Campus life can feel pretty isolated (especially for first years without a car), but a quick escape is just a train ticket away. Here are my picks for where to go and what to do if you only have one day. Hop a bus to Durham or Cary’s Amtrak station and enjoy yourself — it’s way cheaper than gas!
Charlotte, North Carolina – Retail Therapy
Travel time: about two hours and 30 minutes both ways
Cost: $44 round-trip with student discount
Take the Piedmont train from Durham and arrive at 10 a.m.
Take the 5:15 p.m. Piedmont train and return at 7:45 p.m.
While Charlotte’s best-known retail experience may be South Park Mall, boasting names such as St. John and BCBG, the eclectic boutiques of Plaza-Midwood will leave you dazzling in the local finest. Plus, it’s just a short bus or cab ride from the train. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also bike; just avoid the intersection of Queens, Queens and Queens!
The number one stop for affordable chic is Boris and Natasha, which carries a variety of unique brands like Double-Zero and French Connection. Still, there’s something fun for every price range. Be sure to check out the dazzling local jewelry so you can get a month’s worth of glitter-fix.
Address: 1214 Thomas Ave
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hong Kong Vintage is another local favorite where you will find a wide variety of vintage home accessories and clothing. This is the spot to grab some décor for your dorm, but hit the dollar bin in the front first.
Address: 1514 Central Ave
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For a bite to eat, hit up Zada Jane’s Corner Café. A local favorite, Zada’s tends to be crowded for brunch. The wait is worth it though for the “Bunny Rancheros,” trippy chai and tofu sausage.
Address: 1601 Central Avenue
Hours: Monday Tuesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Petersburg, Virginia – Spa Day
Travel time: about four hours both ways
Cost: $62 round-trip with student discount
Coming: Take the 8:15 a.m. Silver Star Amtrak line from Cary to arrive at noon
Going: Take the 5:37 p.m. Silver Star line to return home at 9 p.m.
While four hours may seem a bit far (and pricey) for a mani-pedi, a trip to The Utopia Spa in Petersburg is definitely worth it. The spa is situated in an adorable 155-year-old building and offers an original line-up of treatments with an in-store boutique. They offer couple’s massages for you and that special someone, and on certain nights, yoga and drum circle. The spa is located in the heart of Old Towne, so you will have plenty of time to meander your way through the fall foliage of one of the nation’s most charming historic districts.
Address: 115 N. Sycamore Street
Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., ?Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.,? Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Afterwards, stop for a bite to eat at The Brickhouse Run, a quaint British pub in Old Towne. It’s just six minutes from the station, and on most weekend nights they offer entertainment.
Address: 407-409 Cockade Alley
Hours: Dinner served at 5 p.m.
Greensboro, North Carolina – Food Tour
Travel Time: one hour both ways
Cost: $17 round-trip with student discount
Coming: Take the 7:15 a.m. Piedmont train from Durham and arrive at 8:15 a.m.
Going: Take the 6:49 p.m. train and arrive at 7:48 p.m.
Sick of your meal plan? This cheaper train fare gives you plenty to spend on food and bus travel.
If you are a caffeine addict, Dolce Aroma is the perfect place for breakfast. It is an eclectic coffee shop that features beans imported from Italy and homemade baklava – yum!
Address: 233 N Elm Street
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Liberty Oak provides original sandwiches like Sgt. Pepper, a spicy turkey and cheese croissant, and Humma-this, a vegetarian hummus sandwich.
Address: 100-D West Washington Street
Hours: Open daily at 11 a.m.
For a more formal dinner, try 1618 West Seafood Grill. It’s a bit pricey, but the food is artistic and delicious. A recent hit is grilled lemon and shrimp on rosemary skewers over bacon and Andouille tart.
Address: 1618 West Friendly Avenue
Hours: Dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
Willson, North Carolina – Day at the garden
Travel Time: two hours both ways
Cost: $27 round-trip with student discount
Coming: Take the 9:30 a.m. Carolinian from Durham and arrive at 11:30 a.m.
Going: Take the 3:32 p.m. Carolinian and return at 5:30 p.m.
The train schedule doesn’t give you much time in Wilson, but it is just enough to check out the beautiful rose gardens and go for lunch.
Wilson Rose Garden is home to 1,200 rose plants and 180 varieties of roses. The garden also features local art, and you’ll likely see couples taking engagement photos or even a wedding. This is a great place for you and a date to go, and best of all it is completely free.
Address: 1800 Herring Avenue
Hours: Open daily from dawn till dusk.
For fresh sandwiches and salads, try Jac’s Grill. The food is delicious and relatively inexpensive. You can also grab a box lunch to take with you.
Address: 2341 Madison Drive
Hours: Lunch Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sources:
The Interior of Boris and Natasha (photo): Creative Loafing, http://clclt.com/imager/the-interior-of-boris-and-natasha/b/original/2422819/c2ff/cover1-4_borisnatasha200612.jpg
Mani-Pedi (photo): The Utopia Spa,
http://i828.photobucket.com/albums/zz203/utopiaspa/Where%20your%20Mind%20and%20Body%20Revisit%20your%20Soul/7Manis.jpg
1618 West Seafood Grille (photo): Yes Weekly, http://www.yesweekly.com/triad/imgs/places/49widea.jpg
Tunnel of Love (photo): Wilson Rose Garden, http://wilsonrosegarden.com/gallery/5a.jpg
Amtrak Fare Finder: Amtrack, http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak