Explore Downtown Albemarle, NC
Town History
City of Albemarle is the County Seat of Stanly County, covering 15 square miles and with a population of 16,936. Incorporated in 1857, the City is named for George Monck, the Duke of Albemarle, one of eight Lords Proprietors granted the province of Carolina in 1663 by King Charles II. The City’s growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was powered by large textile mills. Albemarle remained largely a textile town till 1980’s and 1990’s when the community’s economy became more diversified.
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Directions
Albemarle is about an hour east of Charlotte NC. Hop on Hwy 24-27 then follow Main Street into downtown.
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Parking
Public parking is plentiful in downtown Albemarle. In addition to parallel parking throughout downtown, public parking is available:
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At the intersection of West Main and First Streets
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Across from the Stanly County Courthouse - 201 South Second Street
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Next to the Stanly County Public Library - 133 East Main Street
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Behind Albemarle City Hall - 144 North Second Street
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Social District
Our Downtown Albemarle Social District allows citizens to enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout its downtown area. See how it works here
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​​​​​​​​​​​ Accommodations
Click HERE for area lodging.
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Explore Downtown Tours & Trails & other Things to Do
Albemarle Historic Marker Tour
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Eat & Drink
Eat, drink and be merry in downtown Albemarle! Whether you've got a craving for brunch, wood fired pizza, upscale farm-to-table or home-brewed craft beer, you can find it here.
Whether it's clothing, cosmetics or fine jewelry you're looking for, or something fun to do, you'll find it here. Plan an afternoon shopping trip, a museum visit, or an evening of axe throwing and live music!
There's plenty to do in downtown Albemarle. From theatre productions and family-fun street festivals to after-hours shopping events and art walks, downtown Albemarle has something for everyone!
Shop & Play
Downtown Venues
Historic Snuggs-Marks Homes
Stanly County Historical Society
112 North Third Street
Main to Main Trail
Downtown Albemarle, NC is part of the statewide, NC Main to Main Trail.
The trail is a unique way to experience North Carolina communities.
Since 1980, the State of North Carolina has been selecting cities and
towns of all sizes to carry the distinction as designated North Carolina
Main Street communities. The NC Main to Main Trail leads you through
the state’s designated Main Street communities, highlighting each town’s
best downtown and outdoor experiences.
Learn more: NC Main to Main Trail (ncmainstreetandplanning.com)
About our NC Main to Main Trail Region - Southwest
This 10-county region includes the Charlotte metropolitan area, one of the largest financial centers in the United States and a major international airport hub. Some of the fastest growing towns and cities in the state are found in the Southwest region of North Carolina. Whether you drive or take the Carolinian or the Piedmont train to the region, the small and medium-sized towns and cities are actively engaged in developing livable downtown districts that offer all of the conveniences of neighboring Charlotte, but with the ease, comfort, and charm that smaller towns exude. Walk the streets of these downtowns to take in the architectural style of each community, follow the Carolina Thread Trail to explore the textile history of the region, stroll through the specialty shops, take in a show, dine in the restaurants, and enjoy handcrafted chocolates and the fizzy wild cherry taste of Cheerwine, a uniquely southern soft drink that is native to the region. The Southwest region is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Charlotte Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, the Uwharrie National Forest, and some of the state’s largest manmade lakes. Sports, cultural venues, outdoor recreation, appealing small towns, and lots of great food and spirits: this region has it all. Whether you spend a day, a week, or a lifetime here, you will always find something new to see and do in the Southwest region of North Carolina.
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Learn more: Southwestern Region | NC Main Street | Main to Main Trail
(ncmainstreetandplanning.com)
