Thank you Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this post.

Last weekend, we took a little trip out to Cabarrus County, NC, for racing, gold mining and a whole lot of fun. Cabarrus is known as “where racing lives” as it is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and three other race tracks, the Dale Trail, and countless racing museums. It’s an under the radar southern town I knew my race car obsessed boys would love, and it’s only a short drive for us from Richmond. Although they’re known for their motorsports, Cabarrus has so much to offer, we couldn’t get to it all in one weekend, but I look forward to taking another trip out there one day to discover even more. So, what did we get to explore? Hang on, it was one busy and exciting weekend.

The Family Friendly Racing Town You Should Visit

Our trip was organized by Cabbarus County, and we really had the best experience working closely with them. Our first stop was the welcome center, where we got to meet a few of the smiling faces behind our trip planning. There the boys were treated to a spin on the prize wheel and complimentary Sun Drop, which we learned is a local brand to Cabarrus County.

They introduced us to the many things to do and see in Cabarrus, and recommended a few of their favorites.

They also gave us fair warning to grab our ear plugs for the drag race we would be attending later that day, since it was our first time! Then they sent us on our way, guide books in hand.

1. Downtown Historic Concord

Historic Downtown Concord, reminded me so much of my hometown. It has the historic architecture, murals and big front porches I’m used to at home in Richmond, but it was much more quaint and quiet.

Along the streets, you can find art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants and even a botanical garden. It was perfect for a quiet and relaxing stroll with the boys. I love historic homes and buildings, so this was one of my favorite parts.

2. Behind The Wall Tour – Charlotte Motor Speedway

Next up, we took a behind the scenes tour of Charlotte Motor Speedway. We loaded into a van, with my little guy front and center and toured all four tracks that Cabarrus has to offer.

Not only do they have the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway, they also have the Z-Max Dragway, a dirt track and Concord Speedway. According to our guide, there is always some sort of event or race happening on one of their tracks. We were able to take a behind the scenes tour of the press box and the owner’s lounge. It was fun seeing the track from that point of view, it was also fun feeling like we had the entire place to ourselves.

However, the very best part of the tour was a lap around the track. My boys loved this part, and my littlest was saying, “faster!” the entire time. I on the other hand was terrified. The track is tilted and I was holding on for dear life, but for perspective I don’t even ride roller coasters, I’m a chicken.

The tour was finished off with a look at the (PRN) Performance Racing Network studios, where my boys got to sit behind the mic, that was a high point for them!

3. Panning For Gold at Reed Gold Mine

Then we headed out to Reed Gold Mine, the site of the first gold find in the United States, for a tour of the underground mine, stamp mill and a go at panning for gold. My favorite part of this experience, was the underground mine. I’ve always wanted to tour one and this was my first opportunity, it was very cool!

Before you even go through the door, you can feel the cool air rushing from the tunnel, a thermometer inside said it was around 55 degrees. We made our way through, running into dead ends and overhearing someone saying the tunnel was haunted, which made me want to exit ASAP, but it was really cool. If you followed my Instagram story, I shared a little video from a walk through the tunnel, it’s saved in a highlight if you’re still interested.

After touring the mine, we made our way around the grounds and took a peek at the stamp mill, which was running, for a little demonstration. Then we took a hand at panning ourselves. We didn’t luck out, this time, but it was a great educational experience for the boys.

4. NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

Next, we made our way back to the Z Max Dragway to catch the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. My boys were so excited, including my husband. We caught the stock, alcohol and nitro cars.

They were all really cool, but let me tell you about the nitro cars. They are so loud and so fast! Like so loud, you can feel them rumble in your chest, it was quite the experience. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my husband smile so much in one hour. He was down closer to the track taking pictures, when one of the first nitro cars started up, he was like, “I thought I bout’ went into a-fib!”

My littlest was actually a little terrified of them, but my older son was thrilled (despite his I can’t smile in photos face above). He said it was his favorite part of the day.

5. Go-Karts at The Speedpark at Concord Mills 

Then we took the boys to The Speedpark so they could take their turn doing a little racing. Right outside of the Concord Mills mall, this go-kart park also has a few other rides; a big slide, trampolines, arcade games and mini golf.

Our favorite part about The Speedpark is that my littlest was able to drive the cars. This was the first time he was big enough to actually drive!

6. SEA LIFE Aquarium and Shopping at Concord Mills

Then we went inside Concord Mills for a little shopping and a visit to the SEA LIFE Aquarium. The shopper in me loved this big mall, and I especially loved that it was indoors. We don’t have any indoor malls at home anymore, they’ve all gone to outdoor. Which I like, but it was nice being back indoors for shopping. There is also a movie theater at the mall which is cool!

The aquarium was small, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in cool factor. My favorite part was touching sea urchins in the touch pool, even though I couldn’t get the boys to touch a single thing! They have a little bit of a momma’s fear in them.

I also loved the walkthrough tunnel, where we saw sharks and sting rays! I liked seeing the sting rays from below, you can see their little teeth and they look like they’re smiling.

After it was all said and done, the boys were worn out and it was one weekend, well done. There were countless antique shops and museums we didn’t make it to this trip, but I enjoyed being introduced to Cabarrus! I now know all about this fun town, that is only a quick drive for us. If you’re looking for a quiet east coast destination, full of fun, find out more about Cabarrus County and download the visitors guide here. I highly recommend it!

– Brooke

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.