8 Charlotte destinations for a one-stop-shop

Why drive all over town? Here are eight Charlotte-area destinations that provide a one-stop-shop experience for everything from outdoor gear to libations for your next party.

(1) Paper Skyscraper

What you’re looking for: Gifts
Convenience factor: You can get inspiration as you browse – you don’t have to come in knowing exactly what you need to buy. Jewelry, home goods, books, the perfect card (and even wrapping stuffs), make for solid gifting for almost anyone on your list.
Agenda pro tip: When you find a gift you like, stock up with multiples. You never know when you’ll need a last-minute hostess or birthday gift.

(2) U.S. National Whitewater Center

What you’re looking for: Outdoor adventure
Convenience factor: All-day activities and entertainment – like rafting, ziplining, climbing and more — with one high-value daypass (adult, $59, kids $49).
Agenda pro tip: The Deep Water Solo climbing complex is coming this spring. Sounds intense.

(3) N.C. Music Factory

What you’re looking for: Complete night out without in-between transit
Convenience factor: Whether you’re there for a concert or not, you can park once and hit dinner, drinks, games and club-vibes without any additional Ubers.
Agenda pro tip: The Wet Willie’s patio when there’s a concert at Fountain Plaza? Nothing better.

(4) Hendrick Auto Mall Concord Mills

What you’re looking for: An easier way to buy, sell, or service your vehicle.
Convenience factor: You can shop 11 different brands and over 3,000 vehicles in one location. It’s easy to get to, I-85 at the Concord Mills exit.
Agenda pro tip: Visit the vehicle buying center, located in the Fiat building — it’s the only place in Charlotte that will give you an appraisal in less than 30 minutes AND a check for your car on the spot. You can sell your car without the pressure to buy.

(5) Park Road Shopping Center

What you’re looking for: Weekend honey-do list
Convenience factor: With Blackhawk alone you can probably knock off 2-3 tasks. But add in grocery, drugstore and post office and you can basically cross off your entire to-do list.
Agenda pro tip: Hit up Great Outdoor Provision Co + Onward Reserve to inspire your next weekend getaway, so you can camp instead of running errands.

(6) Phillips Place

What you’re looking for: A new ensemble
Convenience factor: If you’re looking for an outfit for a particular night out, it’s fair to want a boutique experience with the convenience of a mall. Shop the Phillips Place cluster of bevello, K. La and Luna’s for comparable-ish pricing and high-end looks.
Agenda pro tip: Shopping is hard. Finish strong with bar bites at Upstream.

(7) Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

What you’re looking for: Antiques
Convenience factor: Holy cow, you can’t really browse the whole thing (55,000 square feet) properly in a full day. BUT if you’re on the hunt for something specific, you can zip through the aisles fairly quickly and have a high chance of success.
Agenda pro tip: Grab a map and pencil at the front so you can make notes on items you’re interested in (and take a photo too in case the vendor moves an item to a different booth!).

(8) Frugal MacDoogal

What you’re looking for: Libations
Convenience factor: Just over the state line on 77 in Fort Mill, Frugal MacDoogal is the largest beverage warehouse in the Carolinas. You’ll find comparable prices for wine and beer at other locations, but for liquor selection and discounting it’s worth the trip.
Agenda pro tip: Be prepared to pay debit/cash for the biggest discount.

(Note: This content was co-created with Hendrick Auto Mall Concord Mills.)