Don't miss 2014's Secret Gardens Tour of 4th Ward

On May 3 and 4, the Friends of Fourth Ward host their 2nd annual Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward tour. Homeowners throughout the historic district open their lovingly-tended and rarely seen private gardens to the public – revealing the secret green worlds tucked behind courtyard walls.

We had the pleasure of attending the tour's inaugural event last year, and were charmed by these hidden gems and the hospitality of the homeowners who welcomed us into their private worlds.

You can see our story about the tour and many pictures by clicking here.

In addition to the featured gardens, the walkable, self-guided tour highlights public art, historic homes and special points of interest along the tour route, showing off all the charms of Historic Fourth Ward – and the extraordinary quality of life it offers.

Admission includes entrance to over a dozen private gardens of every type, as well as docent-led tours of Fourth Ward Park. Along the tour route, participants will enjoy free beer, craft cocktail & champagne tasting stations (courtesy of Skyy Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain, Rock Bottom Brewery & more); free B-Cycle and horse-drawn carriage rides; free food tastings from Fourth Ward Bread Co.; complimentary “tour-only” appetizers at nearby restaurants, including 3 Trade and Rock Bottom Brewery. The 7th Street Market kicks off its "Green Market Saturdays” in conjunction with the tour, and will offer special tastings, garden-themed activities and products. Horse-drawn carriages will provide free shuttle service between the Market and Fourth Ward during tour hours.

If you have enjoyed Fourth Ward's long-running Holiday Home Tour in the past, you'll have some idea of how charming this tour is and what a great value. Proceeds from both tours benefit projects within Fourth Ward and Fourth Ward Park. Additionally, this year Fourth Ward is partnering with the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, and will donate $5 per ticket to RAIN for tickets purchased through the Friends of Fourth Ward website.

Hours are from noon to 4 p.m. each day and we recommend you plan to attend both days to get in all the fun activities, freebies, and great hospitality. Tickets are $20, and are good for both days. You can purchase them online at www.fofw.org or at many local retail locations, including 7th Street Public Market, Alexander Michael’s, Campbell’s Greenhouse, Park Road Books, Salon Botanical and Fourth Ward Bread Co. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the ticket booth at 9th and Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. This is also the only location  for same day ticket purchases.

See the Friends of Fourth Ward website for further details, parking suggestions, etc.   

131 Main CU Copper Bar Bourbon Tasting

We had a great time at 131 Main with the representative from Sazerac Bourbon.

Inside the CU Copper Bar at 131 Main we gathered, tasted, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves. The bourbon was flowing and the lovely bartenders were mixing some interesting cocktails for us to taste made with this amazing bourbon with quite a history.



What I like most about the tastings at CU is the informality, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and the relaxed atmosphere the management creates for the guests to experience it all at these wonderful tastings. Once a month in the CU Copper bar at 131 Main.



Call ahead for reservations or just show up for the next event.

Cu Copper Bar
1315 East Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
(704) 499-9824
www.copperbarclt.com

101 Inventions that Changed the World

The experience of sitting in the virtual reality space so beautifully constructed at Discovery Place watching life for hundreds of years through the eyes of the inventors and discoverers of our lifetime and many lifetimes before us is not easily put into words.

Certain turning points in human history have been defined by the creation or discovery of something profound.

Be transported to another place and become immersed in a story that affects all humankind at Discovery Place's exhibit 101 Inventions that Changed the World.

Certain turning points in human history have been defined by the creation or discovery of something profound.

Be transported to another place and become immersed in a story that affects all humankind at Discovery Place's exhibit 101 Inventions that Changed the World.

Seeing is believing. Time travel at its best. A must see for everyone.

The Staff at Discovery Place always offers a warm welcome.

For more information visit discoveryplace.org

This macaw has lived in Discovery Place's Rain Forest exhibit for many years.

Discover Dilworth: MaddieGra Fine Gifts

Lovely Easter eggs at MaddieGra

MaddieGra Fine Gifts & More

1419 East Blvd. Ste F
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 949-7781

www.maddiegra.com

MaddieGra is a sweet success tucked away in Dilworth in a small strip on East Boulevard next to Sloans, Sally's Optical Secrets and a few other very unique shops to frequent when looking for something out of the ordinary and special.

Joy Tindal

Joy Tindal, the lovely owner of MaddieGra, was perfect in the way she shared her life and her beautiful gifts with us. It is a treat to stop by and meet Joy and have her tell you the stories of the artisans that she buys from and then passes on to you at very reasonable prices. 

There have been times in the past when I have spent $100 on a wedding gift for a special friend but was not really impressed with the “nice enough” gift. After seeing and experiencing the gift ideas in MaddieGra, I know where I will go forever after to shop for gifts before going anywhere else.

Aluminum ware designed by Beatriz Ball and made by 12 different artisans from recycled aluminum.
Bake, chill, serve! Gorgeous!

Joy expressed how much fun she has coming to work every day and learning something new. She specializes in items made from recycled materials including gorgeous handcrafted recycled aluminum ware designed by Beatriz Ball—absolutely beautiful.

 Mariposa Company, which makes gorgeous tableware and gifts, is another line Joy carries that uses only recycled materials. The beauty and functionality of these works of art is amazing, considering that they are dishwasher safe and never require polishing or any special care to keep them looking like new.

MaddieGra also carries the creations of Arte Italica, including the amazing Pietra Antico line which combines slate and pewter into striking decor pieces. Arte Italica guarantees complete satisfaction with every creation.

Hammered stainless steel and 24k gold.

Joy also carries German made kitchen gadgets and cookware by J.A. Henckels which she believes are the best ever made. They have a non-stick thermolon granite coating, completely PTFE-free, making them completely safe and oh so good for the environment.

Another item available at MaddieGra: lovely Polish stoneware hand painted with sea sponges. Again bake, chill, and serve.

Now that you know where MaddieGra is located, stop by and browse. It truly is like going to a museum. Joy plans to invite local artists, painters and sculptors to exhibit their art in her shop very soon. We are all looking forward to that. 

Gena VanDyke Pottery, also on view at the Mint Museum

Joy and her husband moved down to Charlotte from New England after retirement to be close to her son and family especially her granddaughter, Madeleine Grace. MaddieGra is named for her.

Prices at the shop run from $10 to $225 with a few pieces a little higher, which we find very friendly for gift buying or for treating yourself to something very special. Put MaddieGra on your wedding gift list and recommend MaddieGra to your friends. They don’t want to miss this.

Email Joy at maddiegra@Charlotte.twcbc.com or call 980 949 7781

No Disrespect Here!

By Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Fabulous, beautiful, radiant, gorgeous, do those ring a bell?

In this day and age, women in particular are harped on so much about appearance and are subject to an inordinate amount of criticism. Words have such a strong and powerful meaning! 

Being healthy is about not only taking care of oneself through physical activity and eating a variety of fresh foods, but also mental and emotionally being kind to ourselves. 

“Fat” should be banned from the dictionary! It is a word that has such bad connotation and women especially use it way too often. 

If you would not say something to hurt your friend, then why say it to yourself? 

Rechanneling our energy and strength towards more positive moments can help change how we think about ourselves. 

We deserve to be happy about our body. Challenge yourself to keep a record for one day of all the negative messages you are giving about your body. Then find ways to enhance all of the positives about your body: 

Here are some steps toward changing your body image:  

• Don't talk to or about yourself in a negative light. 
• Stop using the word “Fat”! Try using words like curvaceous, voluptuous, or thriving. 
• Have a more positive relationship with the clothes you put on.
• Acknowledge that each and every person (including celebrities) have bad days! Each individual will have a “cheat” or a “bad” day. We are only human and are bound to do that and it is okay!
• Substitute power ideas instead of negative thoughts. Channel your energy into a more positive direction, such as setting up a fundraiser for body image awareness for young girls.
• Try volunteering at a local food bank or with domestic abuse victims.

Allure of Flowers at the Mint Uptown

A touch of warmth and beauty - and a breath of spring

Today we had a real springtime experience at the Mint Museum’s Uptown location as we previewed its newest exhibit, Allure of Flowers: Botanical Motifs in Craft, Design & Fashion. 

Tulip vase

 We strolled through a unique array of flowers made from glass, textiles, and paper. 

Exquisite ladies'  fan shows roses on paper

 We viewed these lovely creations arranged in perfect harmony, one after the other, in awe of how and when they were created. 

Hanging tree lamps provided guidance through the exhibit

Annie Carlano, Senior Curator of Craft, Design & Fashion for the Mint, graciously guided us through the exhibit of beauty from the Mint’s permanent collection, and described not only each piece but where, when and who created it.

A sculpture of fashion and design and a paper dress preserved from the '60s

This paper dress is quite rare

What a warm and beautiful visual experience visiting the Mint Museum’s Uptown location! If you are getting tired of the cold and wintry weather, this exhibit is sure to warm your bones and your heart. 

Iris on glass comes alive

More flowers on glass

 Don’t miss the visual display of digital flowers opening and changing on petals of fabric to the sound of music designed especially for this display.

Textile with a poppies design

Beyond quilting

The Allure of Flowers exhibit continues until August 10, 2014. For more information, go to mintmuseum.org/

Hornets nest in the garden

To Be or Not To Be Gluten Free?

By Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Pasta, whole grain bread, crackers, and pancakes galore! 

Surprisingly enough, all of these foods contain gluten. 

Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, and barley, just to name a few. It acts as a leavening agent in food, a thickener, and a flavor enhancer. 

There has been some speculation in recent years about whether gluten is really good for the body. Some effects that gluten has been linked to are brain fog, muscle and joint aches, sabotaging weight loss or perhaps gaining weight, digestive complications (bloating and diarrhea), and fatigue. 

Individuals who experience these symptoms may have a gluten sensitivity. Their bodies have an inflammatory response to the gluten. 

Some individuals say that switching to a gluten free diet has changed their life. They can think more clearly, rest better, and have lost weight! On the other side, some individuals can consume gluten and have no side effects. 

Some options for eating a gluten free diet include consuming more brown and wild rice, quinoa, millet and oats. There are also gluten free products available such as, bagels, breads, tortillas, English muffins, and desserts.

Breakfast options:

• Gluten free English muffin with a poached egg, sliced tomato drizzled with mozzarella cheese, alongside an orange 
• Gluten free oats simmered in water or almond milk with a handful of berries, sprinkle of walnuts, and a drizzle of honey 
• Buckwheat pancakes with blueberries, strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup 

Lunch or Dinner options:

• Quinoa with black beans, avocado, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lime juice on a bed of romaine lettuce 
• Baked salmon with roasted asparagus and brown rice 
• Roasted chicken on gluten free bread with sliced tomatoes, lettuce and mustard coupled with an apple 

Dessert options:

• Fruit smoothie ice pop (blend together a combination of fruits with almond milk, put into a mold and freeze for a few hours) 
• Lemon almond macaroons 
• Chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies using oat flour or gluten free baking flour

Mario Botta exhibit at the Bechtler

Mario Botta at the Bechtler

We had the distinct privilege of being invited to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte for the media coverage of its new exhibit Mario Botta: Architecture and Memory. Swiss architect Mario Botta designed the Bechtler Museum as well as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—the only commissions he has accepted in the United States.

This view from one level of the museum to the next is a feature of Botta's open design

It was our first invitation to the Bechtler so we were very excited to see and hear about this extraordinary man who is responsible for one of the most prestigious, and certainly the most unique, museum buildings in Charlotte

Mario Botta is considered one of the world’s foremost architects of churches and museums. It was with much passion Mr. Botta expressed his desire to evoke a space for us to contemplate, meditate and experience our spiritual selves.

A wooden model of a Botta design

The wood models to scale of some of his creations are truly amazing with detail and aliveness.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is presenting the only Mario Botta exhibit in the United States, honoring Charlotte as a true patron of the arts in the western world. 

One of many photos included in the exhibit

Wells Fargo, the exhibit’s presenting sponsor, states “We are proud to demonstrate our continued support of Charlotte’s cultural community by sponsoring a show highlighting one of the world’s masters of architecture.”

Mr. Botta and his interpreter

And on a lighter note Mario was adorable. He exuded the fun and lightness of light that shows in his work and his personality. We so enjoyed his presence and although he speaks no English he was easily understood through his obvious warmth and caring of mankind.

Mario and me

Mario Botta: Architecture and Memory is on our list of must see events. It runs through July 25, 2014 at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Change One Eating Habit Every 3 Months

By Dilworth Now nutrition columnist Marian Bennett

Do you ever get stuck in a rut eating the same meal for breakfast or always eating a dessert right after dinner? 

Consider switching it up every couple of months with a new addition to a favorite meal or swapping out and trying something new.

Eating breakfast can seem monotonous, especially if you eat the same meal every day.

If you have oat bran cereal with a banana every morning, why not change it to having oat bran with a banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter?

You will feel fuller longer, get the energy in the morning you need, and even drop an inch or two in your waistline!

Maybe breakfast is not what you want to work on, but perhaps give a go on substituting ingredients from baked goods.

How about replacing butter with avocados?

Avocados provide almost half the daily recommendation of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and helps reduce the risk of diabetes while the flavor is still rich.

What about replacing oil with Greek yogurt?

Yogurt has a lower fat and caloric content and provides probiotics. The texture keeps the recipe still very creamy and adds moisture while it does not add a pungent flavor to the dessert.

These are super, simply yummy options that you can try and will not skimp on the flavor or moisture!

Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Tour

Founded in 1977 by neighbors who visited each other’s homes to feast, sing carols and enjoy holiday décor, the Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour has evolved into a successful fund raiser and covers quite a large area of the Center City.

Nutcracker rehearsal

We began our tour at the North Carolina Dance Theatre where the students were rehearsing for The Nutcracker Ballet, an annual event for the school. 

 Then on to pick up our tickets by way of a carriage ride starting at the Seventh Street Public Market where musicians were playing seasonal music, and cider, cookies, wine and cheese were being served.

Young performers at 7th St. Market

Our next stop on the tour was Alexander Michaels, Fourth Wards historical restaurant and bar serving great food and beverages. After soup and salad we were on our way to our first home. 

 
Needless to say the homes were decorated with breathtaking artistry and the lights, caroling and music filled the narrow streets with street lamps glowing. It was truly magical.

Fourth Ward has been preserved in the greatest of traditions boasting its life of days gone by when coal heated the houses and the milk man left his bottles of milk on the front porch. I still remember the coal trucks coming after dark in the winter time rolling slowly down the street and the voice of a small child hanging from the side of the truck calling out “hey coal.” The kids came running from the houses with their empty buckets and their nickels to purchase a bucket of coal for the night. The mist would hang heavy in the street lamps and the smell of dinner still lingered in the air.

The Jenkins/Lancaster Residence transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a tree in almost every room. Each tree had its own theme. My favorite? The Top Hat Tree.

The Mink Santa standing about three feet tall was adorned in mink and jewels inherited from the owner’s mother and honoring her memory and her love of Christmas. What a great way to say, I love you Mom.

And of course the rooftop terrace is amazing for social gatherings, a garden oasis in the heart of the Center City.

The restored Dittloff Residence, dating back to the 1800s, is a modern day version of the original and done quite beautifully. The Dittloffs directed the renovation and have truly preserved the integrity of the home. Mrs. Dittloff, artist extraordinaire, has her art work displayed throughout the home for an added pleasure.

The McNinch House Restaurant 1891. 

 Oh my there is so much to say about this genteel Southern home. The photos don’t do it justice. The downstairs was decorated complete with all the trimmings you would have seen in the 1800s if you were dining at Christmas time in the McNinch home.


We have not had the pleasure of having a meal there but it is truly on our list of very special things to do.

The upstairs, open for the first time, is the private residence of owner Ellen Davis. The wife of the mayor of Charlotte who built the home, Mattie McNinch, had her private room looking down on the street where she spent her quiet time. The room is known as “Mattie’s room.”

Mattie's Room

The front parlor, master bedroom and the enchanting bathroom are decorated in the finest fabrics and accessories, with purple used throughout, Mattie’s favorite color.

One of the condominiums on the tour

 With four beautifully restored Victorian homes, two townhomes and two condominiums to tour, the Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour was a wonderful 4 or 5 hours of time spent in another era.

Refreshments were served at several of the homes and complimentary carriage rides around the Fourth Ward neighborhood were offered.

We ran into friends spending their 12-year wedding anniversary celebrating their life together while on the tour. So romantic.

Lisa and Joe celebrating 12 years

Chandelier at McNinch

See you in December. A wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Happy New Year to All.

Our thanks to Beth Spears for inviting us on the tour. 
For more information on the Friends of the Fourth Ward and its two annual home and garden tours, visit fofw.org