When I lived in Charlotte I was always looking for something fun to do besides the usual bars and movie places. The Whitewater Center is great!
I've been rafting only once, but go back for the view. Last summer I would go on Thursday nights to enjoy the outdoor bar and view over the river. They had live music which was always entertaining. I HATE the heat and only go outside in the evenings for things I really like, and this one brought be back several times! I think that they moved the Thursday night music to Saturday, but definitely worth checking out!
When I took my brother rafting, he of course fell in and had to get the shirt about going swimming. He is 15, and I'm always looking for things to do that bridge our 9 year age gap.
This is a treasure for Charlotte and some place you can go for any occasion, whether it's family or to even just have a few beers!