Downtown spas, mountain biking trails, a crystal-clear quarry and one-of-a-kind racing attractions offer highlights for special interests
MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA–JANUARY 2025–Mooresville, North Carolina, is a diverse destination offering vacation fun for families, girls’ getaways, race fans and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s just 20 minutes north of Charlotte on Interstate 77, and is known for its downtown that is both classic and contemporary. It is also home to a host of family activities, outdoor adventure and an unparalleled list of racing attractions. This combination makes Mooresville a popular spot for most any getaway.
Girls getaway–Unique finds and special times
Time spent together, whether finding new experiences with friends, enjoying a mother-daughter outing or relaxing your way through a day of pampering, are such a welcome respite. And Mooresville’s picturesque downtown, filled with an eclectic mix of locally owned shops and restaurants, is the perfect place to begin any girls’ getaway.
A remarkable collection of local goods can be found at North Carolina Provisions (162 North Broad Street, Suite B, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-0800). With the goal of supporting other small businesses, Provisions carries only North Carolina-made products. The variety of items from across the state includes everything from jewelry to candles and crafts to beer and wine. Fred & June’s Books (248 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 980-389-4244) is another local treasure. The shop is warm and welcoming, with comfortable seating areas and enticing displays. Deeper connections to both the downtown community and the literature are encouraged through a slate of events including author visits, a Silent Book Club and release parties. Both new and used books in a variety of genres, including classics and new arrivals, can be found throughout this inviting, eclectic shop.
Mooresville’s unique retail is joined by a host of services promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Several local spas and salons offer just the right combination of pampering, whether your focus is mind, body or spirit. Ahlara International (155 Joe V. Knox Avenue, Morrison Plantation, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-662-0946) invites its visitors into a sanctuary to enjoy a variety of indulgent services, including tailored skincare treatments, personalized massages, luxurious body wraps and Reiki and infra-red light therapies. In addition to spa services, Ahlara is also a boutique, crystal center and yoga studio and offers yoga sessions and Akashic Record readings. Live Well Sauna & Salt (129 Mecklynn Road, Suite D, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 980-689-2914) offers a range of innovative therapies designed to promote holistic health and restore overall well-being. Patrons are invited to relax in a tranquil oasis and take advantage of a full spectrum of treatments, including infrared sauna therapy and halotherapy (dry salt therapy). Another favorite experience is indulging in the exceptional facial, nails and lashes treatments at Evolution Salon (452-C Williamson Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-662-0805).
Performance Coffee House (143 South Broad Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-677-3448) is the perfect place to start the day. Here, patrons are invited to enjoy hand-crafted coffee and a curated selection of other beverages, along with pastries and artisan gelato. This family-owned business is committed to using local beans and certified organic and Fair Trade coffees. Patisserie Cafe (627 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-799-3355) is a family-owned bakery where owners have realized their dream of providing a welcoming space for the community to gather and savor international cuisine and delectable pastries. The menu features artisan creations, made with the freshest ingredients. The international menu includes the cuisine of France, Spain and South America, as well as traditional American plates.
And of course, there are plenty of places to enjoy a girls’ night out, too. Epic Chophouse (104 South Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-230-1720) is a popular spot for downtown fine dining. The atmosphere offers the perfect setting for enjoying a superb menu, impeccable wine list and specialty cocktails. Savanna Oyster Co (201 Church Street, Suite 100, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-6417) is focused on creating an experience second to none, with its savory menu, sophisticated cocktail list and world-class hospitality. Nearby, 202 North Main Fine Wine Bar & Music Room (202 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-5445) is located in a restored 1900s Victorian downtown building. Its exposed brick and original wood floors add to the comfortable atmosphere, while enjoying fine wine and live music.
Family fun–Animals and outdoors
Carrigan Farms (1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina, 28115; 704-664-1450) is a favorite location for family fun with different reasons to visit all year long. This 5th generation family-owned farm has u-pick opportunities in spring and fall. Families love exploring the strawberry, apple and pumpkin fields. All summer the farm’s quartz quarry is the main attraction. Open from May through early September (Labor Day weekend), the quarry’s 10 million gallons of amazingly clear waters are a welcome playground for those who enjoy swimming or jumping from a rope swing or from the cliff walls that rise 70 feet from the surface. Those who want to cast a line during swim season can bring their gear and enjoy catch-and-release fishing for bass, bream and crappie at two farm ponds.
Two animal attractions are also a hit with families. The Lazy Five Ranch (15100 Hwy 150 East, Mooresville, North Carolina 28815; 704-663-5100) is a drive-through safari park where visitors drive through gently sloping pastures to view more than 700 animals from six continents in a natural habitat. You can even feed animals from your car. For a special experience, a guided horse-drawn wagon ride tour through the park is available by reservation. (Note: the ranch only accepts cash or in-state checks, no debit or credit cards.) Zootastic Park (448 Pilch Road, Troutman, Mooresville, North Carolina 28166; 888-966-0069) features both walk-through and drive-through areas to view and interact with animals. For even more fun, 15-minute Animal Encounters offer one-on-one time with animals and Safari Encounters give parties of up to five people a 60-minute private encounter that consists of hands-on interactions with lemurs, a kangaroo, an armadillo and a kinkajou.
FearLess Adventure Park (657 River Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 980-435-5000) is a favorite for indoor adventure. This 33,000-square-foot indoor adventure park features a variety of attractions, from ninja courses to the newest in virtual reality gaming. Stunt jump, basketball, trapeze, trampolines and a family-friendly arcade offers something for everyone and every age.
Of course, all that adventure brings on an appetite and family-friendly dining options are easy to find. Bae’s Burgers (246 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-7253) is a favorite and boasts the best smash burger in town. The menu features the best in local beef and adds an inventive selection of flavors and cheeses and twists to their classic smash burgers. If pizza is the preference, Aliño Pizzeria (500 S Main Street, Suite 401, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-0010) is the place. Italian Neapolitan pizza is at the heart of the menu and is baked in woodfired ovens and made with fresh ingredients.
Outdoor adventurers–Biking, hiking and boating
Mooresville is the perfect location for taking to the trails or to the water. Cyclists find the five miles of singletrack trails at Mazeppa Park (645 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-7026) to be fast and flowy. The trail is loaded with turns and berms for high-speed action and while it’s known as beginner-friendly, this trail offers excitement for all. Nearby Lake Norman State Park (759 State Park Road, Troutman, North Carolina 28166; 704-528-6350) is home to the region’s popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, which consists of nearly 31 miles of single-track trail. Hikers also love to explore the park on its 38 miles of hiking trails.
Lake Norman is the centerpiece of the park and is the largest manmade lake in the state. The park extends along approximately 17 miles of its northern shoreline, offering access for fishing, swimming and paddling. Seasonal boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available. Park Lake is set off from Lake Norman by a dam and offers quiet fishing spots and is the perfect place for birders to view great blue heron nests in native rookeries on two lake islands.
For casual dining, outdoor enthusiasts love The Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden (500 South Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115), located in a historic textile mill. The menu is filled with award-winning handmade burgers, including veggie burgers, grilled and served with a variety of toppings. Rotisserie chicken, salads and an extensive selection of craft beers are on the menu, as well. For a more upscale, yet still comfortable, dining experience, Table 31 (130 Landings Drive Suite 103, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 980-447-9012) offers a relaxed and friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features American Cuisine and includes regional fare from across the country along with an extensive wine and craft cocktail list.
Race fans
Race fans will be in heaven taking in all the attractions Mooresville has to offer. The celebration of racing’s elite begins right on the streets of downtown. The North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame (215 North Main Street at Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-663-5331) comprises sidewalk markers that honor members of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. They represent some of the most influential and well-known names in NASCAR, including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson and more. Next up is a visit to the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame (119 Knob Hill Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-663-5331). The hall features more than 35 race cars from all types of auto racing and many showcases and displays. Racing’s greatest moments are celebrated on screen in the Goodyear Mini-Theater. This museum, art gallery, visitor center and gift shop showcases the history, growth and evolution of the motorsports industry in North Carolina. Memory Lane Motorsports & Historical Automotive Museum (769 River Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-662-3673) features the largest private collection of retired NASCAR and vintage race cars on display in existence and one-of-a-kind items, including a large collection of antique toys, pedal cars, bicycles, gas pumps, movie cars, tractors and vintage motorcycles.
Fans of today’s racing stars will love a visit and free shop tour of JR Motorsports (349 Cayuga Drive, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-799-4800). The 66,000 square-foot facility is owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and includes a retail store with more than 500 items exclusive to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his JR Motorsports brand. The “Dale Jr. Fan Experience” room that chronicles the life and racing career of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Team Penske (200 Penske Way, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115; 704-664-2300) is Penske Racing’s state-of-the-art facility which houses their NASCAR teams as well as the Indy Car and ALMS teams. Fans can see the NASCAR race shop through viewing windows and then move upstairs to the 330-foot fan walk to take in all of the race shop, including the NASCAR truck bay, set up plates and work stations. Fans may even catch a view of their favorite driver as he walks through the shop.
At 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. Or, try King Canary Brewing Co. (562 Williamson Road, Mooresville, North Carolina 28117; 704-235-1414) which has a taproom with waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere. Near-daily food trucks and events add variety to this locals-favorite spot.