Imagine dining uptown under Carolina Blue skies.  You say to yourself, “The food’s great and so is the atmosphere but can it get any better?”

Two hours later the evening goes from good to out of this world!  Here I am a 59 year old baby boomer who remembers the 70’s like it was yesterday when the only thing I had to worry about was hanging with my best girl.  Well I married her and last evening we went to the best concert that I have ever seen and will be for the rest of my life! 

On Saturday night, two icons – Elton John and Billy Joel – rocked the house and for 3 and 1/2 hours! I felt like I was in my twenties again with not a care in the world.  I didn’t worry about lost homes, lost jobs or making that extra sale.  Yeah, I did look at my e-mail every now and then but I swear just for a moment and then I snapped another picture, sang to the music and remembered when It was great again.  They are two of the most amazing entertainers I have ever seen and I know because ’60′ is suddenly around the corner.  I may never get a chance again to see a concert like this, in a great city, at a wonderful venue, with people that bring back my youth so magically. 

So when you have nothing to do, see what’s happening in Charlotte and as the song is titled – bring your “uptown” girl uptown!   Tell me if you were there and share your thoughts!

This video of Christmas lights with music by Trans Siberian Orchestra is one of the best light displays I’ve ever seen. Charlotte used to have Christmas lights like this, but I don’t know if it’s been continued.

As technology continues to evolve, it seemingly affects all areas of our lives.  Christmas light shows have become increasingly complex and wondrous to see.  It’s no longer enough to simply drive around and admire the lights.  For some of the larger displays, parking is almost required so as to enjoy the entire spectacular show complete with music! 

This particular display (alas, not in Charlotte) was the winner of the Planet Christmas contest in Frisco, TX in 2005.  It would be hard to top this one.  Has anyone seen anything spectacular and worth a drive in the Charlotte area?

Sunday evenings in many cities tend to be quiet. But if you’re like me you may want to take advantage of our wonderful city and hit the concert trail. Last evening my wife and I went to Time Warner Arena and enjoyed the American Idol Concert tour. Some people may think we’re too old to see a concert of this type but believe me this was a great venue and even better concert. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. This is just one of the many things to do and places to go should you visit or even move to Charlotte North Carolina.

If you ever wonder why Charlotte North Carolina is so beautiful just look at our parks. It’s wonderful to see that not all of our city is taken up by Real Estate and that’s difficult for me to say considering I’m a Realtor. Colonel Francis Beatty Park is located in Southeast Charlotte and has some of the best areas to enjoy. There’s a lake for boating, several ball fields and biking trails. There’s a great park located on Pineville Matthews road between Rea and Providence roads that is so great (Davies Park). Nestled among fine homes this park has several soccer fields and plenty of areas to enjoy. The recently added dog park in Davies are some of the best, with a large dog area that is over 3 acres!
Our Greenway system is continually being expanded and has become extremely popular with walkers, bikers, runners, and others. I guess that I’m just spoiled here!

Charlotte has been voted America’s #1 city to live in by Relocate-America.com  I’ve been here since 1995, and have been visiting regularly since the early 80’s.  I would never have imagined that there would be so much to do in my adopted hometown, while at the same time keeping the small town feel and relative affordability to other areas.  Check out the links below and let me know what you think?  Agreement/Disagreement/Comments???

Charlotte #1 Place to Live

Charlotte Dethrones Asheville

I moved here 13 years ago with no job and a couch to sleep on in my aunt & uncle’s house.  Now I am raising a family and running a successful business in what is in my opinion the best city in America!

UPDATE – Monday’s Pro-Am has been cancelled due to weather.

For the next week, through May 4, the Wachovia Championship golf tournament returns to Charlotte once again.  Tiger Woods won’t be here this time (knee surgery), but it’s still a strong field as usual.  I believe that tickets are sold out, but Mulligan tickets can be bought most days at the parking areas.  Mulligan tickets are ones that have been turned in by patrons leaving the tournament earlier in the day.  They are resold for a nominal amount and allow last minute spectators to see the tournament.  It’s a great idea.

The well-run tournament is always a great way to spend the day and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Quail Hollow Country Club.

For more information, visit  Wachovia Championship.

A great weekend looms before us here in Charlotte!  Actually ‘looms’ might not be the right word, since it’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend.  If ever you’ve wondered what there is to do in Charlotte – wonder no more.

Beginning today, our own US National Whitewater Center hosts a 3-day event at their exciting facility.  And they’re not just hosting one event – that would be too easy – they are hosting 3 separate events!  First and foremost is the 2008 US National Olympic Team Trials.  15 athletes will be selected for the US National Team, with 5 going on to compete in Bejing at the Olympics!  Second, is the 2008 Canadian Olympic Team Trials.  And third, is the 2008 Pan American Slalom Championships and Olympic Qualifier.  Whew!  That’s a lot of whitewater and a lot of fun.  There is an entry fee for these events.  For more information, visit  USNWC.org.  Take it outside!

Second up for this weekend on Saturday is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase in Mineral Springs, just outside of Waxhaw.  This annual (last Saturday in April) event draws tens of thousands of spectators and tailgaters all eager to watch incredible horses and jockeys compete over brush and timber jumps at a full gallop.  Tailgate spaces usually sell out, but the enormous infield can hold an infinite number people with room to spare.  Races start around 1pm and last until around 4:30.  A party for everyone near the finish line includes live music and food – and costs nothing – a perfect way to end the day.  Besides the races, there are numerous attractions for kids and adults alike.  Early tickets can be purchased at Harris Teeter.  For more information, visit QueensCup.org.  Each year, the Queen’s Cup proceeds benefit a regional charity.  This year, that charity is Make-A-Wish.  We’ll be there as usual – stop by Withers 46 & 47 and say hi – we’ll save a Mimosa for you!

On Sunday evening, at Bobcats – excuse me – Time Warner Cable Arena – Bruuuuce!  The one, the only, The Boss!  Sadly, the recent death of keyboardist Danny Federici will certainly be felt, but Bruce never fails to inspire and impress even the most jaded concert goers.  It should be a night to remember for all.  What a great way to end the weekend.

And then on Monday, the Wachovia Championship Golf Tournament begins at Quail Hollow Country Club.  The best part of the tournament is that you can bring your camera on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday!  It’s a great chance to get up close to the pros.  For ticket information, visit  WachoviaChampionship.com. 

With all of that going on – no one can claim to be bored in the upcoming days.  I’m going to need a weekend to recover from the weekend!  Have fun everyone and report back on your experiences! 

Recently Schwebel & Associates treated clients to a night out at a Charlotte Checkers hockey game.  It was a fun way to spend an evening with clients, and the game was tied after 3 periods and one overtime.  The Checkers lost the shootout, but we still had fun – especially when Chubby stopped by to visit!  Have you even seen Chubby up close?  He’s HUGE!

We try to schedule two client outings each year – a night with the Charlotte Checkers in the winter months, and a night at the Charlotte Knights in the summer.  We do more than sell Charlotte real estate – it is important to us to stay in touch with our clients and to continue to provide outstanding service.

November the 7th has been chosen for the 1st Annual "For No Reason Everyone from Charlotte Go Up to Olde Beau and Play Golf" tournament.  Why?  Why not?

My uncle, who is a member, has been gracious enough to invite myself, family members, friends, and business colleagues for a day of golf and fun.  We’ll start at 10am and are hoping for cooler, but not too cold weather.  The views from the back 9 are breathtaking!

We haven’t picked a format yet or how prizes will be awarded and what those prizes will be.  I hope to have some good pictures afterwords to post here.

While we’re not sure yet whether we’ll be frozen or passing out from the heat, it should be a fun day!

Wow – the corn maze sponsored by Rural Hill Farm must be gaining in popularity – it used to be held only every other year due to the amount of work involved.  But it’s back again this year, after a successful run in 2006!  Hooray for maze lovers of all ages!

If you’ve always wanted to try a life-sized maze like the ones you see pictured in England (hedge mazes), this is your best chance.  The maze at Rural Hill is comprised of 7 acres of corn lined with color coded ribbon to help you stay oriented.  Believe me – it’s easy to get lost in corn growing taller than you when all of the paths look alike and you swear you saw that same intersection just a minute ago . . .

Each group entering the maze is given a short orientation, a flag on a long pole to help the volunteers to keep track of you in the maze (which can also be waved if you need help), a ‘blank’ map – pieces to fill it in are located throughout - and a start time.  Then the fun begins.  There are water stations at several points to keep everyone hydrated.  Your goal may be to find all of the map pieces (tried this last year and failed miserably), or just to wander around and eventually find your way out (tried that 3 years ago and had much better luck!).  Either way, it’s a fun way for the whole family to spend a morning or afternoon.

Rural Hill Farm is located in Huntersville, north of Charlotte.  For more information, visit their website at Rural Hill Farm Maze.  The maze will be available now through October 21.