Greater Charlotte, with its subtropical climate and scenic location near rivers, lakes and forests, is an outdoor lovers’ dream. There are dozens of ways for groups to enjoy the scenery while building camaraderie.
Here are just a few.
- It’s always adventure time at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). The facility, located 12 miles northwest of Charlotte, covers 700 forested acres along the Catawba River and includes the largest manmade, recirculating river in the world. Customized team development programs can incorporate any of USNWC’s 20 activities, which include white-water rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lines and canopy tours. Teambuilding groups average 20 to 30 people in size, but smaller or larger groups can be accommodated.
- Groups can don their pith helmets for a horticultural expedition at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The 380-acre, all-season garden is located along the banks of Lake Wylie, 19 miles southwest of Charlotte. Attendees choose between a 60-minute tour of the themed gardens and 12 fountains, or undertake the 90-minute Orchid Expedition. Groups of any size are welcome, with 20 people per guide. Groups can make a day of it and opt for a box lunch and cut down on walking by booking a tram ride for the tour. The garden also offers space for private events as large as 300 indoors and more than 500 outdoors.
- Located 15 miles south of Charlotte, Dana Rader Golf School (DRGS) claims the distinction of being named one of Golf Magazine’s top 25 golf schools. Corporate programs at DRGS work well as teambuilding, incentives, networking opportunities or an introduction on how to use golf as an effective tool in the business world. Golf instruction is tailored to each player’s level of ability. The school is located at The Ballantyne, an upscale Starwood property with 244 guest rooms and more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
- Located in Cabarrus County, Capstone Climbing & Adventure specializes in teambuilding programs designed to foster communication, cooperation, creative problem-solving and leadership. The nonprofit offers an array of outdoor activities that integrate into groups’ goals, including high and low ropes courses, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and camping. Programs are easily customizable for all ability levels. Curriculum options include environmental education and a comprehensive staff development program entitled “The Leadership Equation.” Capstone welcomes groups from six to 200 people, and also offers a 120-bed retreat.
