Charlotte Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Centers
Shop, eat, relax and play at these destinations in the Queen City.
by Jamie Killian
All around the Charlotte region are shopping centers with offerings well beyond just retailers. These area destinations are ideal hubs for dining, playing and, of course, shopping.
Arboretum Shopping Center
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
With more than 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 clothes and jewelry from Hey Sis Boutique. Grab a beer at Trolley Barn Fermentory, buy a bottle of wine at Vin Master or enjoy sushi rolls at O-Ku. You can also shop homegrown produce, meats, cheeses and crafts from regional artisans at the South End Farmers Market on Saturdays and monthly Sundays at Atherton market.
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.” Get a facial and pick up skincare products at Steffi Vargas Esthetic & Beauty or 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 The 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, S.C.
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 Uniquities, then savor a glass of wine at Foxcroft. When you’re ready for a meal, head to Eez for fusion sushi, Bad Daddy’s for a burger and Fin & Fino for fresh seafood. End the day at Regal Birkdale to catch the latest cinematic release or watch an outdoor movie in the warmer months.
Blakeney Town Center
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
At 400,000 square feet, Blakeney Town Center 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 Pio Pio Chicken and satisfy your sweet tooth at Hazelnuts Creperie.
Charlotte Premium Outlets
Neighborhood: Southwest Charlotte
Browse more than 100 stores at this outdoor plaza, located right off I-485. Up your shoe game at Adidas or Nike Factory Store, grab a new bag at Coach or get something for the kids at Janie and Jack. After you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, enjoy authentic Jamaican dishes from Don’s Jamaican Kitchen, Japanese at UMI of Japan or something from one of the on-site food trucks.
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. 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 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
Just outside of Uptown, The Metropolitan offers the perfect place to enjoy some retail therapy. Browse Marshall’s for a deal or Best Buy for the latest tech. Grab a cup of joe at Waterbean Coffee then dine at Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge or Dressler’s. If shopping has you in the mood to move, take a spin at Midtown Ballroom.
Park Road Shopping Center
Neighborhood: Montford
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 Factory, exquisite home goods at Traditions Interiors & Accessories and trendy women’s clothing at K|La Boutique. Pick up home goods and garden supplies at the beloved Blackhawk Hardware. Be sure to check out author readings at independent book store, Park Road Books. Enjoy pizza and pasta at Osteria LuCa then round out your visit with dessert from Suarez Bakery.
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 to feature a RH Gallery with rooftop dining. Phillips Place is the perfect place to elevate your wardrobe with retailers like Alice and Olivia and Taylor Richards & Conger. Relax at Modern Salon & Spa before dinner at 800° Woodfired Kitchen.
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. Grab a treat at Sips and Dips and slow-smoked barbecue at Hickory & Heart.
Queen City Quarter
Neighborhood: Uptown
Situated near the heart of Uptown, and accessible via LYNX Blue Line Light Rail, Queen City Quarter offers shopping, dining and entertainment just steps away from hotels and some of the city’s most popular attractions. Start with a signature Airplane latte from Lottie’s Café before browsing luxury clothing and accessories at Privee Clothing. Challenge friends to a game of bowling at Bowlero, then enjoy skyline views and a cocktail at Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo.
RiverGate Shopping Center
Area: Lake Wylie
Shop, dine and relish the options at RiverGate, the perfect shopping experience for anyone in your crew. Unwind at Massage Envy. 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 pour at The Wine Shop.
Specialty Shops SouthPark
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Nestled in a district known for its shopping prowess, the Specialty Shops SouthPark include renowned retailers like Amina Rubinacci, 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 Favor 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 Napa Bistro & Wine Bar or Ilios Crafted Greek before enjoying live music at Fountain Green.
Article originally written by Jamie Killian. Updates by Arielle Patterson in August 2026.
