Getting around much?

If you’re a newcomer, do you get out much to explore this region? Or do you stick close to home?

I posed that question last weekend, and many new arrivals weighed in. While lots of people find this region confusing to get around in, most said they’re determined to see what it has to offer.

Here’s a sampling of responses; more will appear in tomorrow’s New Home section of the paper:

“As a newcomer, I think it is important to explore the entire area as much as your time will allow.” --Mark Peterson, Ballantyne, moved from Greenwood, S.C. 13 months ago

“We definitely have no problem driving anywhere from 25 - 45 minutes to see or do something that we’re interested in – the only exception being restaurants. There are so many to choose from right here in our area that we don’t see the need.” --Erica Stewart, east Charlotte, moved in January from Fayetteville

“At first when we moved here, we were overwhelmed finding our way around. After two weeks, we both went out and bought a GPS. Even though the streets change constantly because of new construction, we can always find our way to any destination and back home. It has made me feel unafraid to go anywhere. It is well worth the investment.” --Jackie Ellis, Pineville, moved from California two years ago

“In the first weeks we were here we went to the Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival, a jazz festival, a Labor Day parade in Matthews, the Levine Museum of the New South and a Latin festival, all in downtown Charlotte. We had no idea where we were going most of the time, but we followed the directions on our map and found everything. We also attended some neighborhood evenings of music in the local shopping centers.

It is so easy to get comfortable in your own surroundings, but look at all that can be enjoyed if you decide to drive around to see the sights and sounds outside your own neighborhood.

Tell your new readers to get out there and enjoy!!!” -- Dee Shuffl, moved to Charlotte from Albany, N.Y. in August

“We retired when moving here, so day trips or just getting out for a few hours is great. We've driven to Salisbury, Kannapolis, driven to the wineries in Yadkin Valley (great wineries we might add). We've gone to Pineville, driven to Lake Norman, Mooresville, Davidson, Asheville, Concord.

Living in Charlotte makes getting around so easy, either through Interstate 77or 85. But taking some of the back roads makes the ride more interesting, especially with the leaves changing.

The only problem I see with driving in Charlotte is all the Nascar wannabes – driving way too fast and tailgating if you are doing the speed limit!” -- Bonny and Dominick Salmeri, newcomers from Florida