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The Daily Tar Heel

Get outside before North Carolina becomes the arctic tundra

December is sneaking up on us and, although it was 70 degrees yesterday, so will the chilly weather. With that being said, many students are trying to make the most of the outdoors while they still can and before all of Carolina shuts down from one inch of snow.

I’ve compiled a simple list of places to go, things to do and advice from your fellow peers.

1. Hike through Chapel Hill

It’s an easy way to get outside, in good or bad weather, and enjoy what our surrounding forests have to offer. Both the Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail and Johnston Mill Nature Preserve are only 20 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, which is close enough by car, or you can always just take a hike to the hike.

2. Volunteer

Volunteering during the holidays makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s always appreciated to give back to those you love, and to those who are less fortunate. It’s important that as students we realize how fortunate we are, and take advantage of as many of the opportunities to benefit our community while we can. The Carolina Center for Public Service provides many programs and events for students to get involved in, both indoors and outside.

3. Eat lunch or do school work outside

First-year Zoe Redei, talked about her favorite way to study. 

“I like to do homework outside on the benches or picnic tables with my puffy jacket on,” she said.

With so many places for students to sit, from the Pit to tables outside the dorms, the options are limitless. Not only will being outside make you feel more relaxed, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the weather as well.

4. Check out the 28th Annual Sculpture in the Garden

Until Dec. 11, the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is hosting a multitude of sculptures created by North Carolinian artists. The Garden will hold more than 40 sculptures in various assortments of mediums, including variations of steel, concrete, wood, ceramic and marble.

Beautiful day exploring! Love the sculptures and chess set in the garden

A photo posted by Julia (@phimu86) on

5. Go for a run (or walk) outside.

Junior Mackenzie Todd said she prefers to go running while the weather is still nice.

“I really enjoy running after class to clear my mind,” she said.

She even has a route she prefers and suggests for other students as well.

“I usually run toward Manning Drive, up and around to the old well and back," she said. "Sometimes I go down Franklin so I can run and people watch at the same time — it’s a good distraction to make time go by faster.”

6. Go shopping on Franklin Street.

If exercise isn’t for you, going from shop to shop on Franklin can be your alternative. Franklin Street has many great options, from Bevello clothing store to Schoolkids Records music store. It’s a perfect way to get your holiday shopping in and enjoy walking up and down Franklin. First-year Maddy Schultz agrees. 

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“I like to go to Franklin and shop when I get the chance," she said. 

If you also have some time to spare, make the trip to Durham and check out Parker and Otis, a breakfast and lunch restaurant with an extensive gift shop and a large outdoor seating patio. From gourmet foods from different continents, to fuzzy stuffed animals, this place has every gift you could want.

7. Check out a basketball game.

Lastly, I know it's not outdoor, but I couldn’t resist — the North Carolina men’s basketball team has a home game on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Smith Center. So to make the most of nice weather, take a walk to our extensively far arena, and cheer on our beloved Tar Heels as they take on Radford University at 2 p.m.

@JacquieMel

swerve@dailytarheel.com