Ballantyne FYI > Activities

City life is not for everyone!  Tired of the stress of dancing to the rhythm of time at the expense of rest and relaxation?  Still not ready to retire to suburbia? Want to live in an area that mixes uptown features such as amenities, luxury and convenience with an idyllic suburban type locale? Want a viable alternative to uptown chaos? Choose Ballantyne-Charlotte, North Carolina’s answer to the proverbial question of how to balance comfort and functionality. How about the Ballantyne area of Charlotte? The Ballantyne area of Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) provides just the right mix of beauty and functionality without the chaos necessarily associated with Uptown living.  Simply put, you can’t beat the Ballantyne area or the Ballantyne experience! Remember, if you can’t beat them, then join them.  Ballantyne’s spin on this old adage is:  you can’t beat Ballantyne, so join us at Ballantyne.  Read below to find out more about why you too should be in Ballantyne, North Carolina-Charlotte’s south. Day or Night what you need and what you are looking to find are all in Ballantyne.  

What is Ballantyne? An Overview. Ballantyne, NC  a/k/a as Ballantyne Charlotte  or Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina is a newer community/neighborhood in south Charlotte off James G. Martin Freeway otherwise known as I-485.  Whether you come into Ballantyne using the Johnston Road exit off I-485 or take the I-485 Providence Road exit and then make the left onto Ballantyne Commons Parkway, just the drive in through what was previously the Morrison hunting preserve let’s you know that you are in for a unique experience: one that tantalizes all your senses.  Soon, you know you have arrived at Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC.  Ballantyne is made up of roughly 2000 acres with every inch of it beautifully landscaped from the shopping centers to area homes which make it virtually a town unto itself.  Within its borders are a 535-acre corporate park, which includes office buildings, a resort hotel, an 18-hole daily-fee golf course and the Dana Rader School of Golf. The golf course has been recognized as one of the best in the state and Dana Rader’s school as one of the 25 best in the country. Shopping centers are plentiful including the newest center of attention the Ballantyne Village which includes a theatre and many shops and restaurants -the structure at the top of this page is the symbol on the top of the theatre located in the Ballantyne village and reflects many colors into the sky with its modern beauty. The Ballantyne Resort located at 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway brings luxury to the four star level and includes amenities such as the Ballantyne Spa Charlotte and Ballantyne Resort Golf Course. Located in thriving Mecklenburg County, Ballantyne offers something for everyone. The amenities are plentiful including corporate opportunities, Golf Resorts, Exquisite & Casual Dining, Entertainment, Shopping malls and centers for every necessity you can image.  Excellent Schools and plenty of room for new business owners searching for success make this a highly regarded location. Moreover, Ballantyne is a friendly city with a variety of people from all over the United States relocating here as well as the natives of Charlotte.  Ballantyne in Charlotte, a destination not to be missed.

HISTORY OF BALLENTYNE A history of Ballentyne would not be complete without examining its initial beginnings. As the Charlotte Observer noted in their January 13, 2008 article (http://www.charlotte.com/424/story/44059.html), Ballantyne began in the 1990’s as the vision of developer Howard C. “Smoky” Bissell who accurately predicted that the expansion of Charlotte would ultimately expand southward toward the South Carolina border.  Named after Smoky’s aunt, Barbara Ballantyne, the initial plans included an office and commercial development according to the Observer article authored by Vanessa Willis. 

A NAME BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD NOT SMELL AS SWEET. Although it might not seem so, the name Ballantyne actually has a long history. Dating back to the time of the Celts, Ballantyne is noted to mean “a place of ancient pagan worship among the Celts” according to William Arthur’s An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names with an Essay on their Derivation and Import published in 1857. Ballantyne also is a memorable name in literature.  Two such individuals bearing the Ballantyne surname are brothers James Ballantyne and John Ballantyne founded publishing company Ballantyne and Company and are known for publishing the works of long-time friend Sir Walter Scott.  Another literary Ballantyne was Robert Ballantyne is the author of The Coral Island a classic adventure novel originally published in 1884 which Amazon.com notes is about “three English boys, shipwrecked on a deserted island” who “create an idyllic society despite typhoons, wild hogs and hostile visitors”  Another Ballantyne is Doctor Christie Ballantyne, the former director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Baylor College of Medicine who is noted for various quotes on thinkexist.com regarding the use of medicine to control cardiovascular disease. A more contemporary Ballantyne is Scarlett Ballantyne who is an employee of Benjamin Moore Paint at which she holds the position of color marketing manager of Benjamin Moore in Benjamin Moore Paint’s Western Canada offices located in Vancouver. Of course the use of the name Ballantyne is not limited to persons, there are locations named using the surname Ballantyne.  Ballantyne Pier is located in Vancouver Canada area and is being touted as “Vancouver’s Newest Waterfront Landmark” due to its 220,000 ft2 elevation from Grouse Mountain and its 940 feet in length according to an article written by Sarnafil roofing.  Curiously enough, there is even a business named for Ballantyne, i.e. Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., which was named after founder Robert Scott Ballantyne in 1910 according to the Company website.  As further noted on their website, Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. manufactures commercial motion picture equipment and entertainment lighting systems, which is marketed under the Strong brand name.  A placement firm for top-tiered information technology professionals also bears the Ballantyne name, i.e. Ballantyne, Inc.  Another business bearing the Ballantyne name is Ballantyne Cashmere which was established in 1921 and currently has stores in only 4 select locations including Milano, London, Tokyo and Cortina D’Ampezzo in the Italian Alps.  According to the Ballantyne Cashmere website, the quality of the Ballantyne Cashmere products has obtained them celebrity clientele from the ranks of actors Kevin Bacon, Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones and Robin Williams, actresses such as Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, talk show host Oprah Winfrey (and Color of Purple Oscar Winner), and musicians Sir Paul McCartney and (pop princess) Britney Spears.  Even the political are not immune to being ardent admirers of Ballantyne Cashmere including former Presidents Bill Clinton (husband of Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton) and Ronald Reagan and Henry Kissinger (former Secretary of State) and his wife. 

Of course the noted Ballantyne companies and people noted above are just a few of the people, places and businesses that bearing the Ballantyne name which you can find on-line.  Should the urge strike you, there are many more Ballantyne’s you can Google.  Here are the names of just a few of the other Ballantynes and just a little something about them to tantalize you into learning more: Craig Ballantyne (athletic strength and conditioning coach), Coco Ballantyne (writer/blogger), Carrie Ballantyne (a contemporary artist), Chris Ballantyne (award winning artist), David Ballantyne (the host of the Rise and Shine morning show broadcast worldwide from North Carolina on WCPE-FM and featured on Monty Python’s Flying Circus), Scott Ballantyne (Julliard trained cellist and instructor), Sheila Ballantyne (critically received novelist whose obituary ran in the New York Times), Jon Ballantyne (Canadian-born pianist/composer), Garth Ballantyne (one of the world’s leading laparoscopic surgeons), Dewey Ballantyne (prestigious law firm), Michael Ballantyne a/k/a R.M. Ballantyne or Robert Michael Ballantyne(19th century author), Tony Ballantyne (British science fiction author and head of the Information Technology Department at the Blue Coat School in Oldham), Richard Ballantyne (one of the founding Mormons/Saints), Linda Ballantyne (was one of the voices of the cartoon Sailor Moon)  Kendrick Ballantyne (of Baltimore Raven fame), Brooke Ballantyne a/k/a Brook Ballantyne (an infamous performer) and Robert Ballantyne (a multi-media journalist,  graphic designer, founder of Popjournalism and accepted pop culture expert for CTV Newsnet). 

As you can see, a pattern emerges wherein those that bear the Ballantyne name are destined to be renowned in their field, regardless of which field they choose.  Much like these other illustrious Ballantynes, the Ballantyne area continues the tradition of carving out a unique niche and in doing so becoming a renowned southeastern destination.

THE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS.  Despite Bissell’s visionary plans, ironically the first construction in the 28277 zip code was undertaken by Crescent Resources (according to the aforementioned Charlotte Observer article written by Willis).  In fact, the first groundbreaking was for the 600 acre Ballantyne Country Club.  Soon thereafter construction for the Ballantyne Corporate Park began in 1996 and which as of the 2008 Charlotte Observer article included office space of 2.2 million square feet with projections for increased space up to 2 million more square feet.

LOCATION AND GROWTH. Charlotte, NC continues to experience phenomenal growth despite the economic climate as of late across the nation.  In fact, one specific area of Charlotte, Ballantyne is bustling ahead of other more established Charlotte neighborhoods.  Located in the 485-corridor of what is south Charlotte, Ballentyne is in close proximity to two of North Carolina’s most widely used lakes: Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. Ballantyne is becoming a destination for the savvy traveler looking for more than just another kitschy North Carolina destination and home to a wide variety of Charlotteans seeking to take advantage of the bustling, organized community and centralized amenities. 

Ballantyne is known for its unique design which effectively mixes the contemporary cityscape with historic touches including the 30 foot monuments created by Yugoslav artist Boris Tomic as noted in the Charlotte Observer article previously referenced.  As noted in the Charlotte Observer article, each 30 foot monument pays tribute to the history of the Charlotte, North Carolina region in the areas of transportation, finance, human spirit and technology.   As the Charlotte Observer noted in its January, 2008 article on Ballantyne, one fascinating fact about the monuments is that wide variety of symbols carved into the monuments:  among the symbols carved into the monuments are symbols of the dogwood flower (the North Carolina state flower), a train in honor of North Carolina’s place in transportation history, bagpipes in honor of the Scottish ancestry of the original founders of North Carolina and even a carving of The Reverend Billy Graham who was born and bred in Charlotte moving forward to become a leader in the Christian community. 

The Ballantyne area has experienced such growth that it has even spawned a magazine specifically oriented to identifying Ballentyne businesses and aiding those living the Ballentyne lifestyle.  Another indicator of growth in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, North Carolina is the creation of the Ballantyne blog which aims at discussing all things Ballantyne, as well as listings for Ballantyne web pages on several other blogs relative to life in Charlotte and several websites focused on what is going on in Ballantyne:  interestingly enough, none of the websites about Ballantyne, North Carolina bear the name ballantyne.com because that web address is already taken.

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE AT BALLANTYNE: TEMPORARY TO PERMANENT HOUSING. Charlotte real estate has continued to thrive in what is an otherwise declining nationwide real estate market.  Ballantyne also boasts a varied an eclectic mix of real estate.  While some areas focus on providing only one type of housing, Ballantyne real estate much like the area itself is an eclectic mix.  From hotels to golf communities, Ballantyne boasts housing that will provide you with just the right type of living environment regardless of your age.   Of Charlotte homes, Ballantyne area homes are some of the most spacious and space-conscious in the area. 

Are you visiting Ballantyne and looking for just the right place to lay down your head at night?  Are you a weary traveler looking for a respite?  Lucky you! You get to choose from a wide variety of hotels in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte each of which aims to cater to your individual needs.  No need to choose from just one Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte. Despite the variety of Ballantyne hotels available, they each provide customer center service at unparalleled levels.  Among the Ballantyne hotels from you can choose from are Ballantyne resorts and hotels.  The Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte, NC includes the Ballantyne Resort Hotel a/k/a the Ballantyne Resort and the Ballantyne Spa.  Of course, not everyone needs to stay at the Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte.  Other lodgings are available to meet your specific needs including those of business travelers who often stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne Resort Hotel, Staybridge Suites Ballantyne, and Oakwood at Summit Ballantyne.  Whether you are looking for the elite level of unparalleled luxury provided at the Four Star Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, NC or the functional comfort provided by the award winning Holiday Inn Staybridge Suites Charlotte-Ballantyne, Ballantyne lodgings are available to meet your unique needs. 

Ultimately, if you are interested in location, location, location, but not quite ready to buy one of many beautiful Ballantyne homes, then an apartment in Ballantyne offers just the right mixture of location and flexibility.  Keep in mind that Ballantyne apartments vary based on your specific lifestyle.  Among the unique Ballantyne apartment communities to choose from are The Preserve Ballantyne a/k/a as the Preserve at Ballantyne Commons, Post Ballantyne, Summit Ballantyne, Cresmont at Ballantyne, Camden Ballantyne, Plantation Park at Ballantyne, and Cheswyck at Ballantyne.   Each Ballantyne apartment community offers their own unique brand of amenities geared to provide just the right fit for you.

Among the communities better known in the Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC area are Ballantyne Country Club, Ballantyne Meadows, Kensington at Ballantyne, The Vineyard at Ballantyne, Cobblestone at Ballantyne and Thornhill at Ballantyne.  For instance, Ballantyne Meadows located south of Interstate 485 and west of Ballantyne Resort provides a charming village of cottage homes.  On the other end of the housing spectrum, homes located in Bexley at Ballantyne are much larger including larger lots, long driveways and the added privacy incidental thereto.  Looking for exclusivity, then check out Kensington at Ballantyne.  Even families have communities specifically geared to them including the Vineyard and Cobblestone.  Another often chosen housing location is the Ballantyne Country Club in Charlotte which also provides a variety of housing for every stage of life.  Because of the variety of homes available in the Ballantyne area, the best approach to house hunting is to seek out an experienced realtor. Among those realtors native to the Ballantyne area are Keller Williams Ballantyne which prides itself on providing more than you bargained for from customer centered service by making sure that each step in your process is managed by an experienced member of the Keller Williams team.

What about relocating  your business to Ballantyne?  Why not choose Ballantyne Corporate Place in the prestigious Ballantyne Corporate Park as your businesses’ new address.  Known as the largest office park in the area and labeled Charlotte’s Destination Office Location, Ballantyne Corporate Park continues to thrive, despite already having amassed 535 acres as well as prestigious tenants such as ESPN Regional Television and Lending Tree. .

FOCAL POINTS What is the crown jewel of Ballantyne?  Many argue that Ballantyne’s crown jewel is the Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte North Carolina due to the design and the level of amenities available.  The Ballentyne Resort, a Mobil Four-Star resort, is one of the select Luxury Collection Hotels by Starwood Hotels and Resorts.  Among the amenities that this elite facility provides are golf, spa (Ballentyne Spa), tennis, meeting and event facilities, dinning, shopping and the unique Dana Rader Golf School.  The Ballantyne Resort Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise that boasts a par 71, 5-star course specifically designed to provide a challenge to any golfers from expert to novice.  Also located within the Ballantyne Resort is the Four Star Gallery restaurant whose conceptualized earth-to-table menu focuses on simple food served with a passionate flare. 

Another Ballantyne focal point specifically noted in the Charlotte Observer’s recent article on the area are the lights from the Village Theater’s tower.  Ballantyne’s Village Theater Tower lights are created using a light system which changes colors based on the season.  The Village Tower lights have become such a staple in the Charlotte area that people are often surprised to find that the Ballantyne Village Charlotte theater just opened in the spring of 2006. 

CUSTOMIZED SERVICESWITH ALL THE AMENITIES.  Because of the high-growth in the Ballantyne area, many businesses have opened locations or principal offices thereby resulting in an increasing number of jobs in Ballantyne.  This high concentration of eclectic businesses and varied employers has also provided a wide-variety of goods and services, many of which have been tweaked to be more luxurious with regard to the nature of providing said service. 

For those seeking rest and relaxation or better yet luxurious indulgence, there are several choices.  Two of the best spa retreats in the Ballantyne area are Carmen Carmen salon and Ballantyne Spa, Charlotte, North Carolina.  According to their website, Carmen Carmen’s e Spa Ballantyne, which is under the direction of Carmen Cutrona North American Hairstylist of the year and Global Master of the arts winner, provides clientele with everything from cuts to spa treatments keeping with their underlying vision of providing the best services possible.  Meanwhile, the Ballantyne Spa at Charlotte provides a personalized multi-sensory spa experience within a relaxing location.  The Spa at Ballantyne is not just a spa:  it is an experience, a Ballantyne spa experience.

As any area grows, the need for specialized medical services grows and Ballantyne is no exception.  Accordingly, the Ballantyne area has many medical providers to service the needs of residents and the emergency needs of visitors.  A Dr. in Ballantyne is not hard to find.  Among the Ballantyne medical providers are two affiliated with leading Charlotte hospitals:  Presbyterian’s Ballantyne Medical Group and Carolina Medical Center’s Mecklenburg Medical Group Ballantyne or MMG Ballantyne.  Of course, all of us known some of the littlest people, our kids, often need care specialized to meet their unique needs.  Keeping with that philosophy, Ballantyne Medical Group opened Ballantyne Pediatric Associates or Ballantyne Pediatrics which boasts a staff of Board Certified pediatric professionals.  Moreover, in order to provide emergent care, Ballantyne Urgent Care opened 

Even Ballantyne Dentistry is no exception to the concept of mixing luxury with functionality.  The Ballantyne Center for Dentistry is a dental spa that provides dental service that provides both restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in an environment that can only be called “luxurious” and “spacious”.

Looking for a Ballantyne restaurant? Your options are seemingly limitless.  Like any centralized location, Ballantyne has also developed many dining options.  A plethora of Ballantyne restaurants stand ready, willing and able to serve the diverse taste of Ballantyne residents and visitors alike, it is just a matter of choosing which one fits your culinary needs.  Among the notable Ballantyne dining destinations are Ballantyne Resort’s Gallery Restaurant and the Table restaurant located in Ballantyne Village.  Table Restaurant and Bar is an award winning, upscale restaurant which offers new American cuisine, valet parking along with an extensive wine and desert menu. Similarly considered an upscale establishment is Villa Antonio of Ballantyne.  For those looking for a bistro experience, choose from Providence Bistro Ballantyne and Village Bistro Ballantyne.  Neither establishment disappoints.  Looking for Asian cuisine.  Maybe, some sushi would tempt your palate.  Then check out Jade Ballantyne located in the Ballantyne Village.  Jade is the definitive home of high end Asian Fusion cuisine in Ballantyne.  Need a succulent steak.  Then head on over to the City Range Steakhouse Grill strategically located across the highway from the Ballantyne Resort.  With a menu that includes beef, chicken, fish and seafood, City Range has something for everyone.

Looking for a more informal dining experience?  On the other end of the spectrum, pizza, everyone’s comfort food is also available in Ballantyne made by Tony’s Pizza Ballantyne or Wizeguys Brick Oven Pizza Bar located in the Ballantyne Commons East shopping Center.  Last but never least, do not forget the Red Robin whose delectable burgers and shakes provide late-night diners with just the right options for indulgence.

Ballantyne is also known for being a shopper’s paradise.  Want to locate a Ballantyne shopping destination.  It is simple really.  Just drive down Ballantyne Commons Parkway if you are looking to find a wide variety of shopping.  One shopping locations not be missed is Ballantyne Commons East which boasts 25 businesses providing food, fashion, entertainment and services to meet a variety of unique needs.  Need a Ballantyne Jeweler? Look no further than Ballantyne jewelers known for its varied jewelry selection from pieces with European flare to contemporary American design.  Ballantyne Jewelers will even customize jewelry to ensure that your vision become an artistic reality.

Want to catch a movie in Ballantyne?  No worries.  Whether you want to catch a Ballantyne movie at the local Ballantyne Movie Theater or just want to stay in and rent a flick, Ballantyne has movies galore.  Check out an independent or an artistic movie at Ballantyne’s own theater i.e. Ballantyne Village Theater Charlotte which is often referred to as the Ballantyne Theater Charlotte or go to your neighborhood Ballantyne Blockbuster located at Ballantyne Commons East.

Want to get physical?  Is Golf your thing?  Need a Ballantyne Golf Course?  No problem. Look no further than Ballantyne which is a well-known golfer’s destination.   Much like every other aspect of Ballantyne, you have a variety of excellent choices.  From the Ballantyne Golf Club at the Ballantyne Resort to the Ballantyne Country Club, Ballantyne and golf are synonymous.  Looking for luxury and challenge?  Check out the Ballantyne Resort golf  course which owes its fame among golfers due the design of its course.  Another golfing destination is the idyllically set Ballantyne Country Club, Charlotte NC.  Looking for a family friendly golfing destination?  Look no further than Ballantyne Country Club’s family friendly course designed by Rees Jones.  With (5) golf professionals on staff and a comprehensive junior golf program, the Ballantyne Country Club provides a unique experience geared to all ages and all skill levels.

Clearly, regardless of race, creed, color or sex, Ballantyne offers something for everyone from erudite suburbanite to contemporary city dweller.  By mixing the historic with the contemporary, Ballantyne is an appealing destination from day trip to relocation.  Based on its consistent growth, convenient location, and overall customer-oriented amenities, Ballantyne is a Charlotte destination not to be missed.