Walkable, scenic and fun, Historic Downtown Concord is full of special spots to eat, drink and be merry. From independently-owned boutiques, to local restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, museums and more, these five things to do (along with friendly folks and charming small-town feel) will make you want to stay a while!
- Admire the art and create your own
Stroll down Union Street and take in street art like the Union-Market Passageway, Coca-Cola murals, and pop art outside of MacPherson’s Diamonds & Design. The 1876 historic Cabarrus County Courthouse is an Instagram-worthy work of art in itself, and you’ll discover even more inside. The ground-level houses The Galleries with rotating exhibitions from national, regional and local artists, and live performances take place upstairs in the Davis Theatre. Ready to get creative? Hand paint home décor at Hip Hip HooWray and make jewelry at The Bead Lady.
- Indulge in dinner, drinks and dessert
With the largest concentration of independent restaurants in Cabarrus County, Downtown Concord provides plenty of options to fuel up. Try authentic Italian at Gianni’s Trattoria, savor Havana Carolina’s classic Cuban dishes, or go for regional flavor at Union Street Bistro. Save room! Sugary shops like Chocolatier Barrucand, The Sweet Life, Downtown Donuts, Cabarrus Creamery and others will lure you in for dessert and fresh craft beverages are waiting at local watering holes like Lil Robert’s Place, Red Hill Brewing Company, Cabo Winery and The Basement Arcade Bar.
- Stroll and do some sight-seeing
In Downtown Concord, majestic trees tower over historic homes and azalea-lined streets. Park the car (plenty of free parking is available on-street or in the deck) and take in the sights! Learn about Concord’s past while enjoying breath-taking architecture with the self-guided Historic Walking Tour. The Concord Downtown NC App uses Bluetooth beacons to share pop-up photographs and information on storied buildings as you walk by. Need a family photo or moment of Zen during your vacation? Explore three acres of lush blooms at Memorial Gardens.
- Pick up the perfect souvenirs
Local creations make the best mementos. In Downtown Concord, you’ll find a variety of specialty shops that carry items made in-house or by fellow creators in North Carolina. These one-of-a-kind keepsakes also make the perfect gifts. Fresh cheese straws made by Downtown Concord’s Ritchie Hill Bakery are a tasty takeaway, fine leather goods from ShoeBeeDo will last a lifetime, and stunning work is for sale inside the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Gallery Shop.
- Meet the locals
You’ve seen their talents, purchased goods they made by hand, tasted their recipes and learned about their history. By now, you’ve probably had the chance to get to know the locals. But if not, stop in and say hello! Tell us where you’re from, what brings you here, and what you’re enjoying most about your visit. You can even access exclusive videos and see the community come to life when you pair the Cabarrus County, NC Destination & Motorsports Guide with the Visit Cabarrus app.
For more information, visit ConcordDowntown.com. Ready to discover more of Cabarrus County? Start planning your getaway with these Places to Stay.
