Blog - Carolinas For Boomers

One of a Kind Mountain Estate

I came across this video on youtube of a custom estate home located in one of our featured communities, The Coves Mountain River Club, and the place was so impressive I just had to share here.

The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The Coves Mountain River Club offers all of these qualities in a single 3,600 acre gated community, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock.

Far from being a resort community or weekend getaway, The Coves is loaded with built-out amenities designed for 365 days of activities and events. Active adults can take advantage of the beautiful natural environment while enjoying a full social calendar of gatherings with other like-minded residents.

Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback.

With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

Get The Coves Mountain River Club Brochure

Retirement Spotlight: Mount Airy, NC

Vineyard near Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Located near the North Carolina/Virginia border, Mount Airy is one of the most unique destinations in all of the Carolinas because it is better known by another name: Mayberry.

This small community in North Carolina wine country was the original home of TV star Andy Griffith, and it is believed to be the inspiration behind the famous town of Mayberry that we saw on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD.

A stroll through downtown Mount Airy will definitely bear a striking resemblance to Mayberry, but there is much more to the area underneath its appeal to Andy Griffith fans. The location also offers access to exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, natural landmarks like Pilot Mountain, and the original home of bluegrass music.

Mount Airy History

The history of Mount Airy dates back to the 1750’s when it was a popular stop on the road from Winston-Salem, North Carolina up to Galax, Virginia.

The name was borrowed from a nearby plantation, and the city was officially incorporated in 1885. Furniture making, textiles, and a local granite quarry have all been important to the area economy over the years.

Mount Airy Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Mount Airy is all about embracing the small town atmosphere that Mayberry represents, and the best dive right into that lifestyle is to sign up for a Mayberry Squad Car Tour. This will take you past many of the local treasures like the Mount Airy Visitors Center, Andy’s Homeplace, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Old Jail, and the Andy Griffith Museum.

Mount Airy is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, and you will find more than 40 wineries, distilleries, and breweries surrounding the community. Known as “Napa of the East,” there is a nearly endless amount of local wine to enjoy here.

Mount Airy Culture

Mayberry also plays a central role in the culture of Mount Airy, and there are always events and activities happening at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and the Andy Griffith Museum. These two attractions are located right next door to each other and are filled with possibilities for locals who want to participate in the arts, culture, and history of the region.

Residents can also catch performances at the Blackmon Amphitheatre and the Historic Earle Theatre, and there is even more local history on display at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

Mount Airy Shopping

In a town with as much interesting history as Mount Airy, it should come as no surprise that shopping for antiques is a popular way to spend a day. There are more than a dozen local antique dealers that are constantly rotating their inventories, so no shopping trip is ever the same.

Sweets are also a favorite item for shoppers in Mount Airy, and you can find plenty of them to choose from at Bear Creek Gifts and Fudge Factory, Opie’s Candy Store, and Prudence McCabe Confections.

Mount Airy Dining

The Mount Airy dining scene offers up something for just about everyone to enjoy. People who enjoy the classic small-town dining experience will feel right at home at Snappy Lunch or the Mill Creek General Store, but there are also international options like Thai Cafe and Chile Rojo to keep things fresh.

Located just a bit outside of downtown Mount Airy is where you will find dinner spots like Chase & Charli and 13 Bones. Chase & Charli has a fantastic seafood menu with a great view of the water, and 13 Bones is the place for steaks and ribs.

Nearby Communities

The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community, located about 90 minutes southwest of Mt. Airy. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The Coves Mountain River Club offers all of these qualities in a single 3,600 acre gated community, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock.

You can request more information here.

While there are some more modern options when it comes to dining, the rest of Mount Airy is all about celebrating a simpler time and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with that. So if you have always dreamed of living in Mayberry, Mount Airy is the perfect destination for you.

48 Hours in Charleston

With beautiful beaches, fabulous golf courses, and a rich sense of history, Charleston offers up something to appeal to just about everyone. Actually, there are so many exciting things to do here that planning a quick trip to the area can actually be quite overwhelming.

If you have to squeeze as much Charleston as possible into a quick 48-hour visit, here is a starting point that will introduce you to the broad range of experiences available in the Carolina Lowcountry.

Day One – She Crab Soup & Horse-Drawn Carriages

Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, 82 Queen is one of the most popular high-end dinner options in town. They are best known for their She Crab Soup, which makes a perfect introduction to dining in Charleston upon your arrival.

Following a quick lunch at 82 Queen, head over to the Old South Carriage Co. to continue your introduction to Charleston. This horse-drawn carriage tour will highlight all of the most famous parts of the city and provide you with a general sense of direction.

After spending the afternoon riding around town in a horse-drawn carriage, it only makes sense to have dinner in an old stable, but Circa 1886 isn’t just any old horse stable.

This former stable in the Wentworth Mansion’s garden is actually one of the most impressive fine dining locations in all of the Carolinas, and Executive Chef Mark Collins has created an inspiring menu of high-end Lowcountry cuisine.

After dinner, you can spend your first night in town at Stars Rooftop & Grill Room, which has been voted the best rooftop bar in Charleston. The downstairs restaurant is also excellent, but it is all about that craft cocktail nightcap on the roof for this visit.

Day Two – Plantations, Museums, and Husk

On your first full day in Charleston, you will already have a basic overview of the city and some delicious meals under your belt, so it’s time to dig a little deeper into the heart of the south.

Our first stop today will be one of the many preserved plantations surrounding the area. Take your pick between Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, or McCleod Plantation Historic Site and spend the morning learning about the rich history of the area.

For lunch, we’re heading to Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters. This is a classic southern lunch spot that specializes in fried chicken, oysters, salads, and beer. You’re going to be tempted to order the fried oyster sandwich, but don’t overlook the Char-Grilled Oysters, which are one of the best bites in the city.

The Gibbes Art Museum is our afternoon destination, and here you will learn about the history of the artists of the Lowcountry and how that history connects to the thriving art community that exists here today.

(Choose Your Own Adventure Option: If art museums aren’t your thing, this is also a great time to hit the links at one of the many local golf courses, spend some time exploring the downtown shopping, or relaxing at the beach!)

If you have seen the Netflix series, The Mind of a Chef, then you already know that a visit to Sean Brock’s Husk is an absolute must when you are in Charleston. This will be one of the best locally-sourced fine-dining experiences of your life no matter what you choose to order. Enjoy!

Following your meal, head over to The Cocktail Club to have your mind blown all over again by the incredible bartending skills on display at this craft cocktail bar.

Day Three – Hominy Grill & The Notebook

At this point in the trip, you have already had more than enough delicious food, but we aren’t quite done yet.

Hominy Grill on Rutledge Ave is our first stop today for one of the best brunches in Charleston. They have different menus depending on the day and time you visit, but you can always get the two dishes they are best known for: Shrimp & Grits and the Charleston Nasty Biscuit. We recommend both.

Before you head out of town, make one last stop in Mount Pleasant for a casual stroll down historic Pitt Street.

Here you will find the Old Village Post House, which was famously featured in The Notebook. Take some time and enjoy a scoop of ice cream here, just like Allie and Noah did.

Where to Stay in Charleston

There are dozens of lodging options to choose from all over Charleston, but the one that stands out most for many visitors is Wild Dunes. This stunning resort is located right on the beach and offers enough amenities to keep you busy for days without ever even making it out to the rest of the city.

If you are looking for alternative options, The Restoration is a very trendy option that is located right in the heart of downtown Charleston. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, 86 Cannon is a historic home that will really give you the feeling of staying in the old south.

No matter where you stay or what you do, 48 hours is just barely enough to scratch the surface of all that Charleston has to offer. But with this guide in hand, you are sure to enjoy your first visit and can expect to book many more after that.

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Retirement Spotlight: Columbia, SC

Gervais Street Bridge in Columbia, South Carolina

Because it is the capital of South Carolina, and also the state’s second largest city, Columbia is not necessarily off the beaten path. However, it is also not one of the first locations that come to mind for many boomers exploring retirement destinations in the Carolinas. But many local residents will strongly argue that it should be.

With a deep sense of history, a happening arts and culture scene, small town boutique shopping destinations, and a wide range of culinary options, Columbia brings big city amenities to the table in a small city package.

Columbia History

Like many of the cities in South Carolina, Columbia has a rich history that dates all the way back to Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. Because of its strategic location at the fall line of the Santee River system, and its eventual connection to Charleston through the Santee Canal, Columbia was one of the most prosperous cities in the South.

The city was completely destroyed by fire while being occupied by General Sherman’s Union Army near the end of the Civil War. Following the war, Columbia quickly became one of the focuses of the reconstruction effort, which is when many of its most iconic buildings were built.

Columbia took on a new role as a hotspot for the Civil Rights Movement during the early 1900s, and the community has continued to reinvent itself as it has evolved and grown ever since.

Columbia Lifestyle

South Carolina is known for representing a laid-back approach to living, and Columbia is a perfect destination if that lifestyle appeals to you. You will regularly find residents here strolling through all of the parks surrounding the city and the green spaces downtown, particularly at Riverfront Park.

Lake Murray

Enjoying the outdoors is also popular here, and Lake Murray is one of the most beautiful spots you will find anywhere. Another favorite outdoor place is the merge point of the Saluda and Broad Rivers, which come together to create the Congaree River.

Columbia Culture

Because it is such a large city, Columbia has plenty to offer in terms of arts and culture. There is a thriving theater community, which revolves around the 100-year-old Town Theatre. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are also regular performances at the Columbia Marionette Theater, the Columbia Children’s Theatre, and Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College.

Columbia is also a popular destination for art lovers, who enjoy spending the day at the Columbia Museum of Art. And you can consistently find exciting art on display at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Columbia Shopping

While it might be considered a large city, there are pockets of Columbia that will make shoppers feel like they are shopping in a quaint little town. Spending a day exploring the boutique storefronts of Five Points or Devine Street will take you past high-end consignment stores, exotic grocery stores, and antique dealers.

If mall shopping is more your speed, then heading to either the Columbiana Centre or the Village at Sandhill is the perfect option to find those name-brand stores you know and love.

Columbia Dining

Because of its size, Columbia offers a wide range of dining options that can accommodate just about any type of appetite.

Southern BBQ is one of the most popular local attractions, and you are always going to leave full after a meal at Southern Belly BBQ, Midwood Smokehouse, or The Pot Smoker BBQ.

If something a little more upscale is what you are after, Bourbon is the place to be for delicious Cajun and Creole food, while Goat’s is known for creative twists on American classics. Another popular cocktail bar that will blow your mind with incredible food is Motor Supply Company Bistro on Gervais Street.

Nearby Communities

Less than an hour away from the heart of downtown Columbia is Woodside, in Aiken SC.

Part of the Southern Living Inspired Communities program, Woodside offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where social events and club amenities are never in short supply – and new neighbors become old friends in a matter of minutes.

With more than 60 member-created clubs and social groups, The Reserve Club is the social hub of the community and assures you will be connected with friends who share your interests. Live your life like you’re on vacation! With a new resort pool, thriving racquet program, miles of walking trails, award-winning golf courses and much more, you never have to worry about living your life on a schedule again.

You can request more information here.

Columbia offers just about everything you could want out of a major American city, but it also won’t overwhelm you with all of the hustle and bustle that you will find in a larger city. Instead, you can kick back and enjoy your retirement years here in style.

Southern Living Raves About Woodside

For nearly 50 years, Southern Living has served as the leading inspiration for the region, featuring the best ideas and emphasizing the positive aspects about life in the South.

In addition to Woodside being named one of only 14 Southern Living Inspired Communities, Aiken, SC recently took home the magazine’s “South’s Best Small Town” award for 2018!

In Southern Living Magazine’s annual “South’s Best” issue, Aiken took home not one, but four accolades!

• “South’s Best Small Town,” an honor awarded to Beaufort, SC in 2017
• “South’s Friendliest Town
• Second “South’s Best Food Town”
• Second “South’s Best Hotel” awarded to The Willcox, whose far-reaching reputation was built on its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine

Here’s what Southern Living recently shared about Woodside:

“The secret’s out: we love Aiken. Voted this year’s Best Small Town, this historic South Carolina gem is more than just an equestrian’s paradise. It’s a place filled with culture, tradition, and plenty of Southern hospitality and charm to go around. In fact, after just one visit, you might find yourself ready to pack your bags and relocate; if that’s the case, then you’ve got to check out Woodside, one of our very own Southern Living Inspired Communities.”

Just ten minutes from downtown, Woodside is the perfect place to call home for those who want to be just steps away from everything that exciting Aiken has to offer, yet still be able to retreat to true community living.

Just beyond the entrance of Woodside, you can find just about everything that lends itself to a blissful, Southern lifestyle. Woodside’s developer was dead-set on keeping the natural, lush beauty of the area a focal point, and because of that, the community is home to 15 miles of nature trails, ponds for fishing and kayaking, and plenty of open space for soaking up the Southern sun.

Additionally, Woodside boasts four golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and a swimming pool that promises endless outdoor fun for all ages. And, although Aiken’s food scene is not one to be missed, there are also eight dining options within the community to keep your tastebuds happy.

Southern Living editors (and readers, too!) can’t say enough good things about life in Aiken, and Woodside is the perfect complement to this Southern treasure.

Whether you’re looking for a community of friendly faces, a unique and thriving culture, a delicious culinary destination, or you’re just looking for something new, Aiken’s got it. Even better, Woodside gives you a community within the town to call home.”

You can request more information about Woodside here.