Fresh summer fruits, sunflower fields and daylight past 8 p.m. are all staples of North Carolina summers, but let’s face it — so are the high temperatures! To beat the heat in the city this season, check out these cool, local activities.
Right By Campus
UREC Pool
Sometimes the best things aren’t too far away — cool off right on campus at the outdoor UREC pool! Relax in the water lounge chairs or play a friendly game of pool volleyball. The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ,Saturdays; and closed on Sundays. Hours may vary during holidays.
Ninety’s Dessert Bar
Looking for a nostalgic but tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Just across from campus you can find Ninety’s Dessert Bar — a family-owned business specializing in unique sweet creations! Choose from one of their specialty milkshakes, or customize your own crazy creation.
Top Golf in University City
Grab some friends to get out of the sun when you head over to Top Golf in University City! Rain or shine, this campus-friendly location features more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, a restaurant, rooftop terrace, complimentary clubs and high-tech self scoring golf balls. And even better, all game play is 50 percent on Tuesdays!
Hop on the Light Rail
Nebel Alley’s Night Market
What’s better than spending a summer night shopping from local vendors? On the second Saturday of each month, visit the Nebel Alley’s Night Market to shop over 30 small businesses, enjoy live music and eat from surrounding restaurants. Don’t want to worry about hectic parking in South End? You can take the light rail!
Light rail ride from campus: 30 to 35 minutes
Charlotte FC
Something that’s really cool? Getting a discount on Charlotte FC tickets! Catch a match at the Bank of America Stadium this summer. Student tickets go on sale the Monday of each match week, starting at 10 a.m.
Light rail ride from campus: 25 to 30 minutes
Visit a Museum
What’s better than fresh museum air conditioning on a hot summer’s day? Uptown Charlotte has no shortage of museums to explore this summer. Try checking out Discovery Place Science, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Illusions or the NASCAR Hall of Fame!
Light rail ride from campus: 25 to 30 minutes
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Take a trip to NoDa for another sweet spot to try this summer: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Jeni’s offers 30-plus unique flavors of ice cream, with both gluten- and dairy-free options. Just off of the 36th Street Station, the light rail makes this adventure even easier!
Light rail ride from campus: 20 to 25 minutes
Take a Drive
U.S. Whitewater Center’s River Jam
Nothing can beat live music by the water — cool off this summer with River Jam at the U.S. Whitewater Center. Enjoy roots rock, Americana, bluegrass, folk and funk music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from now until September. Still a bit toasty? Try whitewater rafting or kayaking while you’re there!
Drive from campus: 25 minutes
Lake Norman State Park
A one-stop spot for all fun water activities, Lake Norman State Park offers beach access, swimming, boating, fishing and more! Between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the park rents pedal boats and canoes to enjoy. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Drive from campus: 45 minutes