Don’t Slumber This Summer
It’s not as exciting as “ball golf,” but it’s not as aggravating, either. Laid-back disc golf comes sans tee times, green fees, or expensive equipment. Local courses are free, and a starter set (try a putter-and-sting-ray combo) costs under $20. “Watching a disc fly is a beautiful thing,” says Dave Marchant of the Charlotte Disc Golf Club (charlottedgc.com ). Check the site for courses and upcoming events.
Play ball, get wet, or run it off
It’s not as exciting as “ball golf,” but it’s not as aggravating, either. Laid-back disc golf comes sans tee times, green fees, or expensive equipment. Local courses are free, and a starter set (try a putter-and-sting-ray combo) costs under $20. “Watching a disc fly is a beautiful thing,” says Dave Marchant of the Charlotte Disc Golf Club (charlottedgc.com ). Check the site for courses and upcoming events.
River sports meet city life at the Charlotte Whitewater Center. Guided two-hour rafting trips on manmade rapids cost $33 a head and include everything you need. Kayaking runs slightly less, and lessons are available. Visit usnwc.org for prices, times, and reservations or call 704-391-3900. Rock climbing, hiking, and biking are also available on site, along with a popular spot for food and cocktails (recommended after your adventure).
At Latta Park in Dilworth, step in for some volleyball or basketball, or sit and watch from the shade. There’s plenty of room to find your own space; benches and grills line the peaceful trails. Visit charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Home.htm for more public parks.
The more you run, the more you’ll realize the popularity of hitting the pavement in Charlotte. The weather is right, and shaded greenways link the city’s historic neighborhoods. Local marathoner North Moore suggests Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which covers 2.2 miles from Morehead Street to Brandywine Road, and likens his sport to seasickness. “At first you’re afraid you’re going to die. Then, you’re afraid you’re not.” Check out the park link above or bikely.com for more routes, to which cyclists often make rival claims.
The ever-popular “Booty Loop” at Queens University hosts a charity event each summer. At 24 Hours of Booty, scheduled this year for July 27 and 28, riders from around the country take part in a daylong bike-a-thon for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Find registration and other info at 24hoursofbooty.com .
