Lake Norman is home to a collection of charming small towns, each with its own unique character, vibrant downtown areas, and inviting local attractions. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or history enthusiast, these towns offer a variety of experiences to enjoy.
Davidson
Nestled on the shores of Lake Norman, Davidson is a picturesque town known for its charming, walkable downtown and vibrant arts scene. It’s a place where small-town vibes offer big time historic charm, with a variety of local experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Stroll through the town’s beautiful brick sidewalk sand explore the Davidson College on campus sculptures, where outdoor art displays provide a stunning backdrop for a relaxing stroll. Afterward, visit the town’s boutique shops, featuring everything from unique home décor to local artisanal products. For food lovers, downtown is “restaurant row” with many options for the dining scene, notable stops include Kindred, famous for its inventive dishes and creative cocktails, as well as Brickhouse Tavern, the Soda Shop, Famous Toastery among more. Davidson is the ideal place to soak in the arts and culture, enjoy delicious food, and shop locally.
Cornelius
A few minutes south of Davidson, Cornelius blends old-world charm with modern attractions, offering an emerging arts scene, unique shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Start your visit at Cain Center for the Arts, which hosts theater performances, live music, and art exhibits, making it a cultural hub for all ages. Then, walk around the shops at Oak Street, a quaint district that was once an old cotton mill with local shops offering everything from home décor to handmade jewelry.
For drinks and a good time, stop by Old Town Public House for craft cocktails and local brews, or head to Dive Bar for arcade fun. You can’t miss Boatyard’s live music performances either! Cornelius’ shopping, culture, and nightlife make it perfect for a memorable night out.
Huntersville
Just north of Charlotte, Huntersville is ideal for a family day out or a relaxing drink with friends, this vibrant town should be your next stop. For families, Discovery Place Kids provides an interactive, hands-on children’s museum with exhibits that mimics Huntersville’s charm ranging from science experiments to creative arts. Once the kids are entertained, head to one of Huntersville’s breweries. With spots like Primal Brewery and 760 Craftworks, Huntersville is perfect for relaxing, enjoying live music, and socializing with friends over a cold one. To end your evening on a delicious note, head to Hunter House&Gardens, a historic gem set in the original Ranson-Hunter family home—the very family for whom Huntersville was named. Another option is Mama Mia Too, where you can enjoy fine Italian cuisine in one of the oldest standing houses in town!
Plan your downtown getaway at VisitLakeNorman.org.
keep reading
Partnered
From Boats to Bites in Lake Norman
Arrive by car or boat, these are three ‘must-bites’ lakefront restaurants on Lake Norman in North Carolina.
Partnered
Small Towns, Big Escape: Your Ultimate Guide to Lake Norman
Lake Norman is the perfect destination for a quick trip or small getaway any time of the year, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
Dining Out
Hot Places to Eat and Drink in Charlotte
TLP contributor Asha Ellison, writer of our Snapshot: Charlotte newsletter, shares the latest on Charlotte restaurants, recommendations, and more about what’s happening around Crown Town.
share
