Rejoice, friends, because Easter break, the last calm before the storm of Fs (frolics/formals/finals) that leaves us F-ed at the end of the year, is finally upon us. For some people this means flying home to see family and friends, but for others it might mean staying on campus.
But an Easter vacay in the 704 isn’t all doom and gloom – this could be your chance to head down 77 and explore Charlotte without feeling like you’re cheating on your campus obligations. Here are 9 ideas to shake up your long weekend:
Food and Fun
The scene at Common Market last summer
1. Food Truck Friday in South End
For a local eating adventure, try Common Market’s weekly gathering that draws nearly every food truck in the Charlotte area (plus a lot of young people and their dogs). Get there early for good parking and don’t forget a picnic blanket!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/food-truck-friday-charlotte
2. Coyote Joe’s 1-2-3 Night
This 18+ country bar will show you a whole new side of the south. This Friday Night is their famous 1-2-3 night, so make sure to plan for a designated driver or taxi if you’re planning on reaching drinks 4-5-6. And don’t forget spandex if you might take a ride on the mechanical bull.
3. Epicentre
This mixed-use entertainment facility right in the heart of uptown Charlotte is basically a playground for adults. The restaurants, bars, and other late-night spots will be hosting a variety of events this weekend – Easter-themed bar crawls Friday night, live music on both Friday and Saturday, and an all-you-can-bowl special on Monday night. Check the website for a full event schedule.
Arts and Culture
An advertisement for PostSecret: The Show (from blumenthalarts.org).
4. Public Art Walking Tour
Explore uptown Charlotte through the lens of the city’s impressive public art projects. Download the podcast or pick up the free brochure from a Charlotte visitors’ center and guide yourself through a 45-minute artistic adventure.
http://www.artsandscience.org/programs-a-services/public-art-program/public-art-walking-tour
5. Civil War Living History Weekend at Historic Rosedale Plantation
If you’re a history buff, then this is the weekend for you. This historic Civil War estate is bringing the last days of the Confederacy to life on Saturday and Sunday. The people watching alone will make this one fully worth its six dollar admission (if you buy your ticket here by Thursday):
http://www.historicrosedale.org/events/36-Living-History-Civil-War)
6. PostSecret The Show at Booth Playhouse
If you’re a fan of Frank Warren’s PostSecret project, you won’t want to miss this live show that brings real never-before-seen PostSecrets to life. A student ticket will only cost you fifteen dollars, and the Booth Playhouse is right in the heart of uptown within walking distance of Charlotte’s best restaurants and bars. Get your homework done early so that you can catch Tuesday’s opening performance before class starts on Wednesday!
Outdoors
The new Romare Bearden Park (from Charmeck.org).
7. Latta Plantation Nature Center
Burnt out on lake campus? Head south of campus for a new outdoor experience. Mecklenburg County’s largest nature preserve features sixteen miles of hiking trails where you might run into one of almost 150 reported animal species, including bald eagles and red foxes.
8. Music Box Lunch at Romare Bearden Park
This new park in the heart of uptown Charlotte honors Romare Bearden, an African-American artist and writer who was born in Charlotte. Head there at lunchtime on Tuesday for free live music.
http://www.charlottecultureguide.com/event/detail/441823910/Music_Box_Lunch
9. Crowders Mountain State Park
If you’re willing to venture a little further down the road, Crowders Mountain State Park is a great day-long adventure. Eleven trails leading to beautiful 25-mile views of Gaston County will make your climb more than worth it.