HAPPENING, UNEXPECTED, INVITING
Located a short drive from Charlotte up Interstate 77 is Mooresville – also known as Race City, USA. The nickname stems from several local racing connections, including the home of the N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame and the headquarters to some of NASCAR’s largest teams. This in addition to a cozy, walkable downtown district and some of the area’s most popular family-friendly attractions makes Mooresville the perfect destination for a night out on the town or a weekend getaway.
Mooresville
By Morning
Start your morning with a classic breakfast spread from Famous Toastery, voted the Best Breakfast in Mooresville by Currents Magazine. Both locations (one off Main Street, the other off Mooresville Commons Way) feature outside seating.
Once you’ve fueled up, get some shopping done in downtown. Offerings include unique, quainter spots like Beck on Broad (the flagship store for beck.bags) and The Faded Farmhouse. Or get a more classic feel with a visit to D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware Store; the location has stayed virtually the same since it opened more than 100 years ago. For one-of-a-kind finds, head south on Main Street to the Main St. Antiques & Design Gallery, featuring hundreds of vendors in a beautifully restored antique textile mill.
Things to Do
Mooresville
By Afternoon
Go on a safari through Mooresville’s drive-thru experience at Lazy 5 Ranch. If you’re looking for something with a little more speed, find it at the GoPro Motorplex, a .7-mile, 11-turn karting facility modeled after a popular Italian track. Or head to the area’s premier waterway Lake Norman State Park for hiking, mountain biking or kayaking on the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a pontoon boat and explore the water. When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch from local spot Eddie’s on Lake Norman or The Blue Parrot Grill – both are waterfront restaurants where you can dock and dine.
Mooresville
By Evening
Start your night out with drinks at downtown’s 158 on Main, a craft cocktail bar offering both classic and contemporary options. If you prefer beer, local breweries like Beer Lab by Ghostface Brewing or King Canary Brewing are sure to impress. End your night with a large meal at Epic Chophouse off Main Street or at On the Nines Bistro, a Southern restaurant from Chef Steve Jordan at the Mooresville Golf Course.
