Charlotte/Ballantyne

Ballantyne is a sprawling suburb on the southern boundary of Charlotte. Having risen out of farmland 20 years ago, it has been recognized as one of the most successful master-planned communities in the Southeast. Ballantyne is hailed as a center of commerce and thriving residential activity in southern Mecklenburg County. It comprises 2,000 acres of development, but its sphere of influence is much larger. Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre business community in the heart of Ballantyne, drives economic development and is home to over 300 companies and 15,000 employees. Residents love the countless amenities that the area offers.

As a suburban district, Ballantyne is most conveniently traveled by car. It sits off Exit 61 on I-485, and major thoroughfares include Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Johnston Rd., and Providence Rd. West.

Ballantyne Corporate Park offers 16 miles of walking trails and bike paths. It is easy to access to the greenway now that North Community House Road connects.

CATS, the city bus system, runs a regular route out here (Route #43) which connects Ballantyne to the LYNX light rail line, which runs north to Uptown.

• 🌍 monuments. At the intersection of Johnston Rd. and Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. stand four large monuments. The 30-foot arches are inscribed with esoteric symbolism that relays a history of Charlotte. 
• 🌍 Big Rock Nature Preserve. Sunrise to sunset. See some of the biggest rocks in the Charlotte area. (updated Jan 2024)

• 🌍 The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, ☏ +1 704-248-4000. Adjacent to posh Ballantyne Country Club. Features a spa, pool, and golf club. Also, nice details such as babysitting service and shopping-shuttles are offered to guests. The restaurant gets rave reviews. Probably the city's best resort spa, located on the southern edge of town. If you want to create a buzz, ask for a $300 "Ballantini" from the bar; it has gold leaf around the rim and you get a bottle of champagne to boot. $160-400. 

• 🌍 Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way , Suite 240-19. It is the "town center" of the area, and features numerous stores and restaurants. 

In addition, there are several major shopping centers within a few minutes' drive of Ballantyne, including Carolina Place Mall and SouthPark Mall.

• 🌍 Blakeney Village, 9870 Rea Road. Large outdoor shopping center with numerous restaurants and shops. 
• 🌍 Stonecrest at Piper Glen, 7900 Rea Rd, ☏ +1 704-335-5455. Shopping center with a Target, Michael's and movie theatre. 
• 🌍 The Arboretum, 8008 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 704-295-4002. Outdoor shopping center at the north entrance of Ballantyne that features numerous restaurants and shops. (updated Aug 2017)

• 🌍 Cajun Yard Dog, Arboretum, 8036 Providence Rd #900, ☏ +1 704-752-1750, GreatCajun@yahoo.com. In the large Arboretum shopping center near I-485 in south Charlotte. Though this is somewhat less authentic than Charlotte's other offerings, it is also a bit more affordable. Plenty of other options in the area if the line is long. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 Jade Asian Fusion Sushi Bar, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way, ☏ +1 704-369-5088, fax: +1 704-369-5092, info@jade-ballantyne.com. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM, Sa noon-2:30PM, closed Su; dinner: Su-Th 5-10 PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Asian fusion. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 Big View Diner, 16637 Lancaster Hwy., ☏ +1 704-544-0313, info@BigViewDiner.net. Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F Sa 7AM-10PM. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 The Blue Taj, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 170, ☏ +1 704 369 5777, info@TheBlueTaj.com. Lunch daily 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner M-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-10:30PM, Su 5-9:30PM. Indian cuisine. (updated Mar 2018)

• The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge includes one of the city's most prominent and expensive hotels. See details above.
• 🌍 Staybridge Suites Charlotte Ballantyne, 15735 Brixham Hill Ave., ☏ +1 704-248-5000, toll-free: +1-877-660-8545, guestservices@ballantyne-staybridge.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This all-suite hotel is great for extended stay or short term hotel needs. Rooms feature kitchens and spacious living and work areas. $116. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne, 15635 Don Lochman Ln., ☏ +1 704-341-0041, fax: +1 704-341-3172. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The hotel was upgraded and features a comfortable and stylish layout with an open lobby feel. $121. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne, 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Pl., ☏ +1 704-247-2222, toll-free: +1 888-236-2427, fax: +1 704-247-2221. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne is the area's only LEED-certified hotel and exudes a fun energy with its loft-inspired design. The hotel also offers a hip W xyz bar, which locals enjoy visiting for drink specials and live entertainment. $220. (updated Aug 2023)

Ballantyne has a thriving community feel, and many newcomers find the area appealing and welcoming. Ballantyne Breakfast Club meets bimonthly to discuss area issues and opportunities.