Sooo.... what is there to do in Charlotte NC?

[jamz]

I am going there for a training mid-June, is there anything in the area that APS'ers think there is to see or do?  I haven't been to that area of the country yet.

[Bob F.]

Been awhile, but there's Bass Pro Shop just north @ Concord, probably lots more now. Of course, the race track. I'm about 3-3.5 hrs north . We used to go to the races but it's been awhile; freakin' tickets went out of sight!!

Have fun, stay safe.
Bob

[freedom lover]

I've never been to the South but they are supposed to have great fried chicken and decent BBQ. The biscuits are supposed to be good too. I've heard both good and bad things about sweet tea. I guess it depends on how much you like sugar.  I'm sure it also depends on how much you enjoy food.

am going there for a training mid-June

What are you training for? Are you in the military? The South has a pretty high crime rate so stay out of dark alleys.

[mtnbkr]

I've never been to the South but they are supposed to have great fried chicken and decent BBQ. The biscuits are supposed to be good too. I've heard both good and bad things about sweet tea. I guess it depends on how much you like sugar.  I'm sure it also depends on how much you enjoy food.

...The South has a pretty high crime rate so stay out of dark alleys.

Really dude, you need to get some experiences rather than going solely on what you've read.

Food is regional in the South.

Sweet Tea is Sweet Tea. 

The crime rate is no worse here than any other region.  Big cities have more crime than small towns.

Chris

[freedom lover]

Really dude, you need to get some experiences rather than going solely on what you've read...
The crime rate is no worse here than any other region.

Not according to an article I read. Some states have more crime than others. It's a fact. Give me a couple of years to experience things. I'm only 18.

[freedom lover]

As for food experiences I have had biscuits that were Southern style and they tasted awesome.

[mtnbkr]

Not according to an article I read. Some states have more crime than others. It's a fact. Give me a couple of years to experience things. I'm only 18.

Some states have more crime than others, but that's the case nationwide.  The South, as a region, is no more crime-ridden than the rest of the nation.

Chris

[Brad Johnson]

Give me a couple of years to experience things. I'm only 18.

Suggestion Number One...

Get said experience before giving advice.  It tends to limit the instances of podia-oral interaction.

Brad

[Waitone]

Back to Charlotte.  What are your interests?

[Brad Johnson]

http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/

Formerly Charlotte Raceway. Vvvrrrooooom!

Brad

[lupinus]

You could take a ride down to Bat Cave-

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=55209
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/art5586.html

I've never been personally but I hear its a real nice drive and the cave/preserve is neat.

[Jamisjockey]

NC isn't known for its fried chicken, and all sweet tea is brewed iced tea with sugar.  Nothing special.
Start here for an understanding of real NC BBQ:
http://hkentcraig.com/BBQexp.html
That is a basic explanation of NC style BBQ.  If you get lucky you'll get some down east style.
http://www.smithfieldschicken.com/

As for food experiences I have had biscuits that were Southern style and they tasted awesome.

Not to pile on, but there is nothing southern about Pilsbury's southern style.....

[Jocassee]

 Military style rifle match NC/SC (Steel targets) June 13th
From FALFILES....
It will be Saturday June 13
Start time is 10:00 am but you need to be there to sign in by 9:30 am

This will be a 200yd and 300 yd shoot

All Faler's from all states are welcome!

I am looking for sponsers who would like to donate some stuff for prizes

CMP Armory will be one of the sponsors.

Here is the course of fire

You can shoot with or without a sling, or you can use a bipod, or some kind of front rest (i.e. ammo can, sand bag etc.)

The targets are 13"X 8" and are set up tall i.e. 13"high 8" wide

Military style rifle match

Iron sights only (you can use optics but you will not be eligible for awards)

Any current or obsolete semi-auto or bolt military style rifle can be used
FAL, G3, M1 Garand , AR 15, M1A/M14, AK, O3A3 etc.

The match will consist of 5 separate stages

Stage one (Drop eight)
will consist of
8 steel targets that must be knocked down from 200 yds (targets are 8" x 13")
Fastest time wins
There will be 32 targets so four people can participate before having to reset the targets
This stage will be shot from 200yds
60 second time limit
Each person will shoot this stage 2 times


Stage two (Standing)
Will consist of shooting STANDING
3 steel targets that must be knocked down from 200 yds (targets are 8" x 13")
Fastest time wins 45 second time limit


Stage three (Bolt gun drop 4)

Bolt Gun drop 4 (this stage is optional)
Will consist of shooting 4 steel targets (using a bolt gun) that must be knocked down from 200 yds (targets are 8" x 13")
Fastest time wins 45 second time limit

or

(Garand drop eight)
Will consist of shooting 8 steel targets (using a Garand) that must be knocked down from 200 yds (targets are 8" x 13")
Fastest time wins. 60 second time limit


Stage Four (3 man team)
Will consist of a three man team
Shooting 16 steel targets at 200 yds (targets are 8" x 13")
Fastest time wins


Stage five (Sniper)
Will consist of
One steel target to be knocked down at 300 yds (target is 8" x 13")
Only one shot allowed
This is an elimination round miss and your out! Hit and you move to the next round.


You'll probably need 100 rds but bring at least 150 to be safe.


$20 entry fee for non members and $10 fee for CRPC members


I plan on having a cook out at the range during the match.
The match participants will provide all food and soft drinks.

I will bring the hot dogs & hot dog buns.

If you want to provide something just let me know.
We have a great range house for the cook out.

Check out the website for directions and general info on the club

http://cr-pc.org/


Any questions post here or email me

gjohnnygun@yahoo.com

[jamz]

That match sounds really cool, but sadly things have been rescheduled for mid-July now. 

I forgot about BBQ, all my smoking up here in Maine is finished with a NC style sauce, so it would be cool to get the real thing.  I'd love to visit the track, but aren't tickets usually pretty steep? Do they race regional stuff on weeknights there? 

[Ben]

I've never made it out of the airport in Charlotte, but I'm always happy when I have a flight delay there. That airport has some of the most beautiful women in the world walking through it.

[Waitone]

Shooter Choice in Belmont, NC
Firepower in Matthews
Hyatt's Gunshop in Charlotte

Main concourse in CLT has a full sized grand piano available for anyone to play.  A number of celebs who know what they are doing have stopped and given impromptu concerts.

NC has a number of regional BBQ styles.  Lexington is the most famous but eastern style is the purist form of BBQ.  Down east their attitude is no sauce is necessary if you cook it right the first time.  Lexington has an interesting sauce if you can find it--apple juice and peppers.  Odd but it works.

If you want really politically incorrect BBQ sauce get some from Maurice Bessinger.  This guy could care less what bliss ninnies think and his sauce is completely unique.  He's out of SC while there exists a number of imitators in NC.
http://www.mauricesbbq.com/

[Scout26]

Give me a couple of years to experience things. I'm only 18.

Experience will also prevent your rectaldiction.             

[mtnbkr]

Start here for an understanding of real NC BBQ:
http://hkentcraig.com/BBQexp.html
That is a basic explanation of NC style BBQ.  If you get lucky you'll get some down east style.

My family is from eastern NC and I've BBQed more than a couple hogs (and have pics to prove it).  The Eastern NC section of that article sounds exactly like one of my family's BBQs.  I even make my own sauce, though I'll buy Scott's BBQ sauce when it's available.  My family's recipe and Scott's is close enough that I can have either one and be happy.  I've made my own scratch biscuits, but I'm lazy and don't do it often.  I need to start making hushpuppies.  Done right, they can be a meal to themselves.  Nothing better than a basket of hot hushpuppies and cold iced tea while waiting for your meal at places like the Sandpiper (we always hit the one off of Rt70 between Kinston and Goldsboro).

Now I'm in the mood for a plate of bbq from Wilbur's or some calabash style seafood. :(

Chris

[Jamisjockey]

My family is from eastern NC and I've BBQed more than a couple hogs (and have pics to prove it).  The Eastern NC section of that article sounds exactly like one of my family's BBQs.  I even make my own sauce, though I'll buy Scott's BBQ sauce when it's available.  My family's recipe and Scott's is close enough that I can have either one and be happy.  I've made my own scratch biscuits, but I'm lazy and don't do it often.  I need to start making hushpuppies.  Done right, they can be a meal to themselves.  Nothing better than a basket of hot hushpuppies and cold iced tea while waiting for your meal at places like the Sandpiper (we always hit the one off of Rt70 between Kinston and Goldsboro).

Now I'm in the mood for a plate of bbq from Wilbur's or some calabash style seafood. :(

Chris

If you head down to Beaufort that weekend, hit El's drive inn in Morehead.  Expect a long wait, though, they are always busy (which is a good sign).  Get a shrimp burger with slaw.

[Jocassee]

I've never made it out of the airport in Charlotte, but I'm always happy when I have a flight delay there. That airport has some of the most beautiful women in the world walking through it.

Carolina Girls...Best in The World! (TM)