5 Myths about Living in Charlotte

This post is a continuation from my post earlier this week, titled 5 Truths about Living in Charlotte.  It is so nice to be able to reflect on the past 3 years and think back to when we arrived here. We had no idea what this city would bring, how it would change and shape us, how we would shape it, what we would learn from living here and I'm just guessing here -- how much we would miss it. 

When we first arrived here in Summer 2013, we were excited to explore and check out the area. Jake visited once prior to the move and I had actually never been here until we moved here.  That might sound crazy but I've moved around quite a bit in my 31 years so far and moving is just very exciting to me -- It's almost like a new challenge.  Heck, at the age of 18, I moved to Spokane, WA to start college sight unseen from Hawaii. How is that for putting yourself out there?

Just for fun, a little chronology of where I've lived (so far): 

1984 - 1992 | Port Huron, MI

1992 - 2003 | Lihue/Kapaa, HI

2003 - 2007 | Spokane, WA

2007 - 2008 | Olympia, WA

2008 - 2013 | Seattle, WA

2013 - 2016 | Charlotte, NC

2016 - ??? |  Stay Tuned! 

This is not a foodie city. 

I probably would have said this up until about a year ago. When we first moved to Charlotte, we were not impressed with the restaurant options. Coming from Seattle which is a huge foodie town, we were like, where is the gourmet pizza, ramen and boba tee? Since we've been here all of these things have sprung up and even more! We recently put together our Charlotte Bucket List and I honestly can say that I will miss so many of our faves: Kindred, Alino Pizza, Carolina Smoothie, Luna's Living Kitchen, Food Truck Friday, Futo Buta, Greek Isles (RIP), Foxcroft Wine, Duck Donuts, Bakersfield, Summit Room, Soul, Maki Taco, Fourth Ward Bread Co. (RIP), Stagioni, the list goes on and on... Many of these places were not here when we arrived. So crazy! 

The weather is too hot. 

Since we've been there, there have been less than (5) 100 degree+ days. I mentioned before that I was worried about my hair frizzing up and looking like a crazy person (I am semi-obsessed with straightening my hair to be pin straight). But, honestly, except for a few times the weather has not really been an issue. Heck, we moved here in mid-July and it was in the 70's so it was basically perfect.  I am not sure if this is a temporary thing, but I promise it's not as hot as you think it will be. 

There is no water around the city. 

I will say that there is no easily accessible lake, river, ocean near the city. But, we visited some friends who live on Lake Norman a few summers ago, and I was very impressed with this man-made lake. Now, this is hardly the Pacific Ocean or Elliott Bay (google it), that I've been used to but it'll work. Also, there is the National Whitewater Rafting Center which we have yet to visit (see: Charlotte Bucket List, above). I've heard really excellent things about it and we are hoping to get in a visit before June. I'll keep you posted but I'm sure we will love it! 

It's just a city full of NASCAR Fans. 

I have a confession, we have never been to a NASCAR event and I am sure a good chunk of the Charlotte population has not either. What do we spend our time doing besides traveling, eating out at restaurants and working? The Charlotte Knights (Baseball Triple-A Affiliate of the White Sox) recently debuted a new field, which is basically in the middle of Uptown and its the coolest thing ever! Do I pay attention to the game? Not really, but I love the fun atmosphere and I am always down for a baseball hot dog or Queen City Nachos (complete with pulled pork). We've also started going to a few Hornet games which are also very fun and festive. I'm starting to learn the player's names (Jeremy Lin, anyone?) and I just heard they are going to the playoffs! So, there is a lot more to Charlotte than just NASCAR. I think I forgot to mention the Panthers (I didn't go to any games this year, but Jake did) but they had a nice little run this year, if you're into that kind of thing... 

It's not a big city. 

Sure, it's no New York City, but Charlotte is definitely bigger than I thought it would be.  There is a bustling, but compact downtown (lovingly called Uptown) with retail on the way.  All of the stores I would ever shop at are here (except maybe Celine, am I joking?!) and it was just named the 16th largest city in the country. Charlotte was recently ranked No. 2 among fastest growing large cities.  Surprisingly, Charlotte has a similar population of Seattle, although it's spread out more over here. 

Hopefully I was able to clear up some misconceptions you may have had about living in the Queen City. If you have anything to add, be sure to post in the comments section below. Not to keep you hanging, but I do promise to announce where we are moving to on the very next blog post.  Are you on the edge of your seat yet? 

Have a great weekend, 

5 Truths about Living in Charlotte

So, since we will be leaving Charlotte in less than 3 months, I thought I would do a little round up of a few things I've learned are true after living in the South for almost 3 years! Can you believe it's been that long?  I was originally going to title this "5 Truths about Living in the South" but I'm still not sure if Charlotte is considered the South. Is it the East Coast? I don't know if it knows what it is. P.S. For those who are curious, I will announce where we are moving next week, so stay tuned for that. 

Not everyone says Y'all. 

Here's the deal. Most of the people that live in Charlotte are from other places -- New York, Florida, Michigan, etc. So this city is full of a bunch of people that aren't from the South.  It's only when I occasionally hear an accent that I even remember that we are in fact, in Charlotte. And nobody say's Y'all. I know... it's so weird and sad at the same time. I totally thought I would start saying Y'all but unfortunately (or fortunately), I have not. 

No one honks. I mean no one. 

After about my second week here, I realized this. I honked all the time in Seattle. Probably every single day. and no, I am not an aggressive driver, I just honk if someone is driving like a maniac. Funny story: while I was turning left at an arrow, I was about 3-4 cars back, waiting for the arrow to turn green. The arrow turned green and the guy in front was not paying attention, so he didn't go. The light cycled through to yellow and then red again. Not a single car honked. If that happened in Seattle, I'm pretty sure about .0790894 seconds after the light turned green, he would have been on the receiving end of several honks, including mine. I sat there in awe, just thinking, wow. This city must be really polite. and for the most part it is. 

The humidity isn't as bad as you think it will be. 

After I found out we were moving here, I'll admit it. I panicked a little, about my hair. After growing up in Hawaii, I promised myself I would never live in a place where I could straighten my hair at 7 am and then look in the mirror about 4 hours later to see a full head of frizzy, wavy, curly hair. Hello, humidity?!?!? But, the thing about living here is that everywhere has AC. Your apartment, your office, your car.  It's not like that in all places, especially not Hawaii. 

Everyone drives at least 15 mph over the speed limit on the freeway. Even grandmas. 

This is the crazy part about this one -- hardly anyone ever gets pulled over. Maybe once or twice in almost 3 years, have I ever seen someone pulled over on the side of the road. So, I guess it's just a given that everyone drives way over the speed limit, except me. I can't even count the number of times that grandmas have passed me. This is why I drive in the middle lane, no need to worry about crazies getting mad at me for going the speed limit. They can do their thang, and I can do mine. 

The city is changing. 

And I can barely keep up with it. Everyday new apartment buildings are being planned, new restaurants are opening and I kind of love it.  In the short time since we've been here we've seen some places close (RIP 4th Ward Bakery) and a ton of new places open. I used to always be in-the-know about this stuff, but lately it's hard for me to even keep track of. But, I am so excited to see what the future holds for this city.  My favorite project is probably the Atherton Mill restoration and expansion. 

Do you live in Charlotte? What did I miss? Feel free to add to the comments section below.  Stay tuned for "5 Myths about Living in Charlotte"... and our special announcement about where we are moving to next...

Have a great week,

Around Town | Red Clay Ciderworks

I was invited to a tour and cider tasting event at Red Clay Ciderworks (RCC, for short) a few weeks ago.  A tour and free tasting 4 minutes away from our apartment? See, it really wasn't that hard to convince me. Jake and I have said for years that it would be so cool if we had a neighborhood bar to go to during the week, or on the weekend where you are a regular. Like, Cheers -- everyone know your name, you run into friends there, etc but then life happened and we barely have enough time to eat dinner together and get a work out in before it's time for bed and to do it all over again.  Sometimes adulting isn't as fun as you thought it would be when you were a kid, wishing you could grow up faster.  Case in point, we cannot sleep in and stay in our pajamas all day. The bills have to be paid and work has to get done. 

But -- on the off chance we do have some free time on the weekend, you might find us at Red Clay Ciderworks. Let me explain.  I have never been a beer drinker. Ok.. scratch that, in college, I did drink my share of disgustingly cheap beer. But, once I grew up and discovered wine, my beer drinking days were over.  Jake prefers beer over wine and even has a pipe dream to open up a beer shop with his brother one of these days. But... cider is the perfect in-between for both of us. RCC has so many different options - they have a sweet cider for me and a more hoppy cider for him. It's basically like a match made in heaven. So, without further ado, onto some photos from the tasting and tour of their shop.

Making cider seems like making wine in some ways, but beer in other ways. They "brew" the cider in these gigantic tanks using local apples from North Carolina. 

All packed up and ready to head out to various restaurants in the Charlotte area -- including Seoul Food -- which I have been dying to try!

A few of the various options on tap. I love that the Charlotte brewery scene is so collaborative and not competitive. They all serve each other's stuff. Very cool!

As I mentioned in my Instagram post, my favorite cider was Cherry Bobbin Trolls which is made with tart cherries from Michigan. A close second was the Southend Sweet which is sweeter than your usual cider but not too sweet.  I definitely cannot wait to go back and try some new flavors. I love that everything is seasonal (+ local) too.  Hooray for RCC!

Red Clay Ciderworks is located just South of South End (see what I did there?!) at 245 Clanton Road in Charlotte, NC.

Cheers,

1-Day Juice Cleanse with JuiceBar

A few weeks ago, I was invited to an event at the new JuiceBar on Park Road in Charlotte so I thought I would check it out. I have been drinking smoothies from Carolina Smoothie pretty religiously so I wanted to see what all the juice bar hype was about. During the event, I learned about the company (all of their fruits and veggies are local and organic) and got to taste some free samples.  The owners shared about a 1-day juice cleanse and I thought, maybe I could try that. I mean, I could never do a 3 or 5 or 7 day cleanse just because I love food so much but maybe, just maybe I could do a 1-day cleanse. 

And guess what folks?! 

Drumroll please... I DID IT! 

I am someone who loves food. One of the first things I start thinking about when I get to the office is, what am I going to have for lunch? I plan trips to different cities around restaurants. It can get pretty crazy. I decided to do my 1-day cleanse on a Friday because I thought it would be easier while at work as opposed to sitting at home, going shopping, running errands, etc on the weekend because I thought that just be torture for me. 

Here is what comes with the 1-day cleanse:

As a tip: you can drink the juices in any order you'd like but avoid Sweet Greens before bed as you will have a harder time sleeping. For your reference, I drank them in the following order: (Breakfast) Orange You Glad, (10 am Snack) Sweet Greens, (Lunch) We Got the Beet, (3 pm Snack) Sweet Greens, (Dinner) Ginger Greens and (Dessert?!) Fresh Greens.  I really liked all of the juices and they all were very fresh and easy to drink. I think the hardest one to drink was the Fresh Greens because it has celery as a base so it's on the bitter side. 

My favorite juice was probably We Got The Beet or Orange You Glad. Surprisingly, both of those were a little spicy -- I'm not sure what exactly makes them taste that way but they definitely kept me energized throughout the day. Now, I did have slumps and a few periods of time that I just wanted to eat something -- even a slice of ham or a cheese stick. But, from the time I went to bed the night before until the time I woke up on the following morning, I didn't eat anything.  Part of the reason I wanted to do this was just to prove to myself that I could. 

I definitely plan on incorporating more juices into my life -- whether that means juicing once a month or doing a 1-day juice cleanse quarterly, I really feel like it's something small, easy and doable that I can do and it will make a difference in my life.   Have you tried juicing? Please share in the comments section below. 

During the month of January, Juice Bar on Park Road in Charlotte is graciously offering my readers (that's you!) 10% off if you mention the code 'Vintage10'. So the real question is... what are you waiting for? 

xoxo,

Note: All opinions and photos are my own. I received a complimentary 1-day juice cleanse from Juice Bar to review.  

Hiking Fools

Jake and I were on a real hiking kick this summer -- it forces you outside in the fresh air, you get exercise and my favorite -- you're rewarded with view at the end. It all started when I began researching about the Blue Ridge Parkway and we took 3 trips there in less than the span of a month. There is nothing on this earth like the Blue Ridge Parkway but it is 2 hours away from Charlotte, which is a little much for a day trip. We did that once and probably won't do it again. So, we searched for closer options and stumbled upon Crowders Mountain. We actually went there last fall for a walk around a cute lake but didn't end up doing any actual real hiking. 

Fast forward to this Summer: We did the Backside Trail which is pretty short (0.9 mi) but very steep. It took us about 45 mins up and then probably 20 minutes down. It was a strenuous hike so it's not for the faint of heart.     

It's better to go early since the parking lot fills up and as the day goes on, the sun heats up too! 

The view from the top is gorgeous, especially since there aren't many other tall obstructions in the way. On a clear day, you can see for 25 miles. 

In order to take the photo below, I actually went to the edge and Jake was feeling a little nervous. After I came back, he was saying he couldn't believe I actually went out so far. What can I say? I'm conquering my fears, one hike at a time. 

Heading back down the million stairs, as we started our descent... let's just say it's easier going down than up. 

Have you ever hiked Crowders Mountain or any other hikes near/around Charlotte? The Charlotte Agenda posted a really great resource for any Charlottean's out there -- It's 22 hikes within 90 minutes of Charlotte. And If you aren't in Charlotte, here are Top 50 Long Distance Hikes in the US.

Enjoy! 

xoxo,

Local Eats: Duck Donuts

Since relocating to Charlotte in 2013, we have been on the hunt for some amazing fresh donuts. Living in Seattle, there were tons of delicious donut options: Top Pot, Mighty-o, Daily Dozen at Pike Place... you get the idea.  

We tried Dunkin' Donuts. Not impressed. Krispy Kreme? Snooze. And then we sort of gave up. My co-worker told us about MJ's Donuts down South but we could never seem to make it there on time before they would sell out -- and they sell out pretty early.  We had also heard about Your Mom's Donuts but this was before they had a physical storefront -- and they are located in Matthews so it's a bit of a drive from the city.  Joe's Doughs are pretty good but their storefront has yet to open and the donuts are only available occasionally though their pop-up shops at The Daily Press.

So, what's a girl to do when she's craving freshly baked donuts? Jake and I once got so desperate that we drove all the way to another town -- Harrisburg to a place called Granny Mac's Bakeshop {they have since CLOSED}. They had red velvet donuts! They were tasty, but nothing too special. Plus, driving over 20 miles for donuts seemed like a little much to me. We do live in a big city, but until recently there have not been any good options for warm, fresh donuts. 

Until now, that is... 

Enter Duck Donuts - a mere 7 minute drive from our apartment. They just opened a few months ago, but this could be dangerous. I was so excited to try their donuts that I got up early and went to pick up a few before work last Tuesday. I joked on Instagram that some people get up early to work out, while I get up early to eat donuts. How were they? Let's just say that I was VERY impressed!  

Their donuts are made to order and you can choose from a list of coating and topping choices. I made sure to take a copy home to study so I am prepared next time we are at the counter :) 

When the weekend came, I dragged Jake along with me so I we could try a few more flavors. 

Fresh donuts, all ready for toppings!  

These ladies are in charge of putting the delicious toppings on the made to order donuts. 

Our box-o-donuts. Left to Right, clockwise: Maple Bacon, Glazed with Coconut, Vanilla with Sprinkles and the Bare Donut. You read that right. Jake got a simple plain donut with no toppings. But he enjoyed it. So whatever floats your boat, I guess? 

If you are ever in Charlotte, you must check out this place. And no, this is not a sponsored post. I just love these donuts that much. The end.

P.S. I'm categorizing this post under 'design'. Because I don't have a Food category. And apparently all I've been blogging about lately is food. Oh well. 

South End: The Gallery

I was invited to check out a new space that recently opened in the South End neighborhood, near our apartment.  It's called The Gallery and it's a really unique spot that doubles (triples?) as a coffee shop, a wine bar and an art gallery.  

One of my favorite things about the space is how light and airy it is. I love the modern white walls and how uncluttered and unfussy it is. While I didn't get to try the desserts this time, you bet I'll be back soon!

Another fun fact is that all of the art is done by the owner's husband. I love the abstract bright colors, I think it's a great addition to the otherwise clean white walls. And did I mention the concrete floor? I am drooling! Jake and I dream about having concrete floors in our next home. The look is so modern and streamlined with an industrial twist.

I also got to meet some other local Charlotte bloggers which is always fun! Here's to making friends and having fun in the process.

Live Life Fully,
Kim  

CLT Apartment Tour

You've been waiting for this day and it's finally here! A little over a month after we arrived on Plymouth Rock in Charlotte, the magical day is finally upon us. I hesitated a bit before actually going through with this - pictures of the inside of our apartment for all the world to see??? But it's all part of being a blogger. So, sit tight, grab some cookie butter from Trader Joe's -- have you tried that stuff? There are no words. It is probably the most delicious thing I have EVER eaten.... and watch the show!

Also - this is my first time blogging from Jake's new Macbook Pro (actual photo below taken as I was writing this blog. Wait for it. Mind blow right? Matrix/Inception style.... a blog within a blog within a blog). 

Do you ever pay attention to airport codes? I seriously love them! I refer to Portland as PDX, Detroit as DTW and now... Charlotte as CLT. I also like CLE (Cleveland) and ATL (Atlanta). Anyway, I was talking to my dad the other day and he was asking me what the airport code is for Charlotte and I had to laugh.  Like father, like daughter, right?!?!

OK, OK... without further ado - I present to you our CLT Pad!

Kitchen (it's a one butt kitchen)

Island - yes, I was having some lighting problems...ignore that.

Living room view from bedroom door

Close up of my first real grown up collage. As put together by my lovely husby. 

Close up of our new ottoman via Crate & Barrel

View of living room from TV Stand (porch door to the left)

Close up on my infamous bookshelf decor. 

AND Now.... onto the BEDROOM.... 

The Master (and only) Bedroom!!!!!

A close up of the details

Loving my new full length mirror!

Jake's desk for school (as styled by me) in our bedroom

Who doesn't have a full size front loading washer and dryer in their bedroom???? 

Bathroom off of bedroom  

Storage shelves 

I'm digging the dark wood

Can you spot the Target knock off? 

The end! ... Wait...no, I forgot the walk in closet! How could I forget? It's my favorite part of the whole place... well, aside from the pool, that is. 

Don't worry... Jake's clothes are off to the left

The sunset tonight was a beauty (photo taken from porch)

There you have it! Now you have seen it all... well, except the pool, and the gym and the mailboxes but you get the picture right?