Mineral Springs Charlotte, NC

The University area, including Mineral Springs, developed during the 1960s in response to the need to expand the original Charlotte College. Charlotte business leaders raised funds to move the college, once stationed at Charlotte Central High School, to a campus 10 miles north of the city. With the induction of Charlotte College into the state-supported higher education system in 1964 came improvements in infrastructure to both the campus and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Art exhibits can be found all around Mineral Springs, thanks to the University. The College of Arts and Architecture hosts exhibits all year long at two locations around the main campus and a gallery at the UNC Charlotte Center city building. Rowe Hall and Gallery hosts occasional concerts and live performances. Outside of the University area, the city of Charlotte puts on a number of annual events, including the Queen City BBQ Festival and the Novant Thanksgiving Parade.

Mineral Springs teems with local and chain restaurants and bars along West Sugar Creek Road and North Tryon Street. A majority of these dining options are familiar favorites, such as Cheddar's, TGI Fridays and Chili's. However, a handful of locally owned, casual joints have become popular for concocting amazing plates that satisfy the cravings of most everyone who walks in the door.

Maria's Grill, bordering the community of Derita along West Sugar Creek Road, draws in crowds looking for a greasy-spoon experience. Maria's serves up huge portions of breakfast, lunch and dinner and has become locally famous for its traditional meat-and-three platters. Locals know to order one of the many omelette choices with a side of grits for breakfast. What Maria's lacks in ambiance it more than makes up for in quality and quantity.

To the east of Mineral Springs, along North Tryon, Zizi's Vegan Take-out satisfies the cravings of locals with restricted diets. Charlotte area vegans claim that Zizi's serves the best vegan food on the planet, and if the raving reviews aren't enough, the menu leaves diners without a doubt. Perfect falafel, creamy avocado wraps and gluten-free bread have vegans and carnivores alike craving these sometimes healthy but always fulfilling dishes.

The Mineral Springs area has enough bars and nightlife options to keep locals busy most evenings. Billing itself as a 21st century honky tonk, Puckett's Farm Equipment serves up cold beer everyday and live music on the weekends. Closer to the University, popular places to grab a beer or cocktail include T. Mac's Restaurant, Bar Louie and Boardwalk Billy's. To experience upscale nightclubs and popular music acts, locals drive uptown to Suite, Tilt on Trade or the NC Music Factory.

Surrounded by large commuter-friendly roads and the I-85 interstate, Mineral Springs best caters to those with their own vehicle. The neighborhood lacks the walking paths and bike lanes that make communities walkable and bike-friendly. Those needing to access uptown Charlotte needn't go far, as I-85 can be reached along University City Boulevard and West W.T. Harris Boulevard. The other two highways within the city, I-77 and I-485, are accessible via I-85. Residential streets provide adequate public parking for those visiting the area. Those seeking parking closer to the University have nine parking lots to choose from.

Charlotte Area Transit System runs affordable and convenient bus routes throughout all of Mineral Springs. Popular routes along West Sugar Creek Road and North Tryon Street and operate every 10 to 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. until midnight during the work week. On occasion, taxis can be hailed around the neighborhood, but both cabs and Uber provide service if called in advance.

Mineral Springs does not have any parks within the neighborhood boundary, but three modestly-sized city-operated parks can be found right outside the border. To the south near I-85, Tom Hunter Park has a basketball court, walking trails and a playground. The larger Newell Park near the University caters to athletes, with baseball fields, a batting cage, walking trails and a playground. Also nearby, Thereasea Clark Elder Park contains more fields, along with a picnic shelter. Charlotte parks are free to use and dog friendly.

If you're looking for parks-based events, mosey over to Freedom Park on Cumberland Avenue in Charlotte at the end of September for the annual Festival in the Park that includes over 80 local arts and crafts exhibitors and almost 1,000 entertainers that help the community celebrate the end of the summer season.

Mineral Springs residents pay around 3.5 percent less that Charlotte residents for cost-of-living expenses. Housing averages 15 percent less here than elsewhere around Charlotte, and rental rates remain at around $1,003 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Goods and services around Mineral Springs are fairly priced, and a local beer sets patrons back between $5 and $6, depending on the type of restaurant or bar.

Transportation costs mirror the rest of the city. Gas prices sit at about 4 percent less than the national average. Charlotte Area Transit System's bus service costs $2.20 for a one-way fare and $6.60 for a day pass. Express service during the morning and afternoon commutes costs $2.60 each way.

Belgate Shopping Center, the location of the first and only Ikea in the Carolinas, is located in the Mineral Springs area. Adjoining retail shops include Hobby Lobby, Old Navy, World Market and Petsmart. Furniture Row Shopping Center sits across from Belgate and includes a number of speciality furniture stores, such as SofaMart and Denver Mattress Company. High-end stores and boutique can be found 20 minutes away at Founders Hall or in the South Park neighborhood.

Another popular retail district lies to the north of Mineral Springs in the Shoppes at Worthington shopping center. Nona's Sweets, featured on the WE television network's show Platinum Weddings, serves up bakery goods using recipes passed down for generations. Purchase wedding cakes, birthday cupcakes and speciality pastries at this popular shop. Locals especially recommend the fudge.

Players Sporting Goods carries one of the largest selections of baseball equipment in the city. This store on North Graham Street is a sportsman's dream and includes all the gear needed for a rousing game of basketball, volleyball, soccer or football.

Groceries can be purchased at many stores within the neighborhood, including the Walmart Supercenter along North Tryon Street and the Food Lion on West Sugar Creek, and the two Harris Teeter locations at West W.T. Harris and at Center Drive. Newell Farmers Market along Rocky River Road is the closest farmers market to Mineral Springs and opens every Saturday.