This Lively North Carolina City With A Revitalized Downtown Scene Thrives With Parks, Eats, And Music

If you had to plan a trip to North Carolina, you might assume all the best options are either along the coastline and the Outer Banks or further inland toward Charlotte. However, the Tar Heel State has plenty of cities to explore, many of them blending history with modern amenities and attractions. One such example is the charming hidden gem of Kannapolis.

Situated between Charlotte and the North Carolina city that's an impressive hub of art, Salisbury, Kannapolis has undergone a transformation. While the city has always had historical value, its downtown area has morphed into a thriving metropolis, complete with chic eateries and breweries, gorgeous outdoor parks, and plenty of attractions to appeal to visitors from all walks of life.

Kannapolis also has the legendary distinction of being the birthplace of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. But you don't have to be a fan of NASCAR to get a lot out of a vacation to this city. In fact, Kannapolis is quickly becoming a live music hub to potentially rival other cities like Nashville or Memphis as of this publication. Here's everything you need to know about this fabulous town.

Although Kannapolis is pretty large on the map, most of the action is centered around its lively downtown district. In fact, you could spend your entire vacation in this area and not run out of things to do. The crown jewel of downtown is the Atrium Health Ballpark, a family-friendly park that the Cannon Ballers call home. Speaking of parks, there's the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza and Veterans Park within walking distance of the ballpark. If you don't mind going a little further, Village Park has a wide selection of amenities, including a splash pad and a rotary express train.

Outside of catching a ballgame, you can enjoy a movie at the historic Gem Theatre or watch a live show at the Swanee Theater. The Swanee offers a mix of performing arts, comedy, and live music, but it's far from the only music-related attraction in Kannapolis. At the southern end of downtown is the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the best and brightest musicians hailing from the state.

The dining selection in downtown Kannapolis is also incredible. If you want to knock back a few drinks with your meal, either Old Armor Beer Company or Gaelic Alley Irish Pub is perfect, especially with friends. For exotic eats, try Sabor Latin Grill for dishes inspired by Latin American street food, or sample the diverse selection at The Bank, a food hall inside a 1931 landmark bank building. Finally, for the meat lovers, there's Chophouse 101, serving thick-cut steaks cooked to perfection.

Because Kannapolis is relatively close to Charlotte, you can simply fly into the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and drive about 35 minutes north to reach the city. However, don't forget to spend some time in Charlotte, such as the area filled to the brim with historic homes and secret parks, or the neighborhood filled with luxe mansions on a major championship golf course.

During the summer, Kannapolis hosts various live music events in Village Park. From June to August, you can listen to local bands and indulge in food, beer, and good times. That said, North Carolina can get pretty hot and muggy during this season, so plan accordingly. It's always a good idea to bring pocket fans and extra water, especially if you'll be outside for long periods.

As far as lodging, most of the hotels in the area are clustered around Interstate 85. You'll find a mix of chain brands and local motels, and prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year. Kannapolis is also about 30 minutes east of Lake Norman, which offers spectacular watersports and beachside activities. So, no matter what you want to do during your vacation, you'll be able to find it in or around Kannapolis.