Experience Olympic training at the US National Whitewater Center
The US National Whitewater Center boasts 1,300 acres to run, paddle, ride, climb, and more. | Photo by the US National Whitewater Center via Wikimedia Commons
“It’s a really pretty place and the whitewater here is awesome,” Leibfarth told WCNC Charlotte. “It just feels very calm and very normal.”
In 2021, the USNWC hosted the Canoe and Kayak Olympic Trials + was home to three Olympians training that year.
If you’re looking to test the waters, here’s your guide to the USNWC.
Climbing
Climb one of the region’s largest outdoor climbing facilities using 35-45 top rope routes or the 46-ft-tall spire for sport and top rope climbing.
Take in the summer skies on the deep solo climbing wall accompanied by live music during the Whitewater Center’s River Jam.
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Photo by CLTtoday
Deep water solo
This 20 to 45-ft-tall rock complex allows climbers to fall into deep water instead of using traditional climbing protection.
Flatwater kayaking and paddleboarding
Visitors preferring a calming float on the Catawba River can take a short walk through the USNWC to the docks and paddle for 90 minutes.
Trail activities
The USNWC features various trails for mountain biking, hiking, and running alongside trees, lakes, and rivers.
The USNWC offers guided rafting for up to eight people plus training before anyone takes the water.
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Photo by CLTtoday
Whitewater rafting
You + seven other people paddle together on the world’s largest manmade whitewater river for up to 90 minutes.
Whitewater kayaking
Kayak or stand-up paddle on the Wilderness Channel with standing waves or in the steeper areas that culminate in Big Drop.
No gear? No problem. The USNWC has all the equipment required for any of the listed activities.
Pro tip: Bring your dog and watch competitors on the water + stay for live music during River Jam in the summer.
What’s your favorite activity at the Whitewater Center?
A. Paddling on the flatwater B. Facing the rapids on the whitewater C. Speeding along the trails D. Whizzing past people on the ziplines E. Taking the pups to Off-Leash F. Enjoying the vibes and music
Rock Hill School District Pep Rally | Monday, Aug. 5 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Winthrop Coliseum | Free | The Rock Hill School District is celebrating the upcoming school year with an exciting pep rally.
National Oyster Day at STIR | Monday, Aug. 5 | 11 a.m. | STIR | Cost of purchase | Join the “shell-abration” with $1.50 house oysters all day.
2024 ACL World Championships | Monday, Aug. 5—Sunday, Aug. 11 | 8 p.m. | Rock Hill Sports and Event Center | $30 | Cheer on internationally ranked teams competing in the semifinals of the cornhole championships.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Center City National Night Out | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Victoria Yards | Free | Meet our local officers, learn about safety programs, play games, and more at this annual event.
Glass Animals: Tour of the Earth | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7:45 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $30+ | Take a break from the “Heat Waves” and jam to the band performing in Charlotte.
A state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina due to Tropical Storm Debby. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain this week to the Carolinas. (WCNC)
Biz
German manufacturer H-T-L Perma USA sold its longtime Charlotte site after opening a new headquarters facility. The facility at 2129 Center Park Dr. was acquired by an entity affiliated with Asheville-based Igsett Distributors Inc. for nearly $2.1 million. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Travel
Frontier Airlines is canceling select flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The discount airline is cutting nonstop flights to Trenton, New Jersey and New Orleans. The change comes after JetBlue announced it would leave CLT this fall. (WCNC)
Olympics
A new record. Charlotte native Kaylyn Brown helped Team USA set a new world record in the mixed 4x400-m relay + win a silver medal on Saturday. The Mallard Creek High alum will take the track again today for the women’s 400-m race. You can follow along via WCNC’s ongoing Olympics coverage. (WCNC)
Shop
Burlington is welcoming shoppers at its location at the Metropolitan (1111 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte). The retailer opened Friday next to Marshalls. The Peach Cobbler Factory is expected to open later this summer.
Open
TUDOR Boutique is now open at SouthPark Mall. The upscale watch store is the first in North Carolina and one of nine in the US. It will be open seven days a week.
Eat
Try Bahamian cuisine at Brother Pay Bahamian Delight in Mooresville. The family-owned eatery opened at 969 N. Main St. and serves conch, lobster, and other seafood flown in from the Caribbean. (The Charlotte Observer)
Real Estate
A lakefront Cornelius home sold for $8.7 million. The home boasts 12,778 sqft with seven bedrooms, a slide, elevator, and movie theater. It’s now the second highest selling home in Canopy MLS for the Charlotte area. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Environment
UNC Charlotte is using algae to remove microplastics from water. The study is being done in partnership with Charlotte Water. The lead researcher hopes to start a future pilot program in Charlotte. (WSOC)
Sports
NC State and the University of South Carolina will hit the ice in Uptown. The teams will play at Truist Field on Saturday, Nov. 23. Ticket details are expected soon. In July, UNC Hockey announced it will play against Virginia Tech at Truist Field in January. (WSOC)
Listen
Former Carolina Panther Julius Peppers has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Should he have spent his entire career with the team? Go back in history on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
⭐ 12 stellar neighborhoods
The zodiac signs as Charlotte neighborhoods
Charlotte SHOUT! has been a reoccurring annual arts festival in Uptown since 2019. | Photo via Charlotte SHOUT!
One of the most lovable things about Charlotte is the distinct character found in each neighborhood, district, and corner of town. They all have their own personalities and purposes — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s take a look at how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.
Leo: Steele Creek | July 23-Aug. 22
Steele Creek neighborhood is a perfect fit for the welcoming and proud nature a Leo embodies. It’s one of the first neighborhoods to welcome you when crossing the NC/SC border. In fact, you can stand at the point of convergence at Carowinds.
Virgo: Ballantyne | Aug. 23-Sept. 22
This earth sign has practical and grounded qualities, making Ballantyne a perfect fit. With its growing greenway access and bustling business centers, this neighborhood brings chill vibes + provides an entertainment hub of its very own.
Libra: Elizabeth | Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Elizabeth’s active yet small-town nature boasts a trendy restaurant scene featuring The Crunkleton, Lupie’s Cafe, and access to Bojangles’ Coliseum.
Bedsheets you won’t sweat through. We got you a deal on a sheet set that’s crisp, cool, and made with overheated sleepers in mind. Bonus: They’re also wrinkle-resistant and hypo-allergenic. Enjoy cooler nights, sleepers.
Over the weekend, I was able to visit Flight, a new European-inspired restaurant in Elizabeth. The restaurant boasts 150+ wines, indoor and outdoor seating + a gorgeous bar. I highly recommend you add this to your next date night itinerary.
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