August 20, 2017
Whether you’re planning a getaway or staycation, try these exciting activities for summer fun!
From bold adventures to relaxed outdoor day trips, Cabarrus County has plenty of summertime entertainment for active couples and thrill-seeking friends. Let’s say you have just two days for an adrenaline-packed adventure.
Put these impressive venues at the top of your priority list. Charlotte Motor Speedway offers daily tours for fans to feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking, but don’t miss your chance to get behind the wheel. Whip through banked turns in a stock car! Drive or ride along with the NASCAR Racing Experience. Want a slower start? Karting is the key. K1 Speed is the spot for all-electric indoor racing.
Next stop, NASCAR race shops.
Observe team members hard at work and witness live pit crew practice in fan viewing areas. See rare memorabilia, and take home the coolest souvenirs. Lug nuts, tires and even sheet metal are for sale alongside t-shirts and hats at some Teams Stores. Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and others welcome fans free of charge. Pro Tip: There’s a complete list of hours and information in the Cabarrus County, NC Destination Guide.
We can’t talk motorsports without mentioning moonshine.
Craft beverages tell the story of this destination through their brews. In addition to ales, Cabarrus is home to its own one-of-a-kind spirits at Southern Grace Distilleries, the first fully-licensed distillery in America to operate in a former prison. Tours and tastings inside the old jail make Whiskey Prison an unforgettable atmosphere for enjoying craft-distilled, small-batch white whiskey. Southern Grace started making Sun Dog 130 Uncut North Carolina Moonshine in 2015. Since then, the 130-proof recipe has earned numerous awards and is spreading faster than a bootlegger outrunning the law.
Day two: Hit the Carolina countryside for a change of pace.
Minutes from these attractions, take in the view on Carolina Thread Trail, a regional network of greenways, trails and blueways spanning 15 counties. Hike, bike, paddle and walk spots like Pharr Family Preserve Trail which runs through a protected alluvial forest along the scenic Rocky River. This trail features a 1.7-mile, out-and-back walking and biking trail located on 66 acres of preserved land and includes a launch for canoes and kayaks. Prefer an insider guide your trek? Experts at Capstone Climbing & Adventure can help navigate.
When the action ignites your appetite, try something fresh-baked, slow-smoked, deep fried or locally grown. Barbecue is a go-to when visiting North Carolina, you’ll find it all here.
