Blog - Carolinas For Boomers

48 Hours in Charlotte, NC

Located in south-central North Carolina, Charlotte is a sprawling city of unique neighborhoods that is absolutely packed full of fun and exciting things to see and do. Whether you are looking for arts and culture, outdoor activities, professional sports, or just a great meal, the Queen City has got you covered.

To introduce you to some of the best that Charlotte has to offer, we put together a three-day itinerary that will take you through some of the city’s greatest hits and expose you to a number of different things you might want to explore further on follow-up trips.

Day One – BBQ, Tours, The Cellar, and Cocktails

There are going to be a lot of choose-your-own-adventure options during our stay in Charlotte, but lunch on our first day is not going to be one of them. Welcome to North Carolina, now let’s get you some decent BBQ. Midwood Smokehouse is one of the top rated BBQ joints in all of Charlotte, and you can’t make a trip to the Carolinas without getting some pulled pork.

Once we have our bellies full of some good Q, it’s time to get out and tour the city. And the three best ways to do that are Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours, Queen City Rides, and Charlotte Comedy City Tour. Depending on your preference for horse-drawn carriages, stretch golf carts, or raunchy comedy, you can pick the option that sounds most appealing.

For dinner on our first night in Charlotte, we’re heading underground to The Cellar at Duckworth’s. This American gastropub will blow your mind with their high-end versions of classics like Hand Cut Truffle Fries, Tuna Tartare, and Lamb Chops. You’ll also want to try their House-Made Waffle Cones that come filled with Pone Poke Tuna, Coconut Shrimp, and Sriracha Honey Chicken.

The cocktail menu at The Cellar at Duckworth’s is quite impressive, but when you are ready for a change of scenery, The Cotton Room is just a short Uber ride down the road, and the cocktail craftsmen here will blow your mind with their creations. No matter what your drink preference, there is something new and creative for everyone to try here.

Day Two – Museums, BBQ, Nature, Fine Dining, and Live Jazz

Our second day in Charlotte is going to kick off with a visit to either the NASCAR Hall of Fame or the Billy Graham Library. If you are a race fan or a religious person, this will be an easy choice, but each of these attractions is popular among a much broader base of visitors than you would initially expect, which is why they both rank highly on just about every list of things to do in Charlotte.

For lunch today, we are going to try a very different type of BBQ from what you would expect here in North Carolina. Seoul Food Meat Co. prefers to be known as a southern BBQ restaurant with heavy Korean influences, which means that you are going to get some amazing pork belly and kimchi here. And don’t forget to order the Soy Garlic Wings!

Since we are going to need to work off some calories before dinner, the next stop on our 48-hour tour of Charlotte is either going to be the U.S. National Whitewater Center or Freedom Park. Adventure junkies will jump at the chance to go whitewater rafting on the Catawba River, and those of us who are a little calmer can opt to enjoy the sights and sounds of a calm stroll through Freedom Park.

We’re going classy for our second dinner in Charlotte with reservations at The Fig Tree. The menu here will feature a seasonal selection of French and Italian inspired dishes where seafood and chops are always the stars of the show. You can feel free to order anything off of the menu, but the Elk Chop is the dish that gets the most compliments.

After dinner, we’re heading over to The Imperial where you can almost always enjoy some live jazz music along with one of their famous signature cocktails. And if you need help selecting something from their menu, start off with a Royal Apple Mule, which comes with a flaming lime boat!

Day Three – More Museums, Brunch, and Shopping

On our third day in Charlotte, we are going to start with a trip to either the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art or the Levine Museum of the New South. Whether your preference is for modern art or the history of Charlotte, both of these options will get your mind moving in a way that only Charlotte can.

And once your mind is running, it’s time for one of the best brunches in the area at Haberdish. They like to call themselves a “Mill Town Kitchen,” but we tend to think of Haberdish as THE place in Charlotte for fried chicken, waffles, and biscuits…preferably all mixed together with a healthy side of grits.

Our last stop before leaving Charlotte will be one of the outstanding shopping areas you can find located around the city. If mall shopping is your preference, you can stop at the SouthPark Mall, the Northlake Mall, or the Carolina Place Mall. And if you would rather have a more boutique shopping experience, then head down to NoDa for an eclectic collection of shopping options.

Where to Stay in Charlotte

If your preference is to stay right in the heart of Charlotte, then it doesn’t get much better than the accommodations you will find at The Westin Charlotte. And anytime you can take advantage of sleeping on one of those glorious Westin Heavenly Beds, you should absolutely do it!

Another option that offers more of a resort feel is The Ballantyne Hotel, which provides the ultimate in southern hospitality mixed with first-class amenities. The regular rooms are stunning here, and they also offer larger suites, as well as spa packages and golf course access.

After seeing and doing everything that we have packed into these 48 hours in Charlotte, you are probably going to be pretty exhausted. But you are also going to be excited to start planning your next trip to the Queen City because we have only just begun to scratch the surface of everything that this destination has to offer.

Interested in sticking around for a little or a lot longer than 48 hours? Check out our Charlotte Retirement Guide here.

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.