CharlotteFive’s Day in Concord
Check out this recent Charlotte Observer feature on Downtown Concord!
Reprinted from CharlotteFive, October 24, 2022, Ebony Morris
From historic sites to homemade Cuban food, here’s how to spend a day in Concord for $50
While Charlotte is a place where there’s always something fun to do, it’s surrounded by a variety of charming cities that have their own aesthetic and pockets of excitement that can be a breath of fresh air for those who live in the city. One of HGTV’s most charming small-town downtowns in America is about 17 miles from Charlotte’s city center in Concord, an area that has locally-owned businesses, a street art scene and more. (Cabarrus County is also known for its NASCAR roots, of course. Plus, Concord is the hometown of the Avett Brothers.) If you’d like to spend an afternoon enjoying a new area, here are five things to do in Concord for less than $50 a day:
COFFEE IN DOWNTOWN CONCORD
Location: 8 Union St. S, Concord, NC 28025.
Start your day on Press & Porter’s patio, drinking a custom latte. Order a single ($3.50) or splurge for a double ($4.25) Build a Latte. Add vanilla, caramel, coconut, Irish cream or hazelnut syrup ($.50) The coffee and pourhouse is also open into the evening and serves local beer, wine and kombucha.
Cost: $4.75 (or less), plus tax and tip.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN CONCORD VIA FOOT
Location: Start at Union Street North, Concord, NC 28025.
Window-shop and people-watch in downtown Concord. The charming, Hallmark movie-like area is a great place to stroll and relax, especially during warmer months. Known for its walkability, this downtown is home to various locally owned shops, restaurants, museums and more. Take a trip back in history with a self-guided walking tour of the city’s historic district that highlights homes of prominent leaders in the community.
Cost: Free. (Unless something in a store window catches your eye!)
WHERE TO EAT LUNCH IN CONCORD
Location: 25 Union Street South, Suite A-B, Concord, NC, 28025.
Enjoy lunch at one of the area’s well-known bars, Little Robert’s Place. What started as a bottle shop is now a must-see food stop in Concord. Order the Famous BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, which the menu proclaims “started it all.” It’s packed with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, red onions, diced chicken and jalapenos. It’s served with a side of salsa and sour cream ($10).
Cost: $10 + tax and tip.
CONCORD’S 4-MILE GREENWAY LOOP
Location: 219 Corban Ave SE, Concord, NC 28025.
See some incredible views of nature (and walk off lunch) on the Carolina Thread Trail. The McEachern Greenway is about a mile walk from Little Robert’s Place. The section of the trail spans about one mile and is a part of the four-mile downtown greenway loop. Pose for a picture on one of the wooden pathways, or take a break at one of the many picnic benches along the way.
Cost: Free
WHERE TO EAT DINNER IN CONCORD
Location: 11 Union Street South, Suite #108, Concord, NC 28025.
Finish your downtown Concord adventure with dinner and a tropical cocktail at Havana Carolina, a family-owned and operated Cuban restaurant and bar. At Havana Carolina, expect to be transported to Cuba (bonus points for not having to board a plane) as dining at the restaurant is more than eating food, it’s an experience. Its eclectic decor creates a homey vibe that makes you feel like you’re dining in a Cuban home. Order the Cuban Sandwich, which is a classic Cubano with mustard, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on pressed Cuban bread ($12.50). Order a traditional Cuban mojito ($12, or $6 on Thursdays) because it is a must-have.
Cost: $24.50+ tax and tip.
Total cost for your day in downtown Concord: $39.25 + tax and tip.
This story was originally published April 20, 2022 6:00 AM.
