Back sweat, humidity, the beating sun. Though we've officially reached fall, the heat refuses to show mercy.
Here at UNC's The Odyssey Online, we can't wait for some cooler weather and an excuse to get outside without drowning in our own sweat.
Luckily, the online travel guide TripAdvisor recently released a list of the top five outside activities to do around Chapel Hill, and we're here to help you plan your perfect, outdoorsy fall day.
So throw on those t-shirts and shorts, and get ready to explore.
At the top of the list is the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
According to its website, the garden has 1,100 acres of exhibits and plant collections. An emphasis on conservation underlies the experience, from an education center with seminar rooms to areas dedicated to rare species.
The garden also has group activities, such as a giant chessboard, among the plant collections.
Nick Velasquez, a sophomore at UNC, visited with some friends recently. He loved the engaging atmosphere and interactive activities. One of those activities, he said, is a giant chess board.
“The (chess pieces) weren’t as heavy as you’d think,” Velasquez said. “It also feels like you’re more in the game since the pieces are toddler size. We played like half an hour.”
With everything offered, you can spend an entire day at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. But don’t tire yourself out just yet.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can head over to the scenic Coker Arboretum, which claims second place on TripAdvisor’s list.
The arboretum was created in the 1920s and is situated near some of the more historic residence halls at UNC.
Sophomore Robert Fisher lives in one of those residence halls. He said he loves being near the arboretum because people are always around, and on weekends, they bring their children and pets.
“Most people will go and sit on a bench and not be on their phones,” Fisher said. “Seeing how other people act there is really cool. I just think it’s nice to see other people in a very relaxed state.”
You can relax from dawn to dusk daily, according to its website.
Head over to the arboretum if you’re looking to sit back and unwind among nature in Chapel Hill. The changing leaves make for an ideal afternoon of pictures and fun.
Joining the ranks of both the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Coker Arboretum are The Preserve at Jordan Lake and Unique Plant, claiming spots No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
Rounding out the list at No. 5 is Battle Park. The 93-acre park has a number of scenic nature paths and trails.
Though the rocky terrain makes running difficult, it’s beautiful for a nature walk or a hike, Fisher said.
Battle Park is conveniently located near the northern end of UNC's campus. Quick accessibility and beautiful scenery make it ideal for an afternoon workout.
When that fall weather finally decides to grace us with its presence, you'll have endless outdoor activities to enjoy and explore the outdoors.
With everything Chapel Hill has to offer, you never have to look far for something to do.
@KarenPStahl
