"Organic."
"Local."
"Gluten-free."
"Kale."

Bristling with desire yet? Anticipation may be the heart-achiest of foreplay, but your days of wandering despondently through aisles of preservative-laden food-like products are soon coming to a close: Charlotte's first Whole Foods Market will be open for business on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

"But, Laura," you whimper through mouthfuls of the "buy 10, get 10 free" saccharin sweet treats you shamefully stuff your gluttonous gull with as you anxiously await the chain's arrival, "whatever will I do with my artificial coloring afflicted self until then?"

Fear not, my humanely raised lambs. Sneak preview days are here.

On Aug. 26 &27, a $5 donation to benefit Friendship Gardens gets you a behind-the scenes-look at the store,
located at the corner of Sharon and Fairview Roads in SouthPark. Attendees must register in advance for a time slot.

There's no actual shopping on the tour, but participants will be the first to learn about some of the 42,000 square-foot store's highlights and features, like the in-house smoker with North Carolina pork, gelato and smoothie bar, children's play area, and bar serving wine and beer. Taste samples in each department, and you also get a goodie bag.

In a press release, Whole Foods Market Charlotte’s Store Team Leader, Trevor Barhydt, said, “We are looking forward to giving the community a sneak peek of our first store here in Charlotte. We’re also thrilled to partner with Friendship Gardens, since their vision really aligns with our commitment to our community and to healthy eating. It’s really a great organization.”

The term "granola" never looked so good.