Living in Concord
Things to do in Concord, NC
Concord is racing country, and most of what draws visitors sits in one corner of town near I-85 Exit 49. Beyond racing, Concord has a walkable historic downtown and some of the county’s best parks.
I’m Frank Coxx, a North Carolina broker with HomeSmart. Here’s what each one is, where it sits, and a tip for your first visit.
Things to do
NASCAR races · events
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, on Concord Parkway South (US 29), a short drive from Concord Mills.
Despite the name, the speedway is in Concord. It hosts NASCAR Cup Series races every year, including the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and a fall race on the Roval, a course that mixes the oval with the infield road course.
The track stays busy between races, too. zMAX Dragway sits across the street, and in late fall and winter, Speedway Christmas turns the track into a drive-through light show.
Tip: Race weekends bring heavy traffic on I-85 and US 29. If you live nearby, plan errands around them.
Official site: charlottemotorspeedway.com
Outlet mall · shopping
Concord Mills
Concord, off I-85 at Bruton Smith Boulevard.
Concord Mills is a large outlet and value mall, with outlet stores, restaurants and a movie theater under one roof. It draws shoppers from across the region.
The SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium is inside the mall, which makes it an easy rainy-day stop with kids.
Tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest. Holiday weekends get crowded fast.
Official site: simon.com/mall/concord-mills
Indoor waterpark resort
Great Wolf Lodge
Concord, on Weddington Road, about a mile from Concord Mills.
Great Wolf Lodge is a resort hotel built around a large indoor waterpark, so it runs year-round regardless of the weather. Beyond the slides and pools, it has arcade games and other family attractions.
It isn’t only for overnight guests. The lodge sells day passes to the waterpark, which locals use for birthdays and summer days off.
Tip: Book a day pass ahead of time. Popular days can sell out.
Official site: greatwolf.com/concord
Parks & outdoors
County park · lake · disc golf
Frank Liske Park
Concord, on Stough Road, on the west side of the county.
Frank Liske is Cabarrus County’s largest park, set on a former farm. It has a fishing lake with seasonal paddleboats, an 18-hole disc golf course, walking and nature trails, playgrounds and picnic shelters.
It also has mini golf, sports fields and courts, and a dog run, so there’s something for most of the family.
Tip: Paddleboats and mini golf run seasonally, roughly spring through fall.
Official site: cabarruscounty.us
State historic site
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Midland, in southern Cabarrus County.
Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States, made by a boy named Conrad Reed. Today it’s a state historic site with a visitor center and underground mine tunnels you can walk through.
In warmer months you can pan for gold, which kids love.
Tip: Gold panning is seasonal. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether panning is running.
Official site: historicsites.nc.gov
Downtown
Dining · shopping
Union Street restaurants and shops
Downtown Concord, along Union Street near the historic courthouse.
Downtown Concord is a compact strip of independent restaurants, coffee shops, taprooms and boutiques along Union Street, anchored by the historic Cabarrus County courthouse.
The city and downtown merchants hold events on Union Street through the year, which bring people out on warm evenings.
Tip: Check the downtown events calendar before you go. Event nights are the liveliest.
Historic homes
Concord’s historic districts
North and South Union Street, on either side of downtown.
The streets running north and south from downtown are National Register historic districts, lined with Victorian homes and early-20th-century bungalows and Craftsman houses.
If you want an older home within walking distance of downtown, this is where to look in Concord.
Tip: Older homes need a careful inspection. I’ll help you plan for what to check before you commit.