Itinerary: A Weekend for History Lovers in Cabarrus County

Be sure to plan your arrival with enough time to make your first stop at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis, which is open on weekdays until 4:00 p.m. There, you’ll learn about musicians with ties to North Carolina, including James Taylor, John Coltrane, Charlie Daniels, Roberta Flack, Andy Griffith, Randy Travis and more.

The Hall of Fame shares space with the Curb Motorsports Museum, owned by Mike Curb, the founder of leading country music record label Curb Records. See plenty of racing memorabilia including cars driven by NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.

For more NASCAR history, head to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza in downtown Kannapolis, where you’ll see the 9-pound, 900-foot bronze statue of Earnhardt and celebrate the life and legacy of the racing legend — in his own hometown.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in The Bank Food Hall, a unique food hall housed in a one-of-a-kind historic landmark building from 1931: the Cabarrus Bank Building, which contains three vaults. You can get burgers, pizza, salads and more. Or, have a drink at the Bank Robbers’ Bar and get your picture taken next to the “Bonnie and Clyde” getaway car.

When you’ve had your fill, catch a live performance at the Swanee Theatre, which first opened in 1940. Or if you prefer a movie, head to the historic Gem Theatre, which dates back to 1936. The Gem is built in the Art Deco style and, despite a fire in 1942, features many of the original details, including the neon marquee and chevrons in the building’s façade.

At both theaters, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your surroundings as much as the show!

Finally, check into The Inn at Mount Pleasant, a bed and breakfast built in 1920 that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. They have four guest rooms with private bathrooms, two living rooms and a beautiful porch. And a full homemade breakfast is included, too.

Start your day with a steaming  cup of coffee from Press & Porter in Concord. They source local ingredients and pride themselves on their community feel.

Next, make your way to the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, built in 1876 and one of the finest late 19th-century buildings in North Carolina. The Courthouse is home to the Cabarrus Arts Council, so you can browse work from local artists in The Galleries. Check their event schedule to plan your visit around a live performance upstairs in the Davis Theatre which once served as a courtroom.

While you’re in the area, walk on Union Street and enjoy everything that historic Downtown Concord has to offer, from public art and stunning architecture of historic homes to boutique shopping to special events.

For lunch, visit Gibson Mill Market, a locally sourced food hall located inside a 100-year-old textile mill. The space has been transformed into a dining and shopping experience where you feel the heritage of American industry and modern values of environmental consciousness and a commitment to the local community. There’s something for every taste here, and you’ll get to know local purveyors. Gibson Mill Market is home to The Depot, and history lovers will of course delight in antique shopping inside one of the South’s largest vintage malls.

Motorsports are a big part of our history here in Cabarrus. So next, navigate to the nearby Morrison Motor Car Museum, featuring more than 50 vehicles including classics, antiques, 50s, 60s and muscle cars. Browse the exhibits, then pick up NASCAR merchandise and automotive collectibles in the gift shop.

Continuing the motorsports theme: Make dinner reservations at The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The restaurant features fine dining overlooking the historic track, where premiere NASCAR events including the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America 400 take place! You’ll feel like you’re part of the action.

After a scrumptious breakfast at The Inn at Mount Pleasant, make your way to Reed Gold Mine, which opens at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and is located in nearby Midland.

The first documented discovery of gold in the United States happened in Cabarrus County, and at Reed Gold Mine Historic Site you can experience the mine’s history. You can explore parts of restored underground tunnels, view exhibits of gold and historic mining equipment, learn about the discovery, and you can even pan for gold!

In the afternoon, make your way to the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum in Mount Pleasant, located in the building that once housed the Western Carolina Male Academy, established in 1852. At this museum, you’ll learn about what it was like to live in Cabarrus County from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. The museum is open from March to mid-December, on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dinner will feature a hearty, historic meal at 73 & Main in Downtown Mount Pleasant, located in the restored historic Mount Pleasant Hosiery Mill. You can either opt for a fine dining experience in the Mercantile Dining Room or go more casual on the Hosiery Mill Pub side. The menu boasts brews from the on-site Old Well Brewery, plus the largest selection of antique and rare bourbons south of D.C., and the menu includes some flavors from nearby Southern Grace Distilleries.

Celebrate your weekend with brunch at 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap in Concord. Their name is a nod to Cabarrus County history: the area once had 44 textile mills, dating back to the 1800s. They serve modern southern cuisine and have 16 rotating craft beer taps and a variety of wine and craft cocktails. It’s a perfect way to end your weekend.