January 26, 2017
Affordable fun isn’t hard to find in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. These five adventures provide hours of inexpensive enjoyment for all ages.
Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, $0
If you’re a racing enthusiast, you have to take make a pit stop at Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza. Located in the racing legend’s hometown of Kannapolis, a nine-foot, 900-pound bronze statue of Dale stands as the centerpiece of the park. Motorsports fans will find plenty of other affordable racing stops around the county including the Curb Museum for Music and Motorsports, also in Kannapolis. Situated alongside the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, this stop is double the fun and free to visit.
Reed Gold Mine, $0-3
Did you know that Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold discovery in the United States? Today, you can visit this historic site in Midland to tour the grounds and view the exhibits free of charge. Want to pan for gold? From April through October, visitors can purchase a ticket for just $3 and give it a try. If you find a flake, it’s yours to keep! Free admission also includes exploration of restored areas of underground mine tunnels, historic mining equipment on display and walking trails.
The Galleries, $0
The Cabarrus Arts Council curates four galleries on the first floor of the 1876 Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse. These themed exhibitions change every eight weeks and feature work by both regional and national artists. Exhibitions include a variety of artwork from paintings to pottery to photography. In addition, each exhibit includes a scavenger hunt, guided questionnaire and Art Box that allow visitors to interact with the art.
Mt. Pleasant Collegiate Historic District, $0
Take the history buff in your life for a stroll around the Mt. Pleasant Collegiate Historic District where you’ll find old homes, churches, museums and mills. In the Main Building, you can explore the Eastern Cabarrus Historic Museum which gives visitors a glimpse into mid-1800s to early-1900s life here in Cabarrus County. Admission is free.
Gem Theatre, $4-5
The Gem Theatre is one of the oldest single-screen movie theatres in continuous operation today. Located in downtown Kannapolis, the theatre features Art-Deco style with a restored lobby, 916 vintage plush seats including balconies and current movies at a fraction of the price. All matinee show tickets (before 6pm) are just $4. During evening showings, tickets for seniors 55+ and kids 2-12 are $4, and tickets for adults are $5.
Save While Exploring
Which of these affordable adventures is on your to-do list?
