We pushed Jamie's bedtime back to 8 about a week ago, and the biggest unexpected benefit has been evenings that actually feel like evenings. Less rushing, more room to linger. We hit both Waverly and Blakeney in the same week and I've wanted to write about both of them for a while, so here's the full breakdown for families with toddlers.
WAVERLY Rea Road near 485
Waverly is the smaller, quieter of the two. It's an open-air shopping center with a good mix of casual and sit-down options, and it's easy to walk around with a stroller without feeling like you're navigating a parking lot obstacle course.
The food
We went for Desano's, which does Neapolitan-style pizza in a large dining room that is somehow always pretty empty. I genuinely don't know if they do a ton of takeout or we just keep going at odd times, but we've never waited. The margherita and the Bianca are both really good. The margherita is on the garlicky side. The Bianca comes with dollops of ricotta that Jamie picked off each slice before eating the rest, which I found both disgusting and extremely relatable.
Inizio's, which is nearby in Promenade, is still my favorite for this style. But Desano's is a solid choice, especially on a night when you don't want to leave Waverly.
Other options: Foxcroft Wine Co. (I'll be back when I'm not pregnant), Ted's Montana Grill, YAMA, Chuey's, and Viva Chicken if you want something more casual.
The play situation
There's no traditional playground at Waverly. What there is: a fountain and turf area right across from Desano's that consistently has families gathered around it. Kids kick soccer balls, run through the open space, wave at strangers walking by from the parking deck. Jamie waved at approximately every person who walked past and considered it the highlight of his evening. It's not a destination play area, but toddlers don't need much, and there's enough going on to keep them busy while you finish your pizza in peace.
There's also Small Hands Big Art for preschoolers and up, a children's boutique, a pet store worth peeking into, and Whole Foods, which is already a full sensory experience for a toddler.
Good to know
Stroller-friendly, well-lit, easy parking. There have been some reports of teenagers on scooters causing disruptions on weekend nights, so if you're going after dark on a weekend, plan to wrap up on the earlier side. With toddlers you're probably out of there by 7:30 anyway, so it likely won't be an issue.
Best for: A casual weeknight dinner when you want options without a lot of planning. Better for younger toddlers who don't need a structured play area.
BLAKENEY Ardrey Kell near 485
Blakeney is bigger in every way. More stores, more restaurants, more going on. Target, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Old Navy, Harris Teeter, and a restaurant cluster that gives you a lot to work with. We met David's parents here on a Tuesday after work and it was a great setup for a longer evening with grandparents in tow.
The play situation
This is where Blakeney pulls ahead. There's a real playground near the Greco Fresh and Shake Shack area with a full play structure, a seesaw, a rocking horse, and open space to run. No mulch. Already a win.
Jamie was more interested in the rocking horse than the structure, first to inspect how it worked, then to ride it once he saw other kids doing it. He found a stick at some point and held onto it for the rest of the playground visit, so he was riding the rocking horse while wielding a stick like a tiny jousting knight. I don't have notes beyond that because I was too busy watching it happen.
The seesaw got about 30 seconds before an "all done." Your mileage may vary. The open space around the playground is genuinely great for toddlers who want to run, touch things, and pick up every stick they find, which is most of them.
The food
Open Rice is right there and the sizzling tofu teppanyaki is really good. Tofu, fried rice, broccoli, vegetables, yum yum sauce on the side, huge portion, around $20. Pre-order if you're going during a busy time. Jamie loved eating some of my rice and "brocc".
Greco Fresh is the easy family choice. Big portions, fast, and the pita and hummus situation is basically made for toddlers. My mother-in-law got spanakopita, David and his dad got lamb wraps/bowls, Jamie got the kids chicken pita and stacked the pita triangles four at a time like he was building something. Everyone cleaned their plates. Nobody complained. That's the review.
Shake Shack and Brixx are also right there if you need them.
The ice cream situation
Jeni's, Shake Shack, or Cold Stone, all just steps from the playground. We went Cold Stone and then sat at the picnic tables behind Jeni's while Jamie ran around with a melting cone in the spring evening air. Those picnic tables are genuinely underrated and I don't think enough people know they're back there.
Also: there was a La Bonbonniere Bakery food truck parked near where we were eating. It was closed when we went, but it's on my list to catch next time.
Good to know
Blakeney is busier and louder, which is either a pro or a con depending on your kid and your energy level that day. More parking, more variety, more space to spread out.
Best for: A longer evening, especially if you're meeting extended family or have older kids who want a real playground. The food options give everyone something, which matters when you're feeding multiple generations.
The bottom line
We're going to keep rotating between both. Waverly when we want something easy and low-key. Blakeney when we want more of everything. Either way, give yourself more time than you think you need. The best part of both spots is what happens after dinner.
Want to be a guest contributor? Hit reply and tell me about your favorite Charlotte-area family adventure.
