Archive for Attractions
Whitewater Rafting And Kayaking
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Looking for a way to cool off in these 100+ degree days? Head on out to the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC) for the day. The center, dedicated to outdoor sports and recreation, centers on the WORLD’S LARGEST man made whitewater channel. It’s worth the trip just to see this amazing ‘river’. Beginning in a large upper pool, the water heads down two different channels – both containing adjustable rapid elements – then collects in the large lower pool, and is recirculated back to the upper pool! Rafts and kayaks travel down the channels, and are transported back to the upper pool via a large conveyor belt – just sit in your boat and enjoy the ride before heading back down again!
The center was built to train our Olympic whitewater kayakers, but also for outdoors-loving people of any ability to enjoy. Some of the other activities offered include: whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking (on the adjacent Catawba River), outdoor climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and a ropes course. Guided trips and lessons are also available.
So – Take it Outside!
When I Was A Kid – A Nite Out Under The Stars!
Posted by: | CommentsRemember what it was like to play catch with your dad or play in a Little League game? Did you ever wish you could throw like Whitey Ford or be the next Mantle or Maris. Then all of a sudden the summers turn into years and the years go by so fast that you’re now a parent.
Last evening as I do so often I went to Knights Stadium to watch the Charlotte Knights (AAA team of the Chicago Whitesox) battle the Yankees. It was so great! We sat under the stars, rooted for our favorite team and thought back to the time when I was a kid growing up on Long Island in the 50’s and 60’s. What a great thing to do, a great place to do it and a picture perfect evening! Ah Charlotte, it doesn’t get any better!
So when you miss playing catch or going to the school yard to choose up sides and hearing the crack of the bat, you can take a loved one to the ballpark and remember what it was like when you were a kid!
Tiger and Michael Together in Charlotte – It Doesn’t Get Much Better!
Posted by: | CommentsPro-Am pairing of the year (possibly decade)? Tiger Woods & Michael Jordan. Today. In Charlotte. At the Wachovia. Wow.
I arrived in time to see them tee off (Skipper Beck – well known local businessman was the other amateur in the group) along with a few thousand of my closest friends. I couldn’t tell who received the loudest applause – Tiger or Michael.
I then walked over the the adjacent third green to await their arrival in order to take some photos. I’d post one here except that I’ve heard that Tiger’s likeness is copyrighted and I don’t want a call from his attorneys. As it turned out, Skipper hit the best approach shot, landing 10 feet from the hole, to loud applause. How many people get to hear Tiger’s crowd applaud their shot?
I waited two more groups to take some pictures of Sergio Garcia and Payton Manning. My daughter’s comment after watching them play – "Sergio is really slow!" Don’t we all know it.
We left in time to get her to school on time (thank you for teeing off early Tiger!), and I have several memorable shots from the morning. The crowds were getting thicker by the minute, so we left just in time.
The pro-am continues all day, and there is a chance to buy a gently used ticket through the Mulligan program that they have. People leaving can turn in their tickets that the tournament then resells for a nominal fee. There are still some big names yet to play today.
Steeplechase Racing in Charlotte This Weekend!
Posted by: | CommentsLooking for something to do on April 28? Head on down to Mineral Springs (just south of Charlotte near Waxhaw) for the annualQueen’s Cup Steeplechase. You can spend the day outdoors while supporting Hospice of Union County.
Steeplechase races are longer than traditional thoroughbred race (such as the Kentucky Derby), and are run over hurdles. The Queen’s Cup is held at Brooklandwood on a beautiful course that contains some hills, affording spectators excellent views of the action. There are six races on the card this year, with the final race a training race over no hurdles.
Tailgating is a tradition at steeplechase races. Cars are parked around the track and in the infield while elaborate picnics are enjoyed by the patrons. All tailgating spaces have been sold for 2007, but General Admission badges (required for anyone over the age of 12) are being sold at area Harris Teeter and McAllister’s Deli stores for $23. General Admission allows you entry to the huge racecourse infield, where you can bring your own picnic and enjoy the day. Races are held rain or shine, so pack accordingly.
If you’ve never been, you can expect a day of new experiences, with The Mecklenburg Hounds parading before the races, release of a raptor into the wild courtesy of the Carolina Raptor Center, terrier races, pony rides, and more. Oh – and horse races too! The fun begins at 10am when the course opens, and continues on with the steeplechase races ending around 4, and a party for all after the last race.
We’ll be there tailgating at Withers 46 & 47. Stop by and say, "Hi!" – we’ll offer you a Mimosa and show you around.
Wachovia Championship Time!
Posted by: | CommentsIn just over a week it will be time for the world’s best golfers to converge in Charlotte for the Wachovia Championship. The tournament runs from April 30 through May 6, with practice rounds and pro-ams early in the week. As the PGA tournament is once again sold out, you’re going to have connections if you plan on attending.
Played at Quail Hollow Country Club in South Charlotte, the Wachovia has always been exciting down to the final day, with come-from-behind wins and drama on the 18th hole. The course is worth a visit just to see how beautiful it is. Several viewing spots allow you to see more than one hole – and don’t forget the sunscreen because that sun can get pretty intense after a few hours.
In the past, almost all of the current top players have participated in the tournament, which is unheard of for most of the PGA tour. Attending early in the week for practice days allows spectators to see the sport’s greatest players up close and relaxed. See a list of players committed to the 2007 Championship and find your favorites.
Schwebel & Associates will be there on Friday May 4. It’s a great way to spend some time out of the office in a relaxed atmosphere and recharge our batteries while seeing some great golf all at the same time! We hope to see some of our clients out there as well, enjoying wonderful Carolina sunshine and good times.
Carowinds Theme Park Lowering Admission Price
Posted by: | CommentsCarowinds has announced that they will lower daily admission prices for the 2007 season. Last year, Paramount’s Carowinds was sold to Cedar Fair. The park has been renamed Carowinds, and minor changes will be made for the upcoming season. Those changes include lower daily fees, the return of "Frenzoid" – the huge ship that takes riders for a complete loop, and an ice show.
Prices have been lowered $5 for regular admission, to $44.95, and a junior/senior ticket now costs $19.95 (down from $32.95 in 2006).
Cedar Fair owns several amusement parks across the country and are known for having the largest and most impressive roller coasters at their parks. Other parks owned by Cedar Fair include Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH), Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA), and Dorney Park in Allentown, PA.
A unique feature of Carowinds is that the park grounds straddle the North Carolina and South Carolina state line. Carowinds is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte, in the south western part of Mecklenburg County.
Rodeo in Charlotte This Weekend!
Posted by: | CommentsThis weekend, January 26 – 28, the Dale Jr. PBR Classic will make it’s debut in Charlotte! This is the Big Boys of rodeo – the best of the best. You’ve seen them on TV and now you can see them all in person as they risk life and limb trying to stay on a raging 2,000 lb. bucking, angry collection of fury – also known a a bull – for 8 seconds. The event will take place at Bobcats Arena in downtown Charlotte. As of today tickets were still available for all 3 days.
Rodeo has deep roots in American culture, as most of the events in rodeos are based on the skills used by Cowboys every day on a ranch. These skills were essential to every day life working with stock and riding horses. These cowboys are no less talented than their ancestors – and every bit as entertaining to watch.
Check them out this weekend. The event will also air on TV on the Versus network - (that’s the former Outdoor Life Network, or channel 74 on basic cable) at 8:00 pm on Saturday (LIVE!), and again at 8:00 & 11:00 pm on Sunday (Same day coverage). Other channels are:
DIRECTV – channel 608
DISH – channel 151
Time Warner Digital – channel 74
What To Do When January Weather Is In the Seventies
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North American Cougar
So here it is – January 17, and the 40-degree temperatures are the coldest it’s been in quite a while. This past weekend, for example, we reached 70! Besides constantly checking the calendar to reinforce the fact that it is, indeed, January, what do you do?
I went to the North Carolina Zoo. Just 1 1/2 hours from Charlotte, the NC Zoo has been praised and won numerous awards for it’s innovative design and dedication to conservation and education. Their concept is very logical – build the zoo exhibits grouped by continents. Most importantly, give the animals natural habitats and room to behave like animals.
So far, only Africa and North America are completed. But that is plenty, as a visit to just those 2 areas will consume the entire day. This is due to the size of the various exhibits – the African plains, for example, cover several acres – and the area is currently undergoing an $8 million expansion/renovation. Most exhibits have several vantage points from which to see the animals.
The weather was gorgeous, the exhibits were interesting and informative, and the trams inside the park were running . . . what more could you ask for?
Charlotte’s Own Rockefeller Skating Rink!
Posted by: | CommentsSkating in uptown Charlotte has arrived for the holiday season! Although our current daytime temperatures are slightly warm, nighttime temperatures are just right for an outdoor skating experience.
Three years ago, WBT started the uptown skating rink and it has quickly become a tradition. The rink is a little larger this year as well. The cost is $5 for admission, and $3 for skate rental. All ages are welcome! More details on the WBT Holiday On Ice website.
So get out there and soak up the Holiday spirit! Outdoor ice skating in Charlotte, NC – who would have thought it possible?
