10 of the best places to visit in Concord, from a brewery to a theatre
Located northeast of Charlotte along I-85 and roughly a 40-minute drive from Uptown is the town of Concord. Rich with history from the historical textile past, residents celebrate Concord’s close community, history and quaint charm that is unique to the town.
For anyone thinking of Concord, Mass., this Concord is pronounced “con- kord,” not “con- kerd.”
Here are 10 places to visit in Concord:
Backing Up Classics Auto Museum
4545 Highway 29, Concord
Why you should visit: To see 18,000 square feet of more than 50 vintage and antique cars.
Morrison Motor Company started as a family-owned business in 1970, selling special-interest automobiles. In 2001, owner Jimmy Morrison bought Backing Up Classics Motor Car Museum, which started with 15 of Morrison’s cars from his personal collection and 30 cars that were part of the museum purchase.
Cabarrus Brewing Company
29 McGill Ave. NW, Concord
Why you should visit: To drink a pint of the Boll Weevil Brown Ale, while listening to live music in the tap room every Friday and Saturday from 7:30-10 p.m.
The Boll Weevil Brown is a classic English brown ale. It gets its name from a beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers. The boll weevil devastated the Southern cotton industry in the 1920s, including the critical textile industries of Cabarrus County. This crisis helped to diversify the economies of the South, leading to the expansion of peanut farming, tobacco and other industries.
Clever names like the Boll Weevil Brown are part of one of the intentions of the founders, who wanted to showcase the area’s rich history and unique character.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S., Concord
Why you should visit: To see a NASCAR race, like the upcoming Bank of America ROVAL 400 on Sunday, Sept. 30.
When there’s not a race on, learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway in a van ride around the Superspeedway, where you will experience the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking.
Concord Mills
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord
Why you should visit: To spend a day shopping at more than 200 stores at this mall.
Don’t forget to schedule time for the attractions that are not common for malls, including the Sealife aquarium, Dave and Buster’s, The SpeedPark and the American Carousel.
Dover Vineyards
3600 Concord Pkwy S., Concord.
Why you should visit: To sip on a glass of chambourcin, made from the first grapes planted at the vineyard in 2009.
The vineyard was built on commercial development land in 2009. Later that year, vegetables were added in areas unsuitable for growing grapes, and the farm is known as The Vineyard Garden.
Frank Liske Park
4001 Stough Rd, Concord
Why you should visit: To spend a day participating in activities like paddle boating, disc golf and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
When you’ve tired out, take a break with a picnic or cool off in the refurbished dairy barn.
Great Wolf Lodge
10175 Weddington Rd. NW, Concord
Why you should visit: To splash around at the indoor water park that has 11 waterslides and four pools.
This family resort has activities for kids of all ages, including a ropes course, Magiquest, miniature bowling, an arcade and more.
Historic Downtown
Union St. N, Concord
Why you should visit: To take a self-guided historic walking tour of the different residences in the area.
Afterward, stroll down Union Street and enjoy local restaurants and shops. Try Moon Pie ice cream from Cabarrus Creamery, browse artwork at The Galleries and shop for locally-made crafts at Hive.
Old Courthouse Theatre Main Stage
49 Spring St. NW, Concord
Why you should visit: To see an upcoming play: “Terms of Endearment,” “Ruthless!” or “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
The Old Courthouse Theatre was founded in 1976 and the group originally performed in the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. It’s the area’s only all-volunteer community theatre.
Rocky River Golf Club
6900 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord
Why you should visit: Play a round on the 18-hole golf course, which is open to the public.
Managed by the Embassy Suites — Concord, Rocky River Golf Club borders the Rocky River and utilizes many existing features of the area. The course is great for all skill levels, including beginners. They can play with four sets of tees, including PGA Junior tees.
This story was originally published July 17, 2018 at 11:32 PM with the headline "10 of the best places to visit in Concord, from a brewery to a theatre."