Ballantyne’s Backyard was once a golf course before being converted to a community park. | Photo via Evolve PR and Marketing
ICYMI, Ballantyne is buzzing. From new restaurants and fitness studios to vibrant greenways and new living spaces, the South Charlotte neighborhood is growing. Recent openings include Yafo Kitchen, The Daily Pilates, and literally everything at The Bowl at Ballantyne. Plus, pre-leasing is underway for the Oro Ballantyne.
What’s fueling the growth? After talking with Northwood Office, developers credit the area’s use of green space for driving the buzz.
“Ballantyne’s green spaces are purposefully designed to provide easy access to a variety of uses, from peaceful reflection and casual strolls to fitness activities and community festivals,” Christina Thigpen, Northwood’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Office, told CLTtoday.
Pro tip: If you walk around Cullman Park five times, it’s equivalent to nearly one mile.
Photo via Evolve PR and Marketing
The neighborhood south of Charlotte boasts more than 100 acres of green space and 20 parks and ponds, which have become go-to spots for recurring community events like fitness classes, pop-up markets, and arts events.
“The goal really is to create spaces that are functional, welcoming, and attractive for everyone to enjoy,” said Thigpen.
Armored Calves Run Club | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Armored Cow Brewing Co. | Free | Get your heart pumping with other runners before enjoying a cold pint.
Trivia Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Free | Compete for gift cards + pitchers of beer while showing off your trivia knowledge over dinner from Poppycox food truck.
Wednesday, July 2
Crochet & Knit Group | 1-2:30 p.m. | Mooresville Public Library, Mooresville | Free | Chat with other crafters while creating your own knitted masterpiece.
North End Farmers Market | 4-8 p.m. | Ford Green | Free | Browse local vendors slinging Queen City produce and culinary excellence at this weekly market.
Out of Office 2025 | 3-10 p.m. | Carowinds | $50 | Tap into your inner child through thrill rides while taking part in creative wellness.
Meet the Team | 5-7 p.m. | Town Brewing | Free | Get to know the US Men’s Eagles and Belgian rugby teams before their international matchup.
Independence Day Celebration | 6-9:30 p.m. | Walter Y. Elisha Park, Fort Mill, SC | Free | Celebrate the Fourth with this annual gathering packed with live music, dancing, food, and fireworks.
SkyShow Fireworks Spectacular | 6:05 p.m. | Truist Field | $30+ | Tickets are going fast for this annual baseball game and massive fireworks display.
The wait is finally over. Tyber Creek Pub has reopened at its new location on South Mint Street, following its closure in South End last March. Diners can expect a fish and chips truck amidst its nostalgic Irish-pub atmosphere. (The Charlotte Observer)
Shop
Get your shopping fix at Village Collective — a new women’s clothing boutique now open in Plaza Midwood. The store offers outerwear, dresses, accessories, and gift items from local small businesses.
Weather
There are low storm chances for the Fourth of July. Consider spending the day watching runners attempt to capture the flag at the end of a greasy pole during the Inaugural Old Glory Grease Run at the US National Whitewater Center — the fun starts at 1 p.m. (WCNC)
Job
Jabil Inc. could create more than 1,000 jobs with its proposed manufacturing facility in Salisbury. The Fortune 500 company won $18.8 million in incentives from the NC Economic Investment Committee for the project. Rowan County is a finalist for the project, alongside a site in Florida. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Real Estate
More than 200 townhomes and single-family homes are on sale at Canterbury Station, a new community near Wingate University. The homes feature two floors and up to five bedrooms and bathrooms. Prices start under $300,000.
Announced
Carolina Theatre announced its inaugural Pride at The Carolina events. The newly restored theater will host screenings of iconic films, like “Beaches,” a fundraiser for Time Out Youth, and a Charlotte Pride parade viewing party. Tickets for the various events go on sale Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m.
Biz
Meet the Charlotte Checkers’ new team president, Shawn Lynch. After 19 years, Tera Black is stepping down from the position but will remain as a strategic advisor. Black plans to take a year off and spend time with family. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Feel Good
A Kannapolis woman and her dog are no longer experiencing homelessness thanks to the kindness of strangers. Donna Taylor, owner of Eat Cakes Bakery, created a GoFundMe + raised over $66,000 in days to help Velvet Berlin find housing. She says they’re “only going forward.” (WBTV)
Sports
The Hornets acquired forward Liam NcNeeley, the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, guard Vasa Micic, and a 2029 first-round draft pick from the Phoenix Suns in a trade for Mark Williams. How does this shape the roster? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word with CLTtoday. Explore our self-service ad portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content. Promoting your event has never been easier.
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Category
Food
🍔 Hamburger showdown
Which one is better, Whataburger or What-A-Burger? | Photos by CLTtoday
As someone who didn’t grow up with a What-A-Burger (NC-born) or Whataburger (Texas-born) nearby, I was determined to learn what the fuss was about. Especially because Whataburger is on an opening spree in NC — opening recently in Gastonia and Hickory.
Comparing burgers
I opted to get a similar menu item at each location — a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a drink.
Whataburger (TX) — $12.08
What-A-Burger #1 (NC) — $13.95
Visually, both burgers were wider than I anticipated, offering a flatter patty, plenty of lettuce, and condiments.
The final bite
Both burgers were well-seasoned, the cheese was melty, and the patties were filling.
At What-A-Burger (NC), I did notice more of a crunch from the bacon. Comparing sides, Whataburger’s (TX) shoestring fries were crisper than the crinkle cuts from What-A-Burger.
In a showdown between buns and burgers, I could not determine which ranked supreme, which is where you come in.
A ZlumberLock secure sheet holder. Say goodbye to tangled + bunched up sheets with this easy-to-install, patented product. It fits all sheet types and boasts a sleek, discreet design.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m so excited for you to get tomorrow morning’s newsletter. I had a great interview with the owners of a local business who are preparing to open their doors in NoDa. It’s family and community all rolled into one. You don’t want to miss it!
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