City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (704) 364-5840

Address: 224 South Sharon Amity Rd.

Description: Cotswold was built in 1963 as an enclosed mall with several large tenants. In the late 1990s a major renovation created a lovely courtyard with nice architecture, unique shops, outdoor dining, benches, and awnings. Cotswold is a great example of how an aging shopping center can be redeveloped into a vibrant place with a mix of chain retailers, service businesses, and locally owned shops. The center houses Stein Mart, Bath and Body Works, Old Navy, ULTA, Marshall’s, David’s Ltd., Rack Room Shoes, Merle Norman, Blockbuster Video, and Harris Teeter. Carmen Carmen Salon e’ Spa, originally an upscale hair salon that expanded into a full-fledged day spa, is also located here. You can find unusual gifts at several unique shops, including Skillbeck Gallery, featuring handmade pottery and other art objects, and Ten Thousand Villages, with wares from around the world.For a meal or a snack, try Atlanta Bread Company, Dairy Queen, Wolfman Pizza, Salsarita’s, Mama Fu’s, Bruegger’s Bagels, Starbucks, or Charley’s, a popular locally owned restaurant. Outdoor concerts, art demonstrations, and other cultural events are scheduled Fri evenings, May through Sept.