As Tupelo Honey Expands Nationally They’re Increasing Efforts To Source Locally

Steve
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As Tupelo Honey Expands Nationally They’re Increasing Efforts To Source Locally

Tupelo Honey just announced plans to open their 15th location this year in Uptown. The southern brand will open its second Charlotte location in a 4,800-square-foot space in the heart of the Bank of America Plaza.

As the North Carolina eatery continues their transition from a local diner in Asheville to a culinary powerhouse across 7 states, it’s now putting even more emphasis on responsible sourcing.

“With ingredient and sourcing transparency becoming more and more important to the consumer, we feel it necessary to help our guests with guidance and information to make the smart choice they desire,” states chef Eric Gabrynowicz. “The future of our food system is everyone’s responsibility and we will continue to do our part and try and be at the forefront of positive change.”

“For us, our regional and North Carolina based vendor partnerships are our oldest and strongest. We’ve grown our businesses together; they have strengthened our story and our commitment to our roots. Not to mention the incredible quality and integrity they bring to the products they offer. We are so proud of our partners with these strong shared roots,” Gabrynowicz added.

Tupelo Honey aims to locally source as much as possible in each individual market. Unlike many restaurants, Tupelo does so with more than just food products. Listed are purveyors local to North Carolina and detail as to what they each provide to the restaurant.

  • Imladris Farm (Fairview) – Tupelo’s signature blueberry preserves that are served with the restaurants famous biscuits start with blueberries from this North Carolina farm
  • Custom Living Quarters (Fletcher) – Tupelo partners with this woodworking shop to create wooden masterpieces and various architectural elements for many Tupelo Honey locations.
  • Annie’s Bakery (Asheville) – Tupelo partners with this Asheville bakery to supply bread for its artisan offerings like avocado toast and on every plate of Tupelo Shrimp & Grits.
  • Goodnight Brothers Produce Company (Boone) and Carolina Mountain Trout (western NC) – Menu items, such as the sustainable Roasted Carolina Mountain Trout and Fried Chicken & Biscuits, incorporate meat from these local purveyors.
  • Hickory Nut Gap Farm (Fairview) – This purveyor has a long family history in this region and provides breakfast sausage and chorizo to all locations.  
  • Renwood Mills (Newton) – Located just a stone’s throw from Charlotte, Renwood Mills makes all of the biscuit flour for every Tupelo Honey store. In fact, wheat that grows in the south produces a softer flour, making it great for biscuits.
  • Simone Wilson – Although she is now located in Atlanta, Wilson connected with Tupelo Honey back when she was based in Asheville, and her art is heavily featured in all of the restaurant’s locations, including the new Charlotte store.
  • Two South Carolina companies not far from Tupelo Honey’s CLT store are Adluh grits in (Columbia) and Orangeburg Pecan (Orangeburg).

 

Charlotteans Wearing Jeans This Month For Sexual Assault Awareness and To Support Survivors

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Charlotteans Wearing Jeans This Month For Sexual Assault Awareness and To Support Survivors

Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Even more disturbing: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. It’s time to take action – and Denim Day is the perfect place to start.  

Observed during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Denim Day (April 24) is an international rape prevention education campaign that raises community awareness about the devastating impacts of sexual violence and focuses on how to prevent it. Charlotte organizations can participate in Denim Day by encouraging employees to wear jeans one day in April. Email Sydney Hammond, director of stewardship, to participate in this protest and education movement.

Hammond encourages local organizations and groups to join Safe Alliance’s growing list of Denim Day participants.

“Help show the community what tremendous support there is for raising awareness about sexual assault by adding your name to the list,” she said.

Denim Day originated in Italy in 1999, when an Italian High Court overturned a rape conviction, arguing that because the victim wore tight jeans and had to help the perpetrator remove them, this signaled consensual sex and not rape. Enraged by the verdict, women protested the ruling by wearing jeans on the steps of parliament. As news of this decision spread internationally, so did the protest … and Denim Day was born.

Safe Alliance will highlight all Charlotte-area organizations participating in Denim Day online at www.safealliance.org/denimday. Contact Hammond at sydney.hammond@safealliance.org or 704.367.2733 for more information.

No More Leaping Back – New NC Bill Keeps Daylight Savings Time Permanent All Year Long

Steve
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No More Leaping Back – New NC Bill Keeps Daylight Savings Time Permanent All Year Long

NC lawmakers are now pushing through a bill that would keep daylight savings time permanent in our state, meaning no more time changes, and no more gaining or losing an hour of sleep.

House Bill 350, officially titled the “Designate NC Time Zone/Observe DST All Year” bill, passed the House State and Local Government committee yesterday and now moves to the House Rules committee before an official vote on the floor.

The language of the bill reads; “The standard time of the State and its political subdivisions is the time designated by the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. §§ 260-267). If authorized by Congress, the State and its political subdivisions shall observe Daylight Saving Time, as provided in 15 U.S.C. § 260a, at all times throughout the year.”

Lawmakers from several neighboring states have also filed similar bills this year, including Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida, and a separate time permanence measure was just introduced to the US Congress by Senator Marco Rubio.

Those who support a permanent time change argue that it would result in fewer health-related and transportation deaths, a decrease of energy consumption in the winter, and a marginal production increase from employees.

What do you think about making Daylight Savings Time permanent?

Carolinas Freedom Foundation Awarded Guinness World Record

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Carolinas Freedom Foundation Awarded Guinness World Record

Carolinas Freedom Foundation is now the Guinness World Records Title Holder for most sporting event flyovers in a single flight path for the 2018 Patriotism Bowl high school football game played in Charlotte, NC.

In celebration of the Patriotism Bowl and Marine Week, the Marines proposed a flyover of that game as well as 6 others for an unprecedented total of 7 flyovers in a single run. Most flyovers occur at one event, but this was unique in the fact that it covered 7 separate venues during the run.

Flyovers are a staple of the national anthem at the NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series games, college football bowl games, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game but this was unique in the number of games that were included in the flyover as well as the length of the flight path for the flyover.

The September 7, 2018 scheduled games and times involved in the flyover were:

  • Ardrey Kell High School (vs Charlotte Catholic) – Overhead 6:37 PM
  • Porter Ridge High School (vs Sun Valley) – Overhead 6:44
  • Butler High School (vs Richmond) – Overhead 6:49
  • East Meck High School (vs Weddington) – Overhead 6:53
  • Mallard Creek High School (vs Berry) – Overhead 6:59
  • Mooresville High School (vs A.L. Brown) – Overhead 7:06
  • Rocky River High School (vs North Meck) – Overhead 7:21.

Founded in 1995 by former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Quincy Collins, Carolinas Freedom Foundation is a non-profit that works to inspire patriotic citizenship through programs and events. It began operation with Charlotte’s two signature Veterans Day weekend events: the Carolinas Freedom Foundation and American Airlines Freedom Breakfast and Salute to Veterans Parade. Then recognizing an unmet need, Carolinas Freedom Foundation expanded programming to include both youth education and young professional engagement through JROTC Award and Recognition Ceremony, Patriotic Art Competition and Exhibition (PACE), Rising Stars Polaris Award, and other programs including the Patriotism Bowl.

The Patriotism Bowl is an annual fund-raising event that turns a local high school football game into “the greatest spectacle in high school sports”. Its pageantry creates a college bowl-like atmosphere which raises awareness of citizenship, patriotism and service.

With notice from the Guinness Records Management Team that read, “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for Most sporting event flypasts (flyovers) in a single flight path has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Records Title Holder! Congratulations, you are Officially Amazing!”, Carolinas Freedom Foundation and the Patriotism Bowl can claim their amazing title.

Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend Around Charlotte – 4/12/2018

Steve
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Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend Around Charlotte – 4/12/2018

The weekend is almost here!

There will be tons of concerts, festivals, and picnicing!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend:

#1 University City Wine Fest

University City Partners just announced they’ll be hosting the 3rd annual University City Wine Fest around the lake at the Shoppes at University Place this coming Saturday, April 13th from 2:00-6:00 p.m. for general admission and 1:00-6:00 p.m. for Early Admission and VIP ticket holders.

For more info or tickets click here.

#2 Charlotte’s 3rd Annual Pop-Up Picnic

This coming Friday night from 6:00-8:30 pm, come spread a blanket at the Mint Museum on Randolph road for Charlotte’s 3rd annual pop-up picnic.

This free community picnic is open to all. Pick up your pre-ordered picnic basket meal, bring your own picnic meal or enjoy dinner from the onsite food truck.

For more info click here.

#3 Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is one of the rare alternative rock bands that have become a mainstay in mainstream rock. This alt-rock band is known around the world for its distinctive pop rock sound and its impressive collection of hits, which includes international hits like “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” and “Soul Meets Body.” Since rising to fame in the early 2000s, Death Cab for Cutie has remained one of the most popular bands in the global rock scene.

They’ll be performing live at Oven’s Auditorium this Friday night.

For tickets or more info click here.

#4 30th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherryville’s biggest festival of the year will include Cherry Blossom 5K Race, Live Music, Games, Inflatables, Clowns, Puppets, Dancers, Little Blue Choo, Arts, Crafts, Food

Friday, April 12th  5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. – Saturday, April 13th  10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Located on Main Street in Downtown Cherryville

For more info click here.

#5 Zac Brown Band

With multiple Grammy Awards, numerous platinum-selling albums and consistently sold-out stadiums, the Zac Brown Band’s influence extends far beyond the country music genre.

For more info or tickets click here.

#6 2019 Loch Norman Highland Games

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whisky Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and so much more!

For more info click here.

#7 The Ice & Fire Festival: A Game of Thrones Watch Party

On April 14th at Long Cove Resort, Level 9 Events presents – The Ice & Fire Festival: A Game of Thrones Season 8 Watch Party and Costume Contest!

The Ice & Fire Festival will feature Food Trucks & Entertainment to the liking of Lannisters. Craft costumes stealthier than any faceless man for the chance to win a Long Cove Resort tiny home stay!

For tickets or more info click here.

#8 Charlotte Symphony – Mozart’s Requiem

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, experience Mozart’s Requiem, the composer’s final statement, is one of classical music’s most intriguing stories. Anonymously commissioned and left unfinished upon his death, Mozart was convinced he was writing his own funeral mass. Don’t miss this emotionally stirring and powerful performance.

For tickets or more info click here.

#9 Shawn Colvin

Shawn Colvin will be performing live at Charlotte’s McGlohon Theater this Sunday at 8pm.

Her most famous song — 1997’s “Sunny Came Home” — earned Shawn Colvin a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. But the sexagenarian singer-songwriter’s career can hardy be limited to a single chart success.

For tickets or more info click here.

#10 Dark Star Orchestra

The critically acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra, has been performing rock, psychedelic rock and jam band tunes since 1997. They provide a Grateful Dead concert experience, with the flair of each performer’s own eclectic style, sound and improvisation.

For tickets or more info click here.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com

US News Ranks Charlotte One Of The Best Places To Live In America For 2019

Steve
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US News Ranks Charlotte One Of The Best Places To Live In America For 2019

14701012_709120062573400_259737718498258175_oThe Queen City is now ranked among the top 20 best places to live in America, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report. This year, our official rank was #20, two spots higher than our 2018 #22 ranking.

We beat out Dallas at #21, Greenville, SC at #22, and Portland, ME at #23, Charleston at #45, Tampa at #56, and Atlanta at #56.

The publication analyzed the top 100 most populous cities in America, by comparing each one’s quality of life, value, job market, desirability and net migration. This year, Charlotte achieved an overall score of 7.0 out of 10 (for comparison, the #1 city on the list, Austin, TX only scored a 7.6).

They came to Charlotte’s total score of 7.0 by weighting each category as follows:

Job Market Score – 6.9 out of 10
Value Score – 7.5 out of 10
Quality of Life Score – 6.5 out of 10
Desirability Score – 6.6 out of 10
Net Migration – 8 out of 10

The report noted that, “Charlotte has become a place filled with new restaurants to try and events that attract people from all over. It’s a standalone destination area now, no longer living in the shadow of Atlanta or Charleston, South Carolina. Though Charlotte has evolved significantly in the past decade, the transformation is only continuing, as evidenced by the numerous construction cranes across the skyline.”

Please share if you love Charlotte;

Charlotte’s 7th Official ‘Open Streets 704’ Is Taking Over NoDa and Plaza Midwood This Spring

Steve
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Charlotte’s 7th Official ‘Open Streets 704’ Is Taking Over NoDa and Plaza Midwood This Spring

Charlotte’s 7th officials ‘Open Streets 704’ is gearing up to shut down the streets to motorized vehicles and open them to all varieties of bikes, scooters, walkers, and unicyclists. The streets will also open up to dozens of artisans, street vendors, musicians and classes for residents to freely explore.

Open Streets 704 returns to its most popular NoDa-Plaza Midwood route on Sunday, April 28, 1 – 5 p.m. Last Spring, Open Streets 704 saw over 30,000 neighbors wind their way through NoDa, Villa Heights, Optimist Park, Belmont, Plaza Midwood, and Commonwealth.

This Spring’s event will include the following route;

Charlotte’s 7th official Open Streets 704 will feature;

BOOM! Charlotte – Day 3 – NEW

After the success of the BOOM! Charlotte stage at the Fall 2018 Open Streets 704, both committees decided to do it again in an even bigger and better way! Open Streets 704 will take place on the third day of Plaza Midwood’s popular BOOM! Charlotte festival this year. BOOM! Charlotte will bring part of their party of arts and entertainment to the streets, and take over the Arts & Sciences Zone on Commonwealth & Thomas Avenues. Enjoy this part of their great festival for FREE!

Open Streets 704 Collaboration BEER – UPDATE

This was so popular last spring, the beers sold out in at least 3 participating breweries before the streets even closed down again! This year, they’re at it again — 6 breweries along the route will brew a special collaboration beer, each adding its own special twist. And here’s one more twist — Legion Brewing has designated Open Streets 704 as their “Charity on Tap” for the entire month of April. This allows proceeds of a daily beer sale to benefit Open Streets 704. Cheers!

Southminster Stage – UPDATE

We are excited Southminster had so much fun with Open Streets 704 last spring, that they are stepping up their role! Southminster will sponsor a stage for multigenerational fun at N. Davidson & 27th Streets, with art, movement, and music for all ages. They’ll also bring 4 “Trishaws” to share as part of their Cycling Without Ages program, so family members of all ages can enjoy the route together.

CDOT & Sustain Charlotte Demonstration Project – UPDATE

Open Streets 704 is a great time to show cars, bikes, and pedestrians how safe the streets CAN be with street demonstration projects. This time, they’ll paint “Sharrows” on Hawthorne Lane at Kennon Street as part of The Plaza street conversion project. Lane markings will be made clearer, and another “Painted curb” art project will invite participants to share the fun.

Music everywhere! Get up and dance!

Tosco Music Party Stage, Latin American Coalition Stage, DJ Smitty, DJ Spinn,
and Piano music will put a spring in your step along the Wellness Zone. No sitting
still here!

Friends of Open Streets 704 – NEW

An opportunity for everyone who loves this great FREE outdoor event every fall
and spring to support it. Can you be our friend?

Around the Crown 10K – NEW

Sign up for Charlotte’s new landmark road race, or just learn more! Around the
Crown 10k is the first race to shut down the I-277 inner loop around uptown
Charlotte, so runners can get the best views of the Queen City’s crown from the
air. All of the money raised by Around the Crown 10k will be given to Partners for
Parks to support Open Streets 704, their signature event.

BRING IT! LIVE: The Dance Battle Tour Coming to Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
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BRING IT! LIVE: The Dance Battle Tour Coming to Charlotte

After three acclaimed touring seasons, the hit TV series “Bring It!” is back again live on-stage Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 8 p.m at Ovens Auditorium. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at StubHub.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Bojangles’ Coliseum Box Office located at 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

The 2019 summer tour will feature an all-new interactive show with hotter-than-ever performances inspiring fans of all ages in an evening packed with motivation, inspiration and formation.

VIP packages are available at all price levels. The deluxe VIP package includes premium seating, a souvenir tour program and photo opportunity. The add-on VIP package includes a souvenir tour program and photo opportunity and can only be purchased if accompanied by a valid ticket to the live performance. Limited supplies are available.

For more information or tickets click here.

America’s First House Cat Museum Recently Opened in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
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America’s First House Cat Museum Recently Opened in North Carolina

americas-first-house-cat-museumThe American Museum of the House Cat has recently opened in North Carolina – an extensive collection of all things house-cat related.

The collection includes: Fine “picture art” going back to the late 1800’s, modern art, folk art, rare advertising art, cat poster art, art glass cats made by the finest glassmakers of the world, vintage and antique toy cats, many of which are automations from the 1890’s, vintage advertising, where cats are used to sell items, advertising clocks and storefront or window display items, etc.

For the last 35 years, Harold Sims’ (known to many in Western North Carolina as ‘Cat Man’) collection filled most of the rooms in his home, as well all of his garages and outbuildings and halls of his home.

The museum location in Jackson County is at: The Gateway to the Smokey Mountain National Park, the nation’s most visited park on a major highway (US 441) leading to Atlanta GA to the south, and to Cherokee, Harrah’s Casino, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN to the north.

Here’s a video of a tour of the new American House Cat Museum;

The museum will help the cat shelter by giving all profits to the Catman2 Cat Shelter.

Renters In Charlotte Now Need To Make At Least $22/Hour To Afford A 2 Bedroom Apartment

Steve
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Renters In Charlotte Now Need To Make At Least $22/Hour To Afford A 2 Bedroom Apartment

A new study by ApartmentList.com has just been released that analyzes median rents in 100 of the largest U.S. cities and the minimum income required to afford them.

Their results were based on calculating the minimum gross income required to rent an average priced apartment in each city without surpassing the recommended 30% threshold, then comparing this income to the actual median household income for the same location.

Charlotte landed almost directly in the middle of the results at #54, just slightly more expensive than Dallas, TX and slightly less expensive than Glendale, AZ;

 

Their study also found that

  • The actual median household income in Charlotte is $60,064. To rent a median-priced 2-bedroom in Charlotte, one will need an annual income of 44,960 to avoid becoming cost-burdened
  • Hourly wage recommended to rent a median-priced 2-bedroom in Charlotte is $22/hour.
  • The actual minimum wage in Charlotte is $7/hour.

What do you think about Charlotte’s rental prices? 

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