Many of SouthPark’s neighborhoods are older, developed in the 1970s and 1980s and are larger properties with established trees and sidewalks. However, there are new estates being built in the area as well as mix-use shopping and residential centers that are trying to attract some of the cities young professionals away from downtown.

There are tons of fine dining and friendly casual restaurants in the heart of SouthPark. From elegant to reasonably pricedrestaurants, SouthPark’s got it all! Here are just a few of the most popular ones:

• Harper’s Opened by the Harper’s Restaurant Group in 1987, Harper’s features basic American fare with pizzazz. 6518 Fairview Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 704-366-6688
• Noble’s Noble’s is one of five restaurants run by Executive Chef Jim Noble featuring “New Southern Cuisine.” 6801 Morrison Blvd Charlotte, NC 28211 704-367-9463
• The Palm Although a chain, The Palm features good food, a fun atmosphere and great potential for local celebrity sightings. 6705-B Phillips Place Court Charlotte, NC 28210 704-552-7256

The SouthPark Mall is the shopping mecca featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Coach, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and many other upscale boutique shops. But that’s not to take away from SouthPark’s outside-the-mall shopping.

• Dean & Deluca The shop at Phillip’s Place features a full meat counter, coffee bar and bakery. And don’t forget the wine bar across the street. 6903 Phillips Place Court Charlotte, NC 28210 704-643-6868

Because of SouthPark’s presence as a business district there are several quality hotels surrounding the mall. Most notably, the Doubletree Guest Suites and the Marriott’s Park Hotel.