Things to Do in Charlotte

Charlotte Krav Maga's team of 13 instructors know that most people are fighting something. That something might be a vicious bully, persistent weight gain, or a less tangible entity such as fatigue or non-Euclidian geometry. No matter what it is, they're confident they can help. Their diverse knowledge of fighting techniques stretches around the world, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed for the Israeli armed forces. In addition to earning belts and certifications in numerous forms of martial arts, the teachers possess years of real-world experience that they use to help others cultivate strength, discipline, and confidence. These goals also inform the studio's Krav Maga classes, which reveal simple self-protection techniques that can be applied if a person is approached by a lone assailant or a nunchuck-wielding octopus.

In addition to imparting defense strategies to students aged 4 and older, the team teaches Fit to Fight, a training program that blends muay thai, boxing, and wrestling into a fun-and-functional workout. Classes and one-on-one training take place in a gym equipped with full-size heavy bags, Lifeline power jumpers, kettlebells, battling ropes, and monkey bars.

Haunted rides amble through picturesque stretches of the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, surrounding guests in the season's spine-tingling chills and frightful sights on select October evenings. Rolling through the dark shadows of the haunted forest, the ride activates guests' latent scream sensors while it creeps past eerie haunts and awkward zombie family reunions. After hopping off the macabre vehicle, groups are free to peruse the premises' plethora of fall activities, such as a jaunt through the twists and turns of the straw maze ($3), a ride on the cow train ($2), or malicious marshmallow roastings over an open flame ($1) (additional activities are not included with this offer).

Greenville Glides' experienced guides shuttle bands of merry sightseers through Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. The fun-loving leaders' history lessons wash over group and private tours propelled by such trusty steeds as segways, vans, and mechanical bulls. Restaurant tours delight palates with local gourmand delights, and city tours explore the history, architecture, and quirky aspects of each locale.

Northcross Lanes at the Lake facilitates friendly competition for families, groups, and individuals with 40 bowling lanes, a laser-tag dome arena, and a full video arcade. Bright lights ricochet from skee-ball and air-hockey games, where players compete for tickets they can redeem for prizes at the game counter. Birthday party packages include food from the onsite kitchen, which serves cheeseburgers, hot sandwiches, and made-from-scratch pizzas. The 41st Lane Lounge hosts several pool tables along with regular karaoke and occasional sets from live bands.

An abundant number of recreational activities fill the space at Purple Planet 3-D Mini Golf. With black lights illuminating patches of neon paints, the indoor and always air-conditioned cooled mini-golf course bends the mind with challenging greens and mind-bending visuals such as aliens and floating satellites. As they navigate the course’s vortex tunnel and fog-filled corridors, golfers wear 3-D glasses, making obstacles appear to pop out and transforming every hole into an even deeper hole. Purple Planet visitors can also hone their billiards skills with games of pool or try their hand at the games at an on-site arcade.

Northeast Mountain Guiding's adventures take place everywhere from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas to the canyons of Arizona and the waters of upstate New York. Guided by outdoors experts that are trained by organizations such as the Professional Climbing Guides Institute, students and expedition groups tackle rocky inclines, mountainous trails, and swiftly flowing waters. Whether Northeast Mountain Guiding is organizing an overnight jaunt through the Adirondacks or a daylong introduction to ice climbing, the company ensures that every detail is considered, drawing on the local familiarity that each of its regional offices possesses to prepare for any possibility. In keeping with this meticulous approach, the professionals either provide any necessary gear for the journey or remind adventurers what they should bring, such as sunscreen or a pint-sized sleeping bag for their teddy bear.