<p>It’s been 6 yrs since our first visit to Elon for our oldest child. We loved the school and campus, but did find the surrounding area to be quite different from other schools. We did get to experience some shops/restaurants near the school, but much of the things to do seemed a drive away. Can anyone comment on any changes or development around the school or its community? We’re planning a possible visit again for our third child. Thanks.</p>
<p>The Burlington area, especially the University Dr I40 area has grown immensely since my son started 4 years ago. Alamance Crossing is a new shopping /eating /entertainment area that is about three years old. It includes great stores, many new restaurants( Olive garden, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings) and a large new movie complex. It is within 10 minutes of campus near the Marriott and Country Inn. Also there are some new places near campus. Check out the Elon website for their future construction plans on campus. It will be wonderful. Our son graduates this year and we will miss our visits to campus and the area.</p>
<p>Thanks, Pneumy. We completely missed the development part when we looked at the website! It looks like much of the building should also be complete by the time he might be fortunate enough to be there. Good to know!</p>
<p>abparent: hi welcome!!!; as a fellow NJ resident, my daughter is starting in the fall…we have visited three times since April of last year; every time we go, there is sooo much more there…</p>
<p>as mentioned, there is a new building just broke ground which will include the book store and more retail establishments to be announced…in addition, a new yogurt shop (EXCELLENT!!) just opened and another new restaurant is in the works…</p>
<p>A new outlet center was opened in the fall about 20 minutes from campus in mebane; Jcrew, etc…</p>
<p>PM me if you would like more detailed info; we just got back from spring orientation last week…sooo impressed!!!</p>
<p>We always enjoyed visiting the area and are sad that we won’t go back much now that our son has graduated.</p>
<p>the accepted kids for elon mt15 should join this group on fb to meet future classmates!</p>
<p>I live in Elon. I’m a high school student. I love the surrounding area. I’m a small town girl. If you don’t like it, well find another college.</p>
<p>My D and I are headed down tomorrow for Friday’s auditions. We will be taking a campus tour during the day but will still have some free time. Any places off campus that we should check out to get a feel for what options are nearby for students? Any favorite restaurants in the area? Thanks!</p>
<p>You will find a few interesting eateries next to campus. I recommend Town Table and The Root, and also Smittys for ice cream. These are all in the same block as the bookstore.</p>
<p>Be sure to check out the new cafeteria next to the Performing Arts Center.</p>
<p>For a more upscale option, Prego’s is an Italian restaurant extremely popular with the MT faculty and students. You’ll find it adjacent to the older mall, close to Longhorns.</p>
<p>For shopping, Alamance Crossing next to the interstate has a lot to check out.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your suggestions! The Root was recommended by our student tour guide as well and that is where we ended up. Great choice! Hopefully we will have a reason to return and will get to try out the other restaurants too!</p>