Stumpy's Hatchet House brings indoor hatchet-throwing range to Greenville

A new form of recreation is sweeping the nation, bringing the country to the city as adults of all backgrounds learn the art of hatchet throwing.

Stumpy's Hatchet House will be Uptown Greenville's newest business when it opens to the public on Wednesday, October 24.

The facility is an indoor throwing range with 'pits' divided by wire caging somewhat similar to a baseball batting cage.

Each pit is notably named. There's a "Peach Pit," a "BBQ Pit" and a "Brad Pit," to name a few.

Trish Oliphant is the owner and founder of Stumpy's Hatchet House, which is actually a franchise started by her family in New Jersey three years ago.

"People are looking for a new recreation, something new to try -- when was the last time you did something for the first time? I always say -- so they come in, they've never even touched a hatchet before and they leave here and they have a new skill, they can throw a hatchet," she said.

Today, there are more than twenty Stumpy's Hatchet Houses across the United States.

Managing partner of Stumpy's in Greenville, Brandon Qualls, said ""I think...it transcends city atmosphere and the outdoorsman."

Oliphant says they were the very first indoor hatchet-throwing range in America. The Greenville location is the first in North Carolina.

"We think of it as darts on steroids, and we do think this is America's new indoor recreation, bowling is kind of old...this is new and exciting and very social," Oliphant said.

The indoor range is only open for adults 21+ because it's BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) and patrons are allowed to bring beer or wine and food to enjoy. None is sold on site.

The business model is designed around hospitality and recreation.

Stumpy's will largely cater to group celebrations, think anything from corporate team-building events to birthday and divorce parties -- that's right -- they call it 'Axe your Ex'.

Stumpy's general manager, Josh Davis, will run the day-to-day operations.

"Everybody always thinks -- hatchet throwing and alcohol?? -- but we have such good rules and the way that we've set up these enclosed pits, we're going to train you, Stumpy's has been around for three years in other states without a single injury..." Davis said.

When guests arrive, safety rules and the ways to play for points are explained in the "Training Room" where everyone signs a waiver while staff set up any food and drinks you may have brought.

"You can bring your own alcohol, but this isn't a place for somebody to come and get drunk. You're going to be sipping, having some snacks and just having a good time," Davis said.

Next, "throwing coaches" will teach each patron how to properly and safely throw the hatchets using a one-hand or two-handed grip. Note, it's more important to have good technique than simple strength, making the game something almost anyone can do.

Floating staff will then be scattered throughout the facility ready to help anyone who needs it.

Walk-in's will be welcome, but Stumpy's caters to group events and parties and reservations are highly recommended.

You can learn more and make reservations at

.