Love is in the air, and there are plenty of romantic things to do in Lake Norman. From sunset boat rides to lakefront dining, we’ve got you covered on activities to enjoy with your significant other.
Breakfast
What better way to start the day than a delicious breakfast? Try The Fresh Egg in Cornelius or Famous Toastery, which has a location in Davidson and Huntersville. Both breakfast spots provide a cozy atmosphere and serve a great eggs benedict.
If you’re not a breakfast person, Summit Coffee offers various aromatic beverages and mouth-watering pastries to help kick-start your day. Speaking of pastries, Milkbread serves up the area's most delicious milk bread donuts and is run by the renowned Kindreds! After you've fueled up, stroll down the block to explore the many local boutiques in Davidson.
Summit Coffee
Fun for Two
Get active with your partner! Go hiking at the Latta Nature Preserve and take one of the many trails that lead you to the shimmering waters of Lake Norman. While you're at the preserve, be sure to check out the exhibits in the visitor center. If you're in Cornelius, take a stroll on Jetton Park's 1.5 mile loop trail that features show-stopping lake views. You can find picnic tables and benches throughout the trail and by the water, so you can really take in the scenery.
Looking for a way to let your competitive streak shine? See who comes out on top in a round of mini golf. LKN Mini Golf offers a stellar putt-putt course, in addition to axe throwing for participants aged 18 and older. For a full day of thrills, it doesn’t get much better than Frankie’s of Charlotte–a massive fun park with three 18-hole mini golf courses, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, and go-kart racing. Although it’s popular among families during the day, Frankie’s becomes a hotspot for youthful adults as the sun goes down.
If you’re on the hunt for romantic boat rides, Lake Norman won’t disappoint. Bask in the splendor of North Carolina’s largest man-made lake on a cruise with local outfitters Carolina Cruising Charters or Party Pontoon.
Lunch Break
Share a romantic lunch together at Boatyard Lake Norman in Cornelius or Lancaster's BBQ, which is just a short drive from Frankie's. In nearby Davidson, Kindred Restaurant is one of Lake Norman’s most beloved romantic restaurants and a wonderful place to celebrate love. With a James Beard semifinalist as the head chef, you'll enjoy the freshest and most unique dishes.
Afternoon Treats
Visit a local wine shop or brewery to unwind after a busy day. Popular spots to beer hop in Lake Norman include D9 Brewing Company, Lost Worlds, and Primal. If you’re in Huntersville, 760 Craft Works and Neoteric Brewing are the hot new spots worth checking out. Looking to cultivate your wine palate? Visit the Davidson Wine Company to taste everything from Merlots and Chardonnays to more scarce wines like Viognier, Petit Verdot, and Port. Keep an eye on their weekly events calendar, as you may be able to catch one of their comedy shows.
Jetton Park
Craving a sweet treat? You’re in luck–Lake Norman offers ample dessert shops where you can satisfy your sweet tooth. Head to Duck Donuts in Huntersville to indulge in freshly baked donuts or visit Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop for staples like Granny’s Apple Pie and Coconut Cream Pie. Other top dessert spots in the area include Whit’s Frozen Custard in Davidson and Coffee Republic in Cornelius. Pro tip: Grab your sweets to-go and head over to Jetton Park to catch the sunset at one of Lake Norman’s most romantic picnic spots.
Dinner Time
Impress your date with a lakefront meal at one of the three romantic restaurants in town, all of which have indoor/outdoor heated patios! They’ve offered special dinner packages for Valentine’s Day in previous years, so check their social media pages for deals.
Birkdale Village makes for another great central point for date night plans. This outdoor shopping mall provides a safe environment to treat yourselves to a nice gift and an unforgettable meal. Choose from upscale dining spots like Red Rocks or keep it casual at popular joints like Midwood Smokehouse, Bad Daddy's, and eeZ Fusion. Extend the fun with a movie at Regal Cinema, also located in Birkdale Village. Whatever you and your partner are craving, you're sure to find it here.
All good things must come to an end, but the fun doesn’t have to stop here. With so many romantic things to do in Lake Norman, you’ll never run out of date night ideas to enjoy year-round. Tag us @VisitLakeNorman on social media when you share your fun date activities!
