Charlotte.com: Living Here

Pie, of course, is not a nickname for pizza in the South. But it is in New York, where Zocchi's neighbors had moved from. And in a region increasingly comprised of transplants, odds are good the first bit of local culture a newcomer experiences here won't be Southern.

"Charlotte is not the South at all," said Bill King, Zocchi's father, who followed his daughter's family from California and settled in Huntersville last fall -- part of a joint migration of five interrelated families. "Charlotte is like Sacramento."

The steady march of transplants during the past two decades means that in some parts of the Charlotte area, a majority of the residents were born outside North Carolina, according to data released this month by the U.S. Census Bureau.

An Observer analysis found:

• Of the residents living in the nine-county region in 2006, 47 percent were born outside North Carolina. In Mecklenburg County, 57 percent of residents were transplants, and in York County, S.C., 55 percent were from out of state.

• Of those in the region who were born out of state, nearly two-thirds -- 62 percent -- were from outside the South. In Mecklenburg, 67 percent of transplants were born outside the South. The Northeastern U.S. and foreign-born residents are the two fastest-growing sources. The data do not show how many of the transplants are recent arrivals, but another set of census data estimates nearly 88,000 newcomers moved to the region last year.

The result is a sometimes-clashing mix of accents, food preferences and driving styles. According to the Yellow Pages, New York-style pizza parlors outnumber barbecue joints.

By comparison, Mecklenburg's proportion of transplants is higher than that in the home counties of Sacramento (42 percent of residents born out of state); Portland, Ore. (54 percent); Atlanta (54 percent); and Raleigh (55 percent).

So what are the implications for the region's culture? With our population being increasingly joined by residents from elsewhere, are we still the South?

A not-so-Southern feeling

Ron Roach, 50, is a native of Davidson, which was a slow-growing northern Mecklenburg town until recently. He no longer feels like he lives in the South. "Now, nobody knows anybody," he said. "(Newcomers) brought their stuff with them, the Italian restaurants and whatever."It's common for newcomers to say they don't feel they've moved to the South when they move to the Charlotte area. Among those who feel that way are the group of five families -- including Zocchi's and King's -- who moved here together from Northern California over the past 18 months. They succeeded in finding an escape from California traffic gridlock and a lower cost of living, but they're still trying to figure out the dominant culture here.

First came Jon and Alesha Hollingshead, who moved to Mooresville in April 2006 with their three children. Zocchi and her husband, best friends of the couple, followed a few weeks later with their three children.

Meanwhile, Jon Hollingshead's parents, Sheri and Gary Garrett, decided to retire to a home on Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford. Next came Carrie Zocchi's parents, Bill and Pati King. And finally, despite being unable to sell their home in California, Alesha's parents, Sandy and Doug Shearer, followed and moved into a home in Denver just a few weeks ago.

"We heard this is the transplant state," Sandy Shearer said.

Culture clash

Perhaps nowhere is the change from newcomers more evident than in Union County, one of the nation's fastest-growing counties. There, subdivisions are swallowing farms. Gary Chambers, 50, is originally from Savannah, Ga., and moved to the western Union County town of Waxhaw in 2004.

When he waves at some neighbors from New Jersey, he said, "they just turn away and don't make eye contact." He also doesn't like hearing Northern accents yelling at football games. "I do see (Southern culture) being threatened," he said.

But some natives see positive changes. "We have more museums and cultural diversity now," said Charlotte native Tanya Sloan, 34. She also likes Charlotte's broader offering of ethnic restaurants. She believes the city is holding onto its identity as part of the New South.

After all, we still have more front porches than most other places, she noted. We have more greenery and flowers, thanks to balmy weather. We still have restaurants advertising their Southern food offerings. We still, many newcomers agree, have a slower and friendlier way of life than other parts of the country.

"A lot of people who have been here for a while but come from somewhere else are embracing their Southern-ness," Sloan said. "I think we change them rather than them changing us."

Unionville Mayor Larry Simpson, a Union County native and poultry farmer, isn't worried about the area shedding its Southern identity anytime soon. "It'll just take us a while to educate (newcomers) on the real spice of life, a Southern way of life," he said with a chuckle.

Heather Smith, who has studied Charlotte's culture as an associate professor at UNC Charlotte, said this area's culture is still distinctive -- though it continues to evolve as newcomers arrive. "I don't think we're a hodgepodge yet," she said.

In embracing new cultures and influences, this area doesn't have to shed its existing culture, she added.

"People don't move to a place to change it," she said. "They move to a place because there's something about it that appeals to them."

-- Database editor Ted Mellnik contributed.

Living Here Leigh Dyer

On Charlotte's Culture

Recent transplants offer their takes on Charlotte: From the Northeast:

"I would describe it as `a charming Southern city with an urban flair.' I like the fact that Southern cuisine abounds and the small-town friendly atmosphere in banks and other businesses is still prevalent. However, on the other hand, I noticed traffic is becoming heavier and heavier and that the `rush-rush' of the Northeastern traffic patterns and attitudes is starting to creep in." -- Belinda Parrott, moved from Teaneck, N.J., in June

From the South:

"We enjoy the seasons. In Florida, there are 359 summer days a year. We've met a lot of people who moved here from Florida, New York, New Jersey. You feel the difference (from other parts of the country). The people are friendly. Huntersville is still kind of quiet. We kept the same quality of life, spending less money (than in Florida)." -- Jaime Preciado, originally from Bogota, Colombia, moved to Huntersville in June 2006 after 18 years in Naples, Fla.

From the Midwest:

"From my first post-college job in Hickory (1993-1995) until this year, when I moved back to N.C., the culture has become `Northernized.' Before, when I ordered a `pop,' there wasn't one waitress who knew what I was ordering. Now, they all do. Overall, people are still more pleasant, more courteous, but not as much. I hear everyone complain about the traffic. Yes, it can be frustrating at times, but compared to Chicago and New York, it is a breeze. In five years, though ... " -- Jeff Hawkins, a native of Ypsilanti, Mich., who moved to Charlotte from the Chicago area in January.

From the West:

"Charlotte is not the South at all. Charlotte is like Sacramento. The only thing different is the number of churches." -- Bill King, PICTURED ON FRONT, member of one of five families who migrated to the Lake Norman area together from California.

Where the Region's Transplants Moved From:

	Cabarrus County	Catawba County	Gaston County	Iredell County	Lincoln County	Mecklenburg County	Rowan County	Union County	York County, S.C.
Percentage of residents born outside of state, as of 2006:
	41%	34%	30%	43%	30%	57%	32%	45%	55%
Of those transplants, percentage from:
Northeast	27%	18%	17%	28%	21%	25%	18%	27%	18%
Midwest	12%	12%	15%	17%	12%	12%	13%	12%	12%
South	40%	40%	46%	37%	37%	33%	44%	34%	57%
West	3%	8%	5%	7%	10%	6%	8%	5%	6%
Outside U.S.	17%	23%	17%	11%	20%	24%	17%	21%	8%

Living Here Leigh Dyer

Arts organizations around the region

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:00 EDT

THEATER

ACTOR'S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE: A professional company that produces innovative works by contemporary playwrights. 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251; www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.CAROLINA ACTORS STUDIO THEATRE: Located off Central Avenue, CAST specializes in "experiential" theater and film. 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542; www.nccast.com.

CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE: The Dale F. Halton Theater on the central campus seats 1020. CPCC Summer Theatre, a Charlotte institution, presents shows there and in Pease Auditorium. Elizabeth Avenue at Kings Drive. 704-330-6534; http://arts.cpcc.edu/performing-arts/summer-theatre.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE: It offers professional-quality performances and educational programs for all ages at ImaginOn, a facility it shares with the public library. 300 E. Seventh St. 704-973-2800; www.ctcharlotte.org.

DAVIDSON COLLEGE: Duke Family Performance Hall and smaller venues host performances by students, Davidson Community Players and - in alternate years - the Royal Shakespeare Company of Great Britain. Main Street, Davidson. 704-894-2135; www.davidson.edu.

PINEVILLE DINNER THEATER: A new take on a suburban Charlotte tradition, 10403-J Park Road, Pineville. 704-544-0607; www.pinevilledinnertheater.com

THEATRE CHARLOTTE: The city's most venerable community theater, now in its 80th year, performs crowd-pleasing titles. 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777; www.theatrecharlotte.org.

UNC CHARLOTTE: The handsome Robinson Hall, home mainly to collegiate productions and concerts, opened on the University City campus in 2004. 704-687-2599; www.uncc.edu.

MULTIPURPOSE

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: This elegant uptown facility includes the 2,100-seat Belk Theater and the 434-seat Booth Playhouse. Hosts the popular Broadway Lights series and a new Off-Broadway Lights spinoff series, in addition to other cultural programming including Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, N.C. Dance Theatre, Opera Carolina and Carolinas Concert Association. 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000; www.blumenthalcenter.org.

OVENS AUDITORIUM: Hosts a variety of events, from comedians to Broadway shows to orchestral pops concerts. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600; www.ovensauditorium.com.

SPIRIT SQUARE: Multi-arts facility and rented home to many arts groups including BareBones Theatre Group, The Light Factory and Community School of the Arts. Beloved for its vintage McGlohon Theatre and versatile Duke Power Theatre, the publicly owned Spirit Square also sits on valuable uptown real estate, so its future is uncertain. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000; www.carolinatix.org.

REGIONAL THEATER

BLOWING ROCK STAGE COMPANY: Professional. Sunset Drive Auditorium, 152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. 828-295-9627; www.blowingrockstage.com.CAMDEN COMMUNITY THEATRE: Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden, S.C. 803-425-7676; www.fineartscenter.org.

FORT MILL COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE: 513 Banks Street, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-548-8102; www.fortmillplayhouse.org.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE: The State Theater of N.C., 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. 828-693-0731; www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

GREATER SHELBY COMMUNITY THEATRE: Malcolm Brown Auditorium at Shelby High School, Shelby. 704-480-8495; www.gsct.org.

LITTLE THEATRE OF GASTONIA: 238 Clay St., Gastonia. 704-865-0160; www.ncsmartfinder.com/littletheater/boxoffice.htm.

MATTHEWS PLAYHOUSE: Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews. 704-846-8343; www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

NARROWAY PRODUCTIONS: Christian dinner theater, NarroWay Theatre and Conference Center, U.S. 21, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-802-2300; www.narroway.net.

N.C. SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: A professional classical theater in its 31st year. Shows are at the High Point Theatre, at Commerce Avenue and Hamilton Street, downtown High Point. 336-887-3001; www.highpointtheatre.com.

OLD COURTHOUSE THEATRE: 49 Spring St. NW, Concord. 704-788-2405; www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.

PIEDMONT PLAYERS THEATRE: Better-than-average amateur troupe at Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471; www.piedmontplayers.com.

ROCK HILL COMMUNITY THEATRE: 236 W. Main St., Rock Hill. 803-324-2578; www.rhcommunitytheatre.org.

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA: Charleston's annual world-class arts extravaganza, and its locally-produced spinoff, Piccolo Spoleto, are well worth the drive. The 2008 fest runs May 23-June 8; tickets go on sale in January. 843-579-3100; www.spoletousa.org.

TRIAD STAGE: Outstanding small professional theater at 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. 336-272-0160; www.triadstage.org.

FUNDRAISING, ARTS EDUCATION

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG ARTS & SCIENCE COUNCIL: A nonprofit umbrella funding organization that has an annual fund drive to raise money for arts, science and history organizations affiliated with the ASC, local neighborhood cultural programming and individual artists. The ASC funnels more than $12 million a year in grants to support Charlotte's cultural community. 704-333-2272; www.artsandscience.org

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: Performing and visual arts school for children, teens and adults. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-377-4187; www.csarts.org.

MCCOLL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART: An art colony that offers national and area artists time for study and exhibits, 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535; www.mccollcenter.org.

DANCE

CHARLOTTE YOUTH BALLET: Invites professional dancers to join its students for winter and spring performances at Ovens Auditorium. 704-366-9675; www.charlotteballet.comN.C. DANCE THEATRE: Professional contemporary ballet company that tours the East Coast when not staging home-season shows in the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 704-372-0101; www.ncdance.org

MUSIC

CAROLINA CROWN DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS: Represents the region in Drum Corps International competitions and stages a DCI show in Charlotte every summer. 803-547-2270; www.carolinacrown.org

CAROLINA PRO MUSICA: Period-instrument ensemble performs mostly in historic St. Mary's Chapel uptown. 704-334-3468; www.carolinapromusica.org

CAROLINA VOICES: The voice group that invented Charlotte's "The Singing Christmas Tree." 704-374-1564; www.carolinavoices.org

CHAMBER MUSIC AT ST. PETER'S: Free monthly concerts on the first Tuesday of each month from September through May in the church at Tryon and Seventh streets. 704-335-0009; www.chambermusicatstpeters.org

CHARLOTTE CHILDREN'S CHOIR: The choir is an education-based organization serving children ages 8-18. 704-374-1892; www.charlottechildrenschoir.org

CHARLOTTE CONCERT BAND: This volunteer group has professional and amateur musicians and a classic band repertoire. A nonprofit organization sponsored by Queens University of Charlotte. www.charlotteconcertband.org

CHARLOTTE FOLK SOCIETY: Presents folk music and dance throughout the year. 704-372-3655; www.folksociety.org

CHARLOTTE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: The city's Boston Pops-style orchestra performs mostly in the Halton Theater. 704-846-2788; www.charlottephilharmonic.org

CHARLOTTE CIVIC ORCHESTRA: All-volunteer orchestra. 704-344-0098; www.charlottecivicorchestra.org

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Fully professional orchestra provides seasons of classics, pops and family concerts, accompanies opera and ballet productions and brings music to schools and outlying towns throughout the year. 704-972-2000; www.charlottesymphony.org

OPERA CAROLINA: The region's largest opera company stages full-length professional productions in Belk Theater. 704-332-7177; www.operacarolina.org

CAROLINAS CONCERT ASSOCIATION: Presents a season of touring orchestras and dance companies. 704-527-6680; www.carolinasconcert.com

MUSEUMS

AFRO-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER: Preserves and promotes African American art, history and culture in a multipurpose facility at 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565; www.aacc-charlotte.orgCAROLINAS AVIATION MUSEUM: Museum/hangar featuring aircraft, including a fully operational Piedmont Airlines DC-3. Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. General admission $8, seniors and students $5, age 6 and under and military members are free. 4108 Minuteman Way.704-359-8442; www.carolinasaviation.org.

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY: Features the county's oldest surviving home: Colonial Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, built in 1774. The Alexander Home, log kitchen and stone spring house sit on the museum's grounds. Guided tours available. Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, $3 for children 6-12, free for children younger than 6. Free on Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 3500 Shamrock Drive. 704-568-1774; www.charlottemuseum.org

CHARLOTTE NATURE MUSEUM: Butterfly Pavilion, nature trail, puppet theater, other exhibits relating to urban nature. 1658 Sterling Road. 704-372-6261; www.discoveryplace.org.

DISCOVERY PLACE: Hands-on science and technology museum. Permanent exhibits include a three-story rain forest, aquarium and The Charlotte Observer Omnimax Theatre showing IMAX movies. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261; www.discoveryplace.org.

LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH: Permanent exhibit: "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South." 200 E. Seventh St. 704-333-1887; www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

THE LIGHT FACTORY MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM: One of the Southeast's best photo and film arts centers. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755; www.lightfactory.org.

MINT MUSEUM OF ART: Permanent exhibits include pieces from the museum's pre-Columbian, decorative art and European and American collections. 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000; www.themintmuseums.org.

MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN: Featuring works in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fabrics from international artists. 220.N. Tryon St. 704-337-2000; www.themintmuseums.org.

In the Region

CABARRUS ARTS COUNCIL GALLERIES: Rotating arts exhibits. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Group tours by appointment. 704-920-2787 (704-920-ARTS); www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.

C. GRIER BEAM TRUCK MUSEUM: 111 N. Mountain St., Cherryville. Exhibits housed in original gas station where Carolina Freight Carriers Corp. began. Has a gift shop. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 704-435-3072.

CHERRYVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Features old jail in building basement. Parking available behind museum, enter through the jail. Museum open other times by appointment. 109 E. Main St., Cherryville. 704-435-8011.

GASTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY: Features Carolinas textile exhibit. Carriage house has N.C.'s largest public collection of 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles. Hoffman Hotel circa 1852 offers permanent displays of period rooms. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-922-7681; www.gastoncountymuseum.org

HICKORY MUSEUM OF ART: Collection of American art and N.C. crafts, 243 Third Ave. N.E., Hickory, Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley. 828-327-8576; www.hickorymuseumofart.org

IREDELL MUSEUM OF ARTS & HERITAGE: African artifacts, antique furniture, glassware and toys, rocks and minerals, a 2,000-year-old mummy, nature trails and a pioneer settlement. 1335 Museum Road, Statesville. 704-873-4734; www.iredellmuseums.org

MUSEUM OF THE WAXHAWS: History museum documenting the original settlement of the region and growth of the area from 1550 to 1900. It's also a memorial to Waxhaw native Andrew Jackson, seventh president. 8215 Waxhaw Highway (N.C. 75 East), Waxhaw. 704-843-1832; www.perigee.net/~mwaxhaw/

MUSEUM OF WESTERN YORK COUNTY: Research library and five galleries with artifacts, documents and mementos. The Hudson Gallery includes a 1930s farm kitchen, Native American artifacts and textile and sewing articles. 1716-B Woodlawn St., Sharon, S.C.; 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March to December, or by appointment. 803-927-7558; www.museumofwesternyorkcounty.org

MUSEUM OF YORK COUNTY: Ongoing exhibits and the Settlemyre Planetarium. 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 803-329-2121; www.chmuseums.org

N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM: Southern Railway's former steam locomotive repair facility; antique auto and rail cars. Historic Spencer Shops, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. 704-636-2889; www.nctrans.org

SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Museum of natural history, American Indian culture and early Piedmont history; interactive permanent galleries; special hands-on exhibits and programs interpreting more than 400 years of Piedmont history. 1500 Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900; www.schielemuseum.org

S.C. RAILROAD MUSEUM: Train rides and guided tours. 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, S.C. 803-635-9893; www.scrm.org

Newcomers: On Safety

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:26 EDT

Craig Jeske

From: Sacramento, Calif., in Nov. 2006.

Why here? Followed daughter and son-in-law.

Where's he living? Stallings.

What could improve? "Traffic enforcement. I know there's a lot of enforcement but there's not a lot of punishment. (And) crime is a little bit alarming."

Got a pet? Want a pet?

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:00 EDT

The Charlotte area is a great place for a tail-wagging good time.

Vaccination, licensing, leash laws

N.C. law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to have rabies vaccinations. If you have recently moved here and your pet was vaccinated more than a year ago, the vaccination is not considered current. Mecklenburg County also requires licensing for these pets. License fees are $10-$30, depending on whether your pet is spayed/neutered.Reach Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control and other county services by dialing 311. The county contracts with PetData for pet licenses (877-835-8523; www.petdata.com) in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Pineville, Cornelius and unincorporated Mecklenburg County. Residents in Huntersville can call 704-766-2277; in Matthews, 704-847-3644; and in Davidson, 704-892-7591.

Mecklenburg County has a leash law requiring dogs to be kept on a leash, except in their own yard while under adult supervision and in designated off-leash areas of county parks. Fines range from $50 to $500.

www.charmeck.org/Departments/Animal+Control/Home.htm

Adopting a pet

PetFinder.com lists places you can adopt a pet.

Remember to spay and neuter. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control and the Humane Society of Charlotte work together to provide free and low-cost spay/neutering and rabies vaccination. Call 704-377-0534 for adoption information, or 704-333-4130 for the clinic. www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

A day at the spa

Perhaps your pooch could use a relaxing day at the spa. Atrium Animal Hospital at 6520 McMahon Drive caters to all pet health needs. 704-542-2000; www.atriumanimalhospital.com.Bark Street Dog Spa offers self-serve dog wash stations and full-service pet styling at 3930 Park Road. 704-525-9998; www.barkst.com. The Dog Salon has similar services at 1318 Central Ave. 704-248-0991; www.thedogsalon.com.

Pooch-friendly places

Canine Cafe, 1447 S. Tryon St. in SouthEnd, specializes in gourmet treats and hosts doggie birthday "pawties."

For cats, there are Kitty Croutons, Salmon and Cheese Bon-Bons and Kitty Caviar, but it's best to leave kitty at home.

Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Stop by for "Yappy Hour," 2-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays for free "arf' d'oeuvres." 704-LUV-DOGS (588-3647); www.caninecafe.net.

Have a brew with furry friends at the Dog Bar, 3307 N. Davidson St., in NoDa. Memberships for dogs with proof of rabies vaccination are $10. Open 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 704-370-3595; www.dogbarnoda.com.

The Smelly Cat Coffee House, 514 E. 36th St., welcomes dogs with complimentary doggie biscuits alongside its human clientele. Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday; 7 a.m.-midnight Friday; 8 a.m.- midnight Saturday; and 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. 704-374-9656; www.smellycatcoffee.com.

Two hours from Charlotte in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Dog House Resort, (P.O. Box 1594, Jefferson, NC 28640), a bed and breakfast catering to owners who want to vacation with their dogs, offering pet beds in rooms, a fenced-in dog park, pet boutique and massages for both dogs and owners in the spa. $149 weeknights; $179-$229 weekends. 336-977-3582; www.dog-house-resort.com.

Doggie day care

The Charlotte area is home to a growing number of doggie day cares that provide boarding facilities and a place for your pooch to get some exercise while socializing with other dogs. Here's a partial list:Camp Wagging Tails, 10835 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-895-8444; www.campwaggingtails.com.

Carolina Doggie Playland, 3111 S. Tryon St.; 704-529-7757; www.carolinadoggieplayland.com.

Club K-9 of Charlotte, 2001 N. Davidson St.; 704-376-0801;

www.clubk-9charlotte.com.

The Meadows Bed & Biscuit, 15020 Brown Mill Road, Huntersville. 704-875-8668; www.meadowsbedandbiscuit.com.

Dog parks

If you're looking for a safe place for Rover to roam, off-leash parks for dogs allow exceptions to county leash laws. Paperwork required; fees are being phased out in 2008 and vary to use off-leash areas. Details: www.parkandrec.com (click on "dog parks").

N.C. wineries ripe with fantastic varieties

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:31 EDT

An expert The Observer once invited to a tasting of N.C. wines gave this response:

"I would walk two or three miles in the hot sun to get to an Italian wine tasting," he said. "I wouldn't get on an elevator for North Carolina wines."

Today, plenty of people are going a lot farther. The state now has more than 60 wine producers and several vineyard-based tasting centers. It also has a federally recognized American Viticulture Area in the Yadkin Valley, with approval for a second, the Swan Creek AVA, expected soon. There's even an official state map and road markers to show the way.

Many of the wineries, particularly those in the Yadkin Valley and Swan Creek regions north of Charlotte, are an easy day trip. If you don't want to drive to drink, many of the wines also are available at the Yadkin Valley Wine Bar in Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and at wine stores around the city.

N.C. wineries range from small, friendly places like Rockhouse Vineyards off U.S. 74 in Tryon, with its cozy paneled tasting room, to large estates like Shelton Vineyards in Dobson. Childress Vineyards in Lexington, less than an hour from Charlotte, is owned by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and includes a shopping center and in-house restaurant.

The N.C. Wine & Grape Council offers a brochure with a map and list of all the wineries, their hours and contact information. You can download it at www.ncwine.org.

North Carolina's wine industry only looks new, however. Before Prohibition, North Carolina was the nation's largest wine producer.

Explorers with Sir Walter Raleigh reported an abundance of scuppernong grapes on the Outer Banks in 1584. The state's traditional scuppernong wines eventually became world-renowned, winning medals in Paris in 1900 and St. Louis in 1904.

Today, the sweet and distinctive taste of scuppernong is still prevalent. Other winemakers are focusing on dry varietal styles, finding niche wines that draw attention to the state.

Chambourcin, cabernet franc and riesling grapes all grow well here.

Viognier is a finicky grape that tolerates the heat and humidity of the South and is becoming a signature. Unfortunately, white wine grapes including viognier and chardonnay were heavily damaged by a disastrous spring freeze earlier this year. Winemakers are still assessing damage.

While South Carolina's wine industry is small, North Carolina's legislators have jumped to back the wine industry. The state supports wineries as a way to replace tobacco as a primary crop.

The N.C. Wine & Grape Council, supported with excise taxes on wine, was established by the state to stimulate growth.

"The legislature has been really supportive," says council executive director Margo Knight. "They understand it's agriculture and it's keeping farm land preserved."

Movie offerings go beyond the ordinary

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:02 EDT

Charlotte's movie scene is the same as many aspects of its culture: tolerable at worst, pleasurable much of the time, exciting on rare occasions.

You'll easily find Hollywood blockbusters. But multiplexes rarely play odd stuff -- your best bets are Concord Mills mall and Stonecrest at Piper Glen -- and only three places regularly avoid the ordinary: Ballantyne Village, the Manor and VisArt Video.

Ballantyne, the city's newest movie venue, offers upscale food and drinks in a comfortable setting that specializes in art-house product. It's in the "spaceship"-style building near the intersection of Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Johnston Road.

The Manor Theatre is many decades older but beloved by those who regularly visit its two screens at 609 Providence Road.

Should you miss something at either, seek it at VisArt, 1945 E. Seventh St. The store carries the region's widest selection of unusual films, along with some mainstream fare.

It has foreign films, kids' movies, concert flicks, gay and lesbian pictures, documentaries, Japanimation -- you name it.

Mecklenburg County has no drive-in, but its neighbors do. Those include two Gaston County outlets -- Belmont Drive-In, 314 McAdenville Road, and Bessemer City-Kings Mountain Drive-In, N.C. 161 -- and one Cleveland County spot, Sunset Drive-In at 3935 W. Dixon Blvd. in Shelby.

The other remnant of an older era is The Gem, 111 W. First St. in Kannapolis. Its old-fashioned facade and spacious interior recall days when more Americans went to motion pictures than to any other form of entertainment.

Half a dozen other promoters liven up the scene in Charlotte. The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, 310 N. Tryon St., shows movies in its auditorium and at nearby ImaginOn, emphasizing historic offerings. (See www.plcmc.org.)

Factory Films, the movie arm of The Light Factory, shows provocative work on a monthly basis. (See www.lightfactory.org.)

The annual Charlotte Film Festival, a blend of narrative features, documentaries and shorts, just finished its second run; see www.charlottefilmfestival.org.

It has competition from the second annual Cackalacky Film Festival Oct. 18-21, which shows a similar mix; see www.cackalackyfilmfest.com. The Real to Reel Festival in Kings Mountain runs in July and attracts international entries to its four-day event. Go to www.realtoreelfest.com.

And Dennis Darrell, who promotes short films in venues across the city, continues his pioneering work; to keep up with him, try 704-492-2519 or southerntipfilm@hotmail.com. Lawrence Toppman

is the Observer's movie critic.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:23 EDT

NOTE: Elections for at-large seats are being held in November 2007. Seven people, including all incumbents, are competing for the three spots.

Joe "Coach" White,

chairman, at-large.

Retired educator.

704-542-2192.

Joe.White@cms.k12.nc.us

Kaye McGarry, at-large.

Educator, author,

professional speaker

and consultant.

704-366-8971.

Kaye.McGarry@cms.k12.nc.us

Trent Merchant, at-large.

Executive search consultant.

704-517-9747.

Trent.Merchant@cms.k12.nc.us

Larry Gauvreau, District 1.

Publisher, Rhinoceros Times newspaper.

704-338-1028.

Larry.Gauvreau@cms.k12.nc.us

Vilma Leake, District 2.

Retired teacher.

704-971-2058.

Vilma.Leake@cms.k12.nc.us

George Dunlap, District 3.

Retired police officer.

704-597-5980.

gdunlap@bellsouth.net

Tom Tate, District 4.

Pastor.

704-502-3093.

Tom.Tate@cms.k12.nc.us

Molly Griffin, vice chair,

District 5.

Lawyer, currently

not practicing.

704-376-5524.

Molly.Griffin@cms.k12.nc.us

Ken Gjertsen, District 6.

Market information manager, Bank of America.

704-293-3728.

Ken.Gjertsen@cms.k12.nc.us

NOTE: Elections for at-large seats are being held in November 2007. Seven people, including all incumbents, are competing for the three spots.

The Carolinas' media leader

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:59 EDT

Charlotte is the Carolinas' biggest media market, and a national hub for sports, religious and commercial television production.

Fox's Speed motorsports channel, available in more than 75 million households, is based here, as is the religious-oriented Inspiration Networks, which reach more than 20 million households.

Lincoln Financial Sports and ESPN run regional sports operations from Charlotte, and ESPN's college sports channel is based here.

Area production companies produce commercials, episodes for home-improvement shows and NASCAR-related programs.

There are 1 million homes in the 22-county television market, which stretches from the Virginia border to Chester, S.C. The market is served by seven major commercial stations and three public stations.

WBTV (CBS, Channel 3) is the oldest TV station in the Carolinas, dating to 1949. WSOC-TV (ABC, Channel 9) signed on in 1957.

Local news programming is extensive, with newscasts on six stations and News 14 Carolina, a 24-hour news station on Time Warner Cable known for its "Weather on the Ones" feature.

WSOC's "Eyewitness News" format is quick-paced, and it leads in the ratings in the morning and evening.

WBTV's newscasts are No. 1 at midday and in late news. The station is known for coverage of the government and political scene.

WCNC-TV (NBC, Channel 36) attracts the most upscale audience in Mecklenburg and is a frequent local news Emmy winner in regional broadcast competitions. It is the Observer's news partner, meaning Observer reporters sometimes collaborate with WCNC on stories.

Three stations also offer a newscast at 10 p.m., an area of growth in local programming.

WCCB delivers "Fox News at Ten," aimed at a younger crowd, followed by a pop-culture magazine show, "Fox News Edge."

WAXN-TV (Channel 64) airs "Action News" produced by sister station WSOC.

WJZY-TV (CW, Channel 46) airs "WBTV News 3 at 10 on WJZY," produced by Channel 3.

TV/RADIO Mark

Washburn

More Fun for Kids of All Ages

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:36 EDT

AMUSEMENT/EXPLORATION

Blast Extreme Fun Center: Inflatables, paint ball, miniature golf, rock climbing wall. For all ages. 4301 South Boulevard; 704-525-5525. www.blastfuncenter.comCarowinds: 105 acres straddling the North Carolina/South Carolina border off Interstate 77 with 60 rides, attractions and shows, including a water park and a Nickelodeon theme park. Season generally runs from March to November. 800-888-4FUN; www.carowinds.com

Duke Power Energy Explorium: Virtual tours of McGuire Nuclear Station, a nature trail. Located at the McGuire Nuclear Station, 13339 Hagers Ferry Road at Lake Norman, Huntersville; 704-875-5600

Monkey Joe's Parties and Play: Play center aimed at kids ages 1-10. Includes toddler zone, private party rooms and parents' lounge. Locations in Matthews, Pineville, Lake Norman. www.monkeyjoesnc.com

NASCAR Speedpark: Six tracks, laser tag, bumper boats, rock climbing wall and more. 8461-G1 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord Mills mall; 704-979-6770; www.nascarspeedpark.com

Ray's Splash Planet: Indoor water park operated by Mecklenburg County's parks department. Ride the slides, circulate in the current pool, get doused with buckets or do the dousing with squirt guns. 215 N. Sycamore St.; 704-432-4RAY; www.parkandrec.com (click "Ray's Splash Planet")

BOWLING

Carolina Lanes, 11210 Brigman Road, Matthews; 704-841-7606

Centennial Lanes, 4501 South Blvd.; 704-527-0333

George Pappas' Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive; 704-523-7633

Northcross Lanes At The Lake, 16317 Statesville Road, Huntersville; 704-892-7177

University Lanes, 5900 N. Tryon St.; 704-596-4736

MINIATURE GOLF

The Golf Village, 400 North Polk St., Pineville; 704-889-5086

Leatherman Golf Learning Center, 5845 S. Tryon St.; 704-527-1123

Paradise Valley Miniature Golf, 110 Barton Creek Drive; 704- 548-1808

SKATING

Kate's Skating Rinks: Several area locations offering lessons, camps, private parties and theme nights. 1151 Skating Rink Dr., Gastonia, 704-864-0201; 14500 E. Independence Blvd., Indian Trail, 704-821-7465; 1530 Celanese Rd., Rock Hill, S.C.; 803-329-5283

Pineville Ice House: Public skating, skating lessons, hockey leagues and birthday parties. 400 Towne Centre Blvd., Pineville; 704-889-9000; www.icehouserinks.com

Starlight Roller Rink: Roller-skating; 8830 E. Harris Blvd.; 704-568-5700; www.starlightrollerrink.com

OUTDOORS

Mecklenburg parks at www.parkandrec.com

Reedy Creek Park: 2900 Rocky River Road,807 acres of trails, creeks, ponds.

McAlpine Creek Park and Greenway: 8711 Monroe Road, creekside walking trail and dog park.

Cane Creek Park: 1,050 acres surrounding a 350-acre lake with a variety of fish. Largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie await area fishermen. Campers can bunk at one of six rustic cabins or a variety of campsites. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors enjoy swimming, pedal boats and miniature golf. 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw, 704-843-3919.

MUSEUMS

For a list of area museums and other cultural attractions, see pp. 164-65.

| Fun, frugal can go together

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:36 EDT

I write about money for the Generation X and Y sets. I occasionally splurge -- like on an $8 glass of wine instead of $6 -- but mostly I'm pretty frugal.

And, since moving to Charlotte in 2003, my even-more-prudent husband and I have discovered several of the area's low- and no-cost ways to have fun. Check them out if you're up for a cheap date.

• McDowell Nature Center & Preserve, Charlotte. We took a picnic lunch, hit some trails and then looked at some snakes inside the nature center. On weekends and holidays, cost of admission is just $3 for a car licensed in Mecklenburg county and $5 for all others. All other days are free. There's camping too. For more info, go to www.parkandrec.com and click on "Nature Preserves."

• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont. This is another great spot for a picnic lunch. The flowers are beautiful. Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12. Info: www.dsbg.org.

• The Belmont Drive-In Theatre, Belmont. Once after a trip to the botanical garden, my hubby and I had a modestly priced meal at a bar in downtown Belmont followed by a trip to the drive-in. We've also eaten at the drive-in, which has reasonably priced concessions -- including hamburgers and hotdogs -- that easily beat out regular movie theaters. You'll see double features of current movies. Admission: $8 a carload. Info: www.belmontdrivein.us.

• NoDa's gallery crawl, Charlotte. Charlotte's historic arts district has gallery crawls on Friday and Saturday nights. It's free -- unless you end up buying the next Picasso. Info: www.noda.org.

• Kannapolis Intimidators, Kannapolis. We wanted to be able to tell people we'd seen the Intimidators play. The single-A baseball team was named for NASCAR's famously bad-tempered Dale Earnhardt, who hailed from Kannapolis. Minor league baseball is also fun on a budget. The most expensive ticket is $7, with $4 for general admission seats in the bleachers. There are discounts for children. More info: www.intimidatorsbaseball.com.

• Crowders Mountain State Park, Gastonia. The trails are strenuous -- and free -- and at the top offer a glimpse of Charlotte's skyline. You can camp too. Info: www.crowdersmountain.com.

Next on our list: the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte (www.usnwc.org), where the hiking and biking trails -- but not the rafting -- are free.

OUT OF THE RED Amy

Baldwin

Charlotte accessible for the disabled

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:15 EDT

Resources for children and adults with disabilities abound in the Charlotte area.

Several organizations provide training on skills such as driving, independent living, adaptive equipment use and software and hardware use.

Julia Sain, executive director of Disability Rights & Resources (formerlyPrograms for Accessible Living), advises that people moving to Charlotte from another state should check what Medicaid will pay for since the program's terms vary from state to state.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Charlotte hosts a four-week academic summer camp, said LDAC's Mary Ellis. Along with Exceptional Children's Assistance Center, they provide other educational workshops and newsletters. Several transportation companies offer special services for people with disabilities.

The Therapeutic Recreation Division of Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation provides more than 250 programs for individuals with disabilities, while the Allegro Foundation provides movement education classes for children with disabilities.

The Broadway Lights Series at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center provides Sunday matinees with sign-interpreted performances for the hearing impaired and audio-described performances for people who are blind.

Resources for Disabled

N.C. DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND: Provides services and information about training, employment, medical information, technology and daily living skills.www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb/

Charlotte District Office, 1-800-422-1895,

• Carolinas Rehabilitation (Driving School for the Disabled)

Provides training services for a variety of physical, cognitive and emotional limitations. Offers classroom training, on-the-road evaluations and access to adaptive driving systems.

www.carolinashealthcare.org/services/rehab/cir/Driving.cfm

800-634-2256

LIFESPAN INC.: Provides education, employment and enrichment opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Lifespan recently acquired Joshua's Farm, a therapeutic horseback riding facility.

www.lifespanservices.org/

704-944-5100

MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: Provides in-home aid services and adult social work services. Offers the services of a team of social workers that puts people in touch with a variety of service providers and organizations, available directly by calling Just1Call at 704-432-1111.

www.charmeck.org/Departments/Just1Call/ Home.htm

www.charmeck.org/Departments/DSS/Home.htm

704-353 1500

CAROLINA COMPUTER ACCESS CENTER (CCAC): Provides assistive technology (AT) demonstrations, software and hardware training, a lending library with software and books, as well as computer refurbishing and redistribution to people with disabilities. Serves all ages and disabilities.

http://ccac.ataccess.org

ccacnc@carolina.rr.com

METROLINA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND (MAB): Provides support, training, adaptive devices/equipment, transportation, orientation and mobility instruction for individuals with vision impairments.

www.mabnc.org

704-372-3870

EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN'S ASSISTANCE CENTER (ECAC): Provides training and information for parents of children with special needs. Offers educational workshops, a quarterly newsletter, lending library and parent-to-parent support.

www.ecac-parentcenter.org

704-892-1321

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF CHARLOTTE (LDAC): Offers academic summer programs for students with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as workshops and a quarterly newsletter.

www.ldac.org

704-542-0470

DISABILITY RIGHTS & RESOURCES (FORMERLY PROGRAMS FOR ACCESSIBLE LIVING): Provides information and referrals, peer mentoring and training of independent living skills for people with disabilities.

www.disability-rights.org/

704-537-0550 (V/TTY) or 800-755-5749

RESIDENTIAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES INC.: Provides residential services and community support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

www.rssweb.org/

704-536-6661

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION DIVISION OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION: Offers more than 250 recreational and leisure programs for people with disabilities.

www.parkandrec.com, click on "Inside the department," then "Therapeutics division."

704-527-0237

ALLEGRO FOUNDATION: Provides free movement education classes for children with disabilities.

www.allegrofoundation.net

704-412-5229

THE ARC OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY INC.: Provides information, referrals and advocacy for people with mental retardation.

www.arcmeck.org

704-332-4535

BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER -- BROADWAY LIGHTS SERIES: Provides sign language and audio description at Sunday matinees.

www.performingartsctr.org/preview/index.asp

www.blumenthalcenter.org

704-372-1000

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESOURCES: Provides residential and non-residential care for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

www.ddrinc.org

704-573-9777

COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS (merger of Council for Children and Children's Law Center): Represents children with special education, health-care and mental health needs in meetings with school, social services and court officials.

www.cfcrights.org/

704-372-7961

N.C. DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE DEAF AND THE HARD OF HEARING, CHARLOTTE REGIONAL CENTER:

Advocates for equal access to housing, medical care, education, technology, legal and financial assistance, communication equipment and interpreting.

704-568-8558 (Voice); 704-568-8505 (TTY)

BEGINNINGS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING: Provides emotional, technical and educational support to parents of children, birth through age 21, who are deaf and hard of hearing and to professionals serving those families.

www.ncbegin.org

704-566-0145 (Voice and TTY)

TRANSPORTATION

A-1 WHEELCHAIR PATIENT TRANSPORT: 704-333-9741

WITHERS TRANSPORTATION:

www.witherstransportation.com/

704-377-3263

CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM, SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Riding+CATS/STS.htm

704-336-RIDE (7433)

DUNSON TRANSPORTATION: 704-605-5719

Style Files: Charlotte's look

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:15 EDT

Ginny Sumerell

When Ginny Sumerell opened Our Place 30 years ago in Providence Square, her current location in Sharon Corners near SouthPark mall didn't even exist. Sumerell considers the specialty clothing store an art form that reflects the work of creative people. "Other than my family and children and my religion, this is where I get my enthusiasm." What are three words that describe you? "Tailored, creative and, probably for 62, I'm daring."

What color do you never wear? "I usually wear black and white. Sometimes I'll stretch into brown. It is easy, and I don't have to think about it."

Do you wear designer clothes? "No. Labels are not that much (among) my generation."

Tell me something good about getting older. "I look at all the waves we've been riding through life and you realize that you've survived so much, there's not too much you can't survive, and that it wasn't a bad ride."

Kelly Finley

Kelly Finley, 34, is a lecturer in gender studies at UNC Charlotte, where she teaches four classes. Her sense of style reflects her philosophy: "You can be feminine and feminist. You can be intelligent and feel beautiful. You can be youthful but wise."

Describe your look in three words: "Bohemian, professional, rebel."

Where do you shop? "Anywhere from Target to Junior League Wearhouse.... If I can make the conscious decision, I would rather not participate as a consumer at purchasing way-overpriced goods when I know that some woman on the other side of the world was paid 40 cents to make them."

Where do you like to shop for shoes? "Rat's Nest (in NoDa). They have awesome vintage boots."

Any advice for women? "Whatever you do to your face, your hair, your body, must make you feel beautiful. It if hurts, if it doesn't feel authentic, don't do it. I would encourage women to be more individual. And certainly never follow any rules."

Thomas Kirkley

Thomas Kirkley, 35, a former electrical design engineer, teaches honors algebra and honors geometry at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. Kirkley and his wife, Tameka, have three children. "I have a big heart for kids. Especially teenagers," says Kirkley, a Charlotte native.

Describe your look in three words: "Creative, innovative and sharp."

How has your style changed since you switched careers? "Anything that is innovative or over the top, I like to wear. There is a certain way that people expect a teacher to look and I didn't even want to think about looking that way."

Where do you like to shop? For clothes, K&G Menswear and Vilanto Menswear. For shoes, Off Broadway. "They have everything from Adidas to Stacy Adams to Rockports."

Have you been able to apply your sense of style in the school system? An example is a step team he started at Hopewell High. "I would always say `You are your presentation.' We started dressing in the old-style Capone hats, suspenders, and same color shirts and wide-legged baggie pants. We started in red and black. And we always won first or second in presentation or best dressed."

Newcomers bring international flair

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:38 EDT

People rarely talk of Charlotte as an international city, but a lot has changed as the city has become a key player in the world's financial arena.

Newcomers are not only coming from the Northeast, but from places such as Chile, India and Japan.

It doesn't take long to recognize how these new immigrants have helped expand and enrich the local culture.

You can find handmade Moroccan dinnerware or catch an African dance performance at Pura Vida Worldly Art in Plaza-Midwood. Foodies can pick up an authentic Banh Mi ("Vietnamese hoagie") at Le's Banh Mi inside Asian Corners on North Tryon Street.

The city hosts as many as 70 ethnic festivals a year. More than 10,000 Charlotte-Mecklenburg students come from 102 countries and speak 83 languages.

"Your neighbors now can be from Asia, South America or Africa," said Nini Bautista, a Filipino native who serves as chairwoman of the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "It's becoming a real international city."

The county's Hispanic population alone has grown 791 percent in 15 years.

International newcomers will find organizations such as the Mayor's International Cabinet, International House and the Latin American Coalition great resources.

Throughout the spring and summer, local parks are filled with international festivals, such as the Latin American Festival.

One of the international community's more popular theatrical events is the spring performance of Dances of India, the local troupe that dances to stories more than 2,000 years old about the epics of Indian mythology.

"It's great big little city," Bautista said. "You have the opera, the symphony, yet you don't get the hustle and bustle of big cities. People are so friendly. Strangers are really friends you're just about to meet."

Home prices in center / west Charlotte

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:17 EDT

Average prices for single-family homes sold through Carolina Multiple Listing Services in selected areas through the first half of 2007 (map, page 95):

28202 (uptown): $480,807

First Ward: $507,675

Third Ward: $373,333

28203 (Dilworth area): $550,001

Dilworth: $632,305

Wilmore: $229,483

28204 (elizabeth AREA): $415,067

Cherry: $175,667

Elizabeth: $453,660

28205 (Plaza-midwood AREA): $204,642

Chantilly: $306,123

Commonwealth: $222,430

Country Club: $165,771

Midwood: $342,505

Villa Heights: $146,492

Windsor Park: $105,090

28206 (NORTH CHARLOTTE): $99,385

Belmont: $117,263

Druid Hills: $51,300

Graham Heights: $56,333

Greenville: $103,666

The Arts District: $246,214

Tryon Hills: $60,167

28207 (MYERS PARK, EASTOVER): $1,112,048

Eastover: $1,116,659

Elizabeth: $336,500

Myers Park: $1,149,337

28208 (WEST

CHARLOTTE): $90,703

Ashley Park: $78,680

Enderly Park: $78,243

Mulberry Pond: $121,899

Wesley Heights: $248,550

Westchester: $87,093

Westerly Hills: $70,675

28209 (south charlotte): $408,628

Barclay Downs: $436,400

Colonial Village: $219,945

Madison Park: $219,476

Sedgefield: $336,341

Selwyn Park: $166,414

28211 (COTSWOLD, SOUTH CHARLOTTE): $588,466

Cotswold: $500,297

Foxcroft: $1,612,902

Sherwood Forest: $343,625

Stonehaven: $259,604

Waverly Hall: $162,725

28214 (west mecklenburg): $145,005

Brookmere: $122,447

Forest Pawtuckett: $110,404

Northwoods: $131,923

Riverbend: $211,102

28216 (northeast charlotte): $143,080

Glenhaven: $138,159

Keeneland: $156,400

Oakdale Green: $123,174

28217 (WEST, SOUTHWEST CHARLOTTE): $114,519

Clanton Park: $66,868

McDowell Meadows: $133,817

Sullivans Trace: $136,200

28273 (STEELE CREEK AREA): $161,400

Huntington Forest: $261,793

Steelechase: $159,557

Yorkshire: $160,731

28278 (SOUTHWEST MECKLENBURG): $294,521

Berewick at Buckland: $253,340

The Palisades: $933,558

Steelecroft: $147,081

Waterlyn: $210,375