The cooler days of fall are here and it is a great time to enjoy all the things to do in and around Mooresville. From the adrenaline pumping excitement of go-karting to a soul-feeding hike or paddle at Lake Norman State Park, pick the speed you want to go! Take your pick of family friendly attractions and entertainment, as well as great festivals and special events. We can’t wait to show you all of the great things you can do right now in Mooresville!

Nothing says fall like a festival! One of the most highly anticipated events in our area each fall is the Carolina BalloonFest. Held just north of Mooresville at the Statesville Municipal Airport, this year will mark the festival’s 47th year delighting attendees with the daily ascension of more than 40 hot air balloons, a true wonder to behold. Guests can even schedule a tethered balloon ride to get a feel for the thrill of flight. Other entertainment includes live music, a ninja obstacle course, artisan and marketplace village, kids’ zone, NC wine and craft beer garden and much more! The festival takes place October 14, 15, 16 and tickets can be purchased online at www.carolinaballoonfest.com.

Other festival fun will take place at one of our safari animal parks, at some of our great craft breweries, and also downtown. Check out the full list here.

If you love a blending of old and new, historic and modern, then you will love our inviting downtown. Browse a more than 100-year-old hardware store as well as a contemporary artisan shop dedicated to giving back, all in the same block! Stop for lunch in a charming café or for a beverage at a historic bank turned corner pub.  Step back in time with the historic murals on many of the downtown buildings. Many of the murals have been refreshed and restored, but some are brand new. They are super popular for social media photos – and are one of our most popular Instagrammable places in Mooresville! Take a stroll through the fall flower exhibit in the John Franklin Moore Park on Main Street. You’ll also find a number of contemporary craft cocktails and fun watering holes at our Main Street bars, like 158 on Main for an elevated cocktail experience. There are so many treasures in our beautiful downtown – schedule a day to see it all!

Main St. Antiques & Design Gallery is a treasure hunters dream! With nearly 500 vendors in the 160,000 square foot former textile mill, you are sure to find something you can’t live without. Items range from vintage to repurposed to brand new, with furniture, home decor, and even clothing items. Though it is vast, the Antiques mall is only a small part of the mill property, which covers 40 acres and more than 1 million square feet of space. There are other retailers, like home decor store Nest & Bower, as well as popular restaurants Alino Pizzeria and Barcelona Burger Bar. Defined Coffee recently opened a beautiful space, and you can shop for fresh produce and local goodies at the Merino Mill Market.  *FUN FACT* The mill has been a backdrop for a number of tv shows and movies, including the Cinemax show “Banshee”.

Get kisses from a giraffe, or one of the many other species of animals you’ll find at our two animal parks, Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park.  Take a drive through the safaris and feed the animals that come right up to your window.

With more than 30 miles of wooded trails, Lake Norman State Park offers visitors a great way to enjoy the fresh air, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery around Lake Norman. Take an easy trail around the lake or challenge yourself with a more moderate hike, or bring your mountain bike for a fun workout.

Experience exhilarating racing action at the world-class kart track at GoPro Motorplex. This track was built by racing professionals and modeled after the famous and historic Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! The rental karts are capable of speeds up to 55-miles per hour, and the twists and turns of the track will test your skill. In fact, many of racing’s top drivers use the track to stay in shape during the off season.

The best part about a weekend away is treating yourself to some goodies! Luckily there are some great places around Mooresville to do just that. Take a step back in time when you visit Mooresville Ice Cream Company in downtown Mooresville. They have been providing freshly made ice cream to the community since 1924! Enjoy your treat while you stroll downtown and take in the artist murals on the buildings, or pop in one of the charming shops. If cookies are your thing, you have to check out Red’s Scratch Made on Main Street. These cookies are next level, with flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Rocky Road Brookies and Spiced Caramel Apple. Just be sure to get there early as they frequently sell out before closing time! CynTucci’s Bakery features classic tarts, cupcakes, and other confectionary treats in their charming Main Street storefront. For a complete list of sweets and other treats check out our listings.

Summer is here and it is a great time to enjoy all the things to do in and around Mooresville. From the adrenaline pumping excitement of wakesurfing to a soul-feeding hike or paddle at Lake Norman State Park, pick the speed you want to go on the lake! Or if you prefer dry land, take your pick of family friendly attractions and entertainment. We can’t wait to show you all of the great things you can do right now in Mooresville!

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. There are numerous ways to experience lake life. Rent a boat, jet ski, or water toys to get out on the water. Or if you’d prefer that someone else do the piloting so you can relax and enjoy the cruise, try Carolina Cruising Charters or one of the cruise boats at Queen’s Landing, a replica paddleboat named the Catawba Queen, and the luxury yacht, Lady of the Lake. You can choose a site seeing tour or a dinner cruise.

If you crave a little more excitement – why not learn to wakesurf or hydrofoil with the team at Ride LKN Wake & Surf Co.? With their expert coaches, they will have you up and surfing like a pro in no time.

You can also hire a fishing guide to help you navigate the great fishing spots on Lake Norman. Let the experts show you the best spots to reel in a species of bass, crappie, catfish and more.

If you love a blending of old and new, historic and modern, then you will love our inviting downtown. Browse a more than 100-year-old hardware store as well as a contemporary artisan shop dedicated to giving back, all in the same block! Stop for lunch in a charming café or for a beverage at a historic bank turned corner pub.  Step back in time with the historic murals on many of the downtown buildings. Many of the murals have been refreshed and restored, but some are brand new. They are super popular for social media photos – and are one of our most popular Instagrammable places in Mooresville! There are so many treasures in our beautiful downtown – schedule a day to see it all!

Main St. Antiques & Design Gallery is a treasure hunters dream! With nearly 500 vendors in the 160,000 square foot former textile mill, you are sure to find something you can’t live without. Items range from vintage to repurposed to brand new, with furniture, home decor, and even clothing items. Though it is vast, the Antiques mall is only a small part of the mill property, which covers 40 acres and more than 1 million square feet of space. There are other retailers, like home decor store Nest & Bower, as well as popular restaurants Alino Pizzeria and Barcelona Burger Bar. Defined Coffee recently opened a beautiful space, and you can shop for fresh produce and local goodies at the Merino Mill Market.  *FUN FACT* The mill has been a backdrop for a number of tv shows and movies, including the Cinemax show “Banshee”.

Get kisses from a giraffe, or one of the many other species of animals you’ll find at our two animal parks, Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park.  Take a drive through the safaris and feed the animals that come right up to your window.

With more than 30 miles of wooded trails, Lake Norman State Park offers visitors a great way to enjoy the fresh air, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery around Lake Norman. Take an easy trail around the lake or challenge yourself with a more moderate hike, or bring your mountain bike for a fun workout.

Experience exhilarating racing action at the world-class kart track at GoPro Motorplex. This track was built by racing professionals and modeled after the famous and historic Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! The rental karts are capable of speeds up to 55-miles per hour, and the twists and turns of the track will test your skill. In fact, many of racing’s top drivers use the track to stay in shape during the off season.

The best part about a weekend away is treating yourself to some goodies! Luckily there are some great places around Mooresville to do just that. Take a step back in time when you visit Mooresville Ice Cream Company in downtown Mooresville. They have been providing freshly made ice cream to the community since 1924! Enjoy your treat while you stroll downtown and take in the artist murals on the buildings, or pop in one of the charming shops. If cookies are your thing, you have to check out Red’s Scratch Made on Main Street. These cookies are next level, with flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Rocky Road Brookies and Spiced Caramel Apple. Just be sure to get there early as they frequently sell out before closing time! CynTucci’s Bakery features classic tarts, cupcakes, and other confectionary treats in their charming Main Street storefront. For a complete list of sweets and other treats check out our listings.

As much as we hate to bid farewell to summer, we so love the cooler air and fun events that come with fall in Mooresville! From picking pumpkins from the patch, to devouring those apple cider doughnuts, to taking a soul-feeding hike or paddle at Lake Norman State Park, we can’t wait to show you all of the great things you can do right now in Mooresville!

Nothing says Fall like a pumpkin patch, and the apple cider doughnuts to go with it! For an authentic pumpkin picking experience, head over to Carrigan Farms every day in October. Take a hayride out to the patch where you can select a pumpkin right off the vine. A stop at the petting zoo awaits you on the return trip, as does the apple cider doughnut food truck. Visits this year require face masks on the shuttle as well as reservations. Visit the Carrigan Farms website for details.

A huge selection of pumpkins is available at Josh’s Farmer’s Market, a favorite farm stand with locals. Their Fall Market is set for September 25, featuring the Granny’s Old Fashioned Donuts truck with their apple cider doughnuts. Prepare to wait in line for this wildly popular event, but the freshly prepared donuts are totally worth it. They are set to reappear on October 9th.

Our beautiful and happening downtown features some highly anticipated events, kicking off a fabulous weekend with the Uncorked and Artsy fall edition on Friday, October 1. The gallery crawl and wine/beer tasting event takes place on Broad and Main Streets, with shops holding special events and sales. The following morning get ready for one of Mooresville’s most fun, and unique, events. The Downtown Mooresville Wiener Races. This entertaining, charitable event helps raise awareness and donations for Lake Norman Humane and is open for the public to attend at no cost! Come watch Dachshund dogs race for the tile of champion in multiple events. There’s no need to leave downtown after the races because the Festival of Food Trucks gets started at 5pm on Main and Broad Streets. More than 13 trucks are scheduled with fare ranging from lobster dogs to dumplings to barbeque. Bring a chair and hang out for the live music in the last food trucks event of the year.

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. The pleasantly warm days of fall are perfect for exploring secluded coves and taking in the scenery.

One of the best ways to see the lake at a leisurely pace is by paddleboard. Don’t have one of your own? Rent one at one of the rental shops around the lake. Or if you want to speed things up a bit and explore a larger area, rent a boat or jet ski for the day. Check out all the rental options. Pack a picnic for the day or visit one of our lakefront restaurants for a bite.

You can also hire a fishing guide to help you navigate the great fishing spots on Lake Norman. For a truly unique experience, schedule a wakeboarding or wakesurfing lesson with a professional wakeboarder at Ride LKN Wake & Surf School or Stephen Pierce Wake.

Get kisses from a giraffe, or one of the many other species of animals you’ll find at our two animal parks, Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park.  Take a drive through the safaris and feed the animals that come right up to your window.

With more than 30 miles of wooded trails, Lake Norman State Park offers visitors a great way to enjoy the fresh air, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery around Lake Norman. Take an easy trail around the lake or challenge yourself with a more moderate hike, or bring your mountain bike for a fun workout.

Experience exhilarating racing action at the world-class kart track at GoPro Motorplex. This track was built by racing professionals and modeled after the famous and historic Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! The rental karts are capable of speeds up to 55-miles per hour, and the twists and turns of the track will test your skill. In fact, many of racing’s top drivers use the track to stay in shape during the off season.

The best part about a weekend away is treating yourself to some goodies! Luckily there are some great places around Mooresville to do just that. Take a step back in time when you visit Mooresville Ice Cream Company in downtown Mooresville. They have been providing freshly made ice cream to the community since 1924! Enjoy your treat while you stroll downtown and take in the artist murals on the buildings, or pop in one of the charming shops. If cookies are your thing, you have to check out Red’s Scratch Made on Main Street. These cookies are next level, with flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake, Rocky Road Brookies and Spiced Caramel Apple. Just be sure to get there early as they frequently sell out before closing time! CynTucci’s Bakery features classic tarts, cupcakes, and other confectionary treats in their charming Main Street storefront. For a complete list of sweets and other treats check out our listings.

 

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In Mooresville, NC, we know how to do summer! Beautiful Lake Norman is right in our back yard, and you can spend the day (or week!) floating, paddling, skiing, surfing, and more! Make new friends at an animal park or channel your inner speed demon on a world-class karting track. There are also some fun things to do indoors. Be sure to tag us in your social media photos when you are out and about so we can see how everyone is enjoying Mooresville! #visitmooresville @visitmooresville

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There’s no more perfect way to enjoy Mooresville than with a day on the lake! Rent jet skis, boats, or paddleboards – or treat yourself to a professional wakesurfing lesson. Or try your hand at fishing with a guided tour. Check out our list of water activities. We’re sure you’ll find something to love!

After a day on the lake, stay waterfront with one of our lakeside restaurants. It’s the perfect way to catch a sunset and soak up the last of a lake day.

 

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With more than 30 miles of wooded trails, Lake Norman State Park offers visitors a great way to enjoy the fresh air, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery around Lake Norman. Take an easy trail around the lake or challenge yourself with a more moderate hike, or bring your mountain bike for a fun workout. A favorite place to bring your pups!

 

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Cliff Hangers Climbing and Fitness Gym is a fun challenge for the whole family. This state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility features a speed wall, bouldering, and a designated kids area. All you need is comfortable clothes and determination, and their friendly staff will get you started climbing! The cafe offers snacks to keep you going, as well as a great beer selection to reward you for all of your hard work. Cliff Hangers is located at 326 Oates Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 or visit them at www.cliffhangersclimbing.com.

GoPro Motorplex is a truly unique attraction in Mooresville! With karts that reach speeds of up to 55-mph around the twisty curvy track, it’s as close to auto racing as most will ever get. If the weather keeps you from experiencing the outdoor track, The Pit Indoor Kart Racing offers an under-roof solution. The 70,000 sq. ft. track is one of the largest, single indoor kart tracks in the country. With speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, and a 20-foot wide track, that means more passing, more speed, and more of that adrenaline rush. The completely indoor facility also features a climbing wall, arcade, laser tag, bumper cars and more.  The Pit Indoor Kart is located at 346 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville NC 28117. You can visit them online at meetatthepit.com.

Take a stroll through the Mooresville Arts Gallery, housed in the historic Mooresville Train Depot, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings and in near-original condition. The Gallery hosts shows and displays all types of fine art. They also hold public receptions and openings for exhibits throughout the year, so check their website for events. 103 W. Center Avenue.

Be inspired with a walk through the Gallery of Argentinian artist Leandro Manzo. View his impressive collection of oversized paintings and get a glimpse into his workspace. A bonus is that it is housed inside a wing at the historic Merino Mill, with its beautiful exposed brick and beams. Gallery hours are Thursday – Sunday 3pm – 8pm. Merino Mill, 500 S. Main Street.

 

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After a day of climbing, karting, or art, treat yourself to an afternoon or evening of beer sampling! Mooresville is home to some great craft beer breweries, pubs, and ale houses, where you are sure to find a new favorite. Take a journey on our Ale Trail to sample from our six unique breweries! Ghostface Brewing features up to 20 unique and tasty beers along with mead and ciders at any given time in their taproom. They have a second brewery, Beer Lab, which was created from the R&D (Research & Drinking) events at the original location, where they would unleash 7 new beers at a time and experiment with strange ingredients, fruit and yeast. Beer Lab features experimental beers with taps consistently changing weekly if not daily. Ghostface Brewery is located at 427 East Statesville Avenue and Beer Lab is located at 225 S. Broad Street. Both can be found online at www.ghostfacebrewing.com

King Canary Brewing is a craft brew pub with charming decor and a wide range of styles in their brew selection, with a number of IPAs, fruited sours, dessert inspired stouts and everything in between. They also offer wines, light snacks, and a revolving lineup of food trucks. Located at 562 Williamson Rd, or online at www.kingcanarybrewing.com.

Hoptown Brewery is the newest kid on the ale block in Mooresville. Living true to their “Beer a Good Neighbor” slogan, the brewery not only offers an impressive selection in a modern space, but also gives a portion of their sales to selected local charities through their Sip it Forward program. Win-win!

Located in downtown Mooresville, (On)Tap taphouse features 23 taps of craft beers and ciders from small, independent breweries and cideries primarily in North Carolina. In addition, they have prosecco and wine on tap, can serve you craft beer flights and fill a growler for you to take home. The renovated historic building is quite beautiful and the perfect location for enjoying a brew or two. (on)Tap is located at 188 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115 and online at www.ontap.pub.

Ultimate Ales was the first bottle shop in Mooresville and offers a revolving selection of beers and ciders on tap, as well as an extensive bottle collection. Ultimate Ales is located at 134-C Mooresville Commons Way , Mooresville, NC 28117 and online at www.ultimateales.com.

Enjoy your days exploring Mooresville, and remember you can always stop by our Visitor Center if you need help planning fun things to do while you are visiting!

When you are planning your vacation days this year, remember that summer is the perfect time to enjoy all that Mooresville, NC has to offer. Connect with your Outdoor Enthusiast on beautiful Lake Norman, channel your inner speed demon at GoPro Motorplex, or practice your selfies at any of our Instagrammable Places around Mooresville. No matter what your idea of fun is, we know you’ll find your perfect self here.

Check out our special Mooresville Escapes packages to find stay and play deals!

Because the COVID situation is an ever changing environment, some attractions or activities may be closed or have limited availability. Please visit the website or social media channels of businesses before you make plans.

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. Whether you like the speed of a jet ski or prefer to take a more leisurely pace, you can find a watersport that suits your mood on Lake Norman.

Spend the day at Lake Norman State Park, which offers year-round boating, fishing, camping, hiking and mountain bike trails. You can rent Stand Up Paddleboards, kayaks and canoes to enjoy the beautiful shoreline around the park. There’s also a swim area with a 125-yard-long sand beach that’s open from April to October.

If you want to enjoy other areas of the lake, look into water toy rentals. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and boats for partial or full days out on the lake. For a truly unique experience, schedule a wakeboarding lesson with a professional wakeboarder at STP Wake or Ride LKN.

Mooresville is home to the Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park. At the privately owned Lazy 5 Ranch, you and your family can embark on a drive-through safari featuring over 700 animals. Drive your own vehicle and feed the animals along the way for the ultimate socially-distanced fun.

Also privately owned, Zootastic Park offers educational programs and animal encounters. Take the whole family for a leisurely stroll through the park, and visit the many animal species, including Arabian camels, kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, tigers and much more. Taking selfies with the giraffes is a visitor favorite at Zootastic Park!

With more than 30 miles of wooded trails, Lake Norman State Park is a great place to spend the day exploring. Trails range from the easy Dragonfly Trail, which with a 0.15 mile paved surface is perfect for little ones, to the moderate Lake Shore Trail which was voted as a must-see trail in the Charlotte area. The 30.5 mile Itusi trail is also open to mountain bikers and offers more challenging trail loops with beautiful views of Lake Norman.

Experience exhilarating racing action at the world-class kart track at GoPro Motorplex. This track was built by racing professionals and modeled after the famous and historic Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

If indoor racing is more your style, or if you have younger kids, then head to PIT Indoor Kart Track, which features the nation’s largest indoor kart track. The facility also features entertainment in addition to the karts, like a laser tag arena, a rock climbing wall, bumper cars and a black light mini-golf course, though some of the activities may be closed due to restrictions and safety protocols.

Once you have filled your need for speed, be sure to check out the race shops in Mooresville, including JR Motorsports, Kasey Kahne Racing, Kyle Busch Motorsports, and Team Penske, to see the teams preparing the race cars for the next race.

If you need to cool off, head to the Quarry at Carrigan Farms, where you can swim in a quarry that was mined for its granite back in the 1960s. This natural, spring-fed body of water is 25 feet deep and surrounded by towering cliffs of granite. If you’re feeling brave you can swing out on a rope swing from one of the cliffs, another of our favorite places for Instagram!  Check their website for hours and information. Reservations may be required to comply with guidelines on social distancing.

If you want to gain some altitude and get a good workout while doing so, check out Cliff Hangers, a climbing facility that features indoor and outdoor climbing walls, bouldering, and a kids climbing area. With climbing walls up to 50 feet, you can get an adrenaline rush as you climb for the top. Safety measures they have taken include requiring masks and advanced reservations, which you can do on their website.

A day of summer fun would not be complete without a good dinner and beverage to cap off your day. Visit our restaurants page for a complete list of dining options sure to suit every taste. Try out one of our local breweries, Ghostface Brewing, Beer Lab, King Canary Brewing, or Jolly Roger Brew for a relaxing end to the day. Or if you prefer a glass of wine or a craft cocktail, our list of Kegs, Casks, and Barrels will get you going in the right direction.

No matter what speed you choose for your summer fun in Mooresville, we’re sure you’re going to love our town!