Keepers of Balance is an adventure-style escape room facility that's now open in Lower South End.

• The family-friendly immersive experience feels like stepping into the set of "Indiana Jones."
• Charlotte native Nick Maus partnered with former project designers from Universal Studios and Disney parks to create it.

How it works: Gather a group of two to six people to master physical and mental challenges within 75 minutes.

• There are multiple immersive adventures to choose from, including an "Indiana Jones"-inspired game called "Temple of Light."
• Tickets are $55 per person for groups of four and $50 per person for groups of five and six people.

What's next: Over the next few months, Keepers of Balance will open more adventures, including one that takes place in an old submarine called "The Sunken Realm," and another called "Beyond Darkness," which has references to the haunted ghost stories from Uptown's Dunhill Hotel.

Five things to know before you go

💼 See who's looking for talented Charlotteans.

1. Enrollment Management Tour Guides at Charlotte Latin School.
2. Senior Accountant at Maxwell Group/Senior Living Communities.
3. Middle School (7th & 8th Grade) Spanish Teacher at Charlotte Preparatory School.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

One bright spot in this bummer housing market: More listings are shaking loose.

Why it matters: Some homeowners sitting on low mortgage rates are finally selling.

By the numbers: Inventory in 20 of the 50 largest U.S. metros topped pre-pandemic norms in April, up from 18 in March, per Realtor.com.

Yes, but: The mortgage "lock-in effect," as experts call it, isn't going away anytime soon.

• In all 50 states, over half of mortgages have rates below 4%, according to Cotality, an industry data provider.
• In North Carolina, the share hits 60%. Nationally, it's 62%.

Between the lines: Most who took out new mortgages in recent years have rates above 6%.

• The average rate on the 30-year mortgage hasn't dipped below 6% since 2022, according to Freddie Mac.

Zoom in: Charlotte homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they were during the peak of the pandemic, but homes in the region still change hands more often than the nation's median home, we previously reported.

Go deeper: How other states compare

This week's Hot Homes roundup features listings with spacious floor plans and unique offerings, from fully furnished homes to those with close proximity to neighborhood restaurants and bars.

Zoom in: This charming cottage in Commonwealth Park, for example, boasts several small details that we're obsessing over, including the welcoming arch walkways and white brick exterior.

• It also has hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinet space, a fireplace, a patio and a fenced-in yard.
• At 2,140 square feet, it has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• It's listed at $750,000.

More hot homes for sale

🐊 Deputies with the Onslow County Sheriff's Office caught a 400-pound alligator near the North Carolina coast this week. They named him "Pepe the Gator." (WBTV)

🚌 Randolph Middle School's principal was suspended with pay earlier this month. (WBTV)

• "We cannot provide information on the reason for the principal's absence as this is a personnel issue," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said In a message to families.

🎢 Carowinds laid off an undisclosed number of employees for the second time this year. This comes after its parent company, Six Flags, announced it would be reducing its full-time staff by more than 10%. (Observer)

🏆 Mel Watt has been named The Charlotte Post Foundation's 2025 luminary, an annual award presented to Charlotteans for their contributions to the city, per a release.

🍽️ The Counter- team is hosting a group trip to Colombia Nov. 24-30. Chef Sam Hart will lead the trip and take foodies to some of Bogota's top restaurants. (Counter-)

✈️ Avelo Airlines, which flies out of Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, is helping the Department of Homeland Security with deportation efforts. The airline told WFAE that the charter flights used to deport migrants would not affect the company's operations at the Concord airport.

High-profile women's college basketball returns to Spectrum Center on Nov. 9.

Driving the news: The USC Trojans will take on the N.C. State Wolfpack in a doubleheader at the Ally Tipoff.

Why it matters: Interest in women's sports, particularly women's basketball, is booming.

Keep reading about the impact of women's basketball in Charlotte

📅 Find things to do on our Event Board.

• Shark Kingdom in IMAX at Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre tomorrow: Come face to face with ocean predators in Shark Kingdom, a new IMAX film. Grab some concessions and dive into the world of sharks on the largest screen in the Carolinas. $11.95.
• Residency Music Experience: Diva night at Blume Studios tomorrow: Enjoy a night of the ultimate nostalgic, high-energy sing-along party for the DIVAS <3 From Celine Dion to Cher, Sheryl Crow to Britney Spears, this party is all about reliving that magic. $25.
• Charlotte Checkers Playoffs at Bojangles Coliseum Sun: The Checkers' run for another Calder Cup championship continues. The team is hosting Laval for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday, June 1. Tickets and special offers now available. $29+.
• Hiring Event at CEENTA - SouthPark Jun 5: Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Associates will be hosting a hiring event this Summer. Stop by to learn about all of their current open positions as well as upcoming clinical roles.
• Eric Roberson at Knight Theater Jun 6: Grammy-nominated independent R&B/soul artist Eric Roberson's story is more than music; it's a symphony of authenticity and commitment to timeless melodies. $51+.
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert at Belk Theater Jun 6-7: Experience Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition, on a giant screen, while a live orchestra performs John Williams' unforgettable score. $39+.
• Taste of Charlotte 2025 in Uptown Charlotte Jun 6-8: Don't miss this three-day food festival featuring samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities that will surely delight the festival-goers.
• Charlotte Sustainability Summit at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City Jun 7: Hear from environmental leaders and innovators driving sustainability in our region and uncover actionable steps to make a positive impact in your daily life. Student discount available. $20-$30.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.

Jon G's Barbecue is popping up at Town Brewing next Wednesday, June 4, at 5pm.

Why it matters: The popular BBQ joint in the tiny town of Peachland is only open on Saturdays from 11am-4pm. People line up hours before it opens and it closes once sold out.

What to expect: Jon G's brisket, pulled pork, sausage and other popular menu items, according to a press release.

• The taproom (800 Grandin Road) will open at 2pm and food will start serving at 5pm.
• Musician Brooke McBride will perform from 4:30-7:30pm.

What's next: If you can't make it to next week's event, Jon G's will pop up at Town again on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

• If you're considering a visit to Jon G's, plan ahead.