Entry No. 18 — the Charlotte file — filed under: witchy
Sanctuary Imports
Tucked away in Plaza Midwood, this bohemian metaphysical boutique features a massive selection of raw crystals, ritual herbs, and unique imported furniture.
The story
Before owner Julie Fender opened Sanctuary Imports on Lamar Avenue in 2017, she spent over two decades working in Charlotte’s corporate financial sector. On the side, starting in 2014, she was hand-blending herbal skincare, crafting bath rituals, and sourcing Indonesian art to sell at local markets. The quiet pivot from financial spreadsheets to sacred geometry eventually materialized as this Plaza Midwood storefront—a sanctuary designed to serve both the casual seeker and the seasoned practitioner.
The floor plan stretches far beyond standard gift-shop fare. Alongside massive raw mineral specimens, crystal singing bowls, and fair-trade imported antique furniture, Fender and her team run an in-house apothecary stocking custom-blended herbs, teas, and reiki-charged sprays. The space also operates as a working spiritual hub, hosting a roster of local practitioners for Lenormand card readings, rune casting, shamanic reiki, holistic astrology, past-life regression, and full moon circles.
What it's like
Tucked into the Central Crossing strip behind Central Avenue, the store greets you immediately with the calm scent of burning resins and herbal cleansers—and staff will even offer to mist your newly selected stones with house-made cleansing spray before bagging them up. You will navigate room-like nooks filled with sprawling crystal displays, tarot decks, esoteric titles, and carved timber furniture. If you arrive during peak neighborhood lunch or dinner hours, parking right along Lamar Avenue can be hit-or-miss; pull around to the parking area behind the building, or visit on a weekday afternoon for an unhurried browse.
The move: Visit during one of their seasonal psychic fairs, like the Summer Solstice or Lion's Gate Portal fairs, to get matching tarot or Tibetan numerology readings.
- 📍 Plaza Midwood
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 822 Lamar Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Five Goddess Farm — Pair your crystal and deck browsing with a quiet pot of organic herbal tea at this hidden apothecary located half a mile away in Elizabeth.
- Salt & Souls — Extend your offline reset by stepping into a quiet Himalayan salt cave for a tech-free halotherapy session right in Plaza Midwood.
- Supperland Speakeasy — Shift from metaphysical attunements to spirituous mixology in the basement cellar of a restored mid-century church down the block.
- The Bag Lady — Continue your Charlotte occult loop less than a mile south at Midtown's long-running metaphysical bookstore.
Good to know
What kinds of spiritual readings and services are available?
In-store practitioners offer scheduled individual sessions in intuitive tarot, holistic astrology, rune readings, Lenormand cards, shamanic reiki, past life regression, and monthly aura photography.
Where should I park when visiting?
While there are a few spaces directly in front along Lamar Avenue, they fill up quickly due to neighboring restaurants. Additional parking is available in the lot behind the building.
Do they carry raw crystals and sound healing tools?
Yes, they feature a large collection of raw mineral specimens, tumbled stones, and large display pieces, alongside crystal singing bowls and antique metal bowls.
What happens during their seasonal psychic fairs?
During events like their anniversary, Summer Solstice, or Lion's Gate Portal fairs, the shop hosts multiple readers and practitioners for drop-in readings on a first-come, first-served basis, accompanied by artisan vendor showcases and special discounts.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · charlottesgotalot.com
last checked: 2026-07-21