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Kannapolis
Once home to the world’s largest manufacturer of household textiles, Kannapolis offers everything from a revitalized downtown district packed with local dining and boutique shopping to sporting events, motorsports attractions and music history.
In 1906 J.W. Cannon purchased the farmland that later became Kannapolis to open a new textile mill, Cannon Manufacturing. By 1914, Cannon Manufacturing was the world’s largest producer of sheets and towels. Today, the City thrives as home to the North Carolina Research Campus, motorsports history and innovative racing facilities, exciting small businesses, and so much more.
Downtown
There’s so much fun to discover in Downtown Kannapolis. “Have a Blast” at a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Minor League Baseball game at the beautiful Atrium Health Ballpark. If there’s no home game, feel free to stop by the ballpark to enjoy the concessions, splash pad and playground.
Or you can catch a movie at one of the oldest single-screen theaters still in operation at the Gem Theatre. Originally opened in 1936 then rebuilt in 1948, the Art Deco-style landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Food and Drink
Dine on classic steakhouse fare at Chophouse 101, or stop in for a quick helping of authentic Latin street food like Venezuelan arepas and Dominican empanadas at Sabor Latin Street Grill.
The West Avenue social district also allows visitors to stroll through the area while enjoying a drink from local establishments. Try locally made hard cider, sip a cocktail from the Irish Pub, or sip expertly crafted brews and pay it forward at veteran-owned hangouts Old Armor Beer Company and Local Patriot Roasting Co. where you can buy a drink in advance for veterans and first responders.
Music and Motorsports
Less than a mile from downtown, the history of two of North Carolina’s favorite pastimes are housed in one spectacular location. The Curb Museum for Music & Motorsports hosts the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on one end and a racing museum on the other. Take a peek at NASCAR, IndyCar and other race cars, including cars driven by Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. At the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, the exhibits showcase the legacies of artists like Thelonius Monk, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and The Avett Brothers, among others. Each October, the museum hosts an induction ceremony for the next class of hall of famers.
Honoring a Legend
A trip to Kannapolis isn’t complete without an immersion into the life of hometown hero, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Kannapolis remembers the NASCAR legend at the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza where the centerpiece is a nine-foot bronze statue of the man himself. The plaza is just one stop in Cabarrus County that tells the story of Earnhardt’s life and honors his legacy.
There's More
Exciting experiences are waiting for you in each of Cabarrus County's five communities.
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