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The Quintessential Charlotte Luxury Magazine

The Holiday Issue 'Tis the season to support local, travel to our favorite festive destinations, savor seasonal treats, and much more. Issue No. 117 | December 2025

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DEPARTMENTS

Culture ARTS • STYLE • WELLNESS

Inside A Joy Bubble Crayons, communion, and creator Curlin Reed Sullivan.

The Wild South A new must-see exhibit at Jerald Melberg.

Food & Drink

A New Era For Opera Maestro Stefano Vignati takes the podium.

Shop With Purpose BraveWorks empowers women in Charlotte and beyond, one artisan-made piece at a time.

RESTAURANTS • DISHES • LIBATIONS

The Art of Sprezzatura In a food world that loves to show off, Rada perfects the art of understatement.

Grit And Gourmet Built On Hospitality keeps coming back stronger.

Renaissance Patisserie’s Chocolate Brownie Bombe

Dolce & Amaro’s Red and Green Macarons

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo’s Give It A Chai

Haberdish’s Gingerbread Old Fashioned

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JL ayton Int erio rs

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DEPARTMENTS

Home & Design PROFILES • SPACES • FEATURED HOME

Brick By Brick Grand Living Homes follows a family legacy.

Refined & Relaxed Stephanie Calderon Interiors perfects a warmtransitional living space.

Fireside Traditions Delphinium Design's founder brings nostalgia and custom design into her own Charlotte home this holiday season.

A Refined Rustic Retreat A Dilworth nook by Grande Custom Builders that feels like a luxury ski lodge without leaving home.

Warm Revival A mountain retreat reimagined by Aguilar Design Studio.

Travel

ACCOMMODATIONS • TOWNS • ADVENTURES

At Its Own Pace Exploring the quiet rhythm, rural charm, and coastal beauty of the Northern Outer Banks.

Echoes Along The Coast Following the NC Black Heritage Tour through Eastern NC where freedom and resilience left their mark.

A High-Style Stay During The Lowcountry Winter Escape the cold at Charleston’s Hotel Richemont.

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The Exclusives THIS ISSUE'S FEATURES

Magic Across The Carolinas Discover the best festive destinations in the Carolinas.

2025 Guide To Shopping Small Support local Charlotte businesses this holiday season.

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NOTE

No. 117 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

October 11, 2025 – February 22, 2026 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts

Renaissance, Romanticism, and Rebellion: European Art from the Smith-Naifeh Collection is generously presented by the Mint Museum Auxiliary with supporting sponsorship by The Hartford and First Horizon Bank. Individual support is kindly provided by Laura and Mike Grace. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Emile Schuffenecker (French, 1851–1934). Falaise a Etretat (cliff at Etretat), 1912,oil on canvas. The Smith-Naifeh Collection. 704.337.2000 | mintmuseum.org | @themintmuseum

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The holiday season always brings with it a sense of reflection and celebration, and that’s exactly what this issue is all about. You'll notice the Biltmore is on the cover of this issue. We wanted to give our continued support to the Asheville area, as we are still only a year removed from Hurricane Helene. And that town just two hours up the road sure knows how to celebrate the holidays!!! Aside from holiday travels, we’re wrapping up the year by spotlighting the creative voices, comforting flavors, inspiring spaces, and joyful destinations that make the Carolinas feel like home during the holidays. In our Arts & Culture section, we highlight the work of Curlin Reed Sullivan, explore a new exhibit at Jerald Melberg Gallery, and meet Opera Carolina’s newest conductor. We also spotlight BraveWorks, an organization empowering women through creativity and community. Our Food & Drink section leans into the festive season with dishes and features from places like Rada, Built On Hospitality, Renaissance Pâtisserie, Dolce & Amaro, and two holiday-focused culinary cocktails from Nuvolé and Haberdish. In Home & Design, we showcase projects by Grand Living, Stephanie Calderon, Delphinium Design, Grande Custom Builders, and Aguilar Design Studio, each offering ideas for cozy, beautiful spaces as we move into the winter months. For Travel, we visit the gorgeous Hotel Richemont, head to the Northern Outer Banks for a peaceful seasonal escape, and take a meaningful journey along the NC Black Heritage Tour, a route rich in culture and history. Finally, our Holiday Exclusives include two timely features: a guide to Carolina holiday trips and a curated local gifting story filled with ideas for thoughtful, regional presents that support small businesses and makers. This issue is a celebration of everything we love about this season: whimsy, comfort, creativity, and generosity. However you spend the holidays, we hope this inspires you to make the most of every moment. Until next time… PEACE! Sincerely, Jon-Paul Grice, Art Director Brett Barter, Publisher

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PUBLISHER Brett Barter ART DIRECTOR Jon-Paul Grice EDITOR Sunny Hubler EXECUTIVE ADMIN Kathryn Keller EDITORIAL Eleanor Merrell PHOTOGRAPHY Jamey Price

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C U LT U R E A R T I S T S • G A L L E R I ES • S T Y L E • W E L L N ES S

Inside A Joy Bubble Crayons, communion, and creator Curlin Reed Sullivan words ELEANOR MERRELL photos courtesy JAMEY PRICE OR CURLIN REED SULLIVAN

To walk around artist Curlin Reed Sullivan’s house is to dance between studio and kitchen, gallery and garage, spaces that are equipped for the activities of daily life, and also ready at any moment to support an artistic endeavor. Because, for Sullivan, artistic endeavors are activities of daily life. It would make as little sense to separate the space where you wake in the morning from where you tackle your next cross stitching project as it would to separate the place where you boil water from where you chop vegetables. “If I have to pick up a project and put it away, it’s like closing a big iron door between the possibility of me and making,” explains Sullivan. So, she keeps the door open, ensuring that her spaces are filled with whimsy and color and wonder, open to bolts of creative inspiration. And for Sullivan, the bolts come often and in many forms. Knitting, watercolor, pottery — if there’s making to be done, she’s doing it.

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C U LT U R E

Her creativity is but one manifestation in a long family legacy. Her great-great-grandfather was a very successful inventor, and he and his wife, Bettie Lane Curlin, also dabbled in photography and taxidermy. At one point, they decided to follow the example set by Thoreau’s Walden Pond experiment by living simply, observing nature, and practicing self-reliance, which ultimately led to the young family living on a steamboat on the Mississippi (Bettie Lane was the captain). They followed the call of their creativity, receptive to its pull and trusting its capacity to support them financially and spiritually. Their granddaughter, Sullivan’s grandmother, lived similarly. She visited Sullivan regularly, always with a new box of crayons and pad of paper in hand for Sullivan and watercolors for herself. And Sullivan passed this ethos down to her children. When they were growing up, “art supplies were just sitting around like silverware or napkins,” says Curlin. So when she started her own studio, she chose a tagline that reflected the seamless integration of domicile and design: Hatched at the kitchen table. Through Pippingtooth Studio, a name inspired by the tiny, razor-sharp tooth that chicks use to peck out of their egg, Sullivan has produced and sold everything from greeting cards to embroidery kits to mixed media prints. In the same spirit as her Thoreau-inspired great-greatgrandparents, much of her work incorporates natural objects; for example, a particularly arresting tree leaf, a pair of vibrant blooms, or an elegantly angled twig. “I’m a mess to take a walk with,” Sullivan concedes.

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Some of her favorite pieces to create and share are those that encourage participation. For example, she sells a line of ceramic flower vases shaped like heads. When someone purchases a vase, she sends it without its final component: a twiggy smile. Her hope is that the customer will find their own twig and install it, experiencing, as a result, the thrill of both transformation and completion. It’s a form of remote collaboration. And, for Sullivan, any type of creative collaboration is sustaining, whether that means working together on a project or simply exerting creative energy in the same space at the same time. “A very particular form of connection develops that you can’t really fabricate with anything else,” says Sullivan. That’s why she not only hosts “makeshops,” as she calls her creative workshops, but also regularly attends artist retreats and workshops, exploring a wide array of media in locations around the world. Regardless of what she’s making or where she’s making it, Sullivan does so with delight. “When I’m in a state of flow, I’m sharing a cubicle with the divine. And it feels like being inside a joy bubble.” That joy is evident in her work, as is her personality – bright, playful, vibrant, and humorous. In Curlin Reed Sullivan, there is a colorful soul who epitomizes the beauty of creating for the sake of creating.

info pippingtooth.com @curlinreedsullivan

C U LT U R E

The Wild South A new must-see exhibit at Jerald Melberg. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo courtesy JERALD MELBERG

Now through January 3, 2026, Jerald Melberg Gallery in Myers Park is presenting the tenth solo exhibition of abstracted landscape paintings by South Carolina native Brian Rutenberg. Titled The Wild South, the exhibition will primarily feature small scale works on paper with all of the lush impasto surface of his epic canvases. Widely considered to be one of the finest American painters of his genera-

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tion, Brian Rutenberg has a distinctive method of richlycolored complex landscape paintings. He transforms the landscapes of his youth into abstract paintings with an impasto surface that is both vibrant and lush. info jeraldmelberg.com @jeraldmelberg

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C U LT U R E

A New Era for Opera Carolina

Maestro Stefano Vignati takes the podium. words ALLYSON WELMAKER / photo JAMEY PRICE

For the first time in its 76-year history, Opera Carolina has appointed an Italian principal conductor and music director—a milestone moment for Charlotte’s premier opera company. Maestro Stefano Vignati, an internationally recognized conductor and educator, officially steps into the role with a vision to elevate the company’s artistry and global profile, while keeping opera accessible and inspiring for the local community. Vignati’s relationship with music began at just nine years old, when he first studied piano. His early passion soon led him to discover opera, a love affair that has defined his career for decades. Before joining Opera Carolina, he served as a professor and director at Drake University in Iowa and as artistic and music director of the International Lyric Academy (ILA), a role he will continue. Over the years, he has worked with hundreds of young artists, many of whom now perform on major opera stages around the world. His connection to Opera Carolina began in 2022, when ILA partnered with the company on a summer project. That collaboration culminated in a 2023 production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, bringing more than 120 artists to Charlotte for a performance that won over audiences. Now, as music director, Vignati will conduct at least one mainstage production each season and help shape the company’s artistic direction alongside artistic director Claudio Ferri. His debut in the role will be in January 2026, when he conducts a Puccini double bill—Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi—at the Belk Theater. “If I describe these two one-hour operas as masterpieces, I’m diminishing their value,” Vignati says. “It will be a great emotion to conduct them again at the Belk Theater, and I’m sure the audience will love them and will have an unforgettable experience.” Vignati’s vision for Opera Carolina is ambitious: he aims to attract world-class singers and conductors, expand international collaborations, and enhance production quality to appeal to both loyal patrons and newcomers. He also hopes to deepen community engagement through initiatives like the newly launched Maestro’s Circle, a premier sponsorship group offering members ex-

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clusive interactions with him in Charlotte and behind-the-scenes access to his international performances. This summer alone, Vignati’s schedule spans prestigious venues, from Verdi’s Falstaff in Vicenza to La Traviata in Sicily, Bizet’s Carmen in New York’s Bryant Park, and Mascagni’s L’Amico Fritz in Tuscany. His message to Charlotte is simple but passionate: “Opera per tutti!” Opera for everyone. “Our goal is to achieve the next level of quality as an international opera company. We are working together to bring worldrenowned singers and conductors to Charlotte and to implement co-productions with other American and international opera companies. I want to emphasize this aspect since a higher quality will ensure Opera Carolina retains and consolidates its operalovers' audience and will attract new people with the guarantee of discovering something amazing.” For Charlotteans who have never attended an opera, Vignati hopes his tenure will be an invitation to experience the power and beauty of live performance. With a maestro who bridges European tradition and American innovation, Opera Carolina is poised to make its next act its most inspiring yet. info operacarolina.org / @operacarolina

T R AV E L

Shop With Purpose

BraveWorks empowers women in Charlotte and beyond, one artisan-made piece at a time. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE

BraveWorks, a mission-driven nonprofit-meets gift shop. The entire business is built around equipping women who are overcoming trauma to express their artistic talents and earn a living, all while offering shoppers their totally unique, beautifully-made goods. Whether it’s jewelry, a bag, or home decor, meaning is woven into every bead, stitch, and design. Executive Director Kyla Harvey works alongside a dedicated team that includes Program Director & Licensed Therapist Lauren Smith, Program Coordinator Aliyah Bradley, and Artisan Production Supervisor Roxanne Sandlin. Kyla chatted with us to share more about the mission, the artisans, and why choosing local this season can make an impact that lasts far beyond the holidays. Tell us about the mission behind BraveWorks. Why the focus on women? BraveWorks equips women overcoming trauma to heal, grow, and earn income with dignity. We pair trauma-informed counseling and coaching with skill-building and workforce readi-

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ness. We focus on women because stabilizing a woman’s life often stabilizes a family, creating ripple effects in housing, education, and economic mobility. How do you select products for the shop? What are they and where do they come from? We curate through three lenses: dignified wages, quality and design, and ethical storytelling. Our collections include jewelry, bags, and giftable accessories made by local artisans in Charlotte and global partners in East Africa and Latin America. Every piece is traceable to a workshop where women are earning fairly and building skills. What inspires you to do this work? What does your dayto-day look like? Every day at BraveWorks, I am surrounded by stories of resilient women choosing hope and showing up for themselves, their families, and their future. My role stretches across program spaces, our retail shop, partner meetings, fundraising

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Tell us about Emerge & Beads Of Bravery? In 2025, we served 123 women through ETCH; in 2025, we launched EMERGE and Beads of Bravery to meet women where they are. If our mission resonates, visit the shop, host a Sip & Shop, or join us as a monthly donor; your partnership keeps us walking with women, long-term. Whether you’re picking up a statement bracelet, a timeless leather bag, or a simple gift that carries deep purpose, shopping at BraveWorks means your holiday dollars go further, supporting women as they step into healing, stability, and confidence. This season, consider giving gifts that give back: Every purchase at BraveWorks is more than a present—it’s part of a woman’s journey forward. info braveworks.org / @braveworksorg

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FOOD & DRINK R ES TA U R A N T S • D I S H ES • L I B AT I O N S

The Art of Sprezzatura In a food world that loves to show off, Rada perfects the art of understatement. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos LAURA POL

Rada’s quiet confidence is as unintrusive as it is unusual. From its refined, Mediterraneaninspired menu to its pared-down, intentional design, Rada doesn’t shout for guests’ attention. Instead, it invites guests to join in its practiced nonchalance and to do so over a delicious meal. A lifelong restaurateur, owner Eloy Roy grew up in the business, helping his father open OGGI in Miami Beach in 1989, and later bringing it to Charlotte in 2012. In 2024, he found himself at a crossroads. He had been offered a sales job, which was his first tangible opportunity to leave the hospitality industry in his professional life. Yet, he had been bouncing around a new restaurant concept in the back of his mind for years. “After two weeks eating my way through Buenos Aires, I came back with clarity,” says Roy.

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From Serendipity to Selwyn — What followed was a six-month search for the perfect space to bring Rada to life, until a chance encounter with real estate broker Scott Alexander led him to the former LittleSpoon space on Selwyn in Myers Park. “From this moment on, it felt the universe was conspiring in my favor,” says Roy. “All the lights turned green.” Roy envisioned a restaurant that would bring something new to Charlotte. Specifically, he pictured a place with sprezzatura, the Italian word for effortless elegance. “I felt like the city could really use the style of restaurant I loved,” Roy says. “A place of simplicity, grace, elegance, and with food that is of high quality.” The food at Rada is globally inspired, but with a strong Mediterranean heartbeat. “We didn’t want to paint ourselves into a cultural corner,” says Roy. Dishes change seasonally, using hyperlocal sourcing whenever possible. From Lady Edison pork to coppa and lamb soppressata from North Carolina farms, the menu is a reflection of deep culinary intention and respect for ingredients.

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“We’re not here to impress. We’re here to welcome.” The wine and cocktail programs echo that same philosophy. “We believe in wines that are worth a conversation,” says Roy. The impressive 100-bottle list spans France, Italy, Spain, and unexpected finds from regions like Tasmania. Cocktails are European-influenced and, on the whole, are elegant, balanced, and rooted in simplicity. Rada isn’t about reinvention—it’s about intention. “We know how a restaurant should feel. We know flavor and how to achieve it,” says Roy. “We haven’t reinvented anything. But we honor the basic truths about hospitality and the beauty of coming together over food and drink, and we are in love with what we do.”

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Grit And Gourmet Built On Hospitality keeps coming back stronger. words ELEANOR MERRELL / photos courtesy BUILT ON HOSPITALITY

Since opening the doors of The Goodyear House in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood in early 2020, Built On Hospitality (BOH) has significantly expanded its footprint in the area’s hospitality industry. Founded by Chris Coleman, Sean Potter, and AJ Klenk, the trio came together with a shared vision for their hospitality group: to create food and beverage experiences that reflect local flavor, offer top-tier service, and feel like places you want to return to again and again. “From the very beginning, our goal has been to create places that feel genuine to Charlotte—where every detail, from the menu to the design, tells a different story. No two spaces are alike, but they all share a commitment to thoughtful food and intentional hospitality,” says Chef Coleman. The group’s launch in Charlotte was,more than anything, a trial by fire. Just weeks after The Goodyear House’s grand opening, the COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants everywhere to shut down. But instead of folding, BOH doubled

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down, and what began as a passion project in a restored mill home evolved into a brand rooted in resilience. The Goodyear House has since become known not only as a favorite brunch and dinner destination, but also for distinctive, full-scale events in their beautiful, very spacious outdoor area. They host a number of weddings along with corporate dinners, baby showers, and birthday or anniversary parties. Just one year later, BOH expanded with the opening of Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails in Rock Hill, a neighborhoodfriendly spot with Southern charm and approachable fare. Then, in 2024, the group added two cocktail lounges, Folia and Chief’s, to its lineup with help from Charlotte mixology legend Bob Peters. These venues began as nightlife-focused concepts but have since evolved into all-day destinations, serving everything from artisan coffee (via a partnership with local favorite Night Swim Coffee) to shareable bites and curated cocktails in design-forward spaces.

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Each of the three founders brings a unique strength to the group. Coleman, a well-known chef in the southeast, leads all things culinary, crafting menus that balance comfort and innovation. Klenk, a commercial real estate expert, helps identify strategic opportunities for growth, while Potter focuses on the guest experience from start to finish. Although leadership in this area is outsourced, design is also a major part of BOH’s identity. Each venue offers a distinct aesthetic—from the warm, homey feel of The Goodyear House (thanks to design partner Cluck) to the moody elegance of Folia (Black Dove Interiors) and the classic charm of Chief’s (Delgar Interior Design). No two places look or feel the same, but all share BOH’s signature attention to detail and commitment to creating memorable environments.

Everything Italian for the season— gifts, gatherings, and every bite in between. Traditional Italian Sausage . . . . Arancini Prepared Meals . . . . Panettone . . . . Italian Wine Pastries & Sweets . . . . Imported Deli Meat Olives & Cheeses. . . . Fresh Bread. . . . Specialty Items . . . . Event & Holiday Catering Gift Boxes & More

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Looking ahead, BOH has its sights set on ever-more ambitious projects. In partnership with KHP Capital Partners, the group will manage all four food and beverage concepts inside The Beckworth, a boutique hotel opening in uptown Charlotte’s historic Johnston Building in 2026. Details on the culinary direction are still under wraps, but expect a blend of distinct style and delicious dining, as BOH has become known for. “We’ve grown by staying true to who we are and who we serve. The common thread is hospitality that feels personal. As we look ahead to projects like The Beckworth, we’re excited to keep raising the bar for what dining in Charlotte can be," says Potter. info builtonhospitality.com @built_on_hospitality

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RENAISSANCE PÂTISSERIE'S

Chocolate Brownie Bombe words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

Indulge the French way this holiday season with Renaissance Pâtisserie’s Chocolate Brownie Bombe. The authentic French bakery in SouthPark’s Specialty Shops serves a full cafe menu in addition to its signature baked goods. This particular confectionary concoction is heavy on the cacao with a brownie base, chocolate mousse on top and then finished with a gorgeous chocolate ganache glaze. It’s as decadent

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as it sounds, striking the balance between rich and refined. Whether you’re simply looking for a sweet seasonal treat for yourself or aiming to wow at a holiday soiree, this dessert is, well, the bomb(e). info renaissancepatisserie.com @renaissancepatisserie

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DOLCE & AMARO'S

Red and Green Macarons words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

Dolce & Amaro Artisan Bakery, first opened in Greensboro, added a Charlotte location this year. The Italian-inspired bakery aims to elevate the “Italian art of baking” in the city. In addition to offering a variety of daily-made sweet treats, you can also grab a coffee or pre-order items for a special occasion. If you’re looking for something on-theme to add to your holiday table, the aptly-colored strawberry and pistachio macarons are a perfect choice. The strawberry macaron is bright, fruity and fresh while the pistachio offers a balance of nutty, mild sweetness.

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While many tend to associate the macaron with French cuisine, the history points to its roots being anchored in an almond-based cookie from medieval Italian monasteries. Not to be confused with a macaroon (funnily enough, also originally Italian), the macaron of today is sandwich-style, with a delicate, crisp meringue shell on the outside and flavorful filling on the inside. info dolceamaroartisanbakery.com / @dolceamaroartisanbakery

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FOOD & DRINK

NUVOLE ROOFTOP TWENTYTWO’S

Give it a Chai words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JAMEY PRICE

Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo, at the tippy top of the AC Hotel in Uptown, serves up inventive New American fare alongside sweeping city views. At first glance, this frothy sipper looks like an espresso martini, but one taste reveals a cozy holiday twist. Bar manager Melany Mocanu shakes up pisco, lemon, chai syrup, and

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egg white, then dresses the glass with a delicate chai foam. The result is warming spice balanced by bright citrus, perfect for sipping while taking in Uptown’s skyline twinkle. info nuvole22.com @nuvole22

Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary

Begonia Martin 63 x 63 Malaga, Spain Craig Alan, Motivo, oil on canvas, 48” x 60”

@PictureHouseGallery @picture_house_gallery @PictureHouseGal www.picturehousegallery.com | 704-333-8235 | 1520 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC

FOOD & DRINK

HABERDISH'S

Gingerbread Old Fashioned words SUNNY HUBLER / photo JP GRICE

Haberdish, opened in NoDa nearly ten years ago, has long been stealing our hearts with their inventive spin on Southern fare, rustic-elegant ambiance, and cream-of-the-crop craft cocktail program. Colleen Hughes, a James Beard-nominated mixologist and longtime Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group veteran, did what she does best and whipped up

a seasonally-proper drink that’s equally as eye-catching as it is downright delicious. The Gingerbread Old Fashioned, with Maker's Mark Private Select, is smoothly blended with house-made gingerbread syrup, poured over a snazzy snowflake ice cube and finished with an orange peel garnish. This is our kind of holiday spirit.

— info — haberdish.com / @haberdish

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HOME & DESIGN P R O F I L ES • S PA C ES • F E AT U R E D H O M ES

Brick By Brick Grand Living Homes follows a family legacy. words ELEANOR MERRELL / portraits JAMEY PRICE / photos courtesy GRAND LIVING

Founded in 2014, Grand Living Homes builds custom, luxury homes throughout the Carolinas. With a mission that goes beyond bricks and blueprints, the company understands that building a home is a milestone in a client’s life. So, rather than acting as a distant vendor in a transaction, Grand Living Homes sees itself as a true partner in the journey. In practice, this looks like active and earnest engagement while bringing each client’s unique vision to life. The roots of Grand Living Homes trace back to the early entrepreneurial drive of founding partner Tony Hanson. While still a freshman in college, Hanson launched his own building and development company. Remarkably, by his junior year, he was managing $60 million in lines of credit to support his projects. This early success was no accident. It was a harbinger of

the relentless work ethic and drive that have been hallmarks of his career ever since. It’s no surprise that Hanson focused his energy on real estate. After all, it runs deep in Tony’s family, and so, with generations of home builders behind him, it was only natural that he would forge his own path in the industry. As a matter of fact, his father, a seasoned builder himself, later joined Grand Living Homes as the head of Land Acquisitions & Construction Operations. A Personal Start, A Professional Evolution The first home ever constructed by Grand Living Homes wasn’t for a client. It was Hanson’s own residence. That deeply personal project set the tone for what the company would become: a builder that treats every home like it’s their own. In 2018, Hanson joined

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forces with Lucas Mudrey, his business partner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paracle. Together, they merged their expertise in real estate and home building to create a comprehensive service model across North and South Carolina. At Grand Living Homes, luxury is the standard—not just for the homes they produce, but also for the service they provide along the way. “Our design staff works up front to identify your style, tastes, and budget so there are no surprises,” explains Director of Marketing Aaron Bradshaw. “We often compare it to buying a vehicle: You can choose the ‘Yukon’ version or the ‘Escalade,’ and then we’ll help you decide where to splurge (maybe, for example, on a “Ferrari” kitchen). All the while, we’ll keep the overall project on budget and on schedule.” The process blends high-touch personalization with practical plan-

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ning, ensuring homes are not only beautiful but also built on time and within budget. In addition to these high-touch services, Grand Living Homes also manages a 11,000-square-foot design center in South Charlotte. Here, clients can feel, see, and experience every detail of staircases, cabinetry, appliances, wine displays, and more before making final decisions. It’s one more way that Grand Living Homes crafts both an experience and a product worthy of the milestone that a custom home build marks. info grandlivinghomes.com @grandlivinghomescarolinas

A luxury full-service interior design and construction firm headquarted in Charlotte, NC.

AguilarDesignStudio.com

•

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HOME & DESIGN

Refined & Relaxed

Stephanie Calderon Interiors perfects a warm transitional living space. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo REAGEN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

When it came to this Plaza Midwood project, designer Stephanie Calderon’s clients sought more storage, and a cozy room that felt lived-in. They hoped to create a space where they could host friends and family for the holidays but also unwind after a long day of work. The home started, Stephanie says, as a blank slate in need of warmth and character. “We designed custom built-ins with a curved arch and added picture lights to make the architecture feel intentional,”

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she says. “Then we layered in furnishings and decor to bring texture, comfort, and a sense of coziness to the home.” The millwork and painting is by Ballentine Paint, general painting is Accents Painting and Drywall and the lighting is from Visual Comfort. info stephaniecalderoninteriors.com @stephaniecalderoninteriors

Photo by Laura Sumrak

INTERIOR DESIGN CURATING HOMES THAT INSPIRE GRACIOUS LIVING newsouthhome.com | @newsouthhome

REMODELS CUSTOM HOMES

HOME & DESIGN

Fireside Traditions Delphinium Design's founder brings nostalgia and custom design into her own Charlotte home this holiday season. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo TIFFANY RINGWALD

Jena Bula, of Delphinium Design, offers a boutique experience to her Charlotte-area clients and as any designer would, she brings all her talents into her own living space. The fireplace was refaced with floor-to-ceiling stone and finished with a mantel crafted from 200-year-old reclaimed barn wood. It leans rustic for a feel that’s cozy and festive. The Santas displayed on the mantel are personal: They belonged to Jena’s mother who collected them throughout Jena’s childhood. “She always showcased them during the holidays,” Jena shares. “For me, their presence meant it was officially

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Christmas, and I’m so happy to carry on that tradition with my own family.” To complete the space, she layered the window treatments and designed the drapery panels to include a color block trim along the leading edge and added a fun crisscross pleat detail. The chest is an antique Jena found at Sleepy Poet and the drapery is Chancery Custom. info delphiniumdesign.com / @delphiniumdesign

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HOME & DESIGN

A Refined Rustic Retreat A Dilworth nook by Grande Custom Builders that feels like a luxury ski lodge without leaving home. words SUNNY HUBLER / photo MICHAEL BLEVINS

This inviting nook comes from Charlotte-based Grande Custom Builders. The creative force behind the business is husband-and-wife team John and Jenna Jackovich—John is the builder, Jenna the designer—known for their luxury builds and sophisticated, modern designs. Located in Dilworth, this space is part of a larger spec build that captures the undeniable appeal of a luxury ski retreat. Rustic natural stone, smoky antiqued glass, and rich velvet tones create a setting that feels both polished and comforting. The Gabby Home sofas, Four Hands ottomans, Arteriors chandelier, and a Jaipur Living rug complete the look.

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Whether used for connecting with friends and family or as a quiet den to unwind with a book, this Grand Custom Builders space offers an elegant balance of texture and tone. A favorite detail, Jenna said, is the small window framed in limestone. It’s proof that the most memorable design choices are often the subtlest ones.

info grandebuilders.com @grandecustombuilders

HOME & DESIGN

Warm Revival A mountain retreat reimagined by Aguilar Design Studio. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos DAVID MARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Laura Aguilar and Aaron Aguilar, founders of Aguilar Design Studio, have built their reputation on crafting homes that balance warmth with fresh, livable luxury. Aguilar Design Studio provides layered textures and family-minded layouts, approaching each project with a deep understanding of how people truly live in their spaces. This time of year, few things sound as inviting as a mountain retreat. Set among streams and towering trees, this one was completely reimagined by Aguilar and Reconstruction Experts, transforming a dated interior into a modern-cozy

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haven perfectly suited for both entertaining and everyday living. Having completed two previous homes for the family, the Aguilars were confident they understood the clients’ aesthetic and how they wanted the home to feel. The 6,700-square-foot home has five bedrooms, six baths, and a layout that flows between a spacious great room, family room, open kitchen and dining areas, and an upstairs lounge with a music room. Expanses of glass bring in natural light, while views of the surrounding landscape anchor the design in its setting.

HOME & DESIGN

Inside, reclaimed oak flooring grounds each space with texture and history, complemented by custom walnut cabinetry and unlacquered hardware that will develop a rich patina over time. Natural stone surfaces—quartzite, marble, and granite—introduce subtle pattern and sheen, while the furnishings lean soft and approachable. One of the home’s showstopping features is the great room’s custom whiskey bar, designed to showcase the clients’ extensive bourbon collection. The installation includes a rolling ladder, natural stone accents, and display lighting that glows against the dark cabinetry. The room also houses

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a grand piano and a dramatic stone fireplace, its warmth balanced by a gallery wall of the family’s favorite musicians and memories—a personal touch that embodies the spirit of the home. That room, Laura Aguilar said, has quickly become the family’s favorite place to gather and entertain. The result is a mountain retreat that’s both refined and relaxed, equally suited to cozy winter evenings or lively gatherings with friends. info aguilardesignstudio.com / @aguilar_design_studio_

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At Its Own Pace

Exploring the quiet rhythm, rural charm, and coastal beauty of The Northern Outer Banks. words JP GRICE / photos JP GRICE or BRETT BARTER

I didn’t expect The Northern Outer Banks to feel the way it does. It’s simple, wide open, and unhurried. It's the kind of place that balances farmland and coastline like it’s no big deal. You can spend the morning in the fields and the afternoon by the water, and it all just works. Nothing here feels forced or overdone. The Northern Outer Banks moves at its own pace, and that’s what makes it worth the trip. The Mainland — I like to start inland, where the heart of The Northern Outer Banks still beats through open fields and family-run markets. Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market is always my first stop for local fruits, veggies, and preserves — and that delicious Allie's Frozen Yogurt. Locals drift in and out with baskets of groceries and flowers, and the whole place feels like a morning ritual that’s been happening forever.

Not far down the road, Sanctuary Vineyards is always worth a visit. You can sip wine made right there on the property and, if you time it right, watch hang gliders from Kitty Hawk Kites drift overhead. This place is laid-back yet has been winning wine awards for years with their well-rounded selection. You can get to the vineyard multiple ways. We, of course, came from the mainland, but if you want to visit from across the sound, they offer an adventure called the Vineyard Voyage which is a boat and winery tour that leaves from Duck. This experience is such a fun way to connect the beach to the farmland that feeds it. A few miles away, Buffalo City Distillery turns that same local pride found at Sanctuary into bourbon, gin, and other spirits. We met the most welcoming mother-and-daughter duo behind the bar and talked to the owner for a bit about the challenges facing distilleries in our state and what could help the industry grow. It was one of those conversations that sticks with you, grounded and full of pride for what they’re building here.

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Back in the car we chose to make a slight detour and stopped by OBX Monster Truck Rides at Digger’s Dungeon in Poplar Branch. Sadly they weren’t offering rides but we were still able to see the museum, grab some merch and take photos with the massive monster truck out front. Even from the parking lot, you can tell it’s a place full of personality. Before heading to our hotel on the beach, we caught some spectacular scenery at the nearby Kilmarlic Golf Club. It’s quiet and surrounded by marsh, the kind of stop that resets you before the coast takes over. Corolla — As you drive east, the scenery shifts fast. The country fades into spartina grass and dunes, the air gets salty, and I don’t know how to explain it but the light starts to get so nice…maybe other photographers will understand what I’m talking about. It’s just beautiful! When it’s time to stay, The Inn at Corolla Light is my pick. It’s right on the sound, slow-paced, and genuinely friendly. The rooms are big, the staff is wonderful, and mornings start with free breakfast bagels and views that make you stop and just take it in. The sunsets are unreal. I watched several with a couple heron buddies. It’s a great little spot in the perfect location with a casual vibe. In the mornings, for that necessary coffee stop, Corolla Coffee Roaster is the first choice. It’s small and welcoming, and their mocha is the perfect way to start the day. Corolla Village is right nearby, a cluster of weathered and restored wooden buildings, sandy paths, and old oaks that form the kind of small-town scene you dream about. There’s a bookstore, a few local shops, and just enough boardwalk to wander aimlessly. Lunch usually means Corolla Village Barbecue, where the smell of hickory smoke hits you before you park. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and hushpuppies and some ribs and it was delicious.

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Just a short walk away, you’ll find the old U.S. Life-Saving Station, which once housed crews who rescued shipwrecked sailors long before the Coast Guard existed. Standing there, looking out at the water, you can almost imagine what those storms must have been like. If you aren’t into the 'cue, The Broken Plate just down the road is worth every bite. It looks upscale inside but keeps the bar easygoing, and the food blew me away. The shrimp was incredible, the tacos were great, and the wedge salad was one of the best I've had…and I’m not speaking in hyperbole. It was one of those meals that makes you say, "alright, I didn’t see that coming." The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is just up the road from here. Its red brick shines against the sky, and the view from the top is incredible. You can see the ocean on one side, the sound on the other, and it all connects in a way that makes you understand why people love this area so much. Right next door, the Currituck Maritime Museum is worth a stop. It’s full of restored boats and stories from locals who built their lives on the water. It’s simple and genuine, and you can feel the history in every display. Then there’s Whalehead, which might be one of the prettiest landmarks on the Outer Banks, and one of the most mysterious. The yellow Art Nouveau mansion looks like something out of another era. Inside, everything has been restored with such care, and the afternoon light through the windows is unreal. Yet there’s a certain hush to the place, a feeling that the past never fully left these halls. Some visitors even claim their photos reveal blurred, ghostlike figures drifting through the rooms. Walk the grounds at sunset and you’ll see what I mean... the house reflects perfectly in the sound, and it’s so quiet you can almost sense the echoes of its history lingering in the air. Next to Whalehead, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education tells another piece of the story. It’s free to visit, with exhibits on hunting, conservation, and the natural world that shaped this coastline.

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T R AV E L Later that afternoon, we stopped at Pine Island Sanctuary for a walk and ended up staying longer than planned. The trail winds through the marsh, with osprey overhead and wind through the grass. We spotted a black snake sunning itself, a gigantic mud wasp nest shaped like a sculpture, and more birdlife than I could count. It’s the kind of quiet, steady nature that makes you feel connected again. That’s a busy day for sure, so you may just head back to the inn, but if you’re up for a nice dinner out one of the classic spots is Mike Dianna’s Grill Room. It’s casual but polished. The steak is what they’re known for and I think you have to go with that. You can watch them cook them over the flames before you order just to see how good they look. If you aren’t into steak, the crab cakes were unbelievable as well. Carova and Beyond — Now for the iconic Carova Beach. This is probably one of the most unique areas in the entire county. From Corolla, keep heading north and eventually the pavement ends. The asphalt turns to sand and suddenly you’re in Carova, a cluster of communities that includes Swan Beach, North Swan Beach, and Carova Village, all the way to the Virginia border. There are no paved roads here, just sand tracks carved by tires and tide. Every house sits on sand, and every trip anywhere feels like an adventure.

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Life out here runs on its own clock. You need a 4x4 to get around — air down first — and grocery stores are far enough that most people come stocked for the week. Even with the steady flow of beach traffic, it still feels different from anywhere else. The wild horses live here, too. They wander between dunes and beach houses like they’ve been doing it forever. We saw them a few times, walking near the water or just standing in the wind, and it never got old. Carova feels off-grid in the best way possible. It’s quiet, independent, and full of the kind of beauty that doesn’t need attention. By the time you head back south, you’re already thinking about when you’ll return. We’ll Be Back Soon — The Northern Outer Banks doesn’t try to impress you. It just is what it is: A scenic mix of farmland, soundside villages, beachfront communities, and wild coastline that all flow together. You’ll miss it as soon as you leave. It really is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve gone, a reminder that the best trips aren’t about checking things off but about how it all makes you feel. For me, I love it for this reason above all else…you can relax and unwind and truly vacation. Some places are best taken slow, and The Northern Outer Banks sure is one of them. info northernouterbanks.com / @thenorthernobx

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The Colonial Inn

Hillsborough

A Charming Southern Getaway J U S T A S TO N E ’ S T H R OW AWAY !

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Echoes Along The Coast Following the NC Black Heritage Tour through Eastern North Carolina, where freedom and resilience left their mark. words JP GRICE / photos JP GRICE and BRETT BARTER

Setting out, we didn’t know exactly what to expect from the NC Black Heritage Tour in Eastern North Carolina. Driving the roads, we quickly realized how easy it can be to miss the places where greatness still lingers. This trail connects more than thirty sites across nine counties, each one preserving the legacy of African Americans who built, taught, led, and protected their communities in the face of impossible odds. These are places of resilience and progress, but also of quiet power. They remind us that history isn’t always made in the spotlight. Sometimes it happens in small classrooms, on wind-beaten shorelines, or inside churches that once served as gathering places for freedom and faith. The NC Black Heritage Tour deserves more attention, not just as a record of the past, but as a living map of courage that shaped North Carolina then and now. Williamston: A Voice for Change We started in Williamston, where the Green Memorial Church of Christ still stands quietly along the street. Standing out front, it was easy to imagine the energy that once filled this place. During

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the civil rights era, this was a meeting ground, a place for Freedom Rallies and planning sessions that carried more weight than the building itself could hold. Faith met action here, and that combination gave people strength when little else did. Edenton: Enterprise and Escape Edenton may look like a quiet coastal town, but its history runs deep. From business leaders to freedom seekers, some of North Carolina’s most defining stories began right here. Near the historic Roanoke River lighthouse, we found the start of the Maritime Underground Railroad Trail, a path that tells how freedom seekers once escaped by sea. Standing by the water, looking out toward the Albemarle Sound, one can imagine small boats pushing off under the cover of night, the splash of oars and the steady wind carrying them toward an uncertain but hopeful future. Downtown, we stopped at the Josephine Napoleon Leary Building. Leary was born into slavery and went on to build a real estate business that left its mark on the town. Her

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beautiful building, still standing more than a century later, is a reminder that success and ownership weren’t just dreams; they were acts of determination. Nearby in Hertford, we visited the site honoring Beulah and Lillie Burke, sisters and educators who helped found the first Greekletter sorority for African American collegiate women in 1908. Their story felt both distant and familiar, proof that progress often begins in classrooms and conversations, and that education itself was a form of resistance. Before leaving town, we spent time at the Colored Union Soldiers Statue. It’s one thing to read about the men who fought for freedom; it’s another to stand where they stood. Their courage is hard to describe, serving a country that didn’t yet see them as equals but fighting for it anyway. Elizabeth City: Building and Leading Elizabeth City brought the weight of war and progress together in one place. The Wild’s Raid monument tells the story of a campaign led by U.S. Colored Troops in 1863, one that freed thousands across the region. We read the marker and imagined the noise, the fear, and the sudden realization of freedom. It must have felt like the world was changing and standing still at the same time. A short drive away, the A Town Divided marker tells a harder truth. When Union troops arrived, neighbors found themselves on opposite sides of the same cause. The tension that tore through Elizabeth City then still echoes faintly now, proof that progress rarely comes without a cost. Downtown, the Citizen Bank Building stands tall among newer storefronts. It was the first Black-owned bank in eastern North Carolina, and it gave families access to credit and independence in a time when both were rare. Standing in front of it, we thought

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about what it meant to walk into that building then, to finally have access to opportunities that others took for granted. At Elizabeth City State University, founded in 1891, that same spirit of progress lives on. Originally created to train black teachers, ECSU has since become a cornerstone of higher education and leadership in the region. Its history stands as a reminder that education has always been one of the most powerful tools for change. Currituck Mainland: Learning, Teaching, and Remembering Heading toward Currituck, the trail led us through open farmland and quiet crossroads towns where education was the heart of community life. The Currituck Union School and McBride Colored School tell similar stories. These small, often underfunded schools were proof of determination, run by teachers who understood that education was the surest path to freedom. The buildings are different now, but they still represent the strength of communities that refused to give up on learning. The Jarvisburg Colored School was one of the most moving stops. Built in 1868 on land donated by William Hunt Sr., it served as both a school and a symbol of hope for generations of students. Inside, the restored classrooms still carry a certain weight, the desks, the chalkboards, the sense that what happened here mattered more than most will ever know. Nearby, further inland in South Mills, the Pathway to Freedom at the Great Dismal Swamp felt different from anywhere else on the trail. The swamp once sheltered people escaping slavery, a harsh and dangerous refuge that demanded endurance just to survive. Archaeologists have uncovered signs of settlements deep within the trees, where families lived hidden and self-sufficient. Standing there surrounded by wind and dark swamp water, you can feel the dichotomy of fear and the freedom here.

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Roanoke Island: Freedom and the Sea Driving toward the coast, Roanoke Island was our next stop. We walked the Freedom Trail near the Elizabethan Gardens, tracing the path of the Freedmen’s Colony. From 1862 to 1867, more than 3,500 freed people lived here, building homes, churches, and schools from scratch. It was a community born from determination and hope, and though it was officially disbanded after just five years, many of those original freedom seekers stayed on Roanoke Island, staking a new life for themselves and the generations of their families to follow, calling the Outer Banks home to this day. Roanoke Island is also home to the story of Richard Etheridge, the first African American Keeper of a U.S. Life-Saving Service station. At the Pea Island Life-Saving Station, Etheridge and his all-Black crew performed rescues that became legendary. In 1896, during the rescue of the E.S. Newman, they swam through hurricane conditions to save every soul aboard. They were denied recognition for decades, their heroism largely ignored until the Coast Guard finally awarded them the Gold Lifesaving Medal, a century late but no less deserved. We stopped at the Herbert M. Collins Boathouse, named for Pea Island’s last keeper. Collins served from 1940 to 1947 and went on to spend more than three decades in the Coast Guard. Inside the boathouse, a weathered surfboat rests, the same kind of vessel these men once rowed into violent seas. It’s a simple space, but it speaks volumes. Nearby, at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, we found James Melvin’s painting Freedmen, Surfmen, Heroes. It shows Richard and Patrick Etheridge, two lifesavers linked by courage and the sea. In 1896, Richard led his all-Black crew through a hurricane to rescue everyone aboard the E.S. Newman. Twelve years earlier, Patrick had helped save passengers from the Ephraim Williams off Hatteras Island. Patrick and his crew were

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honored with the Gold Lifesaving Medal in 1885. Richard and his men received the same award a century later. Seeing the two Etheridges together in Melvin’s painting felt like history finally setting things right. Hatteras Island: The First Refuge Further south, at the lowest point on the trail and at the very bottom of Hatteras Island near Pole Road, we visited the site of the Hotel De Afrique. During the Civil War, this became the first safe haven in North Carolina for African Americans who had escaped slavery and sought protection behind Union lines. The original structure is gone, but a plaque now marks the site. Standing there, with the ocean wind pushing across the sand, we thought about the families who arrived here, uncertain of what waited ahead but certain they could never go back. It was one of the trail’s quietest stops, yet it felt like one of its most important. The Road Continues Traveling the NC Black Heritage Tour changed the way we see this part of North Carolina. It reminded us that history isn’t abstract, it’s here, preserved in wood and brick, in the marsh grass and the schoolhouse walls, at the churches you pass by on your commute and the beaches you tan on. These places have been overlooked for far too long for what they really are, but their history and power is still here, asking us to slow down and listen. The NC Black Heritage Tour isn’t just a route on a map. It’s a responsibility to visit, to learn, and to remember. The people who built, led, taught, and fought along this path didn’t do it to be remembered. But remembering them is how we continue their work. info ncblackheritagetour.com / @ncblackheritagetour

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A High-Style Stay During Lowcountry Winter

Escape the cold and the crowds at Charleston’s Hotel Richemont. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos MOLLY ROSE

Winter in Charleston brings with it a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find it easier to get dinner reservations, enjoy uncrowded attractions, and explore at your own pace. If you visit before the holidays wrap up, you’ll also be treated to the city decked out in festive lights and seasonal décor, from the sparkling storefronts of King Street to the garland-draped iron gates of the historic district. Should you have the opportunity to escape to Charleston this winter, consider staying at the newly opened Hotel Richemont. This boutique hotel, unveiled in June, joined ranks with the highly regarded, tastefully designed, and thoughtfully managed stays that help define the city. Just steps from the intersection of King and Society Streets, the property offers travelers direct access to Charleston’s historic downtown, while providing a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. Deposit and Withdraw — Hotel Richemont is situated within a restored former bank, and nods to the building’s past are seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s interior design. For example, the original vault door has become the centerpiece of the hotel’s lobby. That’s not Hotel

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Richemont’s only tip of the hat to its host city’s history. The hotel’s name is an homage to the "Richemont", a ship that brought French Huguenot refugees to Charleston in the 17th century. Although there are additional elements of the hotel’s interior that feel like echoes from the past, there are also plenty of modern finishes. For example, you’ll find mod-ish ceiling fans, modern industrial style curtain rods, and hints of transitional furniture. Overall, the aesthetic evokes a manicured moodiness that manufactures the allure of a well-dressed, mysterious stranger. Throughout its 25 rooms and suites, the hotel prioritizes intimacy and comfort. This holds true whether you’re staying in the twostory executive suite with a private terrace, or a charming double queen room. The suites in particular are surprisingly spacious and well-appointed, more like a chic apartment than a hotel stay. Downstairs at Hotel Richemont’s in-house restaurant, Two Bit Club offers a menu inspired by Vietnamese cuisine. Dishes include traditional pho and banh mi, as well as inventive offerings influenced by lemongrass, yuzu, and other bold ingredients. With a lively open kitchen, a greenery-dotted outdoor patio, and a cocktail-driven bar, Two Bit Club has quickly become a destination in its own right. When I arrived on a Friday evening, the restaurant was full.

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A Weekend in the Holy City — A stay at Hotel Richemont also places guests a stone’s throw from many of Charleston’s most iconic sights. You’re placed at one of the most desirable areas on King Street, just steps away from some of the city’s best shopping with luxury retailers, high-end boutiques, and vintage bookstores. Around the corner, Marion Square often hosts weekend markets and seasonal events, especially during the winter holidays. You can also wander down to the Charleston City Market, a historic open-air market filled with local artisans and basket weavers. For history buffs, The Historic Charleston Foundation House Museums and The Nathaniel Russell House are less than a 15-minute walk. And of course, you can’t visit Charleston without taking a leisurely stroll to the Battery for sweeping views of the harbor. Whether you're visiting to bask in the festive beauty of Charleston during the holiday season or you’ve arrived to absorb the quiet of winter, Richemont offers a warm welcome in the heart of the Holy City. info richemonthotel.com @hotelrichemont

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THE CAROLINAS

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Magic Across the Carolinas From mountainside towns to coastal havens, with every dazzling light show between, discover the best festive destinations this winter season. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos JAMEY PRICE and JP GRICE

The holiday season is a time for savoring traditions old and new. In North and South Carolina, those traditions shine bright, whether in mountain villages wrapped in garland, coastal towns lit by harbor displays, or city spectacles that rival the nation’s best. The Carolinas offer destinations that bring the spirit of the season to life for adults and kids alike. If you prefer a day trip, we've got options close to home here in Charlotte, or if you’re ready for a road trip, plenty of other escapes across North and South Carolina.

Asheville, NC — Let's start with the mountains because the last year has been a tough one for this area, and they could use the support and the spirit of the holidays after Helene. And Asheville sure does have that holiday cheer! From gingerbread masterpieces to candlelit grandeur, Asheville is a holiday haven. The Omni Grove Park Inn’s national gingerbread competition draws bakers from across the country with breathtaking creations on display through January. Downtown offers oneof-a-kind shopping for everyone on your list, but the season’s crown jewels are its signature holiday attractions. The Biltmore Estate glows with more than 60 decorated trees, thousands of ornaments and miles of garland, its grand halls and candlelit dinners capturing the timeless

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magic of Christmas. Extend your visit to Antler Hill Village where the winery, farmyard and shops all dress for the season. Finally the NC Arboretum strings more than a million lights along its walking paths, culminating in a 50-foot animated tree. Charlotte, NC — There’s plenty to do across the Queen City region starting with the US National Whitewater Center’s annual light display which is as much art as festivity, guiding visitors along a glowing outdoor trail through the center’s grounds. Uptown at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, you’ll experience a winter wonderland with ice skating, snow tubing, retail vendors and sparkling lights all framed by the skyline. At Charlotte

Motor Speedway see one of the largest holiday light shows in the Southeast. The Speedway’s annual spectacle dazzles with four million lights set along 3.75 miles of track. Davidson, NC — If small town charm has a crown jewel, it might just be Davidson. This lakeside college town glows with merriment all December long, but the first weekend of the month is especially magical thanks to Christmas in Davidson, a three-night festival filled with artisan markets, live music, horse drawn carriage rides, and even a live nativity complete with camels. Saturday brings the town’s beloved Christmas parade down Main Street. The deeper tradition shows in the tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green, followed by artisan villages offering handmade gifts, children’s craft zones, strolling carolers and bubble snowflakes drifting above the crowd. Greensboro, NC — At the Greensboro Science Center the annual Winter Wonderlights is a family

from left to right: SYLVA, THE BILTMORE IN ASHEVILLE, MCADENVILLE

favorite. Immersive tunnels, glowing orbs and themed displays spread across the campus blending whimsy and elegance for a Triad holiday experience. This event has grown into a signature tradition featuring more than a million lights across the zoo, aquarium and museum, complete with indoor sock skating, simulated snow, glowing animal lanterns and interactive zones that invite both children and adults to wander, marvel and make memories. Kernersville, NC — Just a short drive from Greensboro, Kernersville becomes a holiday destination thanks to Tanglewood Park’s Festival of Lights. This annual drive-through experience winds for nearly five miles through rolling countryside illuminated by more than a million twinkling lights and dozens of whimsical displays. Families can pause for photos at themed scenes, browse crafts and treats in the gift village, or warm up by outdoor fire pits with s’mores and cocoa. The combination of small town charm and one of the state’s most beloved light shows makes Kernersville a can’t-miss stop on any Carolina holiday tour. McAdenville, NC — Each December, McAdenville re-earns its nickname with more than a half million lights adorning every corner of town. Streets and homes glitter thanks to residents who join in the spectacle, while the quaint downtown glows with festive

charm. It’s one of the state’s most enduring holiday traditions, drawing visitors from near and far. The roots of this tradition go back to 1956, and each year the town kicks off the season with a lighting ceremony followed by nightly displays of red, white and green lights and a Yule Log Parade with community members pulling a vintage sled through town. Forest City, NC — Forest City transforms into a storybook setting from Thanksgiving to New Year’s with more than a million lights strung over Main Street. Horse drawn carriage rides, synthetic ice skating, and hayrides bring extra small town magic, making this Rutherford County gem worth the trip. This beloved tradition dates back to the 1930s when the first lights were hung on two trees on Main Street. Today the celebration begins with a lighting ceremony when the mayor flips the switch, continues with a holiday parade, and invites visitors for carriage rides, hayrides and visits with Santa as families wander historic streets lined with twinkling lights. Mill Spring, NC — A short, scenic drive west of Charlotte, Mill Spring comes alive each winter with the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s Winterfest. The sprawling grounds transform into a holiday wonderland

filled with millions of lights, larger than life displays, live entertainment, and cozy fire pits. Visitors can stroll through themed areas, enjoy holiday treats, meet Santa and watch horses parade through illuminated arenas, all surrounded by mountain views. The event’s mix of elegance and small town festivity makes Winterfest one of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular holiday attractions. Sylva, NC — Tucked into the Plott Balsams Mountains, Sylva turns into a glowing hillside holiday scene each December. The town’s steep rise up to the historic courthouse on Main Street becomes the centerpiece for hundreds of lights winding their way up the hill, and the tree lighting at the foot of the courthouse is followed by a concert and fireworks that reflect off the glowing facade. Walking the steps to the old courthouse or strolling Main Street beneath strings of lights, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a winter fairytale. The downtown "shop and stroll" evenings add live music, hot cocoa and a festive window display competition among the local businesses that call this mountain town home. Blowing Rock, NC — Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock could double as a Hallmark movie set. Main Street is charming year round but during the holidays it glows with

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decorations and cheer. Plan your trip around one of the town’s weekend celebrations and don’t miss the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort where sparkling installations encircle the lake and illuminate the winter nights. Beyond the lake display, the town hosts festive open house evenings, carriage rides through the lit streets, children’s story time with Santa in the town hall and visits to decorated historic homes, all wrapped in mountain air and the quiet promise of snow tipped peaks. Beech Mountain And Sugar Mountain — Snow dusted peaks and roaring fireplaces set the stage for holiday magic at North Carolina’s ski resorts. Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain pair slope side adventure with cozy lodge comforts, think steaming mugs of cocoa, crackling hearths and mountain views wrapped in garland. The season is marked by lantern light walks, après ski bonfires, torchlight descents and special tree lighting ceremonies at the lodges, offering guests a chance to slide, ski and then gather by firelight and lights in the mountains where winter feels fully alive. Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, NC

— There’s no place like the Sandhills for the holidays. From twinkling lights to

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small-town parades, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, and Pinehurst each bring their own charm to the season. In Aberdeen, the historic downtown glows with holiday storefronts and cheerful gatherings. Southern Pines comes alive with its annual Christmas parade and candlelit strolls along Broad Street, where carolers and cocoa fill the air with warmth. And in Pinehurst, the village green becomes a holiday postcard—complete with carriage rides, glittering lights, and festive shopping in the quaint boutiques that make this time of year feel truly magical. Together, these three towns create a storybook holiday experience at the heart of North Carolina’s Sandhills. Highlands, NC — Highlands turns up the coziness as winter settles into the Appalachian Mountains. Days are perfect for exploring nearby waterfalls or the trails of Nantahala National Forest while evenings bring festive shopping, fine dining and streets lined with decorations. For the ultimate retreat, book a stay at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa where seasonal packages and fireside charm make every night feel like a celebration. Alongside upscale hospitality, the town offers its annual town tree lighting, live music on Main Street, a holiday shop hop through boutique stores and a candlelit holiday market that invites locals and visitors alike to bask in the softly twinkling village.

Swansboro, NC — The town of Swansboro invites visitors to gather at dusk the Friday after Thanksgiving for its beloved Christmas Flotilla, a parade of beautifully decorated boats gliding along the White Oak River through downtown. Crowds line the waterfront to watch the lights on the water, sip hot cocoa from local vendors, enjoy live music and spot Santa arriving by boat. This time honored seaside tradition brings together locals and visitors alike in the Friendly City by the Sea, as historic Front Street becomes the backdrop for hayrides, waterfront strolls and a warm kickoff to the holiday season. Wrightsville Beach, NC — At Wrightsville Beach the holiday spirit sails in with the annual NC Holiday Flotilla, where the fun begins with a tree lighting and festival in the park by day and culminates after dark with a dazzling boat parade on the water followed by fireworks. Spectators gather along the causeway and water’s edge as dozens of vessels decked in lights and holiday decor glide into view and vie for awards like People’s Choice and Best in Show. This celebration offers families a full weekend of arts and crafts vendors, children’s play zones and festival food, culminating in a luminous spectacle on the water that brings together shore and sea in one unforgettable holiday moment. Nearby, Airlie Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during its En-

from left to right: ABERDEEN, BROOKGREEN GARDENS IN MURRELLS INLET, CHARLESTON

chanted Airlie display, where thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the gardens’ live oaks, lakes, and pathways in a dazzling coastal holiday tradition. Saluda Shoals Park, SC — Holiday cheer sparkles in the Midlands at Saluda Shoals Park where Holiday Lights on the River transforms the landscape into a drive through wonderland. More than a million lights dance across the riverfront with themed displays, a laser light show and walking trails that invite you to step into the glow. The tradition continues each year with the Sleigh Bell Stroll. It's a relaxed two mile family walk amidst the light displays plus hayrides, toy train rides and marshmallow roasting by riverside bonfires that turn the drive through event into a full-blown festive outing for all ages. Murrells Inlet, SC — Each winter, Murrells Inlet glows with the magic of Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens—a breathtaking celebration where more than 2,800 hand-lit candles and countless twinkling lights illuminate the sculptures, ponds, and oaklined paths. Visitors stroll through the gardens with cocoa or wine in hand, serenaded by live music and surrounded by the gentle glow that makes this one of the most enchanting holiday traditions on the South Carolina coast.

Greenville, SC — Downtown Greenville bursts with festive energy each December thanks to a strong community of local businesses and makers. Annual highlights include a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade and a special holiday farmers market. Shop windows transform into works of art during the city’s holiday display competition making a stroll down Main Street part shopping part gallery walk. And for family friendly fun lace up your skates at the seasonal rink on the Village Green open daily throughout the holidays.nThere's also the downtown outdoor ice skating tradition that gives locals a genuine winter moment alongside the long running Holiday Fair and Kringle Village. Charleston, SC — In December, the Holy City feels tailormade for holiday magic. Rainbow Row balconies glisten with garland and lights fragrant wreaths hang from wrought iron gates and King Street offers a treasure trove of gifts. Cozy up with a hot toddy in a historic inn and linger through New Year’s when Charleston’s perfect balance of old world charm and lively energy makes the season feel extra sweet. In addition to that scene, Charleston lights up the season with its tree lighting ceremony in Marion Square. The arrival of Santa and live music set the tone followed by a har-

bor boat parade that reflects thousands of lights across the water and historic home tours that showcase wreaths of magnolia fragrant citrus garlands and candlelit rooms designed to enchant. Hilton Head Island, SC — On Hilton Head Island the holidays come with a salty breeze instead of snowflakes. The season sparkles with performances of Elf The Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina whimsical rides aboard the Polar Pines Wagon and light displays at Shelter Cove and Harbour Town. Whether you’re strolling the marina or lounging with toes in the sand Hilton Head blends relaxation with festivity for a coastal holiday unlike any other. Complementing that coastal holiday mood are the island’s cherished rituals such as the official tree lighting event at Lowcountry Celebration Park complete with live music and Santa’s arrival via fire truck. At the Harbour Town Lights display, thousands of bulbs reflect on the water and turn the marina into a fairytale scene. Across small towns and big cities, the Carolinas sparkle with holiday spirit. Make time for a new family tradition this year by taking a day trip, booking a cozy retreat, or simply heading to your own nearest downtown for festive fun. These destinations remind us that magic isn’t far from home, and there’s always something new to discover in our own backyards.

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2025 Guide To Shopping Small

No matter for whom you’re shopping, these Charlotte retailers offer countless ways to uncover unforgettable gifts while feeling good about supporting local businesses. words SUNNY HUBLER / photos courtesy PEPPERMINT FOREST, JAMEY PRICE and JP GRICE

Holiday parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings abound this time of year. It’s tempting to resort to one-click online ordering, but if you can avoid the allure of quick convenience, we have some recommendations for you so you can shop small and feel good about it. It might take a little extra time, but buying local feels undeniably good. It has far reaching effects, including stimulating the economy in our community and supporting the environment. But perhaps more impactfully in the immediate, it’s rewarding to step inside a shop and connect with a community member who has carefully curated a shop they’re passionate about. Whatever might be on your list, these Charlotte stores are sure to have something that will bring a smile to a loved one’s face.

Bedside Manor SouthPark Bedside Manor is beloved for its luxurious bedding, soft linens, and elegant home accessories that bring beauty and comfort into every space. Whether you’re gifting a new set of sheets, cozy throws, or a candle that fills the room with warmth, this SouthPark favorite makes it easy to give the gift of everyday luxury. Betty by Moxie Mercantile Plaza Midwood This cheerful boutique in Plaza Midwood

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carries locally made jewelry, home goods, and chic accessories curated for modern Southern style. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find that perfect “this is so her” gift— colorful, creative, and made with heart. Blackhawk Hardware Park Road Shopping Center Blackhawk Hardware is a locally-owned hardware and gardening store where you can find all the essentials you need to finish a project, grab a last minute gift or stock up on household musts. It's perfect for the people in your life who have a green thumb or love love the finer things in life.

Collected SouthPark Collected offers a beautifully curated mix of home décor, gifts, and design pieces. Each item feels handpicked for elegance and timeless appeal, from artisan tableware and décor accents to thoughtful hostess gifts that make entertaining easy. Common Market South End There is nothing common about the collection that is Common Market. This is the place to give the gift of local and put together a basket of goods containing a little something of everything. Pick up a pack of Edmund’s Oast Brew, a bottle of Banshee wine, or a batch of Jags Head Coffee. Don’t forget to look around for local happenings and events while you’re inside! Diamonds Direct SouthPark Diamonds Direct is on a mission to enhance every step of the diamondbuying experience. With a reputa-

from left to right: PEPPERMINT FOREST, DIAMONDS DIRECT, GYPSY & GEM, LANG' S LEATHER

tion for transparency, exceptional customer service, and unmatched selection, they’ve become a go-to destination for fine jewelry in the Carolinas and beyond. Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, a timeless holiday gift, or a statement piece to mark a milestone, Diamonds Direct offers an impressive variety of options. With more than 50 worldclass designers carried in-store, you're sure to find the perfect piece; classic, contemporary, or completely one-of-a-kind. Fancy Pants SouthPark Looking to buy something for your kiddo, niece or nephew, or grandchild? This clothing store is an award-winning children’s boutique that offers styles of all kinds for newborns, toddlers, and youth. This is a perfect place to find a gift if you have a future style icon in your life. Girl tribe South End When you walk into Girl Tribe, you’ll be met with positivity and good energy. This for girls, by girls store offers everything from stickers, water bottles, makeup and nails, to outfits for every occasion. Find the perfect gift for the spunky and colorful loved ones in your life.

Grow Camp North End Located in bustling Camp North End, Grow is for the green thumb in your life. From the simplest of care to the most exotic plants, Grow has the perfect plant for the friend who loves to add a little life to their space. Create the perfect gift bundle with selections of home goods and decor, plant care, and specialty coffee and chocolate. Support this small business and give the gift of green. Gypsy & Gem South End With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, this quaint boutique encourages visitors to browse freely, try on pieces, and connect with the artistry behind each design. More than just a retail space, Gypsy & Gem aims to inspire. It’s a warm, stylish, intentional destination for gifts, keepsakes, and everyday adornment. KF Studios Davidson KF Studios is an artist-owned gallery and gift shop showcasing handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork from regional makers. Every piece tells a story, making this shop ideal for finding one-ofa-kind treasures you won’t see anywhere else. This is a wonderful stop on a Saturday after a snack from The Pickled Peach.

Lang’s Leather Waxhaw Phillip Lang is the owner and craftsman behind Lang’s Leather Works. From his shop in Waxhaw, he crafts all types of items, from bags to bookmarks. His products are sold locally at pop-up markets and from his small booth in downtown Waxhaw at The Mule Barn Mercantile. Local Merch Cornelius Tucked near Lake Norman, Local Merch is a bright, welcoming shop filled with gifts that celebrate North Carolina makers. From hand-poured candles and graphic tees to local food products and stationery, it’s the perfect spot to build a thoughtful gift box that feels personal and homegrown. Magnolia Emporium South End Magnolia Emporium is part design studio, part boutique—a treasure trove of bold home décor, artisan scents, and distinctive gifts. Known for its creative flair and rotating seasonal displays, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves artful living. Midwood Flower Shop Plaza Midwood The holidays are the perfect opportunity to buy your significant other, family or even a friend beautiful flowers to brighten their

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day. Have a holiday soirée to attend? Bring a bouquet. The detailed arrangements this shop offers include flowers of all kinds and colors, and gift options like blankets, baskets, food and comfort crates. Moxie Mercantile Matthews You’ll find warmth and welcome inside Moxie Mercantile this season. With a staff ready to help you find the perfect gift, stepping inside feels like coming home. Moxie Mercantile offers a carefully curated selection of bath and beauty, stationery and cards, apparel, accessories, and home decor. Paper Skyscraper South End Find stocking stuffers and goodies galore in Charlotte’s Paper Skyscraper. The Charlotte branch of this beloved brand has something for every part of the gift-giving process, from wrapping paper and quippy cards to eye-catching coffee table books, local artists’ prints, and more. Park Road Books Charlotte For the book lover in your life, stop by Park Road Books to grab a signed copy from your favorite local novelist or browse the

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best sellers. A staple in the independent bookstore community, this shop has nearly five decades calling Charlotte home. This Christmas season, get lost inside the shelves and find something for everyone in your life, young and old alike. Peppermint Forest Pineville If you love everything Christmas, Peppermint Forest Christmas Shop of Charlotte was made for you. Whether shopping for yourself or your loved ones, Peppermint Forest has no shortage of trees, ornaments, decorations, lights, candles, florals, or Christmas collectables for this upcoming holiday season. For the past 40-plus years, they have been the premier retail source for all things Christmas. Pura Vida Worldly Art Dilworth This local small business is home to products from over 40 countries. If you are looking for unique, handmade, ethically sourced products, this is Charlotte’s perfect place to browse. Razick’s at Lake Norman Cornelius Razick’s at Lake Norman is a charming home and gift shop offering décor, acces-

sories, and beautiful tabletop pieces. Step inside for a curated selection of seasonal finds and friendly service that makes gift shopping as enjoyable as giving. Rebel Base Comics and Toys South End Rebel Base Comics and Toys is your one-stop-shop for all things comics and collectibles in Charlotte. Ideal for the superhero fanatic or vintage lover in your life, you can find goods from Marvel, DC, Top Cow and more. Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark, Myers Park, and Uptown Reid’s Fine Foods specializes in superior wines, locally grown produce, finely baked goods, and beautifully arranged gift baskets. You’re sure to find a present for the individual in your life with a more refined palate. It’s also your one-stop-shop for hosting any holiday soirees. Repo Record Myers Park Repo Record is a locally-owned record store that sells used rap, metal, and R&B, vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. Made for the music lover on your list, you’re sure to get lost looking through the extensive inventory yourself.

from left to right: REID'S FINE FOODS, TAYLR, RICHARDS, & CONGER, PAPER SKYSCRAPER, WINDSOR JEWELERS

Request Boutique South End Featuring exclusive drops, designer collaborations, and hard-to-find brands, this modern boutique caters to anyone with a passion for fashion and collectible kicks. It’s the perfect stop for giving a statement-making gift. Rustic & Main Huntersville What began in a home garage with a single wooden ring has grown into a thriving, nationally respected jewelry business known for making deeply personal heirlooms. Rustic & Main crafts wedding and engagement rings using reclaimed and storied materials. If you want to give the gift of forever this season, Rustic & Main keeps things both local and meaningful.

down South Blvd, stopping by Sleepy Poet for a quick holiday shopping spree may lead you to find things you’ve never thought about buying before. At this antique mall, there’s anything you can think of, including furniture, vintage clothing, home decoration and even vinyl records. Southern Distilling Company Statesville Found in Statesville, North Carolina, Southern Distilling Company is home to award-winning spirits such as their ultra-premium bourbons, rye whiskeys, and fruit brandies. This is the gift for the 21-plus person in your life who knows quality when they see (or taste) it.

Shower Me With Love SouthPark This boutique specializes in personalized gifts, baby apparel, and keepsakes. The bright, inviting space is filled with monogrammed items and cozy favorites, making it a perfect place to find thoughtful gifts for new parents or little ones.

Taylor Richards & Conger SouthPark For the special man in your life, give the gift of sophistication this season. Offering much more than suits and blazers, choose from their plethora of apothecary items including Acqua Di Parma shaving needs, and Fulton & Roark soaps. With close to 100 different designers, you won’t have to look far to find the perfect staple piece.

Sleepy Poet South End If you happen to find yourself walking

The Jewel Box Davidson Right on main street, The Jewel Box of-

fers fine jewelry, stylish apparel, and artisan accessories in a boutique setting that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. It’s the perfect destination for timeless gifts that sparkle and last well beyond the holidays. Tiny Gods Myers Park Founded in 2020, Tiny Gods curates beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry for clients, placing importance on both quality and creativity. Shop online or in person. Wiloe Home & Gift Plaza Midwood Wiloe Home & Gift blends modern design with local charm, featuring colorful home goods, candles, and small-batch décor. With friendly staff and everchanging displays, it’s a go-to spot for gifts that feel personal, fun, and fresh. Windsor Jewelers SouthPark Since 1986, Windsor Jewelers has helped Charlotteans build their ideal engagement ring for that one special person in their lives. If it is not engagement rings you are looking for this holiday season, they also offer a wide variety of other stunning diamonds and timepieces.

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INDEX

Aguilar Design Studios............ 53

Enzo Italian Market................... 38

Moon-A-Chalet ...........................75

Allen Tate .....................................91

Gerrard Builders .......................18

Myron Greer ................................71

Andrew Roby ................................33

Grand Living ................................59

Nestlewood Realty ...................29

Arcadia homes ............................23

Grande Custom Builders .........27

New Life Building Supplies ......45

Art Of Stone ...............................43

Graper Harper ..............................16

New South Homes ......................55

Atlantic Bay Mortgage ..........49

Graser Smith ................................41

Omni Hotels & Resorts ............90

Blue Ridge Mountain Club ........15

Hendrick Auto ..............................11

Peppermint Forest ......................57

Brandon Lawn Real Estate ......17

Hillsborough ..............................77

Picture House Gallery .............47

Califoria Closets ......................35

Home Of Golf ................................64

Premier Sotheby’s ........................4

Carolina Health Span ..............67

JLayton Interiors .........................9

Rare Roots ...................................34

Chetola ........................................69

Kingswood Homes ......................13

Renaissance Patisserie ............40

Copain................................ ............30

Lakemist.....................................80

Rustic and Main ..........................69

Cottingham Chalk .....................25

Larry Diehl US Bank.................. 68

Soundvision ..................................71

CultureandHeritageMuseum...68

Lucy and Company .......................21

TLG Doors .....................................14

Destination McDowell .............79

Majestic Bath ..............................50

Village On Morehead ................39

Diamonds Direct........ Back Cover

Matthew Alexander .................37

Wilkes County .............................73

Discover Burke ...........................77

Mint Hill Orthodontics ...........28

Windsor Jewelers .......................2

DwellNova .....................................6

Mint Museum ................................12

York County .................................70

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QC Exclusive-No.117-2025-Issue 9-The Holiday Issue