For those of you moving to Charlotte for the grand weather, it's December 10th and it's going to be 75 degrees today. The whole week will be in the 70's actually....it doesn't get better than this!
This past Saturday, I visited a fantastic restaurant in Moorseville's main street strip named Soiree. It's contemporary French that is a tad pricey--heck, what French joint isn't? But the food was phenomenal and inventive. The space is truly beautiful with it's exposed brick that is thanks to the fact that it is housed in a historic building that was formerly a fry goods store. Truly, the whole main street area was absolutely adorable, with little baberber shops, antiques, artist galleries, and ice cream shops. Moorseville has done a tremendous job keeping the integrity of something that is disappearing all around the country.
The owners have managed to retain lots of the original features of the building--including the old pay phones sitting in their wooden booths. We're talking rotary dials, people! No push button. Too cool. The high ceilings, super high windows and pretty decor reminded me of a great high end restaurant in my beloved NYC. Funny how Charlotte feels more and more like home to me.
We were there for a party upstairs, so we got to try a few of the selections and desserts. Everything we had was very good, and it's a shame it's so far from where I'm living--otherwise I would sure as heck be there every couple of weeks! Still, we'll try to make a few special trips to get up there whenever possible. Totally worth it.
Since the culinary school Johnson & Wales University opened in uptown a few years ago, some pretty great restaurants and chefs have been moving in and sticking around. It's great to see.
Monday
Restaurant Review: Soiree in Moorseville. Yum!
Tuesday
Been Busy, Busy!
Sorry folks, but I've been wildly busy. I just landed a gig writing for startcooking.com that has been taking up a bit of my time...aside from my real full-time gig, that is. So, I'm thinking about tofu recipes and coming up with ideas on how to jazz up hot chocolate. It's a really great site, actually. So I was instantly attracted to the work even though I really don't have the time to write any more than I already am.
Anyhoo, Halloween came and went and wouldn't you know that not a single kid came to our house! No one sent this new resident the We-Schlep-Our-Kids-To-Other-Neighborhoods memo. It finally dawned on me and I grabbed my Transformer clad 4-year old and we headed over to the brightly lit Cureton subdivision which was mobbed with so many kids that half the homes we went to told us they had run out of candy! Meanwhile, that left me with gobs of tootsie rolls to eat from my own bowl. Ah well, now we know the trick or treating drill for next year.
But for the 30 minutes we were searching for candy on our block, I finally met some new neighbors I hadn't seen before simply because the homes are so far apart and heavily wooded that we can hardly see each other. I did find out from my neighbor directly across the street that he's putting up his house for sale in January to his long-time second home in Florida. So, if you're interested in buying a house with a front porch on about 2 acres of land in the Marvin school district for around the $450k range, give me a shout and maybe you can run over to my neighbor before he hooks up with a realtor. It's amazing what you learn when you just talk to folks.
The weather has gotten nippy in the mornings here, but the sun warms things up on the back deck by mid-afternoon. We're having a splendid fall here in Charlotte, but we're still in need of more rain since we're still in a bad drought. The leaves have been slow to change color with all the lack of rain.
I've gotta head back to NY in a few weeks for a wedding, and then to Philly for a biz trip. I haven't had a good cheesesteak in years, so I'm looking forward to it. In the middle of all that, my father-in-law is coming to Charlotte for Thanksgiving, and he's already telling us he may move here.
Looks like we've got another one coming down!
Halloween Up!
We've got the house all Halloweened up this year, but the neighborhood has only 35 houses and just a handful of kids, so we don't know what to expect. We've only lived in this house about 6 months, so we have not yet witnessed Halloween here yet. Just one other house on my block has decorations. Hmmm...what a bunch of old poopers!
In our previous neighborhood in South Charlotte, Halloween was quite the spectacle. Every house was dressed up to the hilt for the holiday, and there was one house that was a particular huge attraction with people coming for miles to see it for both Christmas and Halloween. (It's on Long Cove Drive in Providence Country Club right off Tom Short if you're so inclined to check it out). This particular house has a great southern styled porch that lends itself well to spookiness and drama. The fog machine going wild doesn't hurt either.
If you didn't buy your fright decor two months ago, you're pretty much lost. Halloween is a fairly significant thing here in the south, and folks go all out and starting buying up all the good stuff months before. I learned this the hard way when I visited Target and Wal-mart two weeks before Halloween last year, and there was hardly a thing left. So, I made sure to get my shopping done early this year.
In the northeast, Halloween pretty much died in the 1970's after the whole razor blade and pins in the candy thing. I was thrilled to see the holiday had serious energy behind it here in Charlotte, as at least my kids will get to experience it the way I did as a child before the morons went and killed it.
Kids even get to wear costumes at some schools here. That was totally verboten in NJ when we left because we were advised that there might be some religious differences where some kids didn't participate in it. So, to be fair to everyone, they just nix the whole thing. I totally think that sucks and is completely ridiculous. I mean, if Halloween isn't your bag, then by all means exercise your right to not dress up. I think people are way too hung up on being proper and trying to include everyone. This is America, and you have every right to say no if you're not interested in being part of something. It's your right to not participate.
For example, in the northeast no one says "Merry Christmas." You say "Happy Holidays" instead so as not to offend anyone. Here in the south, there was a big movement last year to encourage people to get over it. People took back the ownership of saying Merry Christmas. I mean, if you're not Christian, isn't it easy to say something like: "Thanks, but I'm Jewish."
We're so worried about offending people that we either don't say anything or water it down. I'm not saying it's right to assume someone celebrates Christmas or Halloween or whatever, but we shouldn't feel compelled to be all-inclusive every time either. I would be thrilled to have my kid learn about a variety of holiday customs from all different faiths and religions, and I'm opened minded enough to accept that there's more than one way to open a candy wrapper.
Speaking of candy...there goes another Tootsie Roll.
Happy Halloween people!
Monday
Recommending My Cleaning Lady
I keep getting emails for the name and info on my cleaning lady, Derly, so I've decided to put all the info you'll need on her here. Please make sure you tell her Lisa sent you! She works homes in South Charlotte, upper Union county, a bit of Mint Hill and in Cabarrus just above Mint Hill. Here goes:
Derly (704-449-5668) has been helping us keep our house neat for a bit over 2 years now, and she's been doing a terrific job. Before her, I had several other folks that helped with the cleaning, but they were downright terrible. It wasn't even that they didn't clean too well (one person didn't even lift up stuff to dust under it), but the worst thing was that they were never consistent with the day or time they came. I had one person that literally called or emailed me every week to ask if they could change the day they were coming that week. There was always an excuse: dentist appointments, doctor visits, school meetings, English classes--it was really unbearable.
Thankfully, Derly has never changed the date or time on me once since she's started pitching in. She's also very thorough and usually comes with a partner to help her, so it's like you're getting two people for the price of one. Lastly, she's also very honest. I have mistakenly left a credit card and even the check book out in the open, for example, and it was not touched. There have been a few times where I wasn't going to be home and I've given her access to the key for her to get in and out, and everything has been perfectly fine.
Derly is Portuguese, so you need to be a little patient in terms of the communication side of things. When you call her the first time, you'll likely leave her a message and her young daughter will call you back and do some translating for you. She'll set up the first appointment where Derly will come over and give your place a once over to get you a price. Feel free to haggle with her a bit until you come to a fair price you both feel comfy with. Just don't think you're going to low-ball her, because she's not a stupid woman and quite a shrewd business person. She will be cheaper than services like Merry Maids, you can trust me on that. But she's not going to let you rake her over the coals on price either.
I have no trouble telling her exactly what I want done, as Derly has mastered all the important words of her trade that enable her to do her job. She'll ask you for example, if you want your baseboards cleaned of not? Fans? etc. She's also pretty flexible, and I've tossed her some extra money to clean the inside of the windows (she doesn't do the outside) or clean out the fridge.
What I love about Derly is that she's thorough. More thorough than I am. For example, she gives a quick dust to all the oil paintings that I have on the walls. Now, I don't even do that normally. But she sure does. She even takes the garbage out of every pail in the house--including the baby's diaper pail. A couple of times I rushed out of the house because I had a few appointments, and didn't have time to make my son's bed. Well, Derly did it for me without asking. (Ok, I confess, that the beds are never made unless I have guests or Derly is coming over. Who has time for that?!).
Last, you'll need to buy all your own cleaning supplies. I just keep mine in a crate on the floor in the pantry for her to utilize. I have a box of kitchen garbage bags and a couple of rolls of paper towels and that's what she uses. When something is empty, she'll put it in your counter to signal you need to buy more. Make sure your vacuum cleaner is handy, too. She uses her own broom, and her own mop. What I love about her mopping, is that she uses this massive squeegee that she wraps a small towel around. It gives a much better cleaning than a string or sponge mop, and the everything is nearly dry, too.
I can't say enough about Derly. She's worked out perfectly for us, and those that have used her after I've recommended her just love her too. See if she a match for you. I'd love to hear what you think.
Thursday
Private Wells and Septic Systems
Thank goodness the rain is still coming down here in Charlotte. We've had a devastating drought this summer and these last few days of continual rain have been welcomed by everyone. We were just weeks away from forcibly having to cut our water consumption by 50% as ordered by NC Governer Easley.
I'm on a well out here in Union County, and I've never had the luxury of having well water. Coming from New York City, there's no such thing and I'd always heard negative things. I'm on septic tank as well, and I've always heard horrors about those as well. Well, truth be told, I haven't really found a single pinch of difference. In fact, I'm starting to think it's better.
For one, my well water does taste perfectly delicious. I had it all tested before I moved in, and the water had no unusual bacteria or chemicals present. It also doesn't have any fluoride that one usually finds in local city water, so you have to make sure to use fluoride toothpaste. No big deal, as we all do that already.
I'd always heard that the water pressure coming from well water is not as good as city water. Well, that's not true either. We have the same exact pressure level. And, the best part about it, is that I don't have a water bill. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
The idea of a septic did kind of scare me I have to admit. I was warned (by city dwellers) that they always stopped up and stuff always came back up. Well, in the six months I've been on a septic that has not happened. Knock on wood. I definitely have become more conscious of what I put down the drain, tho. I thought nothing of tossing frying pan oil down the drain when I was connected to a sewer--which I already know isn't the right thing to do either. Now, I can it and throw it in the trash. We also don't allow our garbage disposal to grind up half of a meal so that it clogs the septic. I guess, overall, I've become more conscious as to what my pipes are eating. And I don't have a sewer bill. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Even though I could have continued to water my lawn all summer despite the drought because I have my own well, but I did not. I never watered once. I have a patchy, half-dry lawn like those of you on city water. We turn the water off while we brush our teeth and all that usual fare. We're trying to be reasonably kind to the environment. Around my neighborhood, however, there are a few million dollar mansions with the lushest, greenest lawns I've ever seen. There's a big sign out front of each that warns "Irrigated by Private Wells," just in case neighbors decide to call the governing agents on them because they're being wasteful. Hmmm.....
One needs to maintain these systems as any other part of your home, of course. You should have a septic company come out and check your system annually, and there's recommended products such as BioSafe that you're supposed to flush down the toilet to keep things clean and in working order. You can also get a water check test kit for under $10 bucks to check the bacteria levels in your well annually.
In Charlotte, most of the newer neighborhoods within the city limits are connected to sewers and public water, but out here in greener pastures there's many homes with quite the opposite situation. In fact, most people living in the USA do not have access to public water or sewers. So, don't be afraid of being in charge of your own water and sewage. You won't miss the bills!
Tuesday
49% of Residents Want to Leave NJ and Come to NC/FL
An interesting tidbit appeared in yesterday's Charlotte Observer newspaper, claiming that a recent poll said 49% of the residents living in New Jersey wants to move out of the state and go to either North Carolina or Florida.
Digging around, I found the story in the Star Ledger which appeared on October 17th. Don't just read the story itself, but also read the near 50 comments from readers that wrote in to voice their thoughts. Here's one particularly entertaining one:
"New Jersey, if the fumes, taxes (personal and corporate), traffic, and corruption don't kill ya, the stupidity in government will!
Hey, here's an idea, let's tax the people who don't make as much; an idea that will work right? Less tax to those who make more, more tax to those that make less. This state is in dire straights right now, along with many towns. Towns need more help financially, and the state has no funds to help.
$3.5 BILLION in deficit? The state just keep running up the credit card bills, chasing out the businesses. There is soon to be a tax on the tax.
I guess discussing this is like trying to introduce logic to an illogical equation. Nothing will change, anytime soon. Get used to it, or be prepared to move. I felt exactly like these people about living in the northeast. Taxes too high, cost of living is nuts." -1lvdherelong
I can totally relate to what these people are feeling, as I was one of them over 3 years ago. Between the taxes, the cost of living and the traffic, you simply don't feel like you can get ahead in the northeast. You're working like a maniac to pay bills.
A friend of ours who still lives with his wife in northern Jersey is purchasing a house and told us the property taxes were going to be $9,000. He said it without any emotion or shock...as if it was all normal. I guess in Jersey people just accept those numbers. I held my breath when I heard the figure and said to Matt--can you believe we're paying $2,200 property taxes for 3 acres??
So, I don't blame folks in New Jersey for wanting to run as fast as they can. And you won't be alone, because your buddies that left a few years ago are already waiting here for you.
Monday
Use the Internet to Research Your House or Neighborhood
I was talking to a realtor last week on the condition of the market in Charlotte, and she confessed that it has slowed down quite a bit from spring time. She explained that the the housing bubble elsewhere in the country has finally affected Charlotte in that folks can't sell their homes to come here. In other words, someone in New Jersey who is itching to get south is having to sit on their unsold house and can't make the move until it happens.
In Charlotte, homes have never really sold for those inflated prices around the rest of the country. There's been a slow and steady increase in home values that work with the national average. We also enjoy moderate property taxes in comparison to other areas. That gives those looking to purchase a home here good buying power. You get a heap for your money. I recommend using the Charlotte area MLS site, Carolina Home, versus Realtor.com as the listings are more accurate and give you better photos.
If you want to do a bit of research and find out what your house or the homes in the neighborhood have sold for within the last 5 years, check out websites such as Zillow and Domania. I used these tools successfully when buying in New Jersey as I was able to get vital information that helped me devise an offer. All you do is plug in an address and the info is all there at your fingertips.
When I was living in Morganville, NJ, for a year in one of those terrible cookie-cutter neighborhoods where the houses sat 12 feet away from each other. The house I lived in could be bought here in Charlotte for $125,000, and I won't tell you what unspeakable sum of money I bought the very same house for there (with $10,000 property taxes!). I purchased the home from someone that was selling it themselves and not using a realtor. So, I was left without an intermediary to the offer haggling for me. I had to do it myself. I went to Domania and looked at the recent comps in the neighborhood, but then I was also able to see that the seller had purchased the house two years before and that he was attempting to get over $100,000 more in that short time period! With this information in hand, I was able to tell him, "Look, I know you paid $X for this house just two years ago, and the comps say $Y. I'm ready to walk away if I can't get this house for this offer." He looked aghast and a bit sheepish when I told him EXACTLY what he paid for the home, and we were able to come to a reasonable number--well, at least what was reasonable in New Jersey!
The internet is an amazing source of information when it comes to home buying and selling, and not when it comes to purchase price either. Want to know how many registered sex offenders live within a certain mile radius from your home--or worse, perhaps right next door to the house you are buying? Check out The National Sex Offender Registry site and plug in your address. You may be duly delighted or horrified by what you find out. North Carolina has it's very own site, NC Find Offender, that does the same thing. And many of the local counties have their own version of this as well. Just do a google search for "cabarrus county nc" and "registered sex offender."
Need to know if you're buying or living near an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) superfund site? Check out their site to determine if you're going to be living near a toxic dump. Scorecard is a site that takes it even further, and can help you determine things like agricultural and water issues.
If schools are a concern for you, there's a number of interesting tools such as Great Schools that give you general data about every school in the country. In North Carolina, students have to pass the ABC standardized test. The scores have gone up this year, check out how yours did here. There's plenty of info if you go directly to the counties themselves to research what is happening in the local schools, too.
Property taxes are another issue for home buyers to consider. You should be thrilled if you're coming from the northeast. My property taxes were $10k per year, and now they are $2,200 for three acres of land! For tax numbers, check out these sites and do the math:
Wednesday
Indian Land, SC
Ah, Indian Land. I really, really wanted to live there, but couldn't find a darned house to buy since it's so tiny! Indian Land is in Lancaster County and is part of the Fort Mill, SC, zip code as it does not (yet!) have it's own post office. It's just minutes from the Ballantyne area on highway 521 just a bit away from primo property in NC. You can buy a house for a song, with dirt cheap property taxes. It's a real estate buyer's dream.
There's a neighborhood in Indian Land named Black Horse Run that I adore. It's an equestrian friendly community that allows owners to have 2 horses on every 1 acre of land (though many residents do not). Much of the neighborhood was built in the 1980's, so you have mature landscaping and decent sized lots. There is also a neighborhood pool, a barn, riding trails and a wonderful lake. The homes are a bit smaller than what you find new right now, but they are at a pricepoint that affords updating and in adding on. Houses in the subdivision generally go quickly...if you find one for sale at all.
Indian Land is set to explode, as you've got a heap of growth happening on the 521 corridor. Del Webb's 50+ neighborhood, Sun City at Carolina Lakes, is driving much of the growth and is sells out quickly each time a new building pod area starts up. Sun City has incredible amenities for those who fit the over 50 age profile, including a golf course, boating and a club house. Del Webb plans to build another similar subdivision in the next few years that does not have golfing for those that are not inclined. Investing in these neighborhoods is money in the bank.
Many property owners along 521 have recently put their larger parcels for sale to capitalize on the real estate boom that's happening, and they are being snapped up for retail and homes. And, it's proximity to Ballantyne doesn't hurt either. Gasoline is cheaper in SC, so you'll find lots of NC plates visiting the closest gas stations over the South Charlotte border. Plus, it's also home to Southern Spirits, our favorite liquor store here at Charlotte Central.
This area is served by Indian Land schools, which are decent; and not Fort Mill schools, which are excellent. In my opinion, however, I think the schools in Indian Land will get even better as the area is further developed.
Do not miss out on a little gem of an area--check out Indian Land, SC. You won't be sorry you bought ahead of the boom.
Tuesday
Fresh Milk Delivery to Your Home in Charlotte and Fort Mill
Yep, it may sound crazy, but the milkman still does deliveries to your house. About two months ago, I contracted with Lakeview Farms Home Delivery, which has a farm up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and does home delivery in the Fort Mill/Union County area.
Monday
New Garage Doors: Cox Door Company
I've been busy ripping our house apart from top to bottom. We started with the kitchen reface, and now my beaten down garage doors were the next target. The poor wood doors that have served this house since 1987 had finally given up. To start, they had water damage and were rotting; and the openers were opening and closing whenever THEY wanted to, instead of when I needed to get in and out of the house. Basically, everything had hit the statistical end of it's life and needed replacing.
Getting a NC Driver's License
I'm not proud to admit it, but even though I've lived here for three years, I never traded in my New Jersey driver's license. Once I heard that you had to take the written test in order to get your license transferred, I clung onto my old license like a toddler hangs onto her favorite blankie. I hate tests. Let me repeat--I hate tests. I still wake up in a cold sweat some nights dreaming that I've forgotten to study for some college final.
When I moved from NYC to New Jersey, they also had the written test system, and I hung on until they changed the rule and you didn't need to take the test anymore. Amen! I waited out the system and won! One day I was hugely pregnant with my first son, and I got nailed by a Jersey cop going 60 in a 45 mile zone. I handed over my NY license, and pretended I'd just moved to NJ (reality was that I'd been living there two years). My parents were in the back seat, and the cop took one look at my huge belly and let me go with a warning.
Now, let me say that you are required to change your old driver's license to the NC one after 30 days of living here. Ahem. And what I was doing was completely wrong. After about a year of living in Charlotte, I got pulled over by a cop as I was racing home to make a business phone meeting. I was going 60 in a 45 zone again (sorry!). The police man asks me for my license, and I tell him that my husband has moved here, but I'm not officially moved yet (sorry again!). Okay, I fibbed! He carefully took down the address in Charlotte and entered it into his cop computer, and he told me to slow down. No ticket, only a warning. A bit after this, instead of studying for the NC drivers test, I purchased a radar detector. I didn't get caught again.
Last month, I realized that my NJ license was about to expire within 4 weeks. The other issue, was that I was going to be boarding a plane for business travel, and my only form of picture I.D. was about to kick the bucket. I HAD to suck it up and take the darned test. I basically had no choice. I used this handy cheat sheet and read it over until I had it committed to memory. I went to the Monroe DMV and grabbed the road signs card at the front desk and sat in the waiting area for about an hour studying the thing like a fiend.
I'm nervous as hell, but get called into the testing room finally. I did my eye test by looking into the little contraption and reading the letters. Passed. I then do the signs test in the same little contraption. Passed. The man then sends me over to the computer where I would be taking the actual driving test. There's a young guy already there in the throes of his exam, and I sit down and put on the headphones to listen to the test and get ready to go. I'm sweating. I'm scared. I gotta pass or I can't get on that plane with an expired license. I can't drive either.
You have to get 20 out of 25 questions correct, and I race through the thing with flying colors because all the questions are EXACTLY the ones on the cheat sheet! I got just one wrong at the very end because it was worded in a funny/tricky manner. I see the kid next to me still stammering through his test and I pump my fist in the air as I knew I passed. He glances over at me in dismay and I shrug (sorry!).
I go back to the fellow that tested me, and he grins. He sends me over to get my photo snapped and minutes later they hand over my brand new, legit North Carolina Driver's License. I could not have been prouder, and it got me a bit closer to feeling like a native Charlottean. I was no longer sporting an transplant license...now no one would be able to tell the difference between me and a long-time local.
I still have my radar detector, but I've also slowed down quite a bit--after all, I live in Charlotte.
Saturday
Went Back Home to New York for a Few Weeks
You guys already know that though I'm living in Charlotte, I still work remotely for the New Jersey company I've been at for the last 6 years. It's truly a lucky break that the place allowed me to move here three years ago and still keep my job AND my old salary. And this week, we happened to be going IPO, so I was invited to the festivities at the New York Stock Exchange. I also decided that I wasn't going to visit family when I went back to New York, and was just going to work, shop and chill out. Shhhh....don't tell my mother!
Anyway, last week I did my thing at work 12 hours a day, and then enjoyed some shopping at Loehmann's, Century 21 and Daffy's--stores that would make a killing if they ever moved to Charlotte. One thing I do find in NC, is that the clothing is pretty pedestrian unless you go to one of the many boutiques in the area--but the who the heck wants to pay those prices? Everyone, for some reason, seems to dress exactly the same here. Every time I return to New York for work, I go with an empty suitcase and load up on clothing to bring back to Charlotte.
I booked my travel at the very last minute, and there were no hotels available in Manhattan, so I had to stay in a little rathole in Jersey City just across the river. At 7AM, I took the path train over to Wall Street, which is nothing more than a 5 minute trip. The train swoops around Ground Zero, and there was activity going on there much as it has been for the last 6 years.
I see this swarm of bodies running out of the train and up the long stairs that lead everyone up to the street level. It's this twice-daily rush hour ritual that always appear perfectly choreographed and everyone moves like a swarm of ants heading out of the hole to get up to the surface. I sure don't miss it. I don't miss standing on a NYC subway platform in August when there is zero airflow and everyone is sweaty and aggravated. I don't miss cramming onto the F train while the guy next to you is unknowingly jabbing his briefcase into your ribcage. And I sure as heck don't miss rainy days when you're jumping over puddles at the crosswalks while hoping not to get sloshed by the crosstown bus.
I finally come out onto Church Street and I immediately get that rush that happens to me every time I step in Manhattan--I always wish I could live here again. Of course, when I'm considering this I don't have my 2 young kids tugging on me and I'm not thinking about the fact that to live in NYC well, it requires you to be a millionaire. There just is something about Manhattan that is like nowhere on earth. I see Trinity Church around the corner and my knees feel weak...what a marvelous building.
Later in the day, I headed back up to our office on 19th and 5th Avenue, and I started looking for the restaurants and bars that I used to frequent as a single twenty-something. The Coffee Shop is still there....Union Square Cafe still around....Chat n' Chew check!....Steak Frites outta business...ah well! It's amazing how much things change in New York every time I go.
It's 11AM, and the 3 other women I'm with and I settle on the Coffee Shop on the corner by Union Square Park. The moment the menu hits the table, the waitress is immediately asking us what we want to order with a surly attitude. We haven't even had a chance to look crack it open, so we're struggling to come up with an answer and after 10 seconds she walks off in a huff. Clearly, I'm no longer used to the fast-paced pressure of everything in New York.
I order a Cuban sandwich, since there's virtually nowhere to get a decent one in Charlotte other than at Carlos Cafe in Rock Hill, SC, which is a bit of a hike for me when I get the craving for it. I also order a pomegranate mimosa--what the heck, I'm in New York! At the end of the day, we head over to the bar at the Soho Grand Hotel for a drink, and I make my way over to the elegant walnut bar as a bartender with a mohawk takes my order. And we end the night at the Canal Room, a club on West Broadway. I felt content that i had a fully quintessential New York City day.
Finally, I get on the plane at Newark and there's delays. Someone can spit on the tarmac at Newark Airport and you're guaranteed a delay due to "weather." The claim is that it's second in delayed flights to O'Hare Airport in Chicago. At some point I get to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and I grab my car and get on 77 South. I turn on the country music station and sing along to the Dixie Chicks' Cowboy Take Me Away.
I'm home. I'm happy here. I love living in Charlotte.
Friday
Charlotte Day or Weekend Trips
Another advantage of living in Charlotte is the proximity to many recreational areas close enough for a day trip or a weekend getaway. We're near the mountains and not that far from the beach. Here is a small sample of what's nearby.
Within 4 hours:
Myrtle Beach - Great for kids with lots of things to do around the beach.
Charleston - History, fine dining, romance.
Hilton Head - Golf, golf, golf, beach, golf.
Savannah - A taste of the Old South with great restaurants, tours of historic homes and plenty of hospitality.
Atlanta - Culture, sports, history, traffic. Go catch a Braves or watch the Panthers beat the Falcons.
Asheville - Funky mountain town, home to the Biltmore Estate. Don't miss the galleries and restaurants in town too.
Grandfather Mountain - There are lots of great places to visit in the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This will get you started.
Gatlinburg, TN - Spectacular Smoky Mountain scenery, and the home to Dollywood.
A Bit Further Out:
The Outer Banks - Closer to 6 hours out of Charlotte, but worth the drive. Beautiful scenery and beaches, with lots of outdoor activities.
Nashville - Music City is home to more than just the Grand Ole Opry. Also about 6 hours by car.
Colonial Williamsburg - History galore and Busch Gardens too.
Wednesday
Buying Furniture in Charlotte
You’ll find lots of info out there on the Hickory Furniture Mart, just an hour outside of Charlotte that is home to many of the popular furniture manufacturers. Personally, I found it interesting for ideas, but too expensive. I kept hearing for years how this was the place to go and get everything, and when I finally get here it was a serious disappointment, and went home empty handed. Matt can vouch for the fact that I rarely come home with nothing.
Through word of mouth–which is how you find out about all the good stuff–I discovered Furniture Factory Outlet on Lancaster Highway in Waxhaw. The darned thing is is the middle of nowhere, but so worth the trip. For one, it’s huge. It is a former factory that now has nothing more than great quality finds at terrific prices, including mattresses. Want a grandfather clock for $500 bucks? It’s here. A whole bedroom set in burl wood with a poster bed? Hop on over.Some things can be ordered, but most stuff is straight off the floor (but in immaculate condition). The catch is that they pretty much don’t deliver (except for the ordered stuff), so people drive up with rented U-haul trucks or those $19 an hour Home Depot pick up trucks. If you’ve got a friend with access to a large vehicle or van, they you’re in luck.
Ashley Furniture and Value City are pretty inexpensive, but the quality reflects it. You’ll pay darn near the same thing as the place above, but it won’t be as good. If you need an inexpensive couch for $450 bucks and you don’t expect it to last more than 3 or 4 years, then this might very well be the place to go. Expect the couch arms will be made of particleboard and have fabric that will not be durable.
Honestly, you’d be better off heading to family-owned Tyndall Furniture or Efirds. There’s heaps crammed onto the floor, and you can also browse their books and purchase something specific that way. You can get a Rowe couch for just $650 (depending on the fabric), and it will be 8-way hand-tied and real wood–and it will last you 15 or more years. So, do your math and make sure that that $450 couch is really worth it. Some of the bigger furniture stores do have outlets, such as Boyle’s, who just opened a new one out on Highway 74.
Decor can be found in virtually every shopping center around Charlotte. Home Goods just opened two locations in Charlotte and is a mecca for inexpensive, but interesting goods. There are people that swear by the Black Lion, which has two locations and hosts small shops that are individually owned by regular folks like us who want a way to have their own business. I prefer the one in Pineville versus the one in the Concord Mills Mall.
Charlotte Interiors is a great web source for finding local places to shop for all your home, furniture and decorating needs.
Tuesday
I Love the Charlotte Natives
If there's one thing aside from terrific weather and a cheaper cost of living that is great about Charlotte, it's the lovely natives. These days, there seems to be few of 'em around since us transplants seem to have overrun the place. But you can't help but recognize a native when you see one. For one, they are super friendly. I'm always mesmerized by the fact that transplants say that the natives have been standoffish to them. I've yet to see an example of it in my 3 1/2 years here. If you don't act like a transplant ass, then the Charlotteans will assuredly be as sweet as tea to you.
Now, I don't blame some native locals for being a bit exasperated at us coming here and taking over their towns. 10 years ago, Ballantyne was nothing more than farm land, now it's a mini city in itself. I'm sure the natives get a tad restless over the changing landscape. Heck, I've been here a short while, and it irks me when I see a beautiful farm being bulldozed by a builder to make room for more new transplant homes.
I can only imagine what a Charlottean is thinking when they encounter a New Yorker pressing the horn at a red light to get everyone else going. In case you haven't noticed, people don't honk their horns here. It took me a while to get past this habit, but I know I'm a calmer and better person for it. I have only the natives to thank for this improvement in my personality. I've slowed down on the road quite a bit, actually. I am pretty conscious about driving in a safer and and more respectable manner. I'm sure that cop that nailed me on Ardrey Kell Road last year had something to do with it as well, but I consider it yet another native encounter that set me straight.
The native children are an absolute dream. They are well-behaved, and are taught to use their yes ma'am's and no sir's with enthusiasm. I think it's so great that I even encourage my older son to get with the program. I'm not saying every kid is perfect around here, but they're way more civilized then where I came from. Heck, they're more civilized than I was as a kid! My painter Wendell, a native, is at least 10 years older than me and always calls me "Miss Lisa." The man was clearly brought up right and with manners. I had a great treat when my 4-year old gently pulled on a man's sleeve and said "...excuse me, sir..." Now, that's my little southern gentleman in the making!
Walking into any store will earn you a broad smile and big hello from natives. Geez, these people really are unbelievably pleasant. In New Jersey you make every effort to stare at the ground if another pair of eyes comes in contact with your face. Here, I've become a welcome machine. If there's someone looking at me, I'm waving, saying hello and asking them how their day is. I'm engaged in all sorts of chit-chat with the woman at the supermarket register, and ask my mail carrier how her back feels when she hauls herself out of her car. My mother, a staunch New Yorker, is continually horrified by the niceness. "Don't you find that annoying?" she asks me. Truthfully, I probably did before I got to Charlotte. Now, I'm a niceness convert. I mean, it really isn't that hard to be friendly--even for a New Yorker like me. I encourage you to give it a shot.
Finally, it's pretty important not to push your where-I-came-from ideas around. The natives don't really care how you did things where you came from. It doesn't matter to them that you're having a hard time finding fresh mozzarella. They don't give a hoot that NY Yankee games are blocked out when the Baltimore Orioles are playing. They also don't like the fact that you brought your northern road rage with you and are driving right up their bumper. If you miss things so much, or think they were done better from wherever you came from--then perhaps you should not have come here at all. Just do us all a favor and stay right where you are.
Maybe after I'm here 20 years I'll be considered a legitimate Charlottean by the natives. I've embraced the okra, the BBQ pork, and no longer curse like a sailor during NY Fleet Week (okay, okay, I've cut back...a lot!). I absolutely adore country music an rotate between WSOC and The KAT stations every time I get into the car. Shoot, I even watched the Dale (Earnhardt) biography on CMT two weeks back. I confess I haven't mastered a taste for sweet tea, which is a bitter disappointment to me in my quest to be a southerner. I just can't stand the stuff, but I compensate by slugging gallons of lemonade. I hope that makes up for it, or at least scores me southern points. I even selected the photo of the state of NC to be emblazoned on my Carolina driver's license (yes, people, I finally sucked it up and took the written test and passed!).
I don't regret for a minute having come to Charlotte, and I am working really hard to be like a native. Our 17 month old was born at CMC in uptown, so I have at least given birth to a native. I'm doing all I can to increase their numbers. If you're coming from somewhere else and have decided to call Charlotte home, do everything you can to mirror the natives. I can honestly say they will make you a better person and will help you slow down just a tad.
I may have been born in New York City, but I'm a southerner now.
Monday
5 Great Websites That Give You Info on Charlotte
There's a bunch of good websites and forums where you can get info or communicate with people that are already living in Charlotte and eager to help you find your way. I'm always happy to spout on about folks that are being helpful or providing well-thought out information.
QueenCityArea.net is a newer forum that you can check into that hosts a bunch of truly great Charlotteans that can help you navigate the area before and after your move to the area. General discussion forums are divvied up by the various counties in Charlotte and the surrounding regions. There's also a spot for you to post your questions on your school concerns, learn about the local sports teams, check out properties for sale and even read a restaurant review. The site is currently being populated with good info, so be patient as it grows. If you're looking for a piece of real estate, don't be shy about asking--the site is run by a local realtor who is always eager to show you around town. Just send a message to CharlotteAgent (Lee Hannibal) on the board. You can view his home listings here.
Charlotte's Travel Resource powered by the Charlotte Observer Newspaper, also provides solid info if you are visiting town. There's some pretty snazzy pics of the city, and you'll get ideas for what attractions to visit.
City Search sports a Charlotte specific section that is a godsend in terms of locating where restaurants are and providing you with reviews from people that have actually eaten at them. Reviews on pubs, clubs and other entertainment oriented type spots are also housed here.
Creative Loafing is a kooky rag you can find at any local supermarket that provides a weekly list of things to do in Charlotte for the younger set. It's sort of like the equivalent of New York City's Village Voice. Film, music, art, food and drink are all profiled here.
Shoppescharlotte.com gets you the goods on all things shopping in Charlotte. Plus, it has a good section on attractions as well. You can pick up all sorts of coupons for a myriad of local businesses here as well.
If you've got any other sources that provide helpful info to LivingInCharlotte readers, don't hesitate to post your ideas here.
Friday
Experience with a Kitchen Reface
As I've said previously, I moved into this lovely mid-80's home in Union County. The kitchen had dark cherry cabinets that had certainly seen better days, and all the appliances were shot and ancient. The kitchen is actually quite large, and I knew that new cabinets would cost me an arm and a leg, so I had to find a reasonable alternative.
Essentially the cabinet boxes were solid, but after 2o years, the finishes were just worn down in lots of spots. The previous owners also allowed their yappy Yorkie puppy to gnaw on the edges of a few of the lower cabinets as well. The drawer pulls were a dated gold and the hinges were all on the outside of the doors. Ick!
I started with some research on refacing, and was intrigued. As anyone who has ever had a kitchen gutted knows, you are left without a kitchen for at least 4-8 weeks depending on what you're having done. Now, I've got two little kids, so being kitchen-less would be absolutely impossible. I needed something that could be done in a week, but yield similar results. I immediately discounted Sears as a possibility because their veneers and doors looked cheap to me.
Kevin, my contractor referred me to Carolina Cabinets Refacing, and they were a complete joke. They come in with a whole sales pitch about how they have Amish quality woods. They bring a drawer sample and show me these beautiful dove tails. I told the guy that his drawers were truly lovely, but that I basically didn't own one single piece of furniture that had dovetails like that. I told him I wanted a durable kitchen, not furniture. I still wanted solid wood veneers and doors and a great look, however.
The salesman tells me that his price would be the same as the cheapest cabinets at Home Depot, except I was getting this hoity-toighty Amish wood. Fine. I get it. Gimme the price. The next day these clowns quote me $22,000 for the reface. Now, I'm no idiot, because I do know that the cheapest cabinets at Home Depot aren't going for anywhere near this insane price. I mean, for $22 grand, I better be getting NEW cabinets, not a reface! By then it didn't matter, because I also then find out through my research that they don't even wrap their veneers all around the cabinets, and that you can see their nails in the side panels, etc. Nixed!
More research on the web leads me to Kitchen TuneUp out of Mint Hill. The sales pitch is immediately non-pushy and they have a variety of product levels at different prices. They offer all of the latest finishes, including glazing. I'm told that the whole project will take one week after the cabinets come in (about 10-12 weeks), and the price thankfully comes in to way less than half of the morons at Carolina Cabinet Refacing with more bells and whistles. The guys did a great job of cleaning up every day, and I was still able to use my kitchen in the evenings to make dinner. There were a few hiccups with my order in terms of when things arrived, and I had some missing veneer that had to be reordered--but that bit of aggravation worked out in the end. And best of all, the work exceeded my expectations. I didn't think for a minute that a reface was going to look like brand new cabinetry, but boy does it ever.
If you use them, be sure to tell the owner Tom Taube that you want Danny on your job--the 21 year old kid is a wood whiz and a very methodical worker. He used to do body work on cars, and has been doing cabinets the last few years. He works like he's been on the job for 40 years, and is definitely talented.
There's a number of granite places where you can get your slab in Charlotte, but I ended up going to AGM Importers. Their selection is huge, and I found the varieties of colors to be far more interesting and unique than some of the other granite yards that just seemed to have safe, dull varieties. I was looking for something splashy that I knew wasn't going to be in every builder grade kitchen. I went with Golden Light, which has a lot of movement and veining and totally fit the European look that I was going for. It also doesn't hurt that they're the only place open on Saturdays.
I used Cassano for the fabrication/installation. Tom from Kitchen Tune Up recommended them, as he works with them all the time. They did a great job, and an especially kick-ass job on the single seam. You can barely see it, and you certainly can't feel it. Smooth as ice.
Charlotte Tile & Stone Supply is a favorite of mine, though it's in a icky industrial section of Charlotte. They have an enormous selection with 80% of what you see in stock, so you don't have to wait 12 weeks to wait while your tile shows up from Italy or some other far-flung place. I got some beautiful tuscan looking floor and backsplash tile for the same price you'd get it for at Home Depot. Make sure to chat with Christine Thomas, as she's a wonderful design consultant who will give you awesome ideas absolutely free of charge. Nothing like getting professional help if it doesn't cost you a dime! She even gave me a wonderful sketch and tile samples to take home so I could give my tile guy. I thought she had a great eye for matching colors and even hinted at what would be a great paint color for my walls. She was dead on.
So, overall, I had a positive experience at a reasonable price point, and I hope I've inspired you to tackle your old kitchen.
Happy facelift!
Thursday
Is There a Real Estate Slowdown in Charlotte?
We were the last to feel it, but it does appear that the bubble has finally hit Charlotte a wee bit. It's not that people don't want to move here and buy a house, what's holding them back is that they're having a hard time selling their homes where they're living now.
Charlotte's house prices have always stayed level with the national average, unlike some places around the US. And, if you ask me, the rest of the country was long overdue for a correction. I mean, when did we ever think that buying a 1,800 square foot house that is 80 years old and has a backyard the size of a postage stamp for $600,000 was normal?
Personally, I think flippers did huge damage to the market everywhere. These money hungry individuals never intend on living in the home they are buying--just profiting from it in the shortest amount of time possible. There's TV reality shows that sprung up thanks to this phenomenon, and you could see for yourself how they buy ramshackle homes and put in some cheap flooring, paint over sins and hang some cheesy drapes up and then turn around and sell the darn thing for another $80 grand more than they bought the place 3 months before. Clearly, there's something very wrong with that picture.
To make matters worse, there were lots of flippers who knew nothing of home construction or repair engaging mediocre labor to put lipstick on a cosmetically challenged pig of a house. Work that should be properly done in a matter of weeks or months is crammed into days so another mortgage payment does not have to be made. The corners that I have seen cut are not only inappropriate, but also can make the home unsafe for its future inhabitants who have payed good money for the home.
I can assure you that when you paint directly over freshly hung drywall that has not fully cured--that that paint will be popping off the walls in less than 6 months. Of course, by that point, the flipper has long moved on. You also cannot lay tile AND grout it in the same day, yet I've seen that done as well. Anyone buying a house from an investor should tread cautiously and definitely use a home inspector. I'd also insist on a home warranty as well. Unfortunately, any structural issues won't be covered by a $399 warranty, so be ready.
I'm not sure why people feel the need to move into a perfectly immaculate, move-in ready home. I purchased a mid 1980's house that was in serious need of a facelift. I was able to get her at a great price and her bones were solid. The home is in a great neighborhood with lots of trees and huge lots; plus the schools are some of the best in the state. I managed to do some critical messy repair work right before we moved in like getting rid of the popcorn ceiling and replacing the carpeting. But I've been having work done over the last 5 months that I've been here, and its happening at a reasonable place by some talented folks that aren't ripping me off. I got to pick the granite I liked, the finish on my cabinets and how big I wanted my deck. The house now feels like its been custom built by me and to my taste without being in a cookie-cutter insta-neighborhood.
Has it been a pain to have workers in my house for the last few months? Sure, but they've also become like part of the family. I was having my master bath ripped out by our terrific contractor Kevin Scally (KDS Construction 704-507-3091), and one evening my 4-year old had a wheel come off his toy truck. I offered to fix it for him, but he advised me that he would be asking Kevin to fix it the next day. If anything went wrong, my son said Kevin could fix it. And he's probably right!
In the end, instead of paying someone else to present me with a move-in ready house with their materials, I'm controlling the process and making sure it's done right. And my 25 year old house is looking quite pretty again these days, just as she must have on day one.
Wednesday
Charlotte Schools: Which One for Your Kid?
If you've got all the money in the world, then by all means consider one of Charlotte's magnificent private schools. There's a bevy of phenomenal places that you can send you child to, with tuition's to match. Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Country Day and others may be right up your alley.
For the rest of us mere mortals who are hoping to get our kids a sound public education without breaking the bank, there is hope. First thing to note is that Charlotte is a large city, and therefore has all the issues of a large school system. Thankfully, we are not as plagued as New York City or L.A., but there are natural issues to be concerned with.
I highly recommend reviewing www.greatschools.net, as a source for checking out schools. It's a good start, but you should not consider it your only source. You will find pockets of areas with better schools than others. For example, western Union County is noted for its solid schools. South Charlotte is also doing well. Of course, these schools are also crowded thanks to parents wanting to move into these areas, so don't be surprised to find temp buildings on the school grounds.
Its tough to find schools in Mecklenburg county outside of the wealthier areas (such as South Charlotte) that have zones of good schools. In Meck, its really a cherry-picking of small areas that have decent places to educate your kids. Myers Park is one particular area that also has decent schools, but is again wealthy. Outside of Meck, in more suburban areas, the pickings get a bit easier.
Here's a few ideas if you're house searching while keeping good schools in mind:
West Stanly County
Fort Mill, SC
most of Western Union County
Lake Norman
Clover, SC
Central Cabarrus
parts of Lincoln County
These are by no means the only pockets of good areas, but it's a start. You can research Meck County and these other areas on the net by visiting their sites directly. I've linked a few for you above already.
It is possible to get a solid public school education in Charlotte, or anywhere for that matter. I think folks need to take the info they see on the internet with a grain of salt, and I suggest you visit a school yourself instead of solely relying on test data.
There is in an annual article that Newsweek puts out: 100 Best High Schools in America, and there's quite a few Charlotte schools on the list which is impressive, but I'm leery. Some of the schools named are certainly not ones that I may not want to send my kid to. Some are no brainer good schools to appear on a list such as this, such as Providence High, Myers Park....but Butler? Check out Butler's ratings at www.GreatSchools.net and you'll see a pretty different picture. Or review the ABC scores, and again you'll see something that's not quite right.
What I'm trying to say, is that you should be careful of just using test scores to select a good school. 'Nuf said.
Monday
Festivals, Fairs and Other Annual Events
There's quite a few annual outdoor events in Charlotte that are totally worthwhile, especially if you've got kids.
This past weekend was the Matthews Alive Fair that runs all Labor Day weekend. You've got your usual greasy fair foods sold out of big trucks to chow on such as huge roasted turkey legs, gyros, funnel cakes and corn dogs. The Matthews fair is arts and crafts centered, so there's heaps of locals hawking their homemade wares on tables scattered all over the place. I went on Sunday, and I have to say its lots its luster from a few years ago. The items for sale are rather cheesy and repetitive from table to table for the most part. The carnival rides also seemed to be fewer than past years as well, and the ticket-takers seemed to be barking at the kids to get off the inflatables a bit to soon for my 4-year old's taste. He got so peeved at the lines at one ride that he basically gave me my ticket back and wanted to move on. [Warning: Parking is an absolute nightmare here, as there are no lots--its all street parking. Be prepared to walk far from wherever you dump you car if you don't arrive when the fair starts].
Also running all week is the Cabarrus County Fair which has rides, but also lots of farming and animal events such as prizes for best goat, mule and cow. There's also rides and your usual fairground foods, too. Iredell County is also running theirs as well this week.
The weekend of September 20th bring Festival in the Park which is close to uptown at Freedom Park. This is a great event as the park is quite large and has a pretty lake at its center. I happen to really like this festival and am looking forward to its return this year. Parking isn't stupendous, but there is parking on the grass if you arrive early. You go through a tree-canopied walk-way most of the way, so its pleasant in the shade. There are lots of vendors here selling all types of stuff, but its better than what you find at the Matthews Alive event and with more variety. The event meanders around the park, and it doesn't leave you feeling cramped for space such as in street fairs.
Our favorite is the Renaissance Festival that begins in early October and runs about 6 weeks. This quaint medieval "village" sports unique buildings with wonderful little shops that boast interesting things to purchase. You can buy your kid a neat wooden sword for $10 bucks or you can purchase a pair of buttery leather boots for $600. There's something and a price-point for everyone. The festival staff are all wearing traditional garb that would have been seen during medieval times such as felt hats with a fancy plume and tight corsets that cinch up abundant bosoms.
The employees are a lively bunch and put on their best British accents while they joke and bark in a Shakespearean manner. There are lots of undertone remarks that you need to be on your toes to grasp, so pay attention as they could be making fun of you! (In a good natured way, of course). Heck, even many of the visitors get in on the act and dress up too.
There's lots of interesting stage shows happening such as music and dance traditional of that time, and even jousting which is done with quite fanfare. As the season wears on, they have special themes such as for Halloween where the place is shrouded in special scariness. The New Yorker in me expected it all to be totally lame, but I'm looking forward to it this year again. Please don't miss this one, its worth the drive.
In the winter, you'll hear about Christmas Town--also known as McAddenville. This tiny town just north of the airport overhauls itself into a holiday wonderland. The town has pulled together since the 1950's to deck out every porch, every tree, and house with millions of twinkling lights. For free, us visitors simply drive (at 3 mph) through the town to check it out. You hear Christmas music coming from every car and all the kids ooh! and ah! as they point out their favorite house.
There's a number of rules here. First, is that you have to be super patient, because the closer it gets to Christmas Day, the more insane the trip to McAddenville gets. You will see miles of cars on the highway waiting to get to where these homes are. I highly suggest going as early in the season as you can to avoid the maddess. Second, everyone turns off their car lights so you can see the house lights better. Last, you have to patient. Wait, didn't I already say that? Like, I said, cars are literally all just in a line crawling through the neighborhood. It takes about 20 minutes to get through the whole thing. It's something that you've got to do at least once.
In spring, there's the Food Festival in uptown. From a food perspective, this one rocks. Local restaurants and chefs from all over Charlotte get to strut their stuff and let you try smaller portions of their foods for a price (but, often not a cheap price). There's an area for the kids with a bouncy house and such that are no charge, and they don't rush you to get off either. You also get the vendors and local companies offering up their goods at tables lining the street as well. You can have alcohol here, too.
Of course, there's dozens of other smaller festivals going on all the time that you can find out about in the Charlotte Observer newspaper. The Yiasou Greek Festival is next week, for example.
There's beer festivals, wine festivals, book fairs, etc. Whatever your interest, there's always something going on. Some are better than others, but most will give you something interesting to do with the kids for a few hours. Going in the evening gives you more of an adult perspective on the event, of course. But most of us transplants are moving here sans family, so we tend to be schlepping out kids around with us for the most part.
Sunday
Charlotte Liquor Stores (aka ABC Stores)
Here at the Living in Charlotte blog, we don't beat around the bush when it comes time to having a good drink. God, after all, did not invent Coca-Cola, but he sure as heck gave us all natural spirits. So, if you're turned off at the thought of a pint of ale with your hamburger--we suggest you save yourself some time and read one of the other cheery posts on our blog. We promise that most are quite entertaining. For the rest of you who are quite happy with a martini or margarita at the end of your day, keep reading...this is important stuff.
Picking up booze in Charlotte is an interesting event for us transplants--particularly if you're from the northeast. First off, liquor stores here are controlled and regulated by the state. This means that you don't find any independent liquor stores within NC state lines. Now let me clarify before you guys get all jiggy on me. Beer and wine are sold everywhere here, and you can easily walk into your local CVS drugstore, Target, the supermarket or an independent store selling these two items. Liquor--or hard spirits--can only be sold at what are referred to as ABC stores in NC. ABC stores, however, don't sell any wine. If you're confused now, please hold tight...
ABC's have your typical collection of vodka, whiskey, rum and anything with a higher alcohol content that you usually spot on liquor store shelves. The mainstay brands are all there--Absolut, Johnnie Walker, Bushmills, etc. What ABC stores aren't is creative in terms of the more interesting or unusual brands. Matt, for example, has grown fond of a Spanish brandy, Gran Duque de Alba, over the years. It is common to see it on northeastern shelves, but it is not sold in ABC stores here. The brandy selection in NC, is actually quite pedestrian if you are into that particular beverage or anything else a little more unique.
So, what is one to do? Well, you run across the border to South Carolina, of course! They have similar named ABC stores in SC (though many have ordinary independent names too), but these are not state run. The selection here, is much more exciting and the store hours are more like what you'd expect from a liquor store. So, if you get that hankering for a mojito on a late Saturday might--you can head over to SC to get your mixings. Oh, and all NC ABC stores will be closed on Sundays.
There's a particularly good SC liquor store over the border in Fort Mill, SC, named Southern Spirits that has a great collection of booze (including Matt's beloved brandy). Now here's another confusing thing I warned you too look out for earlier. In SC, though the stores aren't state owned, they are state regulated--and there are very different rules for wine and beer versus booze.
Let's use Southern Spirits as the illustrative example. You'll notice that the store has two doors, and actually, there is a partial wall dividing the store in half. One half has wine and the other has hard spirits and beer. You CANNOT walk with your hard liquor over to the the wine section, but you MAY take your wine over into the spirits section! Isn't it crazy!? [Side note: If you happen to go to Southern Spirits on Saturdays and spot the BBQ pork vendor in the parking lot, DO NOT go home without one of his pork butts! He and his momma spend all Friday prepping and cooking them. They are truly fantastic!].
The other thing that sucks about NC ABC stores, is that there are no special sales. Since the state government owns all the booze--they don't feel the need to compete on price with anyone else since they are the only show in town in NC. So, you won't see your favorite Grey Goose $5 off any time soon, which is quite disappointing. You can race over to SC, though, and they'll often have interesting discounts--plus it tends to be cheaper than NC in general. While you're there, stop at the gas station too--because gas is cheaper too! What could be better? You make one run out there for cheaper booze, cheaper gas and good ol' tender pork butt that has been stewing for 15 hours!
Up until a year ago, NC didn't even have a state lottery, and all of us were running over the border to SC to get our power ball and scratch off tickets, too.
There are "dry" counties all around the Charlotte area that you need to look out for if you are interested in imbibing in a drink, like when you go to a restaurant, let's say. For those of you who don't know what dry means in this instance--it signifies that the town has established that no alcohol can be served to anyone at any establishment whatsover. People from New Jersey will be quite familiar with this concept, since there are plenty of dry town about. The rest of you may be picking yourselves up off the floor right about now. What?! Lisa, are you saying I won't be able to get a drink while I delight in my 20 ounce porter house steak? That's right, Johnnie, no booze for you!
Mecklenberg county caters to drinkers, and most establishments have the ability to pour a drink so long as they are licensed, of course. Waxhaw, in union county, however is a dry town. Waxhaw's neighbor, Marvin, has passed a "per drink" rule, which allows an establishment to serve individual glasses of alcohol. Funny thing is, Marvin doesn't actually have any restaurants or pubs yet. Go figure! Three years ago, a Harris Teeter nearly refused to move into the Wesley Chapel area unless it could sell wine and beer, and the township relented since everyone really, really wanted a nice supermarket. The pubs bordering union are packed to the gills because that's the closest place that folks who live in the county can go to grab a pint.
I don't know about you people, but after a day of working hard, wrestling with the kids and paying the bills--I definitely need that glass of shiraz with my shrimp plate. And, I sure as heck don't want to deal with Matt if he can't have his martini as he's patiently waiting for his favorite Idaho Rainbow Trout at 131 Main. So, we tend to stick to restaurants in Meck County where we can share our love of food and drink in unison as the gods intended.
I don't mean to offend anyone that feels that drinking should not be part of the daily program. To each his own, I say. But the good lord was having his glass of vino at his last supper--and I plan on doing the same at all of mine...just in case!
Salut!
Saturday
Mooresville
When we first moved here and I was looking for an IT job, an opportunity came up in Mooresville. I looked at the map and it didn't look all that far away, so I set up an interview and drove up. It's about 20 miles north of Charlotte, and situated right on Lake Norman. As it turns out, I took the job and have been commuting up there every day for two and a half years.
Mooresville is in Iredell (eye-err-dell) County, and is known as Race City USA because of it's association with motor sports. As I mentioned in a previous post, many race teams have their headquarters in Mooresville, including Dale Earnhardt Inc., Robert Yates Racing, and others.
The town is bisected by I-77, and the western side of town is the lake side. There are some very expensive homes on the lake, and the associated marinas, restaurants and recreation areas. Housing is more affordable on the eastern side of the highway, which is still close enough to the lake to take advantage of what is has to offer.
The area is booming. Highway 150 (Exit 36 off of I-77) is the main commercial/retail thoroughfare in the area, and is getting quite congested with all of the new people moving in, and new businesses opening up. In general, housing and taxes are more affordable than Mecklenburg County, and because of that, a lot of transplants are settling there. (I go to a dentist in Mooresville and the hygienist is from Long Island. She told me her whole development was filled with Yankees).
Culturally, it's a little different than Charlotte, especially South Charlotte. There are more natives there and you can really get a better feel for North Carolina living than you do in, say, Ballantyne. But even this is changing as progress is driving the suburbs farther north. I have a reverse commute, and when I'm heading up I-77 in the mornings, the traffic heading south from the lake into Charlotte looks pretty bad to me.
If you go to Mooresville to check it out, stop for a bite at Lancaster's BBQ or, if you want something a bit fancier, try Jeffrey's. You won't leave either place hungry.
Wednesday
Provisions (Or Where to Find Mozzarella)
There's no shortage of food shopping choices in Charlotte. There are still some specific items that aren't available, or not of the same quality we were used to, but for the most part you can find what you need.
The supermarket scene is dominated by Harris Teeter ("the Teeter"). Down on the south side, between Ballantyne and Matthews, it seems like there's a Teeter every few blocks. Personally, I think they are solid stores, with good prices and selection. Some (like the one on Providence at Ardrey Kell) are open 24 hours a day. The one downside, for us, is the meat and fish selection. This is just personal opinion, but the beef isn't very good. Oddly, their house brand roast beef in the deli section is very good.
Lowe's Foods is another nice supermarket in the area. It's slightly more upscale compared to the Teeter, and has an excellent wine selection. They also seem to have a better seafood selection than the Teeter. They aren't as common however, and are a bit more pricey.
Other choices are Food Lion and Bi Lo, depending on where you are located. Both are fine, with a smaller selection and cheaper prices.As for smaller, specialty markets, there are a number in the area worth checking out. I'm sure there are others that we haven't discovered yet, but these can be vouched for!
The Fresh Market has a few locations in Charlotte including the one we visit on Pineville-Matthews Road. They have a good bakery section, as well as sandwiches, meats and seafood. They carry some harder-to-get items like Spainish chorizo, an array of cheeses and coffee beans. It's not cheap, but everything is of a high quality.
EarthFare has a more organic bent to it, but is a full-size market in the Ballantyne area on Johnston Rd., just north of 485.
Trader Joe's just opened two stores in Charlotte, including a store on Rea Rd., just south of Highway 51. It's been a madhouse there with long lines on the weekends, but if you like their stuff you know why! The chocolate ganache cake is great, as are their chocolate covered pretzels. Their frozen foods are quite tasty considering they are, well, frozen. There is parking in the back that no one seems to no about.
Dean and Deluca has two shops in Charlotte. One in Stonecrest and the other at Phillips Place.
Ferrucci's Italian Market is an oasis for those on the north side of town. Located off Exit 28 on I-77 in the Shops on the Green. It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. They have a fresh meat section, prepared Italian delicacies, fresh mozzarella, sausages, pasta and cannoli, among other items. They also make excellent sandwiches and cater.
Pasta & Provisions on Providence Road has fresh pasta and deli meats, along with prepared meals and other Italian type fare. The food is good, but it has a reputation as being snooty and expensive. It's a place where the ritzy Dilworth crowd seem to go.
For the more adventurous types, some of the best meat we've found in the area is at a gas station. Seriously. Well, okay, it's a market attached to a gas station. The Peach Stand, in Fort Mill, SC, just over the state line on Highway 160, has an excellent butcher counter, along with fresh produce, pies and preserves. Until we found the place mentioned below, this is where we would go to get steaks to cook on the grill. Ask them to season them for you before they wrap 'em up. As they name implies, they also sell fresh peaches, preserves and pies too.
For the really adventurous meat-lover, there is a wholesale butcher shop in Waxhaw where you can get anything you want. Except veal cutlets, which are apparently not a very southern thing to eat because they are really hard to find here. (The Teeter recently started carrying them, but, they don't look too good and are often stringy.) Anyway, Frontier Meats is at 8303 Lancaster Highway. They're closed Sundays and Mondays, and cut meat from 7AM to 2PM on all other days. You can pick up strange cuts of meats here, such as ox tail, rabbit and tongue along with the usual stuff. The NY strip steaks are good, and the filet mignon is buttery and only $11 per pound. Everything here is very cheap, but quality. It doesn't hurt if you can speak some Spanish, as all the meat cutters are hispanic and very friendly. It gets very busy on Saturday, but is definitely worth a trip out in the country.
Bring a cooler and some ice and stock up!
Bon appetite!
Tuesday
Homeowner's Association (HOA) Hell
When you buy your new home in Charlotte, you're going to have the option to choose a neighborhood that either has a Homeowner's Association (HOA) or doesn't. I have had the pleasure--and displeasure--of both options.
When I first arrived to Charlotte, we lived in Providence Country Club in South Charlotte for two years. In the middle of our time there, a new board was elected to run (or should I say rule) the neighborhood. Almost immediately, this new nazi board enforced every single rule in the neighborhood handbook to the extreme. Almost immediately, a slew of people on my particular block got letters for what the new board felt were a variety of infractions. For example, a bunch of them got nasty correspondence about their swingsets that might be in view of the driveway.
My immediate neighbor had a swingset for his three boys that had been sitting in the very same spot for 10 years, and it was also the regulation wood tone that the neighborhood requires. One morning I'm sitting in my home office and I see a car stop right in front of my driveway with a telephoto lens pointed at my neighbors yard. I had no idea what was occurring at the time, but it did feel like I was witnessing a case of espionage happening. Several days later I hear from my neighbor that he'd received a letter along with a photo explaining that he had to move his swingset out of view and screen it with shrubbery. Folks, the thing had been there 10 YEARS! He was so aggravated that instead of moving it, he took it down and sold it.
I got a letter about my garbage pails while living in PCC. You see, you're not allowed to have your garbage cans in plain sight either. Heaven forbid anyone in the neighborhood has children that actually go on swings or that we make garbage! What a horror! In the winter, I have no problem keeping my garbage can in the garage--but come summer, no one wants that stinky thing in a 125 degree garage. So, out it goes right next to the house. And there came a lovely letter citing chapter and verse from the PCC bible on the Architectural Committee's view on garbage pails: "Thou must not have a garbage can that may be seen from the driveway, and it must be removed from the street within 16 minutes of the garbage truck picking up your filthy mess." Of course, I'm exaggerating a bit, but you get the picture.
Neighbors got letters because they had their boats sitting in the driveway while getting ready to take them to Lake Norman, and they got letters about their lawns. When I moved there, I purchased a home that was a foreclosure and the lawn had not been maintained for close to 2 years. It was nothing more than patchy crabgrass. So, we immediately set upon turning it around and hired a landscaper to do weekly cuttings and Lawn Doctor to start killing the weeds and planting seed. Now, those of you who are gardeners know that you can't turn a lawn around in two weeks. It can take a season or two to make an impact. Well, wouldn't you know that we got a letter right after moving in to tell us to hurry up the process.
I immediately responded to the nazi board with my own letter explaining that we'd just moved in and were trying to fix the lawn that had been completely neglected by the previous owners for years, and that this process would take time. I also provided receipts for the services that I had retained to repair the lawn as proof that I was spending money to make improvements. I wrote that they would simply need to be patient while the lawn regenerated. I never heard from them on that subject again, and by the following season I had one of the prettiest lawns on the block.
The PCC monthly newsletter was a hoot, too. Each month, the residents had a finger wagged in their faces by the writers who proceeded to tell us what bad people we were. We were told that if we sold our homes we HAD to lease ($150!!) one of the For Sale signs available at a local sign shop or else! We were told that our fences had to be wood or iron or the god's would strike us dead. If you had a tree or shrub die in your landscaping, you were admonished if you did not replace it with exactly the same variety that had just perished. Imagine what would happen if you replaced that holly bush with a crape myrtle? They'd probably splash your face on the front page of next months newsletter with a big red X across your face! Matt was even ready to put out an anti-PCC newsletter where he mocked all the nonsense they wrote about each month. Needless to say, we finally decided to just move because the HOA was so insane at Providence Country Club.
We wanted to make sure that in our next neighborhood there was absolutely no HOA. I'm all for rules that are reasonable, and we wanted a community that still had protective covenants that the residents would abide by so that property values would be retained. For example, you shouldn't park a semi on your front lawn; you shouldn't keep a ratty old sofa on your stoop for 6 months, and you shouldn't be allowed to keep 17 howling dogs in your backyard. The grass on your lawn shouldn't hit your knees, and if you decide to paint your front door purple with pink polka-dots your neighbors have every right to give you hell about it.
Finally, after much searching we found our current neighborhood in Union County with no HOA. I can't be happier to have my sanity back--and my garbage cans are proudly sitting in their rightful spot beside my garage as they should be. And I no longer fear checking my mailbox for a damned HOA letter!
So, hopefully you'll be lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with a reasonable HOA board, but I'm not willing to take that chance ever again. Don't let your realtor advise you about the antics of the board either--remember, they're just looking to make a commission. And no one knows better than someone who lives in the neighborhood itself, so get out of your car and knock on some doors and inquire about the sanity of your HOA board before you buy that beautiful home.
Better to find out now, than in a letter!