For the Transplants: Places You Miss in Charlotte (King: casinos, taxes)

[flyingscotsman]

Originally Posted by diertac

Hey Scarlet - good list. I read in the York & Lancaster County forum that Carlo's Cafe in Rock Hill has excellent Cuban food, including sandwiches. I haven't been there (and even if I had, I don't know authentic) but it's on my list after the raves I read about it.

There steak sandwichs are really good as well

I was there last night

[jordysmama]

I miss Barnrd's real roast beef sandwiches.

[BrianH1970]

Originally Posted by anifani821

I do miss KCMO. Truly do. But when I was there, I missed things back in NC. So this is what I learned; live in the moment and enjoy whatever is in front of you. Make great memories!

Like you, when we go back, we find we have a nice visit, but it is NOT like it was when actually living there (in your own space, own routines, etc). So it cannot be duplicated - those feelings and memories.

I love it here in Charlotte, too! But there are many times I wanna run out and do things that are only back in Kansas City! I have learned to channel my interests in other directions and find new things to substitute for the other things I miss. But around the holidays, it does become more acute - noticing the things that made holidays special. Every year at the Thanksgiving holiday - they light the Plaza - w/ a big ceremony - and we bundled up and went every year. So, I miss that and no way to substitute anything for it. It was a huge event involving our friends, piled into cars, hot toddies for adults, hot chocolate for kids . . . wrapped up in layers of warmth b/c KCMO is COLD . . . often w/ snow . . . it was singular. I guess the thing is - those are great memories and so it makes me wistful.

Here, I am looking forward to a big Thanksgiving w/ family and friends and looking forward to starting our outdoor decorating . . . One just has to create new traditions.

I think I am terribly sentimental and so that is part of it, LOL!!!!

I know exactly what you mean. I think part of what drove me back to New Jersey this summer wasn't so much chasing a place but a time in my life where everything seemed "perfect". I loved my job, had the best neighbors you could ever ask for, my family was still "normal". We had wonderful routines. We carpooled to work. Every once in a while we'd stop off on the way home for dinner. We had our Saturday morning Starbucks. Lazed around in the afternoon until it was time for the hockey games in the winter. Maybe even head out to Dunkin Donuts for a Dunkachino and a couple of donuts between the first and second Hockey Night in Canada games. Life was just perfect. One particular Saturday we went to a Rangers hockey game at the Meadowlands in the afternoon and then a Flyers game in Philly that evening. How can you beat that?

Go to move back and nothing seems exactly the same any longer. Places that we used to frequent were gone. Even Mill Creek Mall, the place that was a part of our annual pre-Beatlefest routine, was mostly done away with. The places that you loved so much, while still there, seem to lose something. You try to develop new routines but it now you find yourself replacing the things you loved with things that, well, you already replaced however long ago. Which feels weird in and of itself.

Hard as you might try there's no winning by chasing down a time in your life that can no longer ever be. And it's heartbreaking because, like a fun roller coaster ride, you'd almost do anything to do it over again. Letting go of that wish is a hard, hard thing to do. The biggest mistake is in letting that be the predominant feeling. That just gets in the way of the good times and wonderful memories that you're making right now.

Trust me, I know exactly what you mean.

[moremoremore]

I think I'm going to stop using the word "transplant"....I don't know why, but it rubs me the wrong way....like I"m some form of alien life that shouldn't be living here but was transplanted...

[anifani821]

Brian - reading what you wrote . . . it is obvious you DO know what I mean! I think you framed it correctly - "Chasing down a time in your life . . . " I believe that is what I am thinking/feeling when look back at those years.

In my case - I know that part of my "glowing" recall of my former home/town is b/c of the people who were part of my life, as well.

Some things - like a museum or a favorite park - they are still great places to visit. But trying to recapture the magic of some of the moments in the past - it can't be done! You said it so well - that fun roller coaster ride. And yes - the way to live a satisfied life is to find the joy and satisfaction in the moment - and make new memories.

But I do still miss the boats, LOL. Maybe I should make a trip to Atlantic City and check out the Tropicana . . .

[BrianH1970]

That's the problem with looking to recreate snapshots in time: you can't. If I try to recreate those spontaneous moments that made my life in New Jersey so special I know I'll fail miserably. And let me tell ya, if I could go back and do that entire stretch over again, I would in a heartbeat. I don't know what I would give up to get that Thursday night work bowling league in North Brunswick back, but it would probably shock me more than anyone.

Originally Posted by anifani821

Maybe I should make a trip to Atlantic City and check out the Tropicana . . .

I can't wait for my first trip back up! My Diamond Club card is feeling a little lonely in my wallet. And if you do, you have to check out The Quarter.

Atlantic City Events at The Quarter, Tropicana Resort & Casino


YouTube - Tropicana Casino and Resort - The Quarter - Atlantic City Bo


YouTube - Inside the Quarter at the Tropicana

Dooooon't you go without us!! I love that casino! You're completely indoors but it looks and feels like you're in something like a Little Havana. Sometime in the new year we'll be heading back up for a weekend and we can't wait!

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by BrianH1970

That's the problem with looking to recreate snapshots in time: you can't. If I try to recreate those spontaneous moments that made my life in New Jersey so special I know I'll fail miserably. And let me tell ya, if I could go back and do that entire stretch over again, I would in a heartbeat. I don't know what I would give up to get that Thursday night work bowling league in North Brunswick back, but it would probably shock me more than anyone.




I can't wait for my first trip back up! My Diamond Club card is feeling a little lonely in my wallet. And if you do, you have to check out The Quarter.

Atlantic City Events at The Quarter, Tropicana Resort & Casino


YouTube - Tropicana Casino and Resort - The Quarter - Atlantic City Bo


YouTube - Inside the Quarter at the Tropicana

Dooooon't you go without us!! I love that casino! You're completely indoors but it looks and feels like you're in something like a Little Havana. Sometime in the new year we'll be heading back up for a weekend and we can't wait!

Thanks so much for the links!!! PROMISE - if we go - we will def let you all know in case you wanna make a group trek, LOL. Heck - maybe we should charter a bus - I bet there would be plenty of others who would enjoy that trip!!!

[anifani821]

Okay - am I seeing this right? It says they have a Ri-Ra Irish Pub????? And an IMax Theatre????

[BrianH1970]

Originally Posted by anifani821

Okay - am I seeing this right? It says they have a Ri-Ra Irish Pub????? And an IMax Theatre????

And what an IMAX theater it is! We saw Saw The Dark Knight there and was just blown away. Never did get to the Ri Ra Pub but it looks like a blast.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by ssd3

Great information southbound. I just went on the website looks good. Thanks again.

You're welcome again. I hope you like it. I think you will. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask me. I've scoured the store over the last 2 weeks. I see things that I remember from Michigan, as a kid, & the MidAtlantic stuff from the Philadelphia area. There are also Southern things that I never saw before.

You will not get everything there, but there's enough there that's familiar that I'm happy with it. The prices are soooooooooo much better than Food Lion, too.

Once I'm settled, between Aldi, Trader Joe's & Ingles, I'll be a happy camper.