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Charlotte’s Posh SouthPark Area…As Charming as a Southern Lady!By Becky J. Beall
I love traveling with my family. Seeing their faces as we discover new territories together gives me a sense of nurturing. Even so, I am the first to admit that time alone with my husband is precious and makes us both better parents. Charlotte, North Carolina is the perfect weekend retreat for any couple desiring to keep the romance alive. With so much to see and do, or the simplicity of doing nothing… Charlotte offers a superb choice for a couples get-a-way.
The Park Hotel presides in the company of such fine
establishments as La Bibliothèque (French “Restaurant of Excellence”),
Specialty Shops on the Park, and the chic Phillips Place Shopping Center. It
is within walking distance of the SouthPark amphitheater, home of Charlotte The Park, a four-star four-diamond hotel, offers
amenities associated with luxury accommodations and a European decorating
Also, as previously mentioned, La Bibliothèque French
Restaurant is within walking distance and well worth the effort. The
extensive menu offers a variety of classical French and American cuisines,
in addition to an exquisite wine collection. La Bibliothèque translates into
“The Library” and upon entering the restaurant, its name is brought to life.
White tablecloth, candlelit dining among shelves of books is complimented by
the sincere sophistication of the
Nationally renowned restaurants within close proximity are Dean & DeLuca, Maggiano’s Little Italy, The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Something for every taste bud is always around the corner in the SouthPark area. If shopping is your leisure activity of choice (as is
mine), you won’t want to miss the Specialty Shops on the Park adjacent to
the hotel. Shop for antiques or designer merchandise… all within steps of
your room! More upscale shopping exists at the newly expanded SouthPark
Mall… visit popular
Guests at The Park also enjoy privileges at another
Bissell property, Ballantyne Resort & Spa, where golf is engaged in a
setting of natural beauty and rolling terrain. Take a lesson from the Dana Rader Golf School, voted by Golf
Digest The golf course at Ballantyne is the top rated public course in the area and one of the top ranked in North Carolina. As a matter of fact, PGA Magazine has just named Ballantyne Resort one of the Top 38 Great Golf Resorts in the World, along with such names as Pinehurst #2, Pebble Beach and Gleneagles of Scotland. What a coup!
If you are looking for all the indulgence of world-class dining and accommodations, coupled with famous southern hospitality, no place communicates that idea like Charlotte… it’s as charming as a southern lady! Photos courtesy of: Charlotte Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Park Hotel and Ballantyne Resort & Spa Sources: Ballantyne Resort & Spa Charlotte Convention & Bisitors Bureau Charlotte Symphony Dana Rader Golf School La Bibliotheque The Park Hotel Becky J. Beall is a freelance travel writer. She lives in Pelham, Alabama with her husband and four children… all southern as can be. |
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Charlotte, North Carolina is located at the crossroads
of I-77 and I-85… a very accessible community second only to New York City
as a financial center. Luxury hotels,
such as The Park and Ballantyne Resort & Spa, along with extraordinary
dining experiences make this city worth a visit… southern hospitality makes
it worth coming back!
The Park Hotel, owned by the Bissell family, presents
an address recognized as being among the upscale SouthPark community. We
chose to stay in this community known for good taste, fine dining and
southern elegance, and SouthPark lives up to its reputation. 
Symphony Orchestra’s summer pops series, which we attended and loved the
charm that it added to this area. Lush, green grass helps formulate the
amphitheater into a perfect area for picnicking during the “pops” and
outdoor summer concerts. 
flare that begins in the lobby and continues throughout the 192 guest rooms.
We felt more at home and less like we were in a hotel room, thanks to the
comfy, spacious atmosphere of the room itself. Marble bathrooms and full
turn-down service (complete with chocolate mints on the pillow) are only two
of the many special touches that guests are treated to. Each room includes
modern conveniences
such as cable television, in-room modem capabilities and
a quaint sitting area. Bathrooms are roomy, complete with terry robes, hair
dryers and lighted makeup mirrors… not to mention the extraordinary soaps
and other bath products at your disposal. Whether you’re staying in a room
or a suite, you will be pampered --- the Bissell’s will have it no other
way! 
Maybe your acquaintance with The Park Hotel will
be of a business nature, not leisure. In that case, meeting rooms, the
business center and ballrooms may fulfill your needs… you will not be
disappointed. From board meetings to extravagant parties, The Park will lend
its expert staff to care for every detail associated with your function. 
In
today’s health-conscious society, fitness prevails, even when traveling. And
The Park realizes the importance of a high-quality health club. Nautilus
workout equipment is available seven days a week, along with a heated
swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room. 
The Park offers its own full-service restaurant,
Smoky’s Grill, featuring not only some of the best cooking in Charlotte, but
a Sunday brunch buffet that was one of the best we’ve ever had! The
atmosphere is inviting and comfortable with a sitting area separate from the
dining area, equipped with an open fireplace and a big screen television. It
is a lovely environment to enjoy a casual breakfast or a corporate meal and
you might just catch the entertainment of Smoky’s Piano Bar on the weekends. 
wait staff appointed to create a unique
dining experience. We were not disappointed in our selection – it was an
excellent meal topped only by the service. Other locally owned restaurant
establishments include Upstream (upscale seafood with excellent service),
Noble’s, Barrington’s,Village Tavern, Zebra and Pacific & Vine. 
favorites like Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade and
Louis Vuitton. If that’s not enough, Phillips Place Shopping Center offers
village-style shopping, paying tribute to charming details such as iron lamp
posts, park benches and flowing fountains. 
Magazine as one of the top 25 Golf Schools in the U.S. and finish up at the
19th Hole Lounge. A full-service pro shop is on hand and be sure to browse
the 30,000-square-foot clubhouse filled with gorgeous antiques. 
Ballantyne is not only recognized for its golf
facilities but The Spa at Ballantyne Resort stands on its own merits.
Celebrated as a Top 3 Finalist for 2004 “Most Outstanding Spa in North
America” by Conde Nast Johansens, The Spa at Ballantyne operates under a
genuine promise to create and deliver a personalized experience focused on
your comfort and pleasure. Therapeutic spa and salon treatments, pools,
saunas and the specialty spa shop are all part of the matchless endeavor to
maintain high-quality customer satisfaction through a truly gratifying
encounter. A spa menu lunch is available and can be arranged for enjoyment
immediately following a massage or a dip in the pool.