Top 25 Things To Do In Statesville, North Carolina

1. Visit the Academy Hill Historic District

From its tree-lined streets to its stately buildings, there is so much to be loved about Academy Hill Historic District and its environment. The almost 70 acres (28.3 hectares) of land is home to a cathedral, its mission school, and a public high school which are flanked on both sides by mansions built for the city’s bourgeois population. You can pose for memorable photographs as you walk through several notable buildings from Grant Street to Kenneth Street to North Main Street which houses the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral –an almost 100-year-old structure.

Academy Hill Historic District

Address: Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina.

2. Learn more about Fort Dobbs Historic Site

Fort Dobbs is famous for being a historic fort used during and after the great Indian and French war offering protection for the British troops, the landing point for traders from all parts of the world and other British officials. If you are a lover of history or a lover of relics, there is no other site that offers all the curious tourist needs like this site. The hole in the ground (what is left of the fort) reveals a moat, cellar, and other structures which include barracks and adjoining structures which were all used during the wars.

Fort Dobbs Historic Site

Address: 438 Fort Dobbs Rd, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: Fort Dobbs Historic Site

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

3. Check out the Gothic-style A.M.E. Zion Church

If you are the religious type, you will be enchanted as soon as you step foot within the premises of the A.M.E.Zion Church and if you are not the spiritual kind, you will be filled with awe at the immensity and sheer brilliance of the Gothic-style design of the buildings. You cannot afford to visit this place without your camera or phone in hand to capture this sheer brilliance for the ‘gram.’ This Statesville monument is a reminder of how glorious the Renaissance period was.

A.M.E. Zion Church

Address: 537 S Center St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: A.M.E. Zion Church

4. Explore old buildings at the South Race Street Historic District

If you ever find yourself in the city of Statesville, North Carolina and you are stuck, stranded and at loss of what to do, it is because you have not considered taking a look at one of the most impressive and most outstanding sights in the historic city–the old buildings of Statesville. Covering about 11 acres (4.5 hectares), South Race Street Historic District gives you a lot of miles to cover and much more sights to see–so many unforgettable views of high-rise buildings with unique façades. Before you can cover the whole eighty-five structures of Colonial-style houses, you would likely call it a day.

South Race Street Historic District

Address: Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina.

5. Bargain with vendors at the I-40 Flea & Farmer's Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you enjoy haggling and bargaining, then you will undoubtedly love the ambiance and unique character of the 1-40 Flea and Farmers Market. With an abundance of fruits, dairy, grains and a wide variety of edibles and consumables to choose from at a fantastic rate, your visit to this farmers market is bound to be a trip to remember. Finally, never forget to enjoy yourselves as you bargain and then enjoy what you purchased, much more.

I-40 Flea & Farmer's Market

Address: 1441 Wilkesboro Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: I-40 Flea & Farmer’s Market

Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

6. Play basketball at Harris Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There is only one place where football, softball, and basketball can occur at the same time without either one of these sports affecting the other. You do not have to be either Michael Jordan to enjoy the standard basketball court for an evening of slam dunk with friends or with total strangers. In case you are worried about your kids, there are facilities which can cater to kids, such as swings. And who says your kid cannot join you on the court?

Harris Park

Address: 1345 Lerain Ct, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Harris Park

7. Enjoy a cuppa at Coffee Lodge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The people of Statesville believe in the notion that good people drink good coffee. This is why their doors are always open as soon as the cock crows to the early birds and stays open even when the sun sets for the latecomers to enjoy a cuppa and more of steaming and tasty cups of coffee and pastries. Depending on your mood you can have espresso, cappuccino, frappuccino, iced coffee, lattes, and bagels that are crusty outside and soft inside. You cannot find better coffee than at Coffee Lodge.

Coffee Lodge

Address: 1623 Buffalo Shoals Rd, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Coffee Lodge

Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 6am - 5pm

8. Dig in to some Asian fusion food at Katana Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katana Kitchen (@katana_kitchen)

Do you want some dumplings from Vietnam or Malaysia? Would you care for some grilled chicken with special Asian dressing or maybe you’d enjoy some Thai fish curry or chicken diced in colored bean sauce. You may be far away from home but who says you cannot have the best of Asian cuisine at the tip of your fingers right there in the center of Statesville. Katana Kitchen is an Asian fusion kitchen which serves the best of Japanese and Asian meals, all you need is just a reservation, and you can enjoy your dinner the Asian way.

Katana Kitchen

Address: 132 Beechnut Ln, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: Katana Kitchen

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 3:30pm; Mon - Fr: 11am - 9pm

9. Enjoy karaoke at Charcoal Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There is pizza on the menu and a whole lot of cocktails and mocktails to wash it down, but that is not the reason why most people rush to Charcoal Bar and Grill for a night out with friends or a date with your significant other. Designed to be a night of pure fun, the bar and grill is the perfect spot for a night of karaoke and comfort. Visitors need not hurry as the bar and grill is open from 4pm to the numerous guests that want to sing their lungs out to the tune of their best songs.

Charcoal Bar & Grill

Address: 1215 Garner Bagnal Blvd, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Charcoal Bar & Grill

Opening hours: Sat: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 4pm - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am

10. Shop for women's clothing at Yours Truly Boutique

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located on West Broad Street, Statesville, you cannot miss this building housing the remarkable go-to center for all women’s clothing–Yours Truly Boutique. Whether you’re looking for limited edition clutch for an evening event or you’re looking for a beautifully ripped pair of jeans and a pair of pumps to match, all you have to do is come in and shop till you drop. They have a full range of all women items from accessories to bras, from bags to types of denim of all sizes. All you have to do is to visit, and you will want to come back again.

Yours Truly Boutique

Address: in downtown, 104 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677, United States

Website: Yours Truly Boutique

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

11. Walk your pet pooch at Statesville Dog Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There are communities you visit where your pet is prohibited, or their movement is limited–but not Statesville or the rest of North Carolina. The city of Statesville has an entire park dedicated to your canine companion regardless of their size or breed. All you need is to take advantage of this unique opportunity is to walk into the office of the Statesville Recreation and Parks Department and get your pet a permit to enjoy the facility provided for their pleasure–of course, provided you have them on a leash.

Statesville Dog Park

Address: 625 E. Broad Street (next to Caldwell Park), Statesville, NC.

Website: Statesville Dog Park

12. Browse through the hidden nuggets at Legacy Sports and Memorabilia

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This Statesville, NC, attraction will appeal to the fantasies of sports lovers, sports memorabilia collectors, or just history lovers who may have heard about their favorite sports icons, their triumphs, and most importantly the memorabilia that can be associated with these ‘heroes.’ If you fall within these categories, you definitely can’t afford to miss a trip to the one and only Legacy Sport and Memorabilia shop located on Broad Street. They are always open as early as 10 am to late in the evening, except on Sundays.

Legacy Sports and Memorabilia

Address: 104 West Broad Street Statesville, North Carolina

Website: Legacy Sports and Memorabilia

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sun)

13. Shop till you drop at Thorlos Factory Outlet Store

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Gather round, if you are an impulse shopper or a shopaholic that can’t do without shopping. Here is an opportunity to splurge and indulge in your guilty pleasures. If you are interested in the best of American-made goods from socks to other home supplies that will make your visit comfortable and enjoyable, grab your wallet and head to the Thorlos Factory Outlet Store. You can shop with your gift card at the stores, and you can even buy online, but you must know nothing beats the excellent service and quality goods.

Thorlos Factory Outlet Store

Address: 1525 Cinema Dr B, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: Thorlos Factory Outlet Store

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

14. Explore the Iredell Museums

You don’t have to be a historian to include a visit to the museum on your list of things to do. Iredell Museum is described as an interactive family museum and authentic to this, they have a series of events curated for the family’s education and entertainment. Does your little one want to learn about ancient Egypt or the history of the white supremacist movement or maybe the Civil War? No other place is more fitting for this than Iredell Museum.

Iredell Museums

Address: 134 Court St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Iredell Museums

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 4pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: from 6 USD

15. Enjoy an evening stroll at Mac Anderson Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The truth is, you may never get to experience the vast vegetation of the Sahel Savanna or the rich Amazonian forests, but who says you can’t enjoy nature’s tranquility anytime from morning to evening. Have an evening stroll in the serene and tranquil Mac Anderson Park for a moment of introspection or a moment with a friend far from the noise and distraction of moving traffic. You can do more than take a walk on the walking trails which are shielded by canopy trees–you can even do a few stretches or yoga.

Mac Anderson Park

Address: 433 N Race St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Mac Anderson Park

Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)

16. Have some escape room fun with your kids at Key to Escape

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

What is there to do in Statesville, NC? Some room escaping. The founders of the Key to Escape were right when they termed it ‘history meets mystery’ because that is what the escape room experience represents. No game allows for team building, family time, and group meetings like what the escape room at Statesville North Carolina offers. You can undoubtedly try escaping with your kids from any of the rooms. No one is certainly too old or too young to solve the puzzles that await the family.

Key to Escape

Address: 150 E Sharpe St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Key to Escape

Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm; Wed - Fri: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

17. Get a glimpse into the past of the city at Statesville Historical Collection

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The state of North Carolina paid attention to preserve and promote the history of Statesville and Iredell County, hence the establishment of the non-profit organization–the Statesville Historical Collection. If you want to have a peek into the past, you can pop into either of the locations in downtown Statesville. The doors of these centers are always open to you so you can see the documents, exhibits, and photographs about Statesville.

Statesville Historical Collection

Address: 212 N Center St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Statesville Historical Collection

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

18. Relish Italian Cusine at Pasta Amore

You may not be able to say “Buongiorno” (good morning) in Italian, but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the best of Italian cuisine either in the morning or at night. The location may be different, but the taste is the same. From the best of bolognese, alfredo, and carbonara, pasta Amore’s menu has everything your Italian taste buds crave for.

Pasta Amore

Address: 240 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Pasta Amore

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm; Tue - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)

19. Enjoy a movie at Marquee Cinema Movie Theater

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Do you want to watch Leonardo di Caprio in a Titanic remake? Do you want to watch a Steven Spielberg blockbuster on a massive screen in the best of ambiance with your arms wrapped around the crunchiest popcorn? Do not leave Statesville until you visit the famous Marquee Cinema Movie Theatre to enjoy a 3D experience like never before.

Marquee Cinema Movie Theater

Address: 1515 Cinema Dr, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: Marquee Cinema Movie Theater

Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)

20. Rummage through Westmoreland Antiques & Collectibles

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed at the time of writing

Can you imagine how many antiques and artifacts that a 1579.4- square-meter (17,000-square-foot) mall can hold under one roof? Your friends and family will undoubtedly be expecting some souvenirs or gifts from your trip to Statesville. You shouldn’t disappoint them. The Westmoreland Antiques & Collectibles have gift items from every corner of the world, including holiday merchandise, glassware, picture frames, and books-just come in regardless of your taste.

Westmoreland Antiques & Collectibles

Address: 117 S Center St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Westmoreland Antiques & Collectibles

Opening hours:Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

21. Enjoy a day out with the family at Fiddler's Grove Camp Ground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Campgrounds are not only for revivals or camp meetings; they also offer picnic and sit-out venues, as well as fun things to do in Statesville, NC, that encourage family bonding. This is why most families troop to Fiddler’s Groove Campground. They have the best amenities that make camping, sports, or just a day out extra enjoyable, such as resident vehicles, clean toilets, recreational spaces, and the park is just close enough to the interstate.

Fiddler's Grove Camp Ground

Address: 1819 W Memorial Hwy, Union Grove, NC 28689, USA

Website: Fiddler’s Grove Camp Ground

22. Tee off at the Lakewood Golf Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You’ll have a chance to get a hole in one on a day of exhilarating golf action with friends or associates. You might need to come with your caddy and your golf equipment. The Lakewood Golf Club will take care of the rest even if you are not a member of the elite class of golfers–you can still tee off.

Lakewood Golf Club

Address: 273 Old Airport Rd, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Lakewood Golf Club

Opening hours: 6:30am - 8pm (daily)

23. Have some bourbon and brandy at Southern Distilling Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nothing is as relaxing as sipping bourbon and brandy at one of the best and most excellent distilling companies in the whole country. If you can make it to the award-winning and almost 200-year-old Southern Distilling Company before 6pm, you can drink some for free and take some home. With nearly a hundred tasty recipes to choose from, nothing can stop you from choosing between white whiskey and standard whiskey for your dad’s birthday gift.

Southern Distilling Company

Address: 211 Jennings Rd, Statesville, NC 28625, USA

Website: Southern Distilling Company

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

24. Take a tour of Historic Sharpe House

The story of Statesville North Carolina cannot be told without mentioning the Historic Sharpe house. Your trip to Statesville cannot be complete without a visit to the historic house also. Visitors will learn about Colonel Silas Alexander Sharpe whom the house was named after. As a visitor you can see other physical artifacts you may have read about but never seen.

Historic Sharpe House

Address: 402 S Center St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Historic Sharpe House

25. Sample craft beers at Wine Maestro Fine Wines & Craft Beer

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Past visitors to Wine Maestro have one word to describe their experience at the historic fine wine and craft beer distillery, and it is ‘wonderful.’ You can have your heart and belly’s delight of wines and beers assisted by trained and friendly staff whenever you visit. With over a hundred craft and specially brewed beers to taste from, who knows how you will describe your experience? Ensure you visit Wine Maestro before you leave Statesville.

Wine Maestro Fine Wines & Craft Beer

Address: 121 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28677, USA

Website: Wine Maestro Fine Wines & Craft Beer

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 8pm; Tue - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

See sensational Statesville

Imagine what life would be without all the fun that is to be experienced in Statesville, North Carolina. There is a place for you, a place for your kids, and a place for your pets–you might not believe it if you heard that there are much more things to do in Statesville, North Carolina that can be listed in one post.