Mike Carpino Realtor from Lake Norman to Uptown Charlotte, NC

Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner for under $20 in Huntersville, North Carolina. Just because the economy is bad does not mean you cannot fit eating out to fit your your budget. This is part 1 of a series of 3 that will give you suggestions for eating breakfast, lunch and dinner out in the small town of Huntersville NC for less than $20 without giving up quality.

Huntersville North Carolina is nestled approximately 15 minutes north from Uptown Charlotte. . It will include some of my favorite places to dine out when I am out traveling around with clients or just running errands.

Today, I will talk about my favorite meal of the day breakfast. In the middle of downtown Huntersville, NC walking distance from the new Discovery Place for Kids is a small locally owned restaurant called Toast Cafe.

Their foundation is solidly built on family and years of restaurant experience. Their purpose is simple: to provide excellent food, exceptional service and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.

During the summertime there is plenty of outdoor seating surrounded by large oak trees that provide for a beautiful setting. If you prefer indoors you will enjoy the historical look of an old home that has been redone with class.

Here is a sample of the menu where you can eat for less than $5.00:

Eggs Any Style

All Eggs served with hash browns or grits, Toast or English muffin
Sub Bagel or Biscuit ...... $.30

Egg Sandwiches

All egg sandwiches served with white, wheat, rye or sourdough
Sub Bagel or Biscuit ...... $.30

I happen to like the basic eggs over easy, hash browns, biscuit and a cup of coffee. The portions at Toast are very generous so no need to ofor the extras. Total Bill = $6.25

Next up LUNCH....

Vermillion is now open! Tucked into historic Downtown Huntersville and one mile from I-77, you'll find a different sort of community. A place where neighbors know each other by name, where the sidewalks are made for strolling and where time moves just a little bit slower. This is Vermillion.

You're less than one mile away from all of life's conveniences like grocery and drug stores, local restaurants, specialty shops and of course the brand new Discovery Place for Kids that is under construction. Within a close radius are national retail stores and exciting dining and entertainment options at Birkdale Village and Northlake Mall. In case you are looking for a slower pace, you'll find something more in historic downtown Huntersville just around the corner.

New Urbanism, simply stated, is inspired land planning creating timeless communities where residents find neighborliness in their personal lives and reasons to participate in their community. Designed by nationally prominent land planners, DPZ, Vermillion is such a place. Here the beauty of the land is preserved and social involvement is second nature.

With so many things to do, you'll feel like it's summer all year long. For starters, there are miles of wooded forests perfect for exploring, playgrounds for the kids, a competition-sized pool and a splash pool. Just as important are neighborhood gathering spaces, the village square, outdoor pavilion and open park areas. And don't forget Downtown Huntersville, known for its authentic small town quality of life.

Homes are priced from the 200's to over 500k.

Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Growing up in upstate New York and living near 3 great pizza parlors it has been very hard trying to find someone to duplicate those outstanding pies.

For 10 LONG years now I have been searching the Charlotte/Lake Norman area hoping to discover that restaurant that can satisfy my desire for a great slice of pie.

Well, I have found it! Villa Francesca in Uptown Charlotte.

One of my colleagues informed of this place months ago, but I was sure it was just another wild goose chase. So the other night my wife and I happened to be driving around the city and stumbled upon this quaint little Italian restaurant.

Villa Francescais located at the corner of Caldwell and Seventh streets in the First Ward in the Uptown Charlotte. The restaurant, which opened in August 2008, is like an extension of the owner's, Louie and Marguerite Suppa, family home where customers are treated like guests.

This place will not disappoint!

Print and Cut Coupon

Mike Carpino
704 301-9264
Mike@LakeAndTown.com

Readers Question: I am relocating from Florida to Charlotte, North Carolina. However, I have heard alot about the Huntersville area, What is the attraction?

For beginners it is close to Lake Norman, one of the prettiest Lakes in North Carolina. Here are a few pictures to prove that.

Secondly, the schools in the Huntersville area are some of the best in the county. Huntersville elementary, Torrence Creek Elementary and the brand new Barnette Elementary have some of the highest scores in the county.

Lastly, the lifestyle cannot be matched in the region. There is a great balance between family and fun. Huntersville Youth Athletic Association provides children with an array of athletic activities and Birkdale Village allows Mom and Dad the escape they need.

To view homes for sale in the Huntersville, NC area click on:

Mike Carpino
Owner/Broker
704 301-9264
Mike@LakeAndTown.com

Mecklenburg County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and now Uptown Charlotte is now becoming a hot spot. My wife and I moved here 10 years ago and have seen the tremendous growth going on in Uptown Charlotte.

It truly is a great city for people who are lookiing for a variety of cultural events, great restaurants and exciting nightlife. We also have 2 pro teams the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Bobcats along with minor league hockey and baseball. (Charlotte Checkers and Charlotte Knights)

Here is proof from a recent article from the Charlotte Observer:

Despite a tough economic climate, the Charlotte region remains popular with transplants.

Newcomers propelled two local counties to rank among the nation's fastest growing in 2007. Union County ranked seventh among fast-growing counties with populations of more than 10,000. Mecklenburg, meanwhile, was 10th in sheer number of people gained in 2007. It added about 32,000 people.

Union County's residential boom has strained its water and sewer systems and left schools overcrowded. Still, it hasn't stopped the influx.

The county has grown at a faster rate each year since 2002. Its population grew to about 185,000, according to a Census estimate. That's up almost 50 percent from 2000.

Overall, the 11-county Charlotte region grew by about 79,000. Mecklenburg, with a population of 867,000, is by far the region's biggest county. It grew by 3.8 percent.

One of the city's biggest areas of growth has been uptown, a change highlighted in 2008 by the success of the ACC men's basketball tournament.

Held at Time Warner Cable Arena in the heart of uptown, more than 25,000 visitors bounced back and forth between the games and their hotels, and uptown's more than 110 restaurants and 50 nightclubs. Contrast that with 1994, when the city hosted the NCAA's Men's Final Four. City leaders scrambled then to create a temporary entertainment district they hoped would leave fans with a favorable impression of the Queen City.

At the time, uptown was one big office park, closing at the end of the work day. The center city had fewer than 15 restaurants and only one true nightclub, Mythos.

Perhaps most important has been the growth in uptown residents. Today about 11,000 people call the area home and many more are expected as new condominiums come online and more entertainment venues open. Officials predict the population could reach 25,000 by 2020.

Charlotte Center City Partners has even started pushing for a new high school downtown. Center City officials argue that uptown is centrally located between Myers Park and West Charlotte and that public transportation makes it an economical choice for a new school.

So while recent statistics show that average Charlotte-area home prices have fallen for the first time over a 12-month period since 1991, Charlotte's historically steady market, population growth and strong job outlook will help the city stay afloat in this increasingly sluggish economy.

And those are factors that will likely continue to make the region a hot relocation destination.

Mike Carpino
704 301-9264
www.lakeandtown.com