Itinerary: A Book Lover’s Weekend in Cabarrus County

Every good weekend for bibliophiles starts with a bit of a wander. So, head to Concord, where Goldberry Books (named after a character from Lord of the Rings) features comfy couches and armchairs alongside their new and used books, including collectible editions. Pick up a book or two and catch a reading from their events calendar. If you need a new reading journal, check out their collection of stationery, notebooks and more.

Then make sure to explore revitalized Historic Downtown Concord since you’ll be right in the middle of the action. Friday evening is the perfect time to stroll the social district to shop, eat and enjoy a drink on the go.

Start your Saturday right with coffee — and books. Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore, housed in a former millhouse in Downtown Kannapolis, will help you out. Their rooms are stacked with books as well as goodies like earrings, glassware and candles, as well as a whole room of yarns! Sip on delicious hot and cold coffees, smoothies and energy drinks to fuel your day.

Take the afternoon to enjoy your new books in the fresh air. Many branches of the Cabarrus County Public Library system — including the recently completed Mount Pleasant Library and the Kannapolis Library — are in close proximity to the area’s parks and greenways. These outdoor spaces serve as the perfect place to read or catch a special event.

Time your bookish weekend to the Mount Pleasant Literary Festival, slated for March 19–21, 2026. Put on by the Friends of the Mount Pleasant Library, it’s a three-day celebration of books, authors and the literary arts, with free talks, signings and events. You might just find your favorite new author! Or if you’re here in April, celebrate Independent Bookstore Day (April 25, 2026) with our local stores.

Before 6:00 p.m., make one last bookstore stop: Second Look Books in Harrisburg, where you’ll find gently used books at alluring discounts. If you’ve planned ahead, you can make an appointment to bring in some of your own used books to trade in for store credit, and, of course, get some more to bring home.

Then it’s time to get some grub. Dine at a local favorite in Harrisburg, like Bubba’s Bunkhouse, Hot Tuna, Vortex Bottle Shop or La Unica Mexican Restaurant.

Crack open your new books over breakfast at a local cafe or coffee shop. There are several in Cabarrus County, from European-style Cafe Lentz in the Mount Pleasant Historic District to the winning combination of pastries from Eat Cakes Bakery and coffee from Local Patriot Roasting Co. in Downtown Kannapolis.

If you’re near Goldberry Books, you may also want to pop over to Press & Porter, which offers coffee, espresso and sodas, plus craft beer, cider, wine and more. Or check out Mac Tabby Cat Café, which features not just coffee and wine but adoptable cats to cuddle with. What better way to complete the coziest weekend ever?