Making the case for my 4 favorite spots in University City
Many have experienced the quirky shops of NoDa and the nightlife at the EpiCentre, but have you ever looked to the University City area for a day out? If not, you should check out some of my personal favorites around the area.
(1) Student Union theater
Most people don’t know that UNCC has its own movie theater open to the public in the Student Union. Admission is free for students and only $2 to the public. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights the theater plays two or three pre-selected movies, some which recently left theaters as well as some older movies.
“Age of Adaline” featuring Blake Lively and Harrison Ford is next.
Screenings are Oct. 8-11. See the schedule here.
Also, don’t overlook the concession stand beside the theater with snacks and drinks. Bonus points: The theater is usually fairly empty, all in all making for a nice, inexpensive date night.
(2) Campus botanical gardens
With Charlotte’s development boom, it can be difficult to find somewhere to spend time within nature. That is, if you don’t know about the public botanical gardens on the UNCC campus.
This was one of my favorite places to hang out freshman year. The gardens are split into two: Van Landingham Glen with plants native to the Carolinas, and Susie Harwood with the Asian Gardens. Throughout there are labels featuring plants’ descriptions and backgrounds, as well as gazebos and other areas to sit down and soak it in.
Across from the gardens is the McMillan greenhouse, which houses plants from different habitats all over the world. The plants grown there are sold as well. Both the gardens and greenhouse are located at the intersection of Craver Road and Alexander Road, offering parking on Craver in the Union parking deck.
(3) Pelican’s SnoBalls
Need a refreshment? Get off campus and get over to Pelican’s SnoBalls. With the bright pink and blue building and line down the sidewalk, it’s hard to miss. Their snow cones come in multiple sizes beginning at $2. Sometimes cheaper tastes better, right?
They offer over 100 flavors, which can be prepared alone, mixed or with additions such as gummy worms or SnoCream. My personal favorite is topping the cone with giant gummy dinosaurs, but that’s just me.
(4) Reedy Creek Park.
Still craving nature? That’s why Reedy Creek Park is here, with its walking and hiking trails, plus many activities for kids. Located about four miles south of UNCC, the family (and dog) friendly park is open daily and always has something going on. Many people, students in particular, go to this park for light hiking or disc golf.
A post shared by Paige Brianna (@soletgomysoul) on Oct 22, 2014 at 1:37pm PDT
College student or not — there’s plenty going on in University City.
Photos by Marty Price/Charlotte Observer and Briona Kiser.
This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Making the case for my 4 favorite spots in University City."