Skip to main content

Some folks welcome the Fall season for the return of pumpkin spiced lattes and other pumpkin-flavored treats. Others get excited about the return of the crisp weather and colorful leaves. You can enjoy both, though, at the collection of festivals in this roundup of Fall things to do in Charlotte.

Festival in the Park

A fixture in Freedom Park since 1964, Festival in the Park sees artists showcasing their work in tented booths surrounding the lake. You can also take part in workshops, enjoy performances by local musicians or dance troupes, take the kids to the amusement area, and get your annual fill of fried dough and other fair food. The 58th Annual Festival in the Park runs from Sept 16th to 18th and is open 4 – 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.

 

Flow Fest

For a more meditative festival experience, check out the Flow Fest at the Whitewater Center. This U.S. National Whitewater Center event features a full lineup of different yoga classes for the public. You can also enjoy live music, sample kombucha, and check out local vendors between your downward dogs and Namastes. Starts Sept. 17th with the first session at 8:30 a.m. and an evening Glow Yoga at 8:30 p.m.

 

CLT International Arts Fest

This sprawling festival features a wide range of live performances and artistic displays over several weeks. You can find things to do in Charlotte’s Romare Bearden Park, the new Ballantyne’s Backyard, on-stage at the Belk Theater or Booth Playhouse, and at other venues. Many festival events are free, but some do have ticket prices. Check out the more than 200 attractions on tap from Sept. 16th to Oct. 2nd.

 

Breakaway Music Fest

Now in its fifth year in Charlotte, this two-day touring multi-genre music festival tailors its lineup to the local audience. The Queen City’s headliners this year include acts such as Illenium, Tiësto, The Kid Laroi, and Quinn XCII. Tickets start at $79 for the Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st event at zMAX Dragway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.

 

Carolina Renaissance Fest

Huzzah! Get ready to don your Renaissance finery and enjoy jousting knights or comic jests. Take a trip to Huntersville on Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 1st – Nov. 20th and travel back to the Village of Fairhaven where royalty and peasants mingle to experience theatre, comedy, arts and crafts, games, and more. Partake in a drumstick or a mug of mead when not throwing tomatoes at someone hurling insults back at you or trying your hand at archery. Tickets start at $32 for ages 13 and up.

 

Taste of Charlotte Festival

Truist Field, home to the Charlotte Knights, is the new home base for this annual food festival. You can buy tokens to try all kinds of different foods offered up by Charlotte area restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. There are also kid’s activities and live music at this Sept. 30th – Oct. 2nd event.

 

Charlotte Dragon Boat Race and Asian Festival

Travel to Cornelius to enjoy the races at Ramsey Creek Park. Along with teams pulling these slender dragon boats across Lake Norman, there’s an Asian Festival showcasing cultural heritage along with music and dance performances. Free, Oct. 8th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Carolina BalloonFest

Have you ever wanted to sail above the city in a hot air balloon? The 47th annual Carolina BalloonFest is a chance for you to get off the ground. Or simply visit this Statesville festival, Oct. 14th – 16th, to enjoy seeing the bright balloons launching in morning and afternoon sessions. You can also expect a wine and beer garden, live music, a kid’s zone, and craft vendors. Tickets start at $10.

Hola Charlotte Festival

Uptown Tryon Street is set to showcase Latino heritage in this 10th annual celebration of traditions from Columbia, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Peru. This free, family-friendly event features a cultural village, live music and dance, family activities, arts and crafts and, of course, food and drink. Support local and rising talent in the Latin Urban area featuring upcoming musicians and dancers. Oct. 15th from 12p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Fort Mill Fall Festival

Participate in the costume contest or simply take in the live music while sampling foods and beer or checking out the arts and crafts and family fun activities. This free event Sat. Oct. 22nd is from 4 to 8 p.m. in Fort Mill’s Walter Elisha Park. Live performances in the Fort Mill Amphitheater that night feature Chewbacky, Whit’s End, and the Matt Tucker Band.

 

Biketoberfest

Support nonprofit Sustain Charlotte by participating in this two-wheeled scavenger hunt around the city. Bicyclists get a passport and need to get stamps from local businesses and learn about bike safety while riding in Biketoberfest, Sunday Oct. 30th 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. on. There’s an after-party at Triple C Brewing in South End where you can trade in your passport for raffle tickets and win prizes. Don’t have a bike? You can still participate by walking or taking public transport. The idea is simply to enjoy getting around the city without a car.

 

While enjoying all these Fall things to do in Charlotte, keep your eye out also for Saussy Burbank’s latest home offerings in the Queen City and Fort Mill, too!

For many of us, our homes are more than mere roofs over our heads. The house is an extension of our identity. Home design is not only a creative outlet but also impacts our wellbeing. For some, it definitely enhances their mood knowing that their design choices suit the latest aesthetics. That’s why this article rounds-up predictions for the Fall 2022 home design trends.

Many different style publications weigh in with predicted home design trends for the season. To save you from having to get all those magazines delivered to your mailbox (and — gasp— cluttering your house!) we share five trends that came up consistently across the likes of Vogue, House Beautiful, Home and Garden, and HGTV.

#1 Natural Warmth

There are many different takes on this trend, but the consensus is that welcoming and cozy is a top Fall 2022 home design theme. The interior designers are enjoying it. Athena Calderone, founder of Eyeswoon, told Vogue: “Who wouldn’t want to design a room that feels like a warm hug?”

But how do you deliver natural warmth in home decor? Suggestions include:

 

#2 Whimsy

Still, you don’t have to turn your entire home interior muddy brown or clay grey. Designer Mimi Meacham told HGTV she’s seeing more people “embracing fun colors and unique prints.” She suggests, “Utilizing colorful printed fabrics, custom upholstered sofas, chairs and window treatments will be fun, fierce and another way to bring personality into the space.”

Bringing in vintage styles is another way to be on trend. Martyn Lawrence Bullard predicted in Vogue people will be embracing a new spin on their grandparents’ homes with an “updated chintz vibe” or an “added touch of glamour with unexpected fringe and piping additions.”

HGTV and House Beautiful point to a rebound of 70s decor — that includes sage and mustard! “This decor style is relaxed and fun, evocative of the free-spiritedness and optimism of the 70s era,” trend specialist Matilda Martin said in House Beautiful.

Or, a whimsical wallpaper can be a dominant design element. You can really make it fit the Fall 2022 design trends by making it tactile too.

Another way to make a statement? Look to your fixtures. Designer Shayelyn Woodbery tells Homes and Gardens, “Outsized lights add ambience and drama – view it as jewelry for the space.”

 

#3 Sculptural

Sculptural furniture and curved shapes are a continuation of the desire for comfort. Sarah Sherman Samuel expects to see softer shapes and angles in furniture and architecture. “A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming,” the designer told Vogue.

The curves of sculptural furniture or objects harken back to the shapes in nature and can give a “more gracious and sensual” feel.

It’s all part of the move back to “slow, mindful living and ritualistic life,” as Homes and Gardens puts it. “There’s nostalgia for eras we can barely imagine…In interiors this means rough forms, the simple handcrafted objects connected to ceremony and symbolism.”

 

#4 Double Duty

COVID had more people staying in and working from home. While things are opening up, the shift perspective persists. More people are looking for rooms in their homes to multitask.

“As people spend more time in their homes, they expect the spaces to work harder for them,” Timothy Corrigan told Vogue. He suggested we’ll see more dining rooms walls lined with wine storage or books, guest rooms fitted with desks, and bedrooms equipped with exercise equipment.

Making spaces more multifunctional reflects our growing understanding that we “can live with less, especially after the past year,” designer Amy Leferink told HGTV.

The lower-level space formerly known as the basement is also getting more attention. Designer Georgia ZIkas told HGTV, “these are now multi-purpose, lower-level living spaces equipped with full kitchens, home theater tiered seating, games…These spaces allow for more family fun and safer entertaining with small groups.”

 

#5 Diversity

Increased awareness of the need for diversity and inclusion is seen in home design trends too. Whether it’s looking to display visual arts from different communities or sourcing furniture, fixtures, and accessories from minority-owned businesses, homeowners are making choices that speak to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

“Gone are the days of high-brow art collecting dominating the scene,” Daniele Colding told Vogue. “My clients are looking for fresh faces on the art scene. They also want collections that reflect the diversity of our world and the perspectives these artists offer.”

Finding the Home for these Trends

Now that you’re inspired to get decorating, you may be looking for a house to do it in. Saussy Burbank offers quality craftsmanship in new homes in Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC, and other great locations. Learn more about our latest offerings.

 

As a homebuyer, you may be wondering: “What is infill housing?” It doesn’t sound very livable, but infill housing is actually an attractive option for those who want to move into in-demand markets. That’s because infill housing refers to homes that are built in existing neighborhoods. You’ll learn more about it, as well as the pros and cons, in this article.

Infill housing typically refers to new houses built on vacant or underused lots. When someone moves into an established neighborhood and tears down an existing structure to construct a new home, that’s also infill housing. You might even hear the term used to describe massive renovations to older, existing properties. But, since we’re a new home builder, we’re going to focus on the new construction type of infill housing.

Urban infill housing has trended up as people look to return to the cities from the suburbs or further out. Also, as land prices are high, infill housing represents a way to get into an existing, older neighborhood while still getting to enjoy the luxury of a new home build.

You’ll see infill housing on an individual basis, where one homeowner buys land and builds their dream home. Or at a broader level in which older homes in an established neighborhood and perhaps even commercial properties are torn down in favor of a new, planned grouping of homes.

When done on an individual basis, the homebuilder simply needs to get the appropriate permits and ensure the neighborhood isn’t in a protected area. For larger projects, the city government may even be behind the infill housing initiative in an effort to promote growth and revitalize an area.

 

Pros of Infill Housing

Convenience is a big advantage to infill housing says Saussy Burbank’s Kim Claxton, who handles infill properties in the Charlotte area. An infill property is an “in-town location with the surrounding areas already developed,” she said. “A closer commute to work is another plus. And, usually, it’s just a short walk or bike ride to shops and restaurants.”

By considering infill properties you also expand your neighborhood choices. You don’t have to select only from new developments to get a home that is just built. You can get a lot with old growth trees or one that is near a great school by building your custom home in the neighborhood you prefer.

Infill properties can also benefit the neighborhoods they are built in by increasing property values. In some neighborhoods, infill housing is even credited with helping to reduce problem properties and certain types of crimes as they replace vacant or empty lots.

When you buy infill housing, you can also feel better about your environmental impact. No new land needs to be developed for your land. You are recycling existing property, helping the area to replenish with new homes without more sprawl.

 

Cons of Infill Housing

Sometimes the new construction homes are criticized for not matching the style of the existing homes. They may suit the design aesthetic of the new owner, but they stick out like a sore thumb. You can avoid this by working with your builder to achieve your vision without making choices that alienate your new neighbors.

Plus, infill lots are often smaller and/or irregularly shaped. Someone might be selling five lots where there was once one house. This can lead to some challenges for infill housing. You might need to build a narrower home with less square footage or build a taller, multi-story home. That’s why you work with an expert builder experienced in infill housing.

One other possible hurdle? Infill homes don’t always offer the same neighborhood amenities such as a pool or clubhouse, says Claxton. So, buyers may have to get on a waiting list to join nearby pools or clubs within the established neighborhood.

 

Saussy Burbank Handles Infill Housing

Enticed by the advantages of infill housing? We don’t blame you. Saussy Burbank brings its experience of crafting quality homes in the Carolinas to infill housing builds in Charleston and Charlotte.

In the Queen City, Saussy Burbank’s next project is at Heather Lane and Ashbrook Place near the Park Road Shopping Center. Our first home available is a 3,968 sq. ft. home with 4/5 bedrooms, 4 baths and owner’s bedroom on first floor. Please reach out to Saussy Burbank to learn more about these exciting opportunities!

Despite its unassuming name, Marvin, NC is a fast-growing community in Union County, North Carolina. The village of 6,500 residents in the 2020 census is a southeastern suburb of Charlotte, NC growing at a rate of 2.45 percent. Saussy Burbank is contributing to the increase with its Cottages at Marvin Gardens neighborhood. For this article, we interviewed sales agent, Thomasena Washington, about the village and the quaint cottage homes.

Before turning to our Marvin Gardens properties, though, let’s first provide some fun facts about the village:

 

What’s Appealing about Marvin Gardens

A big draw is that the Cottages at Marvin Gardens is an age-restricted community (55+) featuring 25 single-family residences. The homes are under construction at this blog’s writing with eight remaining for sale. The three homes currently on the market are a three-bedroom ranch plan and two four-bedroom 1.5 story plans.

When it comes to 55-and-over communities, Washington said, the homes are often very cookie cutter. Many also lead with big garage doors dominating the curb appeal. Saussy Burbank’s designers went in a different direction. “They are very unique,” she said.

Driving down the street in Marvin Gardens you’ll see a collection of homes with tall roof pitches. You wouldn’t know from the outside which homes are ranches or are 1.5 or two story homes. All of the homes also have extra curb appeal from their brick or stone fronts, painted columns, and cedar brackets or accents.

Residents can also enjoy covered rear porches or screen porches and fully finished garages. Plus, in this age-restricted community, homeowners don’t have to worry about yard maintenance. Saussy Burbank is installing Bermuda sod and irrigation. The Homeowners Association (HOA) fees also cover landscaping and lawn maintenance for residents. This makes the properties “lock and go,” Washington said. “Residents can go and visit with a grown child or travel for a month knowing the yard is maintained.”

For adults who want to be out and active closer to home, Marvin is just minutes from Waverly or Blakeney, two attractive mixed-use areas with restaurants and shops. Walmart and Lowe’s are also easy to reach as are the interstates.

 

Extras of an Age-Restricted Community

Saussy Burbank has also paid attention to the needs of this specific community inside the homes too. For example, Washington noted, all of the common areas are floored with SPC luxury vinyl which is durable and easy to clean. “It’s a better product for someone who wants worry-free maintenance.”

The homes are also being framed with supports in the shower wall to add grab bars later on if the residents require them. Curbless entry showers are offered in the owner’s bathroom suite where there is also a shower seat. The owner’s suite is downstairs in all of the available plans as well.

Throughout the home, the doors are wider to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers if needed. The doors are also 8’ high. With the 10’ high ceilings that makes for a nice open plan, Washington said.

The interior finishes are top quality. There are French doors leading to the rear porch instead of sliding glass doors. For those that love to cook, many of the gourmet kitchens in the cottages also boast double ovens.

The Cottages at Marvin Gardens community is an easy walking distance from the new Publix at the corner of Providence and New Town Road. “It’s close enough for you to get what you need for the day instead of having to shop for the week,” Washington said.

Another perk of age-restricted living in Marvin Gardens? There are no restrictions on children living in a residence or the duration of their visit. Plus, kids can ride on bikes under the mature natural trees. There are also sidewalks on both sides of the street. It’s even OK to build a private pool or fence in a backyard.

 

Selecting a Saussy Burbank Home

“Marvin is highly sought after for a number of reasons,” Washington said. One of those will surely be the Cottages at Marvin Gardens. “It’s a quaint community.”

Washington, who has been with Saussy Burbank 29 years, says the company’s “attention to detail is unmatched by other builders developing 55-and-over communities.” In the cottages, “you get all the charm of a Saussy Burbank home just in a smaller package.”

In addition to the high quality, you’ll get Saussy Burbank’s customer service focus. Washington said, “We are about making sure that we have treated people fairly. We rely on our word-of-mouth referrals and our repeat buyers, and we have lots of them.”

On the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, Fort Mill is a quaint community offering a big dose of Southern hospitality. Learn more about living in Fort Mill, SC, and what there is to do.

Let’s start with some Fort Mill, SC, fast facts:

 

What to do When Living in Fort Mill, SC

When you’re living in Fort Mill, SC, you’ll enjoy opportunities to get out and know your neighbors at local restaurants or brew pubs. Plus, you can get outdoors and explore or take in some theater all without leaving your new hometown.

Enjoy Main Street Fort Mill

Main Street Fort Mill offers locally-owned restaurants and specialty retail shops. Really, it doesn’t get more specialized than the PuckerButt Pepper Company store, where you can try the hottest peppers in the world. If you want to keep your taste buds intact, try Local Dish, Emmet’s Social Table, or Hobo’s for eats. Or check out shops like the Crossings on Main or Soak Bath and Beauty.

 

Explore Baxter Village

The planned community of Baxter Village is another good place to relax and socialize. You can shop Cupcrazed or Chocolat Boutique for a tasty treat. Find something new to wear at KatyLoo or LemonLime. Or grab a bite at Lucky Duck Gastropub, Killington’s, or Fish Market Bar & Grill. To work up your appetite first, take a hike on the Carolina Thread Trail. You can catch the trail not far from the Fort Mill public library.

Get Outdoors on Anne Springs Close Greenway

The Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, SC, is 2,100 acres of preserved land with 36 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. There’s a Canteen on site as well and special events are hosted on the Gateway lawn. You can also enjoy kayaking or a picnic in this natural preserve.

 

Pair History with Play

The Fort Mill History Museum can fill you in on interesting facts about this York County township. There are audio tours and a docent onsite. Open Wed – Sat, the museum offers free entrance to the public. Plus, across the street there’s a playground at Walter Y. Elisha Park to enjoy afterwards.

 

Try a Local Brew

Amor Artis is a family-owned brewery located in the heart of Fort Mill, SC. The tasting shop is the labor of love of two brothers combining a background in brews and chemistry to craft distinct brews.

If wine is more your style, check out Illumination Wines’ Urban Winery and Tasting Room. You can sip and relax while enjoying live music. Or attend one of the tastings focused on the wines of a particular region to learn more about what you’re drinking.

 

Take in a Show

You can enjoy live theatre at the Fort Mill Community Playhouse or take in a Narroway Production show. The Community Playhouse puts on familiar shows such as Proof or The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. At Narroway’s dinner shows you’ll enjoy Christian theatre.

 

Get in 18 Holes

The Fort Mill Golf Club was established in 1948 and boasts courses lined by trees. The

Springfield Golf Club is an equally picturesque course which opened in 2001. If you’re more of a wacky golfer, drive up the road to Mr. Putty’s Fun Park in Tega Cay.

Shop for a Cause

Support a good cause while thrifting and looking for a great antique find at the Humane Society Thrift Shop Pawsibilities. Open Wednesday through Saturday noon to four, this ship supports the Humane Society of York County, a no-kill shelter hoping to give abandoned animals a new home.

Living in Fort Mill, SC, with Saussy Burbank

Saussy Burbank has been building high quality homes in the Carolinas since 1989. Our Fort Mill homes, part of the Springfield Town Center development, will offer a variety of master-up and master-down floor plans. Construction on the 50 single-family cottages is slated to begin late Fall 2022. Contact our sales team to learn more!

 

 

Living on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean is one of the big reasons to live in South Carolina. There are many opportunities for beachfront fun in Myrtle Beach that residents can enjoy. But there are ways to have fun on the beach in Charleston too. This article shares some fresh ideas for you to consider along Highway 17.

The main hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches along the Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach is home to many beautiful spots. When you’re looking for something to do other than play in the sand, there are many fun things to consider that take advantage of this great location. You might:

For the classic beach experience, you’ll want to spend time on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. You can hear the crashing of the waves and people watch on the wooden walkway along the waterfront. If you’re up for visiting an amusement park, Family Kingdom Amusement Park is at 300 S. Ocean Boulevard, just across from the beachfront.

For a different kind of entertainment, walk up four blocks from the beach to the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum and Arcade. You’ll buy a ticket for admission ($12/hour) and be able to play retro pinball and video games without having to worry about tokens or quarters at this fun spot.

 

More Fun Just Outside Myrtle Beach

Pawley’s Island is one of the coast’s oldest resort towns. You can spend time out on the beaches and sand dunes or walk around under trees draped with Spanish moss. There are some stunning golf courses that are part of the Waccamaw Golf Trail. Or enjoy seasonal fare and a memorable dinner at Bistro 217, Frank’s, Chive Blossom, or Gio’s and Perrone’s.

Don’t miss out on Murrells Inlet either. Known as South Carolina’s seafood capital, this fishing village was once the pirate Blackbeard’s hideout. About 13 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a great launching point for a deep sea fishing trip. Or go kayaking at sunrise and later enjoy a stunning sunset view at one of the many beachfront restaurants with live entertainment.

Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal park with three miles of beach offering sea-breeze camping, surf fishing, and bird watching. You might want to save your visit to the Moorish-style home of artists Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington until September. That’s when their home Atayala is at the center of an annual Arts and Crafts Festival.

Georgetown, about 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 65 miles north of Charleston is another picturesque seaport. You might check out the annual Wooden Boat Show in October. Or, year round, you can explore the 16,000+ acres of the Hobcaw Barony, named by the native Waccamaws for its beautiful location “between the waters.”

 

Listen for Bird Calls Along the Beach

Bird lovers will want to tour The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, SC. This sanctuary between Myrtle Beach and Charleston cares for and shelters eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and other birds. The Center offers educational outdoor programs and flight demonstrations Thursday, Friday & Saturday mornings at 10:30 am.

Or take a ferry to Bulls Island. You’ll find remote, pristine beachfront on Bulls, the largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. You can also explore a 5,000 acre maritime forest known for its more than 275 species of birds.

 

In and Around Charleston

In Mount Pleasant, just north of Charleston’s downtown, you can explore military history aboard the USS Yorktown. The Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum lets visitors step aboard a retired aircraft carrier, destroyer, and submarine.

At the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula, enjoy White Point Garden. This public waterside park offers incredible views out across the harbor. Plus you can weave your way through the paved paths past military statues and canons. Set up a picnic in the shade of one of the many sprawling oak trees and gape at the mansions lining the garden’s edge.

Fort Sumter is a fun day trip. Only accessible by water ferry, this Southern stronghold holds a place in history as the site of the first shots fired in the Civil War. It’s a national monument now with ruins, gun emplacements and a museum run by the National Parks Service.

 

Make the Beach your Backyard

You can live with the Atlantic Ocean as your backyard with Saussy Burbank communities in and around Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Our homes in the Sayebrook community, encompassing nearly 730 acres two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, are coming soon. In the meantime, check out our offerings in Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Johns Island & Kiawah Island.

The summer months are a time to explore new places and visit family and friends. Yet you’ll still be home some of the time. You may want to enjoy a fresh look for your patio or backyard space. To help, we’ve collected the top home trends in 2022 specific to outdoor environments.

In the wake of the pandemic we’ve come to recognize the important role our environment plays in our personal wellbeing. Eco-conscious designer Amanda Thompson told HGTV, “We now realize and better understand how our environments influence our health, productivity, and overall mental state.”

Our outdoor spaces have also taken on greater importance in the wake of being sheltered at home for so long and perhaps still working from home. So, as you look around your backyard or patio with an eye to refresh or renovate, consider the following top home trends for 2022.

 

#1 Minimalistic Design

We’re seeing this in interior home trends for 2022 as well, but outdoor minimalism translates to simple, clean lines and a focus on a calming space. Furniture with thin metal railings or lighter wood finishes enables you to be able to put the focus on the ferns and other foliage.

It’s a natural extension of the enthusiasm for Marie Kondo. Thinking about it as opting for quality and selecting what you put out in your backyard with intention. By decluttering with a minimalist approach you’re better able to appreciate the outdoors and destress in your beautiful environment.

 

#2 Natural Outdoor Decor

In selecting minimalist patio furniture look for natural or natural-looking materials. Think wood, wicker, rattan, macrame, and cane furniture.

House Beautiful tells us that mesh accents are back. “Metal cutouts and finely woven rattan add texture to sleek silhouettes, giving this retro design element a modern feel,” Brynna Lee, Wayfair’s Professional Stylist told the magazine. She recommends “furniture with perforated patterns, muted colors, rope and rattan, open weaves, and sculptural silhouettes.”

 

#3 Add a Pop of Color

You don’t have to go all neutral hues though. The patios of 2022 can be brightened up with bold pillows or outdoor rugs.

Or go the pastel route. Living Spaces Designer Britney Wilson suggests adding throw pillows or a couple of floral-patterned accent chairs to complement your natural look. “A pop of color into a backyard space can create a joyous and happy environment for relaxing,” she says.

 

#4 Create Cozy Spaces

Bring the cozy private feel of indoor rooms to the outdoors by arranging furniture in a shaded space with space differentiation. This might mean using a green wall, special lighting (see below), a water feature, or outdoor drapes.

Make the space comfortable, but make sure that you are picking furniture and accessories that will withstand the weather.

 

#5 Level Up your Outdoor Entertaining

The old charcoal grill may do the job just fine (and add flavor!). However, with people embracing outdoor entertaining more in the wake of the pandemic, there has been a move to more elaborate cooking outside.

Outdoor kitchens, expanded grills with cooktops, wood-fired pizza ovens, and bar spaces are all gaining in popularity. Living Spaces Designer Satsha Lopez-Jaimes notes, “Just because it’s outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have indoor luxury, so bring in storage through shelving and cabinets…For added warmth, centralize the hub with a fire pit dining table.”

 

#6 Cue the Lights!

Or at the very least hang up some deck lighting. You might use strip lights to illuminate a walkway or deck railing. Another popular choice is to hang a string of bistro lights across the yard, along a fence, or on your pergola.

In rounding out the top 10 outdoor lighting trends, the Perfect Light also suggests using soft lights to “highlight small specific ornamental features without contributing too much to light pollution.”

You might also add extra magic to your backyard oasis with fairy lights (white or colored) by decorating a tree trunk or bush.

 

#7 Bring your Tech Outside

If you’re living in a smart home already, it only makes sense to extend the reach of your tech to your patio environment. You might add an HDTV outside to host a movie night. Adding a WiFi booster can help ensure there are no issues in the midst of that essential scene.

Outdoor speakers let you pipe in your tunes from your personal playlists. You might even add smart lighting that you can use to change hues or intensity as you set the mood for the evening.

 

#8 Take up Vertical Gardening

Cultivating your own produce and herbs is one way to get around the ongoing supply chain issues. Or you can simply try your green thumb on some wildflowers. Either can add another natural element to your outdoor living space.

A vertical garden wall can be the outside’s equivalent of an accent wall. Plus, going vertical even works if you’re living in a townhome or only have a smaller patio space. Depending on your creativity level, you might even want to try the Living Picture Vertical Garden where you frame annuals to create a live artwork.

Whatever you decide to do with these exterior home design trends, you’ll know you’re in good hands with Saussy Burbank’s high-quality craftsmanship as the foundation for your new home. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings in Charlotte, NC, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, SC.

The Memorial Day fireworks were spectacular, so it’s official — summer is here. If you’re in Charlotte, you’ll be looking for fun things to do with your family and friends. Try these 12 fun Charlotte summer activities to get out and enjoy the Queen City and all that it has to offer.

#1 Find Your Next Favorite Restaurant

There are always new places opening in Charlotte’s culinary scene. Some of the newest arrivals to visit include:

 

#2 Get Out on the Lake

Charlotte has two nearby lakes where you can get out of the city and have fun on the water. Lake Norman and Lake Wylie are both great for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Lake Norman State Park also has a 125-yard sand beach equipped with a concession stand, bathhouse, restrooms and lockers. $4-$6/per person.

 

#3 Cheer for the Home team vs. Chelsea FC

Any game of the Charlotte FC, in its inaugural MLS season, is fun to watch. But, there’s a little extra excitement around this international friendly against Chelsea FC. On July 20th, the home team will host the six-time English Champions and 2021 UEFA Champions League winners at the Bank of America Stadium.

 

#4 Pack a Picnic for Symphony in the Park

The Charlotte Symphony performs three open air concerts at SouthPark’s bandshell in June. The first promises to help you Swing into Summer on June 12th. There’s also a Hooray for Hollywood concert June 19th and a show with Opera Carolina.

Or, join the Charlotte Symphony at some of its other performances out and about in Charlotte this summer:

 

#5 See the Charlotte Knights Play

The Charlotte Knights play their home games in the heart of Uptown. Enjoy your pretzel and a beer while taking in this Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. They play other Minor League Baseball teams of the International League throughout the summer at Truist Field. Keep your eyes peeled for the dragon mascot, Homer.

#6 Visit the Whitewater Center

You don’t even need to get wet! You can go whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding at the Whitewater Center. But there are also ropes courses, rock climbing, hiking and biking trails. You might want to plan your trip around a River Jam concert, outdoors every Thursday through Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can enjoy a pint and grab a bite to eat while listening to music under the stars.

#7 Try a New Local Brew

Charlotte is home to nearly 50 breweries. You won’t have any trouble finding a patio where you can taste a new seasonal brew. Some of the more recent breweries to open include:

 

#8 Sing-along at an Amphitheatre

Concerts are back at Charlotte’s two amphitheaters. The PNC Music Pavilion hosts the bigger acts such as Kid Rock, OneRepublic, Luke Bryan, The Black Keys, Chris Brown and Charlotte native Lil Baby, and Rod Stewart.

The Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater hosts Barenaked Ladies, Ben Rector, 5 Seconds of Summer, David Gray, Jack White, Goo Goo Dolls and more this summer.

You can purchase seats or set up on the lawn at either venue. Keep in mind the venues are now cashless if you want to get a T-shirt or visit the concession stands.

 

#9 Jump in a Rock Quarry

The Carrigan Farms rock quarry outside of Charlotte boasts a natural spring-fed body of water. Once you pass a swim test at the quarry you can jump into the cool fresh waters. It’s cash only and there is a concession stand onsite.

 

#10 Show your Pride

There are several community celebrations throughout the summer, but the big Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade returns to Uptown this August. The actual Pride Parade kicks off at 9th Street on Sunday, August 21st at 1 pm. There are musical acts and other entertainment options throughout the weekend in the core of Uptown.

 

#11 Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

You can find fresh fruits, vegetables and other vittles as well as flowers and crafts at the various farmer’s markets around the city. In addition to the city’s largest Regional Farmers Market, you might check out:

 

#12 Ride the Coasters at Carowinds

The Carolina’s biggest amusement park, Carowinds features almost 60 rides and family friendly special events. Kids can enjoy Camp Snoopy while taller riders can thrill on The Fury or Copperhead Strike. The waterpark, Carolina Harbor, has added the Boogie Board Racer, billed as the “longest mat racing water slide in the Southeast.”

There’s so much to do in the Queen City. These selected Charlotte summer actives are just the beginning. If you live in a Saussy Burbank home in the Charlotte area, you can easily find your favorites. Check out our offerings in Myers Park, Elizabeth, South Charlotte, as well as in the Village of Marvin and Fort Mill, SC.

There are many benefits of physical activity. But it can be tough at times to motivate yourself to keep fit. For people living in the Charleston area, reluctance can be reduced by the appeal of being outdoors, especially in and around Kiawah River. This article rounds up several ways you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Sure, you’re going to have a lovely home in the Charleston area. If you’re lucky enough to work from home, you will spend most of your time in the house. But you can’t sit around and admire the quality, craftsmanship and convenient modern layout all day. It’s great to get out and about and exercise.

Being active helps you:

It can also help you justify eating that Low Country Boil and other cooking that makes Charleston such a culinary hub. Although don’t expect to see that benefit on the CDC’s list.

Being Active around Kiawah River

When you live around Kiawah River, you own a home close to natural walking trails, green spaces, and miles of beautiful beaches. The landscape around Kiawah River includes saltwater flats for fishing and tidal creeks. You can enjoy a walk along 15 miles of leisure trails looking to view dolphins, sea turtles, and crabs.

Kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing are also favorite activities along the Kiawah River waterways. Or maybe you’re an early bird. If so, it’s not too difficult to find a spot for some sunrise yoga amidst the serenity of the marsh.

Bicycling is also a wonderful wellness activity to enjoy the winding paths around Johns Islands’ serene landscape. Connect with family and friends while cycling surrounded by the large live oak trees and wildlife on the marsh. Or you might take the West Ashley Greenway from Johns Island to just outside of Charleston. This hiking and biking trail is 7.8 miles (one way).

If part of your resting and relaxing routine involves retail therapy, you might walk or bike to Freshfields Village. You can even add dancing to your wellbeing variety by participating in a Shag Night on the Dock at this town-center mix of shopping, dining, and business.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the west end of Kiawah Island is a nearby public beach offering both an ocean and river view. The park offers 10 miles of sandy shore. Or you can get a respite in the shade walking on the boardwalk through the live oaks, pines, palmettos and yucca plants.

 

Healthy Living in other Charleston Neighborhoods

Of course the Kiawah River area isn’t the only place the people of Charleston can get out and enjoy fresh air and exercise.

The Nexton community, in Summerville outside of Charleston, boasts 46 parks across four neighborhoods. In two of those you can find a Saussy Burbank home to call your own. Azalea Park in the heart of Summerville is a scenic park with several trails and gorgeous floral blooms in the spring and early summer.

Wannaker County Park, near Goose Creek, offers almost 15 miles of trails for mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. Or try a round of disc golf on the County’s 9-hole course.

In Charleston, on the Medical University of South Carolina campus, you can even do circuit exercises outdoors. The MUSC Fitness Park combines fitness trails and individual exercise stations spaced out along the walking or jogging paths.

If you’re a runner, you’ll want to try The Battery loop taking in the older architecture in the heart of downtown. Also, you can plan on participating in the annual Bridge Run. You don’t have to compete, though. Mount Pleasant’s Waterfront Park provides every day paved access to walk, run, bike, or roller-blade from one end of the bridge to the other. It’s a 5-mile round trip.

Saussy Burbank offers homeowners a rare opportunity to live within a sea island village along the coveted Kiawah River. Find out more about our Johns Island offerings today. We also have homes available in Nexton, a nationally acclaimed community in Summerville that has emerged as one of the region’s favorite places to live, work, and get fit.