August 6, 2024
As Plant No. 6 for the Cannon Mills Company, Gibson Mill opened in 1899 to manufacture colorful yarns, gingham and madras fabrics, towels, and sheets until its closure in 2003. Today, this revived community gathering hub remains a centerpiece of Cabarrus County. The historic mill, which includes 656,000 square feet of space spread across multiple buildings, has been transformed into a vibrant destination for shopping, dining and entertainment that includes a food hall, a vast antique mall, craft breweries and more.
Spend an afternoon or return multiple times during your stay in Cabarrus County and you’ll discover that there is nothing “run-of-the-mill” about Gibson Mill.
Shopping
When it comes to retail therapy, Gibson Mill has items ranging from small indulgences to serious splurges.
At The Depot at Gibson Mill, you can wander the aisles of the largest antique mall in the south to find vintage clothing, furniture and home goods. Each of the 750 booths are stocked with curated collections ranging from Pyrex and vinyl records to farmhouse furniture and lighting. When all that shopping works up an appetite, refuel at The Depot Deli located onsite in The Cotton Room.
Looking for a different kind of collectible? Make a pit stop at the Auto Barn Classic Cars showroom. The inventory changes regularly but has included a 1939 Studebaker, 1960 Lotus Model 18 and 1970 Chevy Nova in the past, along with automobile memorabilia.
Dining
The locally sourced food hall at Gibson Mill Market is located in a separate building where you won’t find any national chains, just homegrown (and delicious) bites and brews. Indulge in eats from these independent spots and plan a return trip to try more restaurants opening soon.
Inside Gibson Mill Market
Barcos Sports & Seafood: A colorful mural and arcade welcome diners to this neighborhood spot for fresh, flavor-filled food paired with wines, craft beers and boat inspired cocktails.
Cara’s Cookie Company: Giant gourmet cookies are on the menu. Check out chocolate chip and toffee cake — two of the best-selling cookies — to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Churn: For a quick and satisfying bite, this local spot serves scratch-made dessert novelties like ice cream and shakes along with tasty hand pies, both sweet and savory.
High Branch Brewing: After grabbing food upstairs, head down to to the lower level for expertly crafted brews from High Branch Brewing Company.
Johnny Rogers BBQ & Burgers: Winner of the inaugural Cabarrus Burger Madness competition, this family-owned food joint serves up barbecue, burgers, hot dogs and classic American sides.
Kunu Coffee: Recharge with artisanal lattes and craft coffee. Pair your beverage with a fresh pastry such as muffins, cinnamon rolls or macarons for the perfect snack.
Livy’s Neapolitan Pizza: Fresh pies are baked to order in the flaming, authentic ceramic Italian wood-burning ovens for a delicious lunch or dinner.
The Market Bar: Grab a seat and sip something from the full bar of beer, wine, and refreshing cocktails and mocktails. The Market Bar’s menu is the perfect complement to neighboring local eats.
Taco Street: Don’t wait for Taco Tuesday to order potato and chorizo, Hawaiian or Tinga tacos. The menu was designed to reflect the inventive offerings that are popular with Mexican street vendors.
Thai Esane: The latest addition to the variety of delicious options at Gibson Mill Market serves Thai favorites including curry, noodles, Pad Thai, and more.
Additional Dining Options
Gianni’s Trattoria: After 15 years at their location on Union Street in downtown Concord, this authentic Italian restaurant recently relocated to a brand new space in Gibson Mill. You’ll find the new restaurant located to the right of the City Club.
Cabarrus Brewing Company: The taproom and beer garden are just steps away, and along with an in-house kitchen, CBC offers a wide variety of craft brews and events.
Entertainment
Along with happenings at the breweries onsite, the addition of multiple family-friendly entertainment venues has made Gibson Mill a go-to for a day (or night) of fun.
Iron Axe Society: Aim for the bullseye at Concord’s first indoor axe throwing range. Iron Axe Society provides equipment and instruction; all you have to do is aim to have a good time.
Luck Factory Games: This board game café located on the lower level of the Gibson Mill Market is stocked with more than 1,000 games. Play an old favorite or roll the dice on something new. The café serves drinks and snacks, too.
The Valcarol Missions Escape Room: Be the hero in this adventure puzzle. This digital escape room experience offers four different missions set in themed rooms. Follow the stories closely and use the clues to find your way out of the interactive escape room experience.
Looking for the perfect place to hold your next gathering? Here, The City Club at Gibson Mill is a popular venue that hosts weddings, meetings and other special events in an intimate space with a vintage vibe.
Good to Know
You’ll find plenty of free parking throughout the Gibson Mill property, which is located at 325 McGill Avenue NW, just minutes from the center of Historic Downtown Concord. You’ll find lots of seating indoors and outdoors on the covered, dog-friendly patio.
Hours vary for each business, so browse the directory for details before you go. Once you arrive, navigate your adventure with the help of the Gibson Mill Property Map found here.
You can also visit their website and sign up for their newsletter, “Meet Us at the Mill,” to get the latest details on special events, new openings and more straight to your inbox.
Book a Stay
A trip to Gibson Mill is just one part of an incredible visit to Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Find a place to stay and explore everything else this destination has to offer!
