Our April Newsletter: Here’s the Trend this Spring!

Check out these AWESOME blogs that might help you!

The 30+ best patios in Charlotte, right now

1.Canopy Cocktails and Garden
The South End cocktail lounge features a massive outdoor seating area with its own fully stocked bar, plus another bar right inside. Canopy is also situated next to the Rail Trail, making it an easy stop for a post-walk drink.

Details: Canopy is located at 118 E Kingston Ave.

It’s open Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-2am. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

2.Chapter 6
A western Mediterranean restaurant from The Rare Roots Hospitality team with an extensive patio overlooking the Rail Trail. If you go, get a happy hour drink at Sycamore right next door.

Details: Chapter 6 is one of the latest additions to The Line, a 16-story tower that houses Sycamore Brewing at 2151 Hawkins St..

It’s open Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm and Friday-Saturday 5-10pm.

3.Charlotte Beer Garden
This sprawling three-story bar has a whopping 436 beer taps. It’s the first sister site to the original Raleigh Beer Garden.

Details: Charlotte Beer Garden is located at 1300 S Tryon St.

It’s open Monday-Friday 11am-2am, Saturday-Sunday 10am-2am.
Go deeper: Everything you need to know about Charlotte Beer Garden

4.Club House Kitchen & Cocktails
A restaurant and bar from the team behind PARA in Plaza Midwood. There’s partial covered outdoor seating in the front and another patio around the side. Club House also makes all of the food for Pinhouse next door.

Details: Club House is located at 2308 Central Ave, next to Pinhouse.

It’s open Tuesday 5-11pm, Wednesday-Friday 5pm-midnight, Saturday 5-10pm and Sunday 5pm-midnight.

5.Drift
The two-story waterfront restaurant features views of Lake Wylie with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Details: Drift is located at 315-M Lanyard Lane, Belmont

It’s open Tuesday-Thursday 4-9:30pm, Friday 4-10pm, Saturday 10:30am-10pm and Sunday 10:30am-9pm.
Go deeper: 2-story waterfront restaurant now open in Lake Wylie

The best eco-friendly home improvements you can do for less than $100

Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional.

What if you had only $100 to invest in a cheaper, cleaner home? Or $10? Or even just $1?

The conversation about cutting your emissions is often about replacing big-ticket items like stoves, furnaces and cars. But millions of people are neither ready nor able to spend thousands of dollars. What if you didn’t need to?

I asked energy experts, efficiency engineers and readers about how to get the biggest climate bang for your buck, whether you rent or own your home. I wanted investments that turned a few dollars into a fistful of them, while cutting emissions within a few months or sooner.

I was not disappointed. There’s money just lying around your house squirreled away in floor joists, behind air ducts and even under the bedspread. You just need to know where to look. I’ve catalogued the best ideas to invest in the climate — and your comfort — by price, from $100 down to zero. And I’m sure there are many more. Send me your best at climatecoach@washpost.com.

Here are 10 improvements you can make for under $100:

Install storm windows
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Cost: Starts around $80 per window.

Why it works: Millions of homes still have inefficient, single-pane windows. Replacing them with double-paned windows is cost-effective — but pricey, as much as $1,000 each to buy and install. Storm windows let you achieve similar results at one-third the cost.

Storm windows are aluminum frames with high-efficiency coated glass that permanently fit over your existing windows, either inside or outside, and blend in with your home’s existing architecture. They can be fixed or slide over your window so you can open and close them. They can save you 10 to 30 percent in heating and cooling costs, says Christian Kaltreider, a researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), one of the Energy Department’s research centers. This can deliver $100 to $300 in annual savings.

Push your lawn mower
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Cost: Starts around $70.

Why it works: Stuck cutting grass behind a belching engine? First, plant a tidy wildland — a mostly natural yard with only a small area of grass you have to mow. Next, try a push reel mower. Lauren, a Climate Coach reader, bought hers for $70 in 2017, and hasn’t spent a dime since.

“Every time I use it I think to myself, ‘If only more people knew how great these things are!’” she wrote. “It is great exercise and takes care of the lawn without using any fuel. My kids and all of the neighborhood kids LOVE using it. … It does the job!”

I was hard-pressed to find one on Google Shopping that didn’t have four- or five-star reviews.

Have an attic? Pitch a tent
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Cost: $60 to $150.

Why it works: The simple devices are usually made of nylon, insulation and Velcro, and fit over the attic opening. They cover the drafty space created by a poorly sealed ceiling access to your attic, usually with stairs.

Every time your heating or cooling system turns on, you’re pushing pressurized air out of your home. If there’s a gap where your stairs enter the attic, air will rush out there. A simple insulation cover cuts heat loss dramatically by stopping leaks, while keeping out insulation and dust particles that might drift down.

The 6 Hottest Outdoor Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Spring and Summer

One of the most hotly debated issues of our era is easily daylight savings time—and it’s upon us once again.

The clocks are doing their bi-annual switcharoo, going into “spring forward” mode on Sunday, Mar. 10, at 2 a.m.

Love it or hate it, an extra hour of sunlight is coming our way. So, instead of arguing about the topic, let’s dream about how that extra hour of light will enhance our outdoor living and plan a new look or backyard spruce-up.

To help pump up your style, we dug deep to come up with the latest and greatest trends for your deck, patio, and yard.

Read on for design ideas and accessory tips from the pros and industry analysts to level up your yard and lawn life so you’re sitting pretty this spring and summer.

Tricked-out kitchens
Entertaining alfresco will never go out of style, meaning outdoor kitchens are here to stay. But the trend in 2024 is to go bigger and better in this space, with homeowners moving beyond a simple grill setup and spending more on bells and whistles to make it fancy.

“Summer kitchens are getting tricked out with more luxury appliances and specialty items like pizza ovens,” reports Pamela O’Brien, principal designer at Pamela Hope Designs. “Homeowners are adding more counter space outdoors, too, to help manage the increased level of cooking they’re doing in the backyard.”

Navy blue and forest green
Looking to nature for a color scheme (think green, orange, yellow, and blue) on your patio or deck makes perfect sense—and it’s also on trend in the new year.

Ariel Barrionuevo, designer and manager at La Coralina Island House, recommends these shades when designing an outdoor look and predicts they’ll continue to find favor with homeowners.

“Try these colors when you select comfortable seating in weather-resistant fabrics, or get the blue and green look in an outdoor rug with a geometric pattern,” he says.

Your goal: an outdoor design that’s a stylish extension of your home inside.

Petite spaces
The clever folks at Houzz, the online design and decorating site, have been working hard to determine the hot trends in 2024—and one of them is relatively diminutive in size.

Yup, tiny patios, small screened porches, and other cozy outdoor gathering spots are all gaining attention as we head into warmer weather, reports Annie Thornton, a Houzz outdoor expert.

Based on search data on its site, the Houzz Outdoor Home Design Predictions have pinpointed a rising interest in designing petite spaces outside, whether it’s a porch or patio.

To achieve the look, some homeowners are installing small decks near an entryway or an unused side yard, while those with more room to work with are adding secondary seating areas that are more secluded and located away from the house.

American barn stars
According to lore, having a large star on your barn protected you from bad luck.

Noel Fahden Briceño, vice president of merchandising at Chairish, notes that the American barn star is back as a trend in 2024, partly because folks are “always on the lookout for the most chic, unique, and eclectic pieces.”

Bring the barn star idea to your backyard with a simple metal design attached to an exterior wall. Or you could try the look with stars printed on outdoor throw pillows or all-weather rugs or hang a star pendant light over your deck or patio.

Curvy seating
Rounded, wavy chairs and couches are part of the “futuristic forms” trend that the team at Wayfair Professional has put together for 2024. For your outdoor living space, this might translate to curved rattan settees or loungers and a round table to match.

Houzz also identified this design look with its furniture trends for 2024, which include curvy overstuffed couches, round dining tables, and ribbing on pieces like side tables that look like a stack of inner tubes. Use these silhouettes outside, too, in fabrics that can withstand the elements.

What’s latest about sports?

Carolina Hurricanes

Hurricanes happy with early returns on Guentzel, Kuznetsov: ‘It’s pretty electric’

Playing their third game in four days, and after a long flight back from Las Vegas, the Carolina Hurricanes did all they needed to Monday in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Goalie Spencer Martin, starting a second straight game, continued his feel-good story with another win in his first game at PNC Arena. Sebastian Aho scored his 20th goal, making it eight straight seasons with 20 or more in what has been a consistently good career. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who had not scored since Dec. 19, found the net for the first time in 23 games and was all smiles in the locker room, his relief apparent. Martin Necas matched Aho with a goal and assist, and the Canes (33-17-5) also got goals from Michael Bunting, Brent Burns and Jordan Martinook — Burns on a power play. Seth Jarvis had a pair of assists as 13 players had points. “Tonight was really good because I thought for two periods we played really well,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “I was worried about how we were going to start, with the long travel. But I thought we did a real nice job.”

Carolina Panthers

Panthers’ free-agency grades: Adding playmaking WR, 2 big guards steps in right direction

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We are getting into a fun time on the sports calendar when NFL free agency flows into March Madness, which overlaps with baseball’s Opening Day, which starts even earlier this year because a couple of NL West teams are playing this week in Seoul, South Korea.

But it’s not like we’re completely finished with free agency yet, though most teams have completed their heavy lifting. That includes the Carolina Panthers and the new leadership troika of Dan Morgan, Dave Canales and Brandt Tilis, who jumped into the fray last week like they were getting paid by the transaction.
They’re not quite done, either. While they wait on word from veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who’s been known to take his time with such decisions, the Panthers will host a pair of wide receivers early this week — Mike Williams and Michael Gallup, both of whom are dynamic wideouts when healthy, which hasn’t always been the case.

So while the final grade could look different depending on what Clowney decides and whether the Panthers give Bryce Young another playmaker, The Athletic rolls out its report card on the Panthers’ first wave of free agency.

(Contract information via Over the Cap and/or The Athletic sources and published reports.)

Check out these AMAZING events this month of April!

Tacos ‘N Taps

April 6, 2024
12PM – 5 PM | Koka Booth Amphitheatre
VIP SUPER SUPER MUY MUY TACO SESSION
Noon – 5pm
GENERAL ADMISSION
1pm – 5pm

Get ready to put on your party sombrero. The Tacos N Taps Festival will take you south of the border for some foodie fun!
This ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE Beer and Tequila Festival offers up some of the Triangle’s Best Tacos and Mexican Food, the best dancing music from Triangle Area Bands, margaritas, contests and some other surprises. This is NACHO average taco festival.
MORE BEERS AND MORE BEER!!!! We’ve doubled up on our beer portions. More people wanted more beers last year and we will give you everything you want.

Brewgaloo 2024

Downtown Raleigh – April 26 & 27
Brewgaloo is a 2 day festival featuring over 110 craft breweries from around NC and partnering with local food trucks, local vendors, and local bands to bring you North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival!

The fun begins Friday night with a sampler event from 6-10 PM featuring limited releases, barrel aged, and sour beers. Friday’s kick-off party is the perfect start to the weekend and a great way to get a taste of Brewgaloo.

Saturday’s street festival spans the length of Fayetteville Street and fills Downtown Raleigh from 12-8 PM with more than 110 NC craft breweries, local food trucks, and local vendors. With 2 stages featuring local bands all day long this lively festival is sure to be a good time.

The largest NC Craft beer festival celebrating all things local! You’ve tasted the world, now taste local!

Hickory Hops

April 15,2024
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Over 50 craft breweries
Located in Downtown Hickory

Knight Theater

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
APR 2 – 7, 2024

The global refugee crisis comes to life in a dynamic new dance piece by acclaimed choreographer and five-time Olivier Award nominee Kate Prince set to the iconic music of Sting, including “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” “Walking on the Moon,” and more.

After suffering an attack on their peaceful village, a father, mother and three siblings must leave their homeland to embark on a perilous journey to freedom. Join us for a universal story of survival, hope, and love, told through the power of dance and new interpretations of Sting’s classic songs.

Buy tickets here: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Belk Theater

OPERA CAROLINA – TURANDOT
APR 18 – 21, 2024

Set in ancient China, the imperious Princess Turandot poses three riddles to any prince who dares to court her, and commands the death of all who fail. When an unknown prince triumphs, the prospect of marriage strikes terror in her heart. Will love win, or will death be the prince’s reward? All tickets include a pre-Opera chat with Maestro Meena.

Buy tickets here: OPERA CAROLINA – TURANDOT

ANDREW SCHULZ
The Life Tour
APR 13, 2024

Welcome to The Life Tour. A never before seen journey through the complicated mind of Schulz, as he explores the realms of current events, politics, and the beautiful chaos of creating life.

Join Schulz as he takes you on a comedic exploration of existence in all its messy glory. With “The Life Tour,” you’re in for an evening of irreverent humor and astute insights that only Schulz can deliver. Get ready to laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear – because that’s LIFE.

New York native and internationally touring stand up comic and podcaster, Andrew Schulz is known for his hilarious and unfiltered comedy. Schulz capped off his last North American tour, Infamous, by selling out the 6,000-seat Radio City Music Hall twice in one night. In addition to the 150,000+ fans who came out to the tour, Schulz’s stand up and podcast content receives 12 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok per week.

Buy tickets here:ANDREW SCHULZ

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

March Newsletter – Spring Season

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10 Exciting Things to Do in North Carolina in Spring (+ Tips)

Explore The Glorious Biltmore Gardens
North Carolina is well known for its beautiful spring blooms. Chauncey Beadle, a renowned horticulturist, created the lovely natural garden at the Biltmore Estate. They feature a dazzling array of brilliant flowers and floral arrangements.
Be prepared to stroll through acres of majestic year-round blooms. From the magnificent rose gardens to the French Broad River and through dense forest trails and serene, open meadows, visitors will enjoy taking long walks amidst the beauty of nature.

The garden offers an extensive network of trails that can also be explored on a bike.
Nature lovers will have the time of their lives while exploring this plethora of wild, formal, and informal gardens.

Experience the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival
Visit Huntersville and enjoy a great time at the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. The event happened from May 6 to 7, 2023, and it was an insanely cool event! I will update with 2024 days when I have them!

You can book a campsite for the festival and experience the beauty of real music from bands like Hayes Carll, Acoustic Syndicate, and Steep Canyon.

Guests will enjoy exploring the vast outdoor recreation center, where they can grab a beer and mingle with the crowd. Tickets are between $8 and $85 depending on which day or event you purchase them for.

Have a Nature Getaway (and Adventure) in Morganton
One of the coolest small towns to visit in North Carolina during the spring is Morganton. There is plenty to do there, from climbing to ziplining to hiking in a local state park.

In Morganton, you will find Beanstalk Ziplines, one of the most famous zipline parks on the East Coast, and a fantastic family adventure park.

This is more than just a zipline experience—it truly is one where you can be suspended in the area in many different ways!
There is a suspension bridge 35 feet high, and there are also treehouses you can climb. There is also a 40-foot climbing tower you can attempt to work your way up!

If you’re scared of heights or want something a bit different, there are plenty of trails locally that you can enjoy. South Mountain State Park is close to Morganton, and you can enjoy trails that take you past waterfalls and close to the Jacobs Fork River.

If you’re keen to venture all the way there, check out some of the amazing hikes near Charlotte NC instead!

10 Funny Little Details That Made Homebuyers Fall in Love With a House

Love is subjective, often irrational. So is buying a home. Sometimes, it’s the littlest thing that tips the scales, where one thinks—no, knows—that a particular property is the one.

So lest you get too committed to your house-hunting checklist, we thought we’d share some surprise features that truly bowled over homebuyers, and made them realize without a doubt: “I’m home.”

1. A cappuccino station
“As a coffee aficionado, I have spent an untold number of hours in business meetings or personal get-togethers sitting in a coffee shop enjoying a cappuccino. What a wonderful surprise when I was walking through my new potential home to find not one, but three built-in Miele cappuccino machines—in the main kitchen, basement kitchen, and the bar area. This meant that at any given time of the day or night, I could make my own caffeine fix and never have to leave the house.”
—Gene Hayman, Leesburg, VA

2. A skylight that lets in the stars
“The first time I saw the huge skylight running through the center of this house’s living room, I immediately knew this was my dream home. I am someone who thoroughly enjoys nature. This skylight opens the room up and allows in plenty of natural light. The best part is that I can enjoy a sky full of stars from the comfort of my home. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or a bright sunny day, all I have to do is take a seat and enjoy the weather.”
—Scott Rubzin, Charlotte, NC

3. A floor-to-ceiling Victorian mirror
“I can’t decide what seduced me more, the exterior Victorian elements, or the floor-to-ceiling Victorian mirror between the shuttered Jefferson windows in the parlor. After 15 years, we are still thrilled with it, every single day.”
—Sophia Demas, Philadelphia

7 Spring Home Improvement Tips

Whether your home needs a little inspecting and maintenance or whether it needs significantly more help, these 7 spring home improvement tips will help you get it back in order fast:

1. Check and Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutters do an important job of collecting rainwater and directing it away from your foundation. Unfortunately, they can become easily clogged with a variety of debris including leaves, pine needles, and even deteriorating roofing shingles.

Each spring, take the time to thoroughly inspect your gutters. Make sure that they hang properly, and tighten any gutter screws that are coming loose. If necessary, replace sections that are cracked, rusting, or otherwise showing signs of failure.

Make sure that they’re also clean and free of debris so that they can run freely. While you’re doing this, take a look at the bottoms of the gutters for any granules or debris from your roof. An excess of granules can indicate that your roof will need repair or replacement soon.

2. Replace Your Siding
After a long wet winter, wood siding can begin to soften and rot, while vinyl siding can begin showing a lot of cracks and holes. Inspect your siding and if you can insert a screwdriver into your wood at any point or you notice cracks showing in the vinyl, your current siding won’t make it one more winter. That makes spring a good time of year to replace your siding with something more durable like fiber cement.

Fiber cement siding resists the things that can do winter damage to other types of siding. This includes moisture, insects, and cold. Fiber cement also comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and sizes so you can completely transform the appearance of your home into something newer, fresher, and more attractive – perfect for spring.

3. Service Your AC Unit
Before the summer starts to heat up, make sure you get your air conditioner serviced. Spring is the ideal time for regular AC cleaning and maintenance. You don’t want to wait until the hottest days of the year to discover that your air conditioner has a broken part or dirty coils which could cause it to freeze.

Schedule your yearly HVAC service for the spring months before the heat of summer starts to set in. Then you can relax, knowing that your AC will function the way that it’s intended to when you need it.

Read more at:7 Spring Home Improvement Tips

What’s latest about sports?

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes down Chicago. How the Canes beat the Hawks for third straight win

Carolina Panthers

Panthers continue to grow high school football in Charlotte with Keep Pounding Classic

CHARLOTTE— High school football in Charlotte is technically still six months away. Six months of spring training and two-a-days and summer break before returning to the early morning workouts. But through each step of the grind, four local schools have a date scheduled that will keep them moving during the offseason.

“That’s all the motivation you need when you work all off season; ‘I’m going to be playing in the Panthers stadium’ just makes you work a little bit harder.”

Providence Day offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. is the consensus number one player not only at his position, but in the state of North Carolina. For that matter, he’s the composite number two player in the country overall for the upcoming 2025 recruiting class. One would think, after winning three-straight state championships and garnering the personal accolades, little would faze the top prospect. Yet opening his season on August 22 in the Panthers’ stadium is what he’ll think about all summer.

“I mean, those are the thoughts and memories, you’ll never forget the bus ride here, the bus ride back just with your team,” Sanders said.

On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers welcomed head coaches and players from four local high schools; the Independence Patriots, Myers Park Mustangs, Providence Day Chargers and Weddington Warriors, to announce the Keep Pounding High School Classic, a double header to be held at Bank of America Stadium on August 22, kicking off the high school season in the state. The Patriots and Mustangs will kick-off at 4pm, then the two defending state champions (Providence Day, NCISAA and Weddington, NCHSAA) will face off at 8pm.

The Keep Pounding High School Football Classic Returns To Bank Of America Stadium

Check out these AMAZING events this Spring!

Rich & Bennett’s
St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

Paint the town green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rich & Bennett’s 22nd St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Uptown.

When: Saturday, March 16. This event happens rain or shine.

Cost: Tickets for prepay events leading up to the crawl start at $20, $25 online and $30 the day of.

Charlotte SHOUT!

Paint the town green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rich & Bennett’s 22nd St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Uptown.

When: Saturday, March 16. This event happens rain or shine.

Cost: Tickets for prepay events leading up to the crawl start at $20, $25 online and $30 the day of.

Art in Bloom

Art in Bloom, March 21-24, 2019
One of the can’t-miss events of the year at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Art in Bloom is a four-day festival of art and flowers. More than 50 floral interpretations inspired by the museum’s galleries, some more than 10 feet tall, are created on-site by world-class designers and showcased throughout the museum’s West Building (have your cameras ready!). The ticketed event invites participants to attend presentations and workshops, dine at Iris and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Knight Theater

JOHNNY CASH – THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE
MAR 13, 2024

Bringing songs and stories from the “Man in Black” to the stage in a way that audiences haven’t seen or heard before. With video of Johnny from episodes of The Johnny Cash TV Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This concert experience will showcase iconic performances from the TV show and highlight the spirit of the legend by revisiting some of his memorable words and anecdotes. Cash will perform some of his biggest hits, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” and “I Walk the Line,” and share stories of people he met along the way whose causes he championed–the working man from all walks of life. Plus, onstage male and female singers will split vocal duties performing their own takes on Cash hits. The music never stops in this concert event!

Buy tickets here: JOHNNY CASH – THE OFFICIAL CONCERT EXPERIENCE MAR 13, 2024

Stage Door Theater

MIKE MASSÉ AND JEFF HALL
Epic Acoustic Classic Rock
MAR 16, 2024

“Toto’s favorite cover of ‘Africa’” – Yahoo! Music

“Terrific!” – Dennis DeYoung (Styx)

“Love this cover!” – Sarah McLachlan

“Thank you very much! Beautiful. Great job!” – Geddy Lee (Rush)

“One of the best Africa cover versions ever recorded.” – BBC Radio

YouTube icons Mike Massé and Jeff Hall reunite for an unforgettable night to blow your mind with their special brand of acoustic classic rock. Mike and Jeff will transport you back to the golden era of rock, delivering powerful acoustic renditions of your favorite classic hits.

Mike is an internationally-acclaimed artist whose acoustic arrangements are praised for their originality and emotional impact. Legends of rock like Toto have expressed their love and gratitude for his renditions of their finest works.

From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the Beatles to the iconic anthems of U2, Mike Massé’s soulful voice and masterful guitar skills will leave you in awe. Jeff Hall’s bass and backing vocals are the perfect complement, forming an enduring classic rock duo. Witness true musical genius in action. This is an evening filled with unforgettable memories and timeless music.

From the 60’s to the 90’s, there will be something in the concert from each era of 20th century classic rock. Cover the music, cover the world.

Buy tickets here: MIKE MASSÉ AND JEFF HALL Epic Acoustic Classic Rock

Spectrum Theater

Olivia Rodrigo
Guts World Tour With special guest Chappell Roan
Mar 8 / Friday

OLIVIA RODRIGO ANNOUNCES 2024 GUTS WORLD TOUR

The Breeders, PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan, and Remi Wolf to Join on Select Dates

Registration for Access to Tickets is Open Now Through Sunday, September 17 at 10 PM on OliviaRodrigo.com

Multi-platinum, three-time Grammy award-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo announced her highly anticipated GUTS world tour in support of her second studio album, GUTS, which was released September 8 via Geffen Records to critical acclaim. Produced by Live Nation, the massive global 2024 tour kicks off its 57-date run on Friday, February 23 in Palm Springs, CA at Acrisure Arena, with stops across North America and Europe, including Miami, Toronto, New York, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and many more before wrapping up with back-to-back shows on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. The Breeders, PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan, and Remi Wolf will join on select dates across the tour.

Buy tickets here:Olivia Rodrigo Guts World Tour With special guest Chappell Roan Mar 8 / Friday

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

February Newsletter – LOVE begins at HOME

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50 Best Restaurants in Charlotte: 2024

Our annual checklist is here. Keep it on your fridge to see how many you can get through this year

BELMONT (city)
*The Bottle Tree
102 Davis St.
704-829-8131

CORNELIUS
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Road
704-997-5365

COTSWOLD
Aqua e Vino
4219 Providence Road
704-364-4445

Omakase Experience
2907 Providence Road, Ste. 101
704-754-4315

DAVIDSON
Kindred
131 N. Main St.
980-231-5000

DILWORTH
Dilworth Tasting Room
300 E. Tremont Ave. (additional location in SouthPark)
704-595-3337

Inizio Pizza Napoletana
2230 Park Road, Ste. 101 (additional locations in Ballantyne, Fort Mill, and Huntersville)
704-900-0929

EAST CHARLOTTE
Lang Van
3019 Shamrock Drive
704-531-9525

EASTOVER
Stagioni
715 Providence Road
704-372-8110

Volo Ristorante
1039 Providence Road
704-919-1020

2024 Charlotte concert lineup: The country, rock and rap stars performing this year

Charlotte has been a tour spot for several popular artists and performers over the years, and 2024 will be no different. Country, rap, rock, pop — you name it. Charlotte’s concert lineup this year is loaded with big bands, legendary stars and up-and-coming artists ready to hit the stage. So mark your calendars. Here’s a list of concerts you can check out this year (Keep an eye out for this story, as more concerts will be added to the list when they’re announced):

PLAIN WHITE T’S
Date: Feb. 3
Location: The Underground
Time: 8 p.m.
Pop rock band Plain White T’s will be performing at The Underground for the Fired Up tour, joined by rock band POLLYANNA. General admission tickets start at $35.25 at livenation.com.

CHELSEA CUTLER
Date: Feb. 17
Location: The Fillmore
Time: 8 p.m.
Singer songwriter Chelsea Cutler is bringing The Beauty is Everywhere tour to The Fillmore featuring folk pop artist Yoke Lore as a special guest. General admission tickets start at $90.63 at livenation.com.

LANY
Date: Feb. 20-21
Location: The Fillmore
Time: 7:30 p.m.
LANY will have back-to-back performances in Charlotte for A Beautiful Blur world tour. General admission tickets for the first show start at $129.50 and $75.50 for the second show at livenation.com. OLIVIA RODRIGO Date: March 8 Location: Spectrum Center Time: 7:30 p.m.

28 biggest events in Charlotte this year

New year, new dates to lock into the calendar. Here’s what to look forward to in the Charlotte area in 2024.

Of note: This list does not include every single event happening this year. Official dates for many popular events like Yiasou Greek Festival, Hola Charlotte and Scarowinds have not been released. Keep up to date with weekly happenings in our weekday planner and weekender.

Queen’s feast

Restaurant Week is back. Expect 100 restaurants in the Charlotte area to offer three-course, prix fixe dining deals. View participating restaurants here. Reservations are suggested.

When: Jan 19-28

Cost: $30-$50 per person

Counterculture Festival

Sip on booze-free drinks at Camp North End. You get beverage tastings from more than 20 national and local brands. There will also be a wellness-focused vendor market, pop-up bottle shop and live music.

When: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 2-7pm

Cost: Early bird tickets start at $37.

Go deeper: In the spirit of giving up alcohol this month, check out the Counterculture Festival

African American Heritage Festival

Celebrate Black History Month at the Charlotte Museum of History. The three-day, family-friendly event will have performances, guest speakers, panels, and community-focused events.

When: Feb. 22-24

Cost: Free

Charlotte FC season opener vs. New York City Football Club

Charlotte FC kicks off its third season at Bank of America Stadium.

Of note: A new women’s pro soccer team will open its inaugural season in August.
When: Saturday, Feb. 24

Cost: $15-$20

Rich & Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

Paint the town green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rich & Bennett’s 22nd St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Uptown.

When: Saturday, March 16. This event happens rain or shine.

Cost: Tickets for prepay events leading up to the crawl start at $20, $25 online and $30 the day of.

Charlotte SHOUT!

The popular arts festival will return for another 17 days this spring. International and local performers will showcase their work through immersive art, music and food.

When: Runs from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, April 14

Cost: Free

What’s latest about sports?

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes beat Anaheim Ducks, but goalie Kochetkov leaves game with injury

The Carolina Hurricanes reached the midpoint of their season Thursday, facing the team that gave them their first loss of the season. That would be the Anaheim Ducks, who came to PNC Arena looking to finish off a season sweep. That didn’t happen. The Canes, despite the shock of losing goalie Pyotr Kochetkov to an injury, rolled to a 6-3 win and now have points in their seven straight games. Kochetkov left the game in the second period with the score tied 3-3. But goalie Antti Raanta entered the game, Stefan Noesen soon scored and Jack Drury added a power-play goal as the Hurricanes took charge of a game that turned chippy in the second.
Forward Brendan Lemieux dropped the gloves to slug it out with the Ducks’ Sam Carrick, then waved his arms, asking for noise, after the fight He got it. “That woke everybody up and the crowd got going,” Canes forward Jordan Martinook said Seth Jarvis had a goal and two assists for the Canes, and Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Skjei each had a goal. Martinook, playing his 600th career game, also scored for the Canes, joking he was just playing “shotgun” for Jarvis on the Jordan Staal line. ‘”He’s played the same way for all 600 games, just that energy and giving everything you have,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “Just a true professional.” The victory gave the Hurricanes a 23-13-5 record and 51 points halfway through the 2023-24 season, having gone 6-0-1 in their past seven games.

NHL Highlights | Ducks vs. Hurricanes

Carolina Panthers

Panthers mailbag: Who could join new head coach Dave Canales’ staff in 2024?

DAVE CANALES’ COACHING STAFF CONSTRUCTION

Chris asks: What future offensive coordinator/defensive coordinator ties does Canales have around the league?

Partho asks: With his connections in Seattle who do you see that can potentially join him from his time with the Seahawks?
You sent
Let’s combine these two questions for one answer.

As Partho astutely notes, expect Canales’ staff, at least on offense and special teams, to have some Seattle flair.

Canales brought wide receivers coach Brad Idzik with him to Tampa Bay from Seattle, and the Panthers have already put in a request to speak with Idzik about their offensive coordinator opening. The team has also requested to speak with Philadelphia Eagles senior offensive assistant and former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady about the OC job.

Idzik and Canales worked together for years in Seattle, and the coaches know how each other think. If Canales plans to call plays, his offensive coordinator — who would be an advisor, schemer and game-plan lieutenant — should be in tune with his philosophies. If the OC title is simply a title, Idzik makes a lot of sense there. If the job involves play calling, Brady could be a better fit based on his experience.

Check out these AMAZING events this February that can make you fall in love even more!

Valentines Day: Sip & Paint (R&B Edition)
Wednesday, February 14 · 8 – 10pm EST

THIS IS THE #1 VALENTINES DAY EVENT! Calling all creatives! The #1 urban art showcase in Charlotte features sip & paint, raffle tickets, vacation voucher, food, and FUN! Not to mention stand up comedy! Located at Superstarz! There are 20 different pictures to choose from!

$20 Ticket Includes:

Sip & Paint (Easel, Canvas, Paint, Brush, Everything You Need To Paint Your Masterpiece)
Free Vacation Voucher
Free Parking
R&B Music
Comedy
Vacation Voucher (3day/2night) Westgate Resorts:

Myrtle Beach, SC
Las Vegas, NV
Orlando, FL
Cocoa Beach, FL
Gatlinburg, TN
Branson, MO

know more here: Valentines Day: Sip & Paint (R&B Edition) Wednesday, February 14 · 8 – 10pm EST

2024 Winey Grapes: Charlotte Wine Festival
Saturday, February 3

Join us for the ultimate wine lover’s paradise at the Winey Grapes Indoor Wine Festival, coming to Charlotte on February 3rd!

Sip and savor your way through a wide selection of over 100 exquisite wines from around the world. From bold reds to crisp whites, there’s something to please every palate. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of wine and discover new favorites.

Indulge in a day filled with delicious wine, an amazing lineup of local vendors to shop, delectable bites, and great company. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a casual glass, this is a must-attend.

WHAT YOU GET
GENERAL ADMISSION

2pm Entry
Unlimited Samples of Wine
Commemorative Tasting Glass
Coat Check
Raffle Drawing
VIP ADMISSION

Everything General Admission receives PLUS:

An extra hour of sampling with early entry at 1 PM
Exclusive wine for sampling
Extra Raffle Drawings
Light Appetizers (served until 3pm)

TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE CLOSER TO THE EVENT.

know more here: 2024 Winey Grapes: Charlotte Wine Festival Saturday, February 3

2024 Charlotte Brewsology
Saturday, February 24

The Brewsology Beer Festival will take place at Discovery Place for a one of a kind experience — a night at the museum! The event will feature over 40 breweries sampling their seasonal beers. General admission will be 7pm to 10pm and Early admission will be 6pm to 10pm (in addition to the added hour, Early Admission will include specialty beers poured for the first hour) Tickets will not be sold at the door and tickets are non refundable.

For additional event info, please go to https://www.brewsology.com/charlotte

****All attendees must be 21, so no infants or babies allowed.

know more here:2024 Charlotte Brewsology Saturday, February 24

Charlotte Dessert festival
Sat Feb 17 2024 at 11:00 am to 05:00 pm

About the event
Charlotte Dessert festival
Giving small business a chance to grow

Also check out other Festivals in Charlotte.

Tickets
Tickets for Charlotte Dessert festival can be booked below

know more here: Charlotte Dessert festival
Sat Feb 17 2024 at 11:00 am to 05:00 pm

Check out these AMAZING Concerts and Plays this Month of LOVE!

Knight Theater

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: MOZART’S JUPITER
Feb 16-18, 2024

Two of hip-hop and R&B’s most promising rising stars are co-headlining a tour that makes a stop at the AvidXchange Music Factory in February. J.I.D has quickly gained reputation and acclaim in the rap world since signing with J. Cole’s Raleigh-based Dreamville Records in 2017. His effortless wordplay and storytelling mixed with a relentless energy for his live shows make J.I.D a must-see act. Touring with J.I.D., Smino headlines the newest generation of Motown talent, a place hard-earned after generating underground buzz with his first two EPs. This led the eclectic singer-rapper to sign with Motown in 2021, and this tour supports Smino’s first effort on the label, the highly-acclaimed Luv 4 Rent.

Buy tickets here: CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: MOZART’S JUPITER Feb 16-18, 2024

The Underground

Josh Abbott Band
February 02,2024

Important Event Info: The Underground Is A General Admission Standing Room Only Venue Unless Otherwise Noted.

All Ages Welcome

Doors: 7:00pm

Show: 8:00pm

Ticket prices will increase the day of the show.

All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject to change without notice.

All tickets are subject to applicable service fees via all points of purchase.

Buy tickets here: Josh Abbott Band February 02,2024

Spectrum Theater

Lauren Daigle
Feb 22 / Thursday

Perhaps the most enduring star from the entire American Idol alumni base, Carrie Underwood has been one of pop and country music’s biggest and brightest stars since winning Season Four in 2005. Since then, Underwood has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, become the most decorated country music artist of all time, and cemented her place as a transcended pop culture figure. All of the accolades aren’t for nothing, however. Underwood is one of music’s most talented singers, and this tour celebrating her latest album will put those skills on full display.

Buy tickets here:Lauren Daigle When: Feb 22 / Thursday Where: Spectrum Center

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January Newsletter – The Real Estate Geek

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Out with the old, in with the new: A list of New Year’s Day brunch parties in Charlotte
BY CHYNA BLACKMON

There is a long list of New Year’s Eve parties, dinner specials and more around Charlotte on New Year’s Eve 2023 — but the fun doesn’t have to stop when the ball drops. If you want to ring in the new year after the after party, several local restaurants are also continuing the celebrations with special New Year’s Day 2024 events, too. Whether you want brunch, a late lunch or both, here’s a list of where you can continue the party on New Year’s Day:

ANGELINE’S
Location: 303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Angeline’s will be serving a special brunch. From ricotta toast and eggs benedict to pizza and sandwiches, Angeline’s will have a lot to offer.
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Varies, as items are a la carte.
Make reservations online via OpenTable.

LINK & PIN
Location: 155 New Bern St, Charlotte, NC 28203 Location: 9723 Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Location: 8128 Providence Rd #1200, Charlotte, NC 28277
Start your new year off with a special brunch from Link & Pin. All three area locations will be serving brunch favorites, including candied jalapeno bacon, deviled eggs, chicken and waffles and more.
Time: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Varies, as items are a la carte. Make reservations online at linkandpin.com.

SIXTY VINES
Location: 1415 Vantage Pk Dr #100, Charlotte, NC 28203 Raise a glass to 2024 with a vineyard-inspired meal at Sixty Vines on New Year’s Day. The South End restaurant’s Wine Country Brunch will feature small bites, shared plates, boards and more along with sustainable wines on tap and hand-crafted cocktails.
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Varies, as items are a la carte. Make reservations online at sixtyvines.com.

STIR CHARLOTTE
Location: 1422 S Tryon St Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28203
In addition to a special midnight toast on New Year’s Eve, the local restaurant is also hosting a New Year’s Day brunch. Enjoy made-from-scratch dishes, including avocado toast bites, breakfast burgers and waffles, plus mimosas, Bloody Marys and other brunch favorites.
Time: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies, as items are a la carte. Make reservations online via OpenTable.

TOWN BREWING CO.
Location: 800 Grandin Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208 Town Brewing is kicking off 2024 with a New Year’s Day celebration. The local brewery will be offering food and drink specials for you to enjoy while jamming out to live music by the fire pits.
Time: 12 p.m.
Cost: Free

Mortgage rates are dropping. Here’s what to expect in 2024 if you want to buy a home, experts say

After a year full of record-high interest rates and home prices, experts say there are signs of improvement for the housing market in 2024.

In December, the average mortgage rates dropped below 7% for the first time since August and after an 8% peak in October, which pushed housing costs to the highest level since 2000.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped to 6.95% from 7.03% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.31%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate mortgage jumped to 6.38% from 6.29%.

“The decline poses good news for buyers,” said Jessica Lautz, deputy chief and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors.

Interest and mortgage rates will slowly decline, giving people a “little bit more room in their budgets” when it comes to mortgage payments, experts say. Additionally, inventory is growing as new listings creep back up, said Nicole Bachaud, a senior economist at housing site Zillow.

Lower interest rates should come as encouraging news for homebuilders.

“It should be easier for builders as rates go down, as they need to borrow to build,” said Lautz. Homebuyers should see a greater supply as more homes will be built, she said.

However, consumers may still feel discouraged, added Lautz, as affordability may still be a challenge.

“We’re expecting home price appreciation to stay flat for the next year nationally, so prices aren’t really going to move much from where they’re at now,” Bachaud said.

High costs kept would-be buyers as renters
Homes were 52% more expensive than rentals this year, the highest gap on record, according to the Zumper Annual Rent Report for 2023.

High costs in the buying market have delayed homeownership for many buyers and kept inflation-strapped consumers in the rental market, some explained.

10+ Family friendly New Year’s events in Charlotte, Noon Year’s Eve countdowns and more

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at these events in Charlotte. This list includes many Noon Year’s Eve events, as well as some events with countdowns in the early evenings.

Charlotte’s official New Year’s Eve event, CLT NYE, is free, and is family-friendly, although the countdown does take place at midnight. So it is probably too late for younger members of the family.

This is a list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations that are either expressly for kids, or are very family friendly. Celebrate New Year’s Eve (December 31st, 2023) and New Year’s Day (January 1st, 2024) the fun way!

Here’s a list of New Year events that also includes events for adults. Read more:

What’s latest about sports?

Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young took “control” of the Panthers offense, en route to his best game

CHARLOTTE — For DJ Chark Jr., Sunday was the start of something special.

Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback, No. 1 overall pick and the passer that’s been tasked with giving the Queen City a king again, put together a coming-of-age performance. The Panthers left Bank of America Stadium on Christmas Eve with a loss, a 33-30 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, but also with a hope that springs anew.

Because on Sunday, Young had the best game of his short career. He finished 23-35 with 312 passing yards, two touchdowns with no turnovers. His passer rating of 113 was nearly 10 points higher than his next closest game. And to Chark, it’s just the beginning.

“There’s so much more to come,” Chark said Sunday of his quarterback. “He’s making plays, he’s comfortable, but that’s who we know him to be, at least in this locker room. We do, we believed in him the whole way through. Three, four or five years from now, he’s gonna be definitely at the top, if not one of the top QBs.”
It’s a bold statement for a team sitting at 2-12. Yet Chark delivered the proclamation with unwavering confidence; much like his quarterback delivered on the day.

“He was in complete control,” interim coach Chris Tabor said. “He knew exactly how the game was being played.”

That control was evident not only in the actual plays, but each facet of the game Young touched.

“In and out of the huddle, being consistent with the calls and making the reads,” Chark explained. “If things not there, it breaks down, he’s able to save us and get us some yards or do something. So, yeah, I would say he was in control. And he’s continuing to improve every week.”

The Panthers first offensive drive opened with what would have been a three-and-out if not for a Packers penalty on the punt that kept the ball moving. Three plays later, the Panthers punted again. Short gains and overthrows defined the first six offensive plays. The second drive proved, however, they wouldn’t define the day.

The subsequent drive, facing second-and-5 from his own 36-yard line, Young found tight end Tommy Tremble down the seam. Tremble hurdled a defender for a few extra yards and when the dust had settled, the Young-to-Tremble connection had picked up 32 yards. From there, the drive stalled, but it was enough to put the Panthers in Eddy Piñeiro’s range and get on the board.

Charlotte Football Club

Q&A: Charlotte FC Director of Scouting Thomas Schaling Preparing for 2024

For many in this country, the holiday season is a time for relaxation and time with family before jumping into the challenges of the new year. However, for Charlotte FC’s Director of Scouting Thomas Schaling, December is one of the most critical months of his year.

Schaling heads CLTFC’s eight-person (and growing!) scouting team, working hand-in-hand with Sporting Director Zoran Krneta and Technical Director Bobby Belair, among others in the sporting department, to identify, recruit, and sign the next stars taking the pitch at Bank of America Stadium.

With a new head coach in Dean Smith now in place and a critical offseason on the horizon, Schaling and his team have been hard at work prepping for 2024. He was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down for a chat with me this week.

The result is a fascinating peek behind the curtain, giving us an inside look at specific players that arrived last year, the lessons learned from the team’s first two years, and his vision for where CLTFC is headed in year three and beyond.

Responses were lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

Caleb: There were a lot of departures heading into year two of Charlotte FC, so the scouting department had a lot of work to fill the gaps in the team. Including draft picks, the first team saw 12 news faces join the side. Overall, how do you assess the team’s recruitment in their second season?

Thomas: We solidified the team between the primary and secondary transfer windows with more MLS experienced players like Bill [Tuiloma] and Justin [Meram]. We tried to add more depth to our domestic core with the college players as well, which was important to us. We made our supplemental roster stronger with players like [Patrick] Agyemang, [Andrew] Privett, [Brandon] Cambridge and [Hamady] Diop. Then we looked to add quality and experience with the international signings we made in [Ashley] Westwood, [Enzo] Copetti, [Scott] Arfield, [Brecht] Dejaegere and [Jere] Uronen. Overall, I think we managed to stabilize and improve the team.

That being said, the jump in our points total from 2022 to 2023 wasn’t big. We felt the improvement in quality was there to make a bigger jump, but there are many factors at play when trying to get to over 50 points in MLS regular season play. Overall, the roster improvement wasn’t fully reflected consistently over the course of the season. With further improvements to the roster, our desire is to make that next big jump under Dean [Smith] in 2024.

Caleb: What lessons from the inaugural season did you take heading into the club’s second season?

Thomas: The recruitment strategy was different in our second year, as we weren’t building from scratch this time around, so it was easier to target the positions of need and focus primarily on those. The whole picture and where the resources would be allocated was much clearer as well. It was a case of: this is the allocation money we have, these are the roster designations that we have left, and these are the positions we want to strengthen.

We knew pretty clearly what type of budget we had to work with for each of the positions. But of course, there were lessons taken away from the first year by the entire organization. I believe it taught us all to be even more process-driven, more collaborative, and trust more in our knowledge of the league.

Caleb: Ashley Westwood was one of the first of the new additions. Naturally, there were questions surrounding his age and the injury he had just recovered from. He ended up being a locked-in starter and a leader both on and off the pitch, earning him the team captaincy.

What do you make of his first season at CLTFC and MLS?

Thomas: I think that Ashley really started to hit his stride around June and July and has had numerous very good performances throughout the season. It is only normal for a player coming off a severe injury and into a new league to need some adaptation time. Premier League players are no exception to that. Obviously, the leadership and stability that he adds to this group has been very helpful as we’ve had a turbulent first two years in the league due to various reasons.

Ashley has established himself in Charlotte in a similar manner to how he has established himself at his previous clubs: as a positive personality and someone that leads well by example. It’s no surprise to us that he has turned into a fan favorite.

New Year’s Eve parties, celebrations in Charlotte to ring in 2024

CHARLOTTE — It’s almost time to ring in the new year and there are plenty of places in the Queen City where you can do it in style.

Here are a few celebrations we’ve highlighted

CLT NYE in Uptown

This family-friendly event will feature live music, the lighting of the Queen City crown and fireworks at midnight. Festivities kick off at 8 p.m. on Tryon Street at Levine Avenue of the Arts. Admission is free.

know more here: CLT NYE in Uptown

Charlotte New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl in Uptown

Enjoy drink specials at participating bars, Champagne toast, plus party beads and a souvenir koozie. Welcome party and registration is from 4 to 7 p.m. Participating venues include Mortimer’s, The Local, Ri Ra, Tattooz & Booz, Prohibition and Novelty Smoke. Tickets start at $21.99.

know more here: Charlotte New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl in Uptown

New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (Carowinds)

Ring in 2024 with the sights and sounds of WinterFest. Family-friendly festivities will begin at 5 p.m. There will be several early-evening countdowns for the little ones in addition to the main countdown at midnight with fireworks. Tickets start at $32.99.

Partygoers can enjoy a Disco Desert-themed night that includes live music and DJs on multiple stages and other festivities beginning at 7 p.m. Open to adults 21 and older. Tickets start at $40.

know more here:New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (Carowinds)

Disco Desert: NYE Celebration at The Music Yard at SouthBound

know more here:New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (Carowinds)

Check out these AMAZING Concerts and Plays this January!

Knight Theater

THE NEW YORK BEEGEE’S TRIBUTE SHOW
JAN 13, 2024

Based in New York, this show has played to sell out shows at The Paramount Theater and BB King NYC. BB King NYC wrote, “The NY Bee Gees Tribute Show presents the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience. The band offers all of the classic ’70s disco hits from ‘Stayin’ Alive’ to ‘Night Fever’ while embracing their early works such as ‘To Love Somebody,’ ‘I’ve Got To Get A Message To You,’ and ‘Massachusetts.’ The New York Bee Gees delivers songs from every decade of the Bee Gees catalog with a stunning production, powerful vocals and the professional stage presence to fill any club or casino.”

The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show is comprised of some of Long Island, New York’s most versatile and exceptionally talented players. The band includes present or former members of well-known, world renown acts including The Alan Parsons Project, Happy Together Tour, Meatloaf, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, Riot, Herman’s Hermits, Enrique Iglesias, The Rippingtons, and more.

Buy tickets here: THE NEW YORK BEEGEE’S TRIBUTE SHOW

Knight Theater

ELTON JOHN/ BILLY JOEL FACE 2 FACE: THE TRIBUTE CONCERT
JAN 6, 2024

Come celebrate the two greatest “piano men” of our generation with David Clark as Billy Joel and Bill Connors as Elton John! This stunningly accurate “Face 2 Face” Tribute show will feature hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “I’m Still Standing,” “You May Be Right,” “Piano Man,” and much more!

Buy tickets here: ELTON JOHN/ BILLY JOEL FACE 2 FACE: THE TRIBUTE CONCERT

Spectrum Theater

Nate Bargatze
The Be Funny Tour
Jan 14 / Sunday

CHARLOTTE – Comedian Nate Bargatze announced new dates for his 2023-2024 THE BE FUNNY TOUR!

Hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” by The Atlantic Magazine and a “Rising Star,” by CBS Morning,

2021 Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around

the world. Bargatze will make his debut appearance hosting Saturday Night Live on October 28th on NBC/Peacock.

Buy tickets here:Nate Bargatze The Be Funny Tour

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A 2023 Guide to Holiday Events in Charlotte

NOV. 9-19
Southern Christmas Show
The festive showcase returns to Charlotte on Thursday, November 9, and will run through Sunday, November 19. More than 400 vendors will be there for you to browse and shop as you take in the seasonal sights all around you. $16-$18 (kids 6-12, $8).

NOV. 22
Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade
This year, the free Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade marks its 77th anniversary and its third year as a nighttime event. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. Tryon Street, uptown.

NOV. 17-JAN. 6
Speedway Christmas
Drive through nearly four miles of Christmas lights with synchronized music on the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then hop out for photos with Santa, a live nativity scene, rides, s’mores making, and gift vendors. Drive-in movies on select nights. Charlotte Motor Speedway. $45 per car.

NOV. 17-JAN. 1
Carowinds WinterFest
Explore millions of lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, food and drink, holiday gift shops, games, and rides. Carowinds. Tickets start at $32.99.

NOV. 22-JAN. 1
Light the Knights
Truist Field hosts ice skating, snow tubing,lights, shopping, and more as part of this year’s Light the Knights festivities. Tickets start at $10-$40.

NOV. 24-DEC. 23
Holidays at the Garden
Winter will glisten with dazzling lights, sparkling fountains, and holiday décor throughout Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this season. Tuesday-Sunday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Adults: $25; kids: $15.

A Guide to Charlotte’s Best Italian Restaurants: 2023

Charlotte’s roster of Italian eateries continues to expand, proving the city’s robust appetite for pizza and pasta isn’t going anywhere. Fortunately, we’ve got a range of options, from white tablecloth ristorantes to more casual osterias. Enjoy scratch-made tagliatelle the way you’d eat it in Bologna or order meatballs and breadsticks at a counter. Sip a glass of Chianti at a Venetian-style wine bar or take a gelato to go. Find an experience at any price in this restaurant guide.

Flour Shop
530 Brandywine Rd.
980-299-3754
The smell of fresh bread in the wood-fired oven hits you as soon as you walk into this intimate restaurant in the Backlot of Park Road Shopping Center. If there’s room at the counter, grab a seat and watch as the chefs prepare handmade ravioli, linguine, and tagliatelle in the open kitchen. When the housemade sourdough and warm focaccia tempt you—and they will—order a loaf with a plate of Burrata and use the bread to soak up the pesto and tomato jam. Chef Trey Wilson’s pasta is always divine, from the Ricotta Gnocchi with Pork Meatballs to the Squid Ink Linguine. His dishes often change with the seasons, but if the Fettuccini Lamb Bolognese is on the menu, order it.

Angeline’s
303 S. Church St.
704-445-2540
The Pappardelle Bolognese and Margherita Pizza are both excellent, but if you’re feeling adventurous, start with the whipped ricotta with sourdough, lavender honey, and pistachio. After dinner, ride the elevator to the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel for a nightcap from its sister cocktail bar, Merchant & Trade.

Aria Tuscan Grill
100 N. Tryon St.
704-376-8880
This trendy uptown spot has high-end Italian dishes with a sophisticated wine program to match.

Aqua e Vino
4219 Providence Rd.
704-364-4445
This is one of the smallest dining rooms in town, which means it can be hard to nab a reservation without planning. It also means chef Gabriele Grigolon serves each dish with textbook precision.

Capishe
500 E. Morehead St., Ste. 100
980-819-9494
Grab a margherita pizza or some linguine carbonara at this fast-casual eatery.

Cicchetti
100 N. Tryon St.
980-299-0039
Come for the drinks and stay for the food at this wine bar, restaurant, and retail shop. Cicchetti (pronounced “chee-KEH-tee”) means “small dishes” in Italian, i.e., Venice’s version of Spanish tapas.

Dolce Osteria
1710 Kenilworth Ave.
704-332-7525
This classic, cozy, family-run neighborhood trattoria serves a mix of fresh, regional Italian cuisine and a carefully curated, all-Italian wine list.

Ever Andalo
3116 N. Davidson St.
704-910-6543
Ever Andalo has the feel of a neighborhood trattoria, and the pasta, all made in-house, is the highlight of the menu.

Fiamma
2418 Park Rd.
704-333-3062
The open layout lends an air of conviviality to this slick eatery, which has housemade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, note-perfect risotto, and daring meat entrees.

Forchetta
230 N. College St.
704-602-2750
Chef Luca Annunziata serves lasagna just like his mom made it and carbonara as it’s served in Rome.

46 Garage Storage Ideas You Can DIY

Wire Shelving In the Garage
While no two garages are alike, one thing they might very well have in common is a deep need to be more organized. The walls are an obvious place to start.

Wall-mounted shelves are a simple fix that will help you maximize your garage storage space quickly and easily. Shelves, baskets and hooks are simple to install and inexpensive, while offering you an endless array of customizable options.

The garage storage racks pictured here are an easy DIY project that will only take you one morning to set up.

Garage Storage Ideas for Fishing Gear
We got sick and tired of our fishing rods getting tangled, so we came up with this easy fishing rod organizer. All you need is a length of 3-in.-diameter PVC pipe and a foam swimming pool noodle for this DIY garage storage system.

Drill 1-in. holes spaced every 4 in. in the PVC pipe.
Use a utility knife to cut slits in the foam noodle, spacing them 4 in. apart.
Line up the pool noodle on the wall so that at least two of the slits sit over studs.
Pull those slits apart, slide in a fender washer, and screw the noodle to the wall with 2-in. screws.
Finally, screw the PVC pipe to the wall beneath it at a comfortable height and insert your fishing rods.

Stack Bins Vertically To Save Floor Space
Plastic storage bins are one of the great garage storage systems to separate and organize your equipment by sport or season. Unfortunately, they usually get stacked against a wall somewhere, which makes getting to the bottom bins difficult, especially for your household’s littlest teammates.

Luckily, a permanent DIY garage solution is only a weekend away with our easy-to-build storage towers, an attractive and ingenious way to provide easy access to your bins. Consider different color bins for each sport to make finding what you need a breeze, and utilize the sides of the wooden frame for wall-mounted accessory items such as fishing rod holders or utility hooks for lightweight equipment.

The 30 Best NC Christmas Events (2023-2024)

There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many small mountain towns offer special NC Christmas Events.

From parades and shopping to dazzling Christmas lights and meetings with Santa, these Blue Ridge Mountain Towns are the perfect place to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit.

So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll down Main Street, a festive NC train ride through the mountains, or just some unique holiday memories, read on for our extensive guide to the best North Carolina Christmas events!

NC Christmas Events Guide
(Arranged Geographically)

1. Biltmore Virtual Tree Raising (Biltmore Estate)
2. Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (Biltmore Estate)
3. Candlelight Christmas Evenings (Biltmore Estate)
4. National Gingerbread House Competition (Asheville)
5. Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum (Asheville)
6. Christmas Jam (Asheville)
7. Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center (Asheville)
8. Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration (Banner Elk)
9. A Small Town Christmas (Banner Elk)
10. Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)

What’s latest about sports?

Charlotte 49ers

Charlotte 49ers Win Historic AAC Championship

The Charlotte 49ers Men’s Soccer team just won their first American Athletic Conference championship after beating the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs yesterday in Dallas.

This victory marks Charlotte’s first American Athletic Conference title in their inaugural season, having just joined the AAC this year. The 49ers, who were the No. 2 seed in the AAC tournament after a 6-2 conference record and 12-3-1 overall, defeated Florida Atlantic in the semifinals before overcoming SMU, the No. 2 ranked team in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer.

The win came after Forward Brandon Morales scored the second goal in the game in minute 55. The first goal was scored by Defender Ian Pilcher in minute 22.

Game Highlights: 2023 American Men’s Soccer Championship | Charlotte vs SMU

Biggest Event this December!

WINTER WONDERLIGHTS

Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2023; Greensboro

Greensboro Science Center invites you to celebrate with loved ones at Winter Wonderlights. Featuring 12 magical realms of joyful sounds and shimmering lights, this walk-thru experience recommends making reservations online. Check the calendar before buying tickets; select weekdays are discounted, and you’ll find Santa most weekend days.

Know more here: WINTER WONDERLIGHTS

WINTERLIGHTS AT ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

Select dates Nov. 17 – Dec. 30, 2023; Manteo

Peacocks, butterflies, deer and other enchanting creatures take up temporary residence at the Elizabethan Gardens. Created with flowers, seeds and other natural elements, the lighted displays join permanent art elements – which include the world’s largest bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Know more here: WINTERLIGHTS AT ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

Select dates Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024; Charlotte

One of the South’s most popular theme parks, Carowinds transforms into WinterFest with thousands of shimmering lights, a large Christmas tree, lavish displays, live shows and strolling performers, and special holiday dishes and desserts fill the midways.

know more here: WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Nov. 17, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024; Cary

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival includes all-new displays, each one comprising hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights. A variety of ticket options – including Twilight, Any Night and VIP – make planning your visit a breeze. There will also be cultural performances and artisan crafts.

know more here: NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Check out these AMAZING Concerts and Plays this DECEMBER!

Booth Play house

CLARA’S TRIP: A CIRQUE & DANCE NUTCRACKER STORY
DEC 7 – 10, 2023

A contemporary twist on a holiday classic.

Clara attends a holiday party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Flowers. At the party, she meets Beau and they dance the night away. Only one problem. Clara is a passionate dancer but not the most coordinated. She trips, falls and is whisked off to the hospital to learn that her ankle is broken. That night her friends and get-well gifts swirl in her dreams.

Come one, come all to the perfect holiday treat for your friends and family!

All shows will have sound dampening headphones, fidget toys and a quiet room for people with sensory and learning disabilities. A Know Before You Go that will include when loud and sudden theatrics will occur will also be sent out on December 1 to ticket holders.

Buy tickets here: CLARA’S TRIP: A CIRQUE & DANCE NUTCRACKER STORY

Knight Theater

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY POPS
DEC 15 – 17, 2023

Create lasting memories with family and friends at the Charlotte Symphony’s annual Holiday show with sing-alongs, falling snow, and so much more.

Buy tickets here: CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY POPS

Spectrum Theater

Jumpman Invitational 2023
Dec 19 / Tuesday

The fans are stomping their feet in excitement for the greatest sports and athletics event of this year comes to North Carolina. And if you act now, you can be a part of the action when Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina hosts Jumpman Invitational – 2 Day Pass for a live event on Tuesday 19th December 2023! You heard it here first! You could be a part of an ENERGETIC crowd that gets to see the biggest athletes in their league go head to head in December’s most intense competition. Ticket holders won’t be able to look away because they might miss highlights reel moments that are too hot for a TV broadcast. You’ll be on the edge of your seats as you watch out for fan-favorite stars rush out to the playing field. And you might just cheer until it hurts when you see the twists and surprises that could only come from this STUNNING athletics event. Hundreds have already secured their tickets to see the show, but there’s still time to buy the best seats in the house. But only if you hurry while supplies last. Don’t miss out! Click the buy tickets link below, so you can buy your tickets to see Jumpman Invitational – 2 Day Pass live at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina this coming Tuesday 19th December 2023!

Buy tickets here:Jumpman Invitational 2023

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

November Newsletter – The Real Estate Geek

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Check out these AWESOME blogs that might help you!

These are the 12 hottest restaurants in Charlotte you need to check out right now
BY CHYNA BLACKMON

It’s no secret that Charlotte’s food scene is constantly growing with new restaurants and bars every year. We shared 10 hot restaurants earlier in the year, and those spots probably haven’t slowed down much. But nothing stays still in Charlotte.

Over 180 new food and drink spots around town have opened or plan to this year alone, adding to the long list of beloved restaurants in the area. So it can be pretty difficult to narrow down where to grab a bite to eat when we’re blessed with so many food options to choose from. Whether you’re going out for dinner, drinks or even brunch, here’s a new list of some of the hottest restaurants in Charlotte right now:

AZÚCAR
BIRD PIZZERIA
CATALINA KITCHEN & BAR
COQUETTE
CHAPTER 6
CULINARY DROPOUT
THE DUMPLING LADY
THE FOX & THE FALCON
HESTIA ROOFTOP
JIMMY PEARLS
SIXTY VINES
SUPPERCLUB SOUTHEND

How To Safely Clean Your Basement After a Flood: 7 Essential Tips From the Experts

You’ve just reached the tail end of a bad storm that damaged your property. After hours of heavy rains, high winds, and even potential evacuations, figuring out how and where to start putting things back together can be tricky.

And it’s all too tempting to start rushing through the items on your long to-do list, which likely includes cleaning out your flooded basement.

But tidying up the darkest room of your house after a major storm that included flooding is far from a simple task. It’s something that can be quite dangerous if not done correctly.

We spoke to plumbing and cleaning experts to find out the best way to tackle the job with minimal safety risks. So before you walk down those creaky steps, read these seven essential tips for safely cleaning out your basement after a flood.

Always put safety first
There are plenty of dangers potentially lurking in a flooded basement, including electric shock and gas leaks.

“Water and electricity are a dangerous combination,” says Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. “Electrical outlets, wiring, and appliances submerged in water pose a significant risk.”

To ensure you are not in danger of electric shock, always turn the electricity off to the basement before stepping even a toe onto the damp floor.

While electricity is probably the most immediate threat to your safety, another potential risk is a gas leak. If you have gas appliances on your property and smell gas after a major storm or flooding event, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company’s emergency line once you are safely away from the property.

Check for structural damage
Another danger in the aftermath of a flood is structural damage to your home.

“Flooding can weaken the structural integrity of your home, including the foundation and walls,” says Kunz. “Be cautious when reentering the basement, as it may be unsafe. Seek professional help for any extensive damage or structural repairs.”

You might not always be able to tell if your property has structural damage. But don’t stick around if you see something obvious—such as a lagging support beam or a ceiling that’s starting to look dangerously low. Call for help, and find a safe place to stay until a professional inspects the structure.

Get the right gear
If your home doesn’t pose any immediate threats, ensure you have the right gear to clean your basement.

“Floodwaters often carry contaminants such as sewage, chemicals, and bacteria,” says Kunz. “Wearing protective gear such as gloves, boots, goggles, and a mask is crucial.”

You can find a variety of personal protective equipment in flood cleanup kits online, or you may be able to find it locally in stores after a significant flooding event. Whatever you do, never enter potentially contaminated floodwaters without protection.

What’s latest about Sports?

Carolina Panthers

Adam Thielen, having a season for the ages (and the aged)

CHARLOTTE — Not many things have gone as planned for the Panthers this season.

But the thing they’ve found they can count on, and the thing they anticipated, was Adam Thielen making the sheer number of plays he’s made for rookie quarterback Bryce Young and becoming an important leader for an offense that’s young and learning on the fly.

“He’s not even been the slightest bit of surprise,” Panthers head coach Frank Reich said of the veteran receiver. “I said that from the start, like this guy’s special, he’s a special route runner. He’s got special football smarts and savvy. He’s a unique and elite competitor. He’s an elite leader.

“Obviously, you guys can tell Bryce has a ton of confidence in him. He just continues to make play after play.”
A reasonable expectation was that the 33-year-old Thielen would be productive this year. They just might not have expected him to be far and away their top receiving target.

Last year in Minnesota, he caught 70 balls alongside 128-catch superstar Justin Jefferson. Something like that kind of complementary effort would have been fine.

Instead, Thielen looks like a star again and one of the top receivers in the league.

Through Week 6, he’s tied for third in the league in receptions with 49, just one off the league lead. He’s also doing something with them, as he’s 10th in receiving yardage, with 509, and has four touchdowns.

Charlotte Hornets

Why Charlotte Hornets would be wise to cash in on opening atop city’s sports landscape

It’s right there for the taking. Anyone familiar with the struggles of the two major professional sports teams in Charlotte understands the current circumstances. The Carolina Panthers finally dented the win column after knocking off the Houston Texans & CJ Stroud on Sunday, likely temporarily quieting those questioning if the NFL team took the right quarterback with the No. 1 overall selection in April’s draft. But how long will that last? Think about it: If ever there was a time for the Hornets to seize the city’s sports spotlight, it’s now. Like, immediately. And if they were wise, the last thing they would do is, to use a football term, fumble the ball. Getting back to the days when the Hornets’ fervor was palpable throughout the city might be more important than ever under new ownership, and the desire to restore that level of excitement drives the person at the end of the bench who witnessed the team’s last postseason appearance. “More than anything,” coach Steve Clifford said Sunday. “More than anything.”

Among the Hornets’ faithful, there’s skepticism Charlotte can pull out of the franchise’s long-term malaise, as evidenced by the attendance figures during the first two games. The Hornets averaged a shade under 16,000 fans during the initial two outings of a three-game homestand, which concludes Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. Now, that’s not bad. But Wednesday’s season-opening win over Atlanta wasn’t sold out. There were still hundreds of tickets remaining and the same could be said for Friday’s loss to Detroit Pistons, leaving the arena shy of its capacity of 18,500.

That gives off a vibe of “show me first before these hard earned dollars are pried from these hands.” It’s the result of the franchise’s futility since pro basketball returned to Charlotte, something the Observer took a closer look at with this being the franchise’s 35th anniversary season.

Biggest Event this November!

Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival

Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC
One-day adult tickets: $14-$16. Discount for 2-days and for kids

Watch handlers have their dogs herd sheep through a series of gates and into a pen. There will also be other dog demos, organizations, merchants, food trucks, pet adoptions and more.

Know more here: Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival

Yap Yè Iswà Festival (celebration of Catawba culture) in Rock Hill

Saturday, November 18, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Catawba Cultural Center
1536 Tom Steven Road, Rock Hill, SC
Free

Celebrate the art, history and culture of the Catawba people, with drumming, kids’ activities, traditional dances and more.

Know more here: Yap Yè Iswà Festival (celebration of Catawba culture) in Rock Hill

20th Annual Statesville Pumpkin Festival

Downtown Statesville on Saturday, November 5, 2022 for the Flow Automotive 19th Annual Statesville Pumpkin Fest from 10am to 5pm! The streets will be bustling with people and downtown will be filled with live music, arts and crafts, great food, shopping, children’s activities, and much more. Stay after the festival for the DENSO After Party featuring On the Border, The Ultimate Eagles Tribute from 5:30pm – 8:30pm!

know more here: 20th Annual Statesville Pumpkin Festival

Holiday Open House

Thursday, November 30th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Merry Moments Happen Here! Join us in our Christmas Village for a very merry Holiday Open House on Thursday, November 30th from 6pm-8pm! Visit and grab photos with Santa, grab complimentary hot cocoa, enjoy a kids Santa letter making station and live seasonal tunes from musicians, roaming holiday carolers while you enjoy your holiday shopping and more!

*This is a free event

know more here: Holiday Open House

Check out these AMAZING Concerts and Plays this NOVEMBER!

Booth Play house

CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS
NOV 25 – 26, 2023

In the early years of his young adult life C S Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning.

Buy tickets here: CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS

Knight Theater

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
NOV 12, 2023

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage in 2023 celebrating the very best of Fleetwood Mac.

Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

Buy tickets here: RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Spectrum Theater

Ally Tipoff
Nov 9 / Thursday

The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF), along with Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY), announced the Ally Tipoff, its newest high-profile event, featuring the women’s basketball teams from the University of Iowa and Virginia Tech facing off on November 9, 2023. Both teams are coming off appearances at the 2023 Women’s Final Four and projected to be Top 10 programs for the 2023-24 season. The matchup will be available on ESPN Platforms with specific details announced at a later date.

Buy tickets here: Ally Tipoff

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

4141 Bon Rea Dr., Charlotte, NC 28226 (VIDEO)

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4141 Bon Rea Dr., Charlotte, NC 28226 — presented by Barry Reeves (aka “The Real Estate Geek”):

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

Spectacularly updated South Charlotte home that’s walkable to schools, shopping and restaurants. Nestled into a mature neighborhood, you’ll love your new remodeled home with Mac Daddy bathrooms, large bright spaces inside and outside. Updated kitchen opens to ginormous (23×10) great room with vaulted ceiling features wood fireplace with custom mantel. Owners’ suite is a dream come true — it’s huge (18×15) with his-and-her closets, double-vanity, “Mac Daddy” walk-in shower and private water closet. Great natural light beams off luxury vinyl plank flooring. New carpet in bedrooms. Large dining room (16×10) with walk-in pantry. … Love the outdoors? Your new home features a covered front porch, a screened back porch, a large deck, a pool and a fenced-in backyard so the kiddos and puppies can run worry-free. Hosting parties a breeze as friends flow easily from dining room to kitchen to great room to screened porch/deck. … Systems update: Roof (2021), HVAC (2021), windows (2021), gas tankless water heater (2022). … Convenient to Windyrush Swim & Racquet Club. … 3 min. to Colony Place shopping and restaurants. 5 min. to the Arboretum. 10 min. to SouthPark. 10 min. to Ballantyne. 20 min. to Uptown Charlotte.

Enough from me. Let’s hear from the sellers …

SELLER SAYS:

Our most favorite things about the home: Can we just say “everything”?!? Our agent and our daughter really pushed us to see this hidden gem of a home when house-shopping years ago, and as soon as we walked in, we were blown away. All the natural light in the open living room with the high ceilings and now renovated fireplace won me over. It just felt so inviting and “homey” from the first second, and then we’ve done a ton of cosmetic updates over the years to keep improving upon it. The bathrooms are OMG awesome, and the owners’ suite is so large and comfortable.

We love being outdoors, so the screened-in porch and deck are a favorite place to be at the beginning of the day with morning coffee and end of the day with a glass of wine. It’s just so serene. And then we made the summer days even better with a pool, too.

What we love most about South Charlotte: During our first visit to Charlotte in 2005, we had an overwhelming sense of home. We felt a deep sense of familiarity and belonging and knew this is where we wanted to raise our family. Over the last 18 years, Charlotte did not disappoint.

The schools in South Charlotte are amazing, the weather is perfect, and we love how green and clean Charlotte is. We love that South Charlotte is near the mountains and the beach — and super close to great shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

What we love most about the neighborhood: Everyone we have met in the neighborhood has been very friendly and “neighborly.” We feel safe walking the dog in the evenings and riding our bikes through the neighborhood in the mornings. We also appreciate that our neighbors take pride in the care and maintenance of their homes, yards and surrounding community. And there’s always someone at the ready when you need help moving furniture or just want extra company for an impromptu BBQ.

Our favorite restaurants: Well, we’re only a mile or so from Colony Place, which offers several cuisine choices. We love Brooklyn Pizza, which is a very popular spot for the kids and us grownups. Another favorite is the The Lodge, a neighborhood pub that is a great place to catch a football game with friends and their wings are second to none.

Extend our radius to about 10 minutes, and of our personal favorites within 10 minutes are Mezzanotte Ristorante for delicious Italian, Cowfish has the best sushi and Terrace Café for an amazing brunch. There are endless options in every direction.

Our grocery store: Well, the truthful answer is “all of the above.” For starters, we can walk to Food Lion and walk to Harris-Teeter. How awesome is that?!? And we’re a short drive to Gourmand and Trader Joe’s and Publix and Fresh Market. Heck, we often stop at Whole Foods on the way home, too.

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

For more information about this property, contact The Real Estate Geek, Barry Reeves, at barry@reeveshometeam.com or 704.763.8303.

9709 Autumn Applause Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277 (VIDEO)

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9709 Autumn Applause Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277 — presented by Barry Reeves (aka “The Real Estate Geek”):

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

You’ll fall in love with your updated Blakeney home super convenient to restaurants and shopping, walkable to Ardrey Kell High. Friends will envy your new updated kitchen featuring white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances — overlooking the great room with gas fireplace. Entertaining is a breeze with guests flowing easily from kitchen to great room to outdoors. Oh, yeah, you’ll love your morning coffee on your 302-sf patio, overlooking your private and fenced-in backyard surrounded by mature trees. Relax at the end of the day in your large owners’ suite with walk-in shower & walk-in closet. This one-owner home has been meticulously maintained. Great natural light beams off hardwood flooring on the main; brand new carpet on the second level. … Zoned for Ardrey Kell High, Community House Middle, Hawk Ridge Elementary. … 5-min. walk to tons of restaurants & shopping at Blakeney Shopping Center. 5-min. drive to heart of Ballantyne. …

Enough from me. Let’s hear from the sellers …

SELLER SAYS:

Our most favorite things about the home: We love so many things about our home. As the original owners, we were able to choose a number of features that make the house extra special. We love the large front porch with rocking chairs to sit and enjoy some coffee.

We love the huge archway between the dining room and the foyer – it just adds a special touch. We love the bay window in the kitchen and all of the windows and light inside the house that just bounces off all the hardwoods.

Most of all, we love the large patio and backyard for hosting BBQs and enjoying cocktails with our friends or just chilling at the end of the day with a glass a wine and enjoying the serenity of the wooded bakyard.

And we love the schools here. From Hawk Ridge Elementary to Community House Middle School to Ardrey Kell High School, we are lucky to be zoned to some of the best schools in the state. Heck, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Ardrey Kell. And it’s more than just top-rated test scores. We love that the parents are so involved, the teachers are wonderful and there are a huge variety of extra-curricular activities at each school. We’ll miss that, for sure.

What we love most about South Charlotte: As Charlotte natives, we have really seen the area grow and grow and grow. We love having the mountains and beaches both within an easy drive. We love all of the live music options in the area, too ((Did you know that there is about to be a new amphitheater in Ballantyne?!?)) as well as the ever-expanding greenway trail system.

Plus, the U.S. National Whitewater Center isn’t too far away and offers a lot of great outdoor activities.

What we love most about the neighborhood: The things we love about living in South Charlotte also revolve around location. Great schools, great shopping, great restaurants and fabulous community events, including free music nights at several of the shopping centers nearby!

We’re just a 5-minute walk from our house to the Blakeney Shopping Center — Blakeney has all the good stuff. 🙂 Some of our favorites include Target, Harris Teeter, Old Navy and Home Goods. They even just opened a Jeni’s Ice Cream! Walking down to Blakeney for live music in the summer is great! There are several restaurants with patios overlooking the park/stage or you can bring a blanket and just hang out.

Our favorite restaurants: We love the restaurants in Blakeney…and that we can walk to them! 🙂 One of our favorites is sitting on the patio at Brixx Pizza, eating and chilling and relaxing. There’s also a Chick-Fil-A when we need something quick! 131 Main is great for a special occasion; everything is made from scratch and fresh. Cabo Fish Taco in Ballantyne is a short drive away and has great food and live music in the summer.

Our grocery store: Harris Teeter is our favorite grocery store nearby. It’s a quick 5-minute walk in the Blakeney Shopping Center. And if Harris Teeter doesn’t have what we need, Super Target is there too. How lucky are we?!?

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

For more information about this property, contact The Real Estate Geek, Barry Reeves, at barry@reeveshometeam.com or 704.763.8303.

12743 Glowing Peak Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078 (VIDEO)

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12743 Glowing Peak Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078 — presented by Barry Reeves (aka “The Real Estate Geek”):

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

You’ll fall in love with your updated Huntersville townhome with a RARE private backyard that’s walkable to schools and restaurants. You’ll be giddy to host backyard BBQs in your “Outdoor Oasis” with your large custom patio and professionally landscaped ProGreen turf yard that’s pet friendly. Your friends will drool over your wide-open floor plan, where guests flow easily from your great room to your kitchen to your dining room to your backyard. Oh, and they’ll be gathered around your GIANT 10-foot kitchen island. Cooking will be a joy thanks to the large granite countertops, stainless steel appliances – and yes, you’ll be cooking with GAS. You’ll love your new 16 x 13 1/2-foot owners’ suite with huge walk-in closet, dual vanity and huge walk-in shower. 10-foot ceilings on both levels. Split floor plan upstairs. … Refrigerator, washer/dryer and backyard fountain convey. … Short walk to your neighborhood pool/clubhouse/park. … Walk to restaurants & shopping. Walk to Blythe Elementary, North Academy of World Languages and North Mecklenburg High School. … 15 min. to Uptown Charlotte. 20 min. to US Whitewater Center.

Enough from me. Let’s hear from the sellers …

SELLER SAYS:

Our most favorite things about the home: Our little courtyard between the house and the garage is our most favorite space. We relax at the end of the day with a glass of wine. We play with the puppy out there. We have friends join us for BBQs. Being an end-unit, we also have a great view of the mature trees, the space has been landscaped to meet our needs as a “no maintenance yard.” It’s cozy, private and is our oasis!

What we love most about Charlotte: The culture is Charlotte is amazing! So many things happening for all likes. We can catch a sporting event, hit the local brewery scene, try some great food from local options (some featured on Food Network’s Diner’s Drive-in’s, and Dive’s). We can head to the Symphony in the Park or catch a Broadway show. We love the farmers markets all around town, lake life on the North and South ends of town.

We’re also a quick 2-hour drive to the mountains or a 3-hour drive to the beach. And it’s great going oversees on vacation by way of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, providing plenty of direct flights!

What we love most about the Bryton neighborhood: It is very quiet, close to plenty of shopping, and easy access to I-485 and I-77 to get almost anywhere you need to go in the Charlotte area. We love the neighborhood park and the neighborhood pool. Everyone is sooooo friendly, too. And, if you have school-age kids, you can walk to Blythe Elementary, the North Academy of World Languages and North Mecklenburg High School. How awesome is that!?!

Our favorite restaurants: Start your day with a great breakfast at Famous Toastery — there are several in the area to choose from. Then for dinner, we tend to head over to 131 Main and sit by the fire with a glass of wine and enjoy a very relaxed atmosphere with dark woods and muted lighting.

Our grocery store: We are fans of Food Lion’s great prices, but Harris Teeter and Publix are nearby too. Oh, did I mention there are 2 of each within 4 miles of the house?!!!! 🙂

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

For more information about this property, contact The Real Estate Geek, Barry Reeves, at barry@reeveshometeam.com or 704.763.8303.

17214 Commons Crossing Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277 (VIDEO)

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17214 Commons Crossing Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277 — presented by Barry Reeves (aka “The Real Estate Geek”):

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

You’ll fall in love with your updated home super convenient to restaurants and shopping, walkable to Ardrey Kell High. Friends will envy your new updated kitchen featuring white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances — overlooking great room with gas fireplace & vaulted ceilings. Entertaining a breeze with guests flowing easily from kitchen to great room to sunroom and outdoors. Oh, yeah, you’ll love coffee in the mornings in your 12×12 sunroom, overlooking your private and fenced-in backyard. Relax at the end of the day in your main-level owners suite with walk-in shower & huge walk-in closet. Great natural light beams off newer LVP flooring. 10-foot ceilings on main. Split floor plan. 2-minute walk to your neighborhood pool. … Zoned for Ardrey Kell High, Community House Middle, Elon Park Elementary (new Elon-Hawk Relief Elem. in fall ’23). … Convenient to tons of restaurants & shopping — 4 min. to heart of Blakeney, 6 min. to heart of Ballantyne. …

Enough from me. Let’s hear from the sellers …

SELLER SAYS:

Our most favorite things about the home: The things we love most about our house revolve around the location! We live on a pretty quiet street but are very close to everything. The houses are not right on top of one another here, and our property backs to a common space so even in the winter you’re not looking at someone else’s backyard. When the trees leaf out, you don’t even see homes back there!

We also love the walking path along the south side of the house that takes us directly to the neighborhood pool, basketball court and playground. We also have beloved bard owls that live somewhere in the woods. We haven’t spotted them but love hearing their brief hoots on many nights.

And we love love love the schools here. From Elon Park Elementary to Community House Middle school to Ardrey Kell High, we are lucky to be zoned to some of the best schools in the state. And it’s more than just top-rated test scores. We love that the parents are so involved, the teachers are wonderful and there are a huge variety of extra-curricular activities at each school. We’ll miss that, for sure.

What we love most about South Charlotte: The things we love about living in South Charlotte also revolve around location. Great schools, great shopping, great restaurants and fabulous community events, including free music nights at several of the shopping centers nearby!

What we love most about the neighborhood: Our neighborhood is a place where you can be as social as you like. Neighbors are friendly but don’t bother you if you’re not a social butterfly. We also love the diversity in the neighborhood.

We also have one of the larger neighborhood pools in the Ballantyne area, so that allows us to have our own swim team!

Our favorite restaurants: Oooooh, we’ve got a number of favorite restaurants! Our top 6 — in no particular order are …

Oggi Charlotte – Shops at Ardrey Kell. Everything is fresh including the hand pasta. Walking distance on a nice night.

Big View Diner – Shops at Ardrey Kell. Everything is yummy and well-priced. Also waking distance on a nice day!

131 Main – Blakeney. Our favorite for a special occasion. Everything is made from scratch and fresh! Can get pricey but worth it.

Thai 1st – Blakeney. Just super yummy Thai.

Be’s Noodles & Banh Mi – Community House Rd. It’s a super yummy hole in the wall joint. We can’t get enough of it!

The Blue Taj – Ballantyne Village. This is our favorite of several great Indian restaurants in the area.

Our grocery store:We like shopping at Harris Teeter and are lucky enough to have two within walking distance on a nice day. We also love that Whole Foods is just up the road in Waverly.

(Click here for current pricing, more pictures)

For more information about this property, contact The Real Estate Geek, Barry Reeves, at barry@reeveshometeam.com or 704.763.8303.

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