Specialty Shops SouthPark has been a local staple for a sophisticated and refined shopping experience in Charlotte since 1979.

The privately-owned boutiques, national retailers and acclaimed restaurants at Specialty Shops SouthPark offer a Palm Beach, Worth Avenue-inspired atmosphere, providing an intimate shopping and dining experience in this upscale community.

And although Specialty Shops SouthPark has been around for nearly 40 years, it continues to bring in new unique-to-market shops and restaurants on a regular basis. In fact, five new businesses have opened at the Specialty Shops SouthPark in the past year — and you’re going to want to drive over to check them each out ASAP.

1. Renaissance Patisserie 

renaissancepatisserie.com. 980-819-8771.

Open Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Renaissance Patisserie opened April 28, 2018. As Charlotte’s only authentic French bakery, Renaissance Patisserie offers true French pastries, viennoiserie, breads, macarons and cakes that follow the classical French traditions.

“Because of this deeply-rooted understanding of the techniques, we are able to give a wink to innovation while nodding at tradition in the development of new items, new flavor combinations and the incorporation of local, seasonal ingredients,” said marketing manager Martin Schreiner.

Renaissance Patisserie’s award-winning croissants are not to be missed. Plus, it’s the only place in Charlotte where you can find the Breton ‘Kouign-Amann’ pastry, stylized as the ‘Queen Amann’ in honor of Queen Charlotte (and only available on weekends).

“They’re wonderful,” said Schreiner of the ‘Kouign-Amann’ pastry. “Think along the lines of a caramelized croissant — and they’ve taken New York, LA, London and of course Paris by storm.”

2. Scout & Molly’s Boutique 

southpark.scoutandmollys.com. 980-237-8424.

Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 5 p.m.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique opened its doors at Specialty Shops SouthPark six months ago. Since then, the store has offered stylish Charlotteans everything from denim to dresses and beyond, from brands like Joseph Ribkoff, Clara Sunwoo and many more.

“We offer a variety of labels that are timeless and ageless, and can transition easily from day to night  — and season to season,” said shop owner Falguni Patel.

What sets Scout & Molly’s Boutique apart is the exclusive, individual experience each client gets when they walk through the door.

“Our ‘Style Scouts’ go above and beyond to ensure that our clients are receiving the best service,” Patel said. “Each Scout is trained to have a thorough knowledge of the fashion industry and how to assess the customer’s needs.”

3. Drybar

thedrybar.com/locations/charlotte-in-south-park. 704-749-2159.

Open Monday through Wednesday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday through Friday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Plan to get your next blowout at Drybar, expected to open at Specialty Shops SouthPark on Friday, May 25. The Drybar experience is totally different from any other salon. No cuts, no colors — just blowouts, in any of Drybar’s eight signature styles (each named after a cocktail).

You can expect the new shop to feature Drybar’s signature design, including custom Italian chairs, tufted fabric walls, marble bars with built-in phone docking stations and flat-screens featuring cult-favorite chick flicks.

“We personally love the Specialty Shops SouthPark’s location in the heart of SouthPark and are thrilled to be opening our first North Carolina shop there,” said Alli Webb, Drybar founder.

4. Anthony Vince’ Nail Spa 

anthonyvincenailspa.com. 704-910-6820.

Open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 6 p.m.

Speaking of salons, you can stop by Specialty Shops SouthPark to get pampered in a luxury setting at Anthony Vince’ Nail Spa. This 3,566 sq. ft. spa offers all the standard nail services including manicures, pedicures and more — with a distinct focus on cleanliness.

“We use plastic liners for every customer in our pedicure tubs, and never reuse files or buffers,” said spa manager Kelly Wherley. “We are so confident in our practices that we have a sterilization room where you can see our techs cleaning and disinfecting their tools and pedicure jets.”

Anthony Vince’ Nail Spa even offers the new dip powder service, which is stronger than gel polish but more natural looking and healthier than acrylic nails. “The best part about the service is that it is easily removed with acetone,” Wherley said. “We have over 200 shades available!”

5. THRIVE

thrivecarolinas.com. 704-390-7150.

Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for an integrative and preventive medical care model, massage and aesthetic services, yoga and group fitness classes, or anything else to aid you in your wellness journey, you can find it at THRIVE.

Conventional, integrative, and functional medicine practitioners — as well as licensed nutritionists and health coaches, therapists, fitness specialists, acupuncturists, massage and bodywork specialists, licensed aestheticians and more — come together at THRIVE to provide personalized healthcare services for the Charlotte community.

“Specialty Shops SouthPark is a great fit for THRIVE,” said business director Jordan Archer. “Conveniently located in the heart of Charlotte, the center is easily accessible and offers clients and patients an inviting and peaceful experience that sets the tone for their visit at THRIVE.”

You can visit the THRIVE Life Enhancement Center to check out the yoga and group exercise studio, commercial teaching kitchen, dedicated spa area and more.

Visit Specialty Shops SouthPark today

Whether you want to indulge in delicious pastries, pamper yourself with salon services or go on a shopping spree, Specialty Shops SouthPark is the place to do it.

To learn more about these and the additional shops and restaurants at this upscale community, visit specialtyshopssouthpark.com.

*This article was done in partnership with Charlotte Observer.