A New Kind of Art Collecting is Taking Root In Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
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A New Kind of Art Collecting is Taking Root In Charlotte

Charlotte’s McColl Center recently launched The Contemporaries, a first-of its-kind art collecting community in Charlotte. Designed to build a deeper connection  between artists and art lovers, the membership-based club has brought together a vibrant  group of creative minds to commission original works, visit artist studios, and experience  the city’s cultural landscape through a fresh lens. 

Now The Contemporaries is celebrating with a Wrap  Party on Thursday, May 8, from 6–8 PM at McColl Center. Guests are invited to toast year  one, connect with members, and be the first to hear the reveal of the four commissioned  artists for its second year. 

“We’re calling it a collector group, but it’s so much more than that,” says Sharon Dowell,  McColl Center Artist-in-Residence alum, full-time artist, and consultant program architect  for The Contemporaries. “It’s for people curious about collecting, or seasoned collectors.  We’re building real community here and connecting people to artists who are right in their  own backyard. After the pandemic, that kind of connection is something we’re all craving.” 

A Modern Approach to Art Collecting  

The Contemporaries combined member fees to commission new, limited-edition works  from four standout artists. Members receive one of each artwork and are invited to private  reveal events where they meet the artists and hear firsthand about the creative process. 

In addition to these reveals, members participate in exclusive experiences, artist-led  workshops, studio tours, and conversations with collectors and curators, all designed to  deepen understanding of the creative process and the art of collecting. 

“I didn’t know what to expect when I joined,” said member Jami Banks. “I love art, but I  don’t really know much about it. That was my motivation, and it exceeded every  expectation. I’ve discovered new artists, taken home amazing pieces, and most of all, I’ve  connected with thoughtful, creative people.”

A Year of Memorable Moments 

In Year One, members enjoyed: 

  • Four artist reveal events across Charlotte; featuring commissioned artists: Marcus  Kiser, Katrina Sánchez, Matthew Steele and Tom Thoune 
  • A printmaking workshop with Charlotte-based printmaker, Christopher Holston • A studio tour with McColl Center artist-in-resident alum Ivan Toth Depena  • A color theory talk with noted founder of Home Ec.,interior designer Natalie Papier,  • An intimate tour and shopping experience at Clayworks Studio 
  • A demonstration and advice from Atelier 4, an arts logistics firm with offices in  Charlotte, Miami, LA, and NYC 
  • Exclusive events at The Milestone, McGill Rose Garden, Hodges Taylor Gallery,  and Camp North End 

“As a native Charlottean, I’ve lived here my whole life, but The Contemporaries took me to  corners of the city I’d never experienced,” said member Edwin Peacock. “It’s a  groundbreaking group that brings art into the heart, and around the heart, of Charlotte.” 

Join the Celebration 

The Wrap Party on May 8 is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to learn  about this exclusive, members-only experience. Meet current members, enjoy drinks and  community, and hear the announcement of the Year 2 commissioned artists. 

Event Details: 

Thursday, May 8, 2025 

6:00 – 8:00 PM 

McColl Center | 721 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 

Belmont’s Daniel Stowe Unveils Historic New Identity and Mission

Charlotte Stories
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Belmont’s Daniel Stowe Unveils Historic New Identity and Mission

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has officially rebranded as the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, marking a new chapter in its nearly three-decade history. The organization announced the change this week, signaling an expanded focus on environmental stewardship while maintaining its commitment to botanical excellence.

Located just 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte, the 380-acre property in Belmont, NC is now positioned as a year-round public conservancy. Officials say the renamed nonprofit will prioritize conservation, outdoor learning, and community engagement alongside its traditional botanical displays.

Opened in 1999 and originally set aside in 1991 by textile executive Daniel J. Stowe, the garden has long served as a regional landmark for horticultural beauty and educational outreach. Now, leaders say the shift to conservancy status reflects a broader mission to preserve natural landscapes and inspire environmental appreciation.

The centerpiece remains the original botanical gardens, which will continue to anchor the site. In addition, visitors can access forested trails, riverside paths, and paddle-friendly lakefronts. The grounds are open seven days a week.

All revenue from admissions, memberships, and donations will support ongoing maintenance, environmental programming, and community events. The nonprofit emphasized that the transformation reflects both a continuation of its founder’s legacy and a strategic investment in the future of the region’s natural resources.

For more information or to plan a visit, residents can explore the Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s website here – danielstoweconservancy.org.

Fort Mill Named 7th Fastest-Growing Suburb in America

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Fort Mill Named 7th Fastest-Growing Suburb in America

Fort Mill has been ranked the seventh fastest-growing suburb in the United States, according to a new study by GOBankingRates. The ranking is based on population growth between 2018 and 2023, with Fort Mill reporting a 77.6% increase—one of the highest growth rates nationwide.

GOBankingRates compared population data from large suburbs in major metropolitan areas across the country to identify the top 50 fastest-growing communities. Fort Mill stands out as the only suburb outside of Texas to place in the top ten, reflecting its growing appeal in the Southeast.

The study also analyzed financial metrics to determine what income is needed to live comfortably in each suburb. In Fort Mill, the median household income is $127,537—exceeding the estimated $121,572 required for a comfortable lifestyle. The average home value is $527,953, and the annual cost of living is approximately $60,786.

Fort Mill’s proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina, has played a key role in its rapid growth. The town offers residents suburban living with convenient access to a major urban center. The Fort Mill School District also contributes to the area’s appeal, having recently been ranked 11th in the nation in a separate GOBankingRates study on educational performance.

America’s Fastest-Growing Suburbs and the Salaries Needed To Afford Them

Rank Suburbs Population Increase Household Income to Live Comfortably Population
1 Woodbridge, Virginia 887% $124,161 43,443
2 Fulshear, Texas 237% $119,909 26,986
3 Celina, Texas 190% $137,965 27,141
4 Princeton, Texas 115% $95,375 20,966
5 Queen Creek, Arizona 84% $137,492 66,369
6 Prosper, Texas 81% $160,327 34,567
7 Fort Mill, South Carolina 78% $121,572 28,281
8 Fate, Texas 77% $97,589 20,757
9 Anna, Texas 71% $96,137 20,975
10 Groveland, Florida 65% $105,272 20,621
11 Herriman, Utah 61% $137,583 57,336
12 Midlothian, Texas 56% $114,789 37,256
13 Buckeye, Arizona 52% $102,787 99,844
14 Waxhaw, North Carolina 50% $134,366 21,565
15 Pecan Grove, Texas 49% $104,638 24,798
16 Leander, Texas 46% $112,432 67,880
17 Forney, Texas 46% $91,926 28,222
18 Apollo Beach, Florida 46% $116,973 28,347
19 Spring Hill, Tennessee 42% $122,989 53,585
20 Apex, North Carolina 40% $132,730 67,765
21 Mooresville, North Carolina 38% $116,267 51,447
22 Clayton, North Carolina 38% $97,195 28,043
23 Sun City Center, Florida 35% $97,515 31,801
24 Westfield, Indiana 35% $112,482 51,109
25 Hutto, Texas 34% $99,745 32,188
26 Clermont, Florida 34% $111,951 44,984
27 Maricopa, Arizona 33% $99,943 62,986
28 Lebanon, Tennessee 33% $109,161 41,951
29 New Braunfels, Texas 32% $105,045 98,700
30 Avon, Indiana 32% $97,404 22,683
31 Katy, Texas 32% $93,953 23,900
32 Otsego, Minnesota 32% $105,007 21,358
33 Kyle, Texas 32% $99,309 52,439
34 Happy Valley, Oregon 31% $150,218 25,572
35 Doral, Florida 31% $152,479 76,490
36 Canyon Lake, Texas 31% $105,573 32,924
37 Wesley Chapel, Florida 31% $109,419 71,965
38 Holly Springs, North Carolina 30% $128,187 43,429
39 Union City, Georgia 30% $86,409 27,300
40 Gallatin, Tennessee 29% $107,324 46,667
41 Castle Rock, Colorado 28% $146,673 76,614
42 Ruskin, Florida 28% $97,402 30,074
43 Leesburg, Florida 28% $87,863 28,461
44 Elkridge, Maryland 28% $119,076 26,183
45 Canton, Georgia 28% $123,056 34,587
46 Wake Forest, North Carolina 27% $120,895 51,199
47 Waxahachie, Texas 27% $95,058 43,591
48 Hamtramck, Michigan 27% $76,618 27,830
49 Olive Branch, Mississippi 27% $91,815 46,538
50 Saint Cloud, Florida 26% $108,487 61,963

Emergency Management Issues Evacuation Order As New Wildfire Spreads in NC Mountains

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Emergency Management Issues Evacuation Order As New Wildfire Spreads in NC Mountains

Numerous fire departments are now battling a wildfire that has already grown to 175 acres in NC McDowell County in the Turkey Cove area. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials said the fire remains 0% contained.

Evacuation orders are in place for residents on Wild Acres Road near NC Highway 226 around Little Switzerland.

McDowell County Emergency Management as created an interactive map showing the current evacuation area:

This marks the second wildfire in the Armstrong Creek Road area this year. In February, a separate blaze burned about 50 acres of McDowell County.

Massive Scrapyard Fire in Gaston County Draws Response from Over Two Dozen Fire Departments

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Massive Scrapyard Fire in Gaston County Draws Response from Over Two Dozen Fire Departments

Fire crews from across Gaston County and neighboring areas responded Monday afternoon to a large fire at Metal Recycling Services along U.S. 321. Emergency officials said the blaze began around 3:15 pm.

More than two dozen departments assisted in battling the flames, including fire crews from across Gaston County, Mecklenburg County, and even South Carolina. No injuries were reported, though one firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.

The Ranlo Fire Department reported arriving at 5401 York Highway around 3:38 p.m. to assist Crowders Mountain Fire Department. Tanker 19 helped set up a water supply point behind the facility, while both Tanker 19 and Rescue 19 assisted in suppressing the fire. While on the scene, Engine 19 remained in district and responded to three separate service calls, including a medical emergency, a motor vehicle accident, and another outside fire.

Agencies responding included:

Initial Responders:

  • Crowders Mountain FD

  • Gastonia FD

  • Union Road FD

  • New Hope FD

  • Gaston EMS

Additional NC Agencies:

  • Ranlo FD

  • Stanley FD

  • East Gaston FD

  • Mount Holly FD

  • South Point FD

  • Ag Center FD

  • Bessemer City FD

  • Tryonota FD

  • Hugh’s Pond FD

  • Cherryville FD

  • Gaston County OEMFS

  • Gaston County Police

South Carolina Departments:

  • Clover FD

  • Bethel FD

  • Bethany Santiago FD

  • Riverview FD

  • Newport FD

Additional Requested Units:

  • Spencer Mountain Road FD

  • Alexis FD

  • Lucia Riverbend FD

  • Community FD

  • South Fork (Lincoln County) FD

  • Oak Grove FD (Cleveland County)

  • Kings Mountain FD

  • Belmont FD

Authorities have not yet released the cause of the fire. The Gaston County Police Department is assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Number of Charlotte hotels grows 24.0%, 2nd most in The US

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Number of Charlotte hotels grows 24.0%, 2nd most in The US

After the pandemic triggered a sharp decline in travel, the industry has steadily regained momentum, with consumer spending on accommodations reaching record highs in 2023 and 2024. Amid this surge in demand, new hotel development has accelerated nationwide—but this growth hasn’t been evenly distributed.

A new analysis of BLS data since 2019 highlights where the sector has expanded most significantly. For travelers, these locations may offer some of the best opportunities to find newly built or recently opened places to stay.

Key Takeaways, With Data for Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

  • Hotel Growth Remains Steady: From 2001 to 2024, the total number of hotel properties grew by more than 33% nationwide, rising from approximately 51,000 to over 68,000 with only a brief slowdown in 2020. And since 2019, the country has seen its hotels increase by 7.3%.
  • Employment Recovery Lags Behind: After reaching a high of over 2 million workers in mid-2019, hotel employment fell by more than 50% the following year. As of Q3 2024, the sector employs roughly 1.87 million workers—about 8% below its 2019 peak.
  • Michigan & Idaho Lead Nation: Michigan and Idaho led all states in hotel growth since 2019, while New England was the only region with a net decline: Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine posted losses, and the remaining New England states posted below-average growth. However, Washington and New Mexico saw the steepest declines.
  • 96 New Hotels in the Charlotte metro: Between 2019 and 2023 (the most recent year with complete data), the total number of hotels in the Charlotte metro climbed to 496. This 24.0% increase is the 2nd highest of any large U.S. metro. At the same time, hotel employment dropped 6.1%—a loss of about 675 workers.

Trends in U.S. Hotel Growth & Employment

While the number of hotels continues to grow, employment still lags behind pre-pandemic levels

Source: BLS data

Here is the full breakdown of U.S. Cities That Have Added the Most New Hotels

1 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI +32.4% +35 143 +5.0% +214 4,486
2 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC +24.0% +96 496 -6.1% -676 10,465
3 Raleigh-Cary, NC +23.6% +45 236 +0.5% +24 4,843
4 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA +22.0% +212 1,174 -12.3% -3,186 22,744
5 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN +21.7% +43 241 +0.9% +51 5,877
6 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ +19.0% +87 546 -0.5% -136 25,355
7 Tucson, AZ +18.3% +23 149 -10.3% -715 6,224
8 Jacksonville, FL +17.6% +51 341 -11.5% -1,070 8,215
9 Tulsa, OK +17.5% +31 208 -21.1% -672 2,517
10 Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL +17.5% +96 645 -4.9% -3,196 62,224
11 Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN +16.8% +75 521 -4.6% -709 14,598
12 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO +16.4% +71 503 -9.8% -1,829 16,820
13 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL +14.0% +153 1,243 -11.1% -6,074 48,646
14 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL +13.6% +70 585 N/A N/A N/A
15 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX +12.8% +159 1,398 -1.9% -650 33,628
16 Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN +12.6% +35 313 +7.0% +462 7,075
17 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX +12.1% +49 453 N/A N/A N/A
18 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV +11.7% +92 877 -19.1% -8,668 36,628
19 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA +11.6% +41 393 N/A N/A N/A
20 Birmingham, AL +10.8% +21 215 -14.6% -584 3,426
21 Oklahoma City, OK +10.7% +31 320 +1.0% +52 5,509
22 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI +10.5% +47 493 -25.6% -4,759 13,813
23 Richmond, VA +10.2% +25 270 -14.4% -854 5,095
24 Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA +9.8% +31 346 -10.1% -982 8,744
25 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA +9.8% +54 603 -6.7% -1,138 15,930
26 Cleveland-Elyria, OH +9.6% +20 228 N/A N/A N/A
27 Memphis, TN-MS-AR +9.5% +31 357 -32.2% -3,507 7,389
28 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ +8.8% +175 2,171 N/A N/A N/A
29 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY +8.4% +15 193 -19.2% -975 4,112
30 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC +8.4% +32 414 -11.3% -1,224 9,602
31 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA +8.3% +145 1,896 -8.1% -6,142 69,303
32 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX +8.0% +101 1,365 N/A N/A N/A
33 Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI +7.4% +29 423 -14.3% -2,057 12,332
34 Columbus, OH +6.9% +22 341 -8.3% -665 7,351
35 Kansas City, MO-KS +6.5% +20 327 -11.7% -1,147 8,649
36 Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN +6.2% +20 343 -11.4% -969 7,499
37 Salt Lake City-Murray, UT +5.9% +12 217 N/A N/A N/A
38 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI +5.4% +9 176 N/A N/A N/A
39 Pittsburgh, PA +4.4% +12 287 N/A N/A N/A
40 Providence-Warwick, RI-MA +3.8% +9 244 N/A N/A 6,630
41 San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX +3.7% +19 527 N/A N/A N/A
42 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD +3.7% +11 306 -19.8% -2,322 9,427
43 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD +3.6% +19 543 N/A N/A N/A
44 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA +3.6% +19 545 -8.6% -2,690 28,554
45 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA +2.5% +7 287 -19.9% -1,821 7,347
46 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH +2.2% +12 552 N/A N/A 24,489
47 Fresno, CA +2.0% +2 104 -15.2% -343 1,914
48 St. Louis, MO-IL +1.6% +6 384 -19.5% -2,833 11,691
49 Rochester, NY +1.6% +2 130 -2.5% -59 2,321
50 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA +0.9% +7 780 -31.6% -11,310 24,492
51 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN -0.4% -4 947 -15.8% -6,644 35,535
52 Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV -3.1% -10 312 -15.9% -25,989 137,083
53 Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT -4.8% -7 138 -23.1% -904 3,014
54 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA -6.2% -31 469 -14.9% -2,752 15,698

5 Essential Road Safety Lessons Every Richmond Teen Driver Needs to Learn

Sharon Anderson
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5 Essential Road Safety Lessons Every Richmond Teen Driver Needs to Learn

Learning to drive and earning a license are major milestones for Richmond teens. While the experience is usually exciting for kids, it can be nerve-wracking for parents. From navigating I-95 traffic to handling hectic school drop-off lines and unpredictable weather, there’s a lot your teen needs to master before driving solo.

Driving has significant benefits—like independence and exposure to real-world situations—but safety is the top concern for most parents. The key to preparing your teen to be a confident, responsible driver is supervised practice—lots of it.

Repetition builds muscle memory, helping teens develop skills like merging onto highways or parallel parking until they become second nature. Supervised sessions also provide real-world experience that books can’t teach, like managing rush hour on I-64 or detouring through Carytown construction.

Of course, not every parent feels like a natural driving coach. If supervising becomes stressful, consider asking a co-parent, relative, or trusted friend to help, or enroll your teen in a reputable driver’s ed course. Sometimes, teens are more receptive to professional guidance.

With that foundation, here are ten essential road safety lessons every Richmond teen should learn before and after they hit the road.

  • Always Buckle Up—No Exceptions

One of the very first lessons to teach your teen is simple: always buckle up—no matter how short the trip. It’s not just the law; it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay safe on the road. And that goes for everyone in the car. Every passenger should be buckled up before the vehicle starts moving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50% for front-seat passengers during a crash. Also, seat belts are designed to work with airbags. In fact, without a seat belt, airbags can cause injury rather than prevent it.

Parents should model this behavior every time they get in a car. Leading by example reinforces good habits for younger drivers. And if your teen needs a quick reminder, stick with this one-liner: “Click it or risk it.” Not buckling up can mean fines at best or life-altering injuries at worst. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

  • Learn to Share the Road with Motorcycles

Young drivers need to learn how to share the road with motorcyclists and bicyclists safely. These two-wheeled vehicles are smaller, harder to spot, and far more vulnerable in a crash. Even attentive drivers can be surprised by a motorcycle suddenly appearing, often because it’s partially hidden in a blind spot or masked by other vehicles. 

Silkman law, a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney notes, “Motorcyclists are far more likely than other motorists to be seriously injured in a collision. Crashes can leave motorcyclists with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.” Teaching your teen to watch for and respect motorcycles helps make the road safer for everyone.

Make sure your teen understands the importance of checking blind spots thoroughly and giving motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles extra space. Because of their compact size, it’s harder to judge a motorcycle’s speed. Motorcycles can also stop more quickly than cars, and tailgating one is especially dangerous and should be strongly discouraged.

Instilling respect and awareness of motorcycles early on helps your teen become a more responsible and cautious driver who looks out for everyone on the road.

  • Put the Phone Away

While phones are integral to our daily lives, one of the times when you should put your phone away is while driving. Teens need to understand that no text, call, or notification is worth the risk. If your teen ever needs to use their phone while driving—for directions, responding to a message, or changing music—they should always pull over safely before doing so.

Some safe places to stop include:

  • School parking lots (during non-peak hours).
  • Gas stations.
  • Shopping center parking lots.
  • Residential side streets (with low traffic and legal parking).
  • Rest areas along highways.
  • Designated cell phone waiting lots (at airports or large venues).

Remind them that pulling over doesn’t mean stopping on the shoulder of a busy road unless it’s an emergency. The goal is to find a well-lit, low-traffic area where they’re not at risk of being hit or creating a hazard. Even better? Encourage your teen to set their phone to Do Not Disturb (DND) while driving and use voice-activated tools if they must interact with it at all.

  • Understand the Dangers of Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is both dangerous and illegal. Teens must understand that driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications puts lives at risk, including their own. They should also know never to get in a car with someone who is impaired.

Honest conversations are key. Talk to your teen about peer pressure, substance use, and the importance of always being sober before getting behind the wheel. Reinforce that it’s not just about avoiding trouble but also staying alive.

Help them understand the consequences: impaired driving can lead to license suspension, arrest, serious injury or death, and long-term impacts like college rejections or a criminal record. One poor decision can change everything.

Also, get to know your teen’s friends and the environments they spend time in. Make sure they’re surrounded by peers who respect the rules and value safety. And perhaps most importantly, model responsible behavior yourself. If you drink, do so responsibly and make it clear that drunk driving is never acceptable for anyone.

  • Know Basic Car Maintenance 

Every driver should learn the basics of car maintenance. This includes checking tire pressure, changing a flat tire, topping off essential fluids like oil and windshield washer fluid, and understanding dashboard warning lights. Doing these will help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep the vehicle running smoothly.

It’s also essential to prepare for roadside emergencies. Make sure there’s a basic emergency kit in the trunk, including a flashlight, jumper cables, water, a phone charger, and a first-aid kit. Remind your teen to always charge their phone before heading out and never to accept a ride from a stranger if stranded.

What your teen should do if their car breaks down:

On a side street:

  • Pull over to a safe, legal spot, preferably under a streetlight if it’s dark.
  • Turn on hazard lights.
  • Stay inside the car with the doors locked while waiting for help.
  • Call a trusted adult or roadside service.

On a highway like I-295:

  • Stay calm.
  • Signal and carefully pull over to the shoulder, as far to the right as possible and away from traffic.
  • Turn on hazard lights immediately.
  • Use reflective triangles if it’s safe to exit the car.
  • Stay in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened unless it’s clearly safer to get out.
  • Call roadside assistance, a parent, or 911 if you feel unsafe or need help.

Other important tips:

Adjust for Weather Conditions: Richmond’s weather can change quickly, from downpours to icy mornings in winter. Teach your teen how to drive in the rain, handle black ice, and slow down when visibility is low or roads are slick.

Practice Night Driving Carefully: Driving at night is harder for everyone, especially new drivers. Make sure your teen practices driving after dark in both well-lit areas and darker rural roads—like those in Goochland or Powhatan counties—so they feel confident no matter where they go.

Learn Defensive Driving: Defensive driving is a must in an area like Richmond, where city traffic, rural routes, and unpredictable drivers all intersect. Teach your teen to stay alert, maintain space, and prepare for the unexpected.

Keep Pounding Classic Returns To BoA Stadium w/ Top Charlotte High Schools

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Keep Pounding Classic Returns To BoA Stadium w/ Top Charlotte High Schools

2024 Panthers ScheduleThe 2025 Keep Pounding Classic will return to Bank of America Stadium on August 22, featuring a doubleheader packed with top-tier high school football talent, including two reigning state champions from the Charlotte region.

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with Hough High School (N.C.) facing South Pointe High School (S.C.). That game will be followed by a prime-time showdown at 8 p.m. between defending North Carolina 3A champion West Charlotte and 4A champion Grimsley High School.

The Keep Pounding Classic is hosted in partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Belk, part of a multi-year agreement announced last October that emphasizes support for community programs and high school athletics.

“Belk takes great pride in celebrating the communities we serve and the moments that bring us together,” said Don Hendricks, CEO of Belk in a press release. “This incredible event put on by the Carolina Panthers highlights the talent, determination and spirit of young athletes across our region and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The event is named after the Panthers’ iconic team motto and legacy of linebacker Sam Mills.

Top-Ranked Teams Return

The Hough Huskies, coming off a 12-2 season and a 2024 state semifinal appearance, are widely projected as contenders for a state title this year. South Pointe, a perennial power in South Carolina with seven state titles, went 11-3 last season and also reached the state semifinals.

The Grimsley Whirlies enter the season with national attention, ranked #16 in Sports Illustrated’s early high school football poll following their 16-0 record and 2024 4A state championship. For 2025, Grimsley will compete in the NCHSAA’s newly established 7A classification.

West Charlotte returns 21 starters from last season’s 3A state title team, which finished 13-2. The Lions will compete in the new 8A classification, highlighting their growth and competitive depth.

This year’s Keep Pounding Classic is expected to draw a large crowd, as it showcases some of the most successful high school programs in the Carolinas on a professional stage.

Charlotte Ranked As The 4th-Largest Medical Office Delivery City of 2025

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Charlotte Ranked As The 4th-Largest Medical Office Delivery City of 2025
Charlotte’s New ‘Pearl District’ via Wexford Science & Technology

CommercialSearch just published a new report on development across top medical office markets and named Charlotte as one of the top cities in America.

They looked at the 20 largest medical office deliveries of 2025 and the most active medical office pipelines, as well as the evolution of the largest U.S. medical building markets over the last 10 years, using CommercialEdge data extracted on January 28th, 2025.

Here are some of the key highlights:

  • Charlotte’s The Pearl – Research Tower property ranked as the 4th-largest medical office development in the U.S. to be delivered this year. The 356,000-square-foot property owned by Atrium Health Navicent is expected to reach completion in the second quarter of 2025.
  • The Charlotte medical office market is set to add a total of 462,000 square feet of space, consequently placing 6th on the list of fastest-growing markets by space under construction.
  • This translated to a 5% increase of stock, and meant that the Charlotte pipeline represented the 3rd-highest percentage growth among the largest U.S. medical office markets.
  • At a national level, Houston had the largest amount of medical office space under construction nationally (931,000 square feet), followed by Chicago (920,000 square feet), and New Jersey (898,000 square feet).

Charlotte’s 1st Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening This Week w/ Free Lobster Rolls For A Year

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Charlotte’s 1st Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening This Week w/ Free Lobster Rolls For A Year

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is bringing its authentic New England-style lobster rolls to Charlotte with its first and only location in the Queen City. 

The grand opening will kick off starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at 9904 Sandy Rock Place, Suite F, Charlotte, NC, 28277.  To celebrate the grand opening, guests can enter to win FREE LOBSTER ROLLS for a year, one each week, or one of 20 branded YETI tumblers, through Friday, May 23. Guests who mention “YOU HAD ME AT LOBSTER” at checkout in store will also receive a FREE fountain drink with a purchase of a roll through Wednesday, April 30. Customers will also receive Mason’s branded swag items with a minimum purchase of $40.00 while supplies last. 

Designed with a casual coastal ambiance and a commitment to friendly service, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls provides guests with an authentic taste of New England, focusing on sustainably sourced seafood, led by lobster rolls – including both Classic Maine and Connecticut styles. Each roll is prepared with care, using straightforward, traditional recipes that emphasize the freshness of the ingredients. Other menu items also include Shrimp Salad, Crab Roll, New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and Lobster Mac & Cheese.  

Founded in 2014 by Dan Beck, a former restaurant seafood buyer who spent time with Maine lobstermen learning the importance of quality sourcing, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls brings the traditions and flavors of Maine lobstering communities to locations across the U.S. The company’s dedication to honesty and excellence is why the restaurant has become the largest brick-and-mortar lobster roll chain in the U.S. that boasts the widest variety of rolls.

“As a Charlotte native, I’m excited to bring the freshness and coastal flavor that Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is known for to my own community,” said Amber Jackson, owner and operator of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls of Charlotte. “I can’t wait for my friends, family and neighbors to experience a taste of Maine with our authentic recipes and high quality ingredients. We’ve got a menu item for everyone – lobster roll fans and newcomers alike. 

Jackson first visited Mason’s Charleston, S.C. location while on a weekend getaway. She loved the food’s freshness and flavor so much that she returned to the restaurant several times throughout the short trip. Recognizing that Charlotte’s food scene had the opportunity for the brand to thrive, she’s eager to introduce the area to the fast-growing restaurant franchise. 

The new Mason’s location will serve the community every day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.masonslobster.com or follow the new location on Facebook and Instagram.

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