Explore curated articles and itineraries featuring the stories of Cabarrus.
Cabarrus County’s largest city is home to some of the most popular and exciting sites in North Carolina.
In the late 1700’s, there was a disagreement over where the seat of the newly formed Cabarrus County would be located.
To honor the compromise that was made to settle the dispute, the city was founded in 1796 on a 26-acre tract of land and given the name Concord, meaning “harmony” and the main thoroughfare was called “Union Street.” Today, Concord still embodies this spirit with a harmonious combination of experiences that showcase the area’s history and culture.
Concord’s delightful historic downtown district is lined with locally owned restaurants and shops and welcomes guests with stunning architecture and a colorful mural dedicated to beloved locals, The Avett Brothers. The centerpiece of downtown is the Greek Revival-style Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, home to the Concord Museum, curated exhibitions throughout The Galleries, and live performances inside the intimate Davis Theatre. Don’t miss other downtown favorites like The Basement Arcade Bar for retro games over local craft beers. Downtown also offers a social district where visitors are invited to explore the area while sipping a craft beverage.
The city of Concord became a textile hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, many former mills have been transformed into community gathering hubs including Gibson Mill. Minutes from the historic downtown center, Gibson Mill is a collection of entertainment, shopping and local dining.
Indulge in barbecue, tacos, seafood and more at Gibson Mill Market food hall, admire cool cars inside the AutoBarn Classic Cars showroom, then sample locally made craft beer at Cabarrus Brewing Company and High Branch Brewing Co., the first craft breweries in Concord. Try your hand at axe throwing inside Iron Axe Society or break out of custom futuristic escape rooms at The Valcarol Missions.
If shopping is on your mind, look no further than Concord Mills, North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center.
Take your pick of more than 200 stores, including Primark, Coach, J. Crew Factory, Best Buy, Bass Pro Shops, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, UGG and so many more. Also at Concord Mills is Dave & Buster’s, The Speedpark, The Escape Game, and SEA LIFE, an indoor aquarium featuring North Carolina’s only ocean tunnel filled with more than 800 sharks, rays, rescued sea turtles and more aquatic life.
Race fans can get their thrills in Concord at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which hosts major annual NASCAR races and tons of high-speed entertainment year-round from car shows to cruise-ins.
You can even get behind the wheel yourself at with ride and drive options. On the same campus of the legendary 1.5-mile oval track, watch hot rods zip by at zMAX Dragway, the first four-lane, all concrete drag strip in the world, take in even more action at The Dirt Track or snap a pic next to a collection of antique cars and muscle cars at the nearby Morrison Motor Car Museum.
As the city paves the way for new experiences, some streets are currently closed to traffic. Sidewalks remain open for pedestrians to access businesses and free parking is available throughout Downtown. Arrive prepared with the latest details on directions to public parking decks and lots.
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Experience the magic of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord! This annual holiday celebration transforms the Lodge into a winter wonderland with seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, and visits from Santa himself.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy hotel near it all or you want to stretch out in a suite, the city of Concord has options.
Places to Stay