5 Peaceful Places in Charlotte, NC to Unwind After Therapy
Sometimes, after an online therapy or brainspotting session, you need a quiet place to process, reflect, and breathe before jumping back into your daily routine. Whether you’re a busy mom craving solitude while the kids are at school or looking for a kid-friendly spot to reset with your little one in tow, Charlotte, NC, has plenty of peaceful spaces to help you recharge. Here are five great locations to visit after a session, offering the perfect backdrop for journaling, meditating, or simply taking a moment for yourself.
1. Freedom Park, Charlotte, NC
📍 Location: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
👩👧 Kid-friendly? Yes! Great for stroller walks and playtime.
👩🦰 Best solo visit time? Mornings or early afternoons while kids are at school.
Freedom Park is an oasis in the heart of Charlotte, featuring scenic walking trails, a serene lake, and plenty of shaded benches where you can sit and reflect. If you just wrapped up an emotional therapy session, take a slow stroll around the lake or find a quiet corner to journal. If you have little ones with you, the playground and open green spaces make it an ideal spot for them to burn off energy while you gather your thoughts.
2. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, Charlotte, NC
📍 Location: 2986 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
👩👧 Kid-friendly? Yes, but better for older kids who enjoy hiking.
👩🦰 Best solo visit time? Weekday mornings for a peaceful experience.
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve offers miles of wooded trails and a tranquil escape from the hustle of daily life. If your brainspotting session brought up deep emotions, walking through nature can help ground you. Bring a journal and find a bench near the creek to jot down your thoughts, or simply listen to the sounds of birds and rustling leaves to center yourself before heading home.
3. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
📍 Location: 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
👩👧 Kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids, better as a solo visit.
👩🦰 Best solo visit time? Midday when it’s the least crowded.
If you’re looking for a quiet and beautiful place to reflect, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem. Filled with lush plants, peaceful walking paths, and cozy benches, it’s the perfect place to sit with a cup of tea and a journal. The greenhouse is especially calming, making it an ideal spot for deep breathing exercises after an intense therapy session.
4. McGill Rose Garden, Charlotte, NC
📍 Location: 940 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
👩👧 Kid-friendly? Somewhat, but best for a solo visit.
👩🦰 Best solo visit time? Late mornings or early afternoons for a quieter experience.
Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, McGill Rose Garden is a peaceful and fragrant retreat, perfect for quiet reflection. With beautiful roses, shaded seating areas, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to bring a journal and decompress after a therapy session. You can sip coffee from the adjacent Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden and enjoy the tranquil surroundings as you gather your thoughts.
5. Amélie’s French Bakery & Café, Charlotte Locations
📍 Location: 136 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
📍 Location: 7715 Pineville Matthews Rd.
Unit 34B Charlotte, NC 28226
📍Location: 524 Brandywine Road E
Charlotte, NC 28209
📍 Location: 380 S College St
Charlotte, NC 28202
👩👧 Kid-friendly? Somewhat, but best for a solo coffee break.
👩🦰 Best solo visit time? Late mornings or early afternoons before the rush.
Sometimes, self-care looks like a warm cup of coffee and a cozy corner to sit in. Amélie’s French Bakery offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere where you can journal, people-watch, or simply take a deep breath before heading home. The soft music, delicious pastries, and warm lighting make it a comforting space to unwind and process any lingering emotions from your session.
Taking time to decompress after therapy is crucial for your mental well-being. Whether it’s a nature walk, a peaceful garden, or a cozy café, finding a space to pause and reflect can help you transition from deep emotional work back into daily life. The next time you finish an online therapy or brainspotting session, give yourself permission to take a moment and breathe. Embrace the self-care you deserve.
Which of these spots speaks to you the most? Or do you have a favorite quiet place in Charlotte? Let me know in the comments!
Eleena Hardzinski is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Brainspotting Therapist who practices online in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Eleena supports women struggling with anxiety, motherhood, parenting, relationships, past traumas, ADHD, and more. She helps overwhelmed moms find balance, overcome guilt, establish healthy boundaries, heal from past traumas, improve family communication, and regain confidence and joy in their lives.
