Friday Mailbag: 29 notes

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General Feedback

“Love the Axios Charlotte. Ever since I moved to CLT 4 years ago I’ve been looking for a good news source to serve as my “one stop shop”. I love that I can get a list of the best schools in clt alongside where to get best fried chicken. Keep up the good work!”

“HI! I follow you guys on Instagram and just LOVE your information.”

“Katie, You get to meet the coolest people. I want to quit my job and try to be you. Loved the profile on the Rookie Run. Keep up the good work. And good luck living with a lawyer. Some days I have a hard time living with myself” – A

“Your topics are always relevant AND interesting. I love reading about what’s happening in Charlotte, new places opening up and other local spots that I may not have known about. I also like how you guys share an honest opinion. For example, “The worst ladies restrooms in CLT” or “Best and creepiest Groupons.” I enjoy reading someone’s opinion about something. Overall, there is just a “cool factor” about the Agenda that can’t be explained.” – S

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Additional response to: Dear Hot Taco, take your racist statues down

(Note: You can read more Hot Taco responses here.)

“You guys have become too liberal and I’m dropping you and telling 5 friends to do the same. The hot taco story claiming their racist was too far.”

“I overall love the approach the Agenda is taking. The city has changed so much in my life time. I was in high school when the Nations Bank tower was built and no one went uptown after dark. The Agenda’s approach makes me appreciate how far the city has come and really gives the newcomers a view they may never have seen. A few things have rubbed me the wrong way and seem off base when it comes to the purpose of the agenda. Not saying you shouldn’t publish articles like these, but the… ‘Hot Taco’ type articles seem like a glorified negative Yelp rating”

“THIS is the type of stuff I’ve been waiting for from CA.  I want more stories that really stir the pot and call things into question. Keep publishing stuff like this! PLEASE keep pushing the line back.”

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In response to: Life advice for people in their 30s from retirees who know

“I just read your article on what 30 somethings should know – well done & most appreciated! You happened to be on site of one of the retirement centers we are exploring when we move from Illinois to Charlotte to relocate in my childhood home & closer to our children…” – B

“Love the retiree interviews! They’re adorable!” – A

“Thank you so much for writing the piece on advice from our elders. I am 24, and I know this value is lost with my generation. As my parents age, their constant wisdom and sound advice never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for taking time to highlight these important citizens.”

“Hi! I recently subscribed to the Axios Charlotte newsletter. I loved today’s feature “Life advice for people in their 30s from retirees who know” My last remaining grandparent past away last spring. Of all the things I miss about her, the one thing that caught me off guard was how much I miss getting her advice/ input on things. Reading this article was like a refresher course on all the wisdom she’d shared with me. Thanks for the neat story, and for focusing on our senior neighbors!” – K

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In response to: Sober-ish September – All the drinks I was offered while I wasn’t drinking

“That may have been my favorite article, and I find I am enjoying all of yours since I discovered ca. So great that you knew to support a friend by staying sober with her. As a divorce/family lawyer, I see how alcoholism tears families apart. And I see how alcohol induced sex ties strangers together for life with a child. So I was so glad to see you point out how difficult people can make it for others not to drink. Whether they are alcoholic or not…and how huge drinking has become in everyday life. I really never thought about how seriously prevalent it is today. They offer drinks when I get my nails done and during makeup events at department stores. They are offering free wine tastes at the grocery store. And most kids probably don’t think adults can go to a sports event without drinking beer. Thanks for such a great piece. I will definitely be more thoughtful about having non alcohol socials and plenty of fun non alcohol options standard. And I thought you might find this interesting – Foodthinkers.com/beet-wine/. Ever heard of wine made from beets?” – L

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In response to: Huge Atherton Mill overhaul will finally bring the retail we need to South End

“Does anyone who writes for this blog even remotely care about the preservation of Charlotte’s character or culture? We’re losing our neighborhoods left and right to new, shiny development that has no real appeal. The fact that this blog is excited about Atherton Mill getting torn down, MORE apartments coming to Plaza Midwood and the repeated need to jump for joy over a juice bar in Park Road Shopping Center proves that you care very little about preserving what has made Charlotte what it is today. I won’t even bring up your stance on losing the South End Common Market, because you basically just said, “Oh well.” Before long, we are going to be surrounded by high-rises with no character, lame commercial development and absolutely no historic charm. Even if you are about to pee yourself with excitement over yet ANOTHER apartment building going up, could you at least pretend to care about the neighborhood losing ground to preserve its character?”

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In response to: Travel Review: Grading The Omni Homestead in Warm Springs, Va.

“I agree with everything you said – a few added items: (1) You can smoke a cigar on the porch and not feel like your a criminal. (2) If you go again – try just one day for the breakfast Buffett I used to travel a lot in my last job and this is truly one of the best breakfasts I have had – my 14 year old son still can’t get the maple bacon donuts out of his head. (3) The arcade room for the kids was pretty cool. (4) The movie experience would have been much better if you could have even bought popcorn – I couldn’t even bribe I mean pay anyone to make us some… I really enjoy you all’s articles – yeah I’m from the north the others not happening.” – T

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In response to: The best barbecue in Charlotte might just be sold by Boy Scouts

“C’mon down to Matthews United Methodist (801 S. Trade St. in Matthews) on Thursday night to watch us (Troop 39) cook the 7,500 lbs. of Boston Butt pork. It is quite a sight. I’ll give you a Carolina Reaper pepper (hottest in the world).” -S

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In response to: That weird little Enterprise on Tryon was an award-winning architectural design back in its day

“Weird little eyesore…”??? Mercy! If you dug even deeper you might’ve learned more about mid-century modern architecture, an extremely innovative and historically significant style beloved by many (across the world) but notoriously unappreciated around here, to the point of near extinction — a genuine architectural tragedy in some cases. But, despite your dismissive terms describing a building (and architect) I admire, I am very glad you brought Landmarks to your readers’ attention, and the need to save our modern architectural history from obliteration.”- L

Katie: I also called it “beautiful and functional” in its prime. Today it’s hiding behind overgrown shrubbery and is in a pretty dilapidated condition. The point was to highlight that it has been neglected.Looking forward to using this experience to dig deeper into other landmarks I may have overlooked.

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In response to: Evolution of young guy to dad. 7 reasons to stop googling “What to do with kids in Charlotte”

“I want to talk about this article.I think he’s funny and the information is useful, but his judgment of women makes me cringe. What moms are talking about? Fine. But judging what moms wear to the park? WTF? What are moms supposed to wear? I’m too effing tired to worry about clothes and I think it’s logical to wear exercise clothing to the park because exercise clothes resemble pajamas. What does Jon wear to the park? OMG A PIECE OF EXERCISE CLOTHING. I guess my point is I think Jon is funny. I also think he goes wherever he wants (like the park with his toddlers) and no one comments on his conversation topics or clothing. MUST BE &^*$ING NICE JON. And I’m disappointed that agenda doesn’t edit out these microaggressions. His article was informative! But I’m a regular at the park he describes. Why should I care if I’m wearing exercise clothing? What is he wearing? What would you wear to a park?” – A

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In response to: 10 ways to avoid being one of Charlotte’s idiot sports parents

“Thoroughly enjoyed the post on ’10 Ways to Avoid Being One of Charlottes Idiot Sports Parents’; so much so that I shared it to the masses. This article was so spot-on with describing the epitomization of the failure of our society these days. While my husband and I don’t have kids [yet], we casually observe these types of interactions and issues while we are out and about. We cringe when we see simple things like ‘Please/Thank You’ and courteousness to others go by the wayside for many parents and their kids. Maybe it’s the fast-paced life we all lead, maybe it’s a superiority issue [with regards to being in a restaurant or public place], maybe it’s [sports] a ‘checking of the box’ thing for parents, but I believe this article should [hopefully] hit home for a lot of people and send a reality check to those who need it. Our society [and future society] depends on it! Thanks for consistently providing awesome morning coffee reads. Look forward to it every day!” – A

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In response to: Ode to Tremont Music Hall: A place that made high school kids feel like giants

“Loved the article on Tremont and equally devastated by the loss of such an underground culture and vibe. I also used to drive up to Charlotte in my high school days and through college to catch those bands that no other venue would book. The loss of Tremont will leave a gaping hole in Charlotte’s burgeoning music scene, but let’s call this what it is: gentrification. As South End creeps outward, we’ll continue to lose gems like these in favor of PBR sponsored art galleries and Coca Cola music venues. When do we reign in progress for true local culture?”- J

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In response to: Crisp who? Six reasons why Chopt is now the best salad place in town

“So that I don’t come across solely as a whiney and oversensitive complain-a-lot, I’ll start by saying that I do love the Axios Charlotte. I’ve been reading y’all since nearly the beginning and appreciate how much your daily emails have taught me about Charlotte and the surrounding areas, and I tell anyone I can about the Agenda at every chance I get. However, given today’s story bashing a local restaurant (Crisp) in favor of a new chain (Chopt), I’m embarrassed for CA that you continue to allow such immaturity in some of your stories, rather than requiring that submissions level up to that of a legitimate news source. (If that’s indeed what you want CA to become.) Regarding the Crisp-Chopt piece, there are ways to have gone about writing it, and even comparing as the writer did, without flat-out trashing a Charlotte establishment that’s done nothing but try to keep up with demand and satisfy our city…”

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In response to: 18 things to see, do and eat in Salisbury (45 minutes from Charlotte)

“I literally just stumbled across your article on your visit to Salisbury. There is a pizza place in Salisbury called The Salty Caper. They serve craft beer and have quaint outside seating in the back. My husband and I don’t live in Salisbury but visit often!! Just wanted to let you know about the Salty Caper, maybe you can try it on your next trip there.” – L

“There’s way too much going on inside I-485 that’s not being reported. Do we really need articles about Rock Hill and Salisbury? Stay focused. Let them get their own Agendas.”

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In response to: 7 ideas for where Food Truck Friday could move

“Idea for Food Truck Friday relo… The Myers Park Methodist Church overflow parking lot at the intersection of Queens and Providence. Why?… Lots of parking. On the Booty Loop. Lush, green, and not desolate dirt/gravel lot. Proximity to Harris Teeter. Equidistant from South End and Plaza Midwood. Close to Queens University. Walkable from Dilworth, Chantilly, and the Sugar Creek Greenway. Hugh McManaway statue (I hear he’s an awesome promoter). Bus 20 route (the sane, mostly professionals, bus). Won’t feel like you’re tailgating, or that it’s “sponsored.” Give this staid part of town some much needed edge.”

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In response to: Transplants unite – The best Charlotte bars to watch your favorite NFL team

“Valhalla Pub and eatery IS NOT a Minnesota Viking bar!!! We do not even have the NFL ticket! Please correct or we will have some unhappy peeps on our hands.”

“Hey there. I loved this article Transplants unite: The best Charlotte bars to watch your favorite NFL team, especially because my man’s picture is featured it in. However the name of the Baltimore Ravens meet up group in Charlotte is called the Queen City Ravens Nest, not the Charlotte Ravens. Kindly correct it and link it to our Facebook Page. Thank you so much!”

“You have Coach’s Sports bar listed as a place for Saints fans to hang out. Coach’s hasn’t existed for many many years. I know because we owned it! Thanks.”

“The Steeler’s group from Fitz should probably be under Tier 1. The news even interviews that group every year. Die hard fans that is a well known group even for out of town Pittsburgh fans that need to catch the game while in CLT. Also, this is just my opinion as it was the opinion of the writer. (Please note that I am NOT a Steelers fan, while I am a fan of the other Pittsburgh teams). I’m a Titans fan and I’m okay with not having a bar to go to to watch my team play.. I need to be able to cry after games in the comfort of my own home… maybe one day… I have hope.” – A

“Hello. I didn’t see any other way to write in with additions to the list so I’m doing it here. For the Buffalo Bills please add Taste of Buffalo Pizzeria to the article. The Bills Backers list also includes Al’s Bar and Grille in Cornelius. Thank you.”

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In response to: Trilogy Lake Norman appealing to boomers and zoomers

“May be we should move to Trilogy at lake Norman. Looks cool to me!” – My Mom