There is something special about buying locally. Maybe it’s the thought of supporting a locally owned business or using products that were grown or produced right down the street. Whatever it is that makes it special, you can feel it in Lake Norman especially when it comes to the agriculture industry which is pivotal in the country's economy. So we've compiled a list of local businesses you can support which in turn support local farmers!
Farms
Blackberry Ridge Farms
Blackberry Ridge Farms is a veteran-owned and family and friends-operated farm located in Huntersville. The farm is a licensed hemp grower with the USDA Domestic Hemp Production Program. With a specialty in cutting flowers and arranging bouquets that can be bought in bulk, Blackberry Ridge Farms offers workshops and seasonal events throughout the year, so be sure to check them out. The farm also offers summer camps for kids that teach them to love the outdoors as well as learn a thing or two about nature and understand healthy eating habits.
Rural Hill
This Historic working farm has been around since the mid-1700s. It was settled by the Davidson Family and used as a cotton plantation. Now Rural Hill is used in several different ways, whether that is as a farm, a historic site for tourists, or a venue to host some of Lake Norman's biggest events like the Rural Hill Corn Maze and the Loch Norman Highland Games.
Sweetwater Farms
Come explore nature and meet some really amazing animals at Sweetwater Farms! Located on land that was purchased by 2 brothers returning home after World War II that was once considered "washed out with poor soil and eroded gullies", Sweetwater farms is now flourishing in business as well as acting as a local place where families, friends, and groups can come connect and fall in love with nature. Pigs, mini horses, chickens, and goats are just some of the remarkable animals you can engage with. Sweetwater Farms is a great place to connect children with nature. Sweetwater Farms provides great experiences for different types of groups. Whether it's a field trip, a senior's trip, or even a party, Sweetwater Farms has its special twist to make sure it's not only a productive learning experience but a fun time you won't forget as well. There are endless possibilities for experiencing farming and learning you can do at Sweetwater Farms!
Farmers Markets
Davidson Farmers Market
Located in historic downtown Davidson, next to the town hall and in between Main and Jackson streets, we have the Davidson Farmers Market. The Market is open from 9 am to noon every Saturday between April 1st and November 18th. The Davidson Farmers Market features over 35 local farmers and producers from within a 100-mile radius. A special part of the Davidson Farmers Market is that it is producer-only, so you can ask questions and get answers straight from the source!
Huntersville Growers Market
Established in 1999, the Huntersville Growers Market provides locally grown foods to sustain farmers in Huntersville and surrounding areas. The Market is open every Saturday from 8 am to noon in Veterans Park. The Huntersville Growers Market plays a key role in strengthening a sense of community in Huntersville
Old Store Produce
Old Store Produce has been in business for 10 years supplying the Lake Norman area with local produce. Old Store Produce has the mission of connecting you to your community growing support for local producers and producers and increasing the support of shopping locally.
Restaurants
Kindred
Kindred has become a staple restaurant in Davidson, NC with some great American food that is chef-driven. As unique as the food and experience at Kindred are, their commitment to sourcing local produce and ingredients adds to that uniqueness that makes Kindred special and adds the taste of Lake Norman to every dish they serve. Whether it's the cauliflower soup, wagyu beef tartare, or green bean straccato, Kindred always pleases with its unique dishes. Using local resources, Chef Joe is always ready to incorporate local ingredients and traditions into special dishes.
Barrel and Fork
With a very rich history that spans all the way back to 1906, Barrel and Fork uses produce from local farmers' markets sold by local farms to deliver some savory dishes that have really put themselves on the map in Cornelius. While it doesn’t look like your average restaurant, Barrel and Fork will definitely leave you pleased. So, whether you are craving a "Barrel Salad" or "The Perfect Charcuterie Board", Barrel and Fork has you covered with great food with local produce.
Sun Raised Foods
Sun Raised Foods brings more than just good customer service and delicious meals to its patrons. It is important to Sun Raised Foods to provide those dining about not only where their meat comes from, but what is in it. Knowing about what you are eating is important to Sun Raised Foods and they pride themselves on serving meat that was raised without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones.
While supporting the local economy in itself is already so important, supporting local farmers who play such a key part in our economy and our day-to-day lives is so important. We would be absolutely nowhere without our farmers, so we encourage everyone to come visit a local farm, shop at a farmers' market instead of a grocery store, or even support our local restaurants that support local farmers in numerous ways.