The November Issue: Gratitude, Golden Leaves & Good Neighbors
The November print edition of Stroll Ballantyne Country Club feels like a deep breath of autumn—equal parts warmth, nostalgia, and community spirit. You can download the full issue here and follow along with your coffee in hand (perhaps from Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne—where the hazelnut roast will absolutely wreck your productivity, in a good way).
A Season of Thanks
Publisher Ashley Grimm opens the issue with a Thanksgiving reflection that’s pure Ballantyne: equal parts tradition and reinvention. Her note, “Traditions That Taste Like Home,” celebrates the mix of Grandma’s stuffing and Friendsgiving queso, honoring both ritual and reinvention.
Sponsor Plug →
Presented in partnership with Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte
Penske Automotive’s flagship Carolinas dealership in Pineville, MBSC continues to embody Felix Sabates’ legacy with Roger Penske’s polish. Visit 950 N Polk St or mbcharlotte.com for a private showroom appointment—and remember: luxury isn’t a product line; it’s a level of care.
Neighborhood Highlights
Meet Your Neighbors: Ashlee & Rob Munford (p. 14-17)
The November cover story introduces the Munfords—two expats (Madison-meets-Surrey) who traded London fog for Ballantyne Country Club sunshine. Between 50 countries traveled, two German shepherds in matching jerseys, and dueling loyalties (Arsenal vs. Manchester United), their story captures the curiosity and connection that make BCC feel like home.
Precious Pets of Santa Paws (p. 30-31)
Ashley Horton of Premier Sotheby’s hosts the annual Santa Paws fundraiser benefitting Carolina Boxer Rescue—$10 per photo, 100% to charity. Expect dogs, cats, one heroic parrot, and a whole lot of red velvet.
Making a Difference: Connecting the Gap (p. 32-33)
Quaneka Falls Edmonds and her nonprofit Connecting the Gap build healing spaces for grieving youth. The piece reminds readers that grief support is community work—and that empathy scales better than any app ever will.
Sponsor Spotlights
- Zinicola (p. 24-25): Chef Richard Cranmer’s fall menu glows with truffle, goat cheese, and Milanese warmth.
- Napa Bistro & Wine Bar (p. 44-45): Jeff and Paula Conway bring California ease to Stonecrest with butternut-squash ravioli and Cab Sauvignon aplomb.
Community News & Events
From the BCC Fall Classic Men’s Member Guest (p. 48-49) to Coffee with a Cop (p. 56-57), the magazine leans into its calling: connecting a neighborhood that never runs out of reasons to gather—or reasons to celebrate its dogs.
What Makes This Issue Special
Across 35 pages, this edition balances elegance and sincerity. Local businesses (from Prime IV Hydration to Younique by MK) and recurring sponsors like Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne, Good Roofing and Restoration, and Elevate Motion Therapy thread the community together through stories, not just ads.
Even the Resident Recipe—John McMullen’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze (p. 60-61)—reads like Charlotte comfort food in long form.
Want to See Your Story in Print?
We’re already collecting photos and ideas for December.
📸 Send your stories and photos to ballantyne@strollmag.com.
Everyone has a story worth sharing—especially if it includes a dog wearing a scarf or a neighbor who insists on deep-frying a turkey.
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About the Author
Nell Thomas writes for The Charlotte Mercury and Strolling Ballantyne, part of the Mercury Local Network. Her idea of investigative journalism involves taste-testing bagel schmears at Einstein Bros. Bagels Ballantyne—especially the Farmhouse Egg Sandwich, which she swears counts as research.
When she isn’t filing stories, she’s usually editing one in line at Einstein’s, refueling on coffee refills, and pretending not to eavesdrop.
You can find more of her work (and the rest of our community adventures) at strollingballantyne.com and cltmercury.com.
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