community
Welcome to Strolling Piper Glen
Neighbors, pets, recipes and the businesses that support the neighborhood magazine, now online. Here is what you will find, and how to share your own story.
Nell Thomas·Oct 1, 2026
NT
Nell Thomas
Community Writer, Strolling Ballantyne
Community writer and features editor for Strolling Ballantyne, covering local businesses, wellness, dining, and neighborhood life in the Ballantyne area of south Charlotte.
14 Articles
community
George and Gail McDowell of Piper Glen
George and Gail McDowell bought in Piper Glen in 2004 to be near the grandchildren, moved in for good in 2008 and never left.
Nell Thomas·Oct 1, 2026
dining
Gail McDowell's Famous Caesar Salad
Gail McDowell mastered the caesar salad after a move to Toronto in the early 1980s and has made more than 1,000 of them since.
Nell Thomas·Oct 1, 2026
lifestyle
Jude and Bette, the Mayor and the Rebel of Piper Glen
Jude is the social one, the unofficial Mayor of Piper Glen. Bette prefers mischief, swimming and fetch. Candi West's two white English Labradors know which neighbors and which golfers keep treats…
Nell Thomas·Oct 1, 2026
business
Modern Legal, Theresa Viera's Family Law Firm
Theresa Viera's family law firm handles divorce, custody, support and protective orders, and tries to keep cases out of the courtroom when it can. Charlotte, Gastonia, Statesville and Waxhaw, N.C.
Nell Thomas·Sep 1, 2026
community
The Talley Family of Piper Glen
Lauren and Clay Talley lived in five states before Piper Glen. Five years in, with three children, swim team and a Girl Scout cookie booth, they say it is the people who made it home.
Nell Thomas·Aug 1, 2026
lifestyle
Brody, The Fitness Studio's Greeter
Brody jumped out of a stranger's car and into Jackie Hawkins's arms as a puppy in Tampa. Nearly 10 years later, he greets everyone who walks into her studio in Piper Glen.
Nell Thomas·Aug 1, 2026
community
The Medica Family of Piper Glen
Blake and Anna Medica met studying abroad in London as Florida State students. Nine years into Piper Glen, their favorite thing about it is easy: the people.
Nell Thomas·Jul 1, 2026
community
Sip & Stroll 2026: A Toast to the Community
Photos from Stroll's 2026 Sip & Stroll on May 28: neighbors at cocktail tables on the lawn, a band on the patio, and partner tables from neighborhood businesses.
Nell Thomas·Jul 1, 2026
lifestyle
Stryker the Hiker, a Rescue Cavalier
Stryker, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, lost his owner, found a foster family through The Cavalier Rescue, and landed with a new family in Charlotte. Now he hikes, flies and posts about it.
Nell Thomas·Jul 1, 2026
business
The British International School of Charlotte
BISC, in Ballantyne, teaches from the English National Curriculum through the IB Diploma Programme. Principal Liam Strachan on why critical thinking matters more in a world shaped by AI.
Nell Thomas·Jul 1, 2026
community
The Childers Family of TPC Piper Glen
Lesley and JJ Childers joined TPC Piper Glen in 2018. She founded a faith tech platform after a career as a creative director; he grew up working and playing The Greenbrier and founded his own…
Nell Thomas·Jun 1, 2026
wellness
The Fitness Studio Piper Glen
A private personal training studio on Rea Road whose trainers bring 15 to 25 years of experience, with programs from pre- and postnatal training to TPI golf assessments. A paid Partner Spotlight.
Nell Thomas·Jun 1, 2026
lifestyle
Abby and Tucker, a Yorkie and a Maltese
Abby, a 14-year-old Yorkie, came home through a thunderstorm drive to Georgia. Tucker, a Korean Maltese, arrived in 2023 to keep her company. Today they argue over who sleeps closest.
Nell Thomas·Jun 1, 2026
