Celebrating New, Old And Local On Central Avenue

Just a taste of Jolie Boutique in Mt. Holly. All photos by Barbara Lawrence

Keep It Local, by Barbara Lawrence – May 9, 2012

The Mount Holly Chamber of Commerce held two ribbon cutting ceremonies this past week on Central Avenue. Jolie Boutique has opened a new store in Mount Holly. Hawkins Real Estate celebrated the restoration of its historic office, which was damaged last year by severe flooding.  

If it's close to lunchtime and you're anywhere near Charlie's Drug & Sundries (as I was), you have to drop in for an old-fashioned tradition: the orange-aid, also spelled orangeade.

Welcome, Jolie Boutique 
Jolie Boutique of 111 W. Central Ave. in downtown Mount Holly brings great fashion and the colors of summer to local customers. 

There is something new to see every week, and manager Lynn makes some of the jewelry herself. 
This is a great place for a future bride to find her honeymoon outfits!  Go by Jolie Boutique and have fun trying on new colors, fashions and jewelry. 
(Shop close to home in Belmont, too, at Jolie Boutique's Belmont store, 33B N. Main St. across from Wells Fargo.)

Roger Hawkins, right, and member of the Mt. Holly Chamber at the ribbon cutting for his restored offices

There's nothing more local than real estate

Hawkins Real Estate Group has opened in its restored office at 113 W. Central Ave. Not only is this building a special location for Hawkins Real Estate, but it also contributes to the historical flavor and fabric of Mount Holly's downtown.  

Betty makes the "real thing" at Charlie's Drug & Sundries

Authentic taste of Old-Time Mount Holly

And here it is! Fresh orangeade

Anyone visiting West Central should stop in at Charlie's Drug & Sundries at 125 W. Central Ave.  As a Charlotte native, one of my delights in Mount Holly is the old fashioned orangeade made with fresh oranges by one of "Charlie's Angels" of the lunch counter.  

On my latest visit, Betty made my fresh orangeade while we reminisced about the former "Tanner's Snack Bar" in downtown Charlotte, which was known for orangeades and footlong hot dogs.  

While Tanner's is long gone from downtown Charlotte, you still can get a bit of the great flavor of a "real treat" (not soda) here in downtown Mount Holly at Charlie's Drug & Sundries. 

Independent Main Street drugstores have become rare in the USA. Be sure to visit Charlie's.

About Barbara Lawrence – Barbara has a background in economic development and real-estate research. Her work has included revitalization of downtown Boone, downtown Gastonia and now Mount Holly.