Hey folks.  I’ll build this out as more information is released regarding game time.  That way I can add restaurants, things to do, etc.

But first things first.  The game is being played in Rock Hill.  There are a number of hotels down there.  Right off of I-77.  That said, there is not a whole lot else to do in Rock Hill.  Charlotte is only 25 minutes north on I-77 and will provide more opportunities.

Not sure what is going on in Charlotte that weekend, but most of the city center hotels are booked.  That said, Charlotte is a “small” city and easy to get around, so being 2 miles outside downtown is not an issue.  In fact is a huge benefit cost wise and accessibility to I-77 – to head the final 30 minutes down to the game.

So hotels:

I’d look at the following:

Hilton off of Tyvola Road – which is exit 5 on I-77.  704-527-8000 – usually under $100 a night.

Hyatt Summerfield off of Billy Graham Parkway – which is exit 6b on I-77.  704-525-2600.  Priced $85-$90 a night.

Sheraton Airport – further out Billy Graham – 704-39301200.  About $80 a night.

Hampton inn Arrowwood Rd – exit #3 off I-77.  704-525-3333.  Usually under $75 a night.

The Hyatt Summerfield and Hilton will be the easiest to get into the city from.

I’m traveling this afternoon and will swing by the west side to see what else may make sense, but those should do you well.

If you want to stay in Rock Hill.  Many of their hotels are off of exit 79 on I-77 - Dave Lyle Boulevard

I’ve contacted the local alumni association to see about a pre/post game gathering.  I’ll keep the board posted.

And I’ll add restaurants as we get closer.  Finally, don't be shy about throwing your sticks in the car.  65 degrees here last weekend.  Golf courses are open.

Last Edited: 2/1/2011 12:49:58 PM by cc-cat

Not that I'm allowed to do this, but baseball is playing a weekend tournament about an hour away in Greenville, SC.

Last Edited: 2/12/2011 6:31:54 PM by cc-cat

Last Edited: 2/14/2011 10:46:42 AM by bornacatfan

At the risk of being too thorough - see info below.  I pulled much of this from info compiled for an earlier event, but these places are still in business - lol.

First of all the forecast - 60s, sunny and no chance of rain.  Typical February day.

In preparation for anyone’s arrival south, the following provides some thoughts on dining and doing (hotel info stated above).  The game starts at 7:00 Saturday, but I will include some dinner options for those that may arrive Friday.

Let’s start in the mornings. 

Breakfast

If you are in the Carolinas, there is no reason to have breakfast anywhere but your hotel, or Cracker Barrel.  As they say, when in the South, clog your arteries. Cracker Barel -  For those staying off of I-77 or near the airport, head out Billy Graham Freeway (We love BBQ and God here) to where it intersects with I-85 or ask the hotel if one is closer.

Lunch

If you like southern fried chicken (or if you are not sure), Prices Chicken Coop is a must.  It is simply the best you will ever have.  Bar none.  Don’t even try to tell me differently.  Located at 1614 Camden Road for you GPSers.  Note: Prices is all take out.  Some just sit in their car.  I’d suggest going to Freedom Park which is 5 minutes away down East Blvd) and finding a park bench.  Did I say it will be in the 60s, sunny and no chance of rain.  Enjoy the Carolina sky.   www.priceschickencoop.com -- lunch only.

Just down the street from Prices is Phat Burrito.  Good southwest food.  Large portions. You’ll be happy. www.phatburrito.com

If you do head down East Blvd.  There will be a number of places (usually chains such as Moe’s), but would consider Big Daddy’s Burger Bar – it is located about 300 yards from Freedom Park. www.bigdaddysburgerbar.com

You can’t go wrong with Carolina BBQ.  While the better places are outside of town, two very good chains are Hillbilly’s and Sonny’s.  Both have a place on Tyvola Road off of I-77 (exit 5).  www.hillbillysbbqsteaks.com      www.sonnysbbq.com

For a flavor that is unique, consider Merts Heart and Soul.  Little bit of souls, little bit of low country.  Merts is located right uptown and is a good place to grab a bite if you are checking out the city.   www.mertsuptown.com

Fuel Pizza has a number of locations (including Rock Hill) with the most convenient in Charlotte being on South Blvd (corner of East).  Whole pies and slices available. www.fuelpizza.com

Also Uptown is Matt’s Chicago Dogs.  Great place for a hot dog (better than what you will get at the game). www.eatatmatts.com

Things to do on Saturday.

Remember it will be beautiful out, so you may just want to get out in the sun.  Or hit a golf ball.  I’ll leave that to you.

If you have kids along, you may what to consider Discovery Place (hands on Science Museum) www.discoveryplace.org  or Imaginon is a library on steroids – no, really, it is cool www.imaginon.org

EpiCenter

You can also head to the EpiCenter.  This is our Landing “lite” – shops, restaurants, etc.  Located uptown it will be more active in the evening www.epicentrenc.com but has a number of places for lunch as well.

Dinner

Besides the BBQ places above, I tend to skew ethnic.  Some thoughts.

Thai Taste - excellent – East Blvd – www.thaitastecharlotte.com

Maharani Indian Cuisine – Kings Drive – they have a killer lunch buffet as well. www.maharaniindiancuisine.com

Greek Isles – this is not a Greek diner, but really good Greek food and very reasonably priced.  Highly recommend – though it is odd to come to Charlotte for Greek food. www.greekislesrestaurant.com

And of course, there are a number of places in the EpiCenter that cater to different tastes:  Hard to go wrong at Black Fin, Mortimer’s or Libretto's.   Mez if you want to spend more.

Late Night

Two new diners to consider of you are heading back form the game and want to grab something to eat.

Mattie’s Diner – located in the Music Factory (will also have some bars and music) 915 Hamilton St.

Midnight Diner – closer to uptown - 115 Carson St.  Review of each www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/10/22/1778065/two-diners-one-hot-one-cool.html

Pre Game

Have not heard from the Charlotte Chapter about a pre game location.  I reached out to the Winthrop board  (www.winthropfans.com) and the initial suggestion is a place called McHale’s Irish Pub www.mchalesirishpub.com   Will see what other suggestions come our way or if the Chapter gets anything organized.  Will keep the board posted.

I am traveling much of the week, but will answer any questions as able, especially about the pre-game as I hear more.

Last Edited: 2/14/2011 12:30:27 PM by cc-cat

Last Edited: 2/15/2011 10:37:42 AM by cc-cat

Last Edited: 2/18/2011 9:15:08 AM by cc-cat

Last Edited: 2/21/2011 12:46:47 PM by cc-cat

Last Edited: 2/20/2011 8:53:22 AM by bornacatfan