Lake Norman is known as the “inland sea” and has been attracting guests for over 50 years. What was once created to provide fresh water for the area and act as flood control, Lake Norman has quickly become a statewide destination.

Besides adding this to the top of your travel list, what are other things to do in Lake Norman? Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on all this town has to offer!

What’s It Like?

Lake Norman itself is a huge part of the reason the area has seen tremendous growth over the past 10 years. The beautiful weather year-round and the expansive water feature are only two great reasons people travel from states nationwide to experience this beautiful part of the country.

Weather

Lake Norman falls into the same pattern as the rest of the state of North Carolina when it comes to weather featuring a humid subtropical climate. This means you’ll experience warm-to-hot summers followed by cold-to-mild winters.

Although you could experience rain at any time throughout the year, it will wildly overpower the amount of snow you receive.

The mild weather that Lake Norman offers year-round makes it an ideal place to visit, vacation, or even settle. With all the outdoor adventure and beautiful scenery, you’re sure to stay busy.

Water

Lake Norman boasts a powerful 500 miles of shoreline and sits only 20 miles north of downtown Charlotte. The lake is the largest man-made body of water in North Carolina and is a popular tourist destination for many.

No matter if you’re looking to spend your day on the waters of Lake Norman or enjoying the excitement around town, there’s a little something for everyone!

Neighborhoods Near Lake Norman

Lake Norman offers a great variety of homes in the area that range in price, structure, and location to meet all your needs. You’ll find that some are popular for their location in relation to the lake while others are right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown.

No matter your preference, the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Norman are sure to stand out from the rest.

Birkdale

Birkdale is one of the more up and coming neighborhoods in the Lake Norman area. Birkdale Village is an area near this community that houses many restaurants, stores, movie theatres, gyms, and supermarkets. It also features homes, apartments, and townhomes that have been recently updated or built.

Within walking distance of Lake Norman and Birkdale Village, the homes of Birkdale have many community events such as live music throughout the week. Ranging from low $300,000 to $500,000, Birkdale tops the list as one of the most popular neighborhoods.

The Farms

If you’re looking for a home right on the edge of the water of Lake Norman, look no further than The Farms. With a wonderful community feel, you’ll enjoy a neighborhood pool and walking paths throughout the development.

Homes have been built with peace in mind. The majority of them are set back from the road, allowing residents to enjoy a quiet life in a casual environment. Depending on the location of your desired home, you can pay anywhere from low $300,000 to over $1 million.

River Run

If golf is your sports, River Run is the place for you! Home to previous PGA tournaments, this housing community has been hosting the Chiquita Classic since 2013. It also has an area of tennis courts, an Olympic-sized pool for the kids, and an up-to-date fitness center.

River Run has taken luxury living to the next level by developing a warm and inviting community for homeowners in all walks of life. You’ll love the feel of Southern hospitality and small-town vibe every time you walk through the neighborhood.

The Peninsula

The Peninsula is all about luxury living. The homes within this community have been sold for well over $1 million apiece and continue to rise in popularity, with 20 homes being sold over the last 3 months.

It is a waterfront community that also offers a Golf Club and a Yacht Club. Surrounded completely by water, there is no bad view from any of the homes at The Peninsula.

The best party about this development is the community it creates. There are constantly activities for every member of your family with various categories you can be a part of depending on your path in life. It is a great place to grow and connect with those with the same goals as you.

Northstone

One of the biggest perks of living in a home in the Northstone community is it’s access to a country club. You and your family can enjoy a beautiful golf course and spend your weekends together by playing a round of golf.

If you’d rather lounge by the pool, you’ll find four different areas you can choose from depending on your activity. There is a pool for families, adults-only, a pool with waterslides, and a gadget pool.

Cedarfield

If you love luxury living on a budget, Cedarfield might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled in a beautiful wooded area, this neighborhood allows home seekers to slow down and energy the scenery, literally.

With access to a number of outdoor activities, Cedarfield is also a short distance from the beautiful Lake Norman. During Easter, the HOA hosts an annual Easter egg hunt and has events that encourage community involvement.

What to Do Around Lake Norman

There’s never going to be a lack of things to do in the Lake Norman area. From outdoor activities to shopping and fine dining, you’ll be amazing at the number of things and exciting cities nearby that will keep you coming back for more.

Davidson College

Built in 1837, Davidson College is the staple of Davidson, North Carolina. It’s the pride of the town and is ranked in the top 10 of liberal arts colleges in the nation. Not only does it have a long-lasting history as a successful college, but it has also been a success on the athletic fields as well.

Over 50% of the students admitted to Davidson College are participating in sports. One of its most popular alumni is Steph Curry, a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors.

The architecture of the college is history and paints a rich history of success for its students. Even if you aren’t on your way to your freshman year of college, Davidson College is a wonderful place to explore.

Get Out on the Water

Lake Norman is a true water lovers paradise. With fishing, boating, wakeboarding, and kayaking, a day by the water is just what the doctor ordered. With all the miles of shore, there’s only one way to see the way and that’s by getting right out on it!

There are many boat stops throughout the lake that feature a place to refill on gas and food for those who plan on spending hours out on the lake. You’ll share the lake with water lovers alike so be sure to watch out for those around you.

NASCAR

Considered the home track of NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway has been a tourist attraction since it was built in 1959. Not only does it house some of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, but it is also the venue for many well-known events. These include concerts, movie premiers, and music festivals alike.

Since Charlotte has a history with NASCAR, it seems fitting that the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located here as well. The Hall of Fame features classic and present-day racecars along with simulators that mirror the experience a driver has on the track. Even though there’s a lot of history in that building, it’s much more than just a museum.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame highlights the people who have made history and memories on the pavement while creating longlasting memories for the families who come inside. No matter if you’ve been a race fan for life or are new to the sport, you’ll leave enlightening and inspired.

Retail Therapy

Lake Norman is home to a variety of locally-owned boutiques and well-known stores. Whether you’re in need of new home furnishings, a fun outfit, or you simply want to treat yourself, there are many different shops to choose from.

At stores in Birkdale Village, you’ll find brand name items along with the more high-end stores. Downtown Davidson is where you should go if you’re looking for smaller boutiques that make a statement. There are also numerous stores at Oak Street Mill that offer antiques and resale shops where you can find hidden treasures.

Carrigan Farms

Carrigan Farms has been around for over 100 years. It’s a beautiful piece of land that bears fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. It’s located in the Mooresville area, which is only a short drive from Lake Norman.

Bring your family and enjoy a hayride in the fall or go strawberry picking when the weather is just right. You might even find your next pumpkin to carve when Halloween rolls around.

A hidden gem is the Quarry at Carrigan Farms. It’s a beautiful body of fresh spring water that is enjoyed by families, coworkers, and more throughout the year. Based on your preference, there is open swim for all or you can reserve it for private events.

If you label yourself as a daredevil, you can jump off the rocks at the top into the 25-foot deep body of water or you can take a leisurely walk in the shallow end from the small beach area.

Carrigan Farms is a venue with many talents. Ranging from a beautiful wedding venue to the perfect location for a company picnic, you’ll feel right at home during your visit to this family farm.

Enjoy a Cold One

Over the past few years, the community of Lake Norman has gone crazy for craft beer! Breweries have been popping up on every street corner, offering a variety of tastes and flavors. North Carolina is home to nearly 250 breweries, which makes Lake Norman the perfect place to test some of these craft beers out.

Due to the success, local breweries have had in the area, more and more festivals and small business have developed that support this venture. Locals around the area have also developed a wine and beer map that show tourists where to visit when they arrive.

You might also want to participate in the locally run Beerfest that occurs annually in September or Laketoberfest Music and Brew Festival occurring in October.

Who to Know

No matter if you’re staying for a long time or just a night, it’s important to have the phone numbers of local services in Lake Norman. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared!

Paving Services

Finding someone local who can repair and maintain asphalt is an important part of life in a city that reaches warm summer temperatures. What makes it better is their willingness to travel to cities such as Gastonia, Mooresville, Hickory, and more! Whether you utilize it for your home or business, having someone on-call can make your life much easier.

Medical Services

Having the phone number of a medical provider is crucial when you aren’t familiar with the area. They will be able to direct to you to the nearest emergency center as well as provide helpful information over the phone until you can arrive for care or until you can be reached.

You can contact the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center using 704-663-1113.

Ambulance Information

If the situation arises where you or someone you know need immediate care, you should know just who to contact who will be able to give you that information. It’s in those moments where every second is crucial and knowing the steps to navigate in order to act quickly is vital.

If you are in the Lake Norman area and need ambulance information call 704-943-6000.

City-County Information

Questions about the city or the area of Lake Norman? You can contact them directly at 704-336-7600. They will be able to provide you with information about various attractions around the city, how to navigate, or even city laws and regulations you should follow.

There Is No Shortage of Things to Do in Lake Norman

While Lake Norman is a popular tourist destination, it’s also a place that feels like home, even if you’re only visiting. The beautiful outdoor scenery, the abundance of things to do in Lake Norman, and the rich community of people are only a few of the reasons it should be at the top of your travel list.

If you need more convincing that Lake Norman is a top traveler destination, read on about the high-quality people and great services you’ll get to experience!