Davidson
The Soda Shop
A vintage restaurant to check out in the Davidson area is the Soda Shop. It opened in 1951 across from Davidson College and it has been a routine spot for students and others in the area. If you're looking for a nostalgic feel, check out this gem!
Pickled Peach
If you are looking for a healthy but tasteful lunch or dinner option, the Pickled Peach is for you. Many of the items on the menu change due to what is in season so you know you are getting the most fresh food possible. This restaurant has the perfect stylish but cozy feel for you and your friends or family.
Lake Norman Cottage
This cozy wine shop is one of a kind with it's wine bar and gourmet food and gift shop. The wine shop is always offering new arrivals and other new popular options for those looking to try the latest wines. They are well known for their fun atmosphere and strive to answer any questions you may have.
The Cabin
This local pub is a great place to visit while in the Davidson area. Located near the North Harbor Club, it is great for a night out and a drink after dinner on the lake. It has a beautiful view of the lake and nice outdoor seating to enjoy it. Locals love that they have a nice selection of local beers and there is something for the wine drinkers as well.
Fisher Farm Park
This 200 acre park is the perfect spot for those who are looking for some outdoor activities. From relaxing activities to anything as tough as mountain biking, you can find your groove at this park.
Huntersville
Rocky's Pizza
Rocky’s Pizza is known for their thin crust New York style pizzas and their hometown feel with their walkup counter. If you're not in the mood for pizza, they also have paninis and subs on their menu. The founder of this pizzeria immigrated from Italy to New York and has since started his business here in Huntersville. Some of the greatest places to learn about pizza and it has been brought to this town!
Metro Diner
The Metro is the perfect place for people looking for a local spot with American style food. Along with great comfort food they give a warm hometown feel to the restaurant, allowing everyone to feel like a local.
Lancaster's BBQ
Lancaster's history goes back to 1986 when the building started as a gas station and they have since grown greatly to the favored restaurant for barbecue. With their race memorabilia, they quickly became a talked about place for those interested in the local racing history and those just looking for tasty food. They are still regarded today as having some of the best BBQ along with a fun environment for guests.
Latta Nature Preserve
Latta Nature Preserve contains almost 2,000 acres of land used for many educational purposes and even houses some endangered species. You can explore 16 miles of trails, beautiful views of the lake and the largest eagle aviary in the Southeast, Carolina Raptor Center. One spot that is not very well known but is a very interesting find is on the lake trail. If you take this trail and go to the left, it will bring you to a tree fort!
Cornelius
Ass Clown Brewing
This small brewery is tucked away and may be overlooked unless you are trying to find it but it is definitely one of our favorite breweries in the area. It is special for being the first brewery in the area and they specialize in uncommon brews. The beer list is ever changing so this spot can never get old.
Maola's Pizzeria
Maola’s Pizzeria is a restaurant located in Cornelius. It is a gem to the people of the area for its outdoor seating, great food, and quick seating. With their new management change in 2017, they have since become a more modernized restaurant while still keeping aspects of their roots but also adding more things to the menu such as seafood options and veal.
Carolina Cones
Although Carolina Cones has amazing ice cream and more than 50 different flavors, it is known for more than that as well. If you stop by for some ice cream, you will also find a playground and a signature train that goes around the ceiling of the shop.
The Warehouse Performing Arts Center
The Warehouse Performing Arts Center is a community theater putting on shows of all kinds for people in the area. If you've heard of this theatre before then you might know that they recently relocated to Oak Street. This is a perfect place to catch a show with friends or special people in your life. Afterwards, Oak Street Antiques is a great place to stop by and check out their shop since they are right by each other.
Old Town Public House
This bar and music venue is a local attraction for it's fun social atmosphere and it's selection of drinks. Not only do they have a lineup of craft beer but also any drinks from fine wines to ciders and kombuchas. There is no doubt anyone in your group can find something they will like to drink here.
If you have time to explore these hidden places, don't forget to take photos and tag us @VisitLakeNorman! And let us know if you come across any other unique discoveries.
