Hey, newcomers, got a resolution?

Attention Charlotte-area newcomers: Did you move here in 2008? And do you have a move-related resolution for 2009? Maybe it’s to find a job, buy a house, sell a house, make new friends or even leave.

I'd love to hear what you're resolved to do here -- for a possible story or blog post. Please contact me at 704-358-5179 or abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Be sure to leave your name and daytime phone number. Thanks.

Holiday traditions in Charlotte?

Hey, newcomers -- and oldtimers, too -- here's today's question: What holiday traditions are you establishing -- or have you carried on for a long time -- here in the Charlotte area?

Since moving here five years ago, my husband and I have a few. For Thanksgiving, we always celebrate with our friends in Cornelius -- assuming everyone is around and nobody is having a baby as happened one year. And except for two years when I made the bad decision to get an artificial tree, we always go to the same Christmas tree lot.

But my favorite tradition that's emerging -- holiday tea with my toddler daughter. For the past two years, we have met up with my friend Stephanie and her same-age daughter. Stephanie and I went to high school and college together in Ohio. I love having a friend from back home and we both enjoy seeing our kids pal around.

Special thanks to The Tea House in Cornelius for putting up with and even doting on two 2-year-olds yesterday.

Please share your holiday traditions. Thanks.

Hey, someone left the lights on

I saw the McAdenville Christmas lights last night. My husband and I thought our two-year old daughter would enjoy it and we think she did. She kept pointing out the lights and decorative snowmen.

But I have to say I expected more from Christmastown USA. I had never been, so I can't compare this year's display to previous years. So was it just me? Or is it overhyped?

Impressed or distressed by uptown?

I went to the Neil Diamond concert Friday night at Time Warner Cable Arena. (Loved it. Click here to read about it.)

Anyhow, driving into uptown I was struck by how many people were walking around -- with places to go and things to do. Certainly, many were in town for Diamond. But many others were heading to the opening night of "The Nutcracker" at the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or opening night of the EpiCentre Theaters.

I am not a Charlotte cheerleader, but I'm not one to dog the city I live in either. Neither extreme is my style. But I have to say the uptown scene has changed A LOT since I moved here five years ago. Just that short while ago there was no basketball arena uptown and no Epicentre (mixed use entertainment, office and condo complex on East Trade). There were way fewer condo buildings, night clubs and upscale steakhouses, too.

My husband even remarked that it would now be possible to work and live uptown without a car. We never would have said that five years ago after moving from New York City. But think about it. Plenty of entertainment options and the aforementioned condo boom. Need to get groceries or shop at a big box store? In addition to the Harris Teeter that's been next to Fifth and Poplar for a while, there's now Trader Joe's at Metropolitan (just take public transportation). There's also big boxes, such as Target and Best Buy, there, too.

What do you think of uptown today? Plenty to do? Wish there was more? Comment here or send me an e-mail at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Thanks.

How to have fun with the grandkids

A reader e-mailed recently looking for suggestions for what to do with the grandkids between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I responded with today's column.

But as soon as I filed the story and it was edited, I stumbled on one more idea and wanted to pass it on. It's something I plan to take my toddler daughter to. Singing bears at Founders Hall.

I'm talking about the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra. Every year these bears perform Christmas classics, such as "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," -- for free. My friend Stephanie always takes her kids and says it's a hit. For more info, including hours, click here.

Are you a newcomer from Florida?

Hey there, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Despite having the worst cold ever, I had a great holiday with my husband, kid and parents visiting from Ohio.

Now today's question: Are you a recent newcomer -- say in past year -- from Florida? If so, I need to talk to you for a story. Please e-mail me at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. And please include your name and daytime phone number. Thanks!

Wannabe newcomers

Check out these wannabe Charlotte newcomers. They are trying to move from Washington -- after they sell their house, that is.

Click here.

Your Thanksgiving memories

In my column Sunday about cooking Thanksgiving dinner in Paris, I asked readers to submit their own holiday memories. And I promised to post those on my blog.

Here's what two of you had to say. If you want to share your holiday stories, post them here or email them to me.

From Deb Soto in Denver, N.C.:
"My first Thanksgiving living in Tokyo, Japan was a fun-filled party I hosted at our home. Four American servicemen, who signed up through the USO, came from Yokohama by train. My husband's Japanese work colleagues arrived wide-eyed having never seen a turkey before. New friends from the Tokyo American Club and The American School in Japan arrived happily anticipating Thanksgiving comfort food. My husband, Rick, was on our terrace proudly showing off the bird (procured from an International market at a huge cost) as it roasted on our Weber grill. Our oven was tiny, but it could accommodate the pumpkin pies and green bean casserole (in stages, of course!). ... The oohhs and aahhs exclaimed from both East and West cultures as the grilled turkey was carved made this event even more delightful and memorable."

From Sherry Mullis in Morresville:
"Our most special Thanksgiving was in 1989. Our daughter Ashley was expecting her first child. We had asked her and her husband John to not go to the Thanksgiving parade in Charlotte because the baby was due very soon. Of course, they went anyway. Later that afternoon at my sister's home while we were setting the table, Ashley and John kept leaving the room and finally just before dinner was served they announced that the baby was on the way!!! John Winston Ladd was born early the next morning 19 years ago and that day continues to be our favorite Thanksgiving ever. Four years later at exactly 12:05 a.m. on January 1, 1994 his precious sister Dallas Nicole Ladd arrived as the first baby in Mecklenburg County. Needless to say we never forget their birthdays."

Not a chilly Thanksgiving!

This will be my sixth Thanksgiving in Charlotte. After freezing in Ohio, New York and Paris, I have loved spending the holiday in 70-something climes. My parents will be visiting from northern Ohio, so they'll be right at home, though I think they were looking forward to a warmer holiday too.

Here's the 10-day forecast I just looked at for Charlotte.

Oh, and to read about my Thanksgiving in Paris, click here.

Here's another freebie -- tonight.

A few posts ago I promised to occasionally let readers know about free events around the area.

Here's one happening tonight: SouthPark mall's annual tree lighting. It's 5-8 p.m. at Symphony Park. There will be activities for kids, such as a moon bounce, and live entertainment, including MI Express Children's Choir, and a fireworks show.

Just bundle up -- it's cold out there!

So much for mild weather, right?

We often hear newcomers say that Charlotte's milder weather was one factor in their decision to move from Ohio, Michigan, New York, etc.

But what about folks who moved away from warmer climes? If that's you, tell me what you think of the chilly temps. Are you bundling up? Staying inside? Wishing you were back home in Florida or California?

Newcomer has never cooked Thanksgiving dinner before

Yanira Quinones is a newcomer who will also be cooking her first Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Yanira and her husband, Jose, and two young daughters, Kiana and Samantha, moved from the Bronx to Clover, S.C. earlier this year. They picked the area after visiting a cousin in Fort Mill several times.

"We just liked the atmosphere of being out of the city and being in the country and seeing trees. It was just a better place to live," said Yanira, a legal secretary. "We are happy. The kids love it."

The family was also lured by a lower cost of living, which allowed them to build a house, something they couldn't have afforded in New York, where they rented.

What will Thanksgiving in their new home be like?

"It will be a little lonely because my mom and dad and (Jose's) mom and dad and literally everyone is in New York," she said. (Even her cousin has since moved back.)

And it will be Yanira's first year making Thanksgiving dinner. She said she planned to "Google some stuff online and find out how to make a turkey."

Well, Yanira, you also might want to check out the Observer's guide to Thanksgiving, published today. Just click here for your nine-day countdown -- a day by day and hour by hour guide on what you need to be do to get ready -- and recipes and instructions for handling, cooking and carving your bird. Good luck!

What to do with grandkids?

A reader e-mailed me for suggestions on things to do with the grandkids between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am going to follow up with a column. I've got plent of ideas but want to hear yours. Please post them here. Thanks!

Buffalo-Charlotte connection revealed

(Buffalo skyline to right of Charlotte skyline.)

Are you a newcomer from Buffalo? You are not alone, according to radio reporter Scott Graf. Have a new friend here from Buffalo? Again, not alone.

Graf, of WFAE FM (90.7), will explore the so-called "Buffalo/Charlotte Connection" in a three-part series of stories airing Wednesday through Friday during Morning Edititon (6:35 a.m. and 8:35 a.m.) He will also be hosting an online Watercooler discussion 10 a.m. Wedensday. Go to WFAE.org for that. Stories will be archived on the Web as well.

So what are these stories about? Graf, who spent two days interviewing in Buffalo, described in an e-mail what will air each day.

On Wednesday: "Thousands of Buffalo natives have moved to Charlotte over the last several decades. Many feel like the rough Buffalo economy gave them no coice but to leave. Things like lower taxes and weather make Charlotte very appealing. But many say they're here simply for better professional opportunities than their hometown could offer."

On Thursday: "If you ask a Buffalo native why they came to Charlotte, many are bound to say it had something to do with a job. Buffalo struggles with new ecoomic development, but charlotte produces thousands of new jobs every year. Our second story looks at why there's such a discrepancy between the two cities when it comes to work opportunities."

On Friday: "When Buffalo natives move to Charlotte, they find a very different city than the one they left. Some love it and say they're here forever. Others have been here and moved back. Others are on the fence about Charlotte. Our third story examines the good and bad of a new life in Charlotte and why some have decided to go back home."

Any readers from Buffalo out there? What's your Charlotte experience?

Enjoy Charlotte without paying a Mint

In a recent column, I wrote about a free history lecture at the Duke Museum. A reader called me and said that she'd like to read about more freebie things to do. So I thought I'd share a few from time to time, starting now.

Last night, I went to the Mint Museum to see the Andy Warhol exhibit. On Tuesday nights from 5-9, admission is free. I'd been reminded that I wanted to see the show when out there last week to talk to folks out there about the vote-for-art effort going on. For more on that see, my Nov. 5 blog entry.

The Warhol exhibit features fabulous screen prints -- from the popular Myths series (i.e. Superman, Mickey Mouse and Uncle Sam) and Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century (i.e. Albert Einstein, Sarah Bernhardt and Sigmund Freud) to lesser-known stills of fruit and a sunset series. Oh, and you can see one of his Campbell's Soup Cans -- Cream of Mushroom -- too.

For more info on the Mint, click here. For a story about Charlotte's visual arts scene, which ran in Living Here magazine, click here.

What's your favorite free thing to do in Charlotte? Post your ideas here and I'll occasionally share mine as well.

Best Places to Raise Your Kids

Business Week has come out with a state-by-state list of best places to raise kids. In N.C., it's Jacksonville, home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and in S.C. it's Rock Hill. Rock Hill got props for "some of the best public schools in the state" and for being home to Winthrop University.

Thoughts on the mag's picks?

Get out the vote -- for art

Hoping to ride the election fervor, the Mint Museum of Art is trying to get out the vote -- for art. Basically, starting today through Nov. 30, patrons can vote on which of two works should -- and will -- become part of the permanent collection of American Art.

"It seemed like a great thing to do this year," said Jon Stuhlman, curator of American art. By putting the decision in the hands of the people, "it really makes you think of the art in a new way."

Stuhlman said it's ironic that like the political elections, there's a progressive choice and conservative choice. He has no projections which will come out the winner.

The two works are above.

On the top is the so-called "conservative" choice -- a pastel on paper. Laura Coombs Hills did "Peonies and Velvet" sometime in the 1920s. The card next to the painting says: "Laura Coombs Hills was an important member of Boston's artistic community. She was highly independent, working as both a `fine' artist and a 'commercial' one over the course of a career that spanned more than five decades. She produced designs for products ranging from posters and greeting cards to needlepoint patterns. ... But Hills is most highly regarded for her portrait miniatures and for lush floral pastels."

On the bottom is what Stuhlman meant by progressive -- namely for thick, loose brushstrokes. "Bouquet on Canvas," by Blanche Lazzell, done in 1914. Oil on canvas. The placard next to it at the Mint says, "Along with Georgia O'Keeffe and Marguerite Zorach, Blanche Lazzell was one of the first American women (and one of only a handful of American artists, period) to embrace the radical new ideas about modern art that emerged during the first half of the Twentieth Century."

The winner will be acquired by the Mint Museum Auxiliary on behalf of the museum. The two pieces were done by women, underrepresented in the collection -- something the auxiliary has been trying to address with its donations, Stuhlman said.

Want to vote?

You have to go to the Mint in person. There are no absentee (a.k.a. online ballots). For more info on the Mint, including hours, click here.

What toys are worth your money?

This is not a newcomer-related post. I do write unrelated stories and I am looking for help with one on holiday toy shopping. It's for our annual holiday guide.

The theme this year: frugal picks. Doesn't mean cheap. But rather good values. It's about choosing a few quality toys rather than a slew of so-so stuff that will fall apart or won't hold a kid's interest past December.

Anyhow, I'm looking for suggestions from parents. What toys do you recommend? What's really worth the money? Please post your thoughts here or e-mail me at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. If you e-mail please include your name and daytime phone number in case I want to follow up.

Thanks.

Do front porches make for friendlier neighbors?

I was reporting a column in Plaza Midwood last week and a resident there had an opinion on why she feels it is a close-knit neighborhood. "Everyone has a front porch. That is key," Kristin said. "It's a ready-made social life."

I don't have a front porch, but I can see the appeal. I'd love to sit on my front porch and read the paper, sip wine or coffee (depending on the time of day) and watch my kid play in the yard. But the houses in my South Charlotte 'hood don't have front porches. Still, it's a friendly neighborhood. We've gotten to know our neighbors through yard work, kids and dogs. But would we be tighter with front porches? I wonder.

What do you think? What are your front porch experiences?

Your favorite coffee shop?

I'm writing this post from Summit Coffee in Davidson. I'd heard that the the entire town passes through here every morning, and based on the never-ending line since I got here, that seems about right.

If I lived here this would be my favorite coffeehouse. The coffee is dark and strong but not bitter. There's this college vibe that makes me miss the student-run campus coffee shop at Ohio University.

So what's my favorite coffee place in Charlotte?

If I'm lingering or meeting up with someone I'd say the Starbucks on East Boulevard. But parking is such a hassle there that I have a feeling that the Caribou down the road is about to take its place.

If I'm running through a drive-thru it's going to be the Dunkin Donuts on South Boulevard near my house. It's a treat on the way to daycare for my toddler daughter and me -- coffee for me and a blueberry Munchkin for her.

Another place I like but don't get to that often is Julia's Coffee, attached to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore store on Wendover Road. There are stacks of used books to peruse and sometimes live music to enjoy with your cup of joe.

So what's your preferred coffee spot?

Going all out for Halloween?

I'm looking forward to Halloween this year. We don't have big plans. We'll just walk around the neighborhood with our toddler girl and dog. The girl won't wear her witch's hat though and it's questionable the dog will fit into her pumpkin outfit, which gets more snug every year.

Among my more memorable Halloweens:

Three years ago, Jeff and I dressed up as Bree and Rex from "Desperate Housewives." If you need your hair done for your costume -- I had a French twist -- but don't want to pay a ton I highly recommend the Aveda school off South Boulevard.

My NYC Halloweens were memorable for reasons other than it being Halloween. Five years ago, my husband and I had dinner at the renowned Rainbow Room in New York. It was my last night in New York before moving to Charlotte the next day. And a year or two before that we saw the Rockettes Christmas show -- yes, on Halloween, which was a surreal mixing of holidays.

And, of course, there was Halloween in Athens, Ohio, where I went to school. If you know about it, enough said.

So today's questions: What are some of your memorable Halloweens? What are your plans this year? And if you are a newcomer to the Charlotte area, is it a bigger or less big deal here than other places you've lived?

First Thanksgiving in Charlotte?

Hey, newcomers, will this be your first Thanksgiving since moving to the Charlotte area?

I'm searching for fun stories. So if you will be spending the holiday here and have an interesting story, please drop me a line at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Please include your name and a daytime phone number.

Maybe several generations of your family moved here. Or maybe you moved from overseas. Or you were discharged from the military and now call Charlotte home. Or you're cooking the turkey and trimmings for the first time. Or you're missing home -- or not missing home.

I can't wait to hear your stories. Thanks!

DIEBROKE: one license plate mystery solved

Remember yesterday's story on vanity plates? Well, one license plate puzzle mentioned in it -- DIEBROKE -- has just been solved. Thanks to owner Dick Dunn for reading the story and e-mailing to explain.

First, here's the part of the story where Dunn's plate is mentioned:
"Personalized plates are fleeting messages whizzing by on I-485 or mysteries to solve while stuck in traffic.
Does the driver of a Toyota Scion, spotted in Huntersville, with a plate that reads “MUTZNUTZ” like pound puppies? Is the owner of a Buick Park Avenue, seen at South Boulevard and Tyvola Road with “DIEBROKE,” really living it up?"

Here's what the e-mail Dunn just sent in:

"I truly enjoyed your article in yesterday's paper on vanity tags. They are always interesting to read, and read about. I am the person with the Buick Park Avenue with 'DIEBROKE,' but at 76 years old, I am not 'really living it up.' 'DIEBROKE' is from a book Stephen Pollan wrote back in 1997 on financial planning. Stephen Pollan is from Manhattan and is a very successful financial planner. Since I was close to retiring back then, the book interested me, and have tried to follow all of his great ideas regarding finances. With the economy the way it is today, this should be the No. 1 best seller of all books, especially with young people. I try to encourage everyone to read the book. Again, thank you for the article and keep up the good writings."

Got a vanity plate? Seen a clever one on the road? Keep 'em coming. Post here.

GR8PL8S! Got one?

In today's paper, I have a story on vanity license plates. YAY4ME!, right?

With just eight characters -- people cleverly use letters and numbers -- to work with, more than 9 million U.S. drivers are telling their stories, sharing their hopes, dreams, hobbies and philosophies. Click here to read it.

Anyhow, I asked readers to let me know about their vanity plates and promised to post them here. But first, I want to include others I noticed while reporting this story that didn't make it into print or that friends and coworkers told me they'd seen. Here they are:

Parked at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport: BADCADDY on a Black Escalade; JAZZZZZZ on a Lincoln MKX; TECHGOLD on an Audi A4; SOMETIME on a Honda Element and ASPEN on a Honda Accura.

On Park Road one Saturday evening: 2SLOW4U on a Nissan240SX.

On a Corvette parked at Carson and Tryon on Sunday of Panthers' first home game: NDIRISH.

Parked at a South End/Dilworth residence: OHBAMA!

On a Toyota Camry parked at the Westin: LIVWPASN.

Now for reader responses:

From Karen Branan:
"We have 3 in our family. My daughter's is "GONCNTRY" (Gone Country, i.e., the Alan Jackson song), my husband's is simply "FISHIN" and mine is "OH2BBOTN" (Oh, to be boating). Prior ones I have owned are, "ALMYCHRN" (All My Children - both kids and soap opera) and GOOD2CYA"

From John Tomasulo of Indian Trail: "As a 65-year-old retiree, new to this area, my wife and I enjoy getting into our car and exploring our new state and taking trips to Tennessee, Virginia and Maryland to visit family. The plate on my Honda Accord Coupe reads: STLCRUZN."

From Alex Miller of Denver, N.C.: "My plate CONE6OX reflects my hobby as a potter. CONE6 is the temperature (2232'f) I fire my pots to and OX is the atmosphere, Oxidation. It takes another potter to understand."

From Howard Freese of Charlotte: " For about fifteen years, I have been sporting SAN SU C and occasionally I get a honk. Usually, they know the French language. 'SAN SU C' is phonetic for 'Sans Souci,' which just happens to be the song of (my) alma mater Columbia College/University of New York. ... 'Sans souci' is loosely translated as 'without care' or 'carefree.' ... I suspect that not many who figure out the meaning of 'SAN SU C' know that there is an association with Columbia."

From David Guitano: "It's GODSHEMI. I am a Christian and believe all we have ultimately belongs to God. I have a Chrysler 300C with the Hemi engine -- hence, GODSHEMI."

From Larry Sulzer: "My wife Patty shares my love of fishing, so her license is FSHNHOTE.
She is my Fishing Hottie."

From Larry Proper via voicemail: 2KDS OUT on a '92 red Porsche convertible. He had to get two kids out of college before buying his wheels.

From Tracey: "After reading your article, I had to send you this one. My husband has a Mazda Miata - and his SC plate says B-FISHN, so its Miata B-Fishin."

Got a funny or clever plate to share? Post it here. Thanks!

A newcomer and her dream job

Back in my Oct. 10 I wrote about visiting the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville to meet the new CEO out there. Joy Braunstein happens to be a newcomer from Pittsburgh. I promised to post a link to the column when it published. It ran in yesterday's paper. Click here to read it.

Friendless from Ohio

I got this e-mail from Tracie, who's originally from Ohio and having trouble making friends here. She asks for suggestions. I'll offer some, but first her e-mail:

"My husband grew up in Vandalia, Ohio and I grew up in Tipp City, Ohio. We lived in Dallas, Texas for a year, but have made Charlotte our home for the last 7 years. We live in Harrisburg and like the others I read about, we too are still friendless after 7 years. We find that people are really friendly. You go out to lunch with people you work with. But when 5:00 hits, everyone goes their separate ways.

"We love living here, just wish we had friends. We don't have kids, so we don't meet other parents to be friends with. I've joked with people at work about placing an ad (online) on Craigslist for a friend and they just laugh at me. If you have any ideas, let us know."

OK, Tracie, here are some ideas. And, readers, if you have any thoughts on making friends here, please post them. Thanks.

1. Get to know your neighbors. If you still haven't met them or barely know them, think about hosting a grill-out or having neighbors over for cocktails. When new people move in, walk over and say hi, maybe drop off cookies or bottle of wine.

2. Join a church. If you already have a church, see if there are committees or groups within it that you would like to join. It's hard to meet people just on Sunday.

3. Don't discount those colleagues. That's how many of us meet a lot of our pals. Try to organize a regular -- weekly or monthly -- lunch outing or happy hour.

4. You aren't off base with your idea of looking online for friends. Try this: Go to Meetup.com and enter Charlotte and hobbies or personal interests (i.e. yoga, golf, pets, books, hiking, bowling -- whatever). You can find groups of people who do or discuss the things you are interested in.

5. Volunteer. Not up for a regular commitment? You can do a project at a time with Hands on Charlotte. More more info on the group, click here.

Is Charlotte really welcoming to newcomers?

Yesterday I spoke to a group of about 25 women at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne. Most of them have been here just a few months, all of them less than a year, and they are taking a class called Moving On After Moving In. (A dozen or so churches around here offer the program, so call yours or the one you are thinking of joining to find out if it does.)

Anyhow, the women seemed upbeat and mostly happy to be in Charlotte. They were a really fun group. (Thanks for having me, ladies.) But two of the women spoke very honestly. One said that people here are "friendly but not welcoming." Another said she was denied membership to a moms club (she thinks it might have been too crowded but she said she didn't get a real explanation or suggestion for alternate club).

I like honest answers. Tell me about your experience. Did you feel welcomed to Charlotte? And if you have been here a while, do you feel differently now than you did to start?

Charlotte a good value?

Forbes has released its list of best value cities and worst value cities. Charlotte make the best value list. Click here to read the report, which says a home in New York is "three times less affordable" than in Charlotte, and for list of cities.

I'll get straight to it because as a colleague, just said, pretty soon Forbes is going to put out a lists of top lists and he's getting "weary" of it. It's simple: Agree or disagree that Charlotte is a good value?

Hey, Charlotte, get some better signs!

Getting around Charlotte can be a pain, because the signs here are either non-existent or just not good. I recently wrote -- in blog and column form -- about confusing and inconsistent signs for I-485. (See my Oct. 6 entry.) By the way, earlier today I got on the wrong loop AGAIN. And before that I had MapQuest issues with one of our Queens Roads! Grr...

But today I want to give a shout out to two people -- a colleague and a reader -- who point out issues with our city's signs.

First, check out a column today by my coworker Mark Washburn. It's about Wells Fargo execs visiting Wachovia today.

Mark just hoped they made it uptown, writing, "First off, under no circumstances, are they to drive themselves around. We do not need them motoring out of the airport seeing welcome signs in 13 languages, but nothing pointing the way uptown. By the time they find their way back from Rock Hill, they'll be convinced we're drooling imbeciles."

Right on, Mark. When I first moved here I dreaded having to go to the airport, unsure I'd find my way back. It shouldn't be this hard to get from the airport to Dilworth (where we were living at the time), I remember telling my husband.

There must be something in the air about roadway signage today. When I got back from speaking to a group of newcomers (read about that here tomorrow) I had an e-mail from a frustrated Charlotte driver. She's lived here 10 years. Here's what she had to say.

"In the last few months I have found myself extremely aggravated with this place. It's almost like Charlotte is allergic to signs! Recently, I was anxiously looking for the children's ER at Presby with my 3 year-old daughter vomiting in the backseat at 10 p.m. Being a healthy adult with no family in town I've never HAD to find a hospital in Charlotte, let alone a children's hospital.

I live in the Mountain Island Lake area. I zoom down Brookshire toward uptown. I see a GIGANTIC billboard for Presby's children's hospital, but they didn't bother to put an address, or directions on the darn thing ... nothing. I see a blue "H" sign. I follow it, then another... I exit at 3rd & 4th (streets) and POOF! the "H" signs disappear ... I never did find Presby. I wish I had. I heard they are fast and I wouldn't have been at (CMC) for an eternity in an empty ER with a vomiting 3 year-old...

This example is just one of many. Try finding a street address on Fairview!! There's an adventure. When you travel our interstates you have no idea what attractions Charlotte has to offer and if you did, good luck finding them. You would never know that we have museums and art galleries and theaters.

This town is filled with newcomers, isn't it about time that we start pointing people to our attractions? Making addresses clearly visible?"

Not too late to register to vote

Oct. 10 was the official deadline to register to vote in N.C. Didn't make it? Don't worry. It's not too late.

From Thursday (Oct. 16) through Nov. 1, you can register and vote at early voting sites. You must bring a current driver's license or other proof of address. Public libraries are popular early voting sites. For a list of early voting venues by county, click here.

Are you a newcomer voter? I want to talk to you for a story. Please e-mail me your name and daytime phone number. Thanks!

Who has best steaks in town?

Today's question: Who has the best steaks in town?

Inspiration for today's question: Charlotte is going through an upscale steakhouse boom. The latest to the scene is Fleming's, which opened late last month uptown. And my husband and I are slowly working our way through them. I say slowly because we reserve big-ticket dinners for special occasions, especially now that we have one child and another on the way and big-time economic downturn going on.

On Saturday night, we went to The Palm in SouthPark. It was our anniversary and we had a coupon. The steaks were delish -- right up there with our last steak splurge at Morton's uptown.

After Morton's and The Palm our next faves are probably McIntosh's and Sullivans. We also really like Beef 'N Bottle and it's throwback 1958-style brat pack atmosphere -- think Sinatra and deep red leather booths and waitresses who call you "hon."

This place is for the birds. Seriously.

Yesterday I interviewed the new president and CEO of the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville. Check out my profile of newcomer Joy Braunstein, who moved here in late August from Pittsburgh, later this month in the Observer. I'll put a post up here to remind you.

I took Lucy with me to check out the injured and rehabilitated birds of prey. Lately my toddler is pointing out every bird she sees. The eagles, owls and falcons delighted her.

If you've never been, you should go. There is a walking trail of birds and rehab center. And there are staffers trained to hold the birds on their arms. Click the link above for more info on the center and it's 20+-year history.

Later this month the center is also hosting an event called "Halloween Hoot 'N Howl." It's Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be live raptor presentations, hay rides, pumpkin painting, cooking decorating and more.

After our Raptor Center visit, Lucy and I grabbed dinner someplace I have long been meaning to go to while in Huntersville: Friendly's. Growing up in Ohio, where the ice cream and diner-style food chain has a distribution center and lots of restaurants, I went there a lot. The chain started in Massachusetts and is popular in the Northeast too. Our waitress was from New York and appreciated my appreciation for this being the only location in Charlotte. The next nearest Friendly's is 110 miles away in Lumberton.

So, yesterday, since we were up there and I am pregnant and was having a craving for the Fishamajig sandwich -- an original menu item -- Lucy and I went. And I am happy to report the Fishamajig and ice cream were as yummy as I remembered.

Registered to vote?

Tomorrow is the deadline for registering to vote in N.C. Your registration form must be postmarked by Oct. 10. (The S.C. deadline was Oct. 4.)

If you want info on how and where to register, click here for the N.C. State Board of Elections.

You can also get a form e-mailed to you from JustVote.org.

If you are a newly registered voter -- either because you are a newcomer to the Charlotte region or newcomer to the election process -- I'd love to talk to you for a potential story. Please e-mail me. Thanks.

Charlotte good for entrepreneurs?

I am heading soon to an event for female entrepreneurs in N.C. and S.C. That made me think this morning about whether Charlotte is a good place for start-up business owners.

Are you an entrepreneur? Did you move to Charlotte to chase your dream? How's it working out? Please post your comments here and if you are willing to have a follow-up conversation, please email me your name and daytime phone number. Thanks.

What do you think of I-485?

In yesterday's column on why I hate Interstate 485 and how I rarely know what the signs mean, I asked readers to share their thoughts. And did they. So far I have recieved about two dozen emails and phone calls. Some people empathized and others think I'm -- um -- directionally challenged (no doubt!). Some shared tips. I promised to post some to my blog, so here you go:

"The best way to tell location on the 485 beltline is to refer to the 'inner' or 'outer' and use the mile markers. I am the owner of Ace Towing & Recovery, Inc. here in Charlotte. In the beginning when 485 first opened we had a tough time finding the cars that were broken down. Tryon Street crosses 485 at S. Tryon and N. Tryon. I-85 crosses twice also. We ask people if they are on the inner or outer beltline and where they are coming from. We also try to find out the last exit they remember passing or mile marker. This has eliminated the location problems. Enjoyed your article." -- Michael Melandro

"In your attempt to navigate I-485, you made two -- no, make that three -- mistakes. Your first mistake was using MapQuest. Forget MapQuest ever existed. ...Your second mistake was forgetting that I-485 is a subsection of I-85, and that odd-numbered interstates travel North/South, and even-numbered interstates travel East/West. If you remember that N I-85 will take to almost to Richmond, Va., and S I-85 will take you to Montgomery, Ala., the N/S designation makes more sense. Your third mistake -- or, really, perhaps your first -- is living in a part of Charlotte that requires you to ever get on I-485 in the first place." -- Jonathan Webber
(Blogger's Note: I live inside 485, so I rarely use it. I was travelling between two assignments.)

"I was born and raised in Charlotte and I-485 makes no more sense to me than it does to you! I totally agree that the North, South, East, West, Inner, Outer directions are confusing and often pointless. I suggest that 'Counterclockwise.' Everyone knows what that means! They could easily be abbreviated to CW and CCW. A visual aid would be easy too: a dot representing the city with a ring around it representing the loop. A you-are-here arrow pointing the direction one is traveling (CW or CCW) lets the driver know if s/he is heading towards 5:00 or towards 11:00. For now, I ignore those useless signs and try to picture the whole thing as a clock. Uptown is the center of the clock. Mint Hill is about 3:00. Matthews is 4:00, Pineville is 7:00...Huntersville is 12:00... I'll bet if I told you to take I-485 CCW from Pineville to Mint Hill you'd know just what to do! Good luck navigating the loop!" -- Julie Gilland-Hubbard

"Well, East and North are the same and West and South are one. I never look at the words outer loop or inner loop. I just look at where it leads to." -- Unsigned

"I was elated to read your article on I-485. As one who lives in the mountains and uses the road to bypass Charlotte, I have been extremely confused on more than on occasion. When coming North on 77 and just trying to get to 85, the signs are no help. The Goode Freeway (is there a Bad?), Martin, Inner, Outer…..help! I just want to get to 85! Thanks for the observations. I was dying to tell somebody, and you did it for me. Now do you think anyone will do something about it?" -- Mark Van Arnam, Boone

"I'm pretty new to the Charlotte area and also found 485 to be somewhat confusing. The only thing I know is that Route 51 ( I'm not sure of the exit # but I know it's either before or after South Blvd depending on the direction your going ) is where the East/West turns into North/South. So as far as 485 is concerned if I'm going east I'm also going north and vice versa. I pay no attention to the inner/outer nonsense. I don't know if clears anything up for you or not, I just thought I'd throw it out there." -- Myk Altritt

"I totally agree with your confusion about N, S, E, or W signs on I-485. Directional signs not only make no sense on a beltway, they actually obscure which way to go. My choice would be 'clockwise' or 'counterclockwise,' but I believe that would never pass government muster since the average driver would understand it instantly. Failing that, consistent use of 'inner' and 'outer' would be the next best thing, I believe." -- Bill Jones, Hickory


"I have a novel idea for you. Get yourself a map of Charlotte and a compass. Spread out the map on your kitchen table and study it for an hour, concentrating on 485. Then take the compass with you in the car. Voila. Problem solved!" -- Mike Petrie

"I don't have a trick for 485 as is, but I sure would be helped by something that could be added to the signs: a simple word or diagram that indicated clockwise or counterclockwise. Wouldn't that pretty much take care of it? Those directions don't change as you go around. Either you're going around the city one way or the other." -- Brad Bostian

I love summer but...

I love summer. I really do. I love the heat. I get cold when it's 70 degrees out (to borrow a line from "When Harry Met Sally.") But I'm ready for fall. I'm tired of my summer clothes.

And the fact is that even after five years here I don't know how to dress for a Carolina-style fall, which is more like an extension of summer.

The mornings start out cool. I dress accordingly and then am roasting by noon. I layer but I never get that right either -- long sleeves when I should have had on short. Etc. etc.

Case in point: I should have worn shorts and a t-shirt to the pumpkin patch on Saturday instead of a long-sleeve T and jeans. It was so warm and sunny they weren't even serving hot apple cider. But I love what we had instead: a big apple cider slushy.

Today is supposed to be in the low 80s and then I think the weather forecasters are calling for more autumn-like weather with highs in low 70s. That's not fall to me, but I'll take it.

Charlotte good for singles?

Guess which city is tops on Forbes.com's list of best 10 U.S. cities to be single?

Answer: Atlanta.

It's the first time Atlanta has ranked No. 1 in the survey.

According to Forbes.com: "The capital of Georgia and home of Coca-Cola earns the top slot because of its hopping nightlife, relatively high number of singles and sizzling job growth. To those who know 'Hotlanta,' the ranking should come as no surprise. In the eight years that we have been ranking America's largest urban areas in terms of their friendliness to the nation's 74 million single adults, only once did Atlanta place outside the top 10."

Charlotte didn't make the top 10. The survey based rankings on these categories: culture, night life, number of singles, job growth, cost of living alone and online dating.

Charlotte is the first city I moved to not single, so I don't know what it's like to be a singleton here. So you tell me -- especially you singleton newcomers -- how Charlotte rates for those not coupled off.

Reader's take on best skyline view

In Living Here magazine, I wrote about the best spot in the city to see the skyline: the Seventh Street Station parking deck.

Reader Jeffrey Houser, who moved to Charlotte from Maine in May 2007, begged to differ -- and that's cool.

"While there are probably several great viewpoints, my favorite has always been at the top of what I call 'the Panthers' parking garage,' which is really the garage behind the hotel next to the BofA Stadium," House said in an e-mail.

He continued: "Of coure, the skyline is changing daily and some of the newer buildings that are going up aren't seen as well from that vantage pint, but the heart of the city is in all its glory from there. It can look fabulous on a warm summer evening as the sun sets in!"

Houser also sent two photos -- at the top of this post -- from that vantage point, both taken this past summer.

Where do you go for skyline views?

More pumpkin patches

In my Monday column on pumpkin patches, I listed where around the region you can go for pumpkins, hay rides and apple cider. And I promised if I missed any to add them to this blog. So, here's two more:

Hodges Dairy Farm in Charlotte. In addition to pumpkins, it has a crop maze and hay wagon and horse rides. Click here for the Web site.

Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc. in Rowan County. This third-generation working farm is about 30 miles north of Charlotte. Click here for the Web site.

If there are any other pumpkin patches around the area that should be included, please post them here. Thank you.

More Brixx pizza, please!

Yesterday, I helped the Observer host a group of about 30 Girl Scouts. Toward the end of the day, I asked a handful of them -- a couple of them who moved here five years ago -- where they hang out, what they like about Charlotte and what Charlotte needs.

Thought I'd share the answers here.

Where they hang out/what they like: "the mall." Which mall? SouthPark, of course, they said in unison. Nice to see how some things haven't changed. I enjoyed hanging at the mall when I was a kid, though my mall -- the Dayton Mall -- wasn't and isn't as nice as SouthPark.

What Charlotte needs: More Brixx pizza locations.

Hey, grown-up readers, here's your chance to answer those same questions. Just post responses here.

Newcomer remorse in Banktown?

Banktown has lost some glitter.

Cititgroup is buying Wachovia, one of Charlotte's big banks and a leader on the national banking scene. Wachovia was pummeled by subprime debt.

So here's a question for newcomers, particulary newcomer bankers: Any "buyer's" remorse out there? Are you regretting your move, wishing you'd stayed put?

But it's not just bankers who might have opinions, I know. On Monday, I wrote about newcomers to the region and how Charlotte has a history of attracting people -- in all industries -- who move here without jobs. One woman in that story, newcomer Pam Bush, said she regrets not leaving Akron sooner. Now the market is flooded with people like her looking for jobs, she lamented. Click here to read that story.

And recent newcomers, let me know how you feel about living here now.

Living Here magazine on the streets -- and Web

In case you missed it, Living Here magazine hit the streets yesterday. The 12th annual, 168-page guide on how to live, work and play better in the Charlotte region was inserted in most copies of the Observer.

You can also check it out on the Observer's Web site. Click here.

What do you think?

Oh, you can see 10 cover options and vote for the one you would have picked. We picked this one above.

And are you new to the area? If so, please drop me an e-mail. Thanks!

Festival in the Park

I'm heading to Festival in the Park tomorrow. Going to report a story about two local artists collaborating on side-by-side easels on a festival-inspired piece.

Festival in the park is a four-day arts fest, featuring the artwork of about 150 artists and of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. New this year: A stage for young performers who sing and dance.

Are you going?

All the Festival in the Park details you need are in a column I did for Monday's paper and on the festival Web site. Click here for the column. Click here for the Web site.

If and when you go to the park, post your impressions here. Thanks!

The bus!

This fall will mark five years since my move to Charlotte. I'd been married about three weeks. My husband and I loved living in New York but it wasn't practical for us for the long term -- not for buying a house and raising a family.

We wanted a lower cost of living and a house with a yard. We wanted to be closer to family in the Southeast and Midwest.

This morning I was struck my an unexpected advantage to life here over New York. Something so simple. The school bus.

This is the transcript of my morning trip to daycare, coming from my toddler daughter in her carseat:

The bus!
The bus!
The bus!
The bus!
The bus!
The bus!

Yeah, we passed a lot of school buses. So on days when I miss public transportation, favorite restaurants or the sheer energy of New York, this is what I am going to think about. The bus!

Hey, newcomers or anyone who has moved to Charlotte from somewhere else, want to share an unexpected surprise to living here? Post it here. Thanks.

Move here in the last year?

I'm gearing up for the release of some Census data that will tell us how many newcomers have moved to the Charlotte area in the past year. As you know, this area has been a hub of newcomer relocation. But what will last year's number have to day? I'm eager to find out.

I also want to talk to some of the area's newest newcomers. If you moved here in the last year, please email me your name and daytime phone number. I'd like to chat with you about why you pick the Charlotte area and what you think so far. My email address is abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com.

Thanks!

In other news: I just got an email from AT&T spokeswoman Della Bowling in response to my Wi-Fi post last week. She wanted me to know about an announcement made yesterday and I thought I'd pass it on to you.
"AT&T announced yesterday that it is expanding its free AT&T Wi-Fi service to all AT&T broadband customers, regardless of their high speed Internet plan. As you can imagine, this features thousands of hot spots, including Starbucks and Barnes & Noble locations."

What's your favorite Wi-Fi spot?

I'm working right now from the fitness bar at the Dowd YMCA. Outside home, it's my preferred spot for Wi-Fi and it's free, by the way.

What's your favorte Wi-Fi spot? Please post it here. I'd like to collect a list of free places to try all around town. I bet readers would like that too.

The city says there are at least 200 Wi-Fi hot spots citywide. Some charge a fee; others are free. Last October, the Observer's eye magazine ran a list of uptown businesses offering free Wi-Fi. I posted it below. Warning: This info could have changed, so you might call ahead to make sure free Wi-Fi is still available. And if you find a change feel free to post it here.

Big Ben's English Pub 801 Providence Road; (704) 334-6338; 11 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Thur., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri. and Sat.

Caribou Coffee Free at three locations: 1531 East Blvd., 704-334-3570; 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 6 a.m.-midnight Fri., 7 a.m.-midnight Sat., 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. Founders Hall, 704-372-5507; 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. BB&T building, 704-371-4129; 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Dilworth Coffee House Only free at Dilworth site, 1235-B East Blvd.; 704-358-8003; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

Fox & Hound 330 N. Tryon St.; 704-333-4113, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily.

The Gin Mill 1411 S. Tryon; 704-373-0782; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues.-Sat.

Graduate Food & Pub 123 W. Trade St.; 704-358-3024; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Jillian's 200 E. Bland; 704-376-4386; 11:30 a.m.-midnight Sun.-Th., 11:30 a.m.- 2 a.m. Fri and Sat.

Just Fresh Available at two locations: 1231-A East Blvd; 704-377-3774; 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Ivey's Building; 704-376-9595; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri.

Mecklenburg public libraries Main branch, 310 N. Tryon St.; 704-336-2725; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun. ImaginOn, 300 E. Seventh St.; 704-973-2700; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

Nova's Bakery 1511 Central Ave.; 704-333-5567; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. during daylight savings time, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. otherwise.

Owen's Bagel & Deli 2041 South Blvd.; 704-333-5385; 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every day.

Panera Bread 601 Providence Road; 704-374-0581; 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.

The Perk (formerly known as Dilworth Playhouse) 1427 South Blvd.; 704-632-0336; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

SK NetCafe 1425 Elizabeth Ave.; 704-334-1523; 7 a.m.-midnight Mon.-Thur., 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Smelly Cat Coffee House 514 E. 36th St.; 704-374-9656; 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Wed., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Thurs., 7 a.m.-midnight Fri., 8 a.m.-midnight Sat., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.

Tea Rex 2102 South Blvd.; 704-371-4440; 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. and Sat., closed Sunday
Westin Charlotte 601 S. College St.; 704-375-2600; open 24 hours.

Where should this family live?

In yesterday's column, I wrote about Julia Allen, a Carolinas native who happens to be a Charlotte newcomer. While Allen, a vice president at Discovery Place uptown, is working here, she's not living here yet. She's commuting from Hickory until her family can relocate. It gives her time to get to know the area and where she and her family would like to live, Allen, 35, said.

I asked readers to suggest where in the area Allen and her family should consider calling their new home. I should have clarified that I wanted residents only, not home builders, Realtors, developers, etc. I got a few of those self-promotional pitches and just one, so far, from a resident suggesting her neighborhood.

Here's what Susan Wilkie-McHale:
"The Allen family should definitely take a look at the Cramer Mountain Properties. Just in the last month, three new homes have come up for sale, and they are incredible well priced properties. I work on Park Road, and a drive down Billy Graham Pkwy. Only takes about 35 minutes every morning. The school system here is great, the neighbors are awesome, and Cramer Mountain is definitely a safe haven for children."

If you would like to suggest the neighborhood or community you live in, please post it here. Thanks!

Calling on moms

In addition to my Living Here duties, I occasionally review children's books. And today I want to hear from moms who love Madeline.

The first Madeline book in 50 years just hit store shelves. In honor of the event, I'd like to hear from moms about their favorite Madeline book or simply why they -- or their young daughters -- love her. Please e-mail your responses by Saturday to abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Don't forget to include your name and daytime phone number. Thanks!

Sneezing your head off? Figures.

Are you sneezing your head off as we head into fall? Or are your eyes watering and pooling like lakes?

That figures. The Carolinas are hard on allergy sufferers, according to the 2008 Fall Allergy Capitals list -- produced by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and sponsored by allergy med ZYRTEC -- released today. Three of the top 5 allergy capitals are in the Carolinas.

That top 5:
1. Greensboro, N.C.
2. Greenville, S.C.
3. Little Rock, Ark.
4. Raleigh-Durham
5. Jackson, Miss.

Charlotte ranked 20th.

For a full list of Fall Energy Capitals or tips on managing allergies, go to www.allergysavvy.com.

On Tuesday, check out the Observer's Health section for an article by my colleague Karen Garloch on acupuncture for treating allergies.

Now for a question: How are your allergies here compared with other cities you've lived in?

A Cultural Free for All

In my last post, I mentioned some cheap or free stuff around town that my family has enjoyed recently.

Dig that? Well, there's more. During the month of September the Arts & Science Council is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a Cultural Free for All. Throughout the month there are free arts, science, heritage and history events. You can catch free concerts or shows or even take free dance lessons.

For a complete list of events, click here.

What's up, readers?

I'm back.

Actually, I never went anywhere. Just took a six-week hiatus from the blog while wrapping up production of Living Here magazine. Please look for this 168-page guide to life in the Charlotte region in your Observer on Sunday, Sept. 28.

When I wasn't working on the magazine I was hanging out with my husband and toddler daughter. We found lots of free or cheap stuff to do around here. Thought I'd share.

In July, we went to two free kiddie rock concerts at ImaginOn, the big children's library in First Ward uptown. The annual summer series is called the Tricycle Music Fest. We had a blast watching Lucy and the other kids get their groove on. We're just sorry we were out of town for the first of the three acts -- They Might Be Giants (who I saw as a college freshman but apparently do just kid stuff now). For more info on ImaginOn and its programs go to www.imaginon.org.

Earlier this month, we went to the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve in southwestern Mecklenburg County. The center was just wrapping up a nature talk but a nice park ranger gave us an impromptu lesson on their resident snakes and turtles. Lucy touched a turtle and within a few days "turtle" was one of her new words. The center charges $3 a car for Mecklenburg residents and $5 a car for non-residents. For more info on this and other nature preserves, go to www.parkandrec.com and click on Nature Preserves.

Finally, last Friday the three of us went to the Lazy 5 Ranch, the privately-owned exotic animal drive thru park in Mooresville. Along the 3.5 mile drive, the ranch promises you will see more than 750 animals from six continents. Wild bison, lemurs, zebras, llamas, ostriches, camels, giraffes, wild pigs. You can feed many of them, but the zebras are one exception. (If you want to feed the animals, you have to purchase a bucket of feed -- $3, I think -- at the front gate.)

You can take a horse-drawn wagon tour or drive your own car. We opted to go in our own car because we were worried about being able to contain our 20-month old on an open-air wagon. Smart move. I'm not sure Lucy would have done well on the wagon with animals nosing their way into her personal space. She was a bit suspect when the large animals approached the car. She got wide-eyed and waved and said "bye bye" to them. That's kid talk for "Back away from the car you crazy llama." Admission is $8.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids ages two to 11. Add $3 for the wagon. Children under two are free. For more info or to make wagon reservations: www.lazyfiveranch.com.

So what fun things have you been doing in and around Charlotte?

Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Money magazine has published its 10 best U.S. cities to live. Spoiler: Charlotte did not make the cut.

At the very top: Plymouth, Minn. (population 70,100). Click here to read about Plymouth and the nine other best cities.

Have you ever lived in one of Money's best cities? Did it deserve such honors?

While you're at it, tell me what you like best and least about Charlotte. And, please, be nice. You can make your point without obscenities or turning this into a mean-spiritied (and off topic) North-South debate. Thank you very much.

Mecklenburgers first in independence?

Local history goes that Mecklenburgers have long had an independent streak and a history of being trend setters. Case in point: The area's rebellious Presbyterians settlers declared their independence from Britain more than an year ahead of the nation -- on May 10, 1775.

Of course, not everyone believes the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence really happened or that Thomas Jefferson borrowed from it in writing the version we as a country celebrate tomorrow.

But George Will lends credence to MecDec in a column in today's The Washington Post and The Charlotte Observer. Click here to read it. I like how Will starts off:

"The impatient patriots here had splendidly short fuses in 1775. Those who tilled the startlingly red clay or who lived in the town named for George III's wife, Charlotte, might have been bemused had they foreseen the annual hoopla that commemorates July 4, 1776."

So do you believe in MecDec or is it a bunch of hooey?

Where do you go to chill?

The A/C at my house decided to break down Saturday night. Sunday afternoon as the temp pushed 90 degrees, I had to get out of the house. I grabbed the kiddo and we headed to SouthPark mall.

Now I am not a shopper. I don't buy things for fun or therapy. Months -- I'm talking as many as six or seven -- go by between trips to the mall. I head there when I need something specific, get it and leave. I don't linger. I don't windowshop.

Yesterday was a different story. I pushed my daughter's stroller down every wing. I browsed. I got my kid some shoes to replace a pair that disappeared at daycare (We think she threw them in the trash. She's very into throwing things in the trash.)

Then when I ran out of things things to look at and with a shopping list that was incredibly short due to impending A/C bills -- I headed for Cheesecake Factory for a little midday snack. And here's the ironic part, when the waitress asked if we'd like to sit outside, I said, "yes."

Where do you like to chill when you need a break from the heat? Or if your A/C broke down, where would you go?

What's your favorite pizza place of all time?

Story on Yahoo! names best pizza place in the country. Guess what? It's not in New York. It's in Phoenix. Click here for the story.

My favorite pizza isn't in NY either. It's a local chain in my native Dayton, Ohio area. Marion's Piazza. Marion's makes thin-crust pie cut into little squares. Closest comparison -- though not nearly as good -- is Donato's. For one thing, it's not just carry out either. I love the location in my hometown, Beavercreek, for its throw-back yellow, orange and green 70s decor and game room for passing the time while you wait on your order.

This is how much I love Marion's:

When returning from a college internship in France -- home to some pretty tasty bread and cheese -- I made my Dad stop at Marion's on the way home from the airport.

When traveling to a wedding in Columbus in 2006 I worked in a side trip to Dayton just for Marion's. I wanted my husband -- a Chicago pizza guy -- to try it and I was pregnant and having a fierce craving.

So what's your favorite pizza of all time?

Getting a Taste of Charlotte?

Just back from Taste of Charlotte, the annual food fest uptown that runs through Sunday. For more info, including prices, festival map and list of vendors, click here. Or to read restaurant writer Helen Schwab's story, click here.

Anyhow, it was fun -- and very hot -- walking around the booths running along Tryon from Martin Luther King to Sixth Street. I sampled three different Indian restaurants. My favorite taste: UDIPI's made-on-the-spot dosa.

Tasted reminded me of food fairs I used to stumble on in New York. If you go, pack sunscreen, hat and water (overpriced like at most festivals). It's supposed to be in the 90s all weekend. Oh, and save some room for a cool treat at the end. There are a few ice cream and smoothie stands.

What would you put in a Charlotte time capsule?

In yesterday's column, I answered a reader's question about a time capsule buried in 1959 at Charlottetown Mall. And I posed this question: What would you put in a time capsule buried today in Charlotte? I'm curious what you have to say.

Buying or renting?

Questions for today: Are you new to town or moving here? And are you buying or renting?

I'm wondering if the slowing economy and slumping housing market are steering more newcomers to apartments. I want to hear what you have to say.

A colleague is working on a story on this very topic. If you are willing to talk to him about renting instead of buying, email me your name and number and I'll pass it along. Thanks!

This is a wonderful place!

I'm writing about a wonderful place.

OK, readers, just hold on. I'm not talking about Charlotte, but a great place to go in Charlotte with the kiddies.

I'm talking about ImaginOn. At Imaginon, which is free, kids can put on a puppet show, play in a dollhouse listen to stories or take workshops. The $41 million facility opened in 2005 and is home to the children's library and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. (Note: The Children's Theatre productions are not free.)

For more about ImaginOn and a calendar of events, click here.

Today my husband took off work to hang with our daughter (17 months), because daycare was closed. At my suggestion, they attended toddler story time at ImaginOn. In March, my girl and I had fun at a kids concert there.

The reveiw from today's story time? Here's what Jeff emailed to say about it:

"She liked ImaginOn. Had a hard time sitting still for storytime (which was only 20 minutes) but wasn't too bad. They take little dance breaks, which she liked. We walked around for about 30 minutes afterward so she could push buttons and watch the exhibits do their thing."

I wish I could have gone. The next time daycare is closed, I get to stay home with the kiddo and ImaginOn is a sure bet.

Charlotte: Best City to Live

Charlotte is No. 1 when it comes to places to live, according to Relocate-America's Top 100 in 2008. Two other Carolina cities made the top 10. Greenville, S.C. ranked fourth and Asheville, last year's No. 1, came in seventh.

Relocate-America takes nominations for best city throughout the year. Would you nominate Charlotte? Why or why not? And if not, then what city would deserve your praise?

A reason to not miss the Big Apple?

Are you an ex New Yorker like me who still sometimes misses the city?

Well, check this out.

How do you say Clemson?

Check out this cool thing I just stumbled on: A pronunciaton guide for frequently mispronounced S.C. places. It comes from SCIway.net, which stands for South Carolina Information Highway and is pronounded skyway, by the way.

The guide directs you on pronunciation of 100 places -- from Abbeville (AB uh vul, AB bee VIL) to Yonges (YUNGS) Island -- and gives information on the origin of some names.

In some cases, when there's no clear answer, the site took a poll. Take Clemson. In a poll of 1,155 voters, 57 percent said it's CLEM sun. Meanwhile, 37 percent said CLEMP sun and 6 percent said CLEM zun.

Lancaster is "frequently mispronounced LAN CAS tur." It's really LANG kus tur.

Beaufort is BU fort. "Visitors often confuse this town with Beaufort, N.C., which is pronounced BOW fort."

Some other possible surprises:
Cheddar: SHED ur
Clinton: CLIN nin
Cooper (the river dividing Charleston and Mount Pleasant): COO pur, CUP puh
Monticello: MONT i SELL oh (Not like Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia, MONT i CHEL oh.)
Trio: TRY oh
Tega Cay: TEE guh

North vs. South Explained

Yesterday I asked if there's a difference in how the North and South celebrate Memorial Day. Today I am addressing the responses.

Some readers think that I too often turn to the North-South debate to generate blog traffic. Not true. In fact, this query was the first North-South-themed entry since I started this blog on Feb. 21. Often, it's readers who take a neutral topic and turn it into a North-South debate. Check out the responses to a March 24 entry about a newcomer from Rochester, N.Y. who called people in Charlotte bad drivers.

I write about what makes living in Charlotte different than anywhere else. In the past, newcomers have noted that Memorial Day is different here than other places they've lived. I'm preparing a column about the history of the holiday and wondered what you readers thought.

One thing that hopefully nobody disagrees with: Memorial Day is a time to spend with family and remember loved ones, no matter where you live.

A question of North vs. South?

Do Northerners and Southerners celebrate Memorial Day differently?

Historians say the South perceived the federal Memorial Day holiday as an observance primarily for Union soldiers and chose to observe their own Confederate Memorial Days. Has that carried over to today -- with more low-key Memorial Day observances in the South and bigger-deal celebrations in the North?

You tell me. I'm searching for answers in time for -- well, Memorial Day. How do you celebrate Memorial Day here or how have you celebrated the occasion in other places you've lived?

I'll raffle off two Starbucks gift cards -- one to a Northerner and one to a Southerner, of course. Just post your comment here and e-mail a copy of it to me along with your name and daytime phone number. You must include your name and phone number to be in the drawing for free coffee. Thanks!

What's a fixture in your neighborhood?

Today I wrote about Talley's Green Grocery in Dilworth closing. Some regulars who live near there consider it a neighborhood fixture. Other shoppers there yesterday said they can't wait for bigger rival Whole Foods to come in 2009.

Anyhow, today I want to hear about fixtures in your neighborhood. What's something that defines where you live? Post it here.

How walk-able is your hood?

My colleague Amy Rainey just reminded me of a cool Web site that measures how walk-able your neighborhood is. Go to www.walkscore.com and enter your address.

My South Charlotte neighborhood scored a 40 out of 100. And that's about right. Walking our dog around the hood is a fun way to meet and greet the neighbors. But it's about a 10 or 15 minute walk to the Archdale light rail station from my house. And my husband and I have walked to dinner just once and crossing South Boulevard wasn't fun.

I entered my old Dilworth address, where we rented before we bought our house and where we walked to dinner all the time. Score: 83.

I also submitted my old NYC address. Score: 92. I was surprised it wasn't 100. My apartment in Astoria, Queens was just a couple blocks from the subway. I was in easy walking distance of everything I wanted -- movies, dry cleaners, restaurants, bars, grocery, coffee shops, nail salons, etc.

How does your hood score and how does it compare with other places you've lived. Check it out. It's fun.

I'm not a hat person but I'm wearing one here

On Saturday, colleague Olivia Fortson and I headed to Young Affiliates of the Mint's Derby Days. To read about the event, click here.

I had a great time checking out the dresses, seersucker suits and hats. Everybody looked so Springy and festive. I never wear hats. But I make an exception for Derby.

Here's a photo of Olivia and me. I'm wearing the pink shades.

I went home to watch the big race on TV with my husband Jefferson. We met and married in Lexington, Ky., a.k.a. horse country, and covered three Derbies together. This year I think we were both glad not to be there in person to watch the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. What a sad ending when the No. 2 finisher, Eight Belles, broke her front ankles and had to be put down.

Know a better bird's-eye view of uptown skyline?

A reader named Sandy asked me about the perch with the best bird's-eye view of uptown Charlotte. See what I found out by reading today's column. Click here.

Also, got a better suggestion? Post it here. Thanks.

Hear me on the radio

Today show travel editor Peter Greenberg last Saturday did his radio show -- Peter Greenberg Worldwide -- from the Ballantyne Resort. He asked me to be on to talk about Charlotte and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which I had recently written about because of the Olympic trials there.

Anyhow, I just got the link to the broadcast. Want to hear it? Here's how:

Go to http://www.iradionow.com/, enter log-in -- info@iradio.com, and enter password -- 24824. Click on Travel and Peter Greenberg Worldwide. Select the April 26 show. I appear in the second hour. Mayor Pat McCrory is in the first hour.

Do it soon. I have no idea how long this guest log-on will work.

Nothing to complain about Charlotte commute?

This just in: Forbes.com ranks the 10 U.S. cities with the worst commutes. Charlotte didn't make the list. Should it have?

Click the link above the read the story. Here are the 10 worst cities, according to Forbes.com:

10. San Francisco
9. Los Angeles
8. Houston
7. Washington
6. Tampa
5. Dallas
4. Orlando
3. Miami
2. Detroit
1. Atlanta

Pain at the pump?

This morning I got a call from Krista Terrell, spokeswoman for the Arts & Science Council.

"I'm so excited. I just had to share this with you," she said.

Krista took the Lynx light-rail line to work uptown for the first time this morning. She was excited to report that it ran smoothly and was more convenient for her than she thought it would be. She didn't think driving to the I-485 station from her home in Steele Creek would make sense. Why not just drive to work?

But she's getting tired of paying nearly $4 a gallon to fill up her Honda Accord. In fact, she doesn't even fill the tank. She stops at $30 or $35 because that's all she can stomach at one time.

So this morning she has her husband leave the house at 7:45 a.m. and he drops her at the I-485 station at 8 a.m. She buys a ticket and the train leaves at 8:15 a.m. She takes the train to the Time Warner Arena station and after a short walk gets to work around 8:35 or 8:40. All told, it took her about 10-15 minutes longer than driving would have, she said. But it's worth it to save some gas money, she said. And now Terrell plans to do it two or three times a week.

Turns out it works well to have her husband drop her off on his way to work in Ballantyne. "It was easier than I thought," Krista said.

I still haven't tried light rail. I have it in my head that it would be too hard with a baby who my husband drops off at daycare and who I have to pick up at night. How would that work? Am I wrong?

Plus, I don't live as far away from uptown as Krista. Her commute to work is about 16 miles, double mine. And I need my car for work.

Are you taking the train to and from work? How's it working out? What do you think?

Shopping near uptown of all places

Twice in the last week I have been to the Target and Home Depot Expo Design Center in the new Metropolitan development near uptown. The stores opened last fall. But last week was my first time over there and I was impressed. Aside from New York, I've never lived anywhere that has this kind of retail so close to the center city.

Metropolitan is a $225 million, 16-acre project replacing Midtown Square between Kings Drive and Kenilworth Avenue.

Best Buy, Marshalls and Staples are opening there soon. And Trader Joe's -- what I really can't wait for -- is slated to open a store in the second half of this year.

Have you been? What do you think?

And what stores do you wish were close to uptown?

Sneezing in Charlotte?

I am happy to report that so far this year my allergies are the most under control they have ever been since I moved here nearly five years ago. This is major. Usually I am sneezing my head off all the time.

Medical writer Karen Garloch says the rain has been tamping down the pollen. So aside from the drought, that's another reason to be thankful for the Spring showers.

Are your allergies better or worse since moving to the Charlotte area? Let me know by posting here.

And email your responses to Karen -- kgarloch@charlotteobserver.com -- too. She's working on a story. Be sure to include your name and daytime phone number when you email her. Thanks!

Nothing to do here?

Can't find anything to do around here? Head to Charlotte.com. That's what Editor Rick Thames advises in a message on today's front page.

New on Charlotte.com: A searchable calendar of nearly 15,000 happenings along with maps, directions and nearby restaurants. I checked it out and found an event I happened to be searching for yesterday -- Art & Soul on South End -- at the top of the page as the "Best Bet."

Check it out yourself on Charlotte.com or go to events.charlotte.com (no www).

No good barbecue? What?!

Now everyone stay calm.

A reader, Ty Caston, e-mailed me to say that after a year in Charlotte he's yet to find "a decent place for barbecue."

"I am from Georgia, where there is a BBQ shack on every corner, but in Charlotte I can't even find a place that knows what Brunswick stew is. Any suggestions?"

Oh boy, Ty, you certainly have opened a can of baked beans. People here have very strong opinions about their barbecue.

Let me share my two favorites: Bill Spoon's -- Eastern style -- and Mac's Speedshop -- upscale biker bar. Both on South Boulevard.

I prefer pulled pork to beef brisket. Ribs aren't my thing but I once thoroughly enjoyed them at the famous Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Ala. I like vinegar sauce if it's not too tart and red sauce so long as it's not cloyingly sweet. And I like to put the slaw on top of the meat.

I asked some colleagues to weigh in. Some did. And some wouldn't -- they are plain tired of the barbecue battle.

Tommy Tomlinson, who's also from Georgia, called Spoon's and Mac's the best in town but "he best in the WORLD is about an hour away to the west (Bridges' in Shelby) and the east (Lexington #1 in Lexington)."

Mark Price shared this:
"Being from Memphis, which is a big pork barbecue place, I've taken much grief over this issue. In Memphis, they had barbecue places all over, like they have hamburger joints in Charlotte. When I first moved to N.C., I lived in Fayetteville, in the eastern part of N.C. and they served this vinegar-soaked slop called barbecue. Tasted more like the innards of a well-roasted scrub pine.
When I criticized the alleged barbecue, I was told that people from Memphis like 'ketchup on their barbecue,' which alluded to the fact that we like sauce you can see and taste, rather than the vinegar-kerosene mixture preferred in Eastern N.C.
Anyway, I find that the barbecue is a little more edible in Charlotte, and I prefer Mac's on South Boulevard to most places. In Lexington, I go to the Bar-b-que Center, where the barbecue is pretty darn good. They also have this red colored slaw, which something we never had in Memphis.
One more big complaint: Here, "baked beans" are warmed over Van Camp's Pork & Beans that settle on your plate like brown sludge. In Memphis, baked beans have barbecue sauce, along with onions, spices and chips of fresh cooked pork. I don't even order beans in this state any more, because it's like something from a Chef Boyardee can."

OK, people, bring it on. What are your barbecue suggestions?

Left Ohio and looking for friends

I got an e-mail today from Kristen Montgomery, who moved to Charlotte a month ago from Cleveland. Kristen, 26, and husband Jesse, 29, are looking for newcomer groups to join.

"I've heard there are some active 'New to Charlotte' groups here, but I've been having a hard time figuring out where to find them or how to join. Could you help me with that? I was able to find the Charlotte Young Professionals group you mentioned in one of your previous articles, but we're looking for ones that are specifically for newbies like us."

No problem, Kristen.

Meetup.com is a good place to turn to find groups by interest. For example, I found the Charlotte Singles, Nightlife, and New In Town Meetup Group. There are lots of fun-sounding groups on Meetup but this is the only one I found with "new" in the name.

If you have a church, you might check to see if it has fellowship for newcomers. Several area churches -- St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne and Christ Covenant Church in Matthews come to mind -- offer a program called Moving On After Moving In.

Keep in mind, though, that many young professionals groups here are going to have plenty of new-to-town members. That's just Charlotte. I suggest these:

Kiwanis Uptown. Unlike traditional, older Kiwanis clubs, this one caters to young professionals 21 to 35. I went to a recent meeting and found that many of the members are new to Charlotte. For more on Kiwanis Uptown, check out my upcoming Sunday column.

Charlotte Jaycees. Another volunteer and networking group for 20- and 30-somethings.

Young Affiliates of the Mint. Professionals ages 21-45 to get involved in the Mint museums through educational and social events.

Any other groups Kristen and Jesse should know about? Post them here.

What do you really think about Living Here?

I want to hear your ideas for the annual Living Here magazine. Producing it is a big part of my job.

Please let me here how to make the magazine more useful and relevant to your life. E-mail your suggestions to me at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Include your name and telephone because I'm raffling off a prize. For more details, click here.

Even McDonald's is upscale in SouthPark

It's funny what strikes people when they visit a new place.

Take Bonnie from East Rochester, N.H., who e-mailed me today about her recent Charlotte stay. It was her first. She was visitng her son.

"He took me to all the sights that you mentioned (in previous posts), PLUS we also went to see the Calvary church, which looks like a big pink tiara. It thoroughly impressed my five-year-old granddaughter. And we saw the Duke Mansion, went to SouthPark mall and to the McDonald's there, which has balconies on the second floor and a grand piano and a chandelier in the lobby! Again, my granddaughter thought it was stupendous. I also found it interesting just to drive around and see the area as the mostly brick homes are a contrast to our New England wood-frame houses. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the area on my next visit."

Bonnie, I love that you mention that McDonald's. I was also struck by that when I moved here in 2003. I can say with confidence there aren't any grand pianos in McDonald's in New York City, where I lived before moving here. Along the same lines, I will never forget stepping into a grocery store (the Harris Teeter on East Boulevard) for the first time to see a huge display of Pellegrino sparkling water. Quite a change from where I shopped in New York -- Key Food in Astoria, Queens and Pathmark in Long Island City, Queens.

Your favorite bars

Hey, readers, do you play pub trivia? I'm looking for your favorite bars for trivia nights. You know where you answer Trivial Pursuit-style questions for pitchers of Coors Light or pints of Guinness. Please let me know.

If you post here and send a copy of it to my e-mail I'll put your name in a raffle for a prize drawing. Thanks!

Pushy neighbors?

A colleague of mine, Alisha, and her husband recently bought their first house. They aren't new to Charlotte but they are new to their neighborhood. Alisha wants to know the proper way to meet the neighbors. Her e-mail to me goes like this:

"Is it appropriate to go up to our neighbors' doors and introduce ourselves? Do we try to hold a small BBQ or something and leave 'invitations' for
people we've never met before? Is the best way to meet them through the
neighborhood association meetings? We want to be friendly, but we
don't want to be pushy."

My husband and I have gotten to know our neighbors but not through any overt or planned efforts. One neighbor -- who turns out I went to high school with back in Ohio -- brought over a bottle of wine. Other neighbors we met when everyone was outside doing yardwork or while dog walking. We've BBQ'd with neighbors once we've gotten to know them.

My advice: Chat up your neighbors when you happen to see them around. Let these relationships build kind of naturally. Maybe offer to get someone's newspapers if you know they're leaving town and perhaps they'll be likely to return the favor. Just be .. well .. neighborly.

What has or hasn't worked for you?

Can't wait to get out of here? Or, never want to move again?

I have lived in Charlotte for four and a half years, longer than I've lived anywhere since graduating college.

How long will I stay?

I don't know.

But I will tell you this, my column today makes staying put sound pretty good. It's about a family's arduous cross-country move from Park City, Utah to Charlotte. I challenge you to come up with a better moving tale of woe. Got one? Let me hear it. Post it hear and send me a copy at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com.

Oh, and how long do you plan to be in Charlotte? Tell me that too. Thanks!