Looking for an adventure?

Like a cicada dormant for an extended period of time; 15 months to be exact, it awakens,  we too wake. Shedding the security of our face masks to feel the sun once again on our lower faces. We look around and wonder how we didn’t know that our neighbor grew a handlebar mustache. Are we ready to return to the office? What did we do with our downtime BC (before Covid)? While we may still want to stay at home, we are feeling a longing to explore just a bit. Baby steps I say…  I am here to help. You may not know that right here in our little town of Mooresville  lies a wealth of experiences ready for exploration. Here are just a few. 

1. The Ale Trail

Did you know that Mooresville is home to over half a dozen well-loved breweries? If you are looking for some grown-up fun, check them out, pick your favorite “everyone knows your name” location like Ghostface, also home to some OUTSTANDING pizza!. Or Jolly Roger, King Canary, Hoptown, Beer Lab, Brew and Feed, and On Tap, all call Mooresville home. Schedule a tour or join the fun on the “Lake Norman Brew Ha Ha Tour” Be sure to take a look at the Ale trail map at Visit Lake Norman.

2. Carrigan Farms 

Carrigan Farms is a 5th generation family owned farm. Our most beloved location for picking all things natural also hides a little hidden gem, a Rock Quarry. Climb the rocks to swing like Tarzan and plummet into a pool of freshwater. Sit on the sand with a book and a blanket or challenge yourself to climb higher and jump further. This is a favorite of my teens. They serve their famous “Quarry burger”, snow cones, fries, beer, and wine can also be found on site. Just remember to bring cash or check, as I have had to take the “walk of shame” too many times, and search for a nearby ATM. Consider yourself warned. 

Reservations are suggested, and spots fill up fast especially in the heat of the summer. $5 to reserve your spot online and you will receive a $5 food voucher when you check in. $15 per person. They do require a swim test to go without a vest and a pull up test is required for the high jumps. On the way out be sure to visit the farm stands for seasonal fruits and vegetables. You can find them at 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115 

The farm is also the location for the awesome fall attraction Scarrigan Farms,  haunted trail. A bit too creepy for my tastes, I don’t know if they should be allowed to get that close to me with a chainsaw! But, again, the kids love it so I digress. Check it out this fall. 

3. Racecity USA

Do you feel the need for speed? Mooresville has been named Racecity USA for a reason. It is home to countless Nascar team shops, museums, and experiences. Take a tour of various shops like Penske ( a personal favorite of Trinity Commercial Cleaning), Kyle Busch Motorsports, JR Motorsports. Take a trip down memory lane with NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Memory Lane Museum, or Shelton Classic Performance. If you loved the movie Days of Thunder you are welcome to take a look at the barn featured in the movie. Appropriately named “The Days of Thunder Barn ''. It is not advisable to enter, in fact, some call it the most dilapidated attraction in Mooresville, but it's ours, it's here, you are welcome.

If you prefer a more hands on experience visit The Pit Indoor Kart Racing. Because it's indoors, the weather is never a problem. Besides the high speed go karts there is also an arcade, laser tag, and pool tables.

4. Lake Norman State Park

Looking for an outdoor escape? An opportunity to get the kids off of their phones and into nature? Then you need to visit Lake Norman State Park. Located on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. It boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking networks, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail. Nearby are a 125-yard-long swim beach and bathhouse complex as well as a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing from spots along park trails. A family campground with 32-sites and a group campground are available during warm-weather months, and a community building with kitchen facilities, restrooms, and fireplace can be rented for family and group events year-round. Free interpretive programs are complemented by educational exhibits throughout the visitor center and along the child-friendly Dragonfly Trail. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboat, picnic, you name it. Get out and experience mother nature at her finest. 

5. Lazy 5 Ranch

So a giraffe walks up to a car. That's it, it's not a punchline. At Lazy 5 Ranch you are guaranteed that a large animal will walk straight up to your car and ask you for food. Lazy 5 Ranch is not a publicly funded zoo. Resident Henry Hampton opened the gates to Lazy 5 Ranch in 1993. 30 years later, the Hampton family is still  inviting neighbors to visit and experience their exotic animal collection. They are now home to over 750 animals from 6 different continents. Visits to Lazy 5 are a right of passage for all elementary students from nearby schools. Their goals are to help the recovery of several endangered species including the Grevy's zebra, the Schimitar Horned Oryx, and the ring-tailed lemur. Enjoy a wagon ride or drive on thru. Credit cards are not accepted here so be sure to bring cash or a check. They are open from Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 6:30 pm and Sundays from 12-6:30. Adults are $11, children ages 2-11 are $8.00 and Seniors ages 60 and up are $8.00. Visit them at 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC 28115

6. Cliff Hangers

In desperate need of an indoor activity to wear the kids out? Check out Cliff Hangers Mooresville's only indoor rock climbing facility. Sit and enjoy them working hard or join them and get your workout in. This place will not disappoint. Purchase a day pass for $19 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. They have everything you will need for a safe visit. No reservations are required, and all climbers and soon to be climbers are welcome. No experience required. Before harnessing up you will be required to go through a brief training, but then you are free to explore, climb and get your inner kid on. 326 Oates Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117

7. Queens landing

Feel like just enjoying a bit of scenery? Queens Landing is a great spot to enjoy the lake. It is best known to be the starting point for the Catawaba Queen and her  Lake Norman dinner cruises. This is a great option for a unique date night. The dinner cruise boards at 7 pm most evenings, reservations are booked a few weeks in advance. Adults are $64.99 a person. Or hop on board for sightseeing cruises. An adult ticket is 19.99 and 14.99 for kids. 

You are also welcome to come and enjoy the scenery. Queens landing offers live music and entertainment,  a lakeside patio, boat rentals and an amazing view of Lake Norman. 1459 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117

8. Shop your way downtown

Feel like getting in some shopping while stretching your legs? Head downtown. Literally, anything and everything can be found there. From eclectic bead shops like Ain’t Miss Bead Haven  to the fun and fixer upper shop The Faded Farmhouse.  Visit Southern Notions for something fun for your home, or treat your four-legged child at Waggamuffins Dog Boutique. You will have no trouble finding something that you have to have! Check out a list of shops here.

9. Eat your way through downtown

Hungry yet? Look no further than the very same Downtown Mooresville. Enjoy pancakes at Famous Toastery of Downtown. Get a coffee at Performance coffee house, a beer at On Tap Crafty Beer, Pizza at Pie in the Sky Pizza and enjoy a dessert at the amazing CynTucci's NY Style Bakery Please enjoy a cookie for me! 

If you are looking for a great location for an amazing dinner? Check out Epic Chophouse. You will not be disappointed. 

However you spend your day, enjoy every moment of it! The laundry and honey do list will be there for you when you return. When given the choice between embarking on an adventure or chores I suggest you always take the adventure.

Trinity Commercial Cleaning, where we not only can tackle your office cleaning needs but also provide a reminder to seize the day!

Kimberly Bergmann~