Ballantyne is more than just your average suburb. The rapidly growing area at the southern tip of Charlotte has developed a restaurant, bar and shopping scene all its own. And since new places you need to know about are opening in Ballantyne every week, scoop is giving the 28277 a monthly update all its own.
Here’s what’s happening right now in the ‘Tyne:
EAT
Chopt Creative Salad Company
Blakeney: 9844 Rea Road
Attention greens lovers: this uptown favorite just opened a Blakeney location and the salads are DELISH. Keep it traditional with a cobb (bacon, boiled egg, avocado, bleu cheese) or if you’re feeling wild, check out the spicy Peruvian salad (spicy peppers, Peruvian corn nuts, roasted aji amarillo potatoes, charred red onion). For those who are new to Chopt, it’s kind of like a way upscale Subway for salads. Just tell the staff what you want in your bowl and they’ll chop it all together, add dressing and send you on your way with complimentary fresh-baked bread. Pro tip: get there early to avoid long lines.
Sugar. Handmade Gourmet Donuts
11914 Elm Lane
These guys have put a new spin on your favorite round treat. With creative flavors like maple bacon, strawberry lime with fresh mint and orange creme brulee, this shop encourages you to think outside the basic glaze (although they have that too — and some divine cinnamon rolls). Looking for something savory? The egg-in-a-basket is to die for. It’s basically an egg cooked inside cheddar cheese dough with smoked pork and scallions. Definitely an upgrade from that soggy drive-thru breakfast sandwich. Stop inside their shop on Elm Lane or watch for the bright purple truck around town at Southpark Eats Alternative and Food Truck Friday in Matthews to sample their sweets. The menu changes often, so check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram so you’ll know what the options are.
DRINK
Clean Juice Bar
Coming soon to Stonecrest: 7918 Rea Road #D
This popular Huntersville organic juicery is expanding to Ballantyne (Stonecrest, near Starbucks and Chick-fil-A) with a target opening date of April 16. They’ll offer everything from fresh juices to smoothies to cleanses and even foods like the Acai berry breakfast bowl. While you wait for their official opening, watch for the Clean Juice truck around town and check out the menu here. We’re excited to try “The Hardcore One” with spinach, kale, celery, cucumber and lemon.
SHOP
Nouveaux
14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 120
If you’re a Lululemon lover or a Fendi fanatic like we are, you need this distinctively couture consignment boutique in your life. Now you can find luxury brands like kate spade and Lilly Pulitzer for a fraction of the price. Browse Nouveaux’s Instagram to see what’s in stock, or gather up your designer duds and consign them for cash (and to make room in your closet for new stuff).
CELEBRATE
The Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
Don a fancy hat and get back to your Queen City roots with the Ballantyne Hotel’s celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday April 20 to 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The hotel’s culinary team has consulted with Buckingham Palace chefs to present Her Majesty’s favorite treats. Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for junior patrons (excluding tax & gratuity). You can add a Champagne Royale for $8 or a Pimm’s Cocktail (Queen Elizabeth’s beverage of choice) for $10. Call (704) 248-4100 to make a reservation.
Do you live in Ballantyne? Let us know what else we should check out!
