The birthplace of Dale Earnhardt is a favorite pilgrimage for race fans who want to travel the Dale Trail [1] and see the town the Intimidator called home. After Earnhardt died, busloads of fans traveled from around the United States to pay their respects at Dale Earnhardt Plaza, which continues to be a favorite spot for devotees of the #3 driver.
Outside of NASCAR, there isn’t a lot to do in Kannapolis (though there are a couple of interesting museums). It’s best viewed as a short excursion from Charlotte [2], not a destination on its own. Non-race fans could easily skip Kannapolis altogether in favor of spending more time exploring Charlotte.
Kannapolis, like Concord [3], is part of Cabarrus County. The best source of information on the region is the Cabarrus County Visitors Center (3003 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, 704/782-4340, www.visitcabarrus.com [4]). In addition to pamphlets and brochures galore, the center has exhibits—mostly of racing memorabilia—that provide a good introduction to the area. The website has a section devoted to helping race fans plan their visits.
Located just past Concord [3] on I-85, Kannapolis is about 30 miles from Uptown Charlotte. It’s best reached by car, though transit options are available. The Concord Kannapolis Area Transit RIDER ($1, 704/920-7433, www.ckrider.com [5]) runs to Kannapolis (and throughout Cabarrus County).
Connections to the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS, $0.60–3, 704/336-7433, www.charmeck.org/departments/CATS [6]) are available, but the transfers and connection timing make it an unpleasant mode of travel.
Amtrak (800/872-7245, www.amtrak.com [7]) arrives in Cabarrus County at Kannapolis Station.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/charlotte/nascar-country/kannapolis/sights/the-dale-trail
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/charlotte
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/charlotte/nascar-country/concord
[4] http://www.visitcabarrus.com
[5] http://www.ckrider.com
[6] http://www.charmeck.org/departments/CATS
[7] http://www.amtrak.com