Life + Culture

Prima Ballerina

Gay Porter, founder of Charlotte School of Ballet, still sharing her passion Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Olly Yung Gay Porter’s voice still commands a room, even as she approaches her 90th birthday. She sits now to teach classes at her Charlotte School of Ballet, dictating dancers’ movements from a perch in the corner. “Arms in second,” she says, as four adult dancers follow suit one recent Friday afternoon. “Pivot to face the fifth corner. Arms go to arabesque, step to the...

Food + Beverage

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Publisher Liz Brown shares family favorite holiday recipe adapted from The Neelys of Food Network Article by Liz Brown | Photography by Olly Yung I'm happy to share one of my favorite crowd-pleasing recipes for the holidays: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.  This special dessert is the perfect way to end a holiday meal with loved ones. Adding the flavors of chocolate and bourbon to what is already a holiday favorite in so many households makes this treat all the more memorable. Pro tip: be sure to...

Shopping

Making a List

Locally-sourced stocking stuffers and holiday happies Article by Liz Brown | Photography by Olly Yung For the outdoor enthusiast in your life head to Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Park Road Shopping Center. The store carries emergency preparedness items like a BioLite Charge 20 PD Power Bank. They have a wide selection of stylish Goodr sunglasses.  Other items include a KAVU wallet, Dr. Squatch Fireside Bourbon cologne and Wood Barrel Bourbon natural deodorant (smells amazing). Consider a...

Home + Design

Home for the Holidays

After losing nearly everything in a house fire, Charlotte family is grateful to rebuild their home and their lives Article by Catherine Ruth Kelly | Photography by Dustin Peck Brantley and Ryan Templeton were wrapping up a family lake vacation in Alabama over Labor Day Weekend in 2022 when they received a devastating phone call: there had been a fire at their Eastover home. A dehumidifier in the basement had caught fire. The heat caused a water pipe to burst, which extinguished the flames...

Local Services

Festive Florals for the Home

Tips for indoor and outdoor spaces Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Olly Yung Ready to spruce up your home for a holiday party or family gathering but without a lot of fuss? We turn to two Charlotte gardening and design experts for tips on ways to beautify your home for the holidays, both inside and out. Melanie Bowden of A Perfect Pot offers suggestions for potted arrangements to use outdoors, while Laura Tenzer of Blomst Designs Charlotte shares how to pick the perfect flowers...

Life + Culture

Tea Time

Make holiday memories at The Ballantyne Hotel Article by Carroll Walton | Photography by Courtesy of The Ballantyne Hotel Savor the season at a holiday-themed afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel. Take a stroll along "Gingerbread Lane," where visitors vote on their favorite gingerbread creations.   The hotel offers the elegant English tradition all year long, but in December it comes with seasonal petit fours, tea sandwiches and live holiday music. Tea is served every Thursday through...

Life + Culture

Gratitude in Unexpected Places

Local author Leslie Hooton shares how she discovered the meaning of Thanksgiving Article by Leslie Hooton | Photography by Art by David French Gratitude is having its yearly moment. Before the frenzy of shopping descends, we are asked to pause and give thanks. Do you ever find it hard to live in that space? Sometimes I do. Last September, I had surgery that went sideways. It left me confined to a wheelchair. I had to go to a rehab center. Being in this compromised predicament, I was unable...

Local Services

Founders Fête

Interior designer Alexis Warren hosts dynamic local female business owners for a fall dinner party in her Myers Park home Article by Catherine Ruth Kelly | Photography by Chris Edwards Fresh, fragrant florals and softly playing music permeated the air on a crisp fall evening as the warm glow of candles and cool craft cocktails beckoned guests inside. Attendees were greeted with spicy grapefruit margaritas and pomegranate spritzes as they stepped through the front door of Alexis Warren’s...

Local Services

The Gift of Travel

Charlotte based luxury travel consultant Elizabeth Walsh suggests 3 unique destinations to make lasting memories Article by Jordy Lievers-Eaton | Photography by Courtesy of Mayflower Inn and Spa, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and Estelle Manor The holidays are about making memories with the ones you love, and travel is an easy way to do it. Luxury travel expert Elizabeth Walsh, a consultant for Local Foreigner, says, “Our most precious asset is time, and you don’t want to have to cross your...

Food + Beverage

Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Martini

A cozy fall twist on a classic pick-me-up with pumpkin spice flair. Article by Christina Marcellino of Carolina Charm (@carolina_charm) | Photography by Rachel Pepper When it comes to entertaining at Thanksgiving, I’m all about keeping things simple and festive with this Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Martini! There’s no need for fancy equipment or waiting for espresso to cool; store-bought pumpkin cold brew is my secret shortcut. I can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, so guests can enjoy a...