"Concord, NC: hyped for all the wrong reasons" Concord by acemj

Concord Travel Guide: 37 reviews and 36 photos

There is no doubt that Concord, North Carolina is best known for two things: Nascar and shopping. Unfortunately for me, those are two things that just don't interest me all that much. Nascar is the company behind stock car racing in the U.S. and no other region is so enthusiastic about the sport than greater Charlotte, which includes Concord. The racing venue, Lowes Motor Speedway, seats a quarter million fans and seeing a race, if nothing else, is definitely quite a spectacle.

The big shopping attraction is Concord Mills Mall, which has somehow become the biggest tourist attraction in the state (which I think if very sad and pathetic!!). The place bills itself as an outlet mall, but don't expect to save all that much money here.

If you and I are like-minded, your best bet is to make a quick visit to downtown Concord and check out the charming main street (Union Street), the Old Cabarrus County Courthouse seen here, and take a quick walk through the adjacent neighborhood that is lined with stately Victorian mansions. In the evening, you could head on down Interstate 85 about ten miles and find plenty to do in Charlotte or you could stop by the George Washington Bookstore and Tavern for some good food and live music.

Last visit to Concord: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Feb 17, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

Historic Cabarrus Courthouse Things to Do (3)

The Historic Cabarrus Courthouse dates to 1876 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new... more travel advice

Charlotte Off The Beaten Path (3)

Well, I really can't imagine visiting Concord and NOT visiting Charlotte. In fact, it's almost certain that you'll be in... more travel advice

Asheboro and the zoo Off The Beaten Path (3)

The North Carolina Zoo is really an excellent day trip from Concord, just up I-85 an hour or so north. The zoo is the... more travel advice

Shop 'til you drop Shopping (2)

I've heard that this is the state's #1 tourist draw. Isn't that strange? I've also heard that the Mall of America in... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Plenty of options around the mall
Been to Concord?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (11)

Reply
- Report abuse
Pawtuxet Feb 17, 2006 at 4:47 PM

Thanks for the view of Concord. We've been searching for one of my husband's old Navy buddies who lives there somewhere. I share your interests. Guess that's why I've been to Charlotte and not Concord. :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
v960 Jan 17, 2005 at 11:15 AM

I agree that Concord mills is rather boring. Let me recommend a short drive to Park Drive on hwy 29 about three miles away from the shopping ctr. Heads to CLT ON 85, EXIT AT hARRIS BLVD, left on 29, mile and half on the left, good ole southern drive in.
Reply
- Report abuse
shrimp56 May 3, 2004 at 4:41 AM

Nicely balanced page -- I like your attitude!!!
Reply
- Report abuse
MandaJ320 Apr 29, 2004 at 6:09 AM

You're right, there's not much to Concord besides Nascar and shopping! I have lived around the Concord area (in the past) all total for 6 years. You should check out Frank Liske park if you haven't already, it's a nice place to spend a weekend afternoon.
Reply
- Report abuse
globetrott Apr 27, 2004 at 5:07 PM

an interesting page and great pics, Mark ! ..So I have the Concorde and you have Concord, you have the empty racing-track and I have the sportscars for it... ;-)
Reply
- Report abuse
agarcia Apr 27, 2004 at 5:08 AM

Hard to believe that in the country that counts among its marvels the Grand Canyon, the Niagara Falls, the Rocky Mountains,.....(List to large for space provided), the mayor tourist attraction is a boring shopping mall. A really informative page, Mark!
Reply
- Report abuse
AndyRG Apr 26, 2004 at 8:01 PM

250.000 capacity! The page -and the cars...- fly like a Concorde!
Reply
- Report abuse
matcrazy1 Apr 26, 2004 at 7:34 AM

Very good page with good suggestions, I like esp, Off The Beaten Path tips. Charlotte is on my future list for sure :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Apr 25, 2004 at 12:37 PM

Thanks for the great insights on Concord! It looks as if we are of 'like mind' - the old County Courthouse looks so much more appealing to me than modern architecture! Still, it cannot be denied that just attending a NASCAR event would be an experience!
Reply
- Report abuse
b1bob Apr 25, 2004 at 8:25 AM

I enjoyed taking this trip with you to the racetrack, to the mall, and downtown. While it is a sad commentary that the mall is the most visited place in the state, you saw where I found some good bargains here.