Start your engines!
This town of about 88,000 people 25 miles northeast of Charlotte isn’t to be missed. While perhaps best known for the 1.5-mile-long Charlotte Motor Speedway (the 2017 film "Logan Lucky" was partially filmed and set here), Concord also offers an adorable downtown, picturesque small town Southern streets and one of the largest malls in the region, Concord Mills.
Eat: The Smoke Pit
Barbecue is serious business in the South. In fact, North Carolinians are known nationwide for their longstanding debate over tomato-based barbecue and vinegar-based sauce. Take respite in knowing this barbecue joint earned the Charlotte magazine Best of the Best award in 2017 for the area’s best brisket.
Drink: Lil’ Roberts Place
The motto at this eclectic neighborhood spot is “Beer, Wine, Art,” and it takes all three seriously with more than 500 different beers, more than five dozen wines and a vast collection of local art. If you’re brave enough, Lil’ Roberts Place features an open mic night every Wednesday in addition to live music every Friday night.
Do: Charlotte Motor Speedway
No trip to Concord is complete without a trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The speedway is home every May to the Coca-Cola 600. If you’re visiting outside those months, you’re in luck, too. There are year-round happenings at the speedway, from a drive-thru Christmas light spectacular to dirt-track racing to daily tours.
