University of North Carolina Athletics
A Tar Heel Bowl Travel Itinerary
December 12, 2013 | Football
By Jennifer DiMeo
The Tar Heels will be turning Charlotte blue when they travel to the Belk Bowl for the game against Cincinnati on December 28th. Now that you have your tickets, your great Carolina bowl adventure can commence.
One of the best parts about UNC playing in Charlotte is the straightforward drive from Chapel Hill. If you are having any trouble getting motivated to leave bright and early Friday morning, plan to start your trip by making a first stop at Sunrise Biscuit on your way out of town. With your fluffy biscuit in hand and Blake Shelton's tunes filling the car, you are ready for the little over two hour journey along interstates 40 and 85.
Once in Charlotte, if you want to stay with the team, check in at the Westin. After unpacking, grab lunch at Fuel Pizza or if you are up to a longer walk head to Price's Chicken Coop. Once full, it is a perfect time to check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Not just a museum but also a shrine to the history, heritage and potential of the sport with hands-on exhibits, interactive videos, and much more. At 4 p.m. swing over to Battle of the Bands taking place right outside the museum.
Now is when you have to decide if you want an earlier or late dinner. Some great pre/post dinner options to help you decide what you are in the mood for include: Harvest Moon Grille, Halcyon Flavors, Basil Thai or Luce. Either way you will be happy joining fellow Tar Heels at BlackFinn American Saloon cheering on the men's basketball team as they battle against Northern Kentucky at 7:00 p.m. If you want to continue your evening later into the night, the EpiCenter is filled with options to satisfy everyone.
If you're a real trooper, you'll be up bright and early again Saturday morning. It is time to lace up your sneakers and join other Carolina runners in the inaugural Belk Bowl 5K. Need a pick-me up after that run? Stop in to Amelie's Petite for a cup of coffee and delicious French bites. It is now time to get cleaned up and head to Fan Fest, where Blake Shelton will be performing at 1:30 p.m.
Finally, the time everyone has been waiting for...KICKOFF.
Enjoyting a Carolina Victory while hungry after a long day is best done at Dressler's. Consider heading back to the EpiCenter for late night celebrating.
Sunday will require a little more rest, so start out with a later brunch at either Toast or Terrace Café. After refueling, consider making one last stop by South Park Mall on your way out of town and back to Chapel Hill.
