Secret Gardens in Fourth Ward

This garden reminded me of Charleston.

Having relocated back to Charlotte, my hometown, in 1983, witnessing so much change in the landscape and urban neighborhoods of my youth, my experience of Fourth Ward this month at the first annual Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward tour brought back so many memories of growing up here and how truly beautiful Charlotte has always been, even when the blight came and covered up the history and beauty of our city in so many ways.

The Berryhill House, a magnificent Victorian, was the first house  renovated in the neighborhood, back in 1975.

 I remember the big houses and tree lined streets with children playing in the median on 10th Street and the different smells of the city, the cooking and the coal fires, the black dirt under our bare feet, when one block seemed like a mile from home and Mom.

Al-Mike's is a great neighborhood spot to grab a bite to eat.

I used to rollerskate here after school.

While touring the gardens in Fourth Ward the memories came flooding back of Charlotte’s history and what we were like then, how we became what we are now. The preservation of one our four historic districts in uptown Charlotte is perfection. The homeowners and preservationists have saved for us an unbelievable part of our history and created a pure fantasy to enjoy for another century of life.

This gazebo is in the courtyard at the Tenth Street Townhomes.

A must see for everyone, the only evidence of days gone by in uptown Charlotte – a true treasure.

Randy and John had one of the loveliest gardens complete with koi pond and waterfall. More views of it are below.

  

Thanks to The Friends of Fourth Ward, our host, the gracious and proud homeowners, and the Center City Partners. This was an honor and a pleasure to share in Charlotte’s Secret Gardens and so much more.

HAPPY TEN YEAR BIRTHDAY: WESTIN HOTEL CHARLOTTE NC

A birthday cake for the Westin

April was a big month for the Westin Hotel in uptown Charlotte NC, as it celebrated ten successful years in our beautiful city by giving back to several of our most popular charities which were also celebrating anniversaries.. 

The Westin's breathtaking lobby

Share the Good. At the Westin, hotel volunteers donated their time and had a contest to see which team could make 100 sandwiches in the fastest time. The sandwiches were then donated to Charlotte Rescue Mission, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The teams made several hundred sandwiches and the winning team received prizes.

Heavenly Dog’s Humane Society Event. Folks brought their four legged friends to join the Humane Society of Charlotte for a dog birthday party themed event at the pet friendly Westin Hotel. Guests could meet with dogs that were available for adoption. Great prizes for man and dog were given out, including items from the Westin Heavenly Dog collection. The Humane Society is celebrating 35 years in Charlotte.

On the 24th the Westin Hotel had their iconic Heavenly Bed set up on the corner of College and Stonewall, with employees in bathrobes handing out hot coffee and goodie prizes for all who stopped by. This bed changed the hotel industry and is famous for its design and comfort.



The Alexander Youth Network, one of the city's oldest charities founded 125 years ago, was also honored. Children were treated to a day of play at the Westin, with inflatables for jumping, face painting and much more. 

Kseniya Martin was among the media present

In the lobby of the Westin, one of our local bakers presented the hotel with an amazing array of cakes, one for each week of the month.

The Ember Lounge

And it goes on and on. This says an awful lot about one of Charlotte’s most beautiful hotels. The lobby is breathtaking and the lounge is open and light and has its own babbling brook complete with sculpture.

Ava Phillips

The lovely Ava Phillips in charge of the celebration had us come by for drinks and appetizers to share in the festivities. Ava and her staff take a personal interest in everyone who enters their hotel, and you know immediately something really special is present. It sets the bar high for the competition. 

 

The welcome mat is always out at the Westin.