When life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like pressing pause and spending a day with friends. Luckily, Charlotte is packed with places that feel like they’re tailor-made just for that – areas of the city where you can ditch the car and find everything you need all in one place.
One of my favorite local spots is hiding in plain sight in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood. This area is well-known for the number of chain stores and restaurants housed here – if your favorite major retailer has an outpost in Charlotte, chances are it’s here. But if you’re willing to venture away from the traffic of Sharon Road, you’ll be rewarded with an impeccable selection of local businesses (and a few favorites from afar!) at Piedmont Town Center.
Some of my experiences at the businesses in Piedmont Town Center were generously hosted, but this post is not sponsored
Piedmont Town Center is home to an impressive number of businesses in the wellness, beauty, and hospitality industries. It’s possible to meet a friend for coffee, take a fitness class, get a mani/pedi, and pick up your dry cleaning all without needing to drive between errands. I recently spent a Saturday in this part of Charlotte with friends indulging in some much-needed relaxation and self-care, and I couldn’t resist sharing a look at our day so you can start planning your own day in the Queen City.
If you’re looking for a wonderful girls’ day in Charlotte, look no further than this itinerary:
HOW TO SPEND A DAY AT PIEDMONT TOWN CENTER
Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch at Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
The best days begin at a luxuriously slow pace, so plan to meet up at Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse just in time for lunch. If you need a jumpstart beforehand, stop by Summit Coffee Co. – one of my favorite coffee shops in the city – conveniently located at Piedmont Town Center.
For lunch, I highly recommend a grazeable experience. Duckworth’s has an extensive menu of appetizers and flatbreads, perfect for sharing and sampling a little bit of everything. We followed our cravings and ordered the wings, margherita pizza, fresh-cut fries, and a towering platter of nachos that none of us anticipated being so enormous. Piled high with crispy tortilla chips, tender fajita chicken, sautéed peppers, gooey cheese, and fresh guacamole, it was a sight to behold. We tried valiantly to conquer it, but the mountain of nachos ultimately defeated us – though perhaps you’ll persevere!
→Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse // 4625 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 115A, Charlotte, NC 28210
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Retreat to a Relaxing Oasis at Woodhouse Spa
When was the last time you set aside time to truly take care of yourself? If you’re anything like me, prioritizing self-care can be a challenge (unless it involves plane tickets – then I’m always happy to count travel as part of my routine!). But sometimes, a little peer pressure works wonders, and when someone suggested getting a massage, I certainly wasn’t going to say no.
Woodhouse Spa is a relatively new addition to the neighborhood, but their team consists of seasoned pros. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the tension begin to slip away as we were guided to the serene lounge areas and outfitted with the coziest robes. Champagne glasses that never seemed to empty and warm neck wraps to melt away stress made me realize how effortlessly all my needs were being met without me even noticing.
After an hour of distraction-free conversation and relaxation, it was time for our massages. My therapist greeted me warmly and led me to a tranquil, candle-lit room with a calming aroma. I climbed onto the cocoon-like massage table, and the session began with setting an intention and a refreshing spritz of the spa’s signature essential oils.
Using just the right amount of pressure, she worked through every knot and tense spot, easing my busy mind into a deep state of relaxation. Of course, the fifty minutes flew by far too quickly (how is it that workdays drag, but things like this seem to race by?). But before I knew it, I was padding back down the hall in my robe and slippers feeling so much lighter and with more freedom of movement.
No matter which service(s) you choose, you can decide whether you want to return to the lounge for a little more relaxation or head to the well-stocked locker room to dress and refresh your hair and makeup (a shower is provided, as are hair tools and other grooming items). Honestly, you could easily spend an entire day at Woodhouse Spa and leave feeling entirely restored. But with so much still to come, we had to keep moving forward.
→Woodhouse Spa – SouthPark // 4625 Piedmont Row Dr #125, Charlotte, NC 28210
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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Tous les Jours
Walking into Tous les Jours is an absolute delight—a true treat for the senses. This charming bakery, specializing in French and Asian-inspired baked goods, made its debut in Charlotte with its Piedmont Town Center location. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm aroma of fresh pastries and the inviting sight of shelves filled with delicate treats.
Once you close your jaw (which is now surely open, from gaping at the treasure-filled cases), grab a tray and a pair of tongs, and take your time strolling along the tempting cases, where flaky pastries, pillowy buns, and jewel-like sweets await.
Once you’ve checked out, gather at the cozy stadium-style seating area to share your selections with friends and discover each other’s favorites. Swapping treats, sampling bites, and debating the best of the bunch – it’s like dessert charcuterie (can we make that a thing?)!
→Tous les Jours // 4625 Piedmont Row Dr #105, Charlotte, NC 28210
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Slip Upstairs for a Craft Cocktail at The Loft at Duckworth’s
Ascend the steps at Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, and you’ll discover a hidden gem: the chic, mid-century-inspired lounge aptly named The Loft at Duckworth’s. It’s understandable if you’re a bit surprised that these two distinct spaces share an address – I was, too! The atmosphere here strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a hint of vintage flair that beckons you to settle in for a great cocktail and conversation.
Whether you’re in the mood for an old favorite or ready to discover something new, the cocktail menu has been thoughtfully curated to offer both timeless classics and inventive twists. Sip on a perfectly crafted Manhattan, or try one of their signature cocktails that might just become your new go-to. The attentive staff is always happy to offer recommendations, so let them guide you toward a drink that perfectly suits your taste.
→The Loft at Duckworth’s // 4625 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 115A, Charlotte, NC 28210
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Wind Down with an Exquisite Meal at Bentley’s Restaurant
Though Bentley’s Restaurant has only just turned twenty (with its current location open for just four years), it already feels like a Charlotte institution. Perhaps it’s the eye-catching dining room, the elegantly French-inspired menu crafted with meticulous attention to detail, or the impeccable service – or maybe it’s the perfect combination of all three – but Bentley’s exudes a timeless charm that feels built to last.
Classic dishes like caviar-topped oysters, escargot, and tableside-prepared Chateaubriand with Bordelaise have nearly disappeared from the dining scene due to the labor, expense, and expertise they require. Yet, at Bentley’s, these fine-dining staples are alive and well. After toasting to an incredible day with expertly crafted cocktails, we were ready to dive into the menu.
Sharing was the theme of the day (because, let’s be real, we can’t be friends if you won’t share your food!), and we leaned into it with bold appetizers: tuna tartare, Oysters Bentley, crispy brie salad, and calamari steak. While each had classic fine dining roots, the presentation was purely contemporary.
Between courses, we struck up a conversation with a delightful couple seated at the bar, who told us they came to Bentley’s weekly for date night. I usually associate the concept of a “go-to” restaurant with smaller towns, but their tradition shows that in a city brimming with dining options, Bentley’s holds a special place in people’s hearts.
Then came the main event! Steak and seafood take center stage on the menu, and it would have been a shame not to order both. Soon, a parade of steak au poivre, maple leaf duck, diver scallops, and herb-crusted Wester Ross salmon arrived at our table, each dish more impressive than the last. It’s easy to let the protein be the star and treat sides as an afterthought, but it’s clear so much care and attention went into designing and executing each dish.
Despite feeling impossibly full, we couldn’t resist ordering dessert to end the day on a sweet note – because really, there’s always room, right?
→Bentley’s Restaurant // 4620 Piedmont Row Dr #110, Charlotte, NC 28210
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A DAY AT PIEDMONT TOWN CENTER
I admit I’m a somewhat… spoiled? lazy? driver when it comes to getting around Charlotte. The traffic, the NASCAR-wannabe drivers, the time… All of that makes me incredibly conscientious of how and where I spend my time in the city, batching out errands and planning days out by neighborhood. I’m always thrilled to find pockets of the Queen City that have a little bit of everything, especially when they have a local focus. For me, the Piedmont Town Center is one of those places that is worth the drive: it’s easy to find a place to park, is filled with local businesses, and offers a way to slow down and enjoy the city.
Thank you to the team at Rachel Sutherland Communications for generously hosting our day at Piedmont Town Center, and for all you do to support hospitality initiatives for local Charlotte businesses.
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Questions for you
Do you have a favorite Charlotte neighborhood?
What are your favorite girls’ day activities?
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