Mooresville, North Carolina: 10 Easy Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Mooresville, NC

If you live in or around Mooresville, North Carolina, chances are you’ve already hit all the local favorites. But what about the fun day trips just outside Iredell County? Within about an hour’s drive (sometimes less), you can explore wineries, lakes, race tracks, mountain views, and small towns that feel like they’re straight out of a movie. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Mooresville to nearby spots in Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Davie, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties.

1. Concord Mills & Charlotte Motor Speedway (Cabarrus County)

If you’re craving shopping, food, and a little adrenaline, head down to Concord in Cabarrus County, about 30–40 minutes from Mooresville. Top things to do:
  • Concord Mills – One of the largest shopping malls in North Carolina. You’ll find outlet stores, restaurants, a theater, and family attractions all in one place.
  • SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium – Inside Concord Mills, great for kids (and adults) who love sea turtles, sharks, and touch pools.
  • Charlotte Motor Speedway – Catch a NASCAR race, a driving experience, or a special event like holiday lights. Even just driving by and seeing the massive track is impressive.
I once spent an entire rainy Saturday at Concord Mills. We shopped, grabbed burgers, and let the kids burn energy at the aquarium. By the time we left, everyone was tired—but in a good way. Keyword tip for planners: If you’re searching online, try phrases like “day trip from Mooresville to Concord Mills” or “Charlotte Motor Speedway tour”.

2. Downtown Davidson & Lake Norman Views (Mecklenburg County)

Head south into Mecklenburg County for a relaxed, small-town vibe with a touch of college charm. Davidson is about 20–25 minutes from Mooresville and makes for an easy afternoon escape. Things to enjoy:
  • Stroll Davidson’s Main Street – Cute shops, cozy cafés, and a classic college-town feel.
  • Walk around Davidson College – Beautiful campus with tree-lined paths and occasional art exhibits.
  • Check out Lake Norman views nearby – Sunset along the lakeshore is hard to beat.
This is the kind of place where you grab an iced coffee, wander without a plan, and just *breathe* a little. If you’re usually racing around all week in Mooresville, Davidson feels like a reset button.

3. Uptown Charlotte: Museums, Food & Skyline (Mecklenburg County)

When you need big-city energy, Uptown Charlotte is an easy drive—usually 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Ideas for a Charlotte road trip:
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame – Perfect for racing fans and a natural fit for folks from “Race City USA.”
  • Discovery Place Science – Hands-on museum that’s fun for families and curious adults.
  • Romare Bearden Park – Great skyline views, especially at sunset.
  • Try one of the many local breweries or BBQ spots – Charlotte’s food scene keeps growing.
If you go on a Sunday, Uptown usually feels calmer, and it’s easier to snag parking. Walk a few blocks in any direction, and you’ll find something interesting: murals, sculptures, or a tucked-away coffee shop.

4. Historic Salisbury & the NC Transportation Museum (Rowan County)

East of Mooresville lies Rowan County, home to historic Salisbury and the nearby town of Spencer. It’s around a 35–40 minute drive and makes a great history-and-trains kind of day. Don’t miss:
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum (Spencer) – Old trains, rail cars, classic vehicles, and railroad history. Kids love climbing aboard the trains.
  • Downtown Salisbury – Brick-lined streets, historic buildings, and local restaurants.
  • Historic tours – Depending on the season, you can find guided tours or heritage festivals.
If you grew up loving trains or have kids who do, the Transportation Museum alone is worth the drive. It feels like stepping back in time.

5. Hickory: Furniture, Food & Riverwalk (Catawba County)

West of Mooresville, about 45 minutes away, is Hickory in Catawba County. It’s famous for furniture, but there’s more to it than showrooms. Things to check out:
  • Hickory furniture outlets – Great if you’re hunting for deals on sofas, tables, or decor.
  • Downtown Hickory – Breweries, local restaurants, and a nice community feel.
  • City Walk & Riverwalk (ongoing development) – Strollable areas that connect parks and downtown spaces.
If you’re updating your house in Mooresville, turning a furniture run into a little day trip with lunch in Hickory makes the chore feel more like fun.

6. Yadkin Valley Wineries (Yadkin County)

If you enjoy wine or just peaceful countryside views, head north to Yadkin County, about 45–60 minutes away depending on where you go. This area is part of the Yadkin Valley wine region, often called “NC wine country.” What to expect:
  • Scenic drives past rolling hills and vineyards.
  • Several wineries with tasting rooms, patios, and sometimes live music.
  • Relaxed, unhurried atmosphere—perfect for a slow Saturday.
Plan a safe day: bring a designated driver or limit tastings so you’re sharp for the drive back to Mooresville. Even if you’re not big on wine, the views and quiet roads make it worth the trip.

7. Stone Mountain State Park (Wilkes County)

If you’re craving a true outdoor adventure, drive up to Stone Mountain State Park in Wilkes County. It’s usually about 1.5 hours from Mooresville, so it’s a slightly longer road trip—but still doable in a day. Highlights:
  • Stone Mountain Loop Trail – A challenging but rewarding hike with amazing views from the granite dome.
  • Waterfalls – Several trails lead to beautiful cascades.
  • Picnic areas – Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
Think of it as your “mountain fix” without having to commit to a full weekend in the High Country. Just bring good shoes, water, and a light jacket—weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

8. Lake James & Morganton Area (Catawba & Beyond)

While Lake Norman is Mooresville’s home lake, sometimes you want a change of scenery. About an hour west, you can reach areas near Lake James (just beyond Catawba County, but often paired with a Hickory trip). What to do around Lake James:
  • Boating & kayaking – Rent or bring your own if you have it.
  • Swimming areas – Great on a hot summer day.
  • Hiking trails – Enjoy views of the water and surrounding hills.
You can easily turn this into a full-day escape: leave Mooresville in the morning, grab lunch in the Morganton area, then spend the afternoon at the lake.

9. Lazy River & Farm Country in Davie County

Looking for something low-key and a bit different? Head east into Davie County, about 30–45 minutes away, where things slow down in the best possible way. Depending on the season, you can find:
  • River tubing or kayaking on gentle stretches of river.
  • Local farms with seasonal produce, pumpkin patches, or corn mazes.
  • Small-town main streets with simple, friendly restaurants.
It’s the kind of area where you roll down the car windows, breathe in the country air, and remember that not every outing has to be a big, expensive production.

10. Lincolnton & Lincoln County Backroads (Lincoln County)

Southwest of Mooresville, Lincoln County offers a mix of small-town charm and rural scenery. Lincolnton is roughly 45 minutes away, depending on your route. Things to enjoy:
  • Historic downtown Lincolnton – Old buildings, local shops, and southern-style restaurants.
  • Walking trails and parks – Nice spots for a casual stroll.
  • Scenic drives – Country roads with rolling fields and farm views.
If you like quiet drives and discovering little mom-and-pop places, Lincoln County is perfect. It feels like you’re far from the busy Lake Norman area, even though you’re not that far from home.

Bonus: Hidden Corners of Alexander County

To the northwest of Mooresville lies Alexander County. It doesn’t always make the headlines, but that’s part of its charm. Why go?
  • Peaceful country roads and scenic drives.
  • Local diners and small shops where everyone seems to know each other.
  • Easy access to foothill views as you head toward the mountains.
If you enjoy getting a little “lost” (in a good way), this is the place to wander with no strict schedule—just your favorite playlist and a tank of gas.

Tips for Planning Your Mooresville Road Trips

Here are a few quick pointers to make these out-of-county day trips from Mooresville smoother:
  • Check drive times before you go—traffic around Charlotte and Lake Norman can change your plans.
  • Look up seasonal events – Festivals, races, concerts, and holiday lights can turn a simple trip into something special.
  • Pack a small “day trip bag” with water, snacks, phone chargers, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
  • Call ahead for wineries, museums, or attractions to confirm hours, especially in winter or on holidays.

Where Will You Go Next?

You don’t have to drive far from Mooresville, NC to feel like you’ve gone “somewhere.” Whether it’s:
  • a racing-filled day in Concord,
  • a quiet walk through Davidson,
  • a city adventure in Charlotte,
  • or a wine-tasting afternoon in Yadkin County,
there’s a road trip waiting just outside Iredell County. Which of these out-of-county trips sounds best to you? Have you discovered a hidden gem in Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Davie, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Wilkes, or Yadkin County that others should know about? Share your favorite day trips from Mooresville in the comments, and pass this guide along to friends and family who are looking for new places to explore!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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