Heading to Charlotte North Carolina

[ru4por]

I need some quick feedback. I am looking to snag an Air BNB just outside Elon Park near Charlotte. Anyone know anything about the courses and park to share and anything about the surrounding area. Food, activities.... I will come back to y'all for course recommendations after securing the abode.

 

[SocraDeez]

Charlotte's a disc golf jewel. Elon Park is faceted upon the City's southern extremity. Both courses at Elon Park - Eager Beaver & Angry Beaver - are pretty good disc golfing. I've heard some tell of complaints about trees in the middle of fairways/ landing zones at Angry Beaver.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3036

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3702

~10 miles away in Rock Hill, SC, you can find both Winthrop & Canaan Riverbends. I regrettably didn't plan well enough to play the Riverbends (only open to the public on weekends), but David Sauls, whom I regard well, says: "This course has a magnificent setting, the most beautiful non-mountain course I've played."

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=7675

I missed out on Winthrop, too, which is, of course, disc golf hallowed ground. This was partly because I wasn't sure which "Winthrop" to expect in the middle of the summer with USDG still a speck on the horizon, and partly because my companion, Huck-dog, is, regrettably, a goose poop addict. Winthrop, I've heard, is something of an El Dorado for goose poop addicts.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=322

Instead of playing Canaan Riverbends (or Winthrop), I stopped to play at Mr. Sauls' property, Stoney Hill, which is still well worth consideration for you even at ~ 2 hours from Charlotte. Plus you probably get to chat with David, who's an excellent host.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1875

Back to Charlotte. If you're able/willing to head North from Elon, you should consider playing both courses at Renaissance Park - RenSke & Renny Gold. Similar to Elon Park, Renaissance Park is a two course complex with one easier/ shorter course and one championship/ longer course. For both two course parks, I recommend starting on the shorter course - Eager & Renske - and also bringing a sandwich.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=7287

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=587

If, after approaching the breathtaking-away green on the last hole at Renny Gold, you still have an appetite for championship level disc golf, I'd head North to Hornet's Nest or Nevin. Both are well worth playing and offer different disc golf experiences at a comparable level of challenge. Hornet's Nest is more City/ multi-use park style, while Nevin is Puritanical Charlotte disc golf - tight, piedmont ("foot of the mountain"), red-tinged fairways carved out of the woods, home to some lovely two shot holes.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=8957

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3658

Closer to the City center, there are several other well worth your time courses that I imagine get lots of traffic (combo. of hole design, park location & accessibilty etc.): Sugaw Creek, Kilborne, and Reedy Creek.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=232

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=470

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=568

Finally, farther to the North, two courses that I really enjoyed playing back to back were Robbins Park & Bradford Park. Robbins Park had high fun factor. Bradford was more challenging.

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=6945

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=4711

This list represents only the courses that I played or strongly considered playing while in Charlotte. I only had time to revisit one course. I chose Renny Gold. The spousal unit had already guessed it. She said I wouldn't be happy until I threw one of my discs actually into the abyss at Renny Gold (having avoided misfortune already during my first playthrough).

She was right! Beware ye who would fight monsters.

 

[thecandydan]

I need some quick feedback. I am looking to snag an Air BNB just outside Elon Park near Charlotte. Anyone know anything about the courses and park to share and anything about the surrounding area. Food, activities.... I will come back to y'all for course recommendations after securing the abode.

Since you're asking about area of town . . . that's certainly a reasonable spot to make your HQ. We spent three days in Charlotte last summer just for disc golf. Being from up north too (OH) we stayed at a VRBO near Torma Town (NW part of Charlotte area) since that gave us the advantage of having an hour less driving home than being down south. We still drove down and played southern courses too like Winthrop and Elon's Eager Beaver. We couldn't hit all of the great courses in three days but we got to most of them.

Whole city was great IMHO. Only BBQ we ate was at Midwood Smokehouse in the middle of the city and it sure was good. Burnt tips and brisket . . . we were living large. Can't say we really did anything other than play disc golf and hang out at our rental. But Charlotte is certainly a cool large city with plenty to do.

When you're circling back for course recommendations I'll point you to this for our favorites:
https://thediscgolfstreak.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-disc-golf-streak-days-1799-1801.html

 

[ru4por]

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger on the air bnb. It LITERALLY backs up to Elon, the backyard abuts the park. We are spending two weeks there so pile on the course suggestions. I may not play everyday and most days only bagging one course. But, I should be able to hit up a dozen plus courses. I have played a couple courses in the area, having been that way for a Wings-Canes game a while back.

 

[BogeyNoMore]

Hope you and the Mrs. have a great trip my friend!

 

[ru4por]

Hope you and the Mrs. have a great trip my friend!

Thanks man. Our first vacation or trip in two year, because of COVID. We have a new chocolate lab that is gonna make the trip. She is going to get a crash course on disc golf, lol!!

 

[Riverdog]

Gonna be a great time for you! Make time for Scrapyard. A favorite of mine.


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[DavidSauls]

As best I recall, Elon is in a new growth suburban area, so shiny new national chain restaurants, Anywhere USA.

The courses are tight and heavily wooded. Angry Beaver is pretty tough; Eager Beaver is, if not beginner-friendly, at least rec-player-friendly.

Though it's been a few years since I was last there.

 

[bhadella]

As best I recall, Elon is in a new growth suburban area, so shiny new national chain restaurants, Anywhere USA.

The courses are tight and heavily wooded. Angry Beaver is pretty tough; Eager Beaver is, if not beginner-friendly, at least rec-player-friendly.

Though it's been a few years since I was last there.

Angry went from tough to crazy tough with a major redesign over the last 2-3 years. A tournament over the weekend (https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/58231) rated a par round on the long configuration around 1015.

 

[DavidSauls]

Angry went from tough to crazy tough with a major redesign over the last 2-3 years. A tournament over the weekend (https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/58231) rated a par round on the long configuration around 1015.

Whoa.

I've played maybe half the Charlotte courses, and like most of the others more. Not because Angry Beaver is tough, just because of the proportion of long tight wooded holes is a bit much. I can only imagine what they've done to make it even tougher.

Which isn't to say I don't like it -- I just like others, more.

 

[bhadella]

Whoa.

I've played maybe half the Charlotte courses, and like most of the others more. Not because Angry Beaver is tough, just because of the proportion of long tight wooded holes is a bit much. I can only imagine what they've done to make it even tougher.

Which isn't to say I don't like it -- I just like others, more.

There used to be a few shorter birdie holes to start off the round that are long gone. It's gotten tighter and longer for sure. I still find the back nine to be a bit repetitive in feel but it's a dang nice track.

 

[DavidSauls]

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger on the air bnb. It LITERALLY backs up to Elon, the backyard abuts the park. We are spending two weeks there so pile on the course suggestions. I may not play everyday and most days only bagging one course. But, I should be able to hit up a dozen plus courses. I have played a couple courses in the area, having been that way for a Wings-Canes game a while back.

Two weeks? Well, you could always take a 2-hour drive, play as much as you can stand at Stoney Hill (there are 36 holes here), and limp back to the AirBNB.

 

[DavidSauls]

....otherwise, my advice to those visiting Charlotte always starts with a question: What sort of courses do you like best?

With all that Charlotte has to offer, targeting your preferences can help narrow the choices.

 

[ru4por]

Two weeks? Well, you could always take a 2-hour drive, play as much as you can stand at Stoney Hill (there are 36 holes here), and limp back to the AirBNB.

Would not miss it, David. Once I sit down and sketch out an itinerary, I will reach out to ya.

 

[DavidSauls]

When is this adventure happening?

*

As for other Charlotte courses, I've only played half of them. There's so much to choose from, you might start with letting us know (1) what sort of courses you like and (2) what Charlotte courses you've already played.

My favorite is Camp Canaan, a private facility in Rock Hill (which makes it easier to reach from the Elon area, than courses that involve city traffic). I'm not up-to-date, but it probably still has limited hours and specific requirements, so if you put it on your agenda, you'll probably want to schedule around its availability.

 

[ru4por]

When is this adventure happening?

*

As for other Charlotte courses, I've only played half of them. There's so much to choose from, you might start with letting us know (1) what sort of courses you like and (2) what Charlotte courses you've already played.

My favorite is Camp Canaan, a private facility in Rock Hill (which makes it easier to reach from the Elon area, than courses that involve city traffic). I'm not up-to-date, but it probably still has limited hours and specific requirements, so if you put it on your agenda, you'll probably want to schedule around its availability.

Right on! We are going to be in in town the 17th through the 30th of July. I really like a mixture of courses, mostly 18+ holes. With two weeks, I would like to see about every type course the area has to offer. I have played Buckhorn, Cedar Hills, Robert L Smith, Stoney Creek and UNC DGC. I do have a lot of faith in my DGCR reviewers and usually look for the higher rated runs. I am no big arm, but not afraid of any course. 36 holes is my max per day and most will be one course adventures. Traveling with a disc golf playing wife means the trip can be disc golf focused, but not disc golf exclusive.

Dog friendly is important, but not exclusively so. We are taking our first vacation with a dog. For many years we have had my mom watch our dog, but she is getting too old to do so any longer. She is a year old lab, so the exercise is important. But, she is crate trained, so some venture can be had without her. It will be interesting learning to travel and vacation with a dog. It is an important skill for our retirement.

I have to spend some time doing my homework. I am still looking for a halfway point on the drive and a place to stay. I have to look into some non disc golf type activities and food. I have a cousin down that way that I need to get ahold of.

You guys down that way are terrific ambassadors of one of the countries best scenes. Let me know what you think. I may not respond right away, as I have to do my leg work as well.

 

[DavidSauls]

July? We'll see if we can crank up the heat for you.

I'll leave it to the Charlotte folks to sort out the wealth of choices, and to know what's dog-friendly.

Dogs can mostly run loose at Stoney Hill, and I've seen a number of people have to lift their dog back into the car, at the end of a day here.

 

[Monocacy]

Sounds like a fun trip, I hope you all have a great time!

We are taking our first vacation with a dog. . . . She is a year old lab, so the exercise is important. But, she is crate trained, so some venture can be had without her. It will be interesting learning to travel and vacation with a dog. It is an important skill for our retirement.

I love taking disc golf road trips with the dog. Our first was a 3-day meet-up in Pittsburgh when she was about a year old. Since then we have traveled to 144 courses in 24 states, staying on the road up to 2-3 weeks.

A second human definitely makes it easier to travel with dog, especially during hot weather months. I can only imagine how much exercise a 1-yo lab needs.

You have probably thought of most of this, but here are some things I find useful:

Research dog-friendly places to stay if you may stop along your route. La Quinta is not fancy but dogs stay for free. Many other hotels accept dogs but charge an exorbitant fee.

Bring a well-used dog bed or blanket and favored dog toys. Dogs seem to appreciate familiar items when away from home.

Make a comfortable, safe place for your dog in the vehicle. I have a dog hammock in the back seat with dog blankets and chew toys.

Have an impenetrable barrier between your dog and any food, treats, and medications.

Cooler filled with lots of water for the dog and humans. Go-bag with dog food, bowls, blanket, chew toys, etc. for hotels on the road. Frisbees make good dog bowls in a pinch.

Take-out or drive-through restaurants are OK but if the weather is nice many casual restaurants have dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Good luck!

 

[ru4por]

Sounds like a fun trip, I hope you all have a great time!



I love taking disc golf road trips with the dog. Our first was a 3-day meet-up in Pittsburgh when she was about a year old. Since then we have traveled to 144 courses in 24 states, staying on the road up to 2-3 weeks.

A second human definitely makes it easier to travel with dog, especially during hot weather months. I can only imagine how much exercise a 1-yo lab needs.

You have probably thought of most of this, but here are some things I find useful:

Research dog-friendly places to stay if you may stop along your route. La Quinta is not fancy but dogs stay for free. Many other hotels accept dogs but charge an exorbitant fee.

Bring a well-used dog bed or blanket and favored dog toys. Dogs seem to appreciate familiar items when away from home.

Make a comfortable, safe place for your dog in the vehicle. I have a dog hammock in the back seat with dog blankets and chew toys.

Have an impenetrable barrier between your dog and any food, treats, and medications.

Cooler filled with lots of water for the dog and humans. Go-bag with dog food, bowls, blanket, chew toys, etc. for hotels on the road. Frisbees make good dog bowls in a pinch.

Take-out or drive-through restaurants are OK but if the weather is nice many casual restaurants have dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Good luck!

Love it. We have taken the pup on several day trips and she does great in the car. We plan on breaking up the drive with an overnight stay. We are making use of Airbnb's. Our girl..."Whole lot of Rosie", is crate trained and could not love her bed more. She also has her own Zone bowl with a cat stamp. These are really great tips, we will put them to work. Thanks!

 

[Mando]

I'm not going to suggest any courses, but you should consider a stop in West Virginia. Our favorite spot is Fayetteville. Lots of great restaurants and hiking, situated near the New River Gorge.