If you had to plan a trip to North Carolina, you might assume all the best options are either along the coastline and the Outer Banks or further inland toward Charlotte. However, the Tar Heel State has plenty of cities to explore, many of them blending history with modern amenities and attractions. One such example is the charming hidden gem of Kannapolis.
Situated between Charlotte and the North Carolina city that’s an impressive hub of art, Salisbury, Kannapolis has undergone a transformation. While the city has always had historical value, its downtown area has morphed into a thriving metropolis, complete with chic eateries and breweries, gorgeous outdoor parks, and plenty of attractions to appeal to visitors from all walks of life.
Kannapolis also has the legendary distinction of being the birthplace of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. But you don’t have to be a fan of NASCAR to get a lot out of a vacation to this city. In fact, Kannapolis is quickly becoming a live music hub to potentially rival other cities like Nashville or Memphis as of this publication. Here’s everything you need to know about this fabulous town.
Downtown is the place to be for attractions and dining in Kannapolis
Although Kannapolis is pretty large on the map, most of the action is centered around its lively downtown district. In fact, you could spend your entire vacation in this area and not run out of things to do. The crown jewel of downtown is the Atrium Health Ballpark, a family-friendly park that the Cannon Ballers call home. Speaking of parks, there’s the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza and Veterans Park within walking distance of the ballpark. If you don’t mind going a little further, Village Park has a wide selection of amenities, including a splash pad and a rotary express train.
Outside of catching a ballgame, you can enjoy a movie at the historic Gem Theatre or watch a live show at the Swanee Theater. The Swanee offers a mix of performing arts, comedy, and live music, but it’s far from the only music-related attraction in Kannapolis. At the southern end of downtown is the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the best and brightest musicians hailing from the state.
The dining selection in downtown Kannapolis is also incredible. If you want to knock back a few drinks with your meal, either Old Armor Beer Company or Gaelic Alley Irish Pub is perfect, especially with friends. For exotic eats, try Sabor Latin Grill for dishes inspired by Latin American street food, or sample the diverse selection at The Bank, a food hall inside a 1931 landmark bank building. Finally, for the meat lovers, there’s Chophouse 101, serving thick-cut steaks cooked to perfection.
The city’s proximity to Charlotte and variety of activities makes trip planning a breeze
