School’s back in session, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop celebrating summer down in Ballantyne. Here are the hottest new places to soak up (what’s left of) #Summer2016 in the 28277:
EAT
Hazelnuts Creperie
9870 Rea Road (coming soon!)
Even though Hazelnuts’ newest location in Blakeney Shopping Center won’t be open for a couple more months, we’re already salivating over the menu.
Whether you’re craving something sweet like the Creme de la Crepe with strawberries, Nutella and whipped cream, or something savory like the Basil Pesto Chicken with mozzarella, basil pesto, tomato, red onion and goat cheese — this place has you covered. If crepes aren’t your thing, try the Nutty Fusion Salad with mushrooms, mixed nuts, red onion and mandarin oranges served on romaine lettuce and topped with a peanut vinaigrette. The new location is expected to open sometime this fall.
In the meantime, visit their stand in the lobby at 200 South Tryon Street and at the 7th Street Public Market to pick out your favorite flavors. Let us know which ones we should try in the comments!
City Barbeque
11212 Providence Road West
Charlotte’s first location of this nationwide chain is now open in Ballantyne Town Center and features all your favorite BBQ house treats (think pulled pork sammies and mac & cheese) as well as unique favorites like the award-winning beef brisket topped with peppers, smoked provolone, onions and creamy horseradish sauce piled high on Texas toast.
The restaurant will also feature seasonal favorites like the “cukes and onions watermelon” side dish. It’s worth the drive south!
DRINK
15-year anniversary specials at the Ballantyne Hotel
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
The Ballantyne Hotel is turning 15 and to celebrate, The Gallery Restaurant Bar is offering 15 flights of everything from whiskey to wine, from bubbles to beer, all for $15 every day from Sept. 1 to 15. Check out the flights menu here.
On Sept. 15 the celebration will culminate with an exclusive edition of Whiskey Club of Ballantyne that will feature samples of Maker’s Mark, Makers 46, Makers Cask Strength and the recently unveiled Ballantyne Private Select paired with flavorful creations from The Ballantyne’s culinary team. The tasting costs $50 per person (plus tax & gratuity), and advance reservations are recommended at 704-248-4100 orcshatto@theballantynehotel.com, as space is limited.
JUMP
Springfree Trampoline Blakeney
9870 Rea Rd Unit # 9848E
Kids love trampolines, but moms hate how unsafe they can be. So did Dr. Keith Alexander, who decided to redesign the trampoline from the ground up, drastically reducing the potential for injury but keeping all the potential for high-bouncing fun.
Springfree trampolines replace traditional exposed metal coils with flexible composite rods that are hidden below the trampoline’s jumping surface. They also feature soft edges that are 30 times more shock absorbent than traditional trampoline pads, according to Springfreetrampoline.com. Afraid you can’t get your kid off the iPad long enough to try the trampoline? Springfree has taken care of that too, with “tgoma,” an outdoor interactive digital game system that transforms “screen time” — a swear word in some parenting circles — into an active, social, engaging activity.
The brand’s newest retail store is in Blakeney and yes, you can set up a test jump here.
WATCH/RELAX
Regal Stonecrest
7824 Rea Road — upgrades coming soon!
If you’ve been to the movies at Stonecrest at Piper Glen lately, you may have seen the classic signs of construction: hanging tarps, a scaled down concession stand … but don’t worry, it’s all going to be worth it. Regal is installing king-sized recliners with footrests in all the Stonecrest location’s theaters.
A couple of the new recliners are already in the lobby for customers to try out, and the remodel should be complete by spring.
