6 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old North Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published November 11, 2022
×
Carolyn Harmon
Author
Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
With the rumbling of engines at Charlotte Motor Speedway only a half-hour away and other fast motorsports sounds, it is hard to imagine Concord, North Carolina, before the roar of the big-block motor engines installed in vehicles today. And it is through automobiles that we can still experience Old North Carolina. How many moments in our lives can we recall that involved cars? Concord is the best destination for collecting the nostalgia that comes from seeing classic cars. Go down memory lane by visiting these automobile museums and shops while welcoming back some of those old memories.
While a few cars existed, most of us probably can't recall a time when we rode in a horse and buggy, such as in this 1909 photo.
This impressive space provides collector car owners with a simple way to market their cars to a mass audience. You can also store your cars within the 60,000 square-foot space protected by a state-of-the-art security system complete with reinforced roll-up doors and a fire sprinkler system.
Advertisement
2. Morrison Motor Car Museum
Morrison Motor Car Museum, 4545 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA
With more than 50 vehicles and motorcycles on display, from the 1920s through present-day, you are sure to find some memories in this
18,000-square-foot space.
Advertisement
These displays are changed regularly to include rare and unique street cars, classic cars, Corvettes, and these old Ford models on the left.
And to keep that retro feel going, stop into Punchy's Diner for lunch where they serve the best patty melt in North Carolina. The french fries are also quite wonderful, and we also love the pimento cheeseburger.
4. Streetside Classics
Streetside Classics - Charlotte, 800 Derita Rd Suite A, Concord, NC 28027, USA
Boasting six locations, the original 70,000-square-foot showroom in Charlotte (Concord) is where it began back in 2008. It houses over 300 classic cars for sale and has had more than 6,000 vehicles on consignment to date.
With a goal to show the many reasons why the Mustang is the most popular "pony car" in the world, the museum showcases more than 25 Mustangs including modified racing, classics, and some unique versions.
We took my father-in-law and the whole family to the museum and had a great time. The people who greeted us were very friendly and knowledgeable about each Mustang and its history. There were some very interesting and beautiful cars on display like VIN #10004 (the fourth Mustang that was built). It’s not a big and exhaustive display but very well worth the trip.
Advertisement
6. Old Courthouse Theatre
Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St NW, Concord, NC 28025, USA
For a nightcap, visit this magical nonprofit theater
that was founded in 1976 and is inside the historic Cabarrus County Courthouse.
Are you ready to take a trip to Concord and experience old North Carolina? And while you’re there, check out Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park. If you go, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
