Want a Barbie experience in Charlotte? Check out 12 ways to bring Barbie’s world to you
Peak Barbiecore is officially here, and the press rollout of the new “Barbie” movie is underway. While Margo Robbie and electric pink have vigorously taken over our feeds, I must say, I’m not mad at it. And, here in Charlotte, businesses are prepared for the Barbie boom.
Right now, it’s absolutely necessary to enjoy an overwhelming amount of pink, whether that means a photo shoot at a lavishly pink colored room in a selfie museum or indulging in the pink frosting of a Barbie-themed cookie.
First, you’ll want to make plans to see the movie. Check out the complete list of theaters showing the film starting July 21, and from there you can purchase “Barbie” tickets.
Next, think of this article as a directory for the Barbie girls in a Barbie world — also known as the Carolinas. And, take this with you on your journey as you blast Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie Girl” on your way to your next Barbie-inspired photo-op.
Babe Cave
Location: The Babe Cave is on the run with its new tour right now — and it has event planning available to book via email.
“We girls can do anything” is the vibe at Babe Cave. Originally housed at Good Life at Enderly Park, Babe Cave was created as a safe space. As its Instagram bio says, it’s a “Pink Power” inspired community, so you can expect to be inundated with plenty of pink at your next event.
Babe Cave’s new location is scheduled to open this winter. But, for now, you can catch it at Bazal Event Space for its Floral Class + Cocktail Party on July 22 or at its new residency at Broken Promises, which will begin in late summer 2023.
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop
Location: 16836 D, Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, NC 28078
Looking for a traditional homemade pie with a pink twist? A Lake Norman spot called, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, has a new item called The Barbie Box. The Barbie Box ($14) is made of a half dozen strawberry thumbprints, a half dozen hot pink vanilla thumbprints and sugar star cookies. And for an extra sprinkle of Barbie, the box is wrapped in a bow with pink ribbon.
The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery
Location: 340 W Tremont Ave Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28203
The Co-op Frosé & Eatery is a Charleston-based spot that recently opened in South End where you can go for both a gourmet sandwich and frosé, a drink made with rosé and ice. Its Love Island ambiance accessorized with pink details will entice you to spend all of happy hour trying out some of its over 50 frosé flavors.
Girl Tribe Co.
Location: 1800 Camden Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203
Location: 532 Governor Morrison St., Charlotte, NC 28211
Girl Tribe, initially launched by two high school friends on Etsy back in 2014, is a women-led business that has both stores and pop-up events in the Charlotte area. Girl Tribe’s rosy pink interior design in SouthPark and blush pink painted exterior at its South End location will give you just the dose of Barbie you need.
Honeybear Bake Shop
Location: 4402 Stewart Andrew Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
Honeybear Bake Shop has a delectable sweet called Barbie’s Pink Velvet Birthday Cake Cookie. The cookie, made with vanilla cookie dough that’s colored pink, includes pieces of homemade pink velvet cake, topped with pink vanilla bean frosting, decorated in sprinkles and the iconic ‘B’ for Barbie.
The deadline for this week’s pre-ordering is Thursday, July 13. Pickup will be Friday, July 14 or Saturday, July 15, owner Hannah Neikirk told CharlotteFive.
Pro tip: During the week of the movie release, the bake shop is doing a themed cookie box with six “Barbie” movie inspired cookies. Be on the lookout.
Moon Thai & Japanese Restaurant
Location: 4425 Sharon Rd #180, Charlotte, NC 28211
The Heartbreaker is a beautifully concocted margarita made with tequila reposado and strawberry-guava, and decorated with a pop-rock rim. This $14 pink drink will be available throughout Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week from July 21 to July 30, just in time for the Barbie movie’s release.
PrincessMe Parties CLT
Location: 9739 Northlake Centre Pkwy F, Charlotte, NC 28216
As LOL Surprise and Disney Princess parties are displayed vividly on PrincessMe’s Tik Tok, this luxury kids spa and party company with its two-tone pink walls and panel of pink and white flowers is a perfectly Instagrammable spot for kids. And its pink limo is truly reminiscent of a Barbie car.
The Picture Project Selfie Museum
Location: 5648 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212
This picture perfect spot will transport you to Barbie’s world with two of its rooms that adhere to the pink theme. At Picture Project CLT, you can host events, rent spaces or buy tickets if you’re feeling the pink, Barbie vibe or just or just wanted to be captivated by its charming visuals.
Tiff’s Treats
Location: 7314 Waverly Walk Ave Ste E3, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 4425 Sharon Rd S175, Charlotte, NC 28211
Location: 550 E Brooklyn Vlg Ave #210, Charlotte, NC 28202
Tiff’s Treats, known for its “hot, fresh-from-the-oven cookies,” has a new limited edition Pink Dream Sugar Cookie available in-store, at all of it’s locations from July 20 to 31. And, the cookie shop also delivers, making them perfect for a Barbie-themed party or movie snack.
Strawberry Chic Boutique
Location: 508 Crow St., Monroe, NC 28112
At Strawberry Chic Boutique, you’ll be greeted by the boutique’s beautiful flamingo pink door with a welcome sign covered in printed strawberries. You can expect to take plenty of selfies in this pink abode, as you’ll want to play dress up in its beautifully bright colored items.
Susie Lou
Location: 318 E South Main St Unit G, Waxhaw, NC 28173
At this dreamy, Barbie-esque boutique, you will find all the pink you need. The floors are pink, there’s a pink flower wall and there are even glittery, pink hangers for the dresses. But, it doesn’t stop there. Susie Lou’s Barbie era collection, which features lots of pretty poplin dresses and a bright pink tulle dress, is sure to have you turning heads at the Barbie movie release this weekend.
Road trip: Another NC Barbie-themed spot
Rich Girls Museum
Location: 4000 Spring Garden Ste M, Greensboro, NC 27407
Location: 4004 Spring Garden Street Ste D, Greensboro, NC 27407
Get into your Barbie bag at The Rich Girls Museum. The Selfie Museum’s CEO is North Carolina A&T alumni Marteekia Sweat, owner of the first Black-owned selfie museum in the U.S., as reported by Spectrum News.
The museum’s iconic hot pink and icy blue walls have been adored by rappers like Glorilla, Lakeyah and Chrisean Rock, as seen on Instagram.
This story was originally published July 10, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
