Cornelius
Cornelius is a lakeside town located along the east side of Lake Norman, north of Charlotte. Cornelius was established in 1905, originating as a cotton mill and farm community. Originally incorporated as ‘Liverpool’, the town’s name was changed to Cornelius to honor Joseph Benjamin Cornelius. Upon the creation of Lake Norman in 1963, Cornelius found itself privy to the largest expanse of shoreline of any town on the lake, boasting approximately 54 miles.
Today, Cornelius is a charming, easy-going town with lots to offer. Walking through the pedestrian-friendly downtown, you will find an array of shopping opportunities from locally owned gift and antique shops to various consignment stores, and restaurants.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Norman you will find the Peninsula Yacht Club offering an ideal location for water lovers and boaters alike. Cornelius is the destination for lake fun. Visitors can rent boats, jet skis, or paddle boards at one of the marinas or explore the unique attractions, waterfront restaurants, lakeside parks and shops that Cornelius has to offer. Members enjoy socializing, entertaining and dining, all overlooking the lake.
Davidson
Davidson is located in northern Mecklenburg County and also part of Iredell County. Davidson College played a strategic role in the birth of this town. Founded by the Presbyterian Church, the college opened its doors in 1837. By the early 1900’s, the college was the largest business and remained a vital element to the town.
The demise of cotton farming and decline of other agricultural pursuits in the region effectively ended the town’s role as a farming service center. Today, the tremendous development around Charlotte has stimulated Davidson’s growth to its current population of more than 10,000 people. Local downtown businesses, now characterized by restaurants and specialty shops, cater to this new market. Prestigious, nationally known Davidson College has made the town an intellectual and cultural center, drawing into its orbit a sizable professional class.
Davidson has advocated for and implemented smart growth principles, including pedestrian orientation, mixed-use development, affordable housing, open space preservation, and connectivity. An emphasis on design has been a consistent theme in the towns development. Additionally, the town of Davidson received National Register Historic District status in 2009 for the historic core of the town, which includes downtown.
Davidson still maintains the small-town character and values that make it so unique. Pedestrian and bicycle friendly, Davidson boasts over 13 miles of greenways and bike lanes. Walking down the Main St. you will find quaint shops in turn-of-the-century buildings offering clothing, books, gifts and antiques.
Huntersville
Huntersville is a large suburban town in Mecklenburg County. Incorporated in 1873, Huntersville is the first Lake Norman town . Originally known as Craighead, it was renamed Huntersville in honor of a key landowner and cotton farmer, Robert Boston Hunter. Huntersville is one of three towns (the others are Cornelius and Davidson) located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, but still within Mecklenburg County. These three towns make up the area known as “North Meck.”
The town also is known recreationally as a lake community because of its proximity to Lake Norman, a large man-made lake created by Duke Power to serve the nuclear power plant, and Mountain Island Lake, a smaller man-made lake that is used as Charlotte’s city water source and located along the southwest border of Huntersville. The lake attracts both boaters and water-skiers from several surrounding states. Huntersville is also home to several golf courses.
Located in heart of Huntersville is Birkdale Village, a vibrant destination for one-stop shopping and dining, a delight to the eye with its colorful buildings, sparkling fountains and stunning gardens, the center has over 60 retail shops and 10 restaurants. Rich in cultural and historical heritage, Huntersville’s numerous landmarks, natural parks, walking and bike trails and its close proximity to Lake Norman, offers something for everyone.
Matthews
Matthews offers big city amenities with a small-town feel. Annual festivals, family-friendly entertainment and plenty of recreational amenities have made it one of the most desired locations in the region. Downtown Matthews is a vibrant destination buzzing with nightlife, exciting restaurants, and shopping. Matthews is a great place for all who live, work or play here.
Matthews is known for its extensive offering of special events, first rate parks and recreation amenities. From art exhibits at the McDowell Arts Center to Kids in Nature Day at Squirrel Lake Park, to special events like BeachFest at Stumptown Park, there is always something happening in Matthews.
Downtown Matthews includes popular attractions like Renfrow’s Hardware, a 120-year-old store located along Trade Street, and the Matthews Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is the largest producer-only farmers market in the Charlotte region. Enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations by top local chefs. Downtown is filled with an array of hot spots to grab a coffee, a crepe or a craft beer.
The Seaboard Air Line Railroad began rolling through Matthews in 1874. As Matthews grew, the railroad remained an important part of the town. A number of trains still roll through town several times a day. Get an up-close view of the trains from the historic Train Depot and Visitor’s Center. Learn more about the rich history with a visit to the Matthews Heritage Museum and the Historic Reid House. Matthews has something for everyone – take in a soccer game at the Sportsplex, a play at Fullwood Theater, visit the library or enjoy a walk on the Greenway.
