Charlotte - America’s # 1 Place to Live
Charlotte has been voted America’s #1 city to live in by Relocate-America.com I’ve been here since 1995, and have been visiting regularly since the early 80’s. I would never have imagined that there would be so much to do in my adopted hometown, while at the same time keeping the small town feel and relative affordability to other areas. Check out the links below and let me know what you think? Agreement/Disagreement/Comments???
I moved here 13 years ago with no job and a couch to sleep on in my aunt & uncle’s house. Now I am raising a family and running a successful business in what is in my opinion the best city in America!
Wachovia Championship in Charlotte Through May 4
UPDATE - Monday’s Pro-Am has been cancelled due to weather.
For the next week, through May 4, the Wachovia Championship golf tournament returns to Charlotte once again. Tiger Woods won’t be here this time (knee surgery), but it’s still a strong field as usual. I believe that tickets are sold out, but Mulligan tickets can be bought most days at the parking areas. Mulligan tickets are ones that have been turned in by patrons leaving the tournament earlier in the day. They are resold for a nominal amount and allow last minute spectators to see the tournament. It’s a great idea.
The well-run tournament is always a great way to spend the day and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Quail Hollow Country Club.
For more information, visit Wachovia Championship.
Olympic Kayaking, Steeplechasing, & Bruuuuce This Weekend!
A great weekend looms before us here in Charlotte! Actually ‘looms’ might not be the right word, since it’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend. If ever you’ve wondered what there is to do in Charlotte - wonder no more.
Beginning today, our own US National Whitewater Center hosts a 3-day event at their exciting facility. And they’re not just hosting one event - that would be too easy - they are hosting 3 separate events! First and foremost is the 2008 US National Olympic Team Trials. 15 athletes will be selected for the US National Team, with 5 going on to compete in Bejing at the Olympics! Second, is the 2008 Canadian Olympic Team Trials. And third, is the 2008 Pan American Slalom Championships and Olympic Qualifier. Whew! That’s a lot of whitewater and a lot of fun. There is an entry fee for these events. For more information, visit USNWC.org. Take it outside!
Second up for this weekend on Saturday is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase in Mineral Springs, just outside of Waxhaw. This annual (last Saturday in April) event draws tens of thousands of spectators and tailgaters all eager to watch incredible horses and jockeys compete over brush and timber jumps at a full gallop. Tailgate spaces usually sell out, but the enormous infield can hold an infinite number people with room to spare. Races start around 1pm and last until around 4:30. A party for everyone near the finish line includes live music and food - and costs nothing - a perfect way to end the day. Besides the races, there are numerous attractions for kids and adults alike. Early tickets can be purchased at Harris Teeter. For more information, visit QueensCup.org. Each year, the Queen’s Cup proceeds benefit a regional charity. This year, that charity is Make-A-Wish. We’ll be there as usual - stop by Withers 46 & 47 and say hi - we’ll save a Mimosa for you!
On Sunday evening, at Bobcats - excuse me - Time Warner Cable Arena - Bruuuuce! The one, the only, The Boss! Sadly, the recent death of keyboardist Danny Federici will certainly be felt, but Bruce never fails to inspire and impress even the most jaded concert goers. It should be a night to remember for all. What a great way to end the weekend.
And then on Monday, the Wachovia Championship Golf Tournament begins at Quail Hollow Country Club. The best part of the tournament is that you can bring your camera on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday! It’s a great chance to get up close to the pros. For ticket information, visit WachoviaChampionship.com.
With all of that going on - no one can claim to be bored in the upcoming days. I’m going to need a weekend to recover from the weekend! Have fun everyone and report back on your experiences!
Myrtle Beach Golf Trip
This past weekend I went down to Myrtle Beach for my annual golf trip with my fraternity brothers from NC State. It was our 18th year and it was as always lots of fun. We go on a package deal which includes 3 rounds of golf, lodging at condos at Ocean Creek, and breakfast each day. We played one round early at the Surf Club in N Myrtle Beach and then played Grande Dunes and TPC Myrtle Beach in Murrels Inlet. It is an easy drive from Charlotte to the Grand Strand and there are several different ways to go depending on your preference. The roads between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach improve each year and over time we’ve found our drive times reduced. There is lots more to do in Myrtle Beach other than golf so there is never a dull moment.
Golf In November? Why Not?!
November the 7th has been chosen for the 1st Annual "For No Reason Everyone from Charlotte Go Up to Olde Beau and Play Golf" tournament. Why? Why not?
My uncle, who is a member, has been gracious enough to invite myself, family members, friends, and business colleagues for a day of golf and fun. We’ll start at 10am and are hoping for cooler, but not too cold weather. The views from the back 9 are breathtaking!
We haven’t picked a format yet or how prizes will be awarded and what those prizes will be. I hope to have some good pictures afterwords to post here.
While we’re not sure yet whether we’ll be frozen or passing out from the heat, it should be a fun day!
North Carolina State Wolfpack Club Hosts Golf Outing
The Wolfpack Club hosted a Mecklenburg County Golf Outing earlier this month at Firethorne Country Club in Marvin. It was brutally hot (over 100 degrees) with gatorade and water being the drinks of choice and the beer coolers remaining largely untouched - which might have been a first for one of our outings.
This fundraiser for the club raised money for Athletic Department scholarships and facilities. It was also a great way to network with other local Alums. Sidney Lowe, the Wolfpack’s new head men’s basketball coach, was in attendance and played in the foursome behind us. My group didn’t play well (we came in dead last) but mine was the first raffle ticket called and I won a football signed by the new NCSU head football coach Tom O’Brien.
It was hot, but the course was beautiful and we had a great time.
Tiger and Michael Together in Charlotte - It Doesn’t Get Much Better!
Pro-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.
Wachovia Championship Time!
In 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.
