Are you ready for some football? Catch live sports action as the Carolina Panthers professional football team takes on the competition. The team is based in Charlotte and is currently a franchise in the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League. The Panthers play all of their home games at Bank of America Stadium, which is also the team's headquarters. The team has an overall record of 125-143 and played in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
The Catawba River is the perfect place to fish, sail, canoe, or experience other recreational activities. The picturesque scenery also makes staying on shore a great experience as well, as you will have no trouble finding the perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing area to lounge as you take in the beauty of the river.
The Charlotte Checkers belong to the Midwestern Division of the Western Conference of the American Hockey League. The sports team is the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. Their home games are played at the Time Warner Cable Arena.
The Charlotte Hornets are a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that plays in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The sports team was established in 2004 and they play their home games at the Spectrum Center Arena in Charlotte.
Reaching the top takes a lot of work, and that is definitely the case when you venture out for a day of rock climbing at Crowders Mountain State Park. Climbers test their skills at their own risk as they take on the various jagged surfaces. No matter how risky, the thrill of the climb, as well as the breathtaking scenery from way up high makes it all worth it. Other activities are available here, too, like canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. And, after all that adventure, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the park's many picnic areas.
Elizabeth's Billiards is one of the area's favorite places to shoot pool, play a game of darts or just hang out and enjoy a few beers. Enjoy snacks and appetizers as you rack 'em up, or try your hand at hitting the bullseye on one of the many dartboards. Either way, a good time awaits at Elizabeth's Billiards.
Searching for the best place to watch the big game? Then Charlotte's Hickory Tavern is your answer. This is where you will find an incredible menu of items that will satisfy any appetite. Wash down your meal with one of the many beers that are available. The Hickory Tavern is not only the preferred game day location of the Carolina Panthers, it also has won the distinction of being voted the runner-up in ESPN's poll of the "Best Sports Bars in North America." That honor sure says a lot!
Lake Norman is a man-made lake located outside of Charlotte and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water sports. It's a short 30-mile drive from the center of the city and boating on this lake has been described by many as "beautiful, clean and fun."
Nature is not only to be enjoyed but also preserved for future generations. That is the ultimate mission of the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve. This facility opened in the mid-70s and it quickly moved beyond its humble beginnings to now encompass over 1,108 acres; the center is considered to be one of Charlotte's most prized natural attractions. Over the sprawling area, you will encounter several species of animals still living in their natural habitats, as well as breathtaking views from nearly every vantage point. The area is also quite popular with bird-watchers, campers, and trail enthusiasts. Make sure to swing by the McDowell Nature Center to not only take in the captivating butterfly gardens but to also pick up a few keepsakes at the gift shop.
The ultimate adrenaline rush awaits you when you go on a skydiving adventure with Carolina Skydiving. The professional team will make sure that you go through all the required training and secure you in your suit before you even step on the plane. As much fun as you will experience on your dive, the crew makes your safety the top priority. Don't forget to make sure to order photos and a video package so you can share your extreme sports adventure with family and friends when you come back down to earth!
Hit the lanes at Strike City, the best place for bowling and fun in Charlotte. Strike City is much more than just a bowling alley. There's a great restaurant with all your favorites like burgers, sandwiches and nachos, just to name a few. There's also a sports bar area with several eye-popping flat screen televisions to ensure that you won't miss a minute of the big game. And of course, the state-of-the-art bowling lanes are always in pristine condition and keep track of your score digitally. You won't strike out on a good time when you head to Strike City!
With the NASCAR craze in full bloom in Charlotte, car racing is hugely popular no matter what size the car may be. Nowhere is that more obvious than at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing. Get behind the wheel and get a rush of what the big cars feel like on this amazingly realistic track. The cars even resemble your favorite vehicles from NASCAR, so rev it up and go to the Pit for a roaring good time.
The US National Whitewater Center gives you that much-needed shot of adrenaline with their variety of outdoor adventures and attractions like rafting, kayaking, and paddling. If you prefer to stay dry, there's more outdoor adventures available like rock climbing, mountain biking and climbing your way around various rope courses. You'll definitely work up an appetite with all this brisk activity, so stop in for one of the healthy menu items at the River's Edge Bar and Grill that's on the premises and offers a great place to refuel before continuing your adventures.