A Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Fans of The Avett Brothers

After starting your stay at the Cabarrus County Visitor Information Center, kick off your Avett-centered weekend with a stop at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis.

The Avett Brothers were inducted in 2016 and are among many musical greats whose legacies are honored here including fellow Concord native, Dolphus Ramseur. As a music manager and record label owner, Ramseur has helped foster the creative and artistic visions of many artists including The Avett Brothers.

“The Avett Brothers exhibit is very special,” explains Veronica Cordle, the Hall of Fame’s executive director. In the exhibit are original handwritten lyrics to some of the band’s biggest hits, like “Smithsonian,” “Ballad of Love and Hate,” “Live and Die” and others, that are scribbled on various scraps of paper. “The exhibit includes Seth’s first guitar, and Scott’s banjo head and clothing from the 2011 Grammy Awards performance,” says Cordle.

The Hall of Fame shares a space with the Curb Museum for Music & Motorsports and is conveniently located near the West Avenue District in downtown Kannapolis which offers food, fun, and local shopping.

Next, make the short drive over to the band’s hometown of Concord for a laid back afternoon of exploration in historic downtown.

First, stop into Mullis Music, a vintage guitar shop located on Union Street. In a 2019 article from Condé Nast Traveler, Seth Avett named it as an important spot for him: “I learned how to play guitar in the back, but the front is a storefront. If you’re a guitar person coming through Concord, stop in.”

Afterwards, spend time strolling the revitalized downtown to visit several other surrounding small businesses including boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, and other specialty stores.

Steps away, Bloom: The Avett Brothers Tribute Mural, is located at 25 Union Street. This 30-foot tall vividly colored mural was created by local artist Caswell Munjas of Cicada Studios and unveiled in 2021. The mural honors the band’s roots in Concord, as well as their success and Grammy nominations.

“You can snap your own picture in front of it while exploring the newly refreshed Downtown Union Street and find prints in several area businesses proud of the success of our hometown band,” says Liz Fitzgerald, executive director of the Cabarrus Arts Council.

Getting hungry? Head to Gianni’s Trattoria. Another stop mentioned in his 2019 interview with Condé Nast Traveler, Avett says that it’s unmissable. “If you’re coming through Concord, go there, and for God’s sake get something with a marinara base,” he said.

Recently relocated from Union Street into a new space at Gibson Mill, the menu at Gianni’s features the same beloved Italian classics and hospitality that the restaurant has become known for over the decades.

Head to the charming community of Mount Pleasant to see more notable spots in Avett Brothers lore. Start the day right with breakfast at Café Lentz. The custom mural inside this European-style coffee shop featuring oversized foliage and flowers was also created by Cicada Studios.

Just down the road in Mount Pleasant is Cline’s Country Antiques, one of the largest dealers of antique and collectible furniture in North Carolina. This sprawling antique yard filled with treasures was also the site for The Avett Brothers’ music video for “February Seven.” (Fun fact: In Mount Pleasant, February 7 is Avett Day!)

On the way back to downtown, you’ll pass by the road sign near the interchange of NC Highway 49 and Highway 73 that proclaims, “Welcome to Cabarrus County – Home of The Avett Brothers.” The sign was presented in 2016 during their induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Before departing downtown Mount Pleasant, swing by the What-A-Burger No. 13 for lunch. If you’ve seen the 2017 documentary “May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers,” you may recognize its distinctive sign.

You’ll also spot more work from Avett mural artist, Caswell Munjas nearby including both the “Greetings from Mont Amoena” mural and the “At Your Service” mural.

Back in Concord, a highlight of your weekend will be seeing a show at the Davis Theatre, which holds a significant connection to The Avett Brothers.

Jim Avett, father of Seth and Scott, is a major influence on their music, so you’ll want to see his annual show, “Jim Avett and Friends.” Seth and Scott’s sister Bonnie Avett-Rini, who tours with the band as a pianist, always joins their father for the show. “Sometimes Seth and Scott make an appearance as well,” notes Fitzgerald.

But even if you’re not there for this show, the Davis is a place you won’t want to miss when you’re looking for music events in Cabarrus County. “Every performance in the Davis Theatre features up-and-coming regional performers that music lovers will enjoy,” says Fitzgerald.

After a music-filled evening, sleep in and then start your Sunday with a hearty brunch from a locally owned restaurant.

Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the chefs at Southern Strain Brewing Company’s in-house kitchen, The Eatery, serve up brunch favorites along with prosecco on tap and mimosas while local artists play jazz tunes for diners. Afterward, shop cool concerts tees and other retro gear at the adjoining vintage clothing store, Nothing New.

Another great brunch spot, 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap honors Cabarrus County’s past and keeps the menu fresh and seasonal. Named after the 44 textile mills located throughout the area over the decades, this local favorite offers their brunch menu daily until 3 p.m. Fuel up on dishes like chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, and specialty cocktails.

After a filling brunch, stretch your legs before heading out of town with a visit to Frye’s Roller Rink. A longtime favorite of Cabarrus skaters, the indoor roller skating rink is where the music video for “Country Kid” was filmed.

Your weekend adventure may be coming to a close, but there’s a special souvenir to remember it by. When starting your stay at the Cabarrus County Visitor Center (open Monday – Friday) be sure to pick up a free postcard featuring an original Jim Avett illustration. Fill it out, and our team will drop it in the mail for you, free of charge.

Mr. Avett is a wonderful ambassador for his hometown. In addition to finding his illustrations in the Visitor Center, you may recognize him or his distinctive voice sharing his take on why Cabarrus County is such a special destination.