This past weekend my significant other, our friend, and I decided to visit Carrigan Farms and experience their swimming quarry. After you read my full review, you are going to want to visit this Summer for some must-needed fun.
About the Quarry
Carrigan Farms Swimming Quarry is only thirty minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina in Mooresville, North Carolina. During the construction of Interstate 77 in the late 1960s, a granite quarry was discovered by accident. (Thank God for that!) Now, this is a natural spring 25 feet deep where you can enjoy swimming, jumping off points, rope swings, food, and beach volleyball.
Making a Reservation
Making an online reservation is the first step. This will guarantee your spot at the quarry. The reservation is $5 online and $25 upon arrival on weekends. Our visit was on a Sunday at this price. The price may vary on different days. Check first before you reserve. The quarry only takes cash or checks. The Quarry does allow walk-ins, but you will not receive a $5 food voucher and space is limited. I highly recommend booking online in advance. You can make a reservation here.
Parking and Packing
A quarry attendant will point you in the direction of the parking lot when you arrive. You then walk down a path to the check-in area. This is where you complete your additional payment. Make sure you sign the swimming waiver before you arrive. Camping chairs, swimming toys, towels, sunscreen, small tubes, small floats, and blankets are all recommended. Outside food and drink are not permitted. We brought three floats, a water football, towels, and camping chairs.
Swimming
Children must wear a life jacket while swimming in the quarry due to its depth. Anyone ages 12 and up can take a swim test to learn to swim without a life jacket. Having set up chairs and blown-up tubes, we did the swim test. I am happy to say we all passed! The emerald green water of the quarry can be jumped into from numerous points in the quarry. There is also a rope swing. This is an adrenaline rush. The rope swing requires you to pass a quick strength test. You must be able to perform a pull-up and be at least 54 inches tall. All of us did it. We had so much fun and surprisingly it went pretty fast!
The Food
After swimming for two hours straight, I was pretty hungry. Lunch started around noon in the kitchen. Cash is the only method of payment at Quarry Kitchen. You can get fruit cups, pizza, chicken sandwiches, and more. For only $12, we got pizza, fries, a burger, and a sweet tea. We also used two food coupons. There is also a selection of beer, seltzers, and wine at The Quarry. All of them were reasonably priced, and the food was great. It is prohibited to bring food or drink from outside.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had such a great day attending the open swim at Carrigan Farms Quarry. I wish it was a little longer (since the open swim was only from 10 am until 3 pm) but that is my only request. I highly recommend checking this place out. You can see more on reservations and open swim dates here.
With Love,
Lex Paige
