From Wikitravel

University City is a semi-urban area in the northern reaches of Charlotte. It is centered around a "downtown" area located at the intersection of N. Tryon St. and W.T. Harris Blvd. The rest of University City is mostly sprawled and suburban, but contains major establishments such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

[edit] Get in

Driving is the only realistic way to explore University City. The large spaces between attractions make walking prohibitive outside the very core of the district.

When coming from central Charlotte, the "gateway" to University City is the complicated intersection of N.C. highways 29 and 49; these roads create an unusual "weave" that can be troublesome for first-time visitors. Other major avenues include I-85, I-485, and large thoroughfares such as University City Blvd. and Mallard Creek Church Rd.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) [1] bus service also provides an option for those coming from central Charlotte, though their usefulness is limited. Routes #11 and #29 serve University City. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a car (park-and-ride) or taxi.

[edit][add listing] See

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte [2] - The city's public university, located in the growing northern side of the city. It is a rapidly expanding suburban campus, but still lacks the on-campus vibrance of a larger state school. From a traveler's point of view, there's not much to see there on an ordinary day.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 707 Pavilion Blvd., +1 704-549-5555, [3]. Located in the University area, this is the location of Charlotte's summer concert series. Seats up to 20,000 including general-admission lawn space; larger concerts will typically sell out. If you purchase lawn seats you may rent chairs, but for a larger show you will probably not be able to use them.
• Smokin' Cue, 10901 University City Blvd, +1 704-548-0882. A pool hall that takes the game seriously. One of the city's best places to find a competitive game, as well as a reliable cue retailer.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are large shopping centers surrounding the center of University City. Also, Northlake Mall and the huge Concord Mills Mall are only a few minutes away by car.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Ninety's Sandwiches and Ice-cream, 9009 J M Keynes Drive, Suite #4, +1 704-547-1856. Not fast-food, but not dine-in either. Fast, delicious and super friendly service. Ice-cream there is a perfect treat for summer weather and it is a great place to grab a bite as you sit enjoy the summer concerts. Wonderful place for family.
• Zapata's, 8927 J.M. Keynes Blvd (just off N. Tryon St. in the University area), +1 704-503-1979. Probably Charlotte's best Mexican (though some Spanish-speaking joints on the east side might beg to differ). Relatively upscale, Zapata's enjoys one of the best restaurant locations in the University area: perched over a picturesque lake, across from the Hilton hotel, and within minutes of shopping destinations. Almost everything on the menu is good, including the drink specials.
• Ciro's, 8927 J M Keynes Dr., +1 704-510-0012. Upscale Italian located in the strollable center of the University area. High-end service and prices, and an excellent wine menu.
• Old Hickory House Restaurant, 6538 N Tryon St, +1 704-596-8014.
• RJ Gators, 8225 University City Blvd., +1 704-599-2808. A Cajun spin on the Applebees-style chain restaurant. Lively decor and a high volume level make Gators good for a group outing. Try the gator tail.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Tipsey McStumble's, 10008 University City Blvd, +1 704-503-6300. From the name to the drink specials, McStumble's makes no apologies for its kitschy interpretation of "Irish" drinking culture. Not the least bit authentic, but usually vibrant and fun. On football weekends, expect to see a lot of Dallas Cowboys and (of course) Notre Dame fans.
• Boardwalk Billy's Raw Bar & Ribs, 9005-2 J M Keynes Dr, +1 704-503-7427. Popular beach-themed bar and restaurant. Frequent drink specials.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• InTown Suites, 110 Rocky River Rd West, +1 704-599-2380. Possibly the cheapest hotel in the city. Located off Tryon St. in a somewhat gritty area, but easily accessible to a lot of the city's amenities (you can get to almost anything in Uptown, University City and NoDa within 15 minutes' drive). Most rooms run about $25/night.
• University Place Hilton 8629 J.M. Keynes Dr., +1 704-547-7444, [4]. If staying Uptown isn't your cup of tea, consider this one of the best alternatives around. This hotel is one of the vibrant University City area's keystones, and is located adjacent to a major shopping complex. Take a stroll around the lake, try out the paddleboats, eat dinner on a patio balcony only a few minutes' walk from your room. Upper rooms have excellent views of the surrounding area, and most lower rooms have a nice view of the lake. $98 - $169.
• Comfort Suites 7735 University City Blvd., +1 704-547-0049, [5].
• Country Inn and Suites, 131 McCullough Dr., +1 704-717-8728, [6].
• Courtyard by Marriott, 333 W. W.T. Harris Blvd, +1 704-549-4888, [7].
• Holiday Inn, 8520 University Executive Park Dr., +1 704-547-0999, [8].
• Sleep Inn, 8525 N Tryon St., +1 704-549-4544, [9].

[edit] Contact

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!