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Retirement Spotlight: Mount Airy, NC

Located near the North Carolina/Virginia border, Mount Airy is one of the most unique destinations in all of the Carolinas because it is better known by another name: Mayberry.

This small community in North Carolina wine country was the original home of TV star Andy Griffith, and it is believed to be the inspiration behind the famous town of Mayberry that we saw on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry RFD.

A stroll through downtown Mount Airy will definitely bear a striking resemblance to Mayberry, but there is much more to the area underneath its appeal to Andy Griffith fans. The location also offers access to exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, natural landmarks like Pilot Mountain, and the original home of bluegrass music.

Mount Airy History

The history of Mount Airy dates back to the 1750’s when it was a popular stop on the road from Winston-Salem, North Carolina up to Galax, Virginia.

The name was borrowed from a nearby plantation, and the city was officially incorporated in 1885. Furniture making, textiles, and a local granite quarry have all been important to the area economy over the years.

Mount Airy Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Mount Airy is all about embracing the small town atmosphere that Mayberry represents, and the best dive right into that lifestyle is to sign up for a Mayberry Squad Car Tour. This will take you past many of the local treasures like the Mount Airy Visitors Center, Andy’s Homeplace, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, the Old Jail, and the Andy Griffith Museum.

Mount Airy is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, and you will find more than 40 wineries, distilleries, and breweries surrounding the community. Known as “Napa of the East,” there is a nearly endless amount of local wine to enjoy here.

Mount Airy Culture

Mayberry also plays a central role in the culture of Mount Airy, and there are always events and activities happening at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and the Andy Griffith Museum. These two attractions are located right next door to each other and are filled with possibilities for locals who want to participate in the arts, culture, and history of the region.

Residents can also catch performances at the Blackmon Amphitheatre and the Historic Earle Theatre, and there is even more local history on display at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

Mount Airy Shopping

In a town with as much interesting history as Mount Airy, it should come as no surprise that shopping for antiques is a popular way to spend a day. There are more than a dozen local antique dealers that are constantly rotating their inventories, so no shopping trip is ever the same.

Sweets are also a favorite item for shoppers in Mount Airy, and you can find plenty of them to choose from at Bear Creek Gifts and Fudge Factory, Opie’s Candy Store, and Prudence McCabe Confections.

Mount Airy Dining

The Mount Airy dining scene offers up something for just about everyone to enjoy. People who enjoy the classic small-town dining experience will feel right at home at Snappy Lunch or the Mill Creek General Store, but there are also international options like Thai Cafe and Chile Rojo to keep things fresh.

Located just a bit outside of downtown Mount Airy is where you will find dinner spots like Chase & Charli and 13 Bones. Chase & Charli has a fantastic seafood menu with a great view of the water, and 13 Bones is the place for steaks and ribs.

Nearby Communities

The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community, located about 90 minutes southwest of Mt. Airy. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The Coves Mountain River Club offers all of these qualities in a single 3,600 acre gated community, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock.

Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback. With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

You can request more information here.

While there are some more modern options when it comes to dining, the rest of Mount Airy is all about celebrating a simpler time and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with that. So if you have always dreamed of living in Mayberry, Mount Airy is the perfect destination for you.

48 Hours in Charlotte

South, Travel

Located in south-central North Carolina, Charlotte is a sprawling city of unique neighborhoods that is absolutely packed full of fun and exciting things to see and do. Whether you are looking for arts and culture, outdoor activities, professional sports, or just a great meal, the Queen City has got you covered.

To introduce you to some of the best that Charlotte has to offer, we put together a three-day itinerary that will take you through some of the city’s greatest hits and expose you to a number of different things you might want to explore further on follow-up trips.

Day One – BBQ, Tours, The Cellar, and Cocktails

There are going to be a lot of choose-your-own-adventure options during our stay in Charlotte, but lunch on our first day is not going to be one of them. Welcome to North Carolina, now let’s get you some decent BBQ. Midwood Smokehouse is one of the top rated BBQ joints in all of Charlotte, and you can’t make a trip to the Carolinas without getting some pulled pork.

Once we have our bellies full of some good Q, it’s time to get out and tour the city. And the three best ways to do that are Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours, Queen City Rides, and Charlotte Comedy City Tour. Depending on your preference for horse-drawn carriages, stretch golf carts, or raunchy comedy, you can pick the option that sounds most appealing.

For dinner on our first night in Charlotte, we’re heading underground to The Cellar at Duckworth’s. This American gastropub will blow your mind with their high-end versions of classics like Hand Cut Truffle Fries, Tuna Tartare, and Lamb Chops. You’ll also want to try their House-Made Waffle Cones that come filled with Pone Poke Tuna, Coconut Shrimp, and Sriracha Honey Chicken.

The cocktail menu at The Cellar at Duckworth’s is quite impressive, but when you are ready for a change of scenery, The Cotton Room is just a short Uber ride down the road, and the cocktail craftsmen here will blow your mind with their creations. No matter what your drink preference, there is something new and creative for everyone to try here.

Day Two – Museums, BBQ, Nature, Fine Dining, and Live Jazz

Our second day in Charlotte is going to kick off with a visit to either the NASCAR Hall of Fame or the Billy Graham Library. If you are a race fan or a religious person, this will be an easy choice, but each of these attractions is popular among a much broader base of visitors than you would initially expect, which is why they both rank highly on just about every list of things to do in Charlotte.

For lunch today, we are going to try a very different type of BBQ from what you would expect here in North Carolina. Seoul Food Meat Co. prefers to be known as a southern BBQ restaurant with heavy Korean influences, which means that you are going to get some amazing pork belly and kimchi here. And don’t forget to order the Soy Garlic Wings!

Since we are going to need to work off some calories before dinner, the next stop on our 48-hour tour of Charlotte is either going to be the U.S. National Whitewater Center or Freedom Park. Adventure junkies will jump at the chance to go whitewater rafting on the Catawba River, and those of us who are a little calmer can opt to enjoy the sights and sounds of a calm stroll through Freedom Park.

We’re going classy for our second dinner in Charlotte with reservations at The Fig Tree. The menu here will feature a seasonal selection of French and Italian inspired dishes where seafood and chops are always the stars of the show. You can feel free to order anything off of the menu, but the Elk Chop is the dish that gets the most compliments.

After dinner, we’re heading over to The Imperial where you can almost always enjoy some live jazz music along with one of their famous signature cocktails. And if you need help selecting something from their menu, start off with a Royal Apple Mule, which comes with a flaming lime boat!

Day Three – More Museums, Brunch, and Shopping

On our third day in Charlotte, we are going to start with a trip to either the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art or the Levine Museum of the New South. Whether your preference is for modern art or the history of Charlotte, both of these options will get your mind moving in a way that only Charlotte can.

And once your mind is running, it’s time for one of the best brunches in the area at Haberdish. They like to call themselves a “Mill Town Kitchen,” but we tend to think of Haberdish as THE place in Charlotte for fried chicken, waffles, and biscuits…preferably all mixed together with a healthy side of grits.

Our last stop before leaving Charlotte will be one of the outstanding shopping areas you can find located around the city. If mall shopping is your preference, you can stop at the SouthPark Mall, the Northlake Mall, or the Carolina Place Mall. And if you would rather have a more boutique shopping experience, then head down to NoDa for an eclectic collection of shopping options.

Where to Stay in Charlotte

If your preference is to stay right in the heart of Charlotte, then it doesn’t get much better than the accommodations you will find at The Westin Charlotte. And anytime you can take advantage of sleeping on one of those glorious Westin Heavenly Beds, you should absolutely do it!

Another option that offers more of a resort feel is The Ballantyne Hotel, which provides the ultimate in southern hospitality mixed with first-class amenities. The regular rooms are stunning here, and they also offer larger suites, as well as spa packages and golf course access.

After seeing and doing everything that we have packed into these 48 hours in Charlotte, you are probably going to be pretty exhausted. But you are also going to be excited to start planning your next trip to the Queen City because we have only just begun to scratch the surface of everything that this destination has to offer.

Interested in sticking around for a little or a lot longer than 48 hours? Check out our Charlotte Retirement Guide here.

Retirement Spotlight: Lake Norman

Retirement, South

Unlike many of the areas profiled in our retirement spotlights, Lake Norman is not a town or a city.

Instead, it is an area comprised of a few different towns surrounding a massive lake in North Carolina. It’s also a way of life that is perfect for anyone who appreciates a perfect combination of relaxing scenery, exciting amenities, and all four seasons of the year.

Located just about 20 miles north of the booming Charlotte area, Lake Norman is a much calmer version of North Carolina that ends up being an excellent fit for many Boomers considering the Carolinas.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at what this fun region has to offer.

Lake Norman History

Lake Norman was created over a five year period from 1959 to 1964 during the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam. With 520 miles of shoreline and more than 50 square miles of surface area, it is the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina.

Because of its close proximity to Charlotte and the simultaneous construction of I-77, the Lake Norman area was instantly popular among North Carolina residents who were looking for a peaceful place to live that still offered access to the big city and the major highway.

Lake Norman Lifestyle

As you might have guessed, the lifestyle in Lake Norman almost completely revolves around enjoying the lake. For many residents, this means keeping some type of boat at one of the many local marinas.

You will find residents participating in a wide range of water activities including wakeboarding, tubing, sailing, fishing, rowing, and even cruising in small paddleboats.

Of course, like any lake, Lake Norman is a haven for fishermen. Not a day goes by that you won’t find anglers baiting their hooks, and there are always plenty of kayaks and canoes exploring the large shoreline as well.

And, with so much of the area surrounded by woods, camping and hiking have become natural extensions of the lake that are extremely popular with residents.

Lake Norman Shopping

Each of the small towns surrounding the lake offers a slightly different twist on unique local shopping that features all different kinds of boutique clothing stores, antique dealers, and a wide range of other shopping excitement.

In addition to exploring each of the small towns, there is also plenty of retail therapy to be had at Birkdale Villages, which is a popular open-air shopping destination in Huntersville. Here you will find a fun combination of locally owned stores and popular name brand choices.

Lake Norman Dining

Each community in the Lake Norman area has its own local favorites when it comes to dining, but pretty much everyone can agree that one of the best local spots for grabbing a casual meal on the water is the Midway Boathouse Grill. They’re probably best known for their breakfast options, but don’t sleep on that Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich!

One thing you probably wouldn’t expect to find this far out of Charlotte is a great ramen noodle restaurant, but Ramen Soul in Mooresville offers Lake Norman restaurants exactly that. We recommend the Ginger and Garlic Miso with Spicy Chicken and a Ghost Chili Butter Bomb. Yum!

And lake life wouldn’t be complete without a rustic cabin-style steakhouse, so plan on heading to Lineberger’s Steakhouse to satisfy your steak fix on a regular basis. On top of having great steaks, they also have one of the most amazing salad bars you will find anywhere.

Lake Norman Communities

Trilogy® Lake Norman is so close to so much, yet feels like a secluded getaway destination.

With so many ways to relax, be pampered or get active, owners here will be able to enjoy a Club offering world-class resort amenities and service. Inspiring architecture define the Club, which offer a fitness center, terrific dining, special interest clubs such as an art and culinary studio, enriching classes, exciting travel opportunities. This exclusive community also features an extensive trail system weaving throughout the whole community, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, and sport and game rooms.

Trilogy® Lake Norman combines thoughtfully designed floor plans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration in all of our homes. New Homes start from the high $200’s.

You can request more information here.

If a calm and quiet life along the lake just outside of Charlotte is something that sounds appealing to you, there simply isn’t a better place to live that lifestyle than Lake Norman. Of course, it also helps that the area is filled with many of the amenities you don’t want to sacrifice either!

Retirement Spotlight: Blowing Rock, NC

Retirement, South

Views from Blowing Rock of the North Carolina mountains

Located about two hours north of Charlotte, Blowing Rock offers a fresh-air, mountain experience that is unlike anything you will find in a major city. Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge,” this is the type of place that allows residents and visitors to appreciate the natural beauty that exists all around them.

Blowing Rock is a small town packed with gorgeous views, eclectic shopping, and a wide range of great dining experiences. That combination has also made it a popular retirement destination for Boomers looking to enjoy a more permanent mountain getaway.

Blowing Rock History

Originally home to the Cherokee and Catawba Native American Tribes, the town of Blowing Rock first came to prominence during the Civil War. The mountains of North Carolina were a treacherous place to be at that time, and many of the local men fighting in the war sent their families to live in Blowing Rock, where they would be safe from the violence.

Following the war, many of those soldiers reunited with their families in Blowing Rock and either lived there permanently or continued to visit to enjoy the crisp mountain air during the summer months. The town’s reputation as a tourist destination has been growing ever since, and today people come from all over the south to enjoy the natural beauty they find here.

Blowing Rock Lifestyle

The lifestyle you will find in Blowing Rock revolves around getting outdoors and enjoying the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here you will find almost endless options for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and enjoying some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in all of the Carolinas.

Blowing Rock attraction in North Carolina

Known as “North Carolina’s First Tourist Attraction,” The Blowing Rock is the most popular place for enjoying the beautiful outdoors, but Memorial Park, Julian Price Park, and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park all offer attractive ways to explore the rolling hills as well.

Children who visit Blowing Rock always enjoy a trip on the Tweetsie Railroad or a trip to Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine.

Blowing Rock Culture

The lifestyle in Blowing Rock is focused on the outdoors, but the beauty of those scenic vistas tends to attract people who are also interested in a wide range of culture. Over the years, that has lead to a surprising number of successful art galleries popping up all over town.

In addition to local artists, there is also a thriving scene for the performing arts that revolves around the nearby Barter Theatre. And you haven’t really experienced Blowing Rock until you have listened to a performance by the High Country Jazz Society.

Blowing Rock Shopping

Like any mountain community tourist attraction, Blowing Rock features a downtown district that is packed full of shops and boutique stores offering a wide range of shopping experiences. Antiques and home furnishings are popular items here, and you can also find some interesting apparel and jewelry shops as well.

In addition to quaint little mountain town shops, Blowing Rock is also home to some first-class outlet shopping thanks to the Shops at Martin House, Southmarke, and Tanger Outlets at Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock Dining

Because it is such a popular tourist destination, Blowing Rock is home to some of the most outstanding restaurants you will find anywhere in North Carolina. One of the most popular stops for locals and visitors is The New Public House & Hotel, which offers American cuisine for lunch and dinner menus, as well as one of the best brunches in town.

Craft beer enthusiasts love frequenting Blowing Rock Brewing, which started as a local brewery and has since grown into a popular local restaurant and inn. The IPAs and seasonal ales will always take center stage here, but don’t sleep on just how good the Grilled Bison Burger is here either!

There are also plenty of fine dining options available around Blowing Rock, and Gideon Ridge Inn is one of our favorites. This adorable bed and breakfast features one of the best high-end restaurants in town, and their menu changes daily, so there is always a new experience waiting for you.

Blowing Rock Area Developments

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock, The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities.

Far from being a resort community or weekend getaway, The Coves is loaded with built-out amenities designed for 365 days of activities and events. Active adults can take advantage of the beautiful natural environment while enjoying a full social calendar of gatherings with other like-minded residents. Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback. With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

You can request more information here.

Between the stunning natural scenery, the thriving cultural scene, the excellent shopping, and the world-class dining options, Blowing Rock is a small town that offers a little bit of everything that Boomers are looking for in a mountain community. The only thing missing is you!