Spend a day in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do
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Downtown Mount Pleasant, N.C. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Drive just 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte, and you'll reach Mount Pleasant, a small Cabarrus County town preserving its historic charm one building at a time.
Why it matters: Mount Pleasant is in the midst of a modern revival. And its quaint downtown is only 3.59 square miles. It has free parking, free WiFi, and loads of charisma, making it worth spending a day exploring.
Catch up quick: Plans to refurbish and transform the long-vacant Paula Theater into The Avett Theater were recently announced.
- But it's not the only historic remodel in recent years — the old mercantile is now a restaurant, the former prison is now a bourbon distillery, and everywhere you shop or eat has a story dating back 100 years.
Between the lines: A group of retired doctors formed Mount Pleasant Properties a few years ago, buying and renovating several buildings in the area.
- "I think we've given Mount Pleasant ... some of its swag back," Allen "Doc" Dobson told me on a recent day trip.
- Dobson moved to Mount Pleasant 40 years ago as the town doctor. His retirement plan, along with his business partners, is to continue to serve his community by investing time, money and resources in preserving its history.
Here's everything there is to do, drink, eat and see in Downtown Mount Pleasant:
Food & Beverage
73 & Main: American restaurant and gastropub inside the restored 1911 Mount Pleasant Mercantile. Inside, you'll find an extensive bourbon bar and the Old Well Brewery.
Cardinal Preserve: Located inside what was formerly Mount Pleasant's oldest residence (built in 1840), this restaurant and social house offers tapas and craft cocktails.
Tuscarora Taphouse: You'll find burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ on the menu, set against the backdrop of weekly events, from live music to trivia nights.
Café Lentz: When neighbors told Dobson they were driving out of town to get coffee at Starbucks, he decided to open Café Lentz, now the only coffee shop in town. It offers salads, wraps, sandwiches, brunch on weekends, and pastries from the bakery next door.
The Bakery: Adjacent to the coffee shop, this local bakery makes the pastries and desserts for many of the businesses nearby. Expect fresh-baked goods, Blue Bell ice cream and custom orders.
Grumpy's Ice Cream Parlor: Re-opening for the season in February, expect Hershey's ice cream, banana splits, waffle cones and bowls, sundaes and milkshakes.
Buddy's Place: An old-school, no-frills diner serving home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A longtime local favorite for hearty plates, friendly service, and a true small-town feel.
Mount Pleasant Smokehouse: Family-run barbecue joint known for smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, chicken, and classic sides. It's a casual, counter-service spot that draws locals and visitors alike.
What-A-Burger #13: A family-owned, counter-service burger institution that's been a staple in the community for decades. Don't get it confused with the Texas-based burger chain with a similar name. Expect classic burgers, fries, and a nostalgic roadside stop vibe.
Cantina 73: Casual Mexican restaurant offering generous portions, a variety of salsas, and a reliable menu of crowd favorites. A go-to for laid-back meals and quick stops.
Things to do
Southern Grace Distilleries at Whiskey Prison: Take a tour of what was formerly Cabarrus Correctional Institute (closed in 2011) and is now a bourbon and whiskey distillery with a cocktail bar and cigar lounge. Here, they make the award-winning Conviction Bourbon. Those interested in paranormal activity can book a private tour and stay overnight.
- Pro tip: Schedule an Uber/Lyft to pick you up so you don't have to worry about getting home safely.
- 130 Dutch Road
Landon Lane Candle Co.: This downtown shop offers hand-poured, 100% soy candles made in Mount Pleasant, along with home décor and in-store candle-pouring experiences. It's a popular stop for girls' nights, birthday celebrations and bridal gatherings, located in a refurbished building from 1895.
The Salt and Light Spa: Offering facials, massages, manicures/pedicures, and a sauna, this locally-owned salon is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Copperleaf Farm and Vineyard: Set on a sprawling 46-acre farm, this family-owned vineyard pairs estate-grown wines and craft beers with farm-to-table food. It's a popular weekend destination for live music and events, and the property is often used for weddings and private events.
- Located at 13646 Lowder Road, it's very much a destination stop, not walkable from downtown.
Eastern Cabarrus Historic Society Museum: Housed in the former Mount Pleasant Collegiate Institute (men's college, 1903-1933), this local history museum features 30 rooms, each spotlighting a different chapter of Eastern Cabarrus County's past.
The Inn at Mount Pleasant Bed and Breakfast: One of the only true lodging options in Mount Pleasant, this circa-1920 inn has four guest rooms, each with a private bathroom. They also host intimate weddings (up to 50 people) on the 3-acre property.
Retail
Down South on Main: A locally owned lifestyle shop offering home décor, furniture, fashion and gifts. Plus, it has a dedicated "Man Cave" section. It's an easy stop for unique souvenirs and Southern-inspired finds.
Antiquing: Mount Pleasant is a popular destination for antique lovers, with several large shops and vendor malls located just minutes from downtown.
- White Owl (8455 State Highway 49): One of the largest antique malls in the region with hundreds of vendors.
- Clines Country Antiques (11839 State Highway 49): Known for vintage furniture, architectural pieces, yard art, and eclectic finds spread across multiple buildings.
- Grammy's Attic Resale Store (9070 E. Franklin St.): A large vendor mall and resale shop with vintage décor and collectibles at a range of price points.
- Ruffin's Roost (1600 N. Lentz Road): An antique and home décor shop specializing in vintage, primitive and urban farmhouse styles, with a more curated, boutique feel.
Kingdom Corner Collectibles: A nostalgic storefront packed with vintage toys, clothing, sports memorabilia, and classic records. A fun browse for collectors and anyone who loves retro finds.
Various historic sites
Moose Pharmacy: Established in 1882, this historic pharmacy has operated under the same family for four generations. It's a quick stop for a dose of small-town history and for fans of the movie "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," which was filmed inside.
Mount Pleasant Barbershop: Operating since 1902, this barbershop claims to be the oldest in North Carolina. During restoration efforts, construction crews uncovered pieces of barbering history, including an old barber chair and barbering equipment such as hair tonic and hand clippers, per WBTV.
Mount Pleasant Fire Station: The town's fire station features a historic fire truck on display, offering a small but interesting glimpse into Mount Pleasant's local history.
Go deeper: Looking for more day trips from Charlotte? Check out our guides to Asheville, Mount Airy, Crystal Coast, Durham and Greenville