Green space abounds on tony side of town

1. Indulge in the fruits of the sea at Miro Spanish Grill.

This excellent eatery specializes in Spanish, Latin and Mediterranean cuisine. If you don't fill up on the tasty tapas — choice options include patatas bravas (fried potatoes), champiñones al ajillo (sauteed mushrooms) and pulpo (baby octopus) — then try one of the seafood stews, packed with such savory ingredients as shrimp, calamari and clams. 7804-A Rea Road. 704-540-7374. www.mirospanishgrille.com.

2. Drink until you just can't drink no mo' at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge.

The bar at Gallery Restaurant has recently stepped up its cocktails with its Liquid Arts program, offering fresh ingredients and house-made syrups and sodas. In addition, the Scotch Society of Ballantyne meets here every month to sample a variety of, uh, scotch, paired with small plates. (Price is $40 a person.) If staying sober is more your speed, come instead for afternoon tea or even an astrological tea, where the Ballantyne will blend up something special for your zodiac sign. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. 704-248-4000. www.theballantynehotel.com. (Kimberly Lawson)

3. Admire Mother Nature's handiwork at Big Rock Nature Preserve.

Charlotte's power players are always in a hurry to destroy old landmarks and erect new edifices, but good luck modernizing this impressive » Continue

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