Local retail, creative restaurants and racing legends line Mooresville’s streets
MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA–OCTOBER 2024–Mooresville, North Carolina, has been around for more than 150 years but its downtown district radiates a vibrant and contemporary feel. Located just 20 minutes north of Charlotte on Interstate 77, Mooresville is known for its racing connections, often dubbed Race City USA, as well as for a mix of outdoor attractions that draw hikers, mountain bikers and boaters. But at its heart, Mooresville’s downtown is a welcoming front porch that draws visitors in and invites them to stay a while.
There’s no better way to get in touch with the local vibe than to explore Mooresville’s eclectic mix of locally owned retail shops. North Carolina Provisions (162 North Broad Street, Suite B, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-0800) is the perfect spot to set the stage. Its owners have set the goal of supporting other small businesses by selling only North Carolina-made products. They carry a variety of items from across the state including everything from jewelry to candles and crafts to beer and wine.
Book lovers will delight at the discovery of Fred & June’s Books (248 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 980-389-4244). The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, with both retail and reading areas. The store sells both new and used books in a wide variety of genres with titles ranging from new releases to time-tested classics. The positive energy of this one-of-a-kind shop is joined by several local spas with their own methods for improving mind and body. Live Well Spa (129 Mecklynn Road, Suite D, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 980-689-2914) invites patrons to relax, renew and rejuvenate. The spa offers a range of innovative therapies aimed at restoring and promoting holistic health and overall well-being in a tranquil oasis. Options include full spectrum infrared sauna therapy and halotherapy (dry salt therapy).
Mooresville’s past is celebrated at D.E. Turner Hardware (111 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-5145). Here, patrons can step back in time and enjoy a fascinating collection of items, but the original building, built in 1899, is still filled with its original fixtures. Hardware items are joined by soaps, jams and other locally made items, as well as toys and much, much more. To take in more local history, a visit to the Mooresville Museum (132 East Center Avenue, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-663-1873) is the place to go. It is dedicated to the preservation of regional heritage through exhibits and programming. And history buffs will want to stop by the Mooresville Public Library (304 South Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-2927) for a Historic Walking Tour map. This self-guided tour through downtown begins at Willow Valley Cemetery (200 South Church Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115) and includes the original town hall, the train station and more.
Any walk through downtown is an opportunity to celebrate the region’s rich racing history. On the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame visitors can walk among the legends. The Walk comprises sidewalk markers that honor the members of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, who represent some of the most influential and well-known names in NASCAR, including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson and more.
Downtown eats
There are plenty of Mooresville restaurants to satisfy any hunger and the variety of downtown eateries does not disappoint. And, once a month the options are expanded at the Downtown Mooresville Food Truck Festival, which takes place on North Main Street from April through October. Here are just a few spots on the list of downtown favorites:
Performance Coffee House (143 South Broad Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-677-3448) features hand-crafted coffee, a curated selection of other beverages, pastries and artisan gelato along with live performances. This local, family-owned business sources local beans and certified Organic and Fair Trade coffees.
Bae’s Burgers (246 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-7253) boasts the best smash burger in town. The menu is based on the best local beef combining a dry-aged, grass-fed beef blend of chuck, short-rib and brisket. They add to that an inventive selection of flavors and cheeses creating a twist on the American classic smash burger.
Big Tiny’s BBQ (179 North Main Street, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-658-1409) Texas-style mesquite smoked barbecue is Big Tiny’s BBQ specialty. Brisket, ribs, sausage and turkey are the standard fare along with an accompaniment of sides.
Aliño Pizzeria (500 South Main Street, Suite 401, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-663-0010) aims to share a love for authentic pizza with the community. Here, the art of Italian Neapolitan pizza is at the heart of the menu. Baked in wood fired ovens, Aliño pizza is made with fresh ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo Italian flour, extra virgin olive oil and buffalo mozzarella that arrives weekly from Italy.
The Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden (500 South Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115) serves award-winning handmade burgers, including veggie burgers, hand-pressed, grilled to perfection and served with a variety of toppings. Rotisserie chicken, salads and an extensive selection of craft beers are on the menu, as well. It is all served in a family-friendly atmosphere in an historic textile mill.
Epic Chophouse (104 South Main Street, Mooresville North Carolina 28115; 704-230-1720) is a popular spot for upscale downtown dining. The menu includes superb steaks, seafood and specialty cocktails in an elegant setting. The fine-dining atmosphere is completed by unmatched service and an impeccable wine list.