Located just 20 minutes from uptown, Concord is the second largest city in the Charlotte, NC Metropolitan area, and the twelfth largest city in the state of North Carolina, in terms of population. This comes as no surprise, considering all of the great attractions located in Concord.

The town was first settled in 1750, and incorporated in 1806, so it is considered an old town. Late nineteenth and early twentieth century historic homes line the streets and there are several historic districts, all within easy walking distance of downtown Concord, along with a variety of restaurants, banks and retail shops, making this a great place to live, work and play. Aside from the downtown area most frequented by residents, Concord boasts a wide array of interesting tourist attractions as well.

Concord is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a motorsports complex that hosts a variety of NASCAR racing events. Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Queen City, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Not only does it host major NASCAR events like the Coca Cola 600; the speedway complex also houses a dirt racing oval and the ZMax Dragway – the only four-lane, concrete drag strip in the country.

Just minutes from the speedway lies Concord Mills Mall, a large, one-story mall that boasts a variety of big name retail outlets and specialty shops. Restaurants line Concord Mills Boulevard, the street along which the mall is located. These businesses are, of course, booming during race season. Travel farther into the heart of Concord, and you’ll find Carolina Mall – an older, smaller shopping center that also houses several retail stores.

If shopping and racing aren’t your forte, take your family to the Great Wolf Lodge, also located in Concord, not to far from the Queen City. This massive 84-degree indoor waterpark is packed with rides and attractions appropriate for thrill seeking adults and children. A summer visit to Charlotte, NC deserves a relaxing stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Concord is also home to the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, which hosts many concerts, trade shows and consumer shows, along with local, regional and national sporting events and even dog shows. Several rooms inside the arena have served as space for wedding receptions and business meetings as well. It is likely that The Avett Brothers, a bluegrass band native to Concord, NC, have played a concert or two at this arena.

And, finally, Concord is just minutes from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte – the Queen City’s largest public university campus, known well for its programs in business, architecture, education and nursing. There are many students at UNC Charlotte who reside in and commute to campus from Concord.

With so many things to see and do, it’s no surprise that Concord has grown into the bustling town that it is today. Make sure your next visit to Charlotte, NC includes a stop in Concord.