Jen Rothacker
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Articles by Jen Rothacker
Celebrate Earth Month with TreesCharlotte!
Tree of April 2021: Flowering Dogwood 4.02.21 Charlotte names new city arborist 4.19.21 Ready to become one with the trees this Earth Month? We have several ways for you to get involved! Ask the Arborist! It’s spring, the trees are in full bloom and you probably have a ton of questions about how to tend to your gentle giants! Join TreesCharlotte Tree Educator Kate Bolkin and City of Charlotte arborist Mary Propst for a lunch Zoom edition of Ask the Arborist on Earth Day, Thursday April 22.
Live where you love to play in your new townhome at Towns on Central in Plaza Midwood
This post is brought to you in partnership with Shea Urban. All opinions are our own. Ever wonder what it would be like to live in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Charlotte, where you love to play, hang out and explore? Consider your dreams realized at Towns on Central in Plaza Midwood. These 10 townhomes are located at the corner of Central Avenue and Chatham, and offer buyers walkability, high-end finishes and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
12 foodie spots in Plaza Midwood for first dates, double dates and more
Photo courtesy of Legion Brewing No one likes to plan date night. No one. But we can all agree they’re important. Whether meeting someone for the first time, reconnecting with your sweetheart or sharing an evening out with your couple friends, a night on the town helps build and maintain lasting relationships. Also, date nights are (usually) fun. Instead of the cliche “Charlotte” date (we see you, South-End-Brewery-Date), opt for a foodie-focused evening in Plaza Midwood.
What does a robbery and prison time have to do with the wine at a Barrington's dinner?
Courtesy of Assorted Table Wine Shoppe Josh Villapando On Nov. 3, 1883, Wild West stagecoach robber Black Bart made his last robbery attempt, leaving behind a key piece of evidence that would eventually land him in prison. More than a century later, two brothers would incorporate the story into their new winery’s namesake. And Stagecoach Vineyard was born. A hundred and thirty-six years and three days later, on Wednesday, Nov.
So you want to write a book? Here's how to do it in 30 days.
Photo courtesy of Park Road Books If you’ve ever considered taking the stories in your head and letting your characters roam free on the page, now’s the time to do it. November is National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo. Dating back to 1999, NaNoWriMo started as a challenge to write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days. What began with 21 participants has since grown into nearly 800,000 active novelists and more than 367,000 completed novels.
A taste of Japan: DIY barbecue has arrived in uptown Charlotte
Alex Cason Photography Gyu Kaku is now open in uptown Charlotte. “Gesuto ga tōchaku shimashita!” That’s what you will hear when you enter the doors of Gyu Kaku, Uptown Charlotte’s newest authentic Japanese dining experience. Waiters and servers chant in unison to alert everyone in the restaurant that our guest has arrived. With over 700 locations around the world, this one-of-a-kind experience featuring yakiniku (grilled meat) is now in Charlotte — the first in North Carolina.
High-speed rail could link Charlotte to Atlanta in 2 hours. Have your say next week.
A rendering of the planned Gateway Station. CATS A federal agency will seek public comment next week on development of a high-speed rail line to Atlanta that would start at the Gateway Station transportation hub now under construction in uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte-to-Atlanta portion of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor would not be in use for years, largely because it has no federal or state construction funding.
Bummed the Hornets dropped Bojangles’? You can still get a biscuit at a Checkers game.
Courtesy of The Hornets The Hornets on Tuesday announced that Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A “has become the ‘Exclusive Chicken Sandwich & Chicken Nuggets Partner of the Charlotte Hornets’ and presenting partner of a family-centric ticket offer that will be unveiled soon. Bummed the Charlotte Hornets dropped Bojangles’ for Chick-fil-A? What’s a fan of the hometown chicken-and-biscuits brand to do?
Apartments, retail, hotel planned for University City office park, once an IBM campus
Innovation Park in University City has new owners after a $270 million sale. COURTESY OF ACCESSO A revamped University City office park once home to an IBM campus has new owners after a $270 million sale. And they’re planning major changes. Florida-based commercial real estate firm Accesso Partners and Swiss investment management company Partners Group announced Friday they had acquired the 1.8-million-square-foot Innovation Park, off of IBM Drive in University Research Park.
The Inspiration Challenge: We asked 4 people to take their role models to coffee
Courtesy of Yash Mistry Yash Mistry, left, and Jen Band I serve on the steering committee for Special Olympics Mecklenburg County. I joined because I wanted to make a difference in some of the programs, but I’ve stayed for more than six years because of the people who are on the team. One particular person on the committee who’s made an impression on me is Bob Bowler. He coaches basketball and tennis.
From Cotswold to Sherwood Forest, find your new home this weekend
This post is brought to you in partnership with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. All opinions are our own. Fall is the perfect season for dressing up, lighting up the fire pit, snuggling close and finding a new home. The experts the Savvy + Co. Real Estate can help you find exactly what you are looking for — a larger yard, an urban lifestyle, more room for a growing family and anything in between.
7 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week | Oct. 18-24
Courtesy of BT PR Bea Miller will perform at The Underground on Tuesday night. Friday Ray Lamontagne 8 p.m. Friday. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $29 and up. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tumbleweeds through Charlotte on his “Just Passing Through” acoustic tour with support from My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel.
An Asian restaurant is coming to the 5th Street tower in uptown. Here’s what we know
Courtesy of Binaco The Binaco Tower on 5th Street will host a new Asian restaurant that opens in January, according to the real estate development company. An Asian restaurant is coming to a newly announced uptown Charlotte tower in January. The 1,330-square-foot restaurant, Saku, heading to 5th Street will be between Connolly’s On Fifth and Hearst Tower. The restaurant will be in the Binaco Tower at 123 E. 5th St., which broke ground in July.
Packhouse, Joe and Nosh spaces to be transformed into a pair of Mexican restaurants
Courtesy of Vishnu Varthanan Vishnu Varthanan, a restaurateur in Germany, is opening two adjoining Mexican restaurants in Charlotte — one upscale, and one fast-casual. Boga Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant taking over the space where The Packhouse used to be, is anticipated to open in February 2020. Vishnu Varthanan, the new owner of the space who is a restaurant operator in Germany, said Boga Mexicana will be an upscale Mexican restaurant that serves quality products.
Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Oct. 18-24
Courtesy of Queen City Tattoo and Arts Festival The Queen City Tattoo and Arts Center comes to the Charlotte Convention Center on Oct. 18. Friday Explore the alternative arts scene at the Queen City Tattoo and Arts Festival at the Charlotte Convention Center. Experience a weekend of live tattooing, permanent makeup, 3-D pumpkin carving, contests and more. There will also be family friendly events such as face painting, balloon animals and live music.
Here's your seasonal guide to a mountain getaway at Lake Toxaway
Photo by Laurie Larsh Lake Toxaway is about three hours away from Charlotte. If your bucket list says Switzerland but your bank account says not this year, the small but stunning Lake Toxaway, N.C., may be just the ticket. Only three hours from Charlotte, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains between Brevard and Cashiers, this secluded oasis is the largest private lake in North Carolina.
Spooky tales of beheadings, murder and uninvited spectors await in Charlotte
Courtesy of Jason Tapp Charlotte has its share of spooky stories and ghost tales. I went in search of Charlotte ghost stories, thinking I was assigned a difficult task. I was dead wrong. There are more creepy stories and places – and people willing to share them – than you can imagine. These stories scared me in the daylight. I’m not sure how I’d react hearing them on a wooded walk with a hooded hunch-backed guide.
Get the most money for your home and make your decorating dreams come true at free Oct. 24 workshop
This post is brought to you in partnership with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. All opinions are our own. Does this sound like you? Your Pinterest board is pinned with tons of home decorating ideas, you obsessively follow HGTV and you have a file of “someday” ideas for your home, but no clue where to start. If you are still nodding your head, this decorating know-how workshop on Oct.
Don't miss the CMS School Choice and Enrollment Fair this weekend!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. All opinions are our own. This Saturday, Oct. 19, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a School Choice and Enrollment Fair at the Wells Fargo Atrium in Uptown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to explore your child’s options for the 2020-21 school year. Here are a few key details you need to know.
5 kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid at all costs
This post is brought to you in partnership with Reico Kitchen & Bath. All opinions are our own. Kitchen remodel. What do those two words make you think of? Though we all like the idea of a new kitchen, you might also associate those words with lots of stress, lots of worry, and lots of indecision. The folks at Reico Kitchen & Bath understand how easily you can feel overwhelmed when planning for your kitchen renovation.
You won't want to miss this Camp North End dinner series, where food and art collide
Courtesy of Camp North End Chef Marc Marrone of Graffiti Bao Imagine with us: tasting dishes from some of the nation’s top chefs and vibing to the sounds of a local female DJ and hip hop violinists, all while taking in the artsy warehouse views of Camp North End. Sounds pretty awesome right? After receiving rave reviews from the original dates, the Camp North End team has decided to bring back its Next Plate Dinner series for the month of November.
Local shop owner Britt Gooding dishes on building — and re-building — a business - CharlotteFive
Photo by Sarah Slusarick Britt Gooding Britt Gooding built her business on heart — literally. CLT Boutique, her female-forward shop, began five years ago after her mother had a life-changing heart surgery.
Check out the menu for El Thrifty—the cantina, bar and gaming venue at Optimist Hall - CharlotteFive
Alex Cason Photography Check out the El Matador at El Thrifty Social Club, made with Ilegal Mezcal Joven, passionfruit, mint, lime and habanero. Thus far, Optimist Hall’s food and drink tenants have been mostly food hall-style. Order what you’d like, find your spot at one of the community tables, and enjoy the atmosphere that comes with one person eating sushi next to another drinking a latte next to another writing on new stationary.
It's your last meal on Earth, and it has to be from a Charlotte restaurant. What is it?
Do you have an illness? Maybe you’re on death row? Preparing to move to Jupiter? Doesn’t matter. For whatever reason, you only get one more meal on Earth, and it must be from a Charlotte restaurant. What would you choose? When we asked this question on Facebook, the answers showed us that you make some good food choices, Charlotte.
Five events in charming Belmont to top your calendar this fall
This post is brought to you in partnership with Visit Belmont, NC. All opinions are our own. Looking ahead to your busy fall calendar, don’t miss these five events in charming Belmont, just a short drive from Charlotte. There are tons of arts, culture, food and festivals to experience in this picturesque town where you and your favorite costumed creatures can enjoy all the season has to offer.
5 things to know before The Batch House opens Wednesday
Courtesy of The Batch House Dulce De Leche Blondies topped with alfajores will be available on opening day, according to The Batchmaker's Instagram feed. When Cristina Rojas-Agurcia was pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health, she was also baking on the side. In 2017, it became apparent she needed a website, so her marketing-minded husband, Pablo Agurcia, set up The Batchmaker. “One person started ordering,” Rojas-Agurcia, 32, explained.
‘What unites us, ignites us’: Join the ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ walk on Oct. 19 so that ‘no one walks alone’
This post is brought to you in partnership with the American CancerSociety. All opinions are our own. Don’t miss the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Charlotte Homecoming to the Queen City. The non-competitive walk is presented by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the AvidXchange Music Factory.
How to talk to someone about their substance abuse: an angry confrontation will not get you where you want to be
This article is brought to you in partnership with Novant Health. All opinions are our own. Substance abuse is a difficult issue, especially when it affects a loved one. You may desperately want to see a change but may not know how to discuss the problem with the person. Often, intense emotions are also in the mix, causing judgment to be blurred and tension to run high.
New shopping center headed to southwest Charlotte near Charlotte Premium Outlets
Charlotte Observer file photo A Florida-based company expects to begin construction on a new Charlotte shopping center in early 2020. A Florida-based development company said Monday it has purchased 6 acres in the Berewick area of southwest Charlotte with plans to break ground on a 32,000-square-foot shopping center.
3 non-corny ways to match your mate for photos
Photo by Christal Phillips Photography Krystal Wesson and Christopher Peoples In the weeks following a new engagement, the wedding prep to-do list seems to grow each day. One big to-do is taking engagement pics. There’s a lot of planning that goes into preparing for the shoot. After you’ve found the perfect location and locked down the date, the most important question remains, “What do we wear?” Social media provides lots of examples, good and bad, to draw inspiration as you plan your photoshoot.
13 events to get you in the Halloween spirit
Courtesy of The Duke Mansion Sangrias & Cigars: A Benefit for The Duke Mansion is Oct. 26. Got ghosted? If you did, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our roundup of events to keep you busy during Halloween. This year’s events include costume contests, Dracula Dodgeball and even a candy crawl. There are classic events like SCarowinds and some new events like the Charlotte Museum hosting its first-ever haunted home site.
You (or your car) could appear in the new Jim & Tammy Faye flick filming in Charlotte
Photo by Charlotte Observer Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker at PTL in 1986. Parts of a Hollywood movie about Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker will be filmed in Charlotte, and a casting company has put out the call for extras. “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” will feature “Spiderman” star Andrew Garfield and “Zero Dark Thirty” star Jessica Chastain, according to the casting agency and The Hollywood Reporter.
As the latest pub joins the crowd in Villa Heights, it's another sign of booming business
Photo by Alex Cason The Degenerate Tater tot poutine. Banh mi for breakfast. Come 2020, this and more will be available at The Degenerate, a sports bar/gastropub set to open in Villa Heights. Located at 2116 N. Davidson St., it promises more internationally-inspired, yet homey fusions, as well as draft cocktails. Photo by Alex Cason The Degenerate The sophisticated sports-themed bar is a continuation of Villa Heights’ upward economic trajectory.
A N.C. jazz legend turns 102 this month, celebrate at The Jazz Room Oct. 18 and 19
This post is brought to you in partnership with JazzArts Charlotte. All opinions are our own. North Carolina has a reputation for turning out some top-of-the-line musicians. Think Earl Scruggs, The Avett Brothers, Ben Folds Five, Luke Combs and so many more. This month, another N.C. native son and jazz phenom, Thelonious Monk, turns 102.
Look for your new home this weekend in Dilworth, Cotswold, Seversville, Windsor Park and more!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. All opinions are our own. Fall finally feels like, well, fall! Celebrate with a new home. Savvy + Co. Real Estate can help you find new digs in some of the area’s coolest neighborhoods. And if your sweater and boot wardrobe need more space, a fenced yard, gourmet kitchen, bonus room, open floor plan or more, these buying and selling experts can help with that too.
8 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week | Oct. 11-17
Courtesy of BJ The Chicago Kid BJ the Chicago Kid will perform at Neighborhood Theatre on Friday night. Friday BJ The Chicago Kid 8 p.m. Friday. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. $20-$52. The classic, neo-soul singer released his sophomore album on Motown Records in July after a steady, Chicago-style indie career that saw him working with big names like Kanye West.
Fresh pasta and Italian cocktails are on the way to the RailYard in South End
Courtesy of North Italia Spiced Orange Pistachio Cake Handmade pasta, sauces made from scratch and signature cocktails featuring Italian liqueurs are heading to the RailYard, where North Italia is opening Nov. 13. The 7,500-square-foot restaurant joining the busy South End dining scene will include patio space along with a sizable dining room.
YMCA planned for a big Charlotte development, city documents show
Courtesy of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Sara’s YMCA opened in 2016 in Ballantyne Corporate Park. Another YMCA is planned for Southwest Charlotte. The first new YMCA facility in Charlotte in three years is planned for a fast-growing part of Southwest Charlotte, according to documents filed with the city.
Where are they now? A chat with former Panther Mike Tolbert
Coastal Carolina graduate Mike Tolbert was handpicked to play for the Panthers in 2011. After spending four years playing for the San Diego Chargers, Tolbert developed a special bond with Coach Ron Rivera — who happened to be the linebackers coach in San Diego at the time. Rivera would go on to become the head coach for Carolina, and as fate would have it, Tolbert became a free agent.
Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | Oct. 11- 17
Courtesy of Norsan Media Capoeira dancers at Hola Charlotte Friday This Friday kicks off Tyber Creek’s Inaugural Creek Fest, a three-day outdoor music festival. Enjoy free live music from regional and national musicians from Friday-Sunday. 1933 South Blvd. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Interested in learning about outdoor activities? Head to the Outdoor Market at the Whitewater Center for a weekend of demos and clinics.
As Amtrak eliminates white-tablecloth dining on Charlotte train, a reminder to make 'someday' plans now
Photo via Malcolm K./Flickr The dining car of Amtrak's Capitol Limited near Connellsville, PA. I’ve never ridden across the United States via train, though I’ve always said I would — one of these days. You know, when I have the time. My experience with white-tablecloth-sterling-silver-fresh-flowers dinners with the rolling countryside as a backdrop has been relegated mostly to movies and books.
Should you consider a move to Gaston County? This local agent says yes!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Savvy and Co. Real Estate. All opinions are our own. Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent Julie Coffey could easily be crowned the queen of packing and unpacking. Up until her move to Charlotte in 2004, she lived in 11 states, as well as internationally. Once (finally) settled (again), she called several neighborhoods home before deciding to put down her roots in Gaston County.
This rising Charlotte artist is ‘passionate about black beauty, culture, our history’
Photo by Joshua Komer Whitney Austin works on a painting of a lion in her studio. She has quickly gained tens of thousands of followers on social media and is opening her third studio, this time at Carolina Place Mall. There’s no such thing as an overnight star, but Whitney Austin comes close. In four years, the 32-year-old Charlotte painter has owned two studios and will open her third on Oct. 5 at Carolina Place Mall.
Exclusive: Popular NoDa coffee shop has been sold. Here's what will and won't change.
Photo by Melissa Oyler Trade and Lore in NoDa The team behind Salud Beer Shop and Salud Cerveceria has purchased the NoDa location of Trade and Lore, which shares space with Salud Cerveceria, CharlotteFive has learned in an exclusive interview. Salud’s management will take over running the coffee shop and will introduce a new breakfast and pastry menu in the coming weeks. The Trade and Lore Belmont neighborhood location near Catawba Brewing Company and Advent Coworking will remain open.
Gain nuanced knowledge on criminal justice reform with 3 events by Queens University of Charlotte
This article is brought to you in partnership with The Queens University of Charlotte. All opinions are our own You may know Queens University of Charlotte as a renowned leader in higher education. But did you know it’s also a beacon of culture in our community, committed to the life-long pursuit of learning, while offering new perspectives for all? This fall, Queens students, faculty and staff are having in-depth conversations about race and criminal justice.
5Church team to open new restaurant in Charleston
Image courtesy of 5Church The team behind 5Church Charlotte, Sophia’s Lounge and 5Church Charleston is opening Tempest in Spring 2020 next door to 5Church in Charleston. It will be located in the former historic Harriot Pinckney Home for Sailors. “Our hope is that Tempest will combine top-notch cuisine using locally sourced ingredients with innovative design and outstanding service to create an inspiring dining experience for our guests,” owner Patrick Whalen said in a statement.
Is your stomach ready? The 2019 State Fair foods include the JoCo HoHo and Sloppy Pig
Courtesy of Chef's D'lites Say hello to The Chickonator, a fried chicken breast between two honey butter buns, topped with bacon and honey sauce. Fair organizers unveiled about two dozen culinary creations this week that will be making their debut at the 2019 N.C. State Fair. The smorgasbord of new foods runs is surprisingly sensible — a lineup of stuffed baked potatoes, a cookie dough milkshake — yet, adventurous eaters will find plenty to love and plenty of reasons to buy the large pack of Tums.
Be willing to risk it all—regularly—and other advice from a local CEO - CharlotteFive
Photo courtesy of Nicole George Nicole George knows that owning a business means more than just hitting the bottom line — it’s what you give back that matters. Founder and CEO of Premier Property Solutions, George (with her husband, Jeremy) serves the Ballantyne area both through real estate services and charitable giving. Her passion for helping others blossomed into determination to give back to the local community.
How do you manage your side hustle? These 4 business owners share their tips.
Courtesy of Lorri Lofton Lorri Lofton Close to half of millennials have side hustles, creating additional sources of income outside of their 9-to-5 jobs, according to Experian. Some pursue side gigs to supplement their primary income or to finance activities like traveling. For others, creative outlets and passion projects turn into income-generating businesses.
Tupelo Honey Cafe is expanding—and an uptown location is on the list - CharlotteFive
Courtesy of Tupelo Honey Cafe In late 2013, Asheville-based Tupelo Honey Cafe burst onto Charlotte’s food scene. The South End eatery quickly became popular by introducing amazing southern-inspired dishes that Charlotte hadn’t seen at the time. The brand, which was created in 2000, initially focused on opening up locations in cities around the southeast. It started out in Asheville, Raleigh, Tennessee and Myrtle Beach just to name a few.
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