Big Rock Nature Preserve

Neighborhood · North Carolina

Ballantyne

Big Rock Nature Preserve

Best timeMar–Jun, Sep–Nov
From you
Nearest airportCLT · 12 mi
Typical stay$121/night
On this page

Overview

Ballantyne is a sprawling suburb on the southern boundary of Charlotte. Having risen out of farmland 20 years ago, it has been recognized as one of the most successful master-planned communities in the Southeast. Ballantyne is hailed as a center of commerce and thriving residential activity in southern Mecklenburg County. It comprises 2,000 acres of development, but its sphere of influence is much larger. Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre business community in the heart of Ballantyne, drives economic development and is home to over 300 companies and 15,000 employees. Residents love the countless amenities that the area offers.

2 sights · 1 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Ballantyne

Big Rock Nature Preserve

Big Rock Nature Preserve

See some of the biggest rocks in the Charlotte area.

monuments

At the intersection of Johnston Rd. and Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. stand four large monuments. The 30-foot arches are inscribed with esoteric symbolism that relays a history of Charlotte.

The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge

Adjacent to posh Ballantyne Country Club. Features a spa, pool, and golf club. Also, nice details such as babysitting service and shopping-shuttles are offered to guests. The restaurant gets rave reviews. Probably the ci…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Jan. (climate data from nearby Fort Mill)

Jan: 4.0 in rain4"Jan: high 51°F, low 31°F51°31°JanFeb: 3.6 in rain3.6"Feb: high 57°F, low 34°F57°34°FebMar: 4.4 in rain4.4"Mar: high 66°F, low 42°F66°42°MarApr: 3.0 in rain3"Apr: high 75°F, low 50°F75°50°AprMay: 3.7 in rain3.7"May: high 81°F, low 59°F81°59°MayJun: 3.4 in rain3.4"Jun: high 88°F, low 67°F88°67°JunJul: 3.8 in rain3.8"Jul: high 91°F, low 71°F91°71°JulAug: 3.7 in rain3.7"Aug: high 90°F, low 70°F90°70°AugSep: 3.8 in rain3.8"Sep: high 83°F, low 63°F83°63°SepOct: 3.7 in rain3.7"Oct: high 74°F, low 52°F74°52°OctNov: 3.4 in rain3.4"Nov: high 63°F, low 43°F63°43°NovDec: 3.2 in rain3.2"Dec: high 54°F, low 34°F54°34°Dec

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

  • From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
  • CLT Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte — 12 mi away (major hub). Directions
  • USA Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, Concord — 24 mi away. Directions

As a suburban district, Ballantyne is most conveniently traveled by car. It sits off Exit 61 on I-485, and major thoroughfares include Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Johnston Rd., and Providence Rd. West.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

  • Places to stay listed here: about $116–$121 a night (typical $121), from 3 listed prices.
  • Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$160, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$290.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

  • Morning monuments, The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
  • Lunch Jade Asian Fusion Sushi Bar
  • Afternoon Big Rock Nature Preserve
  • Dinner The Blue Taj

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

    Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

    Photos

    Big Rock Nature PreserveBallantyne

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Get in

    As a suburban district, Ballantyne is most conveniently traveled by car. It sits off Exit 61 on I-485, and major thoroughfares include Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Johnston Rd., and Providence Rd. West.

    Ballantyne Corporate Park offers 16 miles of walking trails and bike paths. It is easy to access to the greenway now that North Community House Road connects.

    CATS, the city bus system, runs a regular route out here (Route #43) which connects Ballantyne to the LYNX light rail line, which runs north to Uptown.

    See

    See monuments

    At the intersection of Johnston Rd. and Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. stand four large monuments. The 30-foot arches are inscribed with esoteric symbolism that relays a history of Charlotte.

    Maps
    Big Rock Nature Preserve

    See Big Rock Nature Preserve

    See some of the biggest rocks in the Charlotte area.

    🕒 Sunrise to sunsetChecked Jan 2024
    Maps

    Do

    Do The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge

    Adjacent to posh Ballantyne Country Club. Features a spa, pool, and golf club. Also, nice details such as babysitting service and shopping-shuttles are offered to guests. The restaurant gets rave reviews. Probably the city's best resort spa, located on the southern edge of town. If you want to create a buzz, ask for a $300 "Ballantini" from the bar; it has gold leaf around the rim and you get a bottle of champagne to boot. $160-400.

    📍 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy☎ +1 704-248-4000
    Maps

    Buy

    Shop Ballantyne Village

    It is the "town center" of the area, and features numerous stores and restaurants.

    📍 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 240-19
    MapsWebsite

    In addition, there are several major shopping centers within a few minutes' drive of Ballantyne, including Carolina Place Mall and SouthPark Mall.

    Shop Blakeney Village

    Large outdoor shopping center with numerous restaurants and shops.

    📍 9870 Rea Road
    MapsWebsite

    Shop Stonecrest at Piper Glen

    Shopping center with a Target, Michael's and movie theatre.

    📍 7900 Rea Rd☎ +1 704-335-5455
    MapsWebsite

    Shop The Arboretum

    Outdoor shopping center at the north entrance of Ballantyne that features numerous restaurants and shops.

    📍 8008 Providence Rd☎ +1 704-295-4002⚠ Last checked Aug 2017 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    Eat

    Eat Cajun Yard Dog, Arboretum

    Southern / Soul

    In the large Arboretum shopping center near I-485 in south Charlotte. Though this is somewhat less authentic than Charlotte's other offerings, it is also a bit more affordable. Plenty of other options in the area if the line is long.

    📍 8036 Providence Rd #900☎ +1 704-752-1750Checked Aug 2023
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat Jade Asian Fusion Sushi Bar

    JapaneseAsian

    Asian fusion.

    📍 14815 Ballantyne Village Way🕒 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM, Sat noon-2:30PM, closed Sun; dinner: Sun-Thu 5-10 PM, Fri Sat 5-11PM☎ +1 704-369-5088Checked Aug 2023
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Eat The Blue Taj

    Indian

    Indian cuisine.

    📍 14815 Ballantyne Village Way Suite 170🕒 Lunch daily 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner Mon-Thu 5-10PM, Fri Sat 5-10:30PM, Sun 5-9:30PM☎ +1 704 369 5777⚠ Last checked Mar 2018 — confirm before you go
    Video reviews: Instagram reels · TikTok · YouTube
    MapsWebsite

    Sleep

    • The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge includes one of the city's most prominent and expensive hotels. See details above.

    Stay Staybridge Suites Charlotte Ballantyne

    This all-suite hotel is great for extended stay or short term hotel needs. Rooms feature kitchens and spacious living and work areas.

    📍 15735 Brixham Hill Ave.💲 $116Check-in 3PM · out noon☎ +1 704-248-5000Checked Aug 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Stay Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne

    The hotel was upgraded and features a comfortable and stylish layout with an open lobby feel.

    📍 15635 Don Lochman Ln.💲 $121Check-in 4PM · out 11AM☎ +1 704-341-0041Checked Aug 2023
    MapsWebsite

    Stay Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne

    Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne is the area's only LEED-certified hotel and exudes a fun energy with its loft-inspired design. The hotel also offers a hip W xyz bar, which locals enjoy visiting for drink specials and live entertainment.

    📍 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Pl.💲 $220Check-in 3PM · out noon☎ +1 704-247-2222Checked Aug 2023
    MapsWebsite

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