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Conquering Concord: The Ultimate Guide to the Best & Most Fun Things to Do + Places to Visit in North Carolina

Concord will put you in an 800-horsepower NASCAR car and let you drive it around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Richard Petty Driving Experience. K1 Speed, The Pit and Victory Lane all run the indoor karting for anybody who cannot quite get that far. zMax is the only four-lane drag strip anywhere. And there is a Pick-A-Brick wall at the Lego Store for whoever would rather build than drive.

You are in the right place if you are planning a trip to Concord, North Carolina. This city runs a broad range of activities and attractions that will hold you through the stay. Racing follower, shopper, somebody who eats seriously, or somebody who wants to be outside, Concord covers all four.

If you follow racing, Concord is where to be. Home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the zMax Dragway, Concord is where auto racing people go. You can catch a race, take a tour, or get behind the wheel and drive a race car yourself. But racing is only the start of it in Concord.

Key Takeaways

• Concord, North Carolina offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
• Racing fans will love the Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMax Dragway.
• Concord is also a great destination for shopping, dining, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions.

The Need for Speed: Racing in Concord

If you want speed, Concord, North Carolina is the place. With its racing facilities and its events, Concord is where anybody who follows burning rubber and loud engines ends up. Here are the racing attractions in Concord not to miss.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

The Charlotte Motor Speedway is the centre of racing in Concord. This complex hosts some of the biggest NASCAR events in the world, the Coca-Cola 600, the Bank of America Roval 400 and the NASCAR All-Star Race among them. But the speedway is not only for watching. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, drive an 800-horsepower NASCAR race car, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

ZMax Dragway

If drag racing is more your speed, the ZMax Dragway is where to go. This facility is the only four-lane drag strip in the world, and it hosts some of the biggest NHRA events in the country, the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals among them. With its timing systems and its grandstands, the ZMax Dragway earns the trip for anybody who follows drag racing.

Dirt Track

For a different kind of racing, head to the Dirt Track at Charlotte. This half-mile clay oval is home to the World of Outlaws World Finals, one of the biggest dirt racing events in the world. With its speeds, its turns and its jumps, the Dirt Track is what both drivers and crowds go for.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

If you have ever wanted to know what a NASCAR driver feels, the Richard Petty Driving Experience is yours. This program puts you behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car and sends you round the Charlotte Motor Speedway. With instructors who know the car and equipment that holds up, the Richard Petty Driving Experience stays with you.

NASCAR All-Star Race

The NASCAR All-Star Race is one of the strongest events in racing, and it runs right here in Concord. This annual event brings the strongest drivers in NASCAR together for a race that is full of thrills and spills. With its own format and a serious cash prize, the NASCAR All-Star Race earns the trip for anybody who follows racing.

Bank of America Roval 400

The Bank of America Roval 400 is one of the newest events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it has already become one of the ones people go for. This race puts the speed of NASCAR together with the turns of a road course, which makes it unpredictable in a way nothing else in racing is.

Coca-Cola 600

The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the most serious events in NASCAR, and it runs right here in Concord. This 600-mile race tests skill and endurance together, and it is one of the strongest events in racing. With its crowds, its speeds and its competition, the Coca-Cola 600 earns the trip for anybody who follows the sport.

So if you want speed, head to Concord and take the racing for yourself. With its facilities and its events, Concord is where anybody who follows the need for speed should be.

Retail Therapy: Shopping in Concord

Looking to shop? Concord, North Carolina is the place. With a range of shopping centers and malls, you will find what you came for. Here are the spots to hit:

Concord Mills Mall

If you want a mall that runs the lot, Concord Mills Mall is it. With over 200 stores, everybody is covered. From high-end fashion to the cheapest rack in the place, this mall has it. And if you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of dining and entertainment options too.

Bass Pro Shop

For the outdoor types, Bass Pro Shop earns the stop. With a broad selection of hunting, fishing and camping gear, you will be set for the next trip. And even if you do not go outdoors, the store itself is worth the visit. With a large aquarium, an indoor waterfall and taxidermy displays, it runs like nowhere else you will shop.

Lego Store

For the kids, and for anybody who still thinks like one, the Lego Store earns the stop. With a broad selection of Lego sets and accessories, you will find the right gift for whoever needs it. And if you want to build something yourself, there is the store’s Pick-A-Brick wall.

So high-end fashion, outdoor gear or Lego sets, Concord has it covered. Get on with the shopping.

Gastronomic Adventures: Restaurants in Concord

Looking for a good meal in Concord? This is the place. Here are a couple of restaurants that will hold you.

The Smoke Pit

If you want barbecue, do not miss The Smoke Pit. Their menu runs all the smoked meats, from brisket to pulled pork, as well as a range of sides. And if you are up for it, try their famous “pork spud.” It is a baked potato loaded with pulled pork, cheese and everything else. You will not leave hungry.

Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe

If you want something with more heat in it, head over to Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe. Their menu runs Cajun cooking, from gumbo to jambalaya. And try their famous crawfish étouffée, which does its own work on a cold day.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Concord runs plenty of options. From pizza to hot dogs, you will find something that suits. So go ahead and eat properly.

Cool Down: Water Fun in Concord

When the summer gets too much, it is time for the water in Concord. Here are the places to go for it:

Great Wolf Lodge

If you want a full day in the water, Great Wolf Lodge is the answer. This indoor water park works for families with kids of all ages. With over 80,000 square feet of water attractions, you get everything from water slides to lazy rivers. And check out the wave pool and the interactive water play area for the little ones. When you need a break from the water, there is mini-golf, an arcade and a ropes course.

Sea Life Charlotte

For water with something to learn in it, head to Sea Life Charlotte. This aquarium holds thousands of aquatic animals, sharks, stingrays and sea turtles among them. You work conservation and get close to some of the ocean’s strangest animals. And if you are brave, you can touch a starfish or a sea urchin in the interactive touch pools.

Water Park

If you want a more traditional water park, check out the Water Park at the Great Wolf Lodge. With a range of water slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, everybody is covered. And for the little ones, there is an area of their own with mini slides and water sprays.

Whichever water attraction you choose, the day will hold in Concord. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen and towel, and get in.

Nature’s Bounty: Outdoors in Concord

If you want a day outdoors with something in it, Concord’s outdoor side is where to go. From parks to lakes, everybody is covered.

Frank Liske Park

Frank Liske Park is one of the parks people go to in Concord, and it is easy to see why. The park holds a lake that works for fishing, boating and picnicking. You can also work the park’s many trails, which wind through the woods and around the lake. If you are competitive, take on your friends at disc golf or volleyball. And if you want to cool off on a hot day, the park’s splash pad is where to do it.

Rocky River

If you want something rougher outdoors, Rocky River is the answer. This river runs through the heart of Concord, and people go there for the fishing and the kayaking. You can also work the river’s many trails, which wind through the woods and along the bank. And if you are lucky, you might see some of the river’s wildlife, deer, beavers and otters among them.

Memorial Garden

For somewhere quiet outdoors, head to Memorial Garden. This garden is a still place in the heart of Concord. It is where to slow down. You can walk the garden’s paths and take the flowers and plants. And if you want somewhere quiet to read or think, the benches are there for it.

So a day out with friends or somewhere quiet away from the city, Concord’s outdoor side covers both. So pack a picnic, grab your fishing rod, and get out into it.

None of this asks very much of you physically at all, really. The karting is indoors and the driving experience puts an instructor in beside you. Great Wolf Lodge runs over 80,000 square feet of water attractions under one roof. Concord Mills Mall has over 200 stores and no weather in it. The only real walking you will do is Frank Liske Park and the Rocky River trails.

Culture Vultures: Museums in Concord

If you follow culture, Concord runs some strong museums. From cars to music, everybody is covered. Here are the museums in Concord:

NASCAR Hall of Fame

If you follow NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame earns the stop. This museum covers the history and heritage of NASCAR, and it is where to work the sport’s drivers and what they did. You can see historic race cars, watch racing films, and try the racing simulators. It works for the whole family.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame marks the state’s musical heritage. The museum runs exhibits on some of North Carolina’s best-known musicians, James Taylor, Randy Travis and John Coltrane among them. You work the history of music in North Carolina, listen to some of it, and try playing some instruments yourself.

Mustang Owner’s Museum

For anybody who follows cars, the Mustang Owner’s Museum earns the stop. This museum is dedicated to the Ford Mustang, and it is where to see some of the rarest Mustangs anywhere. You work the history of the Mustang, see some serious custom builds, and if you are lucky, take a ride in one.

So if you want culture in Concord, check out these museums. Racing, music or cars, all three are covered.

Unwind and Relax: Spa Experiences in Concord

Feeling stretched? Concord has it covered with its spas. From massages to facials, these will put you back together.

Spa Botanica

Looking for a spa that takes a group? Spa Botanica is the answer. This spa runs everything a slow day needs, massages, facials and body treatments among them. And the staff will make you welcome.

Happy Faces Esthetics

Want to look and feel better? Check out Happy Faces Esthetics. Their anti-aging products and skin tone-evening treatments do their work. And with Lilly’s hands on it, you come out looked after.

Modern Day Massage

Need the knots out? Modern Day Massage has it covered. Their masseuses work out the tension and send you back out as somebody else. And where they sit makes it easy to fit a massage into a busy day.

So go ahead and take a day at one of Concord’s spas.

Nightlife in Concord: Live Music and More

Looking for a night out in Concord? The city’s nightlife is where to go. From live music to craft beers, Concord runs what an evening needs. Here are a couple of the spots we go to:

Cabarrus Brewing Company

If you follow craft beer, Cabarrus Brewing Company is the place. This local brewery is known for its beers and its easy room. With a rotating selection on draft, there is always something you have not had. And if you are hungry, they also serve snacks to go with the drink.

But the real draw of Cabarrus Brewing Company is the live music. They host regular concerts with local and regional bands, so the music runs while you drink. And with plenty of seating inside and out, it works for a night with friends.

K1 Speed

Looking for something faster? Check out K1 Speed, Concord’s premier indoor go-karting destination. With electric karts and a track that works you, it is where to let go and take some speed.

And the karting is not all of it. K1 Speed also runs an on-site bar and lounge, so you can sit down with a cold beer after your race. And if you are competitive, they run racing leagues and tournaments.

So live music or high-speed thrills, Concord covers both. So grab your friends and hit the town.

Fun and Games: Entertainment in Concord

On fun and games in Concord, you have plenty of options. Miniature golf, arcade games or go-karting, this city has it covered.

Miniature Golf

If you want something the whole family can play, miniature golf is the answer. Concord runs some of the strongest mini-golf around, the courses at Frank Liske Park and Mr. Putty’s Fun Park among them. Both run multiple courses with different themes, so you can play again without repeating yourself.

Arcade Games

If you follow classic arcade games, this is your town. Concord runs several strong arcades with a broad range of games, from old-school classics such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders to newer ones such as Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Check out Dave & Buster’s or GameStop for the strongest arcade time in town.

Go Karts

For anybody who follows speed and competition, go-karting is the answer. Concord runs several strong go-kart tracks, the courses at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing and Victory Lane Indoor Karting among them. Both run fast karts and tracks that will test what you have.

Whatever kind of fun and games you are after, Concord runs it. So grab your friends and family and take the day.

Off the Beaten Path: Unique Attractions in Concord

Looking for something different in Concord? Check out these attractions, which will make the visit stick.

The Dale Trail

If you follow NASCAR, do not miss The Dale Trail. This self-guided tour takes you to the places that meant the most to racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Sr. You visit his childhood home, his high school, and the cemetery where he is buried. Along the way you see statues, murals and other tributes to the Intimidator. It earns the stop for anybody who follows racing.

Cabarrus Creamery

Take some local flavor at Cabarrus Creamery. This family-owned business has been making homemade ice cream since 2003. They use fresh, local ingredients for flavors you will not get elsewhere, Cheerwine, peach cobbler and blueberry cheesecake among them. You can also try their homemade fudge and other sweet things. It works on a hot day.

These attractions are only a taste of what Concord runs. Racing follower or somebody who eats seriously, both are covered here. So get off the main line and work everything this town holds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most exciting activity in Concord, NC?

That depends on what gets your heart going. If you want speed, do not miss the Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you want something slower, check out Frank Liske Park. And if you want something older, head to the Basement Arcade Bar.

Where can I find the best food in Concord?

You will not go hungry in Concord. For classic Southern fare, head to the Smoke Pit. If you want something further afield, try the sushi at Genji Japanese Restaurant. And if you want something sweet, a visit to the Cupcake Queen will do it.

What are some unique attractions in Concord?

Concord runs plenty you will not expect. Check out the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium for the underwater side. Or if you follow history, take a trip to the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. And for something you will not get elsewhere, head to the Great Wolf Lodge for a day in the water park.

What’s the best way to explore Concord?

The strongest way to work Concord is on foot. Take a walk through the downtown area, and check out the Concord Museum. If you want something more active, rent a bike and take the trails at the Rocky River Greenway. And if you want the whole of it at once, take a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over Charlotte.

What’s the most romantic spot in Concord?

Looking for somewhere quiet for two in Concord? Head to the Reed Gold Mine for a slow afternoon. Or if you want to go smarter, make a reservation at Restaurant 46. And for something that stays with you, take a sunset boat ride on Lake Norman.

What’s the hidden gem of Concord?

We will not give all of it away, but here is one: if you want shopping you will not get elsewhere, head to the Concord Mills Mall. And if you want live music, check out the small room at the Davis Theatre. You will not be disappointed.

Frequently asked questions about Concord, North Carolina

Can you actually go and drive a real NASCAR car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience there?

Yes, an 800-horsepower race car right around the Charlotte Motor Speedway itself out there today. Instructors go out with you and all of the equipment out there is theirs as well as that. You do not need to have ever raced anything at all before doing this. Point.

What exactly is at the Frank Liske Park over there in Concord these days, then?

A lake for the fishing, the boating and the picnicking, plus all of the trails running through the woods. There is disc golf, volleyball and a splash pad all on it as well as all that. Mini golf. And it costs a good deal less than all of the rest of them.

Is the NASCAR Hall of Fame worth the whole trip out from Concord itself, then?

It runs historic race cars, racing films and all of the racing simulators inside of it. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is the other one sitting right nearby to that. James Taylor, Randy Travis and John Coltrane are all of them in there as well as that. Mustangs.

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