Waverly is hard to miss. The new mixed-use development that has changed the face of Weddington occupies 90 acres along Route 16 and further closing the gap that once separated Waxhaw from Charlotte.
The sprawling new community houses everything from single-family homes, to apartments and all are neatly tucked into the back of a walkable design that offers shopping, eating, and entertainment of many sorts.
Understandably, locals are interested in seeing how this new space will cater to the already established residents in the Weddington, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel area.
Saturday afternoon offered one of the first glimpses into the role Waverly may play in the social scene in Weddington as they hosted their first Halloween bash called Halloween at Waverly.
Nestled in the heart of the acreage is a modern version of the village square named, The Terrace, where kid-friendly turf and a splash pad are bordered by hanging gliders and fountains. The space is designed to feel energetic and relaxing at the same time. It encourages mingling and community. It’s the area meant to host festivities and celebrations such as Halloween.
Last Saturday, vendors from Waverly and other areas of Charlotte perched around the turf offering Trick-or-Treating to kids in costume. Some provided free services such as hair braiding, face painting and craft making.
A DJ boomed from his booth in the corner announcing winners of the costume pet parade that kicked off the day and underpinning the atmosphere with a string of pop tunes.
Spiderman and Snow White both made their appearance and they happily posed for pictures with costume-clad kids.
The vibe as easy and the weather cooperated so that the splash pad could be enjoyed.
Many of the families hung around after the official close of the event as the space was enticing and there are plenty of choices within walking distance where one might grab a bite to eat before heading home.
Though the Halloween crowd was small the event was an encouraging look into the way Waverly will shape the future of Weddington. Its feel is distinctly different from the small town draw of historic Waxhaw. It is much more modern and vibrant in a millennial-centric way and it provides little overlap with anything offered in Wesley Chapel as their festivals are most often held in Dogwood Park.
The addition of all that Waverly has to offer gives South Charlotte a new way to play, dine, shop and socialize. Tri-W area readers can anticipate upcoming events at the development as the holidays approach. Check Waverlyclt.com for a full calendar.
