Golf

Highland Creek Golf Club. This semiprivate course is lovely to look at and challenging to play. You have to be careful with the water hazards; there are water features on 13 holes. It's consistently rated among Charlotte's toughest public golf courses. 7101 Highland Creek Pkwy., Charlotte, North Carolina, 28269. 704/875–9000; www.highlandcreekgolfclub.com.

Paradise Valley Golf Center. This short course is perfect for players without much time: a round takes less than two hours. But don't let that fool you: the course can challenge the best of them. Unique elements include two island tees. 110 Barton Creek Dr., Charlotte, North Carolina, 28262. 704/548–1808; www.charlottepublicgolf.com.