Charlotte Signs 3-Year Deal To Become Host City of Jordan’s ‘Jumpman Invitational’

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The Charlotte Sports Foundation today announced a three-year deal with Jordan Brand to host the Jumpman Invitational, a major holiday college basketball event in the Queen City. The inaugural gathering, slated for Dec. 20-21, 2022, will feature both the men’s and women’s teams from the original four schools to sign partnership deals with Jordan Brand in both basketball and football: Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

All games will be played in Charlotte’s Spectrum Center in partnership with Hornets Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and operates the facility. The schedule will feature two games each night, with matchups and game times still to be determined. ESPN networks will air all four games, with ESPN Events working in conjunction with CSF to maximize the event’s success in front of a global audience.

 “We’re incredibly excited to bring what we believe will quickly become the marquee college basketball event of the holiday season to the Queen City,” said Danny Morrison, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “These are four of the most storied and competitive programs in the game, and we’re looking forward to the interconference play.”

“I’ve got to thank Oklahoma Athletics Director Joe Castiglione for being the first to suggest getting the original four Jordan Brand schools together for an event,” added Morrison. “And our Board of Directors is especially pleased to highlight both men’s and women’s college basketball in this way while offering the same amazing experience for all the players, coaches and fans.”

Jordan Brand plans to create unique experiences for fans as well as players and coaches in conjunction with the event. Details are being finalized and will be announced in the coming months.

Added Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles: “Charlotte has a rich history of hosting high-profile basketball events, including the NBA All-Star Game, NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments and this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Shootout. We look forward to welcoming basketball fans from across the country to enjoy our hospitality and culture, and we’re grateful to the Charlotte Sports Foundation and Jordan Brand for organizing this event that will bring so much recognition and positive economic impact to our city.”

“This a great opportunity to showcase our city’s passion for all things basketball and a wonderful venue in the Spectrum Center,” said Fred Whitfield, President and Vice Chairman of Hornets Sports & Entertainment. “We look forward to partnering with the Charlotte Sports Foundation and Jordan Brand to create a memorable experience for basketball fans, as well as all the players and other representatives of the participating schools.”

“We are excited to be working with the Charlotte Sports Foundation and Jordan Brand in bringing this signature event to Charlotte,” said Clint Overby, vice president of ESPN Events. “The four participating schools represent some of the very best in intercollegiate athletics, and the event will be another great addition to the sports lineup in the community.”

Morrison said the possibility exists to expand the event to include other Jordan-affiliated schools in 2023 or 2024, or to extend the partnership into subsequent years.

“We’re hoping this will be the start of one of the most anticipated, coveted and competitive events in all of college basketball each and every year,” said Morrison. “Charlotte has all the resources to make this an overwhelming success including an incredibly passionate fan base, and we look forward to seeing this event grow in stature for years to come.”

How to Start Flipping Houses: 4 Tips

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Maybe you’ve watched a lot of Fixer Upper, or perhaps you’ve just hear a lot about how lucrative flipping houses for a living can be. Either way, you’re interested in pursuing this as a career path and want the details on how to go about it as successfully as possible, you’re in luck. This article is all about how to begin flipping houses. Follow our four tips and get ready for future financial bliss. 

1. Look For Options

Flipping houses for a living is much more practical than it may sound. If we honor the very real fact that it takes money to make money, we can then appreciate the fact that it takes less money to buy a run-down house than it does to buy one that is in perfect condition. See less popular living locations and run-down houses as stellar investments, as these are the properties with the real potential for greatness. Wherever you plan to start house flipping, go for the less popular or less desired neighborhoods first to find jackpot options at reduced prices. You can also filter your searches on real estate sites to see listings that include foreclosure and lease-to-own options. 

2. Consider Flipping Houses Abroad

Currently, there is a lot of interest in Italy’s housing market, with so many old historic homes selling for very low. You can find listings for genuine Italian villas for little of nothing and put your money’s worth into renovations rather than into what you spend in the initial investment. The key is to see the potential of the house and picture what it could be. In the end, once all home transformations and renovations are complete. Where you search for your homes truly makes a big difference. Think about Fixer Upper. They flip houses in Waco, Texas. You don’t see them flipping homes in Austin. You need to hunt for homes in places that are less sought-after to find the best! If you do plan on flipping homes in more desirable areas, be sure to have your finances in order. Consider hard money real estate loans to secure your future investments. 

3. Gather Your Team

Once you’ve set your sights on specific homes, round up a team of experts who you can count on to complete each renovation project. You will need licensed contractors, painters, design experts, and others with the knowledge to transform the homes you’ve purchased into something spectacular. Like in the restaurant business, you should be looking for bulk suppliers who can give you the building materials you’ll need at a reduced rate, given the consistency that you will likely be purchasing them. Finding awesome deals on lumber suppliers and experts who can conduct roofing restorations is extremely important if you are making repairs to homes that are incredibly run-down. 

4. Don’t Be Afraid 

Take chances! You are in a unique position to see potential where someone else saw a lost cause. You can take that run-down two-bedroom home and turn it into something desirable with the right outlook. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make investments in homes that are in poor states. Try to find passion in purchasing these homes and make it your mission to restore them to their original, perfect condition, or even better. 

The Bottom Line

House flipping is undoubtedly creative and fulfilling, but it will take time and commitment to see the success you want out of it. Take time to gather your options, your teams, and the money you need for investments, and be willing to see the good in every house you flip. You got this! 

Outsourcing Corporate Relocation: Here’s Why Successful Companies Do It

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Employee relocation might seem like a relatively simple process in today’s world, especially with so much of the workforce being remote-based. It seems like employees can just pack up and work from wherever, right? Well not exactly, there’s still a lot of the old considerations, and a lot of new ones in the post-pandemic world.

Many companies have turned to professional relocation services, as it’s a viable choice when you’d rather experts deal with all the logistics. In this article, we’ll go through a few reasons why successful companies would rather use corporate relocation services. 

Policy and logistics handled with experience

The expert understanding of experienced corporate relocation companies like ARC Relocation is a key reason why companies are outsourcing. These top-rated companies provide a broad variety of management relocation services as well as extensive global coverage.

Relocation policy consulting is best handled by experienced relocation providers who have the expertise and knowledge of best practices, as well as the tax and regulatory requirements. This knowledge may assist businesses to ensure that their policies are as competitive and cost-effective as possible, allowing them to focus on their most important business objectives.

If you can manage relocation right now, you’re likely to be able to handle other personnel duties in your department, such as recruiting, onboarding, and training. It’s difficult to be an expert on all of those topics while juggling so many responsibilities.

You and your transfer team will not have to worry about becoming relocation experts with the aid of the RMC, as the RMC has highly qualified specialists to guarantee that your program runs as smoothly as possible.

A smooth experience for the employee

Employee relocation isn’t just a hurdle for companies, it’s also a burden for the employee. It’s a good idea to share some stress-free relocation tips with your employees, and also check in on them during the process, to get feedback on their experience and how the relocation service company is handling everything.

You don’t want employees regretting their decision to move hundreds of miles, and a good relocation service will make the logistics as comfortable for your employees as well as your company.

Relocation services are like concierges

If your company does not handle a high number of relocations, you will not be able to take advantage of the significant discounts that relocation managers enjoy.

However, the cost isn’t the only factor. Services not only save money, but they also come with warranties that assure a high-quality moving experience. They may also offer the most cost-effective solutions while bringing tax and legal knowledge to the table.

But what about the expenses you incur when you relocate? If you haven’t priced them in a long time, your assumptions may be obsolete. Traditional relocation managers may charge you for any service, while today’s technology-focused businesses only charge one license fee each relocation.

It is feasible to create rules using tech-based relocation programs that allow employees to spend their relocation money on benefits. They provide direct access to approved sources as well as advice on how to get the most out of them. These features are not only cost-effective, but they also contribute to smoother relocations and happier employees.

How to Partner with a Relocation Management Company

If you decide to engage with a third-party provider to design your relocation program, it’s critical that your organization’s top management understands exactly what you’re looking for in a partner RMC.

To begin, make a checklist for this service that includes your top priorities.

  • How much can a cost-effective relocation package add to the worth of your company?
  • What impact does your decision on who you’ll eventually partner with have on potential cost savings?
  • In the next three to five years, how many moves do you expect to facilitate?
  • Will the bulk of these personnel be relocated within your country, or will some be sent abroad?

Four Benefits of Living in a Multicultural Society

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Multiculturalism is a fundamental facet of American society. The country was founded on the principle that people with different cultures and backgrounds can coexist in a peaceful and democratic society. From major American metropolises to small towns, cultural diversity is omnipresent. Unfortunately, when people with different systems of belief, values, and viewpoints live together, some clashes are inevitable. It is for this reason that many companies and workplaces are incorporating special training to help create harmony in the workforce, like cultural awareness training sydney.

1. More Lifestyle Options 

One of the major benefits of living in a multicultural society is that the cultural exchange of ideas, values, and habits can help people increase their quality of life. In a diverse culture, you have many options when it comes to deciding how you want to live. There’s an impressive range of opportunities to explore. You don’t have a single answer to what to wear, what to eat, or how you spend your free time. And this diversity of options is what makes the United States so attractive.

2. Increased Awareness of Cultural Identity 

Paradoxically, when you live in an incredibly diverse society, you become more aware of your cultural identity. People living in multicultural communities feel the need to define their identity. They also feel the need to understand the differences and similarities between themselves and others with different backgrounds. Thus, they are prouder of their heritage than those living in a homogeneous society. They also feel generous about celebrating their traditions with others and sharing cuisine, music, dance, art, and not only. As a result, the whole society becomes more interesting and complex. Can we imagine the American culture without the rich additions of the Latinx lifestyle?

3. Tolerance and Open-Mindedness  

A second major benefit of living in a multicultural society is that being surrounded in everyday life by people with different backgrounds and cultural identities encourages tolerance and open-mindedness. In a country with so many immigrants and minorities, and where such a large percentage of the population has mixed heritage, acceptance, tolerance, and open-mindedness are the core values that make the nation thrive. If people feel accepted and valued, they have an intrinsic motivation to contribute to the society that embraces them and affords them the quality of life they seek. An example is minorities that drive progress in business and the public space. 

4. Creativity and Innovation 

Living in a multicultural society means having direct contact with people with different habits, ideas, and lifestyles. This condition is ideal for creativity and innovation. In a multicultural society, you’re always exposed to new ways of doing things and fresh ways of looking at things. A mix of perspectives, talents, skills, and ideas fosters innovation and makes space for outside-the-box mindsets. And this is easy to notice by looking at all aspects of the American lifestyle, including food, fashion, design, art, entertainment, sports, or professional settings. For more resources, you can check out https://gry-kasyno-online.pl/20-euro-bez-depozytu/

Living in a multicultural society can be an enriching experience. Differences in values, opinions, and lifestyles should serve as inspiration for self-growth rather than being a source of conflict. In a heterogeneous country like the United States, embracing diversity is vital. 

 

CMPD Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Missing 65-Year-Old Man

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The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department just sent out a Silver Alert for a missing 65-year-old man.

According to police, Hugo Pineda was last seen yesterday morning at around 2 am on Yorkhills Drive. He has gray hair, brown eyes, weighs 150 lbs, and stands 5′ 5″ tall. He’s believed to be driving in a black 2012 Honda Civic, tag #THP-3253.

If you see him or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call 911.

These Charlotte Area Towns Have The Least Percentage of Vacant Homes in America

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Despite the continued shutdowns and economic uncertainty brought by the coronavirus, one market that flourished in 2020 was real estate. With interest rates at an all-time low and homes appreciating at a rapid pace, houses are selling faster than ever.

In most cities, inventory is depleted and bidding wars are common, but in some, things have reached a truly fevered pitch.

Sundae collected data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, released on Dec. 10, 2020, to compile a list of cities with the most vacant homes. The list is ranked by the percentage of vacant homes out of all housing units in the city, and ties are broken by the total number of vacant homes. Only cities with at least 5,000 housing units were considered.

Several of the towns around the Charlotte region were ranked among the lowest vacancy rates in America.

Out of 3,506 total cities ranked, Indian Trail came in at #3,405 with only 298 vacant homes out of 13,041 total units, Matthews came in at #2,982 with 501 vacant out of 12,512, and Fort Mill came in at #2,681 with 308 vacant out of 6,438. The City of Charlotte itself was ranked about halfway down the list at #1,624 with 28,988 vacant homes out of 359,379 total housing units.

Charlotte Stories is continually partnering with the best real estate agents in every part of the Charlotte region.

If you’re thinking about moving in or around Charlotte, let us connect you with a top agent in your area by filling out the form below:

    Charlotte Is 2021’s 6th Best Large City for First-Time Home Buyers

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    With 14% more people becoming first-time homeowners last year compared to the previous year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2021’s Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers.

    To determine the most favorable housing markets for first-time buyers, the site took the pulse of real estate in 300 cities of varying sizes using 22 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing affordability to real-estate tax rate to property-crime rate.

    Charlotte ranked 6th and Raleigh ranked 3rd among the top 65 largest cities in the nation.

    Best Places for First-Time Home Buyers

    Rank (1=Best)  Large Cities (Score) Rank (1=Best)  Midsize Cities (Score) Rank (1=Best)  Small Cities (Score)
    1 Virginia Beach, VA
    (59.47)
    1 Chesapeake, VA
    (65.15)
    1 Hampton, VA
    (60.66)
    2 Tampa, FL
    (58.12)
    2 Gilbert, AZ
    (61.91)
    2 Surprise, AZ
    (58.87)
    3 Raleigh, NC
    (57.55)
    3 Lincoln, NE
    (61.29)
    3 Cedar Rapids, IA
    (58.28)
    4 Lexington, KY
    (55.37)
    4 Cape Coral, FL
    (61.01)
    4 Broken Arrow, OK
    (57.78)
    5 Henderson, NV
    (55.35)
    5 Boise, ID
    (60.68)
    5 Kenosha, WI
    (57.37)
    6 Charlotte, NC
    (55.29)
    6 Peoria, AZ
    (59.76)
    6 Palm Bay, FL
    (57.16)
    7 Jacksonville, FL
    (55.09)
    7 Norfolk, VA
    (58.97)
    7 Elgin, IL
    (56.98)
    8 Las Vegas, NV
    (54.70)
    8 Orlando, FL
    (58.46)
    8 Joliet, IL
    (56.90)
    9 Colorado Springs, CO
    (54.68)
    9 Chandler, AZ
    (58.30)
    9 Murfreesboro, TN
    (56.48)
    10 Louisville, KY
    (54.40)
    10 Scottsdale, AZ
    (57.40)
    10 Waukegan, IL
    (56.23)
    11 Mesa, AZ
    (53.91)
    11 Frisco, TX
    (56.87)
    11 Thornton, CO
    (56.18)
    12 Nashville, TN
    (53.43)
    12 Newport News, VA
    (56.60)
    12 Naperville, IL
    (55.89)
    13 Columbus, OH
    (53.19)
    13 Huntsville, AL
    (56.54)
    13 Boca Raton, FL
    (55.85)
    14 Phoenix, AZ
    (52.86)
    14 Cary, NC
    (55.46)
    14 Springfield, IL
    (55.67)
    15 Oklahoma City, OK
    (52.49)
    15 Toledo, OH
    (55.45)
    15 Charleston, SC
    (55.63)
    16 Milwaukee, WI
    (52.06)
    16 Madison, WI
    (55.37)
    16 Davenport, IA
    (55.16)
    17 Aurora, CO
    (51.99)
    17 Aurora, IL
    (55.07)
    17 Peoria, IL
    (55.11)
    18 Atlanta, GA
    (51.61)
    18 Overland Park, KS
    (54.92)
    18 Greeley, CO
    (55.02)
    19 Tucson, AZ
    (51.50)
    19 Fort Wayne, IN
    (54.70)
    19 Green Bay, WI
    (54.70)
    20 Indianapolis, IN
    (51.28)
    20 Salt Lake City, UT
    (54.66)
    20 Portsmouth, VA
    (54.46)
    21 Omaha, NE
    (50.82)
    21 Des Moines, IA
    (54.46)
    21 Sterling Heights, MI
    (54.30)
    22 Pittsburgh, PA
    (50.61)
    22 Vancouver, WA
    (54.25)
    22 Longmont, CO
    (54.27)
    23 Fort Worth, TX
    (50.24)
    23 North Las Vegas, NV
    (54.01)
    23 Centennial, CO
    (54.27)
    24 Cincinnati, OH
    (50.14)
    24 Reno, NV
    (53.92)
    24 Roseville, CA
    (54.17)
    25 Denver, CO
    (49.78)
    25 Fort Collins, CO
    (53.27)
    25 Manchester, NH
    (54.08)
    26 Cleveland, OH
    (49.38)
    26 Port St. Lucie, FL
    (53.15)
    26 Arvada, CO
    (54.06)
    27 Austin, TX
    (49.27)
    27 Glendale, AZ
    (53.13)
    27 Yuma, AZ
    (53.94)
    28 Minneapolis, MN
    (49.21)
    28 Richmond, VA
    (53.10)
    28 Sunrise, FL
    (53.77)
    29 Tulsa, OK
    (48.83)
    29 McKinney, TX
    (53.02)
    29 Miramar, FL
    (53.75)
    30 St. Paul, MN
    (48.42)
    30 Augusta, GA
    (52.96)
    30 Roanoke, VA
    (53.63)
    31 Kansas City, MO
    (48.39)
    31 Elk Grove, CA
    (52.81)
    31 Wilmington, NC
    (53.62)
    32 Sacramento, CA
    (47.84)
    32 Greensboro, NC
    (52.72)
    32 Westminster, CO
    (53.49)
    33 Detroit, MI
    (47.27)
    33 Tempe, AZ
    (52.47)
    33 Spokane Valley, WA
    (52.98)
    34 El Paso, TX
    (46.84)
    34 Winston-Salem, NC
    (52.34)
    34 Allen, TX
    (52.64)
    35 Bakersfield, CA
    (46.45)
    35 Tacoma, WA
    (51.98)
    35 Tuscaloosa, AL
    (52.53)
    36 Arlington, TX
    (46.35)
    36 Grand Rapids, MI
    (51.77)
    36 Norman, OK
    (52.46)
    37 Philadelphia, PA
    (45.85)
    37 Pembroke Pines, FL
    (51.56)
    37 Roswell, GA
    (52.40)
    38 Riverside, CA
    (45.12)
    38 Spokane, WA
    (51.47)
    38 Visalia, CA
    (52.33)
    39 Baltimore, MD
    (45.05)
    39 Plano, TX
    (51.42)
    39 Lakeland, FL
    (51.96)
    40 Seattle, WA
    (45.00)
    40 Knoxville, TN
    (51.31)
    40 Davie, FL
    (51.85)
    41 Fresno, CA
    (44.97)
    41 Rochester, NY
    (51.28)
    41 Denton, TX
    (51.84)
    42 Chicago, IL
    (44.77)
    42 Tallahassee, FL
    (50.69)
    42 High Point, NC
    (51.63)
    43 San Antonio, TX
    (44.56)
    43 Durham, NC
    (50.58)
    43 Fort Smith, AR
    (51.62)
    44 Portland, OR
    (44.26)
    44 Laredo, TX
    (50.21)
    44 Livonia, MI
    (51.60)
    45 Wichita, KS
    (43.96)
    45 Columbus, GA
    (50.09)
    45 Clovis, CA
    (51.48)
    46 Corpus Christi, TX
    (43.25)
    46 Grand Prairie, TX
    (50.02)
    46 Dearborn, MI
    (51.38)
    47 Memphis, TN
    (43.14)
    47 Lakewood, CO
    (49.90)
    47 North Charleston, SC
    (51.36)
    48 Houston, TX
    (42.42)
    48 St. Petersburg, FL
    (49.55)
    48 Temecula, CA
    (51.32)
    49 St. Louis, MO
    (42.12)
    49 Alexandria, VA
    (49.55)
    49 Yakima, WA
    (51.23)
    50 Dallas, TX
    (41.71)
    50 Garland, TX
    (49.24)
    50 Warren, MI
    (51.23)
    51 Miami, FL
    (41.24)
    51 Buffalo, NY
    (49.22)
    51 Vacaville, CA
    (51.10)
    52 Albuquerque, NM
    (40.04)
    52 Akron, OH
    (48.76)
    52 Pueblo, CO
    (51.08)
    53 Santa Ana, CA
    (39.80)
    53 Salem, OR
    (48.71)
    53 Plantation, FL
    (51.03)
    54 Anaheim, CA
    (39.69)
    54 Hollywood, FL
    (48.43)
    54 Sandy Springs, GA
    (50.80)
    55 Stockton, CA
    (39.49)
    55 Modesto, CA
    (48.15)
    55 Hillsboro, OR
    (50.74)
    56 San Diego, CA
    (38.99)
    56 Fayetteville, NC
    (48.13)
    56 Rockford, IL
    (50.71)
    57 Honolulu, HI
    (38.72)
    57 Moreno Valley, CA
    (48.01)
    57 Victorville, CA
    (50.67)
    58 San Jose, CA
    (37.29)
    58 Fontana, CA
    (47.83)
    58 Clearwater, FL
    (50.60)
    59 Washington, DC
    (36.36)
    59 Corona, CA
    (47.05)
    59 Federal Way, WA
    (50.44)
    60 New Orleans, LA
    (35.50)
    60 Palmdale, CA
    (46.90)
    60 Savannah, GA
    (50.00)
    61 Long Beach, CA
    (35.14)
    61 Birmingham, AL
    (46.63)
    61 Miami Gardens, FL
    (49.92)
    62 New York, NY
    (34.81)
    62 Lancaster, CA
    (46.63)
    62 West Palm Beach, FL
    (49.78)
    63 Boston, MA
    (34.20)
    63 Irvine, CA
    (46.62)
    63 Kent, WA
    (49.60)
    64 Los Angeles, CA
    (31.77)
    64 Ontario, CA
    (46.61)
    64 Coral Springs, FL
    (49.47)
    65 San Francisco, CA
    (29.38)
    65 Amarillo, TX
    (46.51)
    65 Flint, MI
    (49.22)

     

    Charlotte Stories is continually partnering with the best real estate agents in every part of the Charlotte region.

    If you’re thinking about moving in or around Charlotte, let us connect you with a top agent in your area by filling out the form below:

      Clean Juice Giving Away Free Juice For A Year At Flagship Store Grand Opening This Week

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      Charlotte’s own Clean Juice will be hosting a grand opening celebration of their new flagship store in Birkdale Landing.

      The first 50 customers will receive free Clean Juice for a year, and all customers can register throughout the day to win a Jettie electric scooter. Several special discounts on organic food will be offered throughout the day and guests can spin a prize wheel to win free products and other offers. Kids activities, including face painting, will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

      The new flagship store features several enhancements to the on-site preparation and ordering of Clean Juice’s menu offerings and juice cleanse products, improving the customer experience. The new store is introducing a self-ordering kiosk and has carved out space for a double-sided fridge to allow online and app orders to be loaded and picked quickly and easily. In addition to a dynamic digital menu board, the store will also feature a large viewing window where customers can watch Juiceristas at work preparing Clean Juice’s signature cold-pressed juices.

      The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from
      7 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Clean Juice, Birkdale Landing, 16627 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite E-120 Huntersville, NC.

      You can find out more information on their grand opening event page here.

      This Company Is Letting Anyone Drive Up To 180 MPH Around The Charlotte Motor Speedway

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      mario andretti racing experience charlotte2The Mario Andretti Racing Experience pegs itself as the “World’s Fastest Driving Experience”, allowing even novice drivers to reach speeds up to 180 mph. After about an hour of training, they strap you into a full size, open wheel, Indy-style race car and let you go as fast as you want around the Charlotte Motor Speedway – and they even let you pass other drivers.

      I’ve driven over 120 mph on a motorcycle and over 130 mph in my old Mitsubishi Eclipse, but I can honestly say that the adrenaline I felt driving at 155 mph in an open-wheeled Indy car was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Personally, I think it was largely due to the fact that you’re only inches off the ground as you watch the asphalt whiz by at ever increasing speeds.

      Here is a recent video from the experience (although it really doesn’t do it justice);

      The driver from the video commented, “If you’re trying to decide whether driving these Indy cars are worth the money, don’t think twice! This was easily the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had and I’m already planning a second trip in a few months!”

      They are now offering a Groupon for 57% off the experience, click here for more info.

      Have you ever tried this? Let us know what you thought in the comments below;

      Best 6 Spots in the US for Budding Photographers

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      The United States of America is home to a magnificent diversity of landscapes and terrains. It’s a treasure trove of wonders, from the tropical splendors of Hawaii to the verdant national parks of California and Alaska’s frozen crevices. It takes an entire lifetime to explore the beauty and diversity in all its entirety. 

      Nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts have much to rejoice in as the US is brimming with picture-perfect landscapes. One feels spoilt for choice while picking a destination for photography endeavors. 

      Are you focused on capturing scenic natural gems and awe-inspiring landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon? Or perhaps, you’re more interested in capturing rare birds, wildlife, and exotic wildflowers? Either way, the United States is laden with hidden gems and mainstream tourist attractions to indulge in your passion for photography. 

      Keep reading to explore some of the most incredible, most photogenic gems in the United States. 

      1. Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee 

      A landscape of exalting beauty, the Smoky Mountains National Park is the land of cascading waterfalls and alpine streams. Tucked at the tip of eastern Tenessee, the Smoky Mountains are home to the legendary Appalachian Trail. The trail will lead you through verdant greenery, wildflower meadows, and picturesque waterfalls. 

      The national park opens up hundreds of nature walks and hiking trails that entice photographers with breathtaking sceneries. The snow-laced vistas form a magnificent backdrop, and every shot is picture-perfect. Seasoned photographers and adventurers take the road less traveled and venture out into the wilderness to capture rare splendors. 

      It’s wise to position yourself in a centrally located area to enjoy close access to the hiking trails and leading attractions. It’s easy to find a budget-friendly bed and breakfast in the smoky mountains with a stunning view of the landscape. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a plethora of luxury accommodations and glorious alpine cabins. 

      Combine your photography endeavors with local festivals and rare experiences, such as hiking with synchronized fireflies. Head out to Cade Cove’s to capture the golden rays of the sun melting into a background of soaring cliffs. 

      2. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

      Undoubtedly the most photographed site in the United States, the Grand Canyon is the ultimate landscape to test your photography skills. However, exploring the Grand Canyon isn’t easy. It demands a stellar combination of physical fitness and the confidence to climb soaring heights without fear. 

      Golden hours at the Grand Canyon are treasured moments for picture-perfect shots. The red limestone and daunting cliffs create an unreal landscape of sheer magnificence. The Grand Canyon is sprawling with hikes and climbs that will lead you towards exalting views of the canyon rim. If you’re not willing to hike, consider taking a scenic drive along the South Rim of the Canyon. The picturesque route will spoil you with various stunning views, forcing you to pull over after every turn. 

      3. Death Valley National Park, California 

      Such an ominous and gothic name doesn’t exactly inspire nature lovers to explore its expanse. However, you mustn’t let the title keep you from exploring the breathtaking beauty of Death Valley. Contrary to what most believe, Death Valley is a lot more than a massive dessert. The National Park is laden with hidden gems and geographic wonders that are unbelievably stunning. 

      For instance, the Mesquite Flat will delight you with the sensual movements of the dunes. The rolling dunes are picture-worthy with their vibrant tones, shifting with the direction of the sun. The Badwater Basin is another popular attraction with its salt polygons – a rare geographic wonder. 

      Nature photographers flock to the Racetrack to capture the dramatic mud racks, sailing stones, and dunes. It’s easy to feel spoilt for choice, for Death Valley is brimming with variety. The best times to visit are between December to February. You’ll need pleasant weather to indulge in photography because it is notorious for heatwaves. Spring is an excellent time to capture rare wildflowers and exotic blooms. 

      4. Yosemite Valley, California

      Yosemite is a picturesque valley nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is home to the most magnificent landscapes governed by snow-laced peaks and dramatic waterfalls. The Yosemite Falls are indeed the most stunning attraction in the region. Photographers also flock to Half Dome and El Capitan to capture nature at its best. 

      Yosemite is a neverending fascination for nature photographers and adventure enthusiasts. One only has to explore the iconic black and white series captured by ace photographer Ansel Adams to seek inspiration. The potential for award-winning photography is endlessly vast, as long as you can hike, climb and explore the valley on foot. You can explore the hiking trails and nature walks that take you deep within the valley, full of stunning views. 

      5. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

      The ultimate destination for Newyorkers and Bostonites: The Berkshires. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with enormous photography potential. This scenic hill station is most breathtaking in the fall, brimming with colorful foliage and dramatic visuals. We urge you to embark on the iconic Mohawk Trail – a 63-mile nature walk laden with splendid natural wonders. 

      6. Zion National Park, Utah

      One cannot create a roundup of picture-perfect US destinations without applauding the sandstone beauty of the Zion National Park. A treasure trove of nature’s most breathtaking splendors, the Zion National Park is home to sandstone cliffs, verdant valleys, and the Virgin River. 

      Nothing is more indulgent than capturing the Virgin River winding through the dramatic sandstone carvings of Navajo. Explore the tall and soaring canyon of the Narrows to capture vivid colors and exalting landscapes. Photography ambitions in Zion demand full physical fitness and functional canyoneering gear. 

      Are you looking for a remote photography destination that takes you far from the maddening crowds? Head out to the Zion Canyon, a vibrant and picturesque oasis with a magnificent backdrop of sandstone. This less-visited destination is laden with spectacular gems, stony hills, and bighorn sheep. Don’t forget to check out the Three Apostles Sunrise for some fabulous golden hour clicks. 

      Conclusion 

      The United States will leave you spoilt for choice when it comes to nature and landscape photography. Ultimately, you need to pick a destination that works well with your budget and photography ambitions. Destinations close to home are always the best in terms of accessibility and affordability. 

       Do you want to capture beachside wonders, alpine beauty, hilly valleys, or sandstone canyons? We urge you to understand your photography pursuits and find a destination that best aligns with your goals.