Locals and visitors would agree that it is hard not to love Huntersville. Being the largest town in North Mecklenburg County, Huntersville offers a plethora of things to do from restaurants to attractions. Many people find the history of Huntersville to be the reason why it is the way it is today and how the town got the atmosphere they love.
Downtown Huntersville
Old Town Huntersville
Originally the town was named Craighead but was named Huntersville in 1873 after a major landowner and cotton farmer, Robert Boston Hunter. The town was a destination for growing cotton, but soon, prominent schools were calling people to the town from near and far. The town continued to expand in the later years because the textile mills brought more jobs and residents to the area. A cotton mill known as the Virgin Manufacturing Company encouraged the growth of Huntersville “mill town”, just east of the railroad tracks. The town's rich history, rural areas, and the short distance from Charlotte, are just a few things we love about Huntersville.
Restaurants
Located in Huntersville are many restaurants that locals love, from all different types of cuisine. Killingtons Restaurant and Pub offers a wide variety of traditional American foods. The great food, service, and beer list is one of the reasons people choose this location to enjoy a meal. Metro Diner offers breakfast all day, giving you the option to order their delicious chicken and waffles at any time your heart (or stomach) desires.
Chicken and Waffles at Metro Diner
For a more upscale experience, make a reservation at Dressler’s Restaurant in Birkdale Village and treat yourself to a menu featuring steak, imaginative seafood, creative appetizers, and an extensive wine list. It’s the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or have a date night. Locals love the food and service that is offered at this top-notch restaurant. Midwood Smokehouse, also located in Birkdale, is the place to go for all your barbeque needs. Their pitmasters burn hickory wood 24/7 to serve up delicious BBQ and fixins’ to their hungry customers.
Primal Brewery
Breweries
Aside from the flavorful food options, Huntersville has a popular brewery that offers locals and visitors a place to relax and have fun. Primal Brewery offers different types of beers that you can enjoy in their tap house or outside in the beer garden events including food trucks. People love to enjoy the ice cold beers while attending live music events at the brewery with friends and family. Enjoy their wide variety of brew in the tap house or outside at the beer garden
Attractions
Let’s not forget the amazing attractions that Huntersville has to offer! Quest and the Carolina Raptor Center are both located in the Latta Nature Preserve. You can spend time exploring the exhibit halls of Quest or walk the trails of Carolina Raptor Center and get face to face with some of the raptors from around the world! The little one's favorite spot to play in Huntersville is Discovery Place Kids where they can let their imaginations run wild pretending to be anything they want from a grocery clerk to a firefighter. Parents agree that this is a place where children love to learn and play! Want more family entertainment? Frankie's of Charlotte has you covered. Featuring 120 different arcade games, multi-person hologram arena, indoor "Drop Zone" ride, bumper cars, two-story laser tag zone, 24 bowling lanes, three 18-hole miniature golf, three different go-kart tracks, and other outdoor rides! Best shopping in Huntersville? Everyone in town will tell you Birkdale Village. Birkdale welcomes individuals of all ages to come and roam through their shops and restaurants. It is a great place to come hang out with friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon out!
Quest Center
Frankie's Fun Park
Last but not least, visit Huntersville's many seasonal festivals like Historic Rural Hill's Loch Norman Highland Games & Scottish Festival in April, NC Brewer's & Music Festival in May, and the Rural Hill Corn Maze in September and October are just a few not to miss. Also weekends in October and November, visit the Carolina Renaissance Festival's 16th century themed festival jam packed with performances anyone will enjoy from jousting, circus entertainers and rides to artisan demonstrations, shopping, food and games.
Whether you have lived here or now want to visit, we hope you find time to make your own list of favorites in the town of Huntersville. Be sure to share it with us on Facebook or Instagram @VisitLakeNorman, and use the hashtag #LoveHuntersville. Don't forget to comment below!
