The City of Kannapolis, a half hour drive northeast of the center of Charlotte, is ready to show off its revitalized downtown, which is anchored by Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and the recently renovated 85-year-old Gem Theatre.
Kannapolis has unveiled a downtown area that is inviting, walkable, and ready for gathering. The downtown restaurants spill out into a wide pedestrian and seating area, dotted with fountains and sculptures.
Whether you’re a baseball fan, a NASCAR aficionado, a history buff, a music-lover, or just a kid who loves to play, there is plenty in Kannapolis to explore. Read on for some attractions you should not miss on your visit.
Also, scroll down for a Google Map of all the attractions in this article and a list of upcoming events in Cabarrus County. (Or jump to the list of events.)
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Atrium Health Ballpark
Atrium Health Ballpark is about more than just baseball. It’s also about community. It’s a public park that’s open every day. The only time you have to pay to enter is when a game or other event is in session. It features a playground and splash pad for kids, and the Atrium Health Walking Track around the concourse. You can buy reasonably priced concessions every day, and you can also enjoy a drink in the outfield bar.
Atrium Health Ballpark, 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis, NC. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
Veterans Park
Veterans Park is a peaceful spot for reflection or just relaxing. It also is host to community events and concerts. The focal point of the park is the granite Ring of Honor that displays the names of 1,700 Cabarrus and Rowan County residents who died in service, dating back to the Revolutionary War. In the center of the the Ring of Honor is the eternal flame.
Veterans Park, 119 North Main Street, Kannapolis, NC.
Local Patriot Coffee Roasters
Grab a coffee at Local Patriot Roasting Company, a veteran-owned business that keeps patriotism and respect for service in the forefront. You can “pay it forward” by buying a drink for the service member of your choice — police, firefighter, nurse & EMT, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Navy. Or pay $24 and “run the board,” buying a drink for one of each.
Local Patriot sells some pastries from Eat Cakes, which is next door, but for more selection, stop by there too.
Local Patriot Roasting Company, 139 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC.
Dale Earnhardt Plaza
No figure looms larger over Kannapolis than hometown hero Dale Earnhardt, so a visit to Dale Earnhardt Plaza is a must. Here he looms especially large, with a 900-pound, nine-foot-tall bronze statue. Every part of the Dale Earnhardt Plaza is rich in symbolism, from the seven sections of the pedestal that represent his seven Winston Cup Championships, to groups of three (three benches, three azaleas planted together) for Earnhardt’s car number. Even the walk around the Plaza is an oval, shaped like a racetrack.
If you want to learn more about Dale Earnhardt, pick up a “Dale Trail” brochure from the Cabarrus County Visitor Center, 10099 Weddington Road, Concord, and visit 15 spots that are rich in Dale lore.
Dale Earnhardt Plaza, 109 West A Street, Kannapolis, NC.
James’ Sweet Spot
Tucked away in a little “mall” on West Avenue, are a few shops, including James’ Sweet Spot. Candy shopping here is a nostalgic experience. Kids can buy a little piece of candy for a dime. Or you can buy them a licorice pipe, or a giant lollipop that will keep them busy and sticky for a long time.
The other half of James’ Sweet Spot is a puzzle shop. If you’re a puzzle aficionado You’ll definitely find something of interest here.
James’ Sweet Spot, 100 S Main Street, Kannapolis
Editions Coffee Shop and Bookstore
Right around the corner from the revitalized West Avenue is Editions Coffee and Bookstore. Buy a coffee or breakfast, browse the shelves of used books, and settle in. You won’t find a cozier spot.
Editions Coffee Shop and Bookstore, 217 S. Main Street, Kannapolis.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
Until you see the displays at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, you might not realize how significant and diverse are North Carolina’s contributions to music. But you can’t miss it here. In just one year, 2009, the Hall of Fame welcomed inductees James Taylor, Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Earl Scruggs, George Clinton, Max Roach, Randy Travis, and Roberta Flack, to name just a few.
Check out pictures and memorabilia from The Avett Brothers, Doc Watson, Charlie Daniels, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and countless other music legends.
The museum is free to visit. Make sure to visit the museum’s website for details on visiting.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis. 704-934-2320.
Curb Motorsports Museum for Music and Motorsports
While you’re visiting the North Carolina Hall of Fame, you can also visit Curb Motorsports Museum for Music and Motorsports, which is in the same building, and which is also free to visit.
The museum represents the dual interests of Mike Curb — motorsports and music. He made significant achievements in both fields, as a car owner, songwriter, producer and record label owner.
Curb Motorsports Museum of Music and Motorsports, 600 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis.
Village Park
Village Park boasts a couple of the most kid-friendly attractions in the region, The Village Park Carousel and the Rotary Express Train.
The Carousel is the only double decker carousel in North Carolina. It was manufactured in Italy and features 1,800 lights and hand-painted Venetian murals.
The Rotary Express Train is aa g-24 scale replica CP Huntington engine with three coaches.
The Rotary Express Train costs $2 a ride. During the Celebration of Lights, you need to make a reservation in advance.
The park also features an amphitheater, playground, walking trails and a splash pad. There’s an ice cream place, The Sweetest Thing, across the street, at 823 West C Street.
Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC.
Gem Theatre
Gem Theatre is a must visit! Built in 1948, after a fire gutted the original 1936 theater, it’s a single-screen theater with a beautiful lobby and a rare balcony section. Go to a movie here and you’ll feel like you went back in time.
Gem Theatre, 111 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC
Swanee Theatre
The historic Swanee Theatre has been brought back to life. This 1930s theater has been remodeled back to its original state, including the marquee. It hosts live music, comedy and more.
Swanee Theatre, 200 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC
The Bank Food Hall
The Bank Food Hall is a new spot for grabbing a bite or a drink. It is located in the historic Cabarrus Bank building from 1931, and plays homage to it with a “bank robber” theme. The food hall houses four restaurants and a bar.
The Bank Food Hall, 201 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC
More Places to Eat and Drink
A few places to eat and drink in Kannapolis:
- Chop House 101, 101 West Avenue, Kannapolis
- Sabor Latin Street Grill, 203 West Avenue, Kannapolis
- Old Armor Beer Company, 211 West Avenue, Kannapolis
- Park Road Soda Shoppe, 800 Rogers Lake Road, Kannapolis
North Carolina Research Campus
It’s not a tourist attraction, but North Carolina Research Campus needs to be mentioned because it’s such a big presence. The 350-acre campus houses a scientific community that includes eight universities and other research groups in the area of nutrition and life science.
The campus of stately buildings and a massive lawn is right at the edge of Downtown Kannapolis. If you’re in Atrium Health Ballpark and look over the home run fence, you’ll see the buildings. The campus is a great place for a walk.
North Carolina Research Campus, 150 Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis, NC
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