Itinerary: A Dream Getaway for Gamers

Start your weekend in downtown Concord at Buzz City Games, a hobby shop that specializes in all kinds of board games like Magic the Gathering — including hard-to-find cards! You’ll find the largest selection of puzzles in the area. And they host board game nights, D&D Leagues, Pokemon Leagues and more. Check out their calendar for a full listing.

Fuel up for a Friday night of gaming with dinner at restaurants on Union Street like Hawthorne’s NY Pizza & Bar, Charros Mexican Restaurant or Havana Carolina. Or grab something local to sip from spots like B&K Tea Cafe and Press & Porter.

Then stick around downtown for a night at The Basement Arcade Bar. For lovers of ‘80s and ‘90s games, there’s no better spot: classics like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Mortal Kombat II and Ms. Pacman, all kinds of sports games, dozens of pinball games from Dungeons & Dragons to The Beatles to Star Wars and much more.

Don’t worry about bringing quarters — every game is on free play, with a $10 entry fee for adults and $5 for anyone under 21, who must be accompanied by an adult. (After 8pm, only people over 21 are admitted.)

Plus, it’s a bar, so you can enjoy a variety of craft beers including local brews, ciders, signature cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and a vending machine full of snacks. It’s the perfect place to discover your new favorite game or remember the one you used to love playing.

Start your morning in Harrisburg with a full breakfast from Wake Up & Eat Family Restaurant or bagels, pastries, muffins and more at Rocky River Coffee Co., which has served Cabarrus County gourmet coffee and treats for over 20 years.

When lunch time rolls around, stick with the sports theme and don’t miss the offerings over at the recently renovated Dave & Buster’s. Along with delicious apps, cocktails and entrees, you and your crew can grab a table with games like high-tech darts and shuffle board right in the center at this arcade and sports bar.

Before departing Concord Mills, enjoy one final gaming experience inside The Escape Game. Decipher codes, discover hidden rooms and unlock the mystery of each room.

Building a collection of games, comic books, collectibles and other paraphernalia can be a big part of enjoying gaming. Spend your afternoon shopping, starting at The Mighty Meeple, located in Concord right across from Concord Mills. It’s a family game store loaded with board games, tabletop games, collectible games, role-playing games and miniatures. They often host events, so keep an eye on their calendar.

Then head over to Ssalefish Comics, a small but mighty comic book store next to the Visitor Center. They’ve got new-release and past issues of comics and graphic novels, plus collectible action figures, vintage toys, movie posters and autographed items. You can even bring in your own collectibles if you’re interested in selling them!

Get your fill of board gaming at Luck Factory Games, North Carolina’s largest board game library and café, located at Gibson Mill Market in Concord. Whether you want to try a new game or just kick back with a round of Scrabble, this is the place to go. Just buy a day pass ($8 plus tax per person, and kids under 4 are free) and play all you want. Don’t forget to refuel on burgers, sandwiches, chicken fingers, craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks and more from the café.

For more dining options, you can browse Gibson Mill Market, which is full of local eats and brews, including High Branch Brewing Co. (Check out our Insider’s Guide to Gibson Mill.)

Make it a lazy Sunday: sleep in and then choose your own adventure!

Option 1: Head to Downtown Kannapolis

Get going with coffee from Local Patriot Roasting Co. plus pastries from Eat Cake Bakery. Then, wander over to James’ Sweet Spot where you’ll find a bunch of classic board game favorites, puzzles, playing cards, Build & Play sets, and more. While in downtown, you’ll come across lots of specialty stores, boutiques and places to grab a drink or snack including The Bank Food Hall. Pro tip: This spot features more than tasty local eats! Go upstairs to play The Game Show Arena Live!

Option 2: Cruise into Mount Pleasant

Savor a delicious brunch — starting at 11am — at 73 & Main. Choose from the Southern-inspired brunch menu and sip on craft cocktails — no need to watch the clock. After your relaxing meal, go next door to Kingdom Corner to shop their vast assortment of vintage collectibles (opens at 1pm on Sundays). Kingdom Corner will also buy your collectibles. Most of all, you’re here to dig through the treasures, which range from sports memorabilia and vintage clothing to toys, music and more. If you’re into it, chances are they’ve got it.

Round out your gaming weekend with a little fun at Stars and Strikes. Think laser tag, arcade games, bowling, bumper cars and more. This entertainment hub also features an on-site restaurant and bar.

Finally, feel free to return to The Mighty Meeple, Buzz City Games, The Basement Arcade Bar or Luck Factory Games to top off your gaming weekend. You’ll find different events every day, and there’s always a new adventure to explore and new friends to make. After all, that’s why we love gaming!