'Cue Lunch!

During the week, I usually eat lunch at my desk. So when I get the chance to go out for lunch, I jump at it — especially if its with my family.

Today we all lucked out. I needed to go to Birkdale Village to work on a story for the December issue, and I had just edited Holly Becker's upcoming story about Midwood Smokehouse (also for the upcoming December issue). Holly's copy is always solid, but her descriptions about the cuisine at Midwood Smokehouse grabbed me and would not let me go — especially when she mentioned Southern Living voted Midwood's mac and cheese the best in North Carolina. All through the week I kept mentioning how a new barbecue place at opened at Birkdale, hoping that someone would suggest we should go.

A little background here. I grew up helping prepare barbecue for my church's yearly barbecue in nearby Cabarrus County. I married a barbecue snob that turns his nose up at any barbecue that is not vinegar based. In addition, we have a close family friend who's traveled the region judging barbecue. In other words, I know good 'cue when I eat it. 

Back to Midwood. My family decided to tag along with me to Birkdale on Saturday, so I suggested (really demanded) that we try Midwood Smokehouse. They were up for it, so off we went. As soon as we walked in, I knew we had made a good choice.

The interior was spacious and hip with all kinds of vintage beer ads and pig art on the walls, and the smell was divine. We quickly ordered, as we couldn't wait to sink our teeth into lunch. My children ordered kids' barbecue sandwiches with mac and cheese (note: kids 10 and under eat for $5.50). My husband ordered a barbecue sandwich with collard greens, and I went all out by ordering brisket on Texas toast with pimento cheese and a side of baked beans.

Before lunch arrived, we snacked on a basket of sweet potato fries, which were fantastic. Then our plates arrived. From the first bite, we were all in love. Graydon announced that his mac and cheese was the best he'd ever tasted - high praise from any 7-year-old, as that's one of their food groups. Margot said, "We are definitely coming back here." My husband was too busy devouring his sandwich and collards to say anything, and I couldn't eat my meal fast enough.

That said, if you like awesome 'cue, you owe it to yourself to try Midwood Smokehouse. Our family will be back, and who knows? I might leave my desk during the week and go have lunch there by myself. It's that good.

Go Vote!

Though we don't cover politics in CURRENTS, we are strong believers in voting. It is a privilege to vote, and it is one that should be honored. Please remember the men and women who have made sacrifices so we can cast a ballot. Whatever your party, whatever your beliefs, go vote today and let your voice be heard.

Smashing Statesville!

One of the best things about my job is that I learn a lot about local events. When I wrote a piece about downtown Statesville for the September 2017 issue of CURRENTS, I made a note about the town's upcoming Pumpkin Festival. I'd heard about this festival for years, but after spending time in Stateville's beautiful downtown area (it really is lovely), I knew this was the year for the Tate family to head north on I-77 and check it out.

We talked about it for weeks, as the website listed all sorts of fun activities from rides to a classic car cruise-in to live music. But I have to say that it wasn't until I saw pumpkin smashing listed as an activity that I was in. Ever since I saw the Modern Family episode about pumpkin chunkin', which involves catapulting a pumpkin across a field, I've been interested in the pumpkin disposal arts. Obviously you can make a pumpkin pie, but smashing one seems like way much more fun. My children were just as excited as I was.

When the day of the Statesville Pumpkin Festival arrived, it was overcast outside and the forecast predicted rain. We didn't let that stop us. If it rained on us, we decided we'd have a nice lunch downtown and explore the best we could. Luckily we missed most of the heavy rain and were able to explore all the art and craft booths, as well as listen to Rockie Lynne perform on the main stage. I had the honor of writing about this country singer songwriter/Statesville native in the May 2017 issue of CURRENTS.

As soon as we walked into the festival, we saw remnants of where previous pumpkin smashing had taken place. We vowed to come back later to take a turn.

While we walked around, we took at the architecture of downtown Statesville, and my kids got temporary glitter tattoos. Later we had a delicious lunch at Broad Street Burger that fueled us for some serious pumpkin smashing. When walked back to the pumpkin smashing area, people were obliterating pumpkins left and right with huge wooden mallets. For $1 a pumpkin, you could release all of your stress in just a few blows. I was plain giddy.

My husband, John, helped our son and daughter smash their individual pumpkins, as the mallet was fairly large. When it came my turn, I cleared my family away so I could cross pumpkin smashing off of my bucket list. My first whack didn't do much damage, but my second whack made a dent. The more I hit it, the more my pumpkin exploded into little pieces. While it might sound barbaric, it really was just fun, simple fun, that you don't get the opportunity to experience that often.

As we made our way down I-77 to Cornelius, we all talked about how much fun we had. Despite the rain, we were able to spend a fall day frolicking in a new place, and none of us will ever forget how fun it was to smash a pumpkin.

Learning from Mistakes

"It's not a mistake if you learn from it." I tell my children this all the time because I want them to see how mistakes should be teaching moments instead of a gateway into self loathing and negativity. It's a beautiful thing to say, and it's a beautiful thing to watch when they take what I say to heart, but it is so incredibly hard to do.

When I make mistakes, which happens frequently, it's hard for me to take my own advice. Take yesterday for example, when I discovered I had made an exquisite mistake. I didn't catch the misspelling of a local community in the November issue. Not only was this a community that's in the town I live in; it's a community in which I've volunteered and drive past every day. It's a community I'm always telling my neighbors about when they say they've never heard of it. It's Smithville, and in the article about Honora Ruggiero on pages 25 and 26 in the November issue, you'll see that the community is spelled Smithfield.

Smithville is a primarily African American community in downtown Cornelius off of Catawba Avenue, and it has been here way longer than Lake Norman. In fact, its roots date back to around 1869. The area was originally known as Limley until 1910. To learn more, visit the Smithville Community Coalition page on Facebook.

Even though I proofed this copy many times, I didn't catch the misspelling. Once someone pointed out the mistake to me last night, I proceeded to beat myself up for a few hours, completely forgetting the advice I constantly share with my children regarding mistakes.

Finally, I came to a moment of peace when my wise mind decided to intervene. Yes, correct spelling in the magazine is my responsibility. Yes, my mother has been pointing out mistakes to me in publications ever since I could walk, and yes, I can't stand to see a mistake in print (Thanks, Mom.). And extra yes, I know how to spell Smithville.

Regardless, these things happen, and remembering this mistake will only encourage me to read copy a few more times and even more closely.

My 7-year-old daughter tried to give me my own advice last night, as she walked over to me and put her hand on my arm. If anything, that's the silver lining in this. At least she knows how to handle mistakes.

C is for Community

Halloween is a big event at our house. At best count, we celebrate this holiday for at least 14 days straight. There are parties and trick or treating, but my children's favorite event is Trunk or Treat at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius. We don't attend church there, but our neighborhood is down the street from the church. As soon as my kids see the Trunk or Treat sign go up, they begin counting down the days, as this as been part of their Halloween celebration all of their 7-year-old lives.

You don't have to be a church member and you don't even have to live down the street to attend, as everyone is welcome. Bethel puts on the festival to share a good time with the community. It's free, and there are always fun activities. Obviously, kids get to walk through a parking lot of decorated cars and score lots (and lots) of candy. Then there are all shapes and sizes of bounce houses and slides, free food, and live music. The church's boy scout troop magically transforms their scout hut into a haunted house, and hay rides are offered the entire time.

My favorite part is that we get to see our neighbors and friends. We might see people we see all the time, and we might run into other folks we haven't seen in years. Either way, it's fun to catch up as we watch our kids play and enjoy the sense of community that the Lake Norman area still manages to offer. That's a trick in itself.

Above, my daughter, Margot, aka Super Hero Barbie, enjoying the slide at Bethel Presbyterian Church's Trunk or Treat for the 17th time.

Three for Thursday - Halloween Style

It's time for one of the biggest weekends of the year. Even if you don't have children, Halloween beckons you to have fun. And since Halloween lands on a Tuesday this year, a lot of folks will be celebrating the holiday this weekend. Here are our three picks for Halloween fun. Be sure to enjoy all the tricks and treats out there!

Davidson Halloween March (October 27) The Town of Davidson will celebrate the Halloween season with its traditional Halloween March along Main Street. Families should line up at town hall to parade along Main Street to receive treats from merchants and organizations. 5 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson, www.townofdavidson.org.

Ghost Walk Haunted Trail (October 27-28) This thrilling haunted trail is for only the bravest souls. Historic Latta Plantation is turned into a frightening sight once the moon rises over the forest and the spooks come out at night. Those who dare must come aware that the haunted trail is a true scare. Not suggested for children under 9. 7-10 p.m. (Last admission for ghost walk is 9:45 p.m.). $10 per person. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

Rescue Ranch’s Corn Maze (October 27-28) Rescue Ranch opens its gates for visitors to experience the twists and turns of a lighted Corn Maze presented by Chevrolet. The nine-acre corn maze boosts a Chevy design. The lighted maze will be open Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. during October. $8 for guests 13 and older; $5 for children two to 12; children under 2 are free. Rescue Ranch, 1424 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, www.rescueranch.com.

My Campus Fix

I like to include a run on the Davidson College campus in my weekly workout mix. Lucky for me, the weather cooperated with me this morning, and I was able to run.

It's a simple thing, running from my kids' school in Davidson to the campus, but it brings me so much joy. I run around Roosevelt Park to see if there is any wildlife to be found. (There's usually a gaggle of geese.) Then I head to the college, where I find professors and students walking briskly to class toting their coffee and backpacks, their heads filled with new ideas and theories. Everyone always gives me a friendly greeting, but it's quick and to the point, as we all have things to do.

My job is to head to the track, where I can run as many laps as I want. My bad knee loves this part of the run because the track's surface is cushioned. It's like a spa day for my right leg. There are usually athletes on the field training for whatever sport they play for Davidson. Sometimes it's track and field, obviously, and other times it's conditioning for football or lacrosse. There are always a few townies getting their laps in by either walking the track or running up and down the stairs of the bleachers.

I treat the track as my personal meditation oval, a place where I can lose myself in my thoughts and know that I'm not going to run into traffic — literally. Between my solitude and the fresh air, running here gives me a sense of peace that I'm able to carry with me the whole day through.

When I head back to my car at my kids' school, my coffee is waiting for me, along with the rest of my morning. I feel energized and ready to take on whatever shows up in my inbox — all because of 45 magical minutes.

Three for Thursday

My 7-year-old twins refer to Thursday at Junior Friday. I'm all for it, as I love spending the weekends with my family. Lucky for us, we live in an area where something fun is always going on. Who can complain when your biggest problem is figuring which fun thing to do? We at CURRENTS like to help folks with this problem by recommending activities for the weekend. Below are are top three choices for this weekend. Enjoy!

Halloween in Huntersville & Fireworks Spooktacular (October 21) Enjoy live music, balloon twisters, airbrush tattoos, magicians, bounce houses, Halloween crafts, Springfree Trampoline and local craft vendors. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase. End the event by enjoying fireworks at 7:15 p.m. (weather permitting). 4 p.m. Free. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, www.huntersville.org.

All Hallows Eve Family Day (October 21) Dress in your best Halloween costumes and trick or treat around Latta Plantation. Play games, see historical demonstrations and meet the friendly farm animals while you visit. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $9, $8 students and seniors, children 5 and under are free. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

Fifth Annual Laketoberfest Music & Brew Festival (October 21) (pictured below) Enjoy beer from local North Carolina breweries in addition to food truck fare, music from local bands, a kids’ zone with crafts and games, and more. 4-9 p.m. Free. Bailey Road Park, Cornelius, www.cornelius.org. 

Four Years is Way Too Long

Today while finishing up the November issue, I stumbled upon our blog and was inspired to make it active again. Truth be told, our publisher, MacAdam Smith, also thought it would be a good idea to bring a blog into the mix. So, here we are, and I'm glad because it allows us to communicate with you, our readers, even more.

Please check back frequently to see what we're up to at CURRENTS and in the Lake Norman community. Fall is beautiful time here, and we're excited to go explore all of the fun things there are do. Stay tuned!

Lori K. Tate
Editor, CURRENTS Magazine

Quiz Answers!

Thanks so much for taking our history quiz. As promised, here are the answers. They are in bold. Happy Anniversary, Lake Norman!

1. What is the official name of Davidson College’s crowdsourcing project focused on the history of Lake Norman?

1. Beneath the Lake
2. Lake Norman Now and Then
3. Under Lake Norman
4. Lake Norman Legends

2. Which country music legend performed at one of the first Lake Norman Lot sales?

1. Kenny Rogers
2. Hank Williams
3. George Jones
4. Porter Wagner

3. Which Duke Power [now Duke Energy] president was integral in making the Davidson College Lake Campus a reality?

1. W.B. McGuire
2. Norman Cocke
3. Bob McKillop
4. Samuel Spencer, Jr.

4. The land of which two mills was flooded during the creation of Lake Norman?

1. Cannon Mills and Springs Industries
2. Burlington Industries and Cornelius Cotton Mill
3. Locke Mill and Tuscarora Yarns
4. East Monbo Mill and Long Island Mill

5. Which bridge still resides under Lake Norman?

1. The Beatties Ford Bridge
2. The Old Highway 150 Bridge
3. The Sam Furr Bridge
4. The Peninsula Bridge

6. Which plantation house’s ruin can be found under Lake Norman?

1. Latta Plantation
2. Dilworth Plantation
3. Middleton Place
4. Elm Wood Plantation

7. What is the name of the oldest waterfront venue on Lake Norman?

1. The Landing
2. North Harbor Club
3. Rusty Rudder
4. Oni’s

8. Which camp opened on the shores of the Catawba River in 1938 for the benefit of orphans housed at various orphanages in the area?

1. Camp Dogwood
2. Camp Catawba
3. Camp Fellowship
4. Camp Barnhardt

9. What name was found on the single tombstone discovered during the land clearing for Cowan’s Ford Dam in 1958?

1. Norman Cocke
2. John Cowan
3. John Abernathy
4. William Lee Davidson

10. Which local family had three brothers serve as mayor of Charlotte, Cornelius and Mooresville at the same time?

1. The Washam family
2. The Jetton family
3. The Davidson family
4. The Knox family

11. What year did Duke Power [now Duke Energy] dam the Catawba River?

1. 1970
2. 1953
3. 1975
4. 1963

12. Which anniversary did Lake Norman celebrate this year?

1. 25^th
2. 50^th
3. 30^th
4. 75^th