Four Places for Niners to Cool Off This Summer

It’s going to be a long, hot summer in Charlotte, North Carolina, but luckily there are plenty of places on campus to beat the heat. Check out these spots to cool off and savor the quieter summer months.

1. Hammocks

When it comes to beating the summer heat, there are few places better than swinging in a hammock under some trees. UNC Charlotte has hammocks sprinkled across campus; kick your feet up and rock to a summer breeze at these hidden gems. 

• By the CHHS rings (pictured above) 
• By Davis Pond near South Village 
• In Van Landingham Glen (Botanical Gardens) 
• By Miltimore-Wallis Center (North Village)
• By the Fretwell Building
• By Robinson Hall 

2. Botanical gardens

With pristine views and plenty of tree cover, the Botanical Gardens are a great spot to dodge the summer sun. The Susie Harwood Gardens and Van Landingham Glen together have 14 benches, a pair of hammocks and a tranquil gazebo to enjoy the shade. Take a creekside walk through the gardens and see the flora and fauna.

3. urec’s outdoor pool

Make it a pool day with University Recreation. The outdoor pool on the first floor includes in-water lounge chairs, picnic tables, umbrellas and most important — sunscreen dispensers. The indoor and outdoor pools are open to currently enrolled students from noon to 5 p.m., daily through the last day of the first summer session, Tuesday, July 1. Summer memberships are available to purchase for students registered for fall but not enrolled in summer classes as well as faculty, staff and their add-ons.

4. popp martin student union

When it comes to beating the Charlotte heat (and humidity), it’s hard to beat air conditioning. The Popp Martin Student Union stays nice and cool all summer long. Chill out in the union’s plush seating, grab a cold drink from Starbucks or a Frosty from Wendy’s.