In need of some retail therapy? Whether you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe or simply pass the time on a rainy day, Lake Norman’s towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville are filled with countless shopping experiences. From locally owned antique shops to designer apparel, there is truly something for everyone. 

 

Davidson: 
Davidson Farmer’s Market
         

Mural of Davidson Farmer's Market                    @dev0225 via Instagram

Got a sweet tooth for summer fruit? Strawberries, peaches, watermelon, Fuji apples and many, many more can all be found at the Davidson Farmer’s Market. Located in Downtown Davidson, local producers will have handpicked harvests and homemade goods. You may also expect to find homegrown veggies, humanely raised meats, poultry, seafood, mushrooms, eggs, cheese, butter, honey, granola, empanadas, prepared foods, gourmet pastries, artisan bread, baked goods, doughnuts, canned goods, flowers, herbs, plants, soaps and more! The market is open year-round, on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. 

 

Downtown Davidson

            

               Davidson College campus                                  The Soda Shop exterior

Just steps away from Davidson College sits the historic town of Downtown Davidson. Filled with a wide range of retail shops and dining spots, the bustling city scene is undoubtedly a picturesque sight. The Soda Shop, located on Main Street, is a prominent American-style restaurant that has been serving the community for the last 68 years. Visitors can relax and cool off with a glass-bottled, old-fashioned soda or savor a Philly Cheese Steak before getting back to exploring the downtown area. 

 

         

     The Village Store on Main                Interior of Moxie and Mercantile

Two retail favorites, The Village Store and Moxie and Mercantile are also located on Main Street. The Village Store offers visitors a wide variety of gifts, for locals and out-of-town guests alike. Take a peek inside to see why this charming store has been a local top-pick in the area for the past 50 years. Moxie and Mercantile, another nearby shop, specializes in a sophisticated blend of home and personal accessories, offering everything from local jewelry and pottery from local artists to trendy clothing items. Products are based on elements of nature with a focus on touch of hand, and the shop works closely with Fair Trade commodities, supporting women and children. 

        

Downtown Davidson street view                    The Casual Creative interior

A few short blocks away in SoMa (South Main Arts District) is South Main Square, a collection of small art shops and exhibits. Honeysuckle Home, Davidson’s Home Boutique, contains a wide assortment of home and decor gift items. Popular brands include Nora Fleming, Mud Pie, Mary Lake Thompson, Southern Attitude, Michel Design Works, Taste of North State, Barrel- Art, ReWined Candles and many more. The Casual Creative art studio, another recent opening in the Davidson area, hosts large groups for fun art classes, birthday parties, bridal shower parties and more. Make a one-of-a-kind gift for that special person or plan a birthday party for the books

   
Cornelius: 
Downtown Cornelius 

 

       Street view of Downtown Cornelius

Stroll through Downtown Cornelius for locally owned gift shops, consignment and antique shops along pedestrian-friendly, charming downtown corridors. Just off South Main Street, visitors are also able to visit the “Never Forget” 9/11 Monument, including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center to honor those affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2011. A small but quaint area, Downtown Cornelius is an excellent location to shop locally while embracing the rich history the town has to offer. 

 

Jetton Village 

Jetton Village shopping center

An eclectic shopping destination, Jetton Village offers everything from ethnic dining to designer apparel.  Shop sleek, sophisticated and intricate designs at Coco Couture or indulge in a relaxing Swedish massage at Massage Heights. Style your dream house with furniture and home decor from Dutchman’s Casual Living Store, offering the finest upholstery and home decor.  And don’t forget to stick around for a glass of wine at Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails for an evening that is sure to please. 

 

Shops at Oak Street Mill

         

          Oak Street Mill                                                          Interior of Brick Row 

Take a break from the mainstream shops and boutiques and stroll the shops of Oak Street Mill for a plethora of antiques. Oak Street Mill encompasses approximately 11,000 sq feet of various artwork, furniture, clothing, books, and other unique pieces. Set in a historic cotton mill in picturesque downtown Cornelius, the Oak Street Mill is a locally owned favorite. Continue down the way and discover Brick Row, a local art gallery specializing in event services. Next door is Alternative Beverage, a unique beer and wine shop, allows customers to build their own concoctions from scratch. The store offers beer and winemaking classes as well.



Huntersville: 
Birkdale Village
        

       @madietjenkins via Instagram                      @fabrikbirkdale via Instagram

 

Perhaps the most well-known shopping destination within Lake Norman, Birkdale Village sits within central Huntersville and has over 70 retail stores and restaurants. With each of these locations within walking distance, it is almost too easy to spend the entire day here. Grab your bikes and pedal through the streets of your favorite boutiques, home furniture shops, and jewelry stores and end the day with a scrumptious meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurant locations nearby. 

 

Bradford Store & Farm 

             

                                         @kimberlysweet via Instagram      @erikamarie14 via Instagram      @pollynationapothecary via Instagram

                 

Established in 1912, The Bradford Store brings you back in time to the good old days of fresh, local, hand-prepared, and selected foods at fair prices. This one-of-a-kind store offers a variety of regional food selections, including freshly baked products and organically grown produce. Pick up a basket and choose the perfect ingredients for a delectable home-cooked meal.  With a vast array of organic produce, The Bradford Store holds everything from pineapple pig tomatoes to tromboncino squash. The Bradford Store also hosts various seminars, on topics such as health and wellness, holistic dentistry, and women’s health. Details for these seminars can be found on Bradford Store social media as through their weekly newsletter. Across from the store is the Bradford Barn, which houses organic supplies for gardening and landscaping. Next door, the cabin holds organic health and personal care products, such as superfoods, diffusers, book selections on healthy lifestyle living, diffusers and essential oils.

 

Huntersville Growers Market 

           

 @cait_elizabeth via Instagram                      @leslienetta via Instagram  

Check out the Huntersville Grower’s Market and pick up some fresh produce, open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through August 24! Refreshing drinks are also available for purchase to help you beat the heat. From cucumber mint soda to crisp salads and organic meats, Chef Matt always has something new for guests to sample.  Enjoy live music during the summer months from Charlotte Folk Society. Admission, parking and activities are free!

 

Northcross Shopping Center

@shopnorthcross via Instagram

Featuring a premier dining, entertainment and shopping experience, Northcross Shopping Center includes shops such as Harris Teeter, Lowes, General Nutrition Center (GNC), Marshalls, Target and Rack Room Shoes. Shop beachwear brands like Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, and Chaco at Patriot Jack’s Outfitters or try your luck thrift shopping at Uptown Cheapskate. Dining locations in Northcross range from everything between frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog to authentic Mexican eatery, Taxco Mexican Grill. 

 
Old Store Produce 
               

      @oldstoreproduce via Instagram                                @oldstoreproduce via Instagram

Family owned and operated, Old Store Produce has been providing citizens of Huntersville, NC with locally grown and made produce, along with Amish items, for the past 20 years. Fresh pimento cheese, locally sourced grass-fed beef, doughnut peaches, along with all-natural sunscreen and bath bombs are just a few of the unique products sold here. Old Store Produce is most well-known for its partnerships with other local companies in the area, further separating them from large chain grocery stores.


Did we forget to mention some of your favorites? Don’t forget to tag @visitlakenorman in your shopping excursions on Instagram and Facebook!