We're wild about Mooresville

The North Carolina city north of Charlotte offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

The quartz quarry at Carrigan Farms is open for swimming every summer.

Mooresville, N.C., only 20 minutes north of Charlotte on Interstate 77, offers plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Let's take a walk on Mooresville’s wild side.

Carrigan Farms, 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville

This fifth-generation family-owned farm offers a variety of fun. There are u-pick opportunities in spring and fall in their strawberry, apple and pumpkin fields and catch-and-release fishing for bass, bream and crappie at the two farm ponds. 

For a unique way to cool off when temperatures rise, there's swimming in the farm’s quartz quarry with its 10 million gallons of crystal clear waters. Open from May through Labor Day weekend, enjoy swimming or jumping from a rope swing or from the cliff walls that rise 70 feet from the surface. It gets busy in the summer so reservations are suggested. And don't worry, lifeguards are on duty.

If you work up an appetite swimming, the Quarry’s farm-to-table restaurant serves in-season fruits and vegetables that are picked right from the farm. Try a strawberry-lemonade slushy, fresh corn on the cob or a scratch-made pizza. Click here for the menu.

The Lazy Five Ranch, 15100 Hwy. 150 East, Mooresville

This drive-through safari park lets visitors view more than 700 animals from six continents in their natural habitats. You can even feed animals from your car! For a special experience, take the guided horse-drawn wagon ride tour through the park that's available by reservation. (Note: the ranch only accepts cash or in-state checks; no debit or credit cards.)

Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Road, Troutman

This attraction features both walk-through and drive-through areas to view and interact with animals. For even more fun, their 15-minute Animal Encounters offer one-on-one time with animals and the Safari Encounters give parties of up to five people a 60-minute private encounter that consists of hands-on interactions with lemurs, a kangaroo, an armadillo and a kinkajou.

FearLess Adventure Park, 657 River Hwy., Mooresville

Okay, so maybe not exactly an outdoors adventure, but still loads of fun, FearLess Adventure Park’s 33,000-square-foot indoor attraction features everything from ninja courses to the newest in virtual reality gaming. Stunt jump, basketball, trapeze, trampolines and a family-friendly arcade offers something for everyone and every age.

Mazeppa Park, 645 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville

Mooresville is the perfect location for taking to the trails or to the water. Cyclists will find the five miles of singletrack trails at Mazeppa Park to be loaded with turns and berms for high-speed action and while it’s known as beginner-friendly, this trail offers excitement for all.

Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Road, Troutman

This state park in Troutman is home to the region’s popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, which consists of nearly 31 miles of single-track trail. Hikers may prefer the park’s 38 miles of hiking trails and campers can choose from tent and RV sites and six cabins available for rent.

Naturally, Lake Norman is the centerpiece of the park, the largest manmade lake in the state. The park extends along approximately 17 miles of its northern shoreline, offering access for fishing, swimming and paddling. Seasonal boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available.

Park Lake is set off from Lake Norman by a dam and offers quiet fishing spots and is the perfect place for birders to view great blue heron nests in native rookeries on two lake islands. 

Beyond the park, there are additional ways to enjoy the lake. Lake Norman Boat Rentals (121 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville) offers a large selection of pontoons for rent at Saltshaker Marine. At Stutts Marina (571 Stutts Road, Mooresville), paddleboard and kayak rentals are available with easy launch from the marina’s sandy beach area. Carolina Tiki (571 Stutts Road, Mooresville) offers charters from the marina on custom pontoon boats.

Tee off!

For those who prefer the golf course, Mallard Head Country Club on the shores of Lake Norman is a 6,900-yard championship golf course. The Mooresville Golf Club boasts a newly redesigned award-winning links-style public course as well as a top-tier practice facility.

If you’re hungry

For casual dining, outdoor enthusiasts love The Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden at 500 S. Main St. in Mooresville. The restaurant is located in a historic textile mill and the menu filled with award-winning handmade burgers, including veggie burgers, grilled and served with a variety of toppings. Rotisserie chicken, salads and an extensive selection of craft beers are on the menu as well.

  For a more upscale, yet still comfortable, dining experience, Table 31 at 130 Landings Drive in  Mooresville offers a relaxed and friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features American cuisine and includes regional fare from across the country along with an extensive wine and craft cocktail list.

Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by Southern travel writer Cheré Dastugue Coen who adores the state of North Carolina and is anxious to jump in that quartz quarry.