Celebrate the Holiday Season 2024 in Charlotte
There’s nothing like celebrating the holiday season in the South. The temperatures are mild and the hospitality is warm — it’s the perfect setting for festive cheer.
Charlotte, North Carolina is full of fun holiday activities for people from all walks of life. From family-friendly events to captivating Christmas performances, you can fill your December calendar with activities that feel full of joy for the season.
Here are the holiday events you need to know about this year, and how you can set yourself up for a cozy and inviting home for the holidays.
Holiday Events in Charlotte, NC
Kick off the holiday season with ice skating at Camp North End (adjacent to our North End Terraces community!). This joyful tradition is open from November 22 through January 5, and, for those who need to warm up after leaving the rink, you can grab a seasonal beverage while you relax by the fire pit. The best part? You’ll be right in the heart of North End, where you can spend the rest of the day checking off your gift list at local shops.
The 5th Annual Light the Knights Festival is held at Truist Park November 27 through January 3, home of Minor League baseball team, the Charlotte Knights. This is a great event to bring the whole family and spend a glittering evening ice skating, snow tubing, admiring tens of thousands of sparkling lights, and sneaking in some holiday shopping.
Running November 22 through January 5, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Speedway Christmas has been a holiday favorite of Charlotteans for 15 years. This drive-thru festive light show is the largest in the Southeast. Want to take a guess at how many lights create this extravagant display of joyful cheer? 5 million lights over four miles! It’s truly an incredible experience, and it’s open nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM. You’ll even enjoy lights synchronized to holiday tunes on their very-own radio station.
Nothing says the holiday season like a performance from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the dramatic rock band that takes classics to another level. Their latest tour, The Lost Christmas Eve, comes to the Spectrum Center for two performances on December 14.
Want to enjoy a timeless holiday performance? The Charlotte Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker is coming to the Belk Theater in Uptown Charlotte for delightful performances from December 6 through December 22. This is a tradition that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve been transported into this elegant winter wonderland.
For a more unique holiday experience, Cirque du Soleil will be performing ‘Twas the Night Before… from December 2 through January 4. This mindblowing display of human artistry and strength gives a new meaning to the classic Clement Clarke Moore tale.
Holiday Events in West End Charlotte
Stop by Savona Mill for Savona Sundays on December 8, featuring a festive holiday rendition you won’t want to miss! Enjoy live music from 5 PM to 7 PM and get in on the action with Pickleball from 4 PM to 7 PM (sign up at The Dinkery). Savor delicious food and drinks available for purchase from 4 PM to 7 PM while browsing through pop-up vendors. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season with holly jolly vibes, great tunes, and a lively atmosphere!
Find Your Home for The Holidays at 5West Terraces
If this holiday season sounds like the festive vision you have in mind for your future, now’s the time to explore living at 5West Terraces. This community in the heart of West End Charlotte blends Craftsman charm with Southern sensibilities — can’t you just picture the wreath on your front door or the tree in your open concept living room? Or dream of having fun with holiday yard decorations in your private yard, like an oversized ornament or a twinkling tree. You can picture grabbing a mug of hot chocolate and snuggling up under a clear winter sky as you take in the views of the Charlotte skyline from the rooftop terrace. And when it’s time to bring home gifts for everyone on your list, the attached two-car garage makes unloading presents a breeze, adding convenience to your holiday joy.
This is what coming home for the holidays looks like. This is where you entertain loved ones in your gorgeous kitchen with quartz countertops. This is where you welcome friends and family from near and far with extra bedrooms in your spacious three-bedroom homes (plus, you’re just five miles from Charlotte Douglas Airport!).
This is life at 5West Terraces. Schedule a visit today to see what your next holiday season could look like, and find out about receiving up to $25,000 towards closing costs and opportunities to lower your interest rate to the 4s.
Thankful For Our Incredible Partners, Residents, and You
This Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for all of the incredible people that make Hopper Communities more than just homes — but turn them into vibrant communities where people build their lives and create life-long memories.
Without these people, we wouldn’t be an award-winning home builder. We believe that relationships drive everything we do, and we’re fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people day in and day out.
We’re Thankful for Our Partners
From the partners that are there throughout the acquisition process to our homebuilding partners that are with us as we bring blueprints to life, we couldn’t do it without smart, talented professionals by our side. We’re endlessly thankful for partners like Bland Landscaping, who keep our neighborhoods looking beautiful throughout the seasons, even in the dog days of summer and the busy stretches of the holiday season. Bland Landscaping is who you’ll see at 5West Terraces, Enderly Towns, The Nolen Townes, and Davidson Walk — be sure to say “hi!” if you see them!
We’re Thankful for Our Team
We may be biased, but we have the best team in the business, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have them as a part of the Hopper Communities’ Family. From our creative design and architecture team to land development to project management to sales and marketing, everything we accomplish is done with the entire team on board. The team was just honored with three STARS Awards, which are given to the top home builders in North Carolina. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that our hard work is recognized both in the office and in the community.
We’re Thankful for Our Residents
We’re thankful for our residents from the homeowners who’ve invested in our communities and created their own lively neighborhoods, to those who rent the homes. When we designed homes with open concept living rooms, pet-friendly parks, rooftop terraces, and communities located within walk distance to Charlotte light rail stations, our vision was to create a place where people could build a life.
We’re Thankful for You
We know that our story is still ongoing — and so is yours. Even if we haven’t met yet, we want to be here as a resource for your next chapter. This could be the year that you find your dream home in one of our communities in Charlotte, Davidson, or Austin.
To show our thanks for the future homeowners that will add life and energy to our communities, we’re currently offering a Home for the Holidays Buyer Incentive of up to $30,000, including opportunities to lower your interest rate into the in select communities. Interested in opening up the conversation? Contact our sales team today to see homes for sale in the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, including 5West Terraces in West End, North End Terraces in North End, LoSo Terraces in Lower South End, Towns at Pegram in Charlotte’s Belmont Neighborhood, Endhaven Terraces in Ballantyne, and Davidson Walk at Lake Davidson in Davidson, NC.
Hopper Communities Recognized on a State Level at the STARS Awards
We’re proud to announce that Hopper Communities took home the awards in three separate categories at the 2024 STARS Awards during the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. These awards honor Home Builders and their teams across North Carolina in categories including marketing and advertising, web design, sales, landscape design, architecture, remodeling, and award winning interior design. We’re in good company as one of the top homebuilders in North Carolina, and that talent was on full display at this year’s STARS Awards at the Concord Convention Center. The competition was fierce — we walked away with a deep admiration for our colleagues in the home building industry, as well as a deeper appreciation for the dedication of our own team.
We’re Proud of the Hopper Communities Team
While winning awards isn’t the goal, it’s wonderful to see our hard work appreciated and recognized not only locally, but on a state level. Our team works hard each and every day to build beautiful homes and dynamic communities that enrich the surrounding neighborhoods while also serving as a long-term investment for our homeowners.
We’re proud to announce that we won first place for the following:
- Best Advertisement for a Builder
- Best Sales Center: North End Terraces
- Best Interior Design for a Home Under 2,500 Square Feet: The Brancroft at North End Terraces
We owe these awards to the incredible efforts of our amazing Director of Marketing, Breanna Sharkey, whose innovative designs empower our sales consultants to share our vision of the present and future, as well as showcasing the Hopper Communities brand in prime markets. A special thanks also goes to our dedicated superintendents and construction managers, who prep the stage for these striking sales center graphics, and to JDS for bringing our floor plan visions to life with precision and care. This teamwork truly makes all the difference.
Bart Hopper, President and CEO, commended the team on this win. “I couldn’t be more proud of the hardest working team in the industry. Their talent, perseverance, and commitment are on display each and every day, and these communities are successful because of their vision and ability to bring people-driven neighborhoods to life. I’m honored to have an award winning team in my corner, making this company, and myself, better each and every day.”
Live In An Award-Winning Community
If you’re currently house hunting, looking in a community that’s been honored by the leading North Carolina Home Building Awards is a good place to start. There are available homes across Hopper Communities neighborhoods, including the award winning North End Terraces, with rooftop terraces featuring city views and fenced in yards, near Uptown Charlotte. This urban, modern community won multiple awards, including the Best Sales Center, both locally in Charlotte and statewide in North Carolina. That means you’ll be guided throughout the sales process by a knowledgeable team that is passionate about getting people into their dream homes and walking them through the vision of their exciting future.
Beyond the sales team, however, the design of these contemporary meets industrial homes speaks for itself — the North End Terraces 2,400+ square foot Bancroft floor plan was the Best Interior Design Award Winner at the STARS awards, and it’s one that we know is a favorite of homeowners for its welcoming open floor plan that’s perfect for entertaining, and its spacious top floor, with a bonus room and rooftop terrace with city views.
It’s worth noting that The Northend, our 1,729+ square-foot floor plan at North End Terraces, was named runner-up for Best Product Design at the 2024 MAME Awards, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte.
Want to see the homes that inspired the judges? Reach out to schedule a tour at North End Terraces or any of our must see communities around the Best Places to Live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Now’s the Time to Find Your Home for the Holidays at North End Terraces
Home buying during the holiday season couldn’t be better. Find the perfect house, get settled in, and give “Home for the Holidays” a brand new meaning!
This is all possible at North End Terraces, new and now selling, move-in ready, modern townhomes near Uptown Charlotte. This invigorating community features 3-bedroom townhomes available for immediate move-in.
Living in Charlotte’s North End puts you in the heart of the action, an artful, vibrant neighborhood that’s packed with dining, shopping, galleries, and entertainment. The NODA Arts District, Uptown, Camp North End, and AvidXchange Music Factory, are just around the corner from your front door.
When the temperature drops, the focus shifts to building the life inside your home — which can be easy with the foundation being an immaculate Hopper Communities townhome.
Host the Holidays
Picture your ideal holiday season. Are you gathering around the kitchen with neighbors, friends, and family? Are you spending cozy afternoons and evenings baking and cooking your favorite recipes? Sounds like you just need the place to make it happen.
With spacious open floor plan designs and views of the Charlotte city skyline, North End Terraces is the perfect spot to entertain, and maybe show off a little, throughout the holiday season. Bring in loved ones from near and far to enjoy your modern, industrial home with its rooftop terrace, gleaming quartz countertops and kitchen island (the perfect spot to put a charcuterie board and cocktail station!).
Spacious 3-bedroom floor plans give you room for overnight guests and, being located 11-miles from the Charlotte Douglas Airport, it’s a convenient trip for relatives coming in from across the country and around the world.
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Charlotte residents love that the mild climate allows them to enjoy outdoor living nearly year-round. From summer cookouts to fall bonfires, to cozying up with a hot chocolate and a blanket in the winter, being outside makes us feel alive. That’s why we designed our North End Charlotte townhomes with yards to make the most of the outdoors, no matter the time of year. There’s an open green space, fenced in dog park, fenced in yards, community seating area, and covered balconies, all perfect for relaxing after work or entertaining friends and family on the weekends.
At Hopper Communities, we’re always improving our amenities, including the outdoor spaces. We’ve added private fences to the yards on select buildings, giving you a more defined, picturesque place to call your own. Get to know your neighbors around a beautiful new communal seating area on the green.
Move-In Before the Holidays
If you’ve been dreaming of finding your Home for the Holidays — one where you’re the first person to cook a Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen or put up a tree in the living room — then we’d like to invite you to visit North End Terraces. This is the perfect time of year to settle into a move-in ready home, and there are three-bedroom townhomes with private fencing options available at record “as low as” pricing.
Visit one of our move-in ready townhomes for sale today. With the season of gathering right around the corner, why wait?
Find Your Home This Fall At LoSo Terraces
Fall has just arrived in North Carolina, and that means Charlotteans are out and about, exploring the best of the city and experiencing vibrant neighborhoods like Lower South End (LoSo) Charlotte. For those who live and play in Charlotte’s walkable neighborhoods, the air is filled with not only the delicious smells of fall; but also the energy of a vibrant social scene.
And, for those who are still figuring out where to live in Charlotte, LoSo Terraces should be at the top of your list. Located in the laid-back yet active LoSo neighborhood, this modern townhome community is in its last phase of construction, with limited purchase opportunities remaining! You’ll find upscale living with open-concept floor plans designed for entertaining and elevated finishes. This is where you can imagine yourself settling in just in time for the fall season!
Baking autumn apple pie on your gleaming quartz countertop, cozying up for the evening in your spacious living room, curled up with a comfy blanket, or waking up on a weekend morning, ready to get out and about in the crisp fall weather. Convenience and comfort are everywhere you turn. Get up and out to cheer on your favorite football team, or go apple picking! This is the life, and it can be all yours at LoSo Terraces by Hopper Communities.
The best part of living at LoSo Terraces is the outdoor spaces. This is where those gorgeous Autumn days come alive. While LoSo Terraces is located within walking distance to the Charlotte Lynx Blue Line and all the buzz of the best Charlotte neighborhoods, sometimes you just want to stay in and enjoy the coziness of your gorgeous home. Fall is the perfect season to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn views, outdoor balconies, and rooftop terraces available at LoSo Terraces townhomes.
Celebrate All Things Fall With a Rooftop Party
As a LoSo Terraces resident, you’ll become the go-to spot for rooftop terrace parties with family and friends. Here are a few ideas for throwing a festive fall fête that celebrates the best of autumn.
Cheer On Your Favorite Team With a Football Tailgate Party
Fall is football, especially in the South. The Charlotte Panthers are the hometown team and there are lots of Duke and UNC fans in the area, so you’ll have no trouble finding a few reasons to gear up and celebrate.
Host a football tailgate right on your rooftop with classic tailgate dishes, including hot dogs, hamburgers, a big pot of chili, and easy sides, like chips and dip. Of course, you’ll want to have a seasonal selection of drinks, including local craft beer and non-alcoholic mocktails that make the most of fall ingredients, and appeal to everyone!
Are you new to the area? It won’t take long to find your people! There are sports bars across Charlotte, and most football teams have designated watch party spots, where you’ll feel right at home.
Host a Harvest Party
Fall party ideas! Are you one of those people who’s pulling out the pumpkin candles as soon as there’s a chill in the air? Then hosting a fall party feels like the right move. Decorate your rooftop terrace as if you’re getting ready for a festival. Pull out all the stops with pumpkins and gourds, then spend a day cooking all of your delicious fall farmers’ market finds. Serve fresh cider, pumpkin lagers, and mulled wine to keep the theme going.
Get Spooky With a Halloween Rooftop Bash
There’s no age limit on a Halloween party! Invite your new neighbors for a spooky evening for kids and adults alike. Decorate with the scariest finds on the market, like skeletons, witches hats, and cobwebs. Go all out with Halloween treats, like mummy cupcakes, candy corn pizza, and worms on a bun. Encourage your guests to dress up, then hold a contest for the best costume. There’s no better way to get people laughing and making new friends.
Gather Friends for a Cozy Gathering
The best gatherings often don’t require a lot of planning. You provide the space for people to get together, and they’ll be grateful for an opportunity to be social and in the company of others. On a beautiful fall evening, gather friends and neighbors for a cozy get-together on your rooftop terrace. Serve up seasonal favorites like warm canteens of soup, gooey grilled cheese, s’mores by the fire, and mugs of apple cider.
Final Phase!
If this sounds like the start of your next chapter, find your home in this newly built townhome community with contemporary-style homes. We’re in our final phase! Each home includes an attached 2-car garage, and exterior features including rooftop terraces and private balconies, perfect for enjoying every season in its unique way!
Find Convenience and City Views at North End Terraces
You’re looking for an urban lifestyle with the best restaurants just minutes away. An industrial, artful aesthetic is your ideal home. You want to be the first to discover a new spot, the trendiest new shop, and the coolest neighborhood. You are also eager to get settled into a place to call “home,” where move-in ready options are available, all equipped with rooftop terraces.
What you’re looking for is North End Terraces, a vibrant townhome community in North End Charlotte that’s a straight shot to Uptown.
Conveniently Located Close to Uptown
From your rooftop terrace, you’ll look out to twinkling city views of Uptown Charlotte, also known as the heart of Queen City. It’s where you’ll find restaurants, museums, parks, and the Uptown Charlotte Farmers Market every Saturday. Art, culture, food, and an endless stream of events exist; you’ll never run out of things to do. All are straight down N. Graham from North End Terraces. Whether you’re headed there for work or entertainment, you can’t beat the convenience — or the five-minute drive.
The NODA Arts District is also just minutes away, as is popular watering hole Free Range Brewing and Southern restaurant Haberdish.
Stay in the neighborhood for a dynamic array of events, including live music on Friday nights, the Camp North End Farmers Market on Thursdays, and restaurants like Room Service, Noche Bruta, and La Coseta. Want to plan a date night nearby? Grab a drink at Black Moth Bars or Noda Company Canteen.
Industrial Lofts With Modern Details
A modern, industrial design goes hand-in-hand with those looking to live in one of Charlotte’s newest up-and-coming neighborhoods. These open-concept 3-story townhouses, including a 3- 3-bedroom 1,700 square foot home and 4-bedroom 2,400 square foot floor plan, have sleek, Craftsman-inspired finishes that feel warm and sophisticated.
You’ll find Shaw hardwood floors, designer-approved light fixtures, matte black Craftsman hardware, and industrial metal open accent railing. Each luxury interior design selection feels as if it came right out of Architectural Digest.
The bathrooms feature large walk-in showers, under-mount sinks, quartz countertops, and tile surrounds. The kitchens are what entertaining dreams are made of with gleaming Shaker style cabinets and large kitchen islands.
Community-Focused Design
Outside your home, you’ll find a townhome community with a fenced dog park that was designed to bring neighbors, friends, and family together. There’s a pocket park for hanging out on a beautiful day, sidewalks for taking an evening stroll, and custom landscape and irrigation to keep it lush through the hot Southern summer.
This is a place where you’ll find a relaxing lifestyle inside your home and a vibrant community just outside your door.
Sound like the life you’re envisioning? We have move-in ready homes available now, as well as homes for purchase that will close in the coming months.
Meet The CEO Of Hopper Communities: Bart Hopper
For over three decades, Bart Hopper has been a key stakeholder in the real estate development communities in both North Carolina and Texas. A proud Longhorn, he began his career in the Lonestar State before moving to Pittsburgh, PA and then landing in Charlotte, NC. He helped shape the city’s skyline in his work in developing the Bank of America Tower, and eventually turned his talents to mixed-use developments and now upscale in-fill residential communities.
We sat down with Bart to learn more about what he’s seen throughout his 30 years in the business, how he differentiates his work through values, and the impact he wants to leave on the community — beyond the communities that he’s building.
Q: As CEO, you’ve seen huge changes in the homebuilding industry over the years. Could you share a change or trend that has impacted your approach to homebuilding and land development?
A: Building units has become significantly more challenging compared to 30 years ago. In the early 90s, it was cheaper and faster to get approvals from engineers and local municipalities, typically only taking 90 to 120 days. Now, the process can take 2 to 3 years and costs five times more due to increased expenses for engineering, consultants, and legal services. The overall cost of doing business has increased tenfold, and the time to get approvals has extended to 6 to 8 times longer, with no guarantees of approval. This high-risk environment has driven many family-owned, local, and regional businesses out of the industry, particularly after the Great Recession in 2008.
Luck, smarts, relationships, and extraordinary attention to detail is important. Relationships, hiring good people, and being able to have longevity with team members like Clay, 18 years, Marcus, 7+ years, Theresa, 19 years, Jack Thomas, 20 years, and Trey Hopper, 8 years. This type of loyalty has become rare in any industry, and it’s what makes our team such a tight-knit, inspiring group of people.
Q: Building homes isn’t just about construction — it’s about relationships. Can you tell us what has influenced your perspective on the importance of building relationships in your business?
A: I believe in the importance of picking up the phone and emphasizing open communication with bankers, builders, and customers. During the Great Recession, staying responsive and honest made a significant difference in how our business performed compared to the industry. I knew most of the calls during that time wouldn’t turn into leads, but I kept pushing through. Every call could have potential. This approach of focusing on building and maintaining trust and relationships within the small community is a core focus of our philosophy. We ensure promises are kept and payments are made on time — that’s how we build trust across all relationships.
Q: How do you ensure that customer feedback influences decision-making within the company?
A: We value employee feedback and customer feedback equally, and we believe all feedback should be heard and acted upon. To hold ourselves accountable and maintain open lines of communication, we have weekly meetings to discuss all current projects and their status, including any issues, both positive and negative. We provide multiple feedback channels, including surveys and direct communication with management, and we develop actionable plans to address the concerns raised.
We follow up with both customers and our team to keep everyone aligned, and that transparency about our progress builds trust and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement. I believe all feedback should lead to meaningful improvements.
Q: Homebuilding is evolving with technology and sustainability. What innovative approaches is Hopper Communities taking to stay ahead in the industry?
A: Our homebuilding & residential development processes, including interior architecture, allow us to adapt to changes in exterior elevation codes and municipal regulations with flexibility and agility. We handle finance, accounting, and CRM programs internally.
Q: What makes Hopper Communities a unique work environment?
A: As a family-owned business specializing in homebuilding & residential development, we work together in a unique office — a house with a porch swing — located in a cool, casual neighborhood setting. We spend a lot of time together! We sit down together for weekly lunches. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company, as a company.
Q: Homebuilding has the opportunity to shape communities. How does your company contribute positively to the communities it builds in?
A: As both a financial sponsor and the boots on the ground, Hopper Communities supports the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. Our purchasing team works with trade partners to see if they would be willing to provide labor and/or materials for these homes, we cover any materials that are not donated, and we are always there as a company to help in person — even those of us who primarily work behind a computer. Most recently, our Habitat family of 3 purchased their first home in the Pinecrest neighborhood, right in walking distance of the library due to their shared love of reading.
Q: What other opportunities have you found to make an impact in the community?
A: We’re the lead sponsor of the Harvest Center, and we’ve been involved for 20 years. It is an organization that feeds people but also does so much more — they help house them and get them back on their feet after they’ve fallen on hard times. I’m proud to serve on the Advisory Board, and I enjoy attending the Thursday dinners where I have the privilege of having dinner with people in the program.
We’re also involved with the Dilworth Center, an outpatient alcohol rehabilitation center where we’ve been a key sponsor at their Key to Recovery Scholarship Breakfast for the past 6 years.
Lastly, we’re proud to support the Homeowners Impact Fund (HIF). This fund was created as a way for those benefiting from homeownership to collectively give their support to those experiencing homelessness in an ongoing and sustainable way. Together we know we can make a difference.
Q: What are the values or lessons that guide you as CEO, and how do they translate into the culture of your company?
A: Be honest, do what you say you’re gonna do. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Always pick up the phone.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a home in today’s market, considering both financial and lifestyle factors?
A: If you find a home you like, buy it. If rates go down, you can refinance. If they go up, you’ve already created more value. We aim to work closely with prospects to provide upfront costs to buy down the mortgage, making affordable homes more attainable.
Q: Looking forward, what legacy do you hope to leave through your company’s work, and what are your aspirations for its future?
A: Always do the right thing. Be honest, honorable, real, and trustworthy.
Want to learn more about the team at Hopper Communities? We’re proud to be surrounded by an incredible and longstanding group of talented people daily, and you can learn more about each of them here.
Day in the Life: 5West Terraces Summer Edition
The pace of life in the city slows down to a delightful stroll in the summer. The days stretch longer and evening walks become a daily occurrence. It’s a little easier to snag a reservation at some of the best restaurants in Charlotte. And the schedule of fun events at nearby concert venues and amphitheaters heats up as we’re all eager to spend our nights al fresco.
One of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte to experience a true Southern summer is the Historic West End. With its popular breweries and entertainment venues, noteworthy restaurant scene, peaceful parks, and nature trails, there’s always something going on. It’s the season where we focus on connecting, relaxing, and having fun. We have the perfect list of what to do in Charlotte and how we’d spend an ideal summer day from our currently selling community, 5West Terraces.
Get Moving Early
Working in movement before the summer sun heats up is key, so grab your dog and head to Frazier Park. This park is just a quick mile from 5West Terraces, where you can hit the trails then let your pup make a few new friends at the dog park. Prefer an indoor workout? You can also check out CrossFit in Northlake West or try a yoga class at The Coterie.
Recharge with Coffee at Station West
Just a half mile up the road is the Coffee at Station West, a light and bright space that’s perfect for hanging out and grabbing a light breakfast on a weekend (or weekday!) morning. Grab a mouth-watering croissant and a latte to fuel up for your day.
Go for a Ride
Stewart Creek Greenway is the perfect place to ride your bike. Whether you enjoy relaxing by the water and taking in the fresh Carolina air and greenery, or you prefer to bring a book to sit and read while enjoying the sounds of summer, a peaceful moment in nature is right around the corner.
Pick Up Lunch at Rhino Market And Head To Five Points Plaza
Pick up the essential summer lunch to-go — a fresh deli sandwich — at Rhino Market, a favorite of Historic West End residents. This family-owned spot has outdoor seating for those days when there’s a perfect summer breeze. If you’re looking for a change of scenery while enjoying that sandwich, head over to Five Points Plaza. This vibrant public area is just a half mile from 5West Terraces, and it has incredible outdoor art to take in while you sit back and enjoy your lunch.
Map of Charlotte, NC restaurants & attractions
Meet Friends at a Brewery
Some of the best breweries in Charlotte are in the West End. When you’ve recharged and are ready to meet some friends for an afternoon of checking out the best in local craft beer, be sure to stop by Charlotte Beer Garden or Lucky Dog Bark & Brew.
Satisfy Your Afternoon Sweet Tooth
Craving a sweet treat on the way home? Stop by Golden Cow Creamery where you can indulge in a crispy waffle cone filled with delicious summer strawberry ice cream made right in Charlotte!
Entertain at Home
When you have a stunning unit with a modern kitchen and fabulous outdoor space, you become the designated person to host on summer evenings. Invite your friends and family for a happy hour drink at your place while soaking in the Carolina sun on your rooftop terrace or your balcony. If it’s raining, don’t worry, you can utilize your fourth floor bonus room to entertain with light bites, tasty beverages, and pop on the TV to catch a game, whether it’s baseball or the Olympics.
Head Out to a Show
Summer concerts have a certain magic to them, and there’s no shortage of live music in Charlotte, NC. Catch a show at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater or The Fillmore Charlotte, both being a quick drive — less than 10 minutes — from 5West Terraces.
Hungry after the show? Some of the best restaurants in Charlotte are in the West End. Pinky’s Westside Grill serves until 11 PM on weekends, perfect for those late night cravings after a fun, long night.
No Show? Hit the Town
Prefer to grab dinner at a trendy restaurant or cocktails at the latest hot spot? Uptown is a straight shot, just 8 minutes away. Make a reservation at favorites like Angeline’s or Stoke for a fun night out. You’re also right on the Gold Line Streetcar, which operates until 11:26 PM on weekends — this will take you from the West End through Center City Charlotte to the Elizabeth neighborhood. It doesn’t get easier for getting around town without worrying about parking, waiting on an Uber, or pricy cab fares.
Make Life at 5West Your Summer Reality
Does this day sound like what you’re looking for? There are 2-4 bedroom townhome homes at 5West Terraces ranging from 1,435-2,605 square feet, where you’ll be minutes from summer fun and year-round dining, entertainment, and activities. Enjoy relaxing at home in your spacious, modern townhome just as much as you relish in your proximity to local entertainment venues. Make the tough decision between checking out the latest restaurant opening or cooking in your chef-worthy kitchen with gleaming quartz countertops then hosting friends on your private rooftop terrace.
When you buy a move-in ready home at 5West Terraces, all of this could be your reality before summer is over. Contact us today to schedule a tour and ask about our Summer Savings Event, where you could get up to $17,000 towards closing costs or lowering your interest rate into the 5s.
8 Tips to Get Your Outdoor Space Ready for Summer
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it’s time to start focusing on outdoor design ideas to get your rooftop, deck, or patio looking its best for spring and summer. At Hopper Communities, we work with the talented Melissa Lee, Principal Designer and CEO of New South Home, on outdoor designs that are stylish, welcoming, and perfect for adapting to the way homeowners use their outdoor space.
To help you get your exterior ready for summer, Melissa shared her eight best outdoor living space ideas and tips to create an outdoor oasis that is as functional as it is well-designed.
- Let the Exterior Guide the Style
“We focus our style choices on the exterior architecture,” Melissa explains, noting that the exterior sets the tone for each furniture or textile selection. She recommends looking at the colors and elements that define the architecture of the home, then echoing those choices throughout the outdoor space.
For example, if the exterior of the townhome is modern, then sleek lines and minimalist styling will complement the architecture. If you have a historic home like Melissa does, then use seagrass rugs and traditional furniture to continue that aesthetic. Use colors that appear on the exterior to create an entirely cohesive look.
- Identify Your Goal
If you have a large space, then you can get creative with a multi-purpose design. But, if like many people, you’re working with limited square footage, then Melissa recommends choosing one primary function for the space and deciding on your furniture blueprint from there.
“You might not have room for a dining table and a TV and a lounge area. Instead, think about what you see yourself doing in this space. Do you want a place to entertain where you can watch the game? Do you need a larger dining table to host dinner parties?”
Depending on your preferences, it could mean your home exterior design will focus on a sectional instead of a dining table. Or maybe an outdoor gym with a yoga area is your top priority. This will look different for everyone.
But Melissa adds, even in the smallest of spaces, you can usually squeeze in a bistro table for two, so there’s always room for a morning cup of coffee.
- Choose Outdoor-Friendly Materials
You want your outdoor furniture to look good, but it also has to be practical and it must withstand the elements. Melissa recommends choosing only outdoor-rated materials, even for covered outdoor living spaces, and specifically looking to vendors that specialize in high-quality, outdoor furniture and decor.
“Right now, there’s no better time to look for exterior furnishings. The past four years have really pushed us towards expanding the indoor-outdoor experience,” says Melissa.
One of her favorite materials is powder-coated aluminum because it’s a lighter material that can stand up to the elements. She also likes teak, but notes that this warm-toned wood will weather and gray over time if it isn’t oiled regularly. Depending on the look you want, that might work out beautifully.
“I have teak loungers that I’ve had for thirty years. I haven’t been as good about oiling them, but they still look great,” adds Melissa.
For fabric, she recommends anything acrylic or moisture-resistant. Ideally, look for cushions that have mesh on the bottom so they drain effectively and prevent mildew. If you can, buy a storage trunk to store pillows when you’re not using them.
- Be Practical
Especially if you have a rooftop terrace, wind can be a concern. Melissa says, “With rooftops, wind can sometimes blow things away! You may need to weigh down outdoor plants with rocks or something in the bottom to anchor it.”
Similarly, try not to buy furniture that’s so lightweight it’ll blow into your home during a big storm. Lightweight may be great for your budget and install day, but it can turn into a weapon if a huge thunderstorm rolls in.
- Add Lighting
Exterior lighting brings another element of sophistication to your rooftop terrace. Try solar bistro lights strung around the space to create a romantic café effect, or set out battery-powered hurricane lamps to add lighting to a table. This is your opportunity to get creative while adding depth and emphasis throughout the space.
- Carve Out a Garden Space
You can liven up your outdoor design by adding an outdoor garden to your rooftop. Try full sun plants, whether they’re perennials, evergreens, or herbs, they’ll be guaranteed to thrive on your rooftop terrace, just like you! Turn your space into a lush garden terrace and add planters that are similar in style to your decor.
- Create Shade
If you have a patio or deck, then an umbrella is the obvious choice to create a shady retreat from the midday summer sun. This can be a little trickier since an umbrella can take flight. Instead, try using a durable canvas sailcloth. This can be hung up to strategically add shade throughout the day.
- Bring in Finishing Elements
An outdoor space presents just as much opportunity for home design as an indoor space. Try to keep the investment pieces more neutral so you can incorporate color and pattern in accessories that you can switch out with the seasons.
Some of her favorite pieces to use include outdoor rugs to add color and pillows to add pattern. “In one Hopper Communities space, we did black adirondack chairs with a neutral rug and vibrant pillows. We could also do a pop of color with a rug. The accessories can be replaced every few years to keep the look fun.”
Home Sweet Home
Ready to have an outdoor space you can make all your own? Now is the perfect time to explore purchasing a move-in ready home in one of Hopper Communities’ gorgeous neighborhoods. As a leading homebuilder in Charlotte and beyond, we focus on both interior and exterior home design. One feature our luxury townhomes are known for are the private rooftop terraces, that you can make all your own!
Schedule a tour today, and start dreaming up all the ways you’ll enjoy rooftop terrace living this summer.