Richmond among Frommer's Top Destinations for 2014

Let's hear it for RVA, the southern city that landed on Frommer's list of top destinations for 2014, who declared, "While you weren't looking, Richmond got cool."

My hometown, it's been "cool" to many of us for years. Renovation of the Slip area from tobacco warehouses to apartments, development of Rockett's Landing, train station, museums, craft beers, Carytown, nearby attractions, history, government, shopping, Maymont Park, the James River. Right through town. How cool is that? White water rafting, Belle Island, James River Park, biking, hiking, fun.

After floundering a bit a couple of decades ago and after losing its flagship century-old downtown department stores, Richmond has refound its footing in recent years and there's nowhere to go but up. Congratulations, RVA!

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Alligator spotted in Lake Norman outside Charlotte - UPDATE: It was a turtle

Alligators in Lake Norman? Gulp.

It's not really surprising. Lake Norman is a huge lake and the alligator population seems to be moving into new territories. The cove where this gater was seen at 8:00 this morning was in Cornelius which is located north of Charlotte and south of Statesville.

According to the Charlotte Observer:

The alligator was observed by residents shortly before 8 a.m. near the Peninsula Yacht Club, off Jetton Road. Police arrived a short time later and confirmed that a gator, about 2 to 3 feet long, was swimming in the surf.

One officers said the gator was about 30 yards offshore.

Cornelius police called for help from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and a police dispatcher said lake patrol units also were responding.

Wild Kingdom in North Carolina....

UPDATED: It wasn't an alligator ... it was a TURTLE. LOL.

Uptown Charlotte as seen from Amélie's French Bakery

 Uptown Charlotte skyline ...

... as seen from Amélie's French Bakery in the NoDa Art District. The café emits an intoxicating Parisian shabby-chic ambience. The combination of family recipes and classical French traditions made the bakery an instant success, and it now includes two satellite locations in Charlotte.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 20, 2013