Ask yourself-what attracted me to my current home in the first place?

Whether or not you need schools at the time, schools will continue to play a vital roll in protecting your value and increased desirability.  Award winning schools are the most important consideration.  Great shopping centers create a lifestyle of convenience and social gathering spots.  We are all creatures of convenience and these spots are exactly that.  Whether you want to live in South Charlotte, with such shopping centers as Blakeney or Stone Crest, or up North in Huntersville where you have Birkdale Village these award winning centers are a hub for shopping and enjoyment.  Today’s buyers are focused on a community and neighborhood that offer so many choices.  Country club life style of golf, tennis, and an on site restaurant, having a club house with work out facilities and a lazy river for the family or just a well groomed community play a major roll in the ease of selling your home.

Real Estate is local in nature and not all communities are impacted by “market conditions”.  Even though we face tougher economic times not all communities are declining in value.  Some communities continue to outpace the market because of the factors I’ve listed above.

Want to know more?   Do you have questions as to which communities are the best and which schools have the best ratings?  Think before you purchase and consult your Realtor.

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!

It’s been agreed that this year, for our holiday dinner, we should go somewhere in the Charlotte area that isn’t part of a chain of restaurants. Where to go? New places are opening all the time these days, and we can’t try them all out.  We’ve gone to P.F. Changs many times in the past, and enjoyed it, but thought this year it was time for something different.  Problem is, we can’t think of any place new to go.  What does ‘new’ mean?  Hmm.  Different.  Great food.  Great service.  Memorable. Someplace relatively undiscovered – at least by the four of us.

Even though we’re all based in Southeast Charlotte, we’re willing to travel if a restaurant was worth it.

So how about it – any ideas?  Do you know of a wonderful place that is just waiting to be discovered?  Do you own or run a restaurant?  Help us out here.

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!

The past 25 years have brought us far more than one would have expected.  Charlotte has grown into a world class city in many ways and dining out is one of them.  My wife and I even argue as to where to go for supper. 

Do you have a favorite dining experience?  Are you moving here or visiting on business or pleasure and looking for that special place to dine?  I’m happy to make recommendations if you like.  Comments are appreciated.

This past weekend we tried Carolina Wings & Rib House (14015 Conlan Circle in Ballantyne).  The food was amazing!  We had ribs – pick up a bone and the meat slides off, wings – several varieties available, and each one we tasted was outstanding and very meaty, and shrimp – cooked perfectly with just the right amount of seasoning.

There were several tv’s around showing all of the important games, and some interesting and varied draft choices.  Not surprisingly, no one left disappointed.

If you are having a hankerin’ for some mouth watering ribs & wings, check out Carolina Wings & Rib House – you won’t be sorry!

Krispy Kreme actually got it’s start in nearby Winston-Salem when Vernon Rudolph bought the recipe from a french chef in New Orleans.  On July 13, 1937, he began selling the tasty treats in grocery stores.  The public began asking for ‘hot’ donuts, and the rest is history (really tasty history!).  Nowadays, it takes a pretty strong willed stomach to pass by a lit up “Hot Donuts Now” neon sign without pulling over to buy some!