# Kannapolis

Kannapolis is a city in North Carolina, roughly 15 minutes north of Charlotte by car. It is known primarily as the home of the Earnhardt auto-racing family, and the former home of a large textile industry. It is being revitalized as a bedroom community of Charlotte with a population of over 50,000 residents.

## Understand

* Official website.

## Get in
### By car

From Interstate 85 North, take exit 58, 60, or 63.

### By plane

* Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
* Concord Regional Airport (USA)

### By train

The Kannapolis Amtrak station is found at 201 South Main Street.

### By bus

Concord Kannapolis Area Transit offers service from Concord.

## Get around

* Concord Kannapolis Area Transit

## See

* Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, 109 West A Street, ☏ +1 704-920-4343. Plaza celebrating the legacy of Dale Earnhardt. (updated May 2024)
* NC Research Campus.
* The Dale Trail. A self-guided tour of important landmarks in the life of Dale Earnhardt.
* 35.5032-80.63271 Village Park, 700 W C St, ☏ +1-704-920-4343, parks@kannapolisnc.gov. 8AM-9PM. Beautiful 17-acre park featuring North Carolina's only 2-story carousel and train that runs around the park. Splash Pad is fun for kids and enjoyable for adults. Entry to the park is free, with the train, carousel, and splash pad being $1.50 each. Free summer concert series features names such as 38 Special and Diamond Rio. During winter, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 300,000 Christmas lights. Tickets during Christmas to train and carousel $2 each. (updated Feb 2018)

## Do

* NC Research Campus.
* Gem Theater. A movie theater built in 1938 and still in operation today, showing first-run movies.
* Cannon Village. A Williamsburg-style shopping village styled in the heart of Kannapolis.
* Kannapolis Cannonballers. Class "A" Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Member of the South Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, Northern Division. Won last season's South Atlantic League Title. Play 70 home games from April–September at Atrium Health Stadium. Most affordable form of family entertainment.
* Kannapolis Recreation Park. Water park, swimming pool, disc golf and miniature golf.
* Curb Motorsports Museum. M-F 9AM-5PM. Mike Curb opened this racing facility in 1983 so Richard Petty could drive from Kannapolis in what he called, 'my kind of town.' Mr. Petty won his last two races driving for Curb Motorsports – his 199th and 200th. The car he drove in his 199th win is on display as well as the car Dale Earnhardt drove in 1980 for his first Winston Cup Championship, the car Dale Jarrett drove in his first Busch race, and the car Johnny Sauter drove when he won the September 2003 Richmond race. Over the past 20 years the following drivers have driven for Curb Motorsports: Richard Petty, Dale Jarreett, Ron Bouchard, Ed Primm, Brad Noffsinger, Stevie Reeves, Kevin Brugg, Shane Hall, Jay Sauter and Johnny Sauter. During this time Curb Motorsports had 118 top ten finishes. In all, 21 cars are on display in this museum, including 7 Indy cars. Free.
* West Avenue. A walkable district located in the heart of Kannapolis with places to eat, drink, and shop. It has small recreational areas, outdoor dining tables, and is located next to a baseball stadium. There are occasional events held here with things such as live music, food trucks, and other outdoor activities. (updated May 2024)

# Buy
## Eat

* Los Arcos, one of the region's favorite Mexican restaurants, serves a full range of Mexican dishes, including a great taco salad and chicken soup. They are known for their fast, friendly service and some of the area's best sweet tea. 1021 S. Cannon Blvd (Hwy 29).
* 35.4753-80.63771 Park Road Soda Shoppe, 800 Rogers Lake Road, ☏ +1 704-933-0062. Sit down restaurant serving burgers and fries. Fast, friendly service and a great local atmosphere. (updated Feb 2018)
* Sabor Latin Street Grill, 203 West Avenue, ☏ +1 704 933-6829. 11AM-9PM. Enjoy Latin Street food in the center of town either in-house or takeout.. (updated May 2024)
* What-A-Burger #10, 926 S. Main St, ☏ +1 704-932-8851. Old fashioned drive-in/car hop. Best burgers and Cherry-Lemon-Sundrop in town. If you're feeling frisky, try a Witch-doctor and onion rings too.

## Drink

* Gaelic Alley Irish Pub, 114 South Main Street, ☏ +1 704 932-9929. A traditional Irish Pub where you can enjoy food and drink with live sports playing. (updated May 2024)
* Old Armor Beer Company (Old Armor Brewery), 211 West Avenue, ☏ +1 704 933-9203, info@oldarmorbeercompany.com. Old Armor is a local brewery owned by American army veterans. (updated May 2024)

## Sleep

* America's Best Value Inn, 2808 Lane St, toll-free: +1-800-528-1234.
* 35.44915-80.608091 Comfort Inn & Suites Kannapolis - Concord, 3033 Cloverleaf Parkway, ☏ +1 980 680-6613. Check-in: 3:00PM, check-out: 11:00AM. (updated May 2024)
* Mainstay Suites, 3200 Cloverleaf Blvd, ☏ +1 704-788-2140, toll-free: +1-800-4-CHOICE (246423).
* 35.44819-80.60732 Microtel Inn and Suites, 3113 Cloverleaf Parkway, ☏ +1-980-202-3570. Check-in: 3:00PM, check-out: 11:00AM. from $66 per night. (updated May 2024)

## Go next

* Charlotte
* Concord
* Mooresville
* Salisbury