Five Places Around Charlotte to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

Nothing epitomizes American independence quite like hot dogs, cold beer, and fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Used to be the best local place to catch Independence Day fireworks was in Fort Mill, SC after a Charlotte Knights baseball game.

But with Uptown Charlotte's BB&T Ballpark now open, the AAA Knights' new venue has a much more visually arresting backdrop for a festive demonstration of aerial explosions.

Uptown fireworks. Property of Charlotte Observer.

The Knights will be out of town on July 4 -- the USA National Collegiate team faces off against Cuba that day -- but they do host the Gwinnett Braves on July 3 and you can catch fireworks following baseball in the city both nights.

Lucky hot dog vendors!

Other Options

If America's past-time and Uptown crowds aren't for you, here are four more places to catch a great lights show this weekend.

1.  Broome St, Waxhaw, NC.  Just drive south on Providence Rd / Rte 16 until you see a few thousand people setting up lawn chairs and blankets less than a mile before you get to historic downtown Waxhaw.  For a small town celebration, the Town of Waxhaw puts on an impressive show.  I'm walking to this one.

2.  Buster Boyd Bridge, Lake Wylie, SC.  Bring your boat or find a spot on the deck or in the parking lot at T-Bones on the Lake for a breathtaking fireworks display over the water.  Just don't wait until the last minute or you will be stuck on the bridge in your car during the show.  This happened to me once.

3.  U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC.  Get there early for a full day of fun with a festival beginning at 4PM on July 4 and fireworks after the sun goes down.  Bring your bikes, kayaks and climbing shoes with you if you want to get a little exercise in, as well!

4.  Pops In The Park, Southpark, Charlotte, NC.  Listen to the Charlotte Symphony put on a patriotic performance before the main event in Symphony Park behind Southpark Mall on Friday, July 3, 2015.

Bonus:  Fernweh Waterfront Festival, Queens Landing, Lake Norman, Mooresville, NC.  This one is for the hipster partier who digs a waterfront view.  Live music, ice cream, and free parking sounds like a righteous combination to me, and this event continues on even after the last 'splosion.

Check your local listings and media outlets for more events in your area and let "It's Jimmy On..." know how you plan to culminate your July 4 festivities.

Wherever you go to watch fireworks this year, or if you decide to create your own, just be sure to be safe and have a great time!

It's Jimmy On Why the Holiday Season Can Be a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home

It is that time of year again.  Leaves are falling from the trees and there is a hint of Arctic chill in the air. Retailers have wrapped up Halloween, skipped Thanksgiving, and moved on to the Christmas shopping season.

Consumers are in a festive mood, anxious to spend their hard-earned money on retail products and gifts for family and friends. So, why wouldn't they want to make the most important purchase of all -- a new house -- as the holidays approach?

Well, if they are "just shopping," then they may want to wait until a less hectic time of the year to become serious about the home buying process. 

However, holiday season home buyers and sellers understand that this is the time of year when those who are out there shopping are likely to be shopping with a purpose.

Here are three reasons the holidays are a great time to sell, or purchase, a home.

1.  Nobody wants to waste anyone else's time.  Sellers who put their homes on the market around the holidays know they will be inconvenienced by potential buyers who want to see their home while they are basting the Thanksgiving turkey.  But they also know that most potential buyers shopping at this time of year are ready and willing to pounce on the right home for the right price.  Holiday shoppers are also likely to be pre-approved and they won't want to risk offending the seller with an under market offer if they are serious about closing the sale.

2.  Winter vacation can make moving more convenient.  Kids are generally out of school for a couple of weeks and many employers shut down for several days around the Cristmas and New Year's holidays.  That means more help packing and less time missed from work and school due to the move.  Many potential buyers relocating from outside the area will also want to move into their new abode in time to test drive their new chimney ahead of Santa Claus.

3.  Everyone wants a fresh start to the new year.  New Year resolutions are often made January 1 and nearly as often broken within a couple of weeks.  What better way is there for a buyer to begin the new year than by keeping their resolution to move into a new home?  As a home seller, you can make this dream come true for your home's new owner and you get to move into your next home, too.  Now that is what we in the industry call a win-win!

Spring may be king in the eyes of most real estate practitioners, but for those sellers looking to sell in a less crowded market in which the buyers who are out there are more likely to make a substantive offer, the holiday season may be the biggest gift of all.  

So, think again before deciding to wait until March to put your home on the market like everyone else in your neighborhood, and consider adding a "For Sale" sign to your outside holiday decorations.

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If you are considering buying or selling a home this holiday season, or if you know someone who is, be sure to consult a REALTOR for their local knowledge, industry expertise, and marketing resources.  As a NC & SC licensed REALTOR, I work with buyers, sellers, and relocated renters in the greater Charlotte area.  I am also a member of the global real estate referral network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, so I can help you no matter where you currently live or want to move.  Thank you in advance for considering me for all of your real estate needs.

Jimmy Grappone

www.jimmygrappone.com

jimmy.grappone@allentate.com

It's Jimmy On National Ice Cream Day

Did you know that this Sunday, July 20, is National Ice Cream Day?

Neither did I until I read this article in the Charlotte Observer this morning, but it is true!

In fact, the Gipper himself, President Ronald Reagan, designated July as National Ice Cream Month 30 years ago and he encouraged all Americans to observe the most summery of months with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

As Lee Greenwood would say, "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...to eat ice cream!"

In honor of the most patriotic of American summer holiday (okay, the second most patriotic American summer holiday?) I will force myself to visit Waxhaw Creamery sometime in the next 48 hours.

And I may even try Waxhaw's newest ice cream shop, JB's Frozen Gold Ice Cream, at the opposite end of Downtown Waxhaw.

My apologies to TCBY, but I enjoyed your Banana's Foster goodness last night!

So, whether FroYo, gelato or good, old-fashioned American ice cream is your dairy vice, where will you celebrate National Ice Cream Day this year?

It's Jimmy On...blog is written by Charlotte-area REALTOR and Carolina Panthers enthusiast, Jimmy Grappone.  Check back often for Jimmy's takes on everything from real estate to sports, and from the latest wireless gadgets to food and drink.