Living in Locust
Things to do in Locust, NC
Locust is a small Stanly County city with a close-knit feel. Most of what there is to do centers on the park and the town center, plus a couple of local favorites for dinner and one for a more active weekend.
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
Park · free admission
Locust City Park
Locust, on Officer Jeff Shelton Drive near the town center.
City Park is where Locust gathers. It has walking trails, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and a dog park, and admission is free. It’s an easy afternoon for families with kids, or a quiet walk on your own.
The city also holds family movie nights, outdoor concerts, summer splash events and its fall festival here and in the town center. For a town this size, the calendar is busy, and it’s an easy way to meet neighbors.
Tip: For park events, park only in the marked lots, including the one on Lions Club Drive.
Official site: locustnc.com
Local shops · dining · events
Locust Town Center
Locust, along South Central Avenue.
The town center is the heart of Locust. Walk it to browse local businesses, grab something to eat and catch the seasonal outdoor events the city holds through the year.
It’s small and walkable, which is part of the appeal for buyers moving out from Charlotte or Concord.
Tip: Time a visit with a city event night, when the town center is at its liveliest.
Restaurant
The Local Room
Locust Town Center, on South Central Avenue.
The Local Room is a sit-down restaurant in the town center, known for small plates and a menu that changes with the seasons. It has outdoor seating on the patio.
It’s a go-to for date nights, and it also hosts private parties and rehearsal dinners.
Tip: Reservations are a good idea on weekend evenings.
Burgers · wings · craft beer
The Brew Room
Locust, on Ray Kennedy Drive across from City Hall.
The Brew Room opened in 2022 as Locust’s first brewery and taproom. It’s a casual spot for burgers, wings and craft beer, with rotating taps and beer brewed on site.
Some nights bring live music, trivia, karaoke or other entertainment.
Tip: Check their social pages for what’s on that week before you go.
Community events
Locust Community Building
Locust, near City Hall.
The Community Building hosts indoor city events through the year, from holiday parties with Santa to classes and public sessions.
The city has also run shag and line dance lessons, along with kids’ nights out, as part of its events lineup.
Tip: The city posts its full events schedule each spring on its website.
Official site: locustnc.com
Outdoor paintball
Boss Paintball Fields
Locust, on Reed Mine Trail.
Boss Paintball is an outdoor field for groups, friends and birthday parties, or anyone who wants a more active outing. It runs woodsball, scenario and speedball games, and rents equipment if you don’t have your own.
It’s mostly a weekend activity.
Tip: Contact the field ahead of time to confirm hours and book a group.
Official site: bosspb.com
Parks & outdoors
Boating · fishing
Lake Tillery and Badin Lake
Eastern Stanly County, past Albemarle.
Two big lakes on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River sit a short drive east of Locust. Both are popular for boating, fishing and paddling, and much of their shoreline borders the Uwharrie National Forest and Morrow Mountain State Park.
Morrow Mountain State Park, on Lake Tillery, adds hiking, camping and boat rentals.
Tip: If lake life is the goal, I can help you weigh a home in Locust against one closer to the water.
Official site: visitstanly.com
Getting around
Commuting
NC-24/27 corridor
Runs through Locust between Charlotte and Albemarle.
NC-24/27 is Locust’s main road. It runs west toward Midland and Charlotte and east to Albemarle, and connects to routes north toward Concord.
It’s the road most Locust commuters drive every day.
Tip: Test the drive to your workplace at rush hour before you buy. Traffic toward Charlotte varies a lot by time of day.