Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Pineville, NC

  • Published 2022/04/20

Originally known as a mule trading center at the intersection of two major Indian trading routes, the town was also plagued with pines, hence the name Pineville.

Traders used to turn their animals out to pasture in this area before the depot opened in 1852.

The depot then became a stop for the Charlotte & Columbia Railroad, which introduced the town to the modern world.

The town of Pineville is home to several historical sites, including the home of James K. Polk.

The town further grew into an agricultural and textile center up until the Great Depression.

Although limited, Pineville still saw some growth in terms of its economy.

Today, Pineville boasts a perfect combination of history and modern times with its historic places and urbanized districts.

Check out 15 of the best things you can do in Pineville, North Carolina below.

Visit the President James K. Polk Historic Site

Side exterior of James K. Polk Historic Site

Jill Lang / Shutterstock.com

Pineville has a dedicated establishment for former President James K. Polk situated on Lancaster Highway.

The James K. Polk Historic Site tells the story of Polk’s boyhood and presidency through various mediums, including exhibits, films, and other engaging displays.

Learn about his childhood, his rise to politics, and the Mexican-American war as you go on a museum tour.

Entrance doors of James K. Polk Historic Site

Jill Lang / Shutterstock.com

You can also catch a short film if you want to know more about the 11th president’s life and his time in office.

At the site, you’ll also see the Polk Family Cemetery, where Polk’s grandmother is buried, as well as nine other members of his family who died between the 18th and 19th centuries.

The cemetery was moved to its current site in 1988 after the original location was caught in a path of construction for I-485.

Front exterior of James K. Polk Historic Site

JStephanMease, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unwind at Lake Park

Lake Park on Lakeview Drive is the perfect place to relax from dusk until dawn.

Enjoy the scenic view of an imitation lake and admire the calm and serene environment as you explore the area.

You can also take your kids to the playground to have a good time as you lounge around this popular picnic area for the people of Pineville.

And if you’re looking to cool off on a hot summer day, head over to the park’s splash pad to get a much-needed refresher.

Lake Park also features a couple of walking trails you can explore if you’re looking to get a light exercise.

Learn How to Skate at Pineville Ice House

Learn the ways of skating on ice at the Pineville Ice House on Towne Center Boulevard.

Serving the Charlotte community since 1995, the Pineville Ice House is home to local, regional, and national hockey and figure skating events.

The Pineville Ice House also offers figure skating and hockey training sessions for all ages.

Learn the ropes on an NHL-size rink and bust out your moves after a few classes.

Outside the rink is a 2,500 square-foot mezzanine space where you can perform hockey drills, do workouts, and participate in dance classes.

After your session, you can head over to the in-house bar and restaurant to enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold meals, drinks, beer, and wine.

Let Your Creative Juices Flow at AR Workshop

Good news, DIY lovers!

AR Workshop has a branch on Main Street, giving you an all-access pass to tons of DIY projects that are perfect for your home or as gifts for your friends and family.

Founded by Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, AR Workshop is a haven for DIY crafts with over 150 locations across the US.

At the workshop, you can enroll in specialized classes for woodwork, knitting, and other projects.

Or, if you want to start a project from the comfort of your own home, you can check out the store’s DIY-to-go kits that come with materials and instructions for your convenience.

And if you don’t have the time to make something yourself but still want a personalized piece, AR Workshop has a make-it-for-me service for custom projects.

Take Your Furry Friends to Canine Commons Dog Park

Give your dog the chance to mingle and have a good time with various breeds at the Canine Commons Dog Park on Lakeview Drive.

The dog park first opened its gates in the summer of 2017 after a community survey showed great interest in having a dog park within the town.

Let your dog enjoy the company of new friends and give it the chance to run around at this dogs-only park.

But before you take your furry friends out to Canine Commons, make sure you’re well-versed with the park’s policies and regulations.

Some of these rules include putting dogs on a leash, ensuring that the dogs are vaccinated, and disposing of waste properly in the on-site containers.

Pay a Visit to Pintville Craft Beer

Taking a swig of craft beer is always a great way to end a stressful and busy day.

And at Pintville Craft Beer on Main Street, you’ll get to enjoy a great selection of tap beer curated by industry experts.

Established in 2015, Pintville Craft Beer has been known to be one of the best places to enjoy great beer and have a good time with friends.

The best part is that you’ll get the feel of relaxing in your own home with the place’s warm and cozy interior.

Enjoy freshly tapped kegs, cold cans and bottles, and delectable snacks.

Shop ‘Til You Drop at Carolina Place Mall

Interior of Carolina Place Mall

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carolina Place Mall on Carolina Place Parkway is your one-stop shop for everything you need.

Since opening its doors in 1991, Carolina Place Mall has housed four anchor stores一Belk, Dillard’s JCPenney, and Sears.

View from Carolina Place Mall's second floor

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Originally owned by the Belk and Ivey families, the latter sold their share for $8.5M after SouthPark was built.

The entire mall covers a total area of 1.2 million square feet in the shape of a curve.

Shop from your favorite brands and get your must-haves from stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Pandora, American Eagle, and more.

Escalators at Carolina Place Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sit Back and Relax at SoulSpace Petite Spa

There’s no better way to relieve stress than dropping by SoulSpace Petite Spa on Main Street.

The family-owned business is known for its therapeutic massages, customized organic facials, and custom yoga sessions.

Swing by this spa for corrective connection, stress relief, pain reduction, detoxification, and inner peace.

Book their board-certified massage therapy services like Swedish, deep tissue, and integrative massage to get that much-needed relaxation.

You can also take your pick from a great selection of unique body therapy services.

Try the spa’s Reiki Energy Medicine to unblock and balance stagnant energy, or soothe your aching muscles using river rocks with Thermal Stone.

For those looking for a quick session, book the spa’s Petite Retreat and enjoy a 30-minute session that you can easily squeeze in amidst your busy schedule.

Solve the Escape Room Clues at Breakout Games

Test your problem-solving skills with your friends by trying out the escape rooms at Breakout Games on Carolina Place Parkway.

Choose from various escape rooms where you are the hero of the story and experience unique challenges from each room.

Enjoy a bunch of life-sized games and work under pressure as you hunt for clues to solve the mission before time runs out.

Harbor the skills of an undercover detective and exploit the crimes of The Syndicate at Doomsday Alley, or embark on a spine-chilling adventure at the Mystery Mansion and unravel the mystery behind the estate’s reclusive and eccentric family.

“The Kidnapping” is also a popular escape room where you and your friends are locked up, handcuffed, and blindfolded in an abandoned storage room.

Shop for Great Finds at Downtown Pineville Farmers Market

The historic downtown Pineville is home to various establishments representing the town’s culture and heritage, but it’s also a great place to shop for various products.

Shop for freshly cut flowers and greens and enjoy the simple setup of the farmers’ market that will make you feel like you’re living in the suburbs.

Make sure to stop by a Saturday on Dover Street to enjoy everything the farmers market has to offer.

The farmers market is a supporter of local produce, such as fruits, honey, jelly, and more.

You can also swing by the market to get hand cream and grab a bite of local delicacies.

Indulge in Latin Cuisine at the Sabor Latin Street Grill

Situated on Pineville Matthews Road, Sabor Latin Street Grill is recognized for its authentic menu offerings from countries like El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Columbia.

Spice up your meals and choose from various food bowls, burritos, tacos, and more.

And while you’re at it, you might want to try their Black Bean Empanada, a fried pastry stuffed with black beans and gooey cheese.

Of course, your meal wouldn’t be complete without a round of drinks!

Sip on some margaritas or have tequila shots while indulging in the restaurant’s own take on popular street foods to get the ultimate Latin dining experience.

Bounce around at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Those looking for a unique entertainment experience will surely find Sky Zone Trampoline Park worth their while.

Sky Zone is located at Centrum Parkway and is home to 14 different attractions for all ages.

Get some wall-to-wall aerial attraction and let gravity do its magic.

You can check out Sky Zone’s Parkour Blox and put your parkour skills to the test or challenge yourself with the Ninja Warrior Course.

You can also try and conquer the infamous warped wall or zipline across the facility with Sky Zone’s newest attraction.

And if you’re feeling competitive, battle it out with your opponent on the Battle Beam and see if you have the better balancing act as you hover over a pool of foam blocks while walking on a thin ledge.

Sky Zone also put a creative spin on the classic dodge ball game with a trampoline setup, giving you a unique experience with the popular sport.

Spend Family Day at Sky High Sports

Sky High Sports on Polk Street takes classic sports to the next level.

Enjoy a game of basketball and dodgeball while jumping up and down the trampoline.

The facility also features a foam pit where both kids and adults can surely have a great time.

Dominate in a game of laser tag with your friends or learn to master the high ropes in this fun-filled recreation center.

Jumpers, however, are required to wear grip socks, which you can purchase inside the area.

Pineville Mill Historic Village

Make your way to Fisher Street and explore Pineville’s rich history at the Pineville Mill Historic Village.

The historic village encompasses nine blocks of textile mill houses constructed in two phases.

Even after its construction during the late 19th century, the rows of identical, one-story frame houses remain relatively intact, withstanding the tests of time.

Park Avenue sits at the center of the village, running east to west along the heart of the district and featuring a picturesque, tree-lined median.

Archaeological remains like trash pits, abandoned privies, garden plots, and fence lines can still be seen within the area.

Hang Out at Dave & Buster’s

What better way to spend your day than hanging out at Dave & Buster’s?

Dave & Buster’s was founded by David Corriveau and James Corley after merging their restaurant and entertainment center into one store during the 1970s.

Since opening its first branch in Dallas in 1982, the franchise now has over 140 locations across the country.

Enjoy their famous wings and steaks while trying out all the games you can.

Try your luck in a Star Trek-themed coin pusher game or a life-sized game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos.

You can also try out classic games like Pac-Man, Pop-A-Shot, Skee Ball, and more.

Of course, it wouldn’t be called a sports bar without a huge flat-screen TV where you can catch your favorite sports and cheer on your favorite teams while you drink and eat.

Final Thoughts

The town of Pineville is indeed a great place where you can relax and have fun at the same time.

And with the many things you can do and experience, you’ll definitely want to stay for more than a few days.

Book your trip today!

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