Visit Concord Mills
Concord Mills is a must-visit shopping destination located just north of Charlotte. This mega shopping center has over 200 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Shoppers can browse stores like Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, H&M, Forever 21, and Old Navy. Hungry shoppers have plenty of dining options like Dave & Buster’s, Rainforest Cafe, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and more. The Speed Park offers indoor go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade. With so much to see and do, you can easily spend a full day exploring Concord Mills.
Tour Historic Cabarrus Avenue
Take a stroll down Cabarrus Avenue in downtown Concord to experience the city’s historic heart. This main thoroughfare is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings that now house shops, restaurants, and museums. Pop into shops like Bleu Door Bakery and Black Ice Yogurt Bar, or grab a bite to eat at Asbury The Restaurant. Don’t miss the chance to explore the 1878 courthouse-turned-museum, with exhibits on Concord’s textile history.
Visit Gibson Mill
Step back in time at this 19th-century cotton mill village located on 80 acres of beautiful conserved land. Gibson Mill has been carefully restored to demonstrate a typical Carolina mill town circa 1920. You can tour the mill, the store, workers’ homes, and other historic buildings. There are also lovely hiking trails, streams, and gardens to explore during your visit. It’s a peek into Concord’s past that both kids and adults will find fascinating.
Cheer on the Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord hosts several major NASCAR races each year, most notably the Coca-Cola 600 in May. On select non-race days, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the track and experience the banked turns and steep grade for yourself. The Speedway also offers go-karting, mini golf, and a zipline for some high-thrill family fun.
ExploreIQ Family Museum
If you’re traveling with kids, add the interactive ExploreIQ Museum to your Concord itinerary. This children’s museum has fun, educational exhibits focused on STEAM learning. Kids can perform science experiments, learn about coding and robotics, explore North Carolina history, and engage in creative play. There are also outdoor experiences like pedal car tracks. It’s a wonderful place for young minds to explore and discover.
Hike at Rocky River Golf Club
Nature lovers will enjoy hitting the hiking trails at Rocky River Golf Club. Located just north of Concord, this public golf course is open to hikers when golfers aren’t on the greens. Explore nine miles of wooded trails and take in the natural scenery, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. The terrain varies from easy walks to more challenging climbs. It’s a peaceful outdoor escape just minutes from downtown.
Watch a Game at Atrium Health Ballpark
Catch an exciting baseball game at Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the minor league Kannapolis Cannon Ballers baseball team. This modern stadium hosts games from April to September. Enjoy an evening of America’s favorite pastime while munching on classic ballpark eats like hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. With affordable ticket prices, it makes for an easy family night out.
Wine Taste at Junius Lindsay Vineyards
North Carolina has a thriving wine region, and Junius Lindsay Vineyards offers a great introduction. The vineyard is located just 10 minutes north of Concord, making it an easy side excursion. Tour the winery to learn about the winemaking process, then head to the tasting room to sample varietals like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The vine-covered patio is a charming spot to enjoy a glass.
How to Get Around Concord
Concord offers several convenient transportation options for getting around town and reaching nearby attractions:
Public Transportation
Concord’s public bus system is called Rider Transit. It operates regular routes from downtown Concord to other destinations around Cabarrus County. Fares start at $1.25 per ride.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for hire in Concord, although rideshares like Uber and Lyft tend to be more readily available. Download the apps in advance for easy airport transfers and rides around town.
Charter Buses
For group travel, consider booking a charter bus through companies like Charter Bus Concord. Charter buses can transport groups of any size in comfort, with amenities like WiFi, TVs, and restrooms on board. Contact us at 704-206-8595 to learn more.
Ready to Get Started?
Concord is an underrated destination with something for everyone. Use this travel guide to help you make the most of your upcoming trip. With so many things to do, you may just have to plan a return visit! Reach out to Charter Bus Concord at 704-206-8595 if you need transportation for your group.