Feb 10, 2016

Lake Norman, NC

Lake Norman is a great place to visit year-round. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of state, the area offers plenty of opportunities for water activities, shopping, golfing, and seasonal festivals that make it a worthwhile destination. Before you plan your next trip, here’s a brief guide for enjoying every season at Lake Norman.

Spring

With the weather warming up and flowers starting to bloom, spring is the prime time to visit some of the historic sites and museums around Lake Norman. Download a copy of the History & Heritage Tour Map and plot a course to your favorite sites. Be sure to visit downtown Davidson in particular. This picturesque downtown is the perfect place for taking advantage of a springtime stroll.

If you’re more of the creative type, head to one of the many nearby art districts. You can’t go wrong with the Town of Davidson’s Art District, the Cornelius Arts Center, or the Davidson College Sculpture Garden.

Summer

The summer months are prime for recreational water activities, and those certainly abound at Lake Norman. There are several marinas along the lake that provide boat launches, boat storage, boat slips, and even rentals and repairs. If you don’t own a boat, you can even book a chartered cruise. In addition to boating and sailing, Lake Norman is the best place for water skiing, rowing, wake-boarding, kayaking, and other water sports.

And it wouldn’t be a trip to the lake without some fishing. Lake Norman is renowned for its record-breaking crappie, catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, and white and yellow perch, attracting anglers from all over the world. There are even several national fishing tournaments held here, and the early summer months bring the peak fishing opportunities.

Fall

Once summer is over, it’s a great time to relax and unwind at Lake Norman. The towns surrounding Lake Norman offer several spa and wellness destinations that are perfect for a romantic getaway or a girls’ day out. Book a professional massage, enjoy a mani-pedi, or get a facial at one of these therapeutic locales.

Fall is also the best time to enjoy Lake Norman’s festivals and live events. Visit the Davidson Farmer’s Market, see a performance at the Armour Street Theatre, sample the flavors at the Tour de Food Davidson Food Tour, or experience Mooresville Bluegrass on the first Saturday of each month.

Winter

There’s no place like Lake Norman for shopping for those holiday gifts. Winter is a great time to take advantage of the area’s local shopping venues and unique boutiques. The area boasts a wide array of antique shops, thrift stores, specialty shops, farmer’s markets, and major merchandisers.

Winter is also a great time to head indoors and enjoy the area’s craft beer scene. North Carolina is one of the top five states in the nation that’s considered a destination for culinary tourism, so take advantage of wine tastings, craft breweries, and local pubs during your stay.

Lake Norman offers something for everyone, regardless of when you visit. Start planning your next trip today!