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.

This part of Ballantyne has a few good shopping centers, some of which are not so great for parking…read moreand some of which are really good. Ballantyne Commons East falls into the latter group. This widely laid out plaza has a central parking area surrounded by two chevrons and then another small group of outbuildings. There are two main entrances to the plaza, both have traffic lights. John J Delaney Drive to Johnston Road / US 521 at the southwest and Delaney onto Ballantyne Commons Parkway at the northeast. Lots of shopping here includes an excellent Harris Teeter and Rite Aid, then a bunch of restaurants include Fox & Hound, Zapata's, Bad Daddy's, Librettos and JJ's Red Hots. I've never had a problem finding parking here.

Yet another Ballantyne-area shopping center built around a Harris Teeter. So there's that! And it's…read moreactually one of the better locations in town. It has a wine bar and some nicer accouterments in the fresh-foods area. On the same side is a tanning place and personal trainer for ladies. There's also a Banfield veterinarian. Across the way is a pharmacy, a pet supplies store, several restaurants including Sheng Ramen, the stand out over here. There's apparently even a Ballantyne location for JJ's Redhots. Plenty of parking. A gas station on the far backside and a rather large Carolina's Health building.

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.

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....

Currently managed by Foundry Commercial, this venerable shopping center has the southwest corner of…read morethe intersection of Fairview and Sharon Road. It is opposite the SouthPark Mall and is in one of the ritziest sections of Charlotte. A variety of sit down, quick casual and fancy restaurants that include Baoding, Moe's Southwest Grill, Original Pancake House, McDonald's, Jersey Mike's and others. Shopping here has Homegoods, Men's Wearhouse, Destination Maternity and more. There is a gas station as well. There is easy access from both sides but if you're hoping to get onto Fairview east or Sharon north, you're going to have some trouble. This is a very busy intersection and you will have significant difficulty crossing Fairview to get to the two left-turn lanes. Please use care. The parking lot here is very narrow and there's enough space if it's not terribly busy. Note that some folks drive through here way too fast. A few speed bumps would definitely be helpful near McDonald's. [Review 12875 overall, 191 of 2020.]

Located on the western side of the intersection of Steele Creek Road and South Tryon Street, this…read moreshopping center is anchored by the Harris Teeter supermarket in the center. Showmars, Chinatown and a Subway are the eateries. There is also a marine shop (the lake isn't too far away), packaging/shipping store, hair cut salon and dry cleaners. The outbuilding is a Bank of America branch with a drive through. The shopping center is in excellent condition with a smooth parking lot that is well lit at night and with speed bumps in front to keep people driving appropriately. Due to the number of collisions, they have set up a curb to prevent people from either crossing over to the Steele Creek Shopping Center or turning north on Steele Creek. [Review 15631 overall - 3079 in North Carolina - 1135 of 2021.]

This outdoor shopping center is home to several big box stores, some of which have closed in the…read moremany years it's been in operation. Today, Target, Ross Dress for Less, Nordstrom Rack, Floor & Decor and more. Buy Buy Baby and World Market are closed. There are some fast food places here including Chick-Fil-A and McDonald's The shopping center has two main entrance/exits on to South Blvd. Both of them have traffic lights. There is a third exit at the northwest corner but no traffic light there. The center is easily walkable to the South Blvd LYNX station on the other side of South Blvd. With the AMC Carolina Pavilion 22 in the corner, this place is always busy in the evening. And it is definitely a spot where you need to be aware of your surroundings and people wandering about. Lock valuables out of sight! [Review 2024 of 2024 - 3740 in North Carolina - 23046 overall]

I've watched this shopping center steadily evolve and improve over the years, transforming into a…read morevibrant and convenient destination for southwest Charlotte. Situated at the northwest corner of the intersection of South Tryon Street and Steele Creek Road, it's anchored by a well-appointed Publix Super Market that sets the tone for the entire plaza. Directly across the street lies the much larger RiverGate Shopping Center, but this smaller complex holds its own with a curated mix of food, retail, and essential services. At one end, Five Guys offers its signature burgers and fries, joined by Marco's Pizza for a local slice, and Five Below for budget-friendly finds. You'll also find Brazilian Wax for personal care, Masa Sushi for fresh rolls and bento boxes, and Greco Fresh Grille serving up Mediterranean fare. The center includes a tanning salon, a nail salon, a chiropractic office, and a tax preparation center making it easy to tackle errands and self-care in one stop. Outbuildings house a Walgreens pharmacy and a Wells Fargo branch, rounding out the essentials with health and banking services. Access is smooth, with a traffic light entrance from South Tryon and an easy exit onto Steele Creek Road heading north. The parking lot is spacious and well-lit, with plenty of security lights that make evening visits feel safe and welcoming. Whether you're grabbing dinner, running errands, or just browsing, this center continues to grow into a well-rounded community hub. [Review 1293 of 2025 - 4438 in North Carolina - 24845 overall]