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Things to Do
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Events
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Restaurants
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Hotels
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About
Lake Norman is safe and open for travel following Hurricane Helene. While we are fortunate to avoid the worst, our hearts go out to those who have been affected in neighboring regions. For those in need, we currently have limited hotel room availability for individuals displaced by the hurricane. Western NC Travel Advisory
North Carolina is a farmer's paradise! Agritourism supports the economy by connecting farms that supply fresh products to area restaurants, farmers markets and other businesses, with local patrons and visitors. Agritourism also plays an important role to the local economy, and the Lake Norman area is booming with exciting opportunities.
The banks of Lake Norman have become a hub for fresh food and farmer's markets! The area is rich in local and NC produce that allow for many restaurants, attractions and events to take advantage. An array of restaurants such as Kindred, pride themselves in shopping local and providing only the freshest seasonal ingredients into their unique and delicious dishes. Another local favorite, 131 Main informs its patrons about the freshly caught seafood and other ingredients being used. And we can't forget Barrel & Fork in Cornelius, who uses produce from local farmers markets to provide mouthwatering dishes.
Lake Norman farmer’s markets are your one stop shop for local produce, handmade goods, bakery favorites, fresh flowers and more. With two thriving markets in the area, there’s no question you’ll be able to find something exciting. Wake up to the Davidson Farmer’s Market every Saturday Morning from 9am – 12pm starting in April.
Browse around, sample local treats and enjoy live music. Davidson's is a year-round farmer's market staying open on select Saturdays November-April. The Huntersville Grower’s Market has provided the Lake Norman area with fresh produce, meats and more since 1999. The market is open every Saturday 8am – 12pm from May-August at Veterans Park at Main & Maxwell.
You can also enjoy area events that promote agritourism such as the Annual Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, an area favorite that begins in September. Enjoy not just the exciting events but the quaint stores that are stocked full of organic produce, local meats, honey and baked goodies that are just right down the road at the Bradford Store and Farm and the Old Store Produce in Huntersville. If you're looking for fresh cut flowers or artisan hemp, visit the Blackberry Ridge Farm, a veteran-owned, family and friends operated farm that has been in the family for over four generations. They also offer workshops and seasonal events throughout the year!
Also nearby are the Metrolina Greenhouses, a family owned plant wholesaler and services company growing since 1972. The largest single-site heated greenhouse in the United States is right here in Lake Norman! Metrolina provides large retailers, mass merchandisers, and home improvement chains with plants of all shapes and sizes. With a growing food and beverage scene and lush agriculture, Lake Norman should be on your list of ‘go to' places for shopping local and experiencing agritourism at its finest.
Lake Norman also has community gardens for you to enjoy. Cornelius Community Garden was built to preserve the Smithville Community. The garden has 70 8x4 foot plots available to Cornelius residents for $50 per year. There are also community garden plots with produce that the community can share.
You may also want to check out the Davidson Community Garden. This garden is not divided into plots to be rented but instead it is one big garden tended to by volunteers. This community garden serves as a place to bring the community together, enjoy new friends, learn new skills, and grow healthy food.
Check out more of what Lake Norman offers such as award winning craft breweries and wineries, unique festivals and events and much more.