Stop overlooking 3 exciting spots at Rea Road and Bevington Place
Note: This is the second installment of our Rockin’ the Suburbs series. Find the first about Sardis Road N and Monroe Road here.
I live near uptown now, but I make the weekly pilgrimage back to south Charlotte to see my parents. I also jump on the chance to get some necessary shopping done and see how the area where I grew up continues to grow up on its own.
Venture out!
Start with my three favorite places at The Piper Glen Shops at the Rea Road/Bevington Place intersection:
6420 Rea Rd.
– When you walk in and inhale, you smell/taste and are intoxicated by this aromatic blend of sweet raisins, fresh bread, cinnamon and cake.
“That’s the cinnamon chip bread,” Ibbie Alexander informed me from behind the counter when I started sniffing. But then there are these Turtle Bars.
– Both bakery items and freshly made sandwiches are available for order at the counter.
– The side wall is lined with specialty items from local vendors in North and South Carolina as well.
– I’m coming back for you, Groovy Granola.
(2) Bird House on the Greenway.
6416 Rea Rd., B-9
– This place throws my gardening dreams into a frenzy even though I can’t make a plant thrive on my balcony to save my life. Wind chimes, bird feeders, gurgling fountains, endless garden decorations.
– While I was gawking at the gadgets and gizmos, owner Carol Buie-Jackson told me that bird seed is actually the biggest seller here. She said it’s to her shoppers what milk and eggs are to grocery shoppers.
– Meanwhile, I dream of these quote boards made of recycled tobacco barn wood in my future zen garden.
Bevington Place
– Parking galore! Free activities (like walking)! Flowers!
– Bonus points: There is a navigational tool called a map available. So you don’t get lost.
– Jogging? There are strategically placed mile markers so you can shame yourself into going just a little farther.
– There is bountiful fresh air. Paradise. A portal to an unexpected realm of vitality. Contemplative bridges.
Honorable mentions:
– Mark Ballas Dance and Performing Arts, 6420 Rea Rd., B-5: President Sabrina Berg said that by dancing, “you’re in tune with everything.”
– Olive This! The store, featuring olive oils and balsamic vinegars, is celebrating its three-year anniversary with special deals like $12 twin gift packs of olive oil.
– Run For Your Life, 6416 Rea Rd: There’s so much colorful merchandise bursting inside the windows and on the sidewalk rack I can’t handle it.
– Trader Joe’s, 6418 Rea Rd.: This used to be a Harris Teeter. And unlike the Metropolitan’s panic-attack-inducing parking deck, there is plenty of parking in front of the store and in the back. You can relax now.
Short driving distance:
– Amelie’s Carmel Commons, 7715 Pineville Matthews Rd. Space 34B: Wine, pastries and elegant coffees.
– Riccio’s Pizza Villa, 9213 Baybrook Ln.: I grew up eating this pizza takeout style. Pull out the paper plates and the Parmesan.
I’ll see you in the suburbs.
This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 12:37 AM with the headline "Stop overlooking 3 exciting spots at Rea Road and Bevington Place."