Concord, NC, sits just on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. You may be familiar with this city because of the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway, but this beautiful town has so many more things to do.
Below, I’ve outlined the best things to do and places to eat in Concord, North Carolina. I’ll also share the budget hotel we stayed in, which made our trip very affordable.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FUN THINGS TO DO IN CONCORD, NC
1 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
Just 13 miles outside of Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts many prestigious NASCAR racing events, such as the Bank of America ROVAL 400 and the Coca-Cola 600.
This speedway is considered the home track for NASCAR, with many race teams located in the area.
Other than the NASCAR events, this speedway has more than 30 different activities for motorsports fans of all ages, including World Karting races, car shows, and swap meets.
Charlotte Motor Speedway Info:
- 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
- 800-455-3267
The Physics of NASCAR
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2 – Concord Mills Mall
Located just a mile away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Mills Mall is one of the largest attractions in North Carolina, with millions of visitors each year.
This massive 1.4 million square foot mall has over 200 stores. And on top of shopping, this mall boasts an aquarium, Go-Karts, monster truck rides, mini-golf, a theater, and many dining options.
Hot tip – When planning your trip, keep in mind that the mall is close to other great places like the new Krispy Kreme store, Razoo’s Cajun Cafe, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, iFLY Concord, Great Wolf Lodge, and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
We loved exploring this mall’s fantastic stores, like the Lego Store, Books-A-Million, Burlington Coat Factory, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, H&M, and the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
But guess what? There are also some great factory outlet stores, like the Nike Factory Outlet Store, Old Navy Outlet, The Disney Outlet Store, Express Factory Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, and more.
Another big attraction at this mall is the AMC Movie Theaters (with 24 movie theaters) and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
The SEA LIFE Aquarium has thousands of aquatic animals, interactive touch pools, and a 360-degree ocean tunnel.
What I love about this aquarium is its conservation efforts. They have successfully bred 9 different species of seahorse, rescued injured seal pups, and raised money to enable Sea Turtle rescue.
And how cool is it that this aquarium is located in a mall?
Book your ticket to the Sea Life Aquarium here through Viator. Tickets start at just $18.99
This mall has a fantastic food court with many restaurants to choose from, including Bonefish Grill, Alino Pizzeria, Chipotle, Dave & Buster’s, Burger King, and more. There are many fast food choices as well as fine dining.
I love this fun and colorful carousel that sits in the middle of the food court!
My daughter, however, headed straight for the Forever 21 store.
We spent most of our time in Forever 21, but I’d love to come back and shop all the other stores.
This is truly a massive mall with so many things to do. You could easily spend a whole day here!
Concord Mills Mall Info:
- 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
- Monday through Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 7 pm.
3 – iFLY Concord, NC
Have you always wanted to know what it’s like to go skydiving?
iFLY in Concord will give you a taste of skydiving in a safe indoor environment. You don’t even have to jump or fall, you just gently float on a billowy cushion of controlled air.
You can try regular skydiving, virtual reality skydiving, host a birthday party, or just reserve the place for you and your friends.
Anyone 3 years of age and older can fly. So what’s your excuse?
- 7840 Lyles Lane NW Concord, NC 28027
- 704-251-4369
- Open every day, various hours
Concord (Images of America)
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4 – Great Wolf Lodge
We didn’t actually go there on this trip, but I did take my kids here when they were younger, and they LOVED it.
This is a fun spot for kids middle-school age and younger, and you can even host their birthday party here.
There is so much to do here, including 11 waterslides, four pools, interactive games, and dining.
Great Wolf Lodge Info:
- 10175 Weddington Rd., Concord, NC 28027
- 866-925-9653
- Open every day, various hours
5 – Memorial Garden
Memorial Gardens in Concord, NC, is a cemetery owned by the First Presbyterian Church of Concord.
And don’t let the fact that this is a cemetery scare you away. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Concord, with tombstones scattered throughout the lush, gorgeous gardens.
To me, it felt like a mini Duke Gardens.
I visited early in the morning and enjoyed taking pictures in the morning light. It was so peaceful and beautiful, and I was the only one there other than the gardener.
Here are a few pictures:
Memorial Garden Info:
- 36 Spring St. SW, Concord, NC 28025
- 704-186-8009
- Check the website for hours. Always closed on Mondays
Luxury Condo at Charlotte Motor Speedway
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6 – The Dale Trail
The Dale Trail is a self-guided tour commemorating the life of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.
Earnhardt was known as the “Intimidator” for his aggressive driving style and for winning 76 races in his lifetime.
To do the self-guided tour, start by getting your guide at the Cabarrus County Visitor Center. Then proceed to find the 18 sites that commemorate his life and accomplishments.
The sites include a 900-pound statue of Dale and Punchy’s Diner, where you can eat Dale’s favorite sandwich – tomato, lettuce, and Miracle Whip on white bread.
7 – North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
What do James Taylor, Randy Travis, and Clay Aiken all have in common?
You guessed it! They are all musicians from the great state of North Carolina.
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame celebrates these great artists and all the other great musicians from North Carolina.
This free museum is a must-see when in Concord! And even though it’s free, you will still want to get tickets beforehand to make sure you can get in.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Info:
- 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28081
- 704-934-2320
8 – Curb Motorsports Museum
Located next to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is the Curb Motorsports Museum which is also free.
Mike Curb, the museum’s owner, also owns the leading country music record label in the country. I thought that was pretty cool too!
Current artists under the Curb label include Wynonna Judd, Tim McGraw, Hank Williams, Jr., and Lyle Lovett.
So there you have it, two great places to visit in one stop!
Curb Motorsports Museum Info:
- 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28081
- 704-938-6121
9 – Historic Downtown Concord, NC
I really enjoyed strolling the quaint streets of Historic Downtown Concord.
There are many great places to eat, like Downtown Donuts, 2 Gals Kitchen, Not Just Franks, and Butterfly Bakeshop.
There’s The Bead Lady, Chocolatier Barrucand, The Enchanted Kitchen, and Concord’s Best Dressed Kids, among other fun stores for shopping.
While you’re exploring historic downtown Concord, be sure to check out the historic courthouse.
The courthouse has a unique look to it because it was built in three different styles, Classical Revival, Italianate, and Second Empire.
Historic Downtown Concord info:
- Union St N, Concord, NC 28025
Bonus things to do in Concord, NC:
(Because I keep going back to visit..)
The Escape Game Concord
Gary and I tried the Prison Break room at The Escape Game in Concord. I didn’t realize I had booked one of the hardest rooms.
We had never done an escape room before, but I’m proud to say we almost escaped it. And we had so much fun trying!
They put us in separate jail cells. We couldn’t see each other, but we could talk to each other about the clues in our rooms. Getting out of our rooms took a lot of communication and teamwork.
Once we escaped our jail cells, there were more surprises in store for us.
We loved it so much that we plan to come back with our kids!
- 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard #129b, Concord, NC
- (704)286-9834
Ghost Tours in Nearby Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is home to haunted cemeteries, hotels, restaurants, and more.
I’ve really enjoyed touring Charlotte and seeing these haunted spots. Many of them are in beautiful historic buildings that are fun to see day or night.
What I love about ghost tours is that you get to hear spooky stories and learn a lot of history about the town along the way.
View available ghost tours in Charlotte.
Read our review of the best ghost tours in Charlotte.
Visit Speakeasies In Nearby Charlotte, NC
We spent a weekend visiting the speakeasies in Charlotte. Learn where they are and if you’ll need a membership or secret password to visit HERE!
Read our post on how to visit the speakeasies in Charlotte, NC
PLACES TO EAT IN CONCORD, NC
10 – Food Truck Friday
This was definitely one of my favorite things to do while in Concord.
We were there on a beautiful summer night and enjoyed the great selection of food trucks, the large seating area, and the band.
This loaded baked potato was the big surprise. We couldn’t believe how tasty a simple potato could be. It was stuffed with roast beef, veggies, and cheese!
The large seating pavilion at Food Truck Friday offers plenty of space for people to sit and eat while enjoying the band.
It’s also a dog-friendly event, which I loved, as so many cute dogs are hanging out and having a great time. I tried to take pictures of them, but my daughter thought that was a totally creepy thing for her mom to do, so I abstained.
The well-known Cabarrus Brewing Company is right next door to Food Truck Friday. I noticed quite a few people grabbing a beer there to enjoy with their food.
Food Truck Friday Info:
- 329 McGill Ave. NW Concord, NC
- 6 – 10 pm every Friday night from Spring – Fall
11 – Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar
Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem, beloved by locals for its rave-worthy Cuban cuisine. Here, you’ll find authentic dishes like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, tostones, and rich Cuban coffee.
For dessert, indulge in their delicious churros, tres leches, or classic flan.
They feature live entertainment, making it the perfect spot for anyone who loves Latin music and authentic Cuban cuisine.
Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar
- 11 Union St S Suite, 108, Concord, NC 28025
- 704-793-4233
12 – The Smoke Pit
If you’re a BBQ lover, The Smoke Pit is a must-visit. Serving some of North Carolina’s finest BBQ—maybe even the best—their smoky, tender ribs practically fall off the bone, and the baked beans are out of this world!
One thing I loved? Each table is stocked with a variety of BBQ sauces to try on their mouthwatering meats. And while I don’t say this lightly…they had the best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted. It was pure, gooey, cheesy heaven! Out of sheer love, I even brought some home for my husband.
Beyond the food, the service was exceptional. The staff checked on my daughter and me at least eight times during our meal, making sure we had everything we needed. I would absolutely recommend dining here—it’s an unforgettable BBQ experience from start to finish!
The Smoke Pit info:
- 796 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28027
- 704-795-7535
13 – Gateway To Athens
The Gateway to Athens offers delicious Greek favorites like fresh salads, hearty rice bowls, and savory gyros. Portions are generous, and their standout Feisty Feta Dip is simply amazing!
You also can’t go wrong with the Hummus, Tzatziki, or Crispy Falafel.
For dessert, be sure to indulge in their Baklava Cake—it’s a must-try!
- 360 Exchange St NW Ste 107, Concord, NC 28027
- 704-788-2174
14 – Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe
As we were out and about, my daughter spotted this bright and colorful restaurant and immediately wanted to go.
I told her it wasn’t in the plan, because us adults are all about sticking to our plans, but sometimes, you just have to let adventure happen.
And fortunately, I did because we had a fantastic dinner.
Here’s the delicious Loaded Andouille Cheese Dip that we started our meal with.
I tried the Cajun Combo Skillet for dinner with grilled andouille, shrimp creole, crawfish etouffee, and red beans.
I love it when I get to try several things a restaurant has to offer, and it was wonderful!
The decor inside is bright and colorful. Even the ceiling is fun to look at!
Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe info:
- 8011 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
- Open 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Monday – Saturday and 11:00 am – 10 pm on Sunday
- 704-979-0222
15 – Birritaco
Are you a fan of all things Birria?
Birritaco has perfected the art of Birria, serving up creative dishes like Birria Ramen, Birria Fries, Quesabirria Tacos, and even Birria Pizza.
You’ll also find other delicious offerings, such as Tortas and Gorditas, each packed with incredible flavor.
The restaurant is set in a vibrant pink building, with a colorful and inviting interior that welcomes you in.
And a standout on the drink menu is the Margarita Flight, offering you the chance to sample four uniquely crafted and delicious margarita creations.
Birritaco info:
- 226 Cabarrus Ave W, Concord, NC 28025
- 704-788-8442
16 – Papa Robb’s Paradise Ice
As we were driving around Concord, we happened to drive by this bright, colorful sign for Papa Robb’s Paradise Ice.
I’m so glad we stopped because this was a hidden gem I hadn’t read about when preparing to come to Concord.
Kids were loving the bouncy house and large yard to run around in.
Here’s a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sunday that we tried.
Papa Robb’s sells ice cream, popsicles, shaved ice, and milkshakes.
I would definitely recommend visiting here with your kids (or without) to enjoy the playground, bouncy house, and colorful seating.
Papa Robb’s Paradise Ice info:
- 3700 Poplar Tent Rd. Concord, NC 28027
- Open Monday – Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm
Highly-Rated Restaurants We Wish We Could Have Tried Out
17 – Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q
Popular BBQ place by Concord Mills Mall that offers slow-cooked BBQ, cheese biscuits, burgers, salads, and sides.
18 – Enoodles
Contemporary Asian dining serving sushi, dim sum, noodles, and martinis.
19 – Gianni’s Trattoria
Italian cuisine is located in historic downtown Concord.
20 – Not Just Franks
One of my readers who lives in Concord, alerted me to this find. They serve fantastic hot dogs and pretzels.
21 – 2 Gals Kitchen
I’ve seen this restaurant mentioned several times in local Facebook groups for how great the food is. Customers love the sandwiches, handmade pizzas, and delicious burgers.
22 – 44 Mills Kitchen & Tap
44 Mills offers inspired, modern, southern cuisine. Menu items range from sandwiches and salads to steak and seafood. They are known for their fantastic craft cocktails.
23 – Full Moon Oyster Bar
If you love seafood, this is where the locals go. Customers love the chargrilled oysters, fried shrimp, and coleslaw.
Where we stayed IN CONCORD, NC
24 – Quality Inn, Concord, NC
We decided to stay at the Quality Inn in Concord, NC. It was only $69 a night and got great reviews.
I didn’t tell my daughter until right before we got there because I knew she might have an “attitude” about my super-budget-friendly choice.
But needless to say, we were both surprised by how beautiful the room was. The hotel has recently been renovated, and they did a great job. And when you can impress a 17-year-old, you know you’re doing something right.
We really liked the outdoor pool and how all the rooms face it so that you can see it from your bedroom.
Here is the free breakfast bar that we enjoyed. It includes waffles, pastries, toast, yogurt, cereal, and hot food like bacon, eggs, and sausage.
Below is a video review we did of our room at the Quality Inn.
Looking for other Concord, NC, Hotels?
Here are my favorites:
- Courtyard Concord – Close to Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Hilton Garden Inn – Indoor pool and free area shuttle
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Close to Great Wolf Lodge
- Country Inn & Suites – Indoor pool & hot tub
Remembering Concord
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53 Responses
Just wanted to update you that Cabarrus Creamery and Punchy’s Diner are no longer around. Cabarrus Creamery always had some odd hours and after the downtown revitalization project started, it hurt business. Punchy’s owner went through a divorce and his ex-wife got the restaurant. She changed the name to Rachel’s but it was short lived and has since shut down.
Thanks so much for this information. That’s sad to hear!
wow thankful and this is very helpful. I love the Concord Mills Mall.
Thanks
I’m so glad you found the information helpful. The Concord Mills Mall has so many stores that I haven’t been able to shop at. I need to get back there!
What a beautiful Memorial Garden!
We’ve lived in Concord, NC the past few years and are always finding new things to explore. Smoke Pit is definitely a local favorite. I recently discovered Not Just Franks downtown – they have the best pretzels!
Concord seems like it would be a fun place to live with lots to do. Thanks for the tip about Not Just Franks, I’ll have to check it out!
Smoke Pit is my favorite! Our cabinetry business, Discount Cabinets of Concord is right around the corner so we are there a lot.
They are awesome! I hope I can make it back soon for some more BBQ!
Looks like a fun community to visit!
It is. I’m hoping to go back and explore some more.
Concord looks like such a fun town! Papa Robb’s is my kind of place!
Mine too! We ran across that by accident.
Wow – such a complete description! I now know 100% more than I ever did about this area. Seems like a great place to spend some time.
😊😊😊
I put Concord, NC on my Google map, in case I’m ever in the area.
Cute town. And the Krispy Kreme there is a unique store.
Concord looks like a fun place to visit. My kids would be found exploring the Lego store. I wonder what the Krispy Kreme experience would be like.
The Krispy Kreme store there is so much fun. You can customize your own doughnut or get an ice cream-filled doughnut.
Food Truck Friday and Krispy Kreme are right up my alley. I once was a stick to the plans gal, but have discovered the most amazing things when we were spontaneous.
I’m with you on the spontaneous discoveries. That’s how you find hidden gems!
I pretty much want to do all 25 of these fun things to do in Concord, North Carolina. I’m always on a quest to find the best mac and cheese in the US so I know that will be my first stop!
I love that you’re always sharing your favorite Mac & Cheese finds!
I have been to Raleigh, Carolina Beach and Wilmington but not to the Charlotte area yet. When I do I will check out several of your suggestions. We have an IFLY here and we love it.
I’m glad you’ve got to try iFLY. They are so much fun. The Concord area is gem!
I’ve never been to Concord North Carolina, but it looks like there’s lots of fun and yummy food to be had! The Memorial Gardens are so pretty! I’m totally down for the food truck Friday events!
I loved the food truck event because it had such a large outdoor area to dine and a band to go along with it.
WOW! What a list! There is definitely something for everyone!
Thanks for reading!
Hi! i have a recomendation to add! Rossarios’s pizza is a great place! It used to be owened by a friend of my familly!
Thank you for this recommendation!
What an awesome list! I love the memorial gardens! Looks really serene and natural!
I was driving down the street and saw the sign. I was so glad I stopped to check it out.
The Concord Mills Mall would definitely be my go to spot! It looks like such a cute town!
It really is a quaint town. Loved it!
What an awesome list! I would love to visit the food trucks! LOL… but aside from the food, the motorsport museum and the iFly caught my eye. My Hubby actually got me an iFly package for Christmas (we have one near us). I am just waiting for our lockdown to be over so that maybe I can book my classes!
iFly’s are fun. I hope you enjoy yours!
Looks like an awesome place to stop on a road trip! Definitely would love to visit the aquarium and the music hall of fame.
And it’s so cool the aquarium is at the mall so you have a lot of other things to do.
I’ve never been to a speedway, and that looks fascinating. I would also like to check out the aquarium. Since I love Italian food, I will add Gianni’s Trattoria restaurant to the list.
I’m glad you found some things you would like to do there. There are so many choices!
Wow, there is so many cool things to do! My kids would love the Krispy Kreme ice cream…They love Krispy Kreme!
That Krispy Kreme store is a gem. It was probably my daughter’s favorite spot other than the mall.
I have been to South Carolina but never North Carolina. Once we start traveling again this will be a consideration. Thanks for the recommendations!
And I hope to travel to SC more once things get less crazy!!!!
I live in NC but have never been to Concord. I would love to see the Music Hall of Fame and I love carousels!
Concord definitely has a lot of cool spots! Thanks for reading.
Oh my goodness what an amazing place to visit! There is so much for the whole family to have fun and even some great educational experiences! Thank you for sharing!!
It really does. I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as I would like to there.
I don’t know where to start with what I’d want to do in Concord haha. Aquarium, Memorial Gardens, Food Truck Friday?! Sign me up!
It has small-town charm but lots to do!
The Memorial Gardens look absolutely stunning! Such a beautiful place to visit/live. Thank you for sharing!
I just stumbled across that and loved it. So glad I found it.