Charlotte Real Estate Agent Brian Belcher

The well known and very affordable furniture and home accessories store, IKEA, will be opening a location in Charlotte sometime next spring. The huge warehouse like store will be located in the University Area off of interstate 85. The store will also have a cafeteria style restaurant on the second floor of the building, for those long days of shopping no doubt, serving American and Swedish type foods. The 356,000 square foot building will have a play area for the kids too. The location will also strive to recycle up to 90% of the waste it produces, sticking to the contemporary and progressive personality of the company. So, for those of you wanting to spruce up your Charlotte homes, or those moving to Charlotte and wanting a fresh start, check out IKEA for stylish and affordable home goods.

I had the pleasure of taking advantage of the fantastic weather yesterday here in Charlotte while dining outside at Eastover's Big Ben Restaurant. Big Ben is a traditional British restaurant and pub, with many different English beers on the menu as well as fish and chips (beer battered fish and fries), bangers (sausage), wallys (pickles), and scotch eggs (a boiled egg wrapped in some sort of meat, if memory serves). There are many other items on the menu that are less adventurous, but still delicious. The wait staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. The best part, besides the pints, is the large amount of outdoor seating. Surrounded by flowers, trees, plants, and string lighting, the patio area is the type of place you could spend an entire evening. Big Ben has one of the best atmospheres in the city of Charlotte, hands down. Check it out.

Beginning next year, all Mooresville students grades 4 and up can receive their own laptop computers. About 6,000 laptops will be distributed, with around 3,500 having already been given out this year. The Mooresville school district and it's leaders have been able to raise the $1.5 million needed to greatly advance the schools and student's learning.

A $50 insurance deposit is required for students wanting a laptop, as is a 90 minute training session, a small price to pay for something a lot of students wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. Firewalls and filters are also part of the deal, making access to popular sites like Myspace restricted. The computers have been beneficial environmentally as well, with homework and tests becoming electronic, decreasing paper use.

HOLA!

Southpark will be the host of Charlotte's 18th annual Latin Festival this year. The festivities will be held at Symphony Park on Sunday, October 12, near the intersection of Carnegie Blvd. and Barclay Downs Dr.

The festival will include traditional latin food, dancing and music, arts and crafts, and fun activities for the kids. About 25.000 people are expected to attend this year. Adult admission is $5, children are $3. Those under the age of 8 are free.

Welcome to Southpark, one of Charlotte's most sought after places to live. Located less than 15 minutes from uptown, this south Charlotte area has everything to offer.

Deriving it's name from the upscale shopping paradise Southpark Mall, the area is full of things to do and places to see. The enormous mall is home to department stores like Neiman Marcus, Belk's, and Macy's, with more than 100 specialty stores.

The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's are two great places to eat at Southpark as well. The area offers an abundance of other restaurants, from low key to fine dining. Harper's, DelFrisco's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Rooster's are among the most popular places to eat.

Philip's Place, a mixed use development in the the Southpark area, is the perfect place for a day or night of fun, with many restaurants, like PF Changs and The Palm, a movie theater, and shopping.

Living in any of Southpark's tucked away neighborhoods, such as Mountainbrook, Beverly Woods, and Beverly Woods East, is ideal for young single professionals and families alike. With a huge YMCA in the area, many businesses for everyday needs, and easy access to other areas of Charlotte, Southpark provides a comfortable community and happy residents.