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.