WHOLE LOTTA HOOPLA UNDERWATER CARNAGE BOOT CAMP NYC’s best street ball action Pg. 24 Diving into wreckage and reefs Pg. 44 L.L. Bean celebrates 100 years Pg. 56 THERE’S NOTHING STOPPING YOU THE ADVENTURE ISSUE THERE’S NOTHING STOPPING YOU FACE YOUR FEARS IN SIN CITY, AUGUST 2012 RAFT AMERICA’S MOST INFAMOUS RIVER AND RACE MUD-COVERED LUNATICS Pg. 26 airtran.com/go AUGUST 2012

COMPLIMENTARYCOMPLIMENTARYC COPYOPY 88

GO_0812_p001_COVER v1.indd 1 11/07/2012 10:26 ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX WILLIAMSON BY ILLUSTRATION

AUGUST 2012 60 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 60 16/07/2012 09:39 GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 61 11/07/2012 15:00 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA VS. CHARLOTTE POLITICS AS UNUSUAL BY SUSAN B. BARNES AND REID CREAGER WITH TAMPA AND CHARLOTTE EXPECTING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS DESCENDING UPON THEM FOR THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTIONS, SOME BUSINESSES GOT CREATIVE. WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT BY-PRODUCTS, EVENTS AND CHANGES HAVE MUSHROOMED IN ANTICIPATION OF THE CONVENTIONS.

All that politicking is sure to TAMPA make convention-goers hungry, CHARLOTTE and they’re in luck. Several local restaurants used the opportunity to raise their wand SHEPHARD’S of culinary wizardry and created TOAST OF DILWORTH lets you start your day democratically—by BEACH RESORT dishes exclusively for the RNC digging in to the “Obamelet” in its homey yet adds some patriotic color to its menu with the and DNC expansive digs on the outskirts of Uptown. The Red, White and Blue Brisket, a slow-smoked “Obamelet” will be “an omelet with all the stuff the barbecue brisket with spicy white cole slaw, president likes to eat,” says owner Brian Burchill. red barbecue sauce and lime salted blue corn “I did some research online. He likes broccoli, he tortilla chips served on a freshly baked bun—it likes cheddar, and there’s a couple other things doesn't get more American than that. Wash that I’m going to throw in there that he also likes.” it down with the equally colorful Firecracker, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s world travels a refreshing blend of strawberry daiquiri and will get a nod via a yet unnamed “stuffed French piña colada, topped with a Blue Curacao floater. toast,” and VP “Joe Biden is more of a working- shephards.com FOOD class guy, so we’re looking at maybe a pancake Innisbrook Resort for him.” And, in the interest of equal time, there’s DINING AT also the “Romelet.” It remains to be seen what INNISBROOK RESORT will be in it and whether they’ll go conservative on in Palm Harbor has taken a Republican turn the fromage. toastcafeonline.com with the RNC Steak Spectacular (22 ounces of premium cut, chef-selected beef), the GOP HARVEST MOON GRILLE Burger (a 12-ounce patty topped with, what is a place that all party-lines can agree on. else, American cheese and a fried organic This popular farm-to-table eatery in Uptown egg) and the Lincoln Roll, named in honor of held a contest to create a Charlotte signature America’s first Republican president dish in time for the convention—and the top (spring rolls filled with four-hour braised short three finishers got a prime ticket on the menu. rib beef, fresh vegetables and served with Peggy Luey’s first-place entry was the Belly Bun maple and ginger sauces). A Massachusetts , a pork belly sandwich served on Muscle, a specialty cocktail with Johnnie a corn cheddar biscuit. Cindy Morris was runner-up Walker, Jim Beam and Southern Comfort for her Apple Cider Braised Pork, served with with a splash of Florida fresh citrus nectar, green onion spoon bread. And Laura Ann Radoff’s is sure to quench even the most American- Fat Cat Stew—catfish stew with sausage in sized thirst. Or, grab a Republican Rally broth—placed third among the approximately 75 —half-yards of local brews that are sure entries. harvestmoongrillecharlotte.com to fire up even the staunchest Democrats. innisbrookgolfresort.com UPTOWN’S MIMOSA GRILL will feature some special menu items in THE RETREAT anticipation of DNC Week, says Director of has been a favorite local watering hole since Operations Steve Seitz. Among them will be a 1938 and has been serving up its Pink hickory grilled steak selection: the “American Elephant, a tall drink of frothy, fruity goodness, Wagyu,” an 8oz flank; the “Kansas City,” a since around that same time. The RNC gives 14oz bone-in CAB strip, and the “Cowboy,” a this drink a well-deserved comeback. Its recipe, 20oz bone-in CAB ribeye. All of these dishes however, is a secret so well guarded that even will remain on the menu for as long as they’re the Secret Service would have a hard time popular… much like a senator. cracking it. retreattampa.com Harvest Moon Grille mimosagrill.com

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GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 62 16/07/2012 09:12 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA VS. CHARLOTTE EVENTS The über-event convention TAMPA has inspired a multitude of CHARLOTTE accompanying not-to-be-missed mini-events. HERD ABOUT CAROLINAFEST 2012 TAMPA BAY The convention will be shortened from the normal four days to three in order to accommodate a The elephants are coming! As the town is community kick-off celebration on Labor Day being stampeded by the Republican kind, (Monday, Sept. 3) along the Tryon Street corridor in a herd of fiberglass elephants is also Uptown. CarolinaFest is designed to celebrate the silently debuting in the city this summer to Carolinas, Virginia and the South by featuring live welcome RNC guests to Tampa. The outdoor entertainment, activities and an array exhibitions arts project is a fun, innovative way for local that showcase them in their best light. (All activities businesses and communities to be involved tbd at time of print). carolinafest2012.com in the activities by creating the works of art themselves or commissioning them, and features a number of 4’x4’ fiberglass PARADE elephants that will be on display at various Up to six marches a day will leave every 40 spots throughout the Tampa Bay area. minutes to, er, parade along the designated parade 2012tampa.com route for Uptown Sept. 4-6. Marches will begin at Pearle Street Park and proceed along Baxter, S Herd About TampaTampa McDowell, E Stonewall and S Caldwell streets before ELEPHANTS turning onto E Third St and ending at Marshall Park. ON PARADE The route was specifically chosen to flaunt views of Mint Museum Albright Collection official DNC-related sites like the Time Warner Cable That herd isn’t the only art show in town, Arena and Bank of America Stadium. though. Colorful works created by Tampa Bay area middle and high school students specifically for the convention will be on THE DAILY SHOW display in the Tampa Bay Times Forum as Legendary satirist Jon Stewart and his “news part of the 2012 Republican National team” will be in Charlotte to host The Daily Show Convention Art Competition, the first of (thedailyshow.com) throughout the entire week its kind. gopconvention2012.com at ImaginOn (imaginon.org), a children’s library and theater. Tickets were sold out within minutes FACES OF of going up online. TAMPA BAY ROCK THE RED Unsure of where you are and how to get to Sick of being a Republican while the city is flooded Ybor City? Got a hankering for a café con with Dems? Rock the Red 2012 Festival is calling all leche but don't know where to go? Help is conservatives on Sept. 5 at Bojangles’ Coliseum for near, as thousands of volunteers from all a night of conservative speakers and country and over Florida converge to cover more than Faces of Tampa Bay rock music acts (yet unnamed). rockthered.com 7,500 volunteer shifts, donating their time and efforts the week of August 27 in support of the RNC. From greeting guests at MUSEUM MADNESS the airport and area hotels to helping them Twelve sites will host parties on Sept. 2. Amongst navigate the convention area in downtown them, the Mint Museum will showcase Tampa, these Faces of Tampa Bay are doing Madeleine Albright’s jewelry and works by their part to help convention attendees Thornton Dial. The Gantt Center for African make the most of their time in Tampa and American Arts + Culture will host America I the surrounding areas. 2012tampa.com AM, which includes 200 artifacts illustrating African-Americans’ role in the country’s history and culture and includes items linked to Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. AMERICAN FLAG: JOHN BIGELOW TAYLOR JOHN BIGELOW FLAG: AMERICAN

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GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 64 16/07/2012 09:12 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA VS. CHARLOTTE RENOVATIONS With so many people coming TAMPA to visit the city, naturally, it CHARLOTTE wants to look its best. And, long after the crowds have left and SMELL THE FLOWERS the election has been decided, PREP RALLY Lusher than Charlotte by far, downtown Tampa the improvements made in Much of the $37 million being raised to pay for and Bayshore Boulevard are enjoying a sprucing preparation of the conventions the convention will go toward preparing the Time up as far as landscaping is concerned. A variety of will continue to benefit the city. Warner Arena by retrofitting the building for TV Florida-friendly flora and fauna will ensure colorful entails, tearing out several sections of seats to displays throughout the year and for years to make room for stages and platforms, as well come, including 318 trees, 162 palm trees, Time Warner Arena as rebuilding them after the event is over. And 30,488 shrubs and groundcovers and 37,734 reconfiguring luxury suites will create broadcast square feet of a yellow-flowering perennial posts for the major TV networks—essentially mini peanut sod. In keeping with the tropical theme, TV studios. showy pink Tabeuias, gray Medjool Palms, Brilliant Knock Out Roses and vibrant Birds of Paradise, CAT CALLS to name a few, will be add splashes of color. Can The NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats—who play their Charlotte boast palm trees? home games in Time Warner Arena—and their fans can also stand to benefit. The Bobcats have BRIGHT IDEA been planning a renovation of the arena anyway, Politicos will steal the spotlight, but Chicago-based and will use the convention to replace 336 seats artist Tracey Dear reserves some of it for herself, as in the lower bowl at the stage end on the arena’s she lights up the nights with Agua Luces (Spanish east side. for “water lights”), a colorful installation that will illuminate four of Tampa’s downtown bridges that WORD ON THE STREET cross the Hillsborough River. Her luminescent At least a dozen streets located inside the I-277 artwork is a part of the “Lights on Tampa” program. loop near Uptown have been resurfaced. Paving for the 4.2 miles within the loop—at an estimated cost of $840,000—was not directly in preparation YOU CAN HEAR ME NOW for the DNC, but the city didn’t want the scheduled Not the showiest of changes, although you’ll hear a resurfacing to clash with convention planning or difference and see one on your cellphone’s display preparations, so the work was completed by July. (more bars!)—there’s been a $1 million investment to increase cell signal in the Convention Center as FLY RIGHT part of a larger $15 million legacy project in which A five-year, $500 million airport improvement plan AT&T has partnered with the 2012 Tampa Bay is underway at Charlotte Douglas International Host Committee to ease communications for all of Airport, the area’s major airport and the sixth- those in attendance. You’ll be able to update your Agua Luces busiest in the world. Improvements include a new Facebook profile with political pearls of wisdom entrance road, an hourly parking deck, baggage- faster than the kids in Charlotte. claim renovations and concourse expansions. CREATURE COMFORTS LIVE COVERAGE Tampa Bay Times Forum owner Jeff Vinik invested Let’s see who gets better coverage and can tweet $45 million to renovate it, and all of those attending what’s happening live at the convention faster, the RNC will appreciate his efforts—especially as wireless carriers here too are investing tens the 20,000 chairs that were replaced with more of millions of dollars in network improvements to comfortable, theater-style seats. Guess it’ll be the Charlotte area, with AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and the Dems who end up with back pains and sore Verizon bringing in temporary towers to the table, behinds. And if Tampa didn’t already have so much and AT&T is adding Wi-Fi “hot zones” around town over Charlotte, the new 10,000 square foot party (AT&T customers sent more than 244 million texts deck is the perfect place to take a break from the during the DNC in Denver in 2008). Sprint alone is convention action and watch the sun set over the investing $14 million in DNC-related upgrades. Tampa skyline, enjoying the warm Florida breeze. Tampa Bay Times Forum DNC visitors should visit charmeck.org TIME WARNER ARENA; JILL LANG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM TIME WARNER

AUGUST 2012 66 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 66 16/07/2012 09:12 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA STREET SCENE

BY SUSAN B. BARNES

THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

WHEN POLITICS GET, WELL, TOO POLITICAL, CHECK OUT SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST PLACES TO UNWIND (AND WE PROMISE, NO ELEPHANTS, DONKEYS OR ANY OTHER ANIMALS).

For a change of pace, the week of August 27 politics will be drawing visitors to Tampa, rather than pristine beaches, sunshine and sweet citrus. During the Republican National Convention, when more than 50,000 politicians, staff, delegates and members of the media are expected to descend upon the Tampa Bay Times Forum and its surrounds, a more serious side of Tampa will shine. But no need to be cooped up in the Forum all day long—while we get it, you’re here to soak up some Republican wisdom, when all that gets too much—the political talk too heavy, the air too thick, the schmoozing too schmoozey—sneak outside for some of the best that Downtown Tampa has to offer and make the most of your trip.

N NEBRASKA N HATTRICKS TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART Torn between politics and passes? The Tampa Museum of Art on the 1 Worry no more. 4 Riverwalk wows on first glance— Mere steps from the Forum is one of outside, note the stunning metal cube Tampa’s best sports bars—if you run designed by architect Stanley Saitowitz, back and forth fast enough you could while inside, stunning exhibits include literally be in two places at once and Sculptors on Paper, A Hundred Years—A won’t miss a moment of your fave Hundred Chairs and Masterworks of 20th team’s triumph. Don’t let the name fool Century Sculpture. tampamuseum.org you—in addition to hockey, college and pro football, baseball, soccer and nearly TAMPA THEATRE Step back every other sport fill the big screen into a simpler time and into the TVs, and the hearts of sports fans. FRANKLINST N 5 splendor of this storied 1920s sportsbartampa.com E TYLER ST movie palace—a classic institution you’d never find in Charlotte. Take a tour of MALIO’S PRIME the spellbinding theater before the main STEAKHOUSE feature, then sit back and relax while a 2 For more than 40 years, Malio’s E CASS ST volunteer serenades you on the infamous has served up some of the finest steaks Mighty Wurlitzer Organ before the curtain in the area, making it a favorite among 5 goes up. tampatheatre.org businessmen and politicians talking 3 711 BUS Want to hurry shop. Devour a perfectly grilled steak 777 with a side of suck-up, or reserve a 4 back for the next speech but in 120 desperate need of some fresh private dining room to seal the deal. No E TWIGG ST 6 Charlotte barbecue platter will yield the food and sun? Get some air with your same results. maliosprime.com 6 505 fare at the Taco Bus. While the sensation is sweeping the nation, TAPS RESTAURANT E KENNEDY BLVD Taco Bus has quickly become a Tampa 2 BAR & LOUNGE 400 institution. With three locations in Tampa, 3 Hot debates need cold the little truck that could is staking 107 brews, so make a pit stop at the Tap its claim on the dining scene. Try the Room, which boasts more than 350 1 Cochinita Pibil, shredded pork marinated

labels from around the world. You NASHLEY DR in Achiote and bitter orange, wrapped

may want to leave this kind of FRANKLINS ST in banana leaves and slow roasted in a decision-making to the onsite smoker. Vegetarians and vegans may cicerone, a type of beer sommelier. opt for the Butternut Squash Tostada. tapswineandbeer.com taco-bus.com

AUGUST 2012 69 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 69 11/07/2012 15:01 ON THE TOWN: CHARLOTTE STREET SCENE

BY REID CREAGER

THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

SOME DISCUSSIONS EXTEND ACROSS CITIES, COUNTRIES, EVEN THE WORLD. OTHERS HEAT UP ONLY THE DINNER TABLE. TEST YOUR DEBATING SKILLS AT SOME OF THE CITY’S FINEST EATING, DRINKING AND CULTURAL ESTABLISHMENTS, ONLY STEPS FROM THE CONVENTION.

The more-regal-than-Tampa-sounding Queen City will extend its abundant Southern hospitality the week of Sept. 3 during the Democratic National Convention, when the Time Warner Cable Arena and its surrounds will be enveloped by over 35,000 politicians, staff, delegates, visitors and members of the media. But don’t succumb to political rhetoric all day long and take a look outside of the Arena—only steps outside to be precise—to experience some of the best that this Southern charmer has to offer and make the most of your trip.

W TRADE ST W 5TH ST

MEZ 210 E Trade St Take the RΊ-RÁ 208 N Tryon St For a escalator up past the carpeted raucous, Irish-style good time, 1walls and prepare for an eye-full on 4 belly up to this authentic Irish pub. the second floor of the EpiCentre: this The Victorian-style bar itself was once part eatery awes not only with its delectable of the officer’s mess hall at the barracks in Mediterranean-infused American Dublin’s Phoenix Park. This multi-level pub cuisine—the truffle fries get a lot of is a smart blend of quaint and modern, all votes—but also with its incredible with a real watering hole feel for discussing aesthetics: soaring ceilings, minimalist Irish issues worldwide. Check out the lines, incredible skyline views. Mez collection of Dublin ledgers dating back to manages to flawlessly fuse cuisines with 1800, and portraits of Ireland’s greatest W 4TH ST mesh big-city grandeur and a cozy, homey N CHURCH ST 2 literary figures. rira.com vibe. You won’t find views like this in Tampa. 210 mezcharlotte.com WHISKY RIVER 210 E Trade St Forget political BASIL THAI 210 N Church St N TYSON ST 208 5 parties and enjoy some real 4 This is a favorite among Charlotte’s E 5TH ST parties. The owner—NASCAR champion 2 see-and-be-seen crowd, and maybe N COLLEGE ST Dale Earnhardt, Jr.—created a perfectly you’ll get to spy some famous political faces. 206 unpretentious, honky-tonk bar without The sleek, contemporary uptown look is 3 the rough edges. Drink in a down-home perfectly executed, complete with an open vibe that has been upscaled with VIP tables kitchen and red velvet accents. Don’t miss and great live music that spans country the unrivaled —delicate noodles to rock—a hit with all ages and political tightly wound around tender chicken and 1 persuasions. Feeling gutsy? Determine E 4TH ST 5 shrimp. eatatbasil.com your position on the mechanical bull. 6 210 thewhiskyriver.com/charlotte BLUE 206 N College St After a day filled with heated discussions, STRIKE CITY 210 E Trade St 3 unwind with some cool jazz and a Whether you’re a lefty or a righty, glass of wine. Blue is a staple of elegance 6 this isn’t your dad’s bowling and Mediterranean fare—ask for the alley (or one you’d find in backwoods slow-roasted lamb shank in a mix of apricots, Tampa). Sleek surroundings and high-tech dates, carrots, chickpeas and saffron amenities include huge flat-screen TVs potatoes—and its décor is the epitome at the end of the lanes. And the food, of sophistication: a peaceful marriage of E TRADE ST from fellow EpiCentre mainstay Libretto’s contemporary and old world finishes. Live Authentic NYC Pizza and Italian Kitchen, jazz starts Wednesday evening at 7.30pm, is well above customary bowling fare. Thursday at 8pm. bluecharlotte.com strikecitycharlotte.com

AUGUST 2012 70 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 70 11/07/2012 15:01 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA BACK ROOM DEALINGS

BY ANDY SCHRADER WHERE DO POLITICIANS AND HEAVYWEIGHTS GO TO SEAL THE DEAL? GO HAS THE SCOOP!

In anticipation of the TAMPA Republican National Convention What makes a venue a great place to close bound for Tampa, Go sat down with (shopinternationalplaza.com) in Tampa, the deal? State Representative Jeff Brandes on restaurant row, specifi cally around the “It should be popular but not overly to learn about the ins and outs Cheesecake Factory and the Blue Martini. crowded. You don’t want other tables so of politicking in the city. Born and It has an open-air market feel and is a close they can hear everything you’re bred in St. Petersburg, the 36- gateway to some of the best shopping in saying. Knowing the manager and staff Tampa Bay.” year-old Republican and avid scuba never hurts either—in politics, you never diver now represents the Tampa know when you’ll need a table for eight Aside from restaurants and coffee shops, on fi ve minutes’ notice. Besides, there’s Bay area in the Florida House of what’s the most underrated or unexpected nothing that shows you know a town like Representatives, where hee focuses venue forfo successful schmoozing? somebody at the door greeting you by your on job creation. As a localal “I“I likel to sit on the front porch of the fi rst name.” politico, he’s got first-handd oldo Vinoy Hotel (marriott.com), next knowledge of the best to the St. Petersburg yacht basin, What are your local favorites? places to talk shop. and smoke a cigar. You can watch “If we’re doing coff ee, I prefer Kahwa the sunset over downtown and the (kahwacoff ee.com) in downtown St. moonlight glisten off the bay. It’s Petersburg. It’s diff erent from your typical the experience there as much justju a great way to relax and enjoy Starbucks, with great local fl avor and an as it is the food. They’ve been thethe evening.” outdoor patio. For lunch or a working around since 1956 and have moreore than dinner, I like Cassis American Brasserie 7,000 bottles of wine. I like to order the big Any tips you can offer for sealing your (cassisab.com) on St. Petersburg’s Beach Delmonico and split it—that makes the own deals? Drive. I’ll take the French onion soup and a steak juicier.” “Absolutely. Once you’ve got the ‘yes,’ roast chicken.” stand up and walk out of the room. At Once the RNC hits Tampa, where can political that point, you won’t get a better answer How about a good steak? star watchers go to try and see some heavy and you should turn your focus on follow- “Bern’s Steak House (bernssteakhouse. hitters closing their own deals? through and execution. My grandpa taught com) in Tampa is my favorite. It’s about “Check the International Plaza mall me that.”

Bern's Steak House

Bern's wine cellar Cassis American Brasserie JEFF BRANDES: MARK FOLEY JEFF BRANDES:

AUGUST 2012 72 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 72 11/07/2012 15:02 CHARLOTTE

131 Main's Baby Back Ribs

Rock Bottom's Pork Taco

131 Main

BY REID CREAGER

With Democratic donkeys stamped- CHARLOTTE ing towards town, Go sat down with Charlotte is known for its diversity of Charlotte-native David L. Howard, a Are there “Democratic” and “Republican” hang- outstanding restaurants, but which is your 42-year-old Democrat and at-large outs in Charlotte? If so, what would they be? favorite when you need to talk shop? member serving his second term “Not really. Because we’re the second- “Because we have Johnson & Wales largest fi nancial center in the country on the Charlotte City Council, as University here, the cooking talent pool is [by assets], we’re a very business-focused well as the chair of the Transporta- deep — so it is probably more of a collection city. So even our partisan events are about of restaurants that I pick from depending tion and Planning Committee. No supporting great establishments.” on what I have a taste for. If I’m in deal- stranger to cutting deals, when making mode, I try to pick the one that will he isn’t serving on the council he’s Who’s the most famous politician you’ve be the most impressive, such as Sullivan’s working for the Housing Partner- met with or seen in Charlotte, and what were (sullivanssteakhouse.com) or 131 Main in ship, helping to revitalize urban the circumstances? South End (131-main.com).” communities, educating people “[Former Bank of America CEO] Hugh about financial literacy and home McColl. Although he’s not an elected offi cial, What makes a venue a great place to close a buying and developing afford- he’s a person who has had a profound voice deal and what makes one a no-go? and presence in Charlotte in the political able workforce housing. He’s “For me, it’s a comfortable setting and business arena, and has easily meant also leading the redevelop- and seating, good food and more to Charlotte than any other business friendly service. When I’m trying ment of a 90-acre site just or political offi cial in recent history. It was to build a relationship and/or cut outside of the city center. at 300 East (300east.net), a restaurant in the a deal, loud noise and music are South End area. I was there for a lunch with usually not a good thing—although a friend, and he was at the table beside us. Of I have been known to cut deals over a Boulevard or Sullivan’s Steakhouse course I introduced myself.” game of pool and a plate of wings at Rock in South End. The reasons are Bottom (rockbottom.com/charlotte) or Fox convenience to the city center, good Any advice you can give to young movers and Hound (foxandhound.com).” food, reasonable prices and the all- and shakers? important free parking. There’s also the “Just know that Charlotte is all about What are some local favorites? high possibility of running into other relationships. Don’t be surprised if the fi rst “If it’s a breakfast meeting, it’s the dealmakers. They all have great menus, question someone asks you is, ‘Where do Original Pancake House in the Elizabeth but I’m pretty simple to please, I usually you go to church?’ People in Charlotte like area (originalpancakehousencsc.com). If stick to the cheeseburger or grilled to do business with people they know and it’s lunch, it’s either 131 Main on East chicken sandwich.” trust. We’ll even pay more if necessary.”

AUGUST 2012 73 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 73 11/07/2012 15:02 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA FACE OFF

BY SUSAN B. BARNES THREE LOCAL DEMOCRATS TELL US WHY, REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL PERSUASIONS, THEY DON’T MIND BEING DONKEYS WHILE THE CITY GOES ELEPHANTS.

MARYANN PAM FRANCISCO FERENC IORIO SANCHEZ

Ferenc pioneered New American Iorio served two terms as mayor of Formerly a senior policy advisor to cuisine’s entry into Tampa 26 years ago Tampa from 2003-2011, and, though President Obama during the 2008 with Mise en Place, a wildly popular, she’s a Democrat, she was instrumental campaign, the Florida native was upscale restaurant in Downtown Tampa. in bringing the Republican National appointed by Obama himself as the Under She’s also serving a second term on the Convention to the city during the Secretary for International Trade, as US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, 2010 bid process. She is currently a which he helps develop US trade policy, where she advises President Obama on Leadership Speaker and the author of create jobs and stimulate economic issues regarding travel and tourism. Straightforward, Ways to Live and Lead. growth by promoting local companies.

■ Mise en Place regularly hosts political ■ What was your proudest achievement ■ Politics are a tough business. When did you gatherings, from roundtables to celebrity-led as mayor? realize that’s was your calling? rallies. What are they like? “When I see so many people enjoying Curtis “When I was 12 years old, I visited “The events are really exciting because Hixon Waterfront Park, the Riverwalk [a Florida’s capitol, Tallahassee. On a tour of people see candidates they may not have pedestrian walkway along the Hillsborough the Capitol Building, including the House heard otherwise, like someone who’s River] and the Tampa Museum of Art and Senate Chambers, I learned that the new to the political scene or running for and Glazer Children’s Museum along people who sat in those chambers passed offi ce for the fi rst time. We had Leonardo the Riverwalk, I am very proud that my laws that made a huge impact on our lives. DiCaprio in campaigning for President administration was able to add to our city in Six months after that visit I became a page Obama. It’s always exciting—the energy a lasting and meaningful way.” in the Florida House of Representatives. level is very intense.” ■ Where do you go to get away from From then on I was hooked!” ■ What’s Tampa’s signature dish? the politics? ■ You live in DC and travel around the world “It sounds so simple, but a great dish is “I take long walks along Bayshore for work constantly. Where’s home? Cuban toast and café con leche at Café La Boulevard [the longest continuous stretch “Tampa is, quite simply, home. And even Ideal (2924 W Tampa Bay Blvd). That’s the of sidewalk in the world at 4.5 miles, though I now live in Washington, DC, it taste of Tampa.” overlooking Tampa Bay], or in Al Lopez will always be home. My roots run long and ■ As a member of the Travel and Tourism Park [132 acres of Florida wildlife in the deep in Tampa. I cherish its rich history, Advisory Board, you must have some great midst of the city].” culture and diversity. And, of course, I love local tips. What are the top things visitors ■ You must know the best restaurants to the people. Tampa is a beautiful, friendly should do? schmooze and talk shop. What are they? and wonderful place to live.” Foodies will want to take a Bold Cuisine Tampa has many great restaurants—be ■ What do you miss the most about Tampa? Tour on Armenia Avenue and dive into sure to visit The Columbia in Ybor City “Cuban food, Tampa style. I go to Colombian, Argentinian, Peruvian, (columbiarestaurant.com), Bern’s Steak the West Tampa Sandwich Shop Cuban, Spanish and as House (bernssteakhouse.com) on Howard (westtampasandwichshop.com) and have a they restaurant-hop. Culturists should Avenue, Mise en Place (miseonline.com) Cuban sandwich made with bread that can begin at the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa, Pane Rustica only be found in Tampa; moros and yucca. (tampabayhistorycenter.org) and sip a cup (panerusticabakery.com) on South MacDill I fi nish off my meal with a classic café con of Cuban coff ee on the terrace.” Avenue and the Taco Bus (taco-bus.com).” leche, and I’m in heaven!”

AUGUST 2012 74 GO MAGAZINE

GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 74 13/07/2012 09:37 CHARLOTTE

BY REID CREAGER THREE LOCAL REPUBLICANS SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT CHARLOTTE, WITH AND WITHOUT THE DONKEYS.

ANDY LYNN RICHARD DULIN WHEELER VINROOT

Dulin is serving his third term on the A former Charlotte mayor pro tem Mayor of Charlotte from 1991 to Charlotte City Council. He vice chairs and 14-year veteran of the Charlotte 1995, Vinroot established a Taxpayer the Budget Committee and is a member City Council, as well as a reporter and Protection Act, which limited the of the Community Safety, Environment, political analyst for the local CBS growth of the city’s budget, and created Economic Development and Government affiliate, Wheeler led a push for the the state’s first “drug court” to speed Affairs Committees and has a bachelor’s city to get a new Uptown arena, which prosecutions. A Morehead Scholar, degree in travel and tourism, which many say was crucial to Charlotte in Vinroot is now an attorney in Charlotte makes him a natural for directing visitors. landing the DNC. where he focuses on civil litigation.

■ What’s it like to be a Republican in town ■ If the political hoopla in the city gets too ■ What are the not-to-be-missed while the Democrats are whooping it up? overwhelming, where do you recommend cultural institutions? “I’m looking forward to an event that should people going? “The Mint Museum (mintmuseum.org), be great for Charlotte and the state. I’m still “I highly recommend Blowing Rock, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, comfortable with my vote to support the a mountain town that is quaint and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African DNC—my vote wasn’t about red states or authentic, with many small, locally owned American Arts + Culture (ganttcenter.org) blue states; I’m green for Charlotte.” shops and restaurants on Main Street. It and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum ■ What places would you suggest for has beautiful views and clean fresh air and (nascarhall.com)are all within about two city politicos bringing their kids? is a mere two-hour drive.” blocks [of the convention] so if you can’t “Lots of options. The NASCAR Hall ■ What’s your favorite place in Charlotte? choose, you could easily try all four!” of Fame (nascarhall.com) was recently “Defi nitely the Bechtler Museum of ■ Which neighborhoods are worth a visit? built. Also, we just spent millions redoing Modern Art (bechtler.org) in Downtown “NoDa and Plaza Midwood are revitalized Discovery Place (discoveryplace.org), which Charlotte, a 36,500-square-foot museum older neighborhoods adjacent to Uptown is for kids of all ages. Little ones also like dedicated to the exhibition of mid-20th- that still have hundred-year-old oak ImaginOn (imaginon.org) [a library and century modern art. It is fabulous and not trees, mill houses and original buildings children’s theater] and Ray’s Splash Planet to be missed.” that now house wonderful art galleries, (charmeck.org) is a ball.” ■ Where do you like to go after a long shops and restaurants. My favorite lunch ■ What’s your best-kept secret for action business day of trying to compromise spots are in both neighborhoods: Brook’s packed bipartisan fun? with Democrats? Sandwich House in NoDa (2710 N Brevard “The Whitewater Center (usnwc.org) is “I have always worked well with St) and The Diamond in Plaza Midwood fabulous. A lot of people don’t know about Democrats—really!—but after a long, (diamondcharlotte.com).” it. I go up there with my sons and ride tiring day my favorite watering hole ■ Do you have a favorite comfort food place mountain bikes with them for about a half- is the Liberty Restaurant that says, “Welcome to Charlotte?” hour. Then they keep riding, and I go back (thelibertycharlotte.com) in historic South “We can all agree on great and to the restaurant area and sit on the porch End. The martinis are outstanding, and barbecue. I would recommend a quick trip with my City Council agenda for the week, there’s a plethora of beers on tap. It’s also on the Lynx Blue Line to Price’s Chicken do some people watching. It’s a great place voted the best hamburger in Charlotte by Coop (priceschickencoop.com) in South End to relax and still be outside.” the Charlotte Observer.” for a quarter white meat and a sweet tea.”

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GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 75 11/07/2012 15:02 ON THE TOWN: TAMPA RECESS: ESCAPING THE POLITICS GULF TO BAY BY ANDY SCHRADER FORGET ABOUT PARTY LINES AND FOCUS ON YOUR TAN LINES ON THIS SUN-DRENCHED SHORELINE DRIVE, WHICH’LL GIVE YOU THE BEST BAY VIEWS, SEA BREEZES AND ARTSY COMMUNITIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.

► Road trips need road food—fill your unparalleled vantage points of the bay. tequilas while admiring the restaurant’s ► Continue north for three miles to the tank while connecting with Tampa’s Politics will become a distant memory. museum-quality Mexican folk art collec- fishing community of Tarpon Springs, old-school Cuban roots at the West tion. casatinas.com which has the most concentrated Greek Tampa Sandwich Shop. Stockpile to-go ► Those Dems are missing out. Return to population of any US city—Greek sponge cups of the trademark café con leche Highway 60 (Gulf via Bay Blvd.) and con- ► Time to work on those tan lines. Make a divers made this area famous around the and mouthwatering honey-buttered tinue eight miles west towards downtown three-mile detour west along the Dunedin turn of the 20th century, and working Cuban (Charlotte’s sloppy Clearwater and the Gulf of Mexico. Cross Causeway to Honeymoon Island State sponge-diving boats still line the sidewalks barbecue’s got nothin’ on this), then the Memorial Causeway bridge to reach the Park. Expect uncrowded nature trails of the peaceful Anclote River, with fishermen drive one mile south on Armenia Ave. famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and rare sea-level views of the towering unloading their catch in front of the restau- and two miles west on I-275 to find the home to a marine animal hospital, a Skyway Bridge. You’ll spot high-flying sea rants and shops. Take a sponge-diving tour Courtney Campbell Causeway (Hwy 60). sting-ray feeding tank and the headliner, eagles, shorebirds and—if you’re lucky— to explore how the town made its fortune, or westtampasandwichshop.com Winter the dolphin. While just a baby, Winter wild dolphins playing just offshore. Sure, just snack on honey-drizzled baklava at The was discovered caught in a crab trap and North Carolina has beaches, but are they as National Bakery (451 Athens St)—a closet- ► Put the top down and enjoy the breeze had to have her tail amputated. She now beautiful as these? floridastateparks.org sized eatery that has been a local favorite as you cruise 14 miles west across swims with a prosthetic replacement, for nearly 40 years. ci.tarpon-springs.fl.us shimmering Tampa Bay on Hwy 60, from and her story was captured in the recent ► Practice your political rhetoric as well Tampa to Safety Harbor. blockbuster Dolphin Tale. seewinter.com as your swing at Innisbrook Golf and ► On your way back to Tampa, pull over at Spa Resort after continuing nine miles the Dunedin Brewery for chunky French ► On its gorgeous, brick-lined streets ► Drive north on Alternate 19/595 for north to Palm Harbor. Their signature fries served at rugged wooden tables. Here, you’ll discover cute, one-of-a-kind shops six miles. Stop in tiny Dunedin—it’s filled water-hazard “Copperhead” course is at Florida’s oldest microbrewery, you’ll be and galleries such as Caribbean Kats with boutiques and restaurants and was a regular on the PGA tour. It’s a private surrounded by live fermentation vats and Trading Co. (230 Main St), packed with named one of America’s “most walkable” club, although overnight guests can play. wheel barrows filled with brew hops, includ- tropical art and perfectly kitschy Florida communities by PBS. Grab lunch at Casa Alternately, opt for a couples side-by-side ing those used to craft their refreshing, souvenirs. On the south side of town, Tina Mexican restaurant, a favorite of massage in their 18,000 square-foot, must-taste Apricot Wheat beer. You’ll be stretch your legs on the public fishing singer/actor Harry Connick Jr. and star African-inspired Indaba Spa. innis- ready to take on the political heat again in pier, which affords rarely seen as well as of the aforementioned movie. Sip añejo brookgolfresort.com no time. dunedinbrewery.com

Innisbrook Golf and Spa Tarpon Springs

Honeymoon Island

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 76 11/07/2012 15:02 CHARLOTTE

Airlie Gardens

US National Whitewater Center WILMINGTON, NC ► Forget the over-hyped Cuban food in Tampa. The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, was an iconic stop on ► Wilmington’s most prominent historical Charlotte makes its case with its succulent NASCAR’s top circuit for decades, and just this landmark, the battleship USS North Southern flavor. Fuel up with a barbecue plate at year NASCAR’s truck racing series returned to it. Carolina rests anchored in retirement across Queen City Q, where Dan “The Pig Man” lovingly rockinghamspeedway.com the river from downtown Wilmington. The Front Street Brewery slow cooks his meat in wood-fired smokers. floating fortress measures more than 700 Choose from three kinds of slaw or the peppery ► Meander off-route due north on Hwy 220 feet in length and carried approximately BY PATRICK JONES green bean casserole that’s his momma’s very for 45 minutes to the quaint and beautiful town 2,300 men. It still looks ready to fire its own recipe. queencityq.com of Seagrove. Visit the North Carolina Pottery guns on captain’s orders, though it has been TRADE WINDY Center for some unforgettable souvenirs. more than a half century since its mighty POLITICIANS ► Adventure junkies might pick a detour to the ncpotterycenter.com arsenal stalked enemy waters during FOR TRANQUIL pulse-quickening, man-made Class IV rapids at World War II. battleshipnc.com Charlotte’s US National Whitewater Center ► If you prefer grass over clay, a pit stop at OCEAN BREEZES (Does Tampa have something like this? We don’t the nearby Pinehurst Resort is a must. US 1 will ► Stop and smell the flowers at Airlie ON A ROAD TRIP think so). For those wishing to stay dry, consider lead you to the scenic home of the women’s and Gardens, home to the Airlie Oak, the North the high flying Canopy Tour, which features zip men’s Open Championships on back-to-back Carolina State Champion live oak tree, which TO WILMINGTON, lines, rappel stations and sky bridges up to 60 weekends in 2014. pinehurst.com arborists estimate took root from an acorn NORTH CAROLINA’S feet high. usnwc.org in 1545. The largest live oak in the state MOST SERENE ► Head southeast on Hwy 87 and on to Wilm- stands, at last measurement, 128 feet tall ► Leave Charlotte on East Independence ington. First-time visitors may already know with a trunk circumference exceeding PORT CITY. YOU'LL Blvd. (Hwy 74) and head to Monroe. Politics the town’s picturesque sights, as hundreds of 21 feet. airliegardens.org FIND CLASS IV can be hard to avoid—even on your way films (Nights at Rodanthe, Firestarter, Weekend to the beach—as this is the hometown of at Bernie’s) have been filmed on location here. ► Florida isn’t the only state with RAPIDS, SPEED controversial five-term North Carolina Senator Younger generations know Wilmington as the beautiful beaches. Continue your trek to CAR RACING, Jesse Helms. Visit the Jesse Helms Center for setting for Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. the ocean. Some of North Carolina’s top BATTLESHIPS archives and media exhibits, which celebrate the beach destinations abound within a short colorful life and career of this conservative local ► Chow down on pan-seared duck and driving distance. Dip your toe into the AND BEACHES Republican. jessehelmscenter.org bourbon mashed sweet potatoes on the Atlantic Ocean at Kure Beach, which has the ALONG THE WAY. balcony at Riverboat Landing . Thirsty? Grab a added attractions of Fort Fisher a Civil War ► With North Carolina native icons like Richard Coastal Kolsch or a River City Raspberry Wheat battleground, and a North Carolina Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr., NASCAR is basically at Front Street Brewery, Wilmington’s version Aquarium site. After unwinding on this the state’s official sport. Rockingham Speed- of Cheers; a casual mix of local denizens and day trip you’ll be amped for more way, locally known as The Rock and the site of vacationing out-of-towners looking to unwind. politics-packed action. ncparks.gov, movies Days of Thunder and Talladega Nights: riverboatlanding.com, frontstreetbrewery.com ncaquariums.com

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GO_0812_p070_OTT.ndd.indd 77 11/07/2012 15:02