I was thisclose (cue to me holding my index finger a half inch above my thumb) to having to tap dance in front of Phil's Tavern for 20 minutes on a Saturday night -- wearing a Sean May UNC jersey. Why? Because that's what my wager was with the UNC entourage if North Carolina pulled off a win against Virginia Tech during their recent football game in Chapel Hill. I think they may still be bitter over the basketball losses, but both my Hokies and I got lucky nonetheless.
As did my buddy last Thursday at the U.S. Whitewater Center's Suburu River Jam (which is like an Alive After Five for the outdoorsy types): He bet that he couldn't beat me in a blindfolded game of Cornhole.
If I won, he had to run down to the water and just jump in. I was originally going to make him skinny dip, but I didn't want to scare the children. Turns out, I suck at blindfolded Cornhole.
Since he won, I had to go into the Whitewater Center's on-site lodge -- the River's Edge Bar & Grill -- and push a table out of the way to create my own little dance floor. Then I had to proceed to jam to the band like I was on an '80s dance show, by myself for three songs.
Well, it was a good thing it was Mick & The Ultras playing, because their happy tunes made it easy to dance like no one was watching. Mick & The Ultras -- not as in Michelob Ultra, but Mick Mixon -- the voice of the Panthers, and the beat of the drums.
We moved the table back and had a delectable dinner served fresh with live music. And the River's Edge might just be my new favorite restaurant in Charlotte. I was so excited about the menu, when I ordered, the waiter said to me, "You're just so happy to be here!"
Cause I was. River's Edge is also a cool bar. It has a ski lodge feel to it, yet with a beach vibe. They even have a "Swimmer's Special": a bucket of PBR.
Cason point: There is nightlife at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Following my embarrassment, a sweet little old man approached me and asked if I had lost a bet, or if I was special. But the thing is, I would most likely have been dancing regardless. My theory is this: Life may not always be the party we hope, but while we're here, we might as well dance. That, or I really am just special.
Read more about nightlife at the Whitewater Center at www.qcvibes.com.