Assisted Living & Memory Care Facility Comes to Southwest Charlotte

The Crossings at Steele Creek has officially opened and I was there for the Grand Opening on July 22.  Let me tell you, the facility is expansive yet very inviting and cozy. Approximately 38,000 square feet, 90 beds, two dining rooms, several sitting areas with fireplaces and I saved the best for last, a spa & hair salon. They have a beautifully landscaped enclosed courtyard, perfect for catching up with friends & family or just to enjoy the day. The décor is similar to what some of the residents would have had at home, making the transition to living there a little easier. From speaking to the staff, one of their main focus is to make the transition to assisted living as smooth as possible. It’s never easy for anyone involved. They seem to have focused on the positive yet empathetic to the individual. Very nice! 

 So that’s the place, let me get back to the Grand Opening. The staff did a phenomenal job with the Tropical theme. They showcased the staff chef’s hors d’oeuvres along with some amazing desserts.  I may have made more than one trip….the plates were small. The gentleman playing the steel drums was a perfect touch. 

The staff was very welcoming. I got the sense from the minute I walked in everyone one there had a purpose and that purpose was take care of those entering another chapter in life.  

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact Zoe Tasker, Sales & Marketing Director at 704.705.2727. 

What's for Dinner Fort Mill???

You're exhausted at the end of the day and the last thing you have a taste for, is food from a franchise? Not to worry I, have just the place for you. The next time in you’re in Fort Mill, head over to Local Dish on Main St. It was once a hidden gem and now the word’s gotten out. Owner John Colwell opened the restaurant back in 2012.  John and Chef Neil Bratton, formerly of The Fish Market in Baxter, have created a menu of Southern specialties with a twist. The “twist” and the use of fresh ingredients from local farms is the main reason the food is superior to others in the area.

FRIED Shrimp Po'Boy 

Let me tell you how I happened to find this hidden gem. It was a Saturday night out with the ladies. A little painting & wine at the Painted Parrot in Fort Mill and a quick bite to eat at the fast food joint down the street. As we began out trek to our dining destination, we noticed a crowd beginning to form in the middle of Main St., 217 S. Main to be exact, Local Dish. As we walked closer we noticed folks clamoring to get inside the restaurant. The ladies looked at each other and without saying a word we were inside waiting to be seated at the ….. you guessed it, bar.  We were greeted by John the owner and a wonderful waiter, who immediately made us feel right at home, explained the menu and took our order.

Shrimp Pasta - To Die For!

The food was delicious! Can I use another word to describe it? Memorable!! 

Local Dish is a restaurant with an atmosphere that reminds me of a diner from a small town. You know, a Thelma & Louise type of diner.  The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and oh so welcoming.

The food is Southern style with a twist. I can bet you will be recommending Local Dish to your friends & family. Next time you ask “What’s for Dinner?,” head over to Local Dish @ 217 Main St., Fort Mill, SC.

P.S. Dinners at home on Sundays, they're closed.

The Staff @ Local Dish

Firefighters' Burned Children Fund - Fire Station #37

 Did you know that Fire Station #37, 13828 S. Tryon, Charlotte,  collects aluminum cans for the “Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund, Inc” ? Well, they do!

The Firefighters’ Burned children’s Fund is a non-profit organization that was created in 1989 by local firefighters to support burned children in North Carolina. The collected cans are sold to local recycling centers. The proceeds pay for non-medical equipment such as pediatric wheelchairs, exercise equipment, and the development and implementation of burn prevention programs. Possibly the most important thing this organization provides is a little bit of happiness during a traumatic time in a young child’s life. Teddy Bears and Toy Fire truck are also on the list of non-medical equipment! These guys are awesome!

So the next time you head to the recycle bin with an aluminum can, place it in a separate bag and drop it off at the trailer in front of your local Fire Station. The firefighters and young burn victims will love you for it.
For more information please visit Firefighters' Burned Children Fund

More Than Just Cupcakes!

More Than Just Cupcakes!!

After coming out of a self induced Valentine candy coma, I decided it was time to check out SAS Cupcakes.

If you think you are walking into a typical bakery, you are wrong. This place screams of pure, sweet indulgence, glitter, feathers and PINK!!! Pink everywhere! The shelves are filled with great one-of-a-kind gifts for adults and children of all ages. If you are looking for something pink with feathers, chances are you will find it here. Perfect Diva Store! Will need to remember this, I do know some Divas.

Let me enlighten you about this happy place. It all began in Newark, Delaware in 2007, by a husband and wife team. I read the husband, Mike (Sweet) makes the cupcakes  and his wife Tara (Sassy) makes the frosting. Sweet-N-Sassy. Get it, The name was eventually changed to SAS Cupcakes.

They are the original cupcake shipping company.  A bit of trivia, you never know when you may need it. Rumor has it (true) SAS was hired by Victoria Secret to ship 40,000 cupcakes to all of their stores for a national promotion. Can you believe 40,000 pink, perfect  cupcakes shipped on the same day?

Speaking of exceptional delivery, Kaitlyn the store manager told me a story about receiving a call from a desperate  bride in need of a wedding cake. No problem. SAS cupcakes were delivered and saved the day! SAS Cupcakes are proud to say they never miss a deadline. Talk about customer service!

There is no doubt in my mind they make a great cupcake, but they are also a great resource for marketing promotions for large or small business, school functions, fundraisers, or in my case a great dessert for any open houses I’m hosting! What a great way to say Thank You to someone! They do have designers ready to help with your business needs.

Thinking of having a party? How can you not when you walk into this place. They do parties!!! Ladies Night Out. Bring in a bottle of wine, and some friends, they will supply the cupcakes.  This may need to be on my bucket list.

Yes, they do children’s parties, bridal/baby showers - any excuse for a party.

SAS also gives back to the community!. Any cupcakes left at the end of the day are delivered to the Charlotte fire department on S. Tryon in Steele Creek. Thank you for keeping our firemen happy.

On my way out the door, Kaitlyn presented me with box of cupcakes to take home.

Let me say the cupcakes are special. They are not your typical cupcake that you peel off paper and devour. The best way to describe a SAS cupcake is, it’s  a small scale cake that should be placed on a plate, eaten with a fork and enjoyed, with a glass of milk or…..a glass of wine. Ummm. A great way to end a day! By the way all cupcakes are $2.00 on Tuesdays. You can follow them on Facebook.

SAS Cupcakes is more than a cupcakery. It’s a place that gives back to the community, helps promote your business and when you just need to add little bit of joy to your day…. grab a cupcake! SAS Cupcakes at Rivergate.

Thank you Kaitlyn for taking the time to tell me all about SAS Cupcakes.

SASCupcakes.com

The Wine Shop at Rivergate.

After driving past this small and unassuming place, located on a corner in the Rivergate shopping center, I thought I’d drag my husband to one of their free wine tastings on Saturday afternoons. What did we have to lose? Free wine on a Saturday afternoon sounded like a great idea.

As we entered, we were immediately greeted by Justin, our wine steward.  Justin is awesome! He definitely knows his wines and wineries. Best of all he is not a hmm …..wine snob! We talked about what we liked and what we didn’t and he suggested a perfect bottle. I’ve been to wine tastings before and I have never had this type of attention or interest.  So far, so good.

After the wine tasting we wandered over to the cooler and discovered the Wine Shop not only carries a large selection of wines, it has an extensive selection of beers. Over 150 beers in fact.   Not too shabby. Oh, I almost forgot, they also sell cigars. Their smoking room is located on the outside patio, in case you were wondering.

They also serve food, a Sunday Brunch and on occasion, special Wine and Beer dinners. I have never eaten here, but am sure it would be delicious. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they do feature live Jazz music. This is a great way to enjoy the wine you tasted on Saturday!

What makes this place different from the other Wine Shops in town? Several things, but the most important, this is more than a sit down drinking/eating establishment. This is a place where the staff is knowledgeable about both beers and wines. It seems their sole purpose is to focus on enhancing your wine and beer experience. They truly are educating the public and that’s refreshing.  If you have been or are playing on going, I’d love to hear your comments!

Please check their website for more info www.TheWineShopatRivergate.com.

Steele Creek in Transition!

Steele Creek in Transition!

Steele Creek is a little bit country and a little bit…..urban! The area is one of the fastest growing areas in Charlotte. A 32.4% increase in growth within the past year! New construction is booming and home prices are increasing. Why such an interest in this place? Lots of reasons. It’s a great blend of country and urban lifestyles, with amenities such as shopping areas with upscale dining, outdoor activities for families, and an excellent healthcare facility, the CMC- Carolina Hospital on the corner of Steel Creek and Tryon. Additionally, there’s an industrial park that is home to several large companies, including Microsoft and Siemens, and the Charlotte Douglas International airport is only minutes away. This place has it all. There is no need to venture far from home to enjoy life!

Now for those of you who love statistics, here you go. Steele Creek is approximately 46 square miles and is located in the southwestern corner of Charlotte. Not all of Steele Creek resides within the city limits of Charlotte. That area is in the jurisdiction of Steele Creek Township, which means….NO city taxes. Did I mention this is a great place! Steele Creek borders Lake Wylie to the west, South Carolina to the south, continues west to Sugar Creek and I-77 and north to the southern portion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll begin to post blogs about area shops, dining and information from the Steele Creek Residents association. Big doings in Steele Creek in the future. Widening of 160 and the much anticipated Outlet Mall. I’ll keep you posted. If you have comments or suggestions, let me know!

Lovin Steele Creek

What's to love?  I don't know!!!! Over the next few weeks/months I plan on visiting, posting pictures and blogging about area restaurants, shops, activities and anything else I discover about this up and coming area of Charlotte.

Being new to Charlotte, well. . . new to the "South" (northern transplant), I'm curious to see what makes this place tick. During my discovery, I plan to make new friends, gain weight by eating out, go broke from all the shopping, hopefully shed a few pounds by taking advantage of the recreational areas and share with all of you what makes Steele Creek a great place.