On a rainy morning, Toringdon Circle turned out to be one of those small blessings where the timing…read moreand the weather line up just right. I pulled in early and was grateful to find a parking spot close enough that I didn't have to make a full dash through the rain, just a quick hop from the car to the sidewalk. There aren't many spots here and on a busier day I imagine it could be a bit of a scramble, but on this morning it worked out perfectly. Ruby Slipper is the anchor of my visits and it's excellent as always, even if it isn't a huge space. It has that warm, local feel that makes a rainy morning feel a little less dreary, and it's the kind of place where a good cup of coffee can reset the whole day. Once you're parked, you can wander a bit and find plenty of places to eat, shop, or take care of errands without having to move the car. It's the kind of plaza where you can stitch together a morning without much effort, especially when the weather isn't cooperating. Even with the tight layout, it's a convenient stop and a pleasant one, especially when you manage to land a close spot and start the day with a good cup of coffee. [Review 266 of 2026 - 4577 in North Carolina - 25455 overall]

Toringdon Circle Shopping Center probably gets overlooked a lot, but it has a lot to offer. A…read morenumber of excellent food establishments are here with a wide variety of genres here. You have Midwood Smokehouse, Viva Chicken, Hickory Tavern, and Bahn Thai. Not only are there lots of places to eat, there are a number of realty agency offices here as well as Pike's Nursery and then the LA Fitness center next to the center. There's even dentists offices and a Trek Store. A wide variety of businesses, I'm sure a lot of people come through here for various reasons. I still remember when Johnston Rd Extension didn't exist (also 485) but since this shopping center is located right off of the exit, it is pretty easy to get to - I just say that it get's over looked due to the large shopping center across the way (485) closer to the heart of Ballantyne. The other great thing is that this shopping center has access to the greenway. There's plenty of parking and since it's a shopping center, plenty of traffic going around so that your car is less likely to be targeted by opportunists. Fair warning: the shopping center is centered around a round-a-bout so just take your time and don't panic.

I was here for a Yelp event at Postino, but I showed up early enough that I had time to wander, and…read morehonestly I'm glad I did because this whole area is far more impressive than I realized. Ballantyne has been developing at a pace I clearly haven't kept up with, and suddenly there's this whole little district with a mix of restaurants, an outdoor amphitheater, a big open grass lawn where people can sprawl out or toss a ball, a playground tucked off to the side, and that general sense of activity that makes a place feel like it's actually being used and enjoyed rather than just built for show. Since I still had time before the Postino event kicked off, I walked down to Olde Mecklenburg for a beer. It was a bit too cool to sit outside in their beer garden, which is usually the move, so I settled inside and it was exactly the kind of comfortable, familiar brewery vibe that makes you want to linger for a second round even when you know you shouldn't. Parking is three hours free, which is generous for a place this busy, but you do have to register your car. If you stay longer they'll charge you, and if you don't register at all they'll be less than thrilled, so it's worth taking the extra minute to do it right. The whole setup makes it easy to spend an afternoon here without feeling rushed, which is probably why I ended up enjoying the pre‑event time just as much as the event itself. [Review 323 of 2026 - 4583 in North Carolina - 25510 overall]

This place has something for everyone. Many different restaurants for every tastebuds. It's great…read morefor families, date nights or a night out with the girls, or even solo if you prefer to do your own thing. I went on a Monday morning when the businesses were just opening so had no prob finding parking. However I can imagine on wkends or special events it can get insanely congested. There are a few spots on the street for free but good luck snagging one of those. There is plenty of parking that's 3hrs for free so that does help. Since I went early in the wk I didn't even use up 3 full hrs of parking, but just be mindful of busier times, that 3hrs can go by quick.

Busy and tight shopping center on Rea Road between Pineville-Matthews Road and I-485. The center is…read morea chevron shape with Trader Joe's being the main anchor but there is also a mailing center, nails/tanning alon, pizza and other restaurants. Outbuildings include a CVS Pharmacy and a Starbucks with a juicery. Space is at a premium here with a parking lot loaded with sharp turns and people passing through. I'd recommend parking in the back and walking through the breezeway next to Trader Joe's. [Review 13844 overall, 1166 of 2020, number 2535 in North Carolina.]

Traders Joe's is wonderful but the parking is Horrible. We live 5 minutes away and go to the CVS…read moreand Trader Joe's but absolutely hate the parking situation. The spaces are so close together and we have 2 nice cars and always worry about our doors getting dinged....

Since I love all things mall I definitely love the Overstreet Mall. This little mall consist of…read moreshopping, doctors offices, barber shops beauty salons and restaurants. It tucked inside a few of the large buildings downtown and connect them all on one level. Not sure where you would technically say is starts but for me It begins in the Wachovia building (I think it truthfully starts in the BB and T building but I can't leave these few shops out in the Wachovia building) and continues all the way to the Hearst Tower. I have visited a lot of the shops and the restaurant inside. It's an escape from the elements outside and a cool thing to see. However on the weekends it's a ghost town. The mall caters to the working/ business people downtown. On the weekends only the section in the Bank of America plaza is open and only Walgreens and the lobby of the Omni seem to be open. There is security walking around though. There are several different entrances and exits for the mall. You can walk towards other building in the area and there are tons of tunnels and walkways that connect you to different restaurants and shops in those building. Overstreet Mall 101 South Tryon St Ste 5 Charlotte, NC 28202

Went to "Overstreet Mall" last weekend (4/14) and it is that in name only. As with any and all…read moreshopping in Uptown Charlotte, it is long since dead and gone. The only thing open in this "mall" was a Walgreen's in the BofA building, none of the passageways were open nor did any of the nearby hotel employees even know they existed. Apparently all there is to do in Uptown is eat or drink, as there is a wealth of great restaurant and bar options, but there is no retail whatsoever. None. Really and truly sad because it's such a beautiful city, but unless you're looking for a bar or restaurant crawl, or to watch one of the local sports teams lose, you'll have to go elsewhere.

Busy shopping center and parking lot (not greatly designed), but the shopping center does have…read moreplenty of stores for everyone. On my recent visit to Toy Mania and World Market, it looks like some of the tennents are switching out or in transition. There also looked to be a season Christmas store that was getting ready to open. Between the stores are outdoor spaces... something that Panera (and a patio) takes advantage of. The Harris Teeter and other shops at the other end of the shopping center round out the stores and why the parking lot is super busy all the time.

The shopping plaza with everything. Supermarket and toy store and pharmacy and pancakes and even a…read moreStarbucks. The place was super busy at Christmastime of course with most spaces filled. I've been here during "not Christmas" and it's much more normal. The main issue I have with this plaza is the lack of exits onto Sharon Amity and Randolph and that many of the parking aisles are... oops, that's a loop. Ugh.

Popped in really quick to grab a pastry from Renaissance and to do a little bit of Window shopping…read more This is a very quaint, thoughtful and high-end shopping center with easy parking and lots of impulse buys. It might be a good idea to have a list before you head here, it could be trouble to your wallet!

A collection of upscale restaurants and boutiques across Morrison Blvd from South Park. Probably…read moreclose to twenty businesses in there but I have only been to five. Southpark opened in 1970 and Specialty Shops Southpark dates from around 1979 but a lot of effort has gone into keeping it new and refreshing. Last fall when we made a day of shopping at Southpark (this was during Covid and mask mandates) Susan asked me to find a restaurant for lunch. Quick online search and I came up with Bricktop's. Didn't have reservations and a one hour wait so got on the wait list and one hour later were seated. Fantastic lunch with great menu and we've been back several times since then (review for Bricktop's is posted separately) Williams and Somona is also a favorite and have been several times over the years but when I do shop for something at Williams and Sonoma, it is generally at the Birkdale location in Huntersville since it is so much closer. I've been a fan of Sharon Luggage dating back to the 1970's at another location before they were her. A great place for travel accessories, wallets. personalized gifts etc. Two other places here are Renaissance Patisserie which is a small French Bakery with great cakes, cookies and other pasteries and Paco's Tacos and Tequila, one of the best Mexican Restaurants in the Charlotte area.

Dining and entertainment destination, Waverly is chock full of restaurants, shopping, medical…read moreservices and more. People live here, too! Apartments and homes and even a Hilton Garden Inn! All sorts of restaurants from fast food and quick casual to full service sit down. You want a coffee shop? Yeah, they have it as well. Banking, nails, computer repair, massage and facials, barbershop. Yes. Medical and other health care offices. Yes. The one thing that there isn't enough of is parking. There are big lots but it's over there and I wasn't in a mood to walk in the cold drizzle. There are some street spots in front of the restaurants but not nearly enough of them. Yes, it was Christmas shopping and holiday season that makes for an unusual crowd. [Review 19073 overall - 3394 in North Carolina - 42 of 2023.]

I was surprised Waverly never had a listing on Yelp this whole time. So why not add it and kick off…read morethe reviews? This highly trending area is certainly led by this shopping center of epic proportions. Without delivering you readers into list hell there's no way this review will be all inclusive of what there is to offer. I'll start by saying that even the typically low-quality stores you find here are several steps above and beyond any other location you've been to for the same chain. Fast food: McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, Starbucks, Quick Trip (QT). Fast casual: CAVA, Taziki's, Viva Chicken, Chipotle, Firehouse, Panera. Plenty of sit down restaurants including Chuy's, CO, Carolina Ale House and others. Haagen Daz and Menchie's for that after dinner fix. Or hit up the gelato spot in Whole Foods. Speaking of which, now you know where to get your groceries. This still doesn't mention the slew of stores, gyms, hotels, apartments and condos here. Even electric car chargers are available in front of Whole Foods. And while this is one massive shopping center, there's still another across the road and countless more within a short drive as this area explodes with growth. The layout is beautiful and incredibly walker friendly. You can people watch to no end. Or catch a sunset on the Whole Foods balcony. Lots of teenagers and kids are usually running around here so take that into consideration. Parking can be tight in some areas and at certain times. But you can see lots of expensive cars rolling through and enjoy the outside air on a nice day.

Excellent shopping shopping center in excellent condition. Centered around the main anchor Publix…read moreGrocery store which features a drive-through pharmacy, there is also a bank, Walgreens https://www.yelp.com/biz/walgreens-charlotte-14and a fab barbecue joint https://www.yelp.com/biz/city-barbeque-charlotte. Another building has a pizza place, nail salon and hair salon. Easy entrance from both Johnston Road and Providence Road West though departing and going in the opposite direction will require some creativity. The parking lot is in great shape and is well lit at night. [Review 16543 overall - 3170 in North Carolina - 53 of 2022.]