I lived in North Carolina for 26 years.. about 40 minutes west of charlotte. Carowinds is just awesome, I was there for the grand opening of the Intimidator roller coaster. The Hendrick museum is cool but I think its still closed because of covid. The petty museum is only like 1 1\2 hour drive from charlotte. Mooresville is where most of the race shops are. Most of the shops used to have little shops in them so you could go in and buy souvenirs. First time I ever went there, went to Ricky Rudds shop and they gave me about 6 race used lug nuts. But most of all, you need to find a place that sells barbecue and sweet tea! The small mom and pops places are the best! If you have any spare time, travel down to Myrtle beach and go to Broadway at the beach, there is shopping, food, shows.. it's a really cool experience.