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.

Thanks, cc cat.

Winthrop's athletic site is stating the game is a 7:00 pm tip off.  Has anyone heard any confirmation of time from our athletic department? - Oho Game Central/Stretch Internet is saying 1:30. 

Winthrop's ticket office has confirmed the game will start at 7:00 this Saturday night.  Don't you just hate it when our athletic department is behind the curve!!

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.

 

Thanks for  the info CC Cat. Here's a couple other hotels.  Made res.@ the Marriott Courtyard for $89 it's  on I-77 approx 4 miles to the game. The Holiday Inn also on I-77 is $104 per nite approx 5 miles to the game.

Wish I could make it seeing as I am only 3 or so hours away and havent had the chance to see the Cats play live in a few years, but I have too much to do at work

Looks like I will be in town tonite.

Need to firm up the pre game at the irish pub if anyone else is going.tomake it.

Anyone who is donw there early and wants to share a beer tonite hit me with a PM. I got first round.

Looking forward to getting a bit of a break from the still present snow on the ground .....how can it be 61 degrees and I still have drifts around the farm?

Lets git a win and stay on this roll.

I am getting ready to leave for Winthrop in a few minutes. There are a few of us coming up from Greenville, SC to watch the game. We are sitting in Sec. 109.

Talked to a friend of mine this afternoon who is from Rock Hill. He said if you are looking for food after the game to go to Luke's in Rock Hill. He said they have some of the best wings and fries in the area.

I know this was mentioned earlier. The baseball team is in Greenville, SC this weekend to play Furman. It is just under 2 hours from Winthrop to Furman. Shorter drive if you are staying in Charlotte. There are bunch of Ohio alums from the Greenville area going to the baseball game on Sunday. The game is at 1:00 pm.

CC

Great to meet you and the family. Lots of nice folks down here.,,,and great weather to boot. Gang at McHales was pretty sweet. and lots of good beer. Food across the street5 at the Bistro was excellent....Historical too with the civil rights sit in in1961. McRorys lunch counter. Restored the original lunch counter with names engraved on the back withthe naqmes of the oppressed who took part in the sit in. Pretty cool to sit where history took place . Travels through this United states always finds me wanting.


Really enjoy getting the posters handed out to the kids and watching them collect the autographs. Pretty special to have watched mine collect hundreds over the year and now he is on the other end. Hope yours decideds to be 2nd generation Ohio




Pretty good  trip. saw and met aq lot of Bobcat fans. All I wanna do is win win win.....

Thanks Doc

Have really enjoyed being here. Contrary to the thoughts of some who thinkI am going somewhere I will be here in the Convo for many years to come. Still make Muncie Central games. Still plan to be mai=king Bobcat games and contributions here as needed.

It was great to meet CC Cat, Mrs. CC and Ryan. Not only should they road trip up for football in the fall, B-Squared, they should come up for a basketball game some weekend. Ryan heard a few tales on Saturday about the Crazy Cats. You guys had it going on!

I, too, was impressed with the number of Bobcats at McHale's and over at Winthrop. It was a very nice turnout for a road game. As Jeff McKinney likes to say, there isn't much better as a fan than going on the road and coming home with a win.

Borna is the master of the road trip, finding the Old Town Bistro with the good food (I went with broasted chicken breasts, mashed potatoes and pickled beets) and the McCrory's history. He has never steered me wrong on food or local history.

It was interesting to learn about the Friendship 9. Eight of them refused to post bail and that made the story news in many cities. The 8 did their time and were released several weeks later. The efforts toward ensuring civil rights for all in Rock Hill, took place over many years. It was interesting to think about how things were in our nation -- not just the south -- back in 1961 and how things have changed.

Glad to hear it. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat.