Author: Brian Perry

Is a Recession Ahead in the Housing Market?

Written by Brian Perry on January 24, 2023. Posted in Real Estate.

Goodbye 2022 – remembered as a year of housing volatility. Hello, 2023 – likely to be the year of the long-lost normalcy returning to the market. If you are wondering if this is good – YES, it is. Normalization is great for stability. Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize while home sales and prices moderate after recent highs, according to the National Association of Realtors forecast. Not Increasing as Fast Isn’t the Same as Decreasing Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale was upbeat about the prospects of property appreciation, projecting a 5.4% increase in existing-home prices...

National Bootlegger’s Day (January 17)

Written by Brian Perry on January 17, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

National Bootlegger’s Day is celebrated on January 17, every year, to mark several key events: Start of prohibition in the U.S. Distillation of Templeton Rye whiskey Infamous gangster Al Capone’s birthday What is most interesting is how all three events are interconnected. It was the onset of prohibition that prompted both Capone and farmers in Templeton, Iowa, to distill their own whiskey to sell. This was how the famous Templeton Rye whiskey was born, and its popularity spread like wildfire during prohibition… so much so that it became Al Capone’s favorite whiskey. On January 17, 1920, the...

🥃 Tour the Only Whiskey Prison in the U.S.

Written by Brian Perry on January 17, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

Contributor: Jamie Richardson Southern Grace Distilleries is America’s only distillery that’s housed in a former prison. The compound originally opened in 1929 as Mount Pleasant Prison, where it remained in operation until it was shut down in 2011. In 2014, North Carolina natives Leanne Powell and Thomas Thacker moved into the facility and founded Southern Grace Distilleries. In 2019, Leanne passed away, but the small staff that runs this company works hard every day to keep Leanne’s vision alive. Meet Sebastian Correa, MASTER DISTILLER, PRODUCTION MANAGER Sebastian is from Winston-Salem...

🍿 These Local Businesses Are Poppin’! 🍿

Written by Brian Perry on January 16, 2023. Posted in Shopping.

Decadence Popcorn’s custom Popcorn Pop (left) is perfect for engagement parties. Tastebuds Popcorn makes custom orders with unique flavors like this blueberry cheesecake combo for Panther Pop (right). January 19th is #NationalPopcornDay. This time-honored snack has a crunch we all love to enjoy, and its POPularity is only increasing with the introduction of new variations, flavors, and dedicated shops. To celebrate this fun day, pop into one of these local stores to grab this sweet or savory snack this week and tell them the Cabarrus Weekly sent you! Tastebuds Popcorn (Concord) Offering FREE...

Can You Spot Downtown Concord in the Trailer?

Written by Brian Perry on January 16, 2023. Posted in Things To Do.

Several Scenes from New Movie Filmed in Cabarrus County 🎥 Filming facts: Filming took place during the spring and summer of 2021, with scenes shot in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, and Hickory. Actresses Rachel McAdams, from films like Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers, and The Notebook, and Kathy Bates, a multiple Emmy, and Academy Award winner, were in Cabarrus County filming a scene. More than 1,000 extras were used in the filming, including about 85 in Concord. Downtown Concord was dressed up in a 1970s setting in New York City with an Italian bakery, a pizza shop, and a produce stand...

💵 Want to Take Your Side Hustle to Market?

Written by Brian Perry on January 16, 2023. Posted in Shopping.

The Retail Lab Pop Up Store in Downtown Concord Features Products from Graduates of the Retail Lab Boot Camp. 🧼 Meet Nicole Fodeke, a Retail Lab graduate and small business owner of Be Handmade Natural Soaps, which are made in small batches using the cold process method. She has been gaining knowledge about branding and marketing, e-commerce, as well as point-of-sale, and inventory through the Retail Lab Boot Camp. What is the Retail Lab? The program includes an application-based, six-week immersive Boot Camp held at the Cabarrus Center, followed by an opportunity for new retailers...

🏁🍴 World-Class Dining With a Can’t-Miss View

Written by Brian Perry on January 16, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

The Speedway Club Is Open to the Public for Dining! 💰💰💰 Through the end of February, mention this story from Cabarrus Weekly to save 10% off your bill in The Club Lounge or The Speedway Club. Overlooking the historic 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway and all that goes on in the bustling infield throughout the year, The Speedway Club might be Cabarrus County’s best-kept dining secret. With upscale seasonal menus, themed cocktails, and unparalleled views, The Speedway Club is open to the public and offers a world-class dining experience for lunch and dinner. Special events throughout the year...

🥕👟 Health & Fitness Trends for 2023

Written by Brian Perry on January 10, 2023. Posted in Things To Do.

As the new year begins, health and fitness resolutions continue to be a priority. Gym regulars dread the month of January when all of the “newbies” show up and classes and weight rooms are more crowded. However, we are thrilled to see crowded facilities and we want to see Cabarrus County be as healthy as possible. For anyone who has not found their fitness home yet this year, we have pulled together 6 health and wellness trends and a comprehensive list of businesses offering lots of different ways for you to reach your fitness goals all year long. Don’t see your favorite fitness facility listed?...

New Online Store Features First Responder-Inspired Clothing

Written by Brian Perry on January 10, 2023. Posted in Shopping.

The Liberty & Co. online store was founded in 2022 by Haylee Shuping. Her husband, Concord Police Officer Jason Shuping, was tragically killed while serving in the line of duty on December 16, 2020. After her husband passed, she realized she needed to take greater precautions in protecting herself and obtained a concealed carry permit. >> Liberty & Co. Special Gift to Cabarrus Weekly Subscribers << USE PROMO CODE CABARRUSWEEKLY AT CHECKOUT FOR 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE. OFFER VALID THROUGH FEBRUARY 8TH. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in the United States was celebrated on...

🍕 New Pizzeria Makes You Feel Like Family 🍕

Written by Brian Perry on January 10, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

Contributor: Jamie Richardson It’s noon on Saturday and the newly opened Hawthorne’s has people seated at every booth and table. The family-friendly pizzeria gives off uptown chic vibes with gold chandeliers and marble bar countertops. This is the 9th Hawthorne’s location for owners, John and Michael Adams and their partner Carlo Martinez. Michael sits and talks with us for a while, and you can’t help but get caught up in his excitement as he shares with us about this latest venture. Hawthorne’s motto is FAMILY OWNED. FAMILY FIRST. Hailing from New York, Hawthorne’s owners came together to be...

⚡🚘 You May Be More Ready for an Electric Vehicle Than You Realize

Written by Brian Perry on January 10, 2023. Posted in Shopping.

Think owning an Electric Vehicle (EV) is just too complicated? Are you still holding out due to range anxiety? What many two-car families are choosing to do is keep one vehicle for that road trip to the beach while the other is reserved for local trips, easily less than a hundred miles a day – a perfect EV option! And what could be simpler than plugging in your car to charge overnight just like you do your cell phone? When it comes EVs, Tesla isn’t the only game in town. Nearly every auto manufacturer is bringing EVs to market, from compact crossovers and SUVs to luxury sedans and trucks....

Family March and Wreath Laying Ceremony to Highlight an MLK Weekend Celebration

Written by Brian Perry on January 10, 2023. Posted in Things To Do.

Several events are planned around Cabarrus County to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Everyone is welcome to attend. MLK Celebration Website ☑️ MLK DreamDay Parade: The MLK DreamDay Parade will begin on Saturday, January 14th at A.L. Brown High School – 415 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Kannapolis @ 9:00 am. The parade will march the length of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and end at Atrium Health Ballpark. ☑️ DreamDay in the Park: Continue the celebration on Saturday, January 14th at Atrium Health Ballpark – 1 Cannon Baller Way in Kannapolis. The Ballpark Gates will open @ 10:00 am...

🧠 When Your Gray Matter, Matters… 🤯

Written by Brian Perry on January 4, 2023. Posted in Things To Do.

Today, January 4, is #NationalTriviaDay. The holiday recognizes the collectors of unconnected, irrelevant data, facts, history, and quotes each year. Trivia Nights are all the rage for Friends Nights Out and we have compiled a list of local places that have weekly trivia competitions. Grab some friends and make a resolution to try all of the different trivia nights around the county in 2023. We have included links to Facebook pages so you can check regularly for themes and specials. Tuesday Nights Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company (Concord) – 6:30-8:00 pm Percent Tap House (Harrisburg) – 7...

👑 Visit These Three Local Restaurants During Queen’s Feast – January 20–29 👑

Written by Brian Perry on January 4, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

Feast with friends and enjoy delicious 3-course deals during Queen’s Feast (#queensfeast) at 88 metro-area restaurants, January 20-29, 2023. While this is a great opportunity to visit our neighboring counties for some excellent food, we want to highlight the three Cabarrus County restaurants participating in this upcoming event with price points to fit every budget and three different cuisines. ➡️ Silverlake Ramen (Concord) $30 for 2 PEOPLE (does not include tax or gratuity) Queen’s Feast Menu | Instagram No reservation required ➡️ Basilico’s Italian (Concord) $40 per person (does not...

🐱‍👓 Build Your Reading Library Locally in 2023

Written by Brian Perry on January 4, 2023. Posted in Shopping.

The Cabarrus County independent bookstore scene is thriving! If you are still ordering your books online and having them delivered to your door, you are missing out on experiencing some of the coolest places in town. Three Cabarrus County bookstores were included in the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl last year which saw a lot of new people experiencing these hidden gems, so let’s commit to buying our books locally in 2023. Don’t want to buy your books? Our Cabarrus County Public Library is offering reading challenges to keep you engaged all year long as well. Here are just a few of the exciting...

🇮🇪🍺 Long-Awaited Irish Pub Opens in Kannapolis

Written by Brian Perry on January 3, 2023. Posted in Food & Drink.

Contributor: Jamie Richardson The West Ave District in Kannapolis has gained a hot new tenant in Cabarrus County’s ONLY Irish Pub, Gaelic Alley. They opened their doors in December just in time for Panthers games, the World Cup, and a New Year’s Eve bash. They are getting rave reviews from patrons already. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We stopped in last night and loved this cozy Irish pub! The decor and drinks were authentically Irish, and the service was great. We’ll definitely be back!” Below are some Fun Facts about the Pub, what Combos we want to try, and what else is making our mouths water about this...

Iron Axe Society – Free Winter League Info Session

Written by Brian Perry on December 28, 2022. Posted in Things To Do.

Traditional bowling leagues still exist that many of us grew up going to with our parents, and places like Top Golf offer leagues as well. But axe throwing is the latest way to be social and get physical activity at the same time through leagues. Located at the historic Gibson Mill in Concord, Iron Axe Society</a> (IAS) will be hosting two separate leagues this winter – one sanctioned with the World Axe Throwing League and one unsanctioned with IAS. Throw for FREE: Attend their info meeting on Jan. 4 @ 6:30pm to learn about their upcoming Winter Leagues and you get to throw that evening...

Gem Theatre Turns 86 on New Year’s Eve

Written by Brian Perry on December 28, 2022. Posted in Things To Do.

The Gem Theatre, in downtown Kannapolis, originally opened on December 31, 1936. A fire gutted the theatre and was reduced to ashes in 1942. The theatre was rebuilt in 1948 and featured a beautiful lobby and 916 seats, including the balcony section. The Gem has been open ever since and is one of the oldest single-screen movie theatres in continuous operation today and is also one of only a few movie theatres that offer balcony seating. Learn more about their history. Their Gift to You! To celebrate its 86th birthday, the Gem Theatre is offering a coupon for a FREE small popcorn to Cabarrus...