Longview Carolina seamlessly weaves Blue Zone principles into its design. | Photos provided by Longview Carolina
Nature meets convenience at Longview Carolina, a new “agrihood” centered around wellness and outdoor living in Easley, South Carolina. While this community sits on 180 acres of scenic, private land, it’s also just about five minutes from downtown Easley + 20 minutes from downtown Greenville and Clemson University.
Longview draws inspiration from Blue Zones (more on that in a moment) around the world and has a similar feel to Riverstead, which were both developed by Jim Anthony. Think: Resilient living, unique homesteads, and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are regions focused on healthy living habits, like daily movement outdoors, socialization, regular relaxation, plant-based diets, and developing a deep sense of purpose. The goal is to create an environment that nudges its inhabitants toward healthy behaviors that last.
Research indicates that people who live in Blue Zone communities live longer, thanks to their adopted lifestyles. Additionally, belonging to a tight-knit community has been linked to better longevity and happiness.
A look inside Longview
Longview is built around modern Blue Zone principles, offering custom-built homesteads. It’s set on a quiet, wooded ridge and boasts natural amenities that emanate an immersive mountain getaway.
The neighborhood encourages residents to:
Be active | Moving naturally is made easy with the community’s hiking and biking trails, winding through 60 acres of preserved green space.
Spark social connection | Connect with neighbors at the community’s pool, pickleball courts, and other gathering spaces.
Slow down | Swap the glare of screens for starlight and conversation around fireside patios and campsites to help your stress melt away.
Eat healthily | The on-site organic farm — complete with vegetable fields, berry patches, greenhouses, and free-ranging chickens for fresh eggs — is designed to forge deep connections through food, farming, and community.
Live purposefully | From communal service projects to planned workshops and clubs, there are plenty of opportunities for involvement.
Amos Lee | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $40+ | Hey “Sweet Pea,” you’ll be swaying to Lee’s smooth voice in no time.
Celebrate Earth Day with Sustain Charlotte | 6-8 p.m. | Sugar Creek Brewing Company | $10 | Learn about the City of Charlotte’s commitment to creating a cleaner, sustainable future.
Women of Whiskey Tasting | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Artisan’s Palate | $75+ | Taste three cocktails + food pairings inspired by the backgrounds of three women in the beverage industry.
Chris Young | 7 p.m. | The Amp | $56+ | The Amp’s outdoor concert series kicks off with the man behind “Famous Friends.”
Thursday, April 24
Sun Bum’s Trust The Bum Tour | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | Free | Kick off Tuck Fest with free swag and sunscreen during Sun Bum’s first-ever Trust The Bum Tour.
Recycled Glass Planter Workshop | 3-5 p.m. | Innovation Barn | $59+ | Join this hands-on workshop to create unique planters with recycled glass and concrete.
Tyler Childers: On The Road | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $78+ | Jam to this Grammy-nominated country and folk singer as he performs live in the Queen City.
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila is now open in Fort Mill. The restaurant at Kingsley Town Center boasts plenty of indoor and patio seating + a full menu featuring wood-fired grilled fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and over 130 varieties of tequila — becoming one of the largest selections in the Carolinas.
Coming Soon
Let’s get crafty. Starting Saturday, May 3, La Bodeguita will be serving a full crafting experience inside the vintage airstream at Camp North End. Adult-only activities will range $15-$35 per person + the set-up, clean up, and supplies are provided. (Charlotte Five)
Closed
Brown Bag Seafood closed two of its Charlotte restaurants — the location at Birkdale Village in Huntersville and South End. The restaurant serving lobster rolls and seafood in a fast setting will keep its Uptown location at 601 S. Tryon St. open. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Eat
Beef tallow may be having a moment, but there are plenty of spots to get vegetarian and vegan fries. While you’re hankering for fries, be sure to check out CLTtoday’s full list of vegetarian and vegan eateries in the Queen City. (The Charlotte Observer)
Community
Want to be a part of history?Donate to the upcoming Charlotte Museum of Nature and your name will be forever placed on the fence along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Donations will contribute to the new state-of-the-art nature center and immersive nature-based experiences.
Environment
More than 6,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Mallard Creek over the weekend. Charlotte Water is running quality testing to assess the impact on the creek and the surrounding ecosystem. See how to prevent overflows. (WCNC)
Weather
Showers and thunderstorms will be the norm this week, as a wet pattern begins today through the end of the week. Thursday is likely to be the wettest day. The good news? The rain will help with our drought conditions and elevated pollen levels. (WCNC)
Feel Good
Speaking of good news... In case you didn’t see it, the sun will be setting after 8 p.m. until late August. When we found out, this was our reaction. Enjoy the longer evening hours, Charlotte.
Sports
Who are the key prospects for the Panthers in the upcoming NFL Draft? Go beyond the roster for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Stat
$10,000. If you owe that much in debt, this organization can reach out to credit card companies and potentially reduce what you owe. See how it works.*
Health
Want to feel younger, longer? The secret might be fighting chronic inflammation — because it can literally speed up aging. From sleep and stress to what’s on your plate, these small shifts can make a big impact. Here’s how.*
Ms. Lock welcomed author Karen Barber to the school for an exclusive author talk with her students. | Photo via Katie Lock
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teacher is in the semifinals of a national teaching contest. Katie Lock, who teaches media to third through fifth grades at Billingsville Cotswold Elementary, is among 128 teachers competing for the title of America’s Favorite Teacher.
“At heart, I’ve always wanted to be an educator,” Lock told CLTtoday. “Both of my parents are retired teachers. My first-grade teacher was an amazing woman who made school fun and a place I wanted to be. Now, I get to make children laugh and get excited about learning.”
The competition’s prizes include $25,000, an all-inclusive trip for two to Hawaii, a feature article and photoshoot in Readers Digest, and a virtual school assembly with Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Here’s where you come in. Everyone can vote for free + pay for additional votes to keep Lock in the competition. Voting for the Final 16 ends Thursday, April 24 at 10 p.m. EST.
While I’m many years removed from school, I always enjoyed Bill Nye the Science Guy and can still sing the theme song. I sincerely hope Katie wins and her students get to experience a transformative assembly with the man, the myth, the legend.
