The city of Concord, North Carolina is located to the northeast of Charlotte. Downtown Concord has a small-town atmosphere. Union Street – both North and South – is its “Main Street USA” and is lined with small shops and restaurants. Union Street South has the Chocolatier Barrucand, Carm’s Café, the Brass Button Restaurant, the Union Street Bistro and other restaurants.
Memorial Garden on Spring Street is a serene three-acre attraction that winds its way through a 200-year-old cemetery. It features oak, magnolia and Japanese maple trees along winding paths and waterfalls. History buffs will enjoy the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. Walking tours of Concord are also available.
Residents who love a good play visit the Old Courthouse Theatre. Nearby is the Reed Creek Gold Mine, where visitors can actually do a little prospecting and pan for gold. Also nearby is the University of North Carolina, the perennial NCAA basketball powerhouse. History buffs can learn about nineteenth century plantation life at Lotta Plantation. Tours are available with guides dressed in authentic period costumes.
NASCAR fans can attend races at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in nearby Charlotte, which is also the home of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Concord residents who enjoy nightlife frequent Charlotte attractions such as the Forum, Double Door Inn and the popular Breakfast Club.
The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is home to opera, ballet and symphony performance in addition to live theater. Theatre Charlotte features live theater in a cabaret setting. Those in search of fine dining in Charlotte should try Bentley’s Restaurant or The Capital Grille. Both have received five-star reviews from their customers.