5 unique outdoor dates to go on this spring and summer
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Please don’t remind Charlotte what season it is – bring the warm weather and all the time spent outside that comes with it on.
Go fishing with Captain Gus
It’s safe to say that Captain Gus Gustafson knows what he’s doing on the water – he’s an outdoor columnist and a full-time professional fishing guide that’s been endorsed by Gander Mountain, Ameriprise and outdoor magazine The Angler. He offers guided trips on Lake Norman where you’ll catch everything from Hybrid Striped Bass, Catfish and Crappie to Mountain Trout. Trips are a minimum of two hours and start at $150 – book early. Go.
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Paddle to Table at the Whitewater Center
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Paddle your way down the Catawba using a kayak or standup paddle board with a tour guide before hiking back to the South Ridge for a multi-course fireside meal prepared by a chef. Meals will vary each week and beer and wine will be available for purchase. $55/person. The program runs May 10 through June 30; see the schedule and reserve your spot here.
Take in the sights on Lake Norman’s own Mississippi River boat
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The Catawba Queen’s 2-hour sightseeing tour comes with a captain rich in knowledge of the area’s past, a fully functional bar and lunch for purchase. $19.99/person. Book it.
Want something a little fancier? Indulge in the Catawba Queen ($58.99-$64.99/person – go) or Lady of the Lake ($68.99-$74.99/person – go) dinners.
Watch the sun set on a paddle board
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Head out to My Aloha Paddle & Surf for an hour and a half long Sunset Paddle Tour that heads to Port City Club before a special, secret sunset location that’s been called a “favorite” by local photographers. Participants must be able to swim, pay beforehand, wear a life jacket and have some previous experience on a paddle board. $30/person. Go.
Want more time on the water? Check out My Aloha’s Full Moon Night Paddle ($35-$65/person, go), Yoga on the Water ($15-$25/person, go) and kayak and board rentals (starting at $20/person/hour).
Zipline and Dine at the Whitewater Center
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Participants zip through five portions of the Whitewater Center’s Canopy Tour and two roped bridges before they rappel down by the Catawba River and hiking back to a fireside meal prepared by a chef at the South Ridge. The meal is multi-course with new meals like Plum Crazy Duck Breast and Short Rib Tamale offered each week and alcohol available for purchase. $75/person. The program runs April 7 through June 30; see the schedule and reserve your spot here.