Charlotte Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Centers
All around the city are shopping centers with offerings well beyond retailers. These Charlotte destinations are ideal hubs for dining, playing and, of course, shopping.
by Jamie Killian
Arboretum Shopping Center
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
With over 80 retailers, the Arboretum is a go-to shopping destination. Get something glitzy at Brownlee Jewelers, shop sustainably at Clothes Mentor, or grab something for the littles at Eliza B’s. For a quick lunch, try BB.Q Chicken or check out New South Kitchen for an elevated dining experience. Be sure to grab a bottle of wine at Vintner Wine Market before you go.
Atherton Mill
Neighborhood: South End
A light-rail-accessible destination, Atherton Mill & Market is a must for food, shops and fun. Source something unique with boots from Tecovas or jewelry from The Golden Carrot. Take a cocktail class at The Cocktailery or enjoy happy hour at O-Ku. Dine on the freshest local vegetarian fare at Living Kitchen and shop homegrown produce, meats, cheeses and crafts from more than a dozen regional artisans at the Saturday morning markets.
Ayrsley Town Center
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Take the entire family to Ayrsley Town Center, a complex that has rightfully earned the moniker the “Uptown of Southwest Charlotte.” Grab luxury products at Haven Spa Company and challenge your crew to a game of bowling, darts or billiards at Piedmont Social House. Grab lunch and crafted cocktails at Harry’s Grille & Tavern or Portofino’s Italian Restaurant, with hearty portions of pasta sure to please everyone.
Ballantyne Village
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Treat yourself to something sparkly at Abraham Joseph Fine Jewelers, which specializes in custom creations. When hunger strikes, choose from a variety of restaurants including spice-infused Indian fare at Blue Taj, pizza at Mellow Mushroom, or craft beers and classic American fare at Blackfinn Ameripub. After dinner, head to Tinder Box for a post-dinner cigar.
Baxter Town Center
Area: Fort Mill
Nearby Fort Mill, South Carolina, is home to Baxter Town Center, a collection of specialty shops perfect for a sweet retreat. Indulge in amazing confections at CupCrazed Cakery, a winner on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” with treats like the famous sweet tea-inspired cupcakes. Trendsetters will find shelves full of stylish finds at Page 6 Boutique and Katyloo Boutique. Worked up an appetite? Dine at Akahana for elevated Asian fare.
Birkdale Village
Area: Huntersville
Birkdale Village offers an authentic Main Street feel, with pedestrian and wheelchair-friendly walkways, a wide variety of retailers and green areas, perfect for letting little ones burn off some energy between shopping and dining. Find trendy fashions at Girl Supply, then savor a glass of wine at Corkscrew. When you’re ready for a meal, head to Eez for Asian Fusion or Bad Daddy’s for a beer and burger. End the day at Regal Birkdale to catch the latest cinematic release or catch an outdoor movie in the warmer months.
Blakeney Village
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
At 270 acres, Blakeney Village is a shopper’s paradise. Shop women’s fashions at Boem, skincare at bluemercury, or find something for everyone at Palmetto Moon. Let the little one’s play at My Gym before grabbing dinner at Greco Fresh Grille and satisfy your sweet tooth at Coldstone Creamery.
Charlotte Premium Outlets
Neighborhood: Southwest Charlotte
Browse over 100 stores at this outdoor plaza, located right off I-485. Up your shoe game at Adidas or Nike, grab a new bag at Coach or get something for the kids at Crewcuts. For a quick meal, try Smithfield’s Chicken N Bar-B-Q. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, 37 Sol Southwest Kitchen and Tequila Bar has delicious tacos and margaritas served on their expansive outdoor patio, complete with firepit.
Concord Mills
Area: Concord
At nearly 1.4 million square feet, Concord Mills is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the Southeast. Here, there are more than 200 retailers, with outlet hubs for brand names like Coach, Michael Kors and Bass Pro Shops. Take advantage of the abounding entertainment options, including Dave & Busters, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (complete with touch pools, interactive displays and sensory-friendly admission times), and The Speedpark at Concord Mills, an expansive amusement center with go-karts, 18-hole mini golf and a bungee jump. After all the excitement, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse and Bonefish Grill are among the many dining options to enjoy.
Metropolitan
Neighborhood: Midtown
The heart of the city offers the perfect place to enjoy some retail therapy. Browse Marshall’s for a deal or Best Buy for the latest tech. Then, dine at Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge before grabbing a cup of joe at Waterbean Coffee. Use that caffeine buzz to take a spin at Midtown Ballroom.
Park Road Shopping Center
Neighborhood: Myers Park
The 60-year-old Park Road Shopping Center was the very first open-air shopping center developed in Charlotte. Shop for women’s and men’s accessories and apparel at J.Crew Mercantile, exquisite home goods at Traditions Interiors & Accessories and gear for your next adventure at Ski Country Sports. Pick up home goods and garden supplies at the beloved Blackhawk Hardware. Be sure to check out author readings at one of the last independent book stores in town, Park Road Books. Enjoy half priced happy hour oysters at RockSalt and round out your visit with dessert from Jeni’s Ice Cream.
Phillips Place
Neighborhood: SouthPark
One of the first mixed-use developments in Charlotte, Phillips Place has been a go-to destination for retail, dining and fun since 1997. The complex has evolved in its two-and-a-half decades to feature one of only six RH Galleries in the country with rooftop dining. Phillips Place is the perfect place to elevate your wardrobe with retailers like Allen Edmonds and Eileen Fisher. The in-house Hampton Inn and Suites lets you make a weekend of it so you can enjoy a relaxing day at Modern Salon & Spa and wind down with a movie at Regal Phillips Place.
Promenade on Providence
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Indulgence meets relaxation and rejuvenation along the row of unique shops and services that fill Promenade on Providence. Get fresh at Zen Nails and Spa or get the kids a trim at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. Check your swing and grab some gear at the PGA Tour Superstore, right in time for the President's Cup. Grab a treat at Sips and Dips or indulge in shareable plates at Queen City Craft and Gourmet.
RiverGate
Area: Lake Wylie
Shop, dine and relish the options at RiverGate, the perfect shopping experience for anyone in your crew. Work up a sweat at Rock Box Fitness. Search for treasures at Tuesday Morning before doing some self care at Pur Salon. Grab a group and enjoy a seafood boil at Hook & Reel before grabbing a cold one at The Casual Pint.
Specialty Shops SouthPark
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Nestled in a district known for its shopping prowess, the Specialty Shops SouthPark include renowned retailers like Ivy & Leo, Scout & Molly’s and Williams-Sonoma. Relax after shopping with a blowout at DryBar and grab a margarita at Paco’s Tacos and Tequila before enjoying an Italian feast at Toscana Ristorante & Bar.
StoneCrest
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
If you’re looking to keep busy, StoneCrest is the place. Do some shopping at Apricot Lane then exercise your creativity at Dish It Out Pottery Studio. Let someone else do the painting with a mani/pedi at Polished Nail Bar. Grab dinner at Basil Thai or Pearlz Oyster Bar before enjoying Live Music at the Fountain Plaza.
