Lake Norman is home to our three beautiful towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville. These towns have their fair share of community gardens, farmers markets, and farms that encourage locally sourced and healthy food throughout the community. Want to support the local economy of our three towns and experience our local produce? Check out these locations below!
Community Gardens
Davidson Community Garden
Davidson, NC
Davidson Community Garden is one big garden tended to by volunteers in every corner of Davidson. Unlike other community gardens, which are typically divided into plots to be rented out, the entirety of this garden is taken care of and used by volunteers who all do the work together. This garden is envisioned as a gathering place to make new friends, learn new skills, and grow healthy food.
Cornelius Community Garden
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius Community Garden is a cherished green space in the heart of Cornelius! This vibrant community hub provides residents with the opportunity to cultivate their own plots, fostering a sense of community, sustainability, and healthy living. Cornelius Community Gardens helps to restore vibrance in the community and bring people together. This garden also promotes healthier, local foods.
VilleWorth Grange
Huntersville, NC
The VilleWorth Grange Garden was first started in the summer of 2021 and before that was a garden apart of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville.
The garden is just part of the larger Villeworth Grange organization. This is a historical nonprofit that was founded after the Civil War. The southern farmlands were destroyed due to the war, so farmers joined together to create the Grange. This organization welcomes members of all backgrounds though, not just farmers!
Farmers Markets
Davidson Farmer's Market
Davidson, NC
Davidson Farmer's Market features locally produced, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats, all grown using sustainable or organic methods whenever possible. This market also sells other products such as breads, flowers, and soaps. This market is open rain or shine every Saturday from 9-12:00 pm until November 9th! It is located next to the Davidson Town Hall.
Huntersville Grower's Market
Huntersville, NC
The Huntersville Grower's Market, established in 1999, aims to provide locally-grown food products, support farmers in Huntersville and nearby areas, and enhance the sense of community. The food selection includes fresh produce and fresh meats. This market will run from 8-12pm every Saturday until the end of October! It is located at Veterans Park in Downtown Huntersville.
Lake Norman Farmers Market
Cornelius, NC
The Lake Norman Farmers Market provides a variety of delicious locally sourced goods such as meat, dairy, jam, honeys, sauces and more. Their meat and dairy are sourced from grass-fed and humanely raised animals and everything is GMO-free. Open every Saturday from 8-12 pm, this market is located at Pursuit Church in Denver.
Farms
Bradford Market and Farm
Huntersville, NC
The Bradford Market, owned by Mike and Emily Harvey, has retained the charm and historic feel of its predecessor, The Bradford Store, established in 1912, while adding modern touches. Visitors can explore a variety of products including fresh local produce, health and wellness items, and an assortment of organic meats, vegetables, cheeses, dips, and spreads from regional suppliers.
The market also offers kitchen cloths, collectibles, knickknacks, greeting cards, and T-shirts made from degraded soil. The front lawn patio, with picnic tables, provides a perfect spot to enjoy your fresh food. Be sure to check out the outdoor yoga classes and other events held at the market.
Blackberry Ridge Farm
Huntersville, NC
Blackberry Ridge Farm is a veteran-owned business operating in the middle of Huntersville. This farm got it's name through the owners tradition of picking wild blackberries every summer and making blackberry jam. Take some time to relax and enjoy the fresh air as you explore the beautiful flower gardens, listen to the birds and wind chimes, and discover the offerings from local farmers. They specialize in cut flowers and artisan hemp. They will offer several workshops and seasonal events throughout the year!
Sweetwater Farms
Sweewater Farms was established in 2017 by ProudTree Empowered Learning to reinforce and practice wellness concepts for children. Here, children can discover healthy choices and learn how to treat animals and nature with care.
Explore nature, interact with animals, and enjoy all the Farm fun! You can also pick your own produce and get educational tours.
During the growing seasons, stop by for PRE-picked or U-pick strawberries and pumpkins! Grab a bucket during strawberry season mid-April to early-June or grab a wagon for pumpkin season mid-September to early-November!
Sweetwater Farms also has a cafe that offers many different kinds of delicious treats including apple and cherry pies, cinnamon twists, Italian ice, and popsicles. The cafe also offers cold and hot beverages from lemonade to vanilla lattes to caramel macchiatos.
Tickets are $6.00 if you purchase online and $7.00 in person. Children under 2 get in for free!
We hope you come to Lake Norman and enjoy all the gardening and local produce we have in store for you! Make sure to tag us @visitlakenorman and show us what you discover as you explore all the fresh finds in Lake Norman!