Davidson has been regarded as a town straight out of a Hallmark movie. It is a favorite of many locals and visitors alike for numerous reasons. Here are some crowd favorites we found about the beloved town!
Davidson provides all one’s favorites within a reasonable walking distance. Davidson is known as pedestrian-friendly which makes walking down Main Street and exploring even more attractive. Aside from Main Street, pedestrians and bikers can explore the greenway for a nice walk or ride. The small town provides a strong community that loves to support each other. They are a tight knit group of people who always provide a friendly face. The current mayor of the town, Rusty Knox, can even be found occasionally singing and performing at Summit Coffee. Shops such as the Village Store and Moxie Mercantile are found conveniently on Main Street. Moniece Robinson said, “The friendly atmosphere makes it feel like home.” Davidson provides the cliché southern hospitality, charming visitors that locals like to experience.
Main Street in Downtown Davidson
The Village Store on Main Street in Davidson
History
Davidson has a rich history which draws people to the town as well. Established in 1837 along with Davidson College, the town of Davidson provides a blast from the past through the historic buildings. Walking around Davidson College will take you back to the origins of the town. Not only does Davidson hold over 175 years of history, but it also holds memories of families and couples who lived, studied, or visited in the wonderful town of Davidson.
An old photo of the town of Davidson
Many people love that they were able to create lasting memories in Davidson. Cindy Moore told us, “As a student at Davidson, my roommate and I would have “Soda Shop Saturday.” Town events such as Christmas in Davidson and Concerts on the Green welcome visitors to experience the quaint little town. Visitors have the opportunity to stay at the Village Inn, which stands where the late Maxwell Chambers Hotel stood in the 1800s. Davidson provides a little bit of history for everyone.
Davidson College
Davidson College
Davidson College is a main attraction of Davidson, and it is hands down one of the most loved aspects of the town. If you weren’t a Wildcat before, you are now! The town loves their college basketball, among other favorite sports the college offers. NBA All-Star Stephen Curry is the most famous player to wear the Davidson jersey. Watching NCAA Division I games is definitely a fan favorite Davidson College provides. The school spirit the town spreads not only unites the townies, but includes students who found a 4 year home in the town.
Laura Sax said one of her favorite things about Davidson is that “the town paints itself red for big game days because they love the school and all it brings.” Young alumni are able to reminisce about the memories of walking down Main Street and grabbing a coffee from Summit Coffee or catching a movie at Our Town Cinemas. Older alumni are able to reminisce over a meal at The Soda Shop or while watching a football game in the fall or a basketball game in the winter.
Restaurants
A plethora of restaurants have definitely helped grow the love for the town. Multiple restaurants are famous for using local ingredients. Foodie favorites such as Kindred and The Pickled Peach are famous for using local ingredients. Since opening in 1951, The Soda Shop has been an original stop to grab a milkshake or float. Brickhouse Tavern is not only another favorite spot to eat, but it holds history of the town because it is located in the refurbished 120-year-old Davidson cotton mill.
A dish from Kindred
Davidson Farmer's Market
Davidson Farmer's Market
The Davidson Farmer’s Market is another great spot for local foods and produce. Erin Doran says, “With two small children, we love starting our weekends at the Farmer’s Market.” There is plenty to choose from, featuring fresh produce, flowers, meat, baked goods, and more. The Davidson Farmer's Market is located at 120 S. Main Street in Davidson, NC, open every Saturday rain or shine.
Nightlife and Live Music
Summit Coffee is a favorite spot to grab coffee and listen to live music on weekends. A certified organic coffee roaster with cafes in Charlotte, Asheville, Davidson, and Chapel Hill. Drinks include: coffees, teas, wine, and more! Head to their website for their live music and events calendar at the Davidson location.
Davidson Wine Company is a must-visit for wine and food lovers. They source grapes globally and make over 30 different kinds of wine from the best grape growing regions in the world. They also pride themselves on chef-inspired, locally sourced food. When possible, their ingredients come from the Carolinas - which intensifies the flavor and keeps their carbon footprint small.
Davidson Wine Company interior
Whether you have lived here or never visited before, we hope you find time to make your own list of favorites in the town of Davidson. Be sure to share it with us on social media @VisitLakeNorman and comment below!
