Where Can You Blow Off Some Steam in the University Area?

April 8th, 2010 categories: Great Neighborhoods

We’re not promoting pollution or the pro or cons of nuclear energy.  However, after a stressful semester and the additional stress of graduating during a tough job market, many living in and around the University area of North Charlotte may need to blow off some steam and have some fun to close out 2010.

The University area (aka University City) is the North Charlotte community surrounding The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).  The community is found along University City Boulevard and W.T Harris Boulevard.  I-485 and North Tryon Street (US 29) also are prominent intersections in the area.  The University area is neighbored by the cities of Harrisburg and Concord.  The outskirts of the University area include Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the Concord Mills Outlet Mall.

If the beauty of natural flora is your stress reliever, check out the Charlotte Botanical Garden.  The gardens are on the campus of UNCC.  The gardens have three main areas including a greenhouse and two gardens.  Steam can wilt plants so please blow off some steam before you enter the gardens.

If a game of pool and an ice cold beer sound like your scene, check out Smokin’ Cue which is a pool hall on University City Boulevard.  Smokin’ Cue offers friendly service and well-maintained billiards tables.  Women’s Professional Billiards Association members recently participated in an event held here that benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Thus, if you stop by, you may cross paths with a professional billiards player and get to utter the most famous words in billiards, “rack’em!”

If an authentic Mexican dish and a nice margarita are your stress reliever, Zapata’s is your spot.  Zapata’s is located on J.M. Keynes Drives.  The restaurant offers large portions of authentic Mexican cuisine.  A live Mariachi band plays there nightly and Latin dancing is offered on Saturday night to Salsa, meringue, and cumbia music.  The restaurant has a wonderful view because its location overlooks the University Park Lake near the University City Hilton.

If a Guinness or other beer is your stress reliever, try Tipsey McStumble’s.  The name should say it all.  This completely unauthentic Irish pub on University City Boulevard offers a fun place to just hang out with friends and watch sporting events.  Go easy on the drink specials so that you don’t get too “tipsey.”

If you’re looking for some physical activity to blow off steam, check out Charlotte Pilates which is the only  Pilates studio located in the University and Concord area of Charlotte.  As a Pilates fan, I know that it can provide much needed strength to your core muscles.  This added strength enhances your ability to handle stresses on your body.

Now, that you’ve blown off your steam, craft a killer resume, network, and attack that job market with vengeance.  Good Luck!

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