Game Time

PUTTIN' AROUND
Admittedly, whacking a ball at a giant clown face can be pretty satisfying. But designers of the mini-golf course at Fibber MaGee’s in Chimney Rock skipped the theme-park kitsch and went for a natural aesthetic to complement the beauty of the Rocky Broad River, which runs parallel to the course. “We have Japanese maples, azaleas, blue spruce—there’s something blooming all year round,” says Larry Lane. This course is anyone’s game until the end, with a few giggle-inducing uphill shots that tend to send the ball right back to you.

339 Main St., Chimney Rock; $6.50 adults, $5.50 for kids 10 and younger; (828) 625-8870; www.fibbermagees.com

BONUS: Each spring, kids celebrate the opening of the mini-golf course at Boyd Park in Hendersonville. See why for yourself and get a bag of the popcorn locals go gaga for at the snack bar. Church Street; (828) 697-3084. Create a mini-golf tour by moving on to Tropical Gardens Mini Golf. 956 Patton Ave., Asheville; (828) 252-2207.

FIELD OF DREAMS
There isn’t a kid around who’s watched a baseball game and not imagined themselves sliding into home plate. Let them live the dream at run-the-bases nights hosted by the Asheville Tourists (August 16, 2 p.m.) and Hickory Crawdads (August 19, 7 p.m.). After the regular game, kids take the field to run, slide, and score while you cheer them on.

Tourists, 30 Buchanan Pl., Asheville; (828) 258-0428
Crawdads, 2500 Clement Blvd. N.W., Hickory; (828) 322-3000;
www.web.minorleaguebaseball.com