Tess Allen

3 days ago | charlottemagazine.com | Tess Allen

An abomination, a declaration, and an innovation Sometimes,the present reflects the past and future, too. Here’s a sampling of events, a planned project, and a video game (really!) that touch on what our city’s been and what it aims to be. When Charlotte software engineer Mike Ramirez joked with some friends that he was going to make a video game about notorious Exit 3A on Interstate 277, they were so enthusiastic that he got to work.

2 weeks ago | charlottemagazine.com | Tess Allen

Live the sweet life at this new Turks and Caicos resort You pass through The Strand’s security gate and pull up to an open-air reception where you’re greeted, White Lotus-style, by friendly staff with a cold towel and a drink. I could get used to this, you think.And you will, for as long as you’re here. The Strand opened in November on Providenciales, or “Provo,” as the locals call it.

2 weeks ago | charlottemagazine.com | Tess Allen

The best things to do and see around the Queen City These events give you a good excuse to check out places that won BOB Awards—not that you need one. Friday, May 9, Resident Culture South EndThink you’re the best at beer pong? Find out at Resident Culture’s monthly double-elimination tourney. You’ll have fun even if you don’t win a prize, and competitors and spectators alike are invited to enjoy barbecue, beer, and cocktails.

3 weeks ago | charlottemagazine.com | Tess Allen

Less cookie-cutter, more custom As demand for townhomes soars, local experts spotlight the trends that shape their design, and home features in general that buyers are seeking now. Newer townhomes are less likely to look copied and pasted than older units, according to Andrea Seymour, co-founder and CEO of Springdale Custom Builders. Her team recently completed a six-unit townhome building in Plaza Midwood.

4 weeks ago | charlottemagazine.com | Amanda Howard |Tess Allen |Taylor Bowler |Gavin Edwards

EAT: The Best in Food & Dining in CharlotteThe decor is clutch, the service top-notch, and the food absurdly good. But we’d expect nothing less from Joe and Katy Kindred, the couple behind Kindred, Milkbread, and Hello, Sailor. They opened this Mediterranean-meets-Southern restaurant in September on the ground floor of the Duke Energy Building uptown, and it might be their finest work.