so everywhere I went, I was presented with diverging, often conflicting, but very disparate narratives. Who am I supposed to believe?” When she was studying for her doctorate at York University in Canada, she recalls her professors proudly touting the department’s significance in the field. Then she went to Stanford to do postdoctoral work in neurobiology, and nobody had heard of her colleagues at York University. “Again, I had to shift my perspective,” she says. Fueling those shifts was an overwhelming curiosity, she says, “always wanting to know why. Why, why, why. Curiosity has been the driving force of my life.” Years later, when Murasugi left her accomplished academic career and the world of science for art, her viewpoint shifted again. In a deeply rooted way, she was coming home; she had always drawn and painted, and in college she studied art as well as science. Even at the height of her successful scientific career as a professor and research scientist, Murasugi believed that she didn’t truly belong. She thought she wasn’t quantitative, logical or analytical enough — that “there was something that was missing in the way that I was thinking,” she says. With art, the opposite was the case: “I knew I could do it.” After she moved to North Carolina with her husband several years ago, this innate conviction took her back to school, to UNC

In Loving Memory: Worlds Left Behind, 2023, acrylic on linen, 60 x 40 in

Peridot, 2022, silk, polyester and ink on silk, 40 x 32 in (Sewn by Barbara VnDewoestine) southparkmagazine.com | 67

ALLEN TATE SOUTHPARK UNDER CONTRACT

CHARLOTTE | $432,500 1137 Park West Drive David Huss | 704.634.9682

UNDER CONTRACT

CHARLOTTE | $875,000 1137 Dilworth Crescent Row Marlyn Jamison & Logan Troutman 704.363.4432

UNDER CONTRACT

CHARLOTTE | $915,000 9902 Triple Oak Road Marlyn Jamison | 704.363.4432

CHARLOTTE | $1,750,000 5325 Callander Court Jean Benham | 704.363.2938

A HOWARD HANNA PARTNER

|art of the state

In a Grove, 2021, Acrylic and collage (paper, cheesecloth, diary pages) on panel, 36 x 48 in

Chapel Hill for an MFA. There, she met fellow artists she respected and joined with to co-found and co-curate an artist-run Chapel Hill exhibit space called Basement, which has earned a reputation as an incubator for emerging artists. Over the last 18 months, Murasugi has found fresh directions, resulting in a new body of work called Chance that explores randomization, color theory, chance and chaos. “My mother was basically dying when I began this series,” she says. “Her impending death — having to process her death — is what inspired it. And I continued it for about a year because I was just bereft.” Murasugi’s mother survived World War II “by chance” and always thought of her life as defined by that good fortune; this fueled Murasugi’s experimentation with art made, in part, “by chance.” Using an algorithm on the website random.org to arrange her own colors, shapes and patterns into random compositions, Murasugi created a series of colorful, geometric works. In late summer 2022, she posted these works on the Instagram feed of Asheville’s Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, part of her digital residency with the museum. She also exhibited them at Craven Allen gallery in Durham.

More recently, Murasugi has returned to the illusion-anchored canvases she began a few years ago — what she now refers to as her “old way of painting.” It has been a struggle, she says, because “the end point is unknown.” Unlike the work made with the guidance of the randomizing program, “the trajectory is not straightforward” with these newer, intuitive paintings. “It’s forward and backwards, left and right. I’ve always worked this way, before I went to the Chance series, and I’d almost forgotten how difficult painting is. Both fun, and excruciatingly difficult.” Some of the pieces currently underway will find their way to CAM Raleigh for a show called Neo-Psychedelia that opens Nov. 10. Murasugi’s work has also been exhibited in museums in San Francisco, New York and across the South, and is in the collections of the City of Raleigh and Duke University. Its abstraction welcomes any interpretation at all; its subtle illusory elements gently subvert them. “People have said to me over the years: Your work is so beautiful. And I think, well, I hope it doesn’t stop there,” she says. “But if they say, it’s so beautiful – Oh! And then it flips! I think, OK, good. As long as they see that there were two ways of looking at it.” SP southparkmagazine.com | 69

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023– JANUARY 21, 2024 MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH

Walter Scott Lennox and American Belleek is generously presented by Wells Fargo Private Bank. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Hillary and Fairfax Cooper, Laura and Mike Grace, Mozelle DePass Griffith, and Liz and Dave Shuford. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its donors. IMAGE: Ceramic Art Company/Lenox, Inc. (Trenton, NJ, 1889-), Depasse Manufacturing Company (United States, 1909-15). Decanter Set (detail), circa 1905-15, Belleek porcelain, silver mounts, silver overlay. Collection of Bob Cunningham. 704.337.2000 | 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

|bookshelf

November books NOTABLE NEW RELEASES compiled by Sally Brewster

Emperor of Rome by Mary Beard In her international bestseller SPQR, Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome, from its slightly shabby Iron Age origins to its reign as the undisputed hegemon of the Mediterranean. Now, drawing on more than 30 years of teaching and writing about Roman history, Beard turns to the emperors who ruled the Roman Empire, beginning with Julius Caesar and taking us through the nearly three centuries — and some 30 emperors — that separate him from the boy king Alexander Severus. Yet Emperor of Rome is not your typical chronological account of Roman rulers, one emperor after another. Instead, Beard asks different, often larger and more probing questions: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained? What kind of jokes did Augustus tell? And for that matter, what really happened, for example, between the emperor Hadrian and his beloved Antinous? Effortlessly combining the epic with the quotidian, Beard tracks the emperor down at home, at the races, on his travels, even on his way to heaven. Distant Sons by Tim Johnston What if Sean Courtland’s old Chevy truck had broken down somewhere else? What if he’d never met Denise Givens, a waitress at a local tavern, and gotten into a bar fight defending her honor? Or offered a ride to Dan Young, another young man burdened by secrets and just drifting through the small Wisconsin town? Instead, Sean enlists Dan’s help with a construction job in the basement of the elderly, reclusive Marion Devereaux — and gradually the two men come to realize that they’ve washed up in a place haunted by the disappearance of three young boys decades earlier. As Sean and Dan’s friendship deepens, and as Sean gets closer to Denise and her father, they come to the attention of

a savvy local detective, Corrine Viegas, who has her own reasons for digging into Dan’s past — and for being unable to resist the pull of the town’s unsolved mystery. Blood Memory: The Tragic Decline and Improbable Resurrection of the American Buffalo by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan The American buffalo, our nation’s official mammal, is an improbable, shaggy beast that has found itself at the center of many of our most mythic and sometimes heartbreaking tales. The largest land animals in the Western Hemisphere, they are survivors of a mass extinction that erased ancient species that were even larger. For nearly 10,000 years, they evolved alongside Native American people who weaved them into every aspect of daily life; relied on them for food, clothing and shelter; and revered them as equals. Newcomers to the continent found the buffalo fascinating at first, but in time they came to consider them a hindrance to a young nation’s expansion. And in the space of only a decade, they were slaughtered by the millions for their hides, with their carcasses left to rot on the prairies. Then, teetering on the brink of disappearing from the face of the Earth, they would be rescued by a motley collection of Americans, each of them driven by different — and sometimes competing — impulses. This is the rich and complicated story of a young republic’s heedless rush to conquer a continent, but also of the dawn of the conservation era — a story of America at its very best and worst. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng The year is 1921. Lesley Hamlyn and her husband, Robert, a lawyer and war veteran, are living at Cassowary House on the Straits Settlement of Penang. When “Willie” Somerset southparkmagazine.com | 71

A Z A L E A A Z A L E A

Winnie Simmons REALTOR®/BROKER

704.576.9225 wsimmons@dickensmitchener.com

|bookshelf Maugham, a famed writer and old friend of Robert’s, arrives for an extended visit with his secretary Gerald, the pair threaten a rift that could alter more lives than one. Maugham, one of the great novelists of his day, is beleaguered: Having long hidden his homosexuality, his unhappy and expensive marriage of convenience becomes unbearable after he loses his savings — and the freedom to travel with Gerald. His career deflating, his health failing, Maugham arrives at Cassowary House in desperate need of a subject for his next book. Lesley, too, is enduring a marriage more duplicitous than it first appears. Maugham suspects an affair, and, learning of Lesley’s past connection to the Chinese revolutionary, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, decides to probe deeper. But as their friendship grows and Lesley confides in him about life in the Straits, Maugham discovers a far more surprising tale than he imagined, one that involves not only war and scandal but the trial of an Englishwoman charged with murder. It is, to Maugham, a story worthy of fiction. Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir, Sly Stone with Ben Greenman Not many memoirs are generational events. But when Sly Stone, one of the few true musical geniuses of the last century, decides to finally tell his life story, it can’t be called anything else.

As the frontman for the ’60s pop-rock-funk band Sly and the Family Stone, a songwriter who created some of the most memorable anthems of the 1960s and 1970s (“Everyday People,” “Family Affair”), and a performer who electrified audiences at Woodstock and elsewhere, Sly Stone’s influence on modern music and culture is indisputable. But as much as people know the music, the man remains a mystery. After a rapid rise to superstardom, Sly spent decades in the grips of addiction. The book moves from Sly’s early career as a radio DJ and record producer through the dizzying heights of the San Francisco music scene in the late 1960s and into the darker, denser life (and music) of 1970s and 1980s Los Angeles. Set on stages and in mansions, in the company of family and of other celebrities, it’s a story about flawed humanity and flawless artistry. SP Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books. 4139 Park Rd., parkroadbooks.com.

southparkmagazine.com | 73

S T R ETC H

your body & your experiences

On any given day, you’ll find a range of options to fuel your passions, meet new friends and enjoy a lifestyle rich with interesting and exciting educational and engaging programs. Learn more about our rental senior living community at TheBarclayatSouthPark.com or schedule a visit at 980.825.4211. I NDE P E NDE NT LI VI NG | ASSI STED LI V I NG | MEMORY S UPPORT S KIL LE D NURSI N G | R EHABI LI TATI O N A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living

4801 Barclay Downs Drive Charlotte, NC 28210

|simple life

A cure for the summer blues AND A HOMECOMING FOR A FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER by Jim Dodson

when I found her running wild and free on the shoulder of a busy highway near the South Carolina line, a filthy, joyful black pup that raced into my arms as if she knew I was there to save her — though I’m convinced it was the other way around. Whichever it was, we found each other and shared an uncommonly powerful bond to the very end. One of the saddest moments of my life was watching her soulful brown eyes close for the last time as she lay at my feet in the garden she helped me build. Or it felt like it at the time. Grief is such untidy business. It squeezes your heart at unexpected moments. Every time I saw a dog that looked like Mully — a flat-coated retriever and border collie mix — I found myself almost aching with returning sadness. Even our aging and sweet old pit bull, Gracie, whom I call Piggie for the way she snorts when eating and sleeping, seemed to keenly feel Mully’s absence, despite the fact that pits are not known for displaying much emotion. One day last fall, I happened upon the site for Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network, and there was a black-and-white female puppy looking for a forever home. I was sure Mully was sending her to us. So, on a lark, I filled out the paperwork and supplied proper references. A week or so later, we drove to a farm down in Asheboro to pick her up.

ILLUSTRATION BY GERRY O�NEILL

s I write this, I’ve just returned from East Hampton, New York, where I sat on the porch of a beautiful old house that belongs to my friends, Rees Jones, the famous golf-course architect, and his wife, Susan. The sun had just come up, and the first birds were chirping. Susan’s gardens were lush from recent rains. It was the day after Labor Day, and the summer crowds were finally winding their way home. I’d be lying if I said I was sad to see this particular summer go. It was a real doozy back home in Carolina, the hottest and driest summer I can recall, which explains why I spent many days watering my wilted gardens that seemed prepared to give up the ghost. But I’m already in a November state of mind. November, you see, is one of my two favorite months, when I pause to take inventory of the year, count my blessings and thank the Lord for unexpected gifts. This year, I’m starting early with a dog named Blue. He was the one great thing about summer’s end — beside summer’s end. Up till the moment my wife, Wendy, found him, I was feeling intense lingering grief over the loss of my beloved dog Mulligan at the end of August last year. Mully, as I called her, was 17 and had been my faithful traveling pal since the October day in 2005

southparkmagazine.com | 75

Your Smile...is Our Passion! World Class Cosmetic Dentistry by Steven H Ghim, DMD

70 4 - 9 3 5 - 270 0 | d r steve n g h i m .co m

|simple life We named her Winnie — either after Winnie-the-Pooh or my late friend Winnie Palmer, Arnold’s wonderful wife — I’m still not sure which. It wasn’t long before I started calling her Wild Winnie. She is an exceptionally smart and insanely joyful mix of Labrador retriever, English springer spaniel plus something her DNA results termed as “Super Mutt.” She is every bit that and more. In truth, however, I wasn’t sure life in an old suburban city neighborhood would be sufficient for our beautiful Super Mutt’s needs. But I was wrong. Winnie quickly attached herself to Gracie the Bull and my wife, who took her to training classes and soon had her obediently performing an impressive repertoire of commands. Wendy also began taking Winnie to the local dog park, where she fell in with a band of rough-and-tumble regulars named Roger, Jack and Ellie that run, wrestle and chase each other until they drop from exhaustion. Winnie, in short, has been a joy. Without fail, she jumps into my lap every morning to give me a soppy lick of gratitude for finding her. But she’s clearly one of the girls. Wendy is her sun and moon. I’m just Wild Winnie’s fun playmate. I was OK with that until the end of August, when the first anniversary of losing Mully approached. My intuitive wife seemed to divine that my normal “summer blues” were worse than ever this year. One afternoon as we shared a cool drink beneath the shade trees, she handed me her phone and said, smiling, “So what do you think?” It was a photo of a beautiful black flat-coated retriever that looked exactly like Mully. “He’s over in Tennessee, a rescued young male who belonged to a lady who had to give him up. They say he’s sweet as can be, loves other dogs and even cats. They’re taking a load of rescued dogs to New England and will be passing through western Virginia this Friday evening. If you’re interested. I’ve already cleared our references.” For several seconds I said nothing, just stared at the photo. “You need your dog,” my wise wife quietly said. So we drove to western Virginia and picked him up. On the two-hour drive home, he climbed up front and placed his head in my lap and fell asleep. We named him Blue, my forever cure for the summer blues. After a bath, he was so black he was blue. My daughter, Maggie, suggested the name. Blue follows me everywhere, lies at my feet and already answers to his name. Piggie and Winnie adore him. Ditto Boo Radley, the cat. On the evening I arrived home from New York, Blue was the first one to greet me at the door, hopping up to give me a lick on the chin. It was good to be home. For both of us. SP Jim Dodson is a New York Times bestselling author in Greensboro.

Showstoppers

1013 Union Rd. | Gastonia

www.tallyhoclothier.com

704.861.1990 Monday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 10-3 southparkmagazine.com | 77

|well + wise

Taking inventory AND MONITORING THE RED FLAGS THAT CAN SHOW US HOW WE’RE REALLY DOING by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

“

How are you?” “Fine, thanks, how are you?” “Fine, thanks!”

But, are you really? We get so accustomed to giving rote, automatic responses because we’re rushed, we’re afraid of making things awkward, and quite often we’re not actually taking the time to ask ourselves how we truly are doing. So much of my mission is around encouraging people to tend to their mental health just as they do their physical health. You go to annual doctor appointments, or you visit the urgent care when something acute happens. And you likely don’t have shame when telling people about these appointments. We need to treat taking care of our mental health the same. If we’re on autopilot or not being intentional about allowing ourselves to check in with how we’re doing, we are at risk. We leave emotions unexpressed, our nervous systems remain dysregulated, and our relationships, cognitive functioning and physical health can become impaired. When we recognize that we all have mental health — emotional, psychological and social well-being — we can find ways to make sure we’re doing OK with it — and learn coping strategies if we’re not. I created an inventory for my clients that I adapted from Brene Brown’s Vowel Check. I encourage clients to do this each morning or night to mindfully assess how they’re doing — and determine if there’s anything they might be holding onto that could negatively impact their mental or physical health.

A: To what can I/did I bring more AWARENESS today? This can be around things that don’t serve you, such as negative self-talk, or other things you want to be more intentional about.

E: Have I practiced EMPATHY today? This is about extending compassion to others and to yourself. It is seeing yourself and others in all of our humanness, and practicing acceptance.

I: What have I done for myself today? This is self-care, both proactive and reactive! O: Have I practiced taking OPPOSITE ACTION today? Sometimes our stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt want us to play it safe, or they cause us to react. Taking the opposite action to this can build our confidence and actually improve symptoms. U: Am I carrying any UNEXPRESSED or UNEXPECTED emotions? Let yourself name it to tame it! Acknowledge and honor whatever emotions might have come up throughout the day, then decide if you want or need to process them. Y: YEAH! What went well today? Name 1-3 things that you’re grateful for — it will increase your feel-good hormones. Juliet spoke with Laura Hays, an emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Lasting Impact Wellness Group (LIWG), a health coaching service and consultancy. Below are excerpts from their interview, lightly edited. What drew you to emergency medicine, and later to start Lasting Impact Wellness Group? There isn’t one specific demographic in the emergency department. I like meeting people from all walks of life and learning from them. I like knowing that I know a little bit about everything as opposed to everything about a little bit. I’ve also been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and I wanted to marry these two things I love: medical training and mind/body connection and preventative care. As a physician, I’m considered a healthcare worker, but particularly in emergency medicine, it’s often more accurate to describe myself as a “sick care” worker. Patients are acutely sick and sometimes not healthy at all. While I love that, I felt I was missing that “healthcare” portion of it. Through LIWG, we seek to help people optimize their health and well-being to minimize their need for sick care. southparkmagazine.com | 79

WILDERS WAGYU SUBSCRIPTION BOXES - 100% FULLBLOOD WAGYU BEEF ORDER YOURS ONLINE AT WWW.WILDERS.COM OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE OUR FULL HOLIDAY COLLECTION

www.wilders.com

(919) 551-8102

114 W Main Street, Clayton, NC 27520

|well + wise What are you willing to share about your own mental health journey? I experienced panic attacks in college. It taught me that we can be drifting through life and, on the surface, it looks like everything is going well. We may not be feeling particularly stressed or anxious about a particular thing — and then it sneaks up on you. I’m sure there were hints of anxiety earlier that I hadn’t recognized, so that was a profound experience for me. One of the most awful things about panic and anxiety is the fear of having it come back. That’s almost worse than the fear itself: the fear of it returning. When you have patients who have no familiarity with panic/anxiety and now it’s part of their story, how do you guide them through that? Helping patients understand the physiology of what’s happening in the body is helpful. I try to explain that a) you’re not crazy, b) this isn’t in your head, and c) this is a real physiological response. I explain what your sympathetic nervous system is doing. Our nervous system was designed to protect us, and it doesn’t understand the difference between perceived and real threats. I help people understand that there doesn’t have to be a major life event, it can be the little nagging, subtle everyday items that they think they’re managing. But deep down, their body is in a constant low level of stress that is affecting sleep and relationships and, over time, can lead to an eruption.

The psychoeducation can shift one’s relationship to anxiety so drastically. Our adaptive nervous-system response (fight/flight/freeze) is amazing, but sometimes unhelpful when the perceived threat isn’t real. Yes, your body is physically responding. It helps to validate that and for people to know that while it is automatic, we can manipulate it. I also coach patients’ family members or friends, too, to also educate them and give them tips. How else do you encourage patients to take inventory of how they’re really doing? We encourage our clients to look at what is going on for them in the short-term, medium-term and long-term. We help people figure out how to cope, how to manage, and how to recognize the impact of what’s going on in one’s mind and body. If we’re not paying attention to that, we’re going to miss something. We might miss great opportunities to control the mind/body or miss red flags that get neglected or ignored and can lead to something bigger. SP Juliet Kuehnle is the owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness and author of Who You Callin’ Crazy?! The Journey From Stigma To Therapy. The full interview featuring Laura Hays can be found on Instagram @YepIGoToTherapy or wherever you stream podcasts.

southparkmagazine.com | 81

UNRIVALED luxury E X P E R I E N C E T H E N E X T L E V E L I N L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E W H E N Y O U PA R T N E R W I T H U S

Kaye Bender 704.904.3221

Jean Benham 704.363.2938

Adria Britt 704.904.0557

Daina Brundrett 704.651.8917

Anne-Marie Bullock 704.472.1979

Lauren Campbell 704.579.8333

Jamie Craft 704.507.9623

Bryan Criminger 704.578.2016

Tiffani Dallas 732.492.0113

David Deal 704.364.6400

Kemp Dunaway Jr. 704.458.6997

Charlie Emmanuel 704.906.8800

Bailee Eurey 704.530.4630

Holly Evans 704.589.1466

Kim Ewert 704.491.2765

Anthony Frantilla 704.629.8669

Glenda Gravatt 704.421.2302

Sharon Hammitt 704.287.6639

Nick Hill 704.292.8722

Rebecca Hunter 704.650.4039

A HOWARD HANNA PARTNER

A L L E N TAT E R E A LT O R S ® S O U T H PA R K #1 pri vately owned real estate company in the country and founding member of L e a d i n g R e a l E s t a t e C o m p a n i e s o f t h e Wo r l d ® a n d L u x u r y P o r t f o l i o I n t e r n a t i o n a l ®

David Huss 704.634.9682

Team Jamison 704.363.4432

Kimberly Johnson 704.310.6311

Team Kachellek 704.517.2764

Katie Koppelmann 980.228.1470

Emily Koski 336.391.3737

Martina Linford 980.307.3211

Tony Nicastro 704.615.5553

Helen Penter 704.578.1370

Cindy Ransone 704.506.8173

Eric Reeves 828.263.7741

SasserFritz Team 704.975.9577

Suzanne and Tim Severs 704.564.7345

Patty Smith 704.591.9019

Shelley Spencer 704.907.3800

Frank Turner 704.516.9628

James Webb 336.830.9062

Carla Weyrick 704.564.5585

Hayes Willett 704.965.3967

Sloan Young 336.402.6667

84 | SOUTHPARK

The gallery wall in the living room features an eclectic mix of art, including brass rubbings from Westminster Abbey during a family trip to London in the 1980s, a pencil drawing of Pringle’s grandfather that she sketched in high school and silhouettes of various family members. Above right: Christi Pringle in her accessories closet, wearing one of FOUND’s signature items, a skirt embroidered by Indian women who are HIV positive. Her earrings are made from antique Venetian glass by a London designer.

Cool & collected CHRISTI PRINGLE’S INSATIABLE WANDERLUST AND DEEPROOTED APPRECIATION OF ART AND CULTURE MANIFEST AS A PASSION WITH PURPOSE. by Catherine Ruth Kelly photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck produced by Whitley Adkins

southparkmagazine.com | 85

Cocoa the dog commandeers a corner in the family room, anchored by a handpainted French desk from the Charleston home of Walter Pringle’s grandmother. A black-and white-abstract painting by Christi Pringle accents the space.

A portrait of Walter Pringle’s grandmother greets guests at the bar, which is accented with heirlooms and travel souvenirs.

86 | SOUTHPARK

hristi Pringle’s first taste of travel was at age 2, when her family moved from California to the Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal. Her father’s service as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force landed them there for four years before they returned stateside and settled in the Charleston area. “Living in the Azores is where my love of travel began, as well as my appreciation of different cultures,” Pringle says. This love and appreciation is apparent both in Pringle’s personal style and in the Old Foxcroft home where she and husband, Walter, live and raised their two adult sons. Each room has a colorful, collected aesthetic that has been thoughtfully woven from wanderlust and cultural curiosity. Walls are filled with art curated from vacations or created by family members, including Pringle herself. Furniture and accessories include travel relics, heirlooms from beloved ancestors and pieces accumulated via Pringle’s keen eye from vintage stores.

A Moooi chandelier illuminates the custom Jonathan Kauffman dining table. Kauffman assembled it on-site, and Christi wrote a prayer on the center post before he affixed the top. The banquette is from Ballard Designs.

southparkmagazine.com | 87

The Pringles’ front door, finished in shiny black lacquer, is punctuated with an oversized round brass knob procured in England. The knob was inspired by Pringle’s favorite London hotel, Number Sixteen. Upon entering the house, a hand-painted Asian screen greets guests in the foyer. The screen is from Walter’s grandmother’s home in downtown Charleston. “The original Coromandel screen was twice this size,” Pringle explains. “Walt and his sister both loved it, so they divided the panels into two so they each can enjoy half.” Just beyond the entry, a painting of Walter’s beloved grandmother hangs above a console table that doubles as a bar. The portrait was painted by Walter’s step-grandfather, an English professor and true Renaissance man whose hobbies included art, music and poetry. Beneath the painting sits a ceramic Asian sculpture, another heirloom from Walter’s grandmother. The bronze Etruscan horse is a souvenir from Rome, a frequent destination for the Pringles because of dear friends who live there. 88 | SOUTHPARK

The powder-room walls are swathed in a mossy green faux croc wallpaper by Elitis. Kelly Wearstler pendant lights hang above the sink. But the chicest accessory is the built-in telephone, which is original to the house. The number written on the base is 867-5309, for a latrine laugh.

The laundry area is camouflaged with wallpaper by Rebel Walls. southparkmagazine.com | 89

An antique buffet from Walter Pringle’s grandmother showcases a silver tea service awarded to Christi’s great grandfather in a boat race in 1937. He was a sea captain and invented a class of boat called the Moth boat. Fabric lampshades were sourced from Cashion Hill Design. The large artwork was a wedding gift from Walter’s step-grandfather, a pioneer of computer art.

90 | SOUTHPARK

A small slab of rock shaped by oxidized iron, so intricately detailed it reminds Pringle of a city skyline, also sits atop the bar. She picked it up at a shop in Paris just around the corner from the Hotel de Buci, where she and her sister, Tracy Dart, have befriended the concierge. Pringle and her sister share a love for travel, so much so that they founded a business around it in 2016. FOUND Collection, a mindfully sourced collection of clothing and accessories from around the world, combines their passions for travel and fashion. “Our trips usually focus on sourcing items for our business,” Pringle says. FOUND features independent women designers with a socially conscious or sustainable mission. Pringle and Dart offer their products at trunk shows and donate to a nonprofit after each sale. “This year was a banner year for FOUND’s international exploration — Copenhagen, Madrid, London, Mallorca and the Azores,” Dart says. “We are

An antique Asian screen, an heirloom from Walter Pringle’s grandmother, makes a statement in the foyer. The Pringles added wooden slats beside the front door to create a division between the entry and living room. The rug is from Adrienne Davis Design.

southparkmagazine.com | 91

A porch party with dear friends who have supported FOUND since its beginning in 2016. Christi’s father brought the round table home from Morocco.

92 | SOUTHPARK

always thrilled to discover new items to share and new artisans to support.” Pringle and Dart are grateful they have been able to translate their wanderlust into a greater purpose. “We feel fortunate to be able to use our business as a platform for women supporting women and share these unique handmade items from all over the world,” Pringle notes. As for her next trip with her husband, Pringle says that is a favorite topic of conversation. “Our 30th anniversary is next year, so we are trying to land on something perfect,” Pringle says. “We both have long lists of places to go, and happily they are pretty similar lists!” SP

Wine awaits guests in a vintage silver nautilus wine chiller that Christi also uses as a planter.

Hors d’oeuvres are served on a handcarved wooden tray that Christi’s father bought in the Philippines. The engraved silver cup is a 1932 boat race trophy won by her grandfather.

southparkmagazine.com | 93

The grand staircase in the Presidential Suite Elle: Aje Cordelia corseted maxi dress, $625, Showroom; Nicholas Kirkwood blue suede shoes, $275, Edit Sale; earrings, $54, Hong Kong Vintage; Bakelite bracelets, stylist’s own

Channing: The Vampire’s Wife floral dress, $1,165, Showroom; Pierre Hardy heels, stylist’s own

Glamour

94 | SOUTHPARK

styling and production: Whitley Adkins

makeup: Hope Nash, lead stylist, Studio G at The Greenbrier

photography: Mira Adwell

models: Elle Danielson, represented by Ursula Wiedmann

interiors styling: Brooke Werhane Maples

Models, and Channing Queen represented by Directions,

hair: Farah Karim

USA, Model and Artist Management

THE GREENBRIER: A STORY OF BEAUTY AND TRANSFORMATION, FASHION AND FAMILY by Krisha Chachra

ers is a story of continuous transformation: the only true way to survive. After more than 200 years of change, The Greenbrier Resort and Spa continues welcoming guests drawn by the luxury, relaxation, charm and beauty that defines her — while absorbing a rich history that made the hotel what it is today. From a social hub for the wealthy elite to a hospital during wartime, followed by a magnificent rebirth ushered by a famous designer and a secret underground bunker during the Cold War, the 710-room hotel set on 11,000 acres is an iconic destination like no other — and serves as the dreamiest setting for our November style shoot. Elle: Anna Quan dress, $855, DeMillier bag, $550, both from Showroom; Milagros Bonasso earrings, $128, Sloan; vintage bracelets and Chanel shoes, stylist’s own

grandeur

southparkmagazine.com | 95

An enduring history Lured by the healing powers of the local hot springs, families and friends have escaped to The Greenbrier in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, since the late 1700s to restore their health in the “magical” wells that run deep in the Allegheny Mountains. Initially referred to as “The Old White Hotel,” the resort was built in 1858 on a Shawnee Indian hunting ground rich with mineral waters believed to dissolve symptoms of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. With the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Railroad in 1873, the resort — which held a reputation as a social gathering place for the wealthy — began expanding to welcome a wider clientele. In the 1920s, while the country was on the verge of the Great Depression, the resort flourished under the ownership of C&O. The Greenbrier expanded its Virginia Wing, which today houses the exclusive Windsor Club Wing and the Presidential Suite, a 14-room, 96 | SOUTHPARK

Left: Smythe blazer, $427, Showroom; vintage blouse, $46, and pearl earrings, $88, both from Hong Kong Vintage; Daniel Gonzalez Designs skirt, $2,500; Eugenia Kim hat, $295, Neiman Marcus; Loeffler Randall clutch, $295, Sloan; vintage ring, stylist’s own

Above: Left: Philosophy jumpsuit, $475, Edit Sale; boots, $124, Hong Kong Vintage Right: Sarah Campbell dress, $174, Zimmermann jaguar coat, $328, and earrings, $64, all from Hong Kong Vintage

Opposite: Breakfast in bed served by Tina Sparks in the Presidential Suite Andrew Gn dress, $625, Edit Sale; dangle earrings, $64, Hong Kong Vintage Helenita Home bowl, $28, Charlotte’s

7-bedroom, two-floor suite complete with a formal dining area, full kitchen, library, living room and an elegant, half-spiral staircase set against cymbidium orchid wallpaper. The signature north entrance was added, a grand façade with distinguished slender, white columns and symmetrical landscaped gardens. During World War II, the resort transformed again. In 1941, the State Department leased the hotel for international diplomats before the U.S. Army purchased the entire resort and converted it into a 2,000-bed infirmary, which they renamed Ashford General Hospital. During the war, close to 25,000 soldiers were admitted and treated.

southparkmagazine.com | 97

Dorothy Draper’s maximalist style C&O Railway regained ownership of The Greenbrier after the war and hired Dorothy Draper, a famed interior designer (her other clients included the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Mich., The Plaza in New York City and The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.), to redesign the entire resort. Her vision is what you see today: vibrant colors, custom patterns and wallpapers, black-and-white marble floors, and magnificent furnishings. Draper transformed The Greenbrier in 16 98 | SOUTHPARK

months and picked up the highest fee ever paid to a decorator at the time. Her dramatic designs and Hollywood Regency style are timeless. In her historical novel, The Grand Design, author Joy Callaway discusses the grandeur and grace of the people who have walked through The Greenbrier’s halls, notably a bevy of VIPs including kings and queens, 28 U.S. presidents, and countless celebrities. The unmistakable character of the resort envisioned by Draper and her successor, the late Carleton Varney, resonates with visitors seeking elegance and southern

Howard’s Creek Lodge DVN velvet top, $160, and Gucci harlequin skirt, $895, both from Edit Sale; bow clutch, $52, and mismatched earrings, $32 and $34, all from Charlotte’s

Pizza and Champagne in the Presidential Suite served by Dave Jones Left: Scaasi gown, $748, and pearl earrings, $88, both from Hong Kong Vintage; 1950s beaded gloves, $50, Stash Pad; Chloe purple bag, $595, Edit Sale; Who What Wear shoes, stylist’s own Right: Philosophy harlequin maxi dress, $345, Edit Sale; DeMillier jewel bag, $485, Showroom; earrings, $58, Hong Kong Vintage; Pierre Hardy shoes and vintage ring, stylist’s own Vietri highball glasses, $22, Helenita Home floral plate, $40, and Vietri pink glass, $18, all from Charlotte’s southparkmagazine.com | 99

Virginia Room at The Windsor Club Stine Goya dress, $540, Showroom; Bariloche blazer, $675, Paul Simon Women; Eugenia Kim hat, $375, Neiman Marcus; Gucci bag, $825, Edit Sale; Derek Lam booties, Etro belt, ring and brooch, stylist’s own

charm. With the addition of a casino, kids club, escape room, beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa — along with outdoor activities like horseback riding, falconry, tennis and golf — the resort attracts friends and families who want to get away but still be entertained all in one place.

Take it all in To truly appreciate the majesty of the place, you’ll want to spend time discovering the entirety of the resort, starting from the moment you pull into the long, stately driveway. Explore the lower lobby while sipping complimentary bubbly offered upon check-in. Peruse the gallery shops, where you’ll find signature Greenbrier gifts and designer clothing, even for the kids. The Dorothy Draper Home store is located just before the must-try confections at The Candy Maker. Children will enjoy story time at Fizzy’s Land of Oz, a toy store where they can build their own Teddy Bear Mountain friend. Above the north entrance, a grand parlor overlooks the gardens and the astounding wedding chapel built by former owner and current West Virginia Governor Jim Justice for his daughter’s wedding (she is the current president of the resort). A larger-than-life portrait of American actress-turned-Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, who visited the Greenbrier on several occasions, adorns a wall. Make your way to the upper lobby in time for tea and piano music each afternoon. (And peek into the bathrooms as you explore — each is uniquely decorated with one of the resort’s many signature wallpapers.) Nibble on fresh pastries on a rhododen100 | SOUTHPARK

Primping in the powder room Munthe pants, $390, and top, $390, Showroom; earrings, $40, and suede case, $92, both from Hong Kong Vintage; vintage bracelet and Pierre Hardy shoes, stylist’s own Vietri glass (used as vase), $44, Charlotte’s

southparkmagazine.com southparkmagazine.com || 101 101

Skipping along Paradise Corridor Left: Saloni blouse, $375, A Shirt Thing skirt, $365, Antik Batik vest, $645, all Five One Five; taffeta handbag, $98, vintage brooch, $72, earrings, $40, all Hong Kong Vintage; Isabel Marant belt and J.Crew hairbow, stylist’s own; boots, model’s own Right: Cinq a Sept turtleneck, $225, Neiman Marcus; Tobias coat, $418, Hong Kong Vintage; RENATA by Renata Gasparian tiered skirt, $318; Jimmy Choo boots, $275, and Dodo Bar Or belt, $175, both Edit Sale; Cult Gaia bag, $498, Neiman Marcus; vintage fascinator hat, $40, Stash Pad; Melinda Maria ring, stylist’s own Opposite page: Elle, wearing an Alice + Olivia dress, $595, from Neiman Marcus, is photographed with Caroline and Wilson Ross, visiting from Arlington, Va.

102 | SOUTHPARK

dron-print couch, or play chess at the lobby bar while sitting under a chandelier straight from the movie set of Gone with the Wind. With 20 restaurants and lounges, deciding where to eat can be daunting. Fortunately, a concierge is available to assist. A dress code of resort attire is maintained throughout the day, but more formal jackets and collared shirts along with dresses and suits are required for some of the popular dinner spots. Try Prime 44 West, an upscale steakhouse honoring NBA

legend and West Virginia native Jerry West. The opulent Main Dining Room offers live music at dinner surrounded by dramatic green glass chandeliers dripping from the ceiling. If traveling with kids, sign them up for Adventure Kids, where they’ll enjoy laser tag, movies, bowling and swimming. Babysitting services are also available so adults can sample sushi at In-Fusion and hit the casino, which offers a nightly complimentary champagne toast and live dancing of the Greenbrier Waltz by the Springhouse Entertainers. southparkmagazine.com | 103

Opposite: Game night in the living room of the Presidential Suite Left: Victoria Beckham jersey dress, $1,090, Showroom; Apparis coat, $175, Edit Sale; earrings, $54, and wicker handbag, $158, both from Hong Kong Vintage; vintage necklaces, Melinda Maria ring, and Pierre Hardy shoes, stylist’s own Right: Missoni dress, $550, Alix of Bohemia floral jacket, $425, and Gianvito Rossi shoes, $225, all from Edit Sale; Clare V bag, $410, Five One Five

Like family It’s hard to leave this resort when the time comes. In fact, many employees feel the same way. It isn’t uncommon to learn that staff members loyally dedicate decades of their lives working here. Tina Sparks has worked in the Main Dining Room for 35 years; Dave Jones in room service started in 1993. But the longest-serving member of Greenbrier’s staff was doorman and ambassador Frank Mosley, who passed away earlier this year after working at the resort for 60 years. Andrew Sullivan started serving pool guests in high school and eventually was promoted to a dining manager inside the resort. He left to work elsewhere, but after 8 months called The Greenbrier and told them he was ready “to come home.” Tracy Boggs agrees. She worked as a massage therapist at the spa after the Greenbrier paid for her education through its scholarship program for employees. “The Greenbrier supported my dreams as long as I worked here two years after I graduated, and I’ve been here six.” Howard’s Creek Lodge Ulla Johnson velvet top, $200, Tibi floral skirt, $115, and Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, $275, all from Edit Sale; Cult Gaia bag, $388, Neiman Marcus; hoop earrings, $34, Charlotte’s; Andrew Gn belt, stylist’s own

Adulting at the Greenbrier

Looking to get away without the kids? Throughout summer and early autumn, The Greenbrier Creekside Gardens on the banks of Howard’s Creek offers a farm-to-table dinner series where you can enjoy locally raised meats from nearby farms as well as fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the same gardens where guests dine. For a girl’s getaway, book a two-night weeknight stay on select dates and receive a $1,000 spa allowance. Start with a soak in the Greenbrier’s famous healing sulfur water, followed by a luxurious sugar scrub or massage. The Mint Julep Body Bliss treatment uses a vichy shower, mirroring the experience of lying in warm rain, while the signature Greenbrier Treatment offers a Swiss shower and Scotch spray to break down toxins ahead of your Swedish massage.

104 | SOUTHPARK

southparkmagazine.com | 105

A Greenbrier secret

For 30 years, the Greenbrier held a secret buried 720 feet into the hillside under its West Virginia Wing. Completed in 1961, a shelter to withstand nuclear fallout known as “The Bunker” was built in plain sight to relocate members of the U.S. Congress and accommodate more than 1,100 representatives and families. Although never used as intended, the 110,000+ square-foot facility, powered with three 14,000-gallon diesel fuel tanks and three 25,000-gallon water tanks, stood ready to keep both the Senate and House active in case of emergency. The Bunker was a turnkey facility maintained during the Eisenhower era until two government employees leaked the story to the Washington Post in 1992. Three years later, the government ended its lease agreement with the Greenbrier. Today a data storage company leases The Bunker. Greenbrier visitors can book tours of this historic facility for $47 per adult and $24 for children ages 10-18.

Maybe that’s why so many repeat visitors are drawn to The Greenbrier: She reminds us of who we are or what we can be. Ostentatious at times, yet steadfast through unpredictable moments. Adaptable through battle, but still relatable and down-to-earth. A fashionable place that becomes a loyal, lifelong friend — or maybe even family. SP Getting there: Getting to the Greenbrier is easy, with a 1 hour-and-15-minute nonstop flight from Charlotte on Contour Airlines (via American Airlines) to Greenbrier Valley Airport, followed by a 20-minute shuttle to the resort. If you’d rather live out your favorite John Denver song and experience the country roads, the drive is just over four hours from Charlotte — and the breathtaking mountain scenery is “almost heaven.”

Late night snack in the kitchen of the Presidential Suite Left: Edeline Lee top, $585, Showroom; Tish Cox pencil skirt and overlay, $280, and Gianvito Rossi shoes, $225, Edit Sale; Tiwi sunglasses, $115, Charlotte’s; earrings, Hong Kong Vintage, $58; vintage bracelets and necklaces, stylist’s own Right: Emma Domb cocktail dress, $428, and Lucien Piccard earrings, $98, from Hong Kong Vintage; Victoria Beckham top, $98, Showroom; Tabitha Simmons booties, $245, Edit Sale; vintage necklace and bracelet, stylist’s own Two’s Company aqua glasses, $9 each, Charlotte’s 106 | SOUTHPARK

Left: Alice + Olivia dress, $595, Neiman Marcus; A.W.A.K.E Mode bag, $375, Showroom; Krewe sunglasses, $285, Sloan; pearl earrings, $88, Hong Kong Vintage; Jimmy Choo shoes, stylist’s own Right: Christopher Kane dress, $419, Showroom; 1960s Enid Collins ladybug purse, $160, Stash Pad; Krewe sunglasses, $352, Sloan; shoes, stylist’s own southparkmagazine.com southparkmagazine.com || 107 107

travel | day trips

Mill-era charmer HOP IN: WE’RE GOING TO BELMONT FOR THE DAY. story and photographs by Jennings Cool Roddey

elmont feels like what I imagine Mayberry to be. The cottage-style houses, humble Main Street and good ole Southern hospitality paint a charming picture. However, this textile town didn’t always look this way. Belmont has weathered economic ups and downs, from the opening of The Chronicle Mill in 1901 to the cotton mill’s decline starting in the 1970s, and finally, to its transition into a town that embodies simplistic charm. But a spin around Belmont proves that history isn’t forgotten. Remnants of the town’s past are found in its architecture and woven into its overall character, an homage to the era that molded it. “Given the rapid growth in such a short period of time, Belmont still has that special Southern small-town feel,” says Taylor Foulk, a longtime Belmont resident. As growth continues finding its way to Belmont — about 15 miles west of Charlotte — there’s still an

108 | SOUTHPARK

endearing quality in its brick sidewalks, towering street lamps, small-town charisma and simple historic structures. Timeless.

COME HUNGRY Honeycomb Café is an inviting spot to start your day, serving breakfast classics — pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs — along with a few specialty items like the Bumblebee Benny, served with honey-pepper bacon and herb hollandaise. At lunch time, sandwiches, wraps and salads are on the menu. (Don’t be afraid to get a little messy with the Buffalo Chicken Wrap; it requires a few extra napkins but is oh-so-delicious.) The Bottle Tree serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday brunch in a midcentury ranch that was once home to the mayor of Belmont. The menu here incorporates seasonal Southern ingredients in the globally inspired dishes, such as the Rohan

travel | day trips

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Duck with a pandan apricot puree, blue oyster mushrooms and local greens. Seasonal cocktails and shareables are also on the menu. For a more casual meal, the restaurant’s food trailer, The Smoke Queen, serves up nachos and handhelds (tacos, burgers, sandwiches) featuring freshly smoked meats in the courtyard on Fridays and Saturdays.

SCENIC HAVEN Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is nothing short of magical. In the early 1990s, former textile executive Daniel J. Stowe established the botanical garden on 380 acres of pristine land. Thirty acres are open to visitors, including a children’s garden, cottage garden and perennial gardens, with walking trails throughout. Enter through the light-filled visitor pavilion and immerse yourself in a day of tranquility, no matter the season. Watch but-

terflies float from flower to flower in the warmer months. Pick up a glass of wine from the Garden Shop and enjoy the sparkling fountains nearby. Or pretend you’re in a Jurassic Park movie (minus the T. rex) while strolling through the misty William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory. The 8,000-square-foot, five-story glass structure is home to enchanting orchids and tropical plants, like a cocoa tree, vanilla orchid and an orchid tree. During the holidays, a dazzling light display illuminates the garden.

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP Bargain hunters, take heed: You may wind up devoting much of your day to exploring a treasure trove of antiques, clothing and more at Belmont’s renowned Piccolo Antique Mall. Nestled in the town’s historic district, the dealer mall brims with eclectic collectibles, vintage wares, and unique clothing and accessories. With southparkmagazine.com | 109

travel | day trips

Primal Brewery Piccolo Antique Mall

Honeycomb Café

two stories chock-full of unique finds, it’s all too easy to get lost in the thrill of uncovering treasures, whether you’re searching for holiday decor, intricate glassware, a solid wood dining table with mismatched chairs, or a broken-in ’80s denim jacket. Keep the shopping spree rolling with a stop at Jolie Boutique, which sells trendy women’s clothing and accessories. Or visit Catawba River Outfitters, where you can gear up for outdoor adventures at the Whitewater Center or Crowders Mountain — both are nearby. When it’s time to wrap up your retail therapy, give in to your sweet tooth cravings. The Cotton Candy Factory, located in an old 1880s hotel, honors Belmont’s cotton-mill history, serving the nostalgic sugary snack from restored cotton carts. Flavor choices are anything but dull, ranging from cheesecake and grape to creamsicle, champagne, lemon, watermelon, birthday cake 110 | SOUTHPARK

Honeycomb Café

and beyond. The shop is operated by Holy Angels, a local nonprofit that cares for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

RAISE A PINT Cheers to a day spent exploring. Sip a porter, IPA, Kolsch or pumpkin ale in the beer garden at Primal Brewery, just off downtown Belmont’s main drag. In the taproom, you’ll find a rotating selection of in-house brews, from the refreshing POG Grenade, a German-style gose, to the mighty Grim Creeper, an imperial IPA with a malty twist. If beer isn’t your thing, fear not; Primal also has a comprehensive wine list. The brewery — sibling to Primal’s flagship Huntersville location — also boasts a full-service menu with shareables, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches. Feeling competitive? Challenge a buddy to a game of cornhole in the game room. SP

Bobby Wildermuth, robertbobbyart.com

For 25 years Window & Door Pros has been serving Charlotte builders and homeowners with the finest selection of windows, doors, and architectural products.

Established 1996 Visit Our Showroom at 1141 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28205 704.344.1875 | Mike@WindowAndDoorPros.com WindowAndDoorPros.com

It was a picture-perfect afternoon as supporters of Pat’s Place filled the backyard of a private home in Myers Park for this year’s BBQ & Blue Jeans fundraiser.

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Brian and Melissa May

Andrew Oliver, Robin Devore, Lori Avery

Liz Foster and Ashley Schettler

Alan and Libby Simonini

benefiting Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center Sept. 9

photographs by Daniel Coston

Abbie and Jonathan Dilanni

Bo and Allison Moss

Cory and Amy Spencer

Rachel Sutherland and Kristen Miranda

Janeen and Barrett Moore

Ian Vernon, Haywood Womble, Reginald Celestine

Sasha and Nichelle Weintraub

southparkmagazine.com | 113

PHOTOS ONLINE

swirl

BBQ & Blue Jeans

WATCH THE ICONIC SERIES FROM THE START THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

DONATE TO PBS CHARLOTTE & BINGE THE SERIES ANYTIME, ANYWHERE WITH PASSPORT! wtvi.org/passport

wtvi.org

A viewer supported service of

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Catwalk for a Cause benefiting Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Sept. 13

Children got to shine on the runway at The Revelry during this fundraising gala which supports young people fighting cancer. The evening also honored the work of co-founder Sherry Pollex, who passed away just a few days after the event. David and Helen Kernodle

Emily and Louie Bottone

Martin Truex Jr.

Danielle and Brendan Logan

Anna and Ryan Lowman

photographs by Daniel Coston

Marissa and Todd Gilliland

Brittany and Joey Logano

The Scully family

Ryan Truex and Leah Schwandt

southparkmagazine.com | 115

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Music With Friends Ann Wilson concert Sept. 7

It was a night of high-powered rock ’n’ roll as Ann Wilson of Heart and Tripsitter took the stage at the Sandra Levine Theatre at Queens University of Charlotte. Members and guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks before and after the show. photographs by Donna Bise Tonda Rifkin and Larry Farber

Harvey and Beth Harrelson, Andrea and Rob Skylar

Beth and Drew Quartapella

Salton Team

Diana Wakefield, Mary Ann Largen, Ashley Smith

Heidi and Joe Povinelli

ALLOW MEMORIES TO BEGIN AT A PLEASE BE SEATED CURATED TABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

Sarah & Lynn Salton Top producers since 1995

We would love to help with your next move! Brokers | Realtors ® 704.315.9515 sarah@hmproperties.com hmproperties.com ©2023 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC and fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

116 | SOUTHPARK

Let Please Be Seated design a beautiful tablescape for your guests to gather around. We offer an array of options suited for any intimate dinner party, from stunning, set tablescapes to curated, personalized looks just for you.

@pleasebeseated_clt | pleasebeseatedclt@gmail.com

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Dine & Shine

benefiting CrossRoads Corp. Aug. 18

This gathering on the lawn of Mint Museum Randolph celebrated 15 years of fundraising and working to create opportunities for Grier Heights residents. Hannah Kesig and Tatiyana Laws

photographs by Daniel Coston

Larry and Pat James, Kathy and Don Gately

Lynn and Alan Banks

Reggie Tuggle and Evette Beckett-Tuggle

Joe and Sally Helwey

David and Jacqueline Sanders

Jenny Dewberry and Maniyya Nuruddin

Devae Moore and Joe Foley

Carolina Panthers Kickoff Lunch sponsored by Charlotte Touchdown Club Sept. 1

Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich headlined this year’s luncheon at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. Panthers great Luke Kuechly and others filled the room with Panthers pride. photographs by Daniel Coston

Frank Reich

Luke Kuechly and Adam Hawthorne

Joey Cocchi, John Rocco, Richard Worrell

Mark McDonald, Brandy Byers and Meredith Dolhare Elliott

Steven Cole and Christina Vinson

Ben Pysch and Bill D’Alessandro

Samuel Murphy and Shaquille Dixon

southparkmagazine.com | 117

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Hospitality House of Charlotte Fall luncheon Sept. 14

Jamie Feinour, Michelle Spreitzer and Angie Bush

Bennett Thompson and Glenda Wooten

More than 200 friends and supporters gathered at Carmel Country Club to support Hospitality House’s mission of providing a comfortable place to stay for those going through medical treatment. photographs by Daniel Coston

Crystal Whalum, Max Swindle and Will Foster

Larry Polsky and J.J. Littrell

Lisa Hamilton and Ann Downer

Debbie and Tracy Hamm, Jennifer Voorhees

Tena Mann and Laura Tate

Cassandra Brooks and Emily Muller

Ellen Palmer and Jenna Ferrer

Healthy Living in January 2024: A special section saluting health and wellness professionals dedicated to helping others lead robust, active lives. It will accompany Business North Carolina’s and SouthPark’s annual listing of the region’s Top Doctors, one of our most popular features and a valuable resource.

Contact Jane Rodewald 704-621-9198 or Cindy Poovey 704-497-2220 today. Deadline November 30, 2023 Visit us online at southparkmagazine.com/advertise.

118 | SOUTHPARK

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

All In For Kids Luncheon benefiting Communities In Schools Aug. 17

Guests dined and mingled at The Revelry to support students in Charlotte’s Title I schools. Rey Saldaña, president and CEO of the CIS national organization, was a special guest on his first trip to the Queen City. photographs by Jon Strayhorn Men Tchaas Ari, Fahnie Stewart Shaw, Denice Bailey

Faith Fox, Ronnie Compton

John Tate, Rey Saldaña

Kamilah North, Daisy Walker, Dean Thompson

Karen Neal, Cynthia Marshall, Angela Cunningham

Kelli Howe, Sam Fleming, Kimberly Barringer

Trent Dominic, Jalen Robinson

THANKSGIVING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER… Save yourself the headache this year and let Reid’s do the cooking for you!

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW MENU southparkmagazine.com | 119

| gallery

BEAUTY, REVEALED KENNEDI CARTER PHOTOGRAPHS FAMOUS PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR MAJOR PUBLICATIONS, BUT IT’S HER INTIMATE PORTRAITS DEPICTING UNKNOWN BEAUTIES OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE THAT THE VIEWER MAY FIND MOST MOVING.

n a recent Tuesday night, Kennedi Carter takes questions about her exhibit, Sight Unseen, on view at the Harvey B. Gantt Center in uptown Charlotte. The Durham native is comfortably dressed in a black graphic tee, her hair up, glasses on for this virtual artist talk. Her words have a soft lyrical cadence as she talks about the collection — even as her toddler, Atlas, can be heard in the background with the kind of typical chatter that every parent knows and understands. It’s an authentic snapshot of the artist that aligns with the messaging of her work. Carter primarily focuses on the overlooked beauty of the Black experience — those quiet moments often “unseen” by society. While she’s known for landing the British Vogue cover of Beyoncé in 2020 when she was just 21, Carter seems most deeply connected to her work depicting regular people. Among the collection is a series of photographs showing Black men riding and taking care of horses. One of the men, Silas, wears a Gucci belt and black tank top. She loves his unexpected urban styling in a pastoral setting. “They’re doing it for the joy that comes from it,” Carter says, adding that she was drawn to how the men interacted with the horses. In “Jaelle II,” Carter shows a little girl holding a pinwheel while facing a clothesline with bed sheets — the stillness, almost begging for a gust of wind. Carter aims to depict these scenes without judgment or preconceived notions of worth. “At the forefront is the layered beauty of life itself — authentic, intimate, open and complex,” says Leandra-Juliet Kelley, curator of the Gantt exhibit. “Carter’s photography offers mental and emotional touchpoints for viewers, allowing them to reflect on their own lives.” They are touchpoints of reflection for Carter, too. “A lot of times, we feel we need to smile for a photograph and not just to be. I think that’s one of the many things photography has revealed to me,” Carter says. SP Kennedi Carter’s works are on view through January 24, 2024 at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

120 | SOUTHPARK

Kennedi Carter, Jaelle II, 2020, archival pigment print

Kennedi Carter, Silas, 2020, archival pigment print

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND ROSEGALLERY, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

by Sharon Smith

4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 532-9041

Ofﬁcial Jeweler of the Carolina Panthers