21 Amazing Lake Norman Vacation Rentals for 2023

21 Amazing Lake Norman Vacation Rentals for 2023

Photos via VRBO.com. The Lake Norman vacation rental market is booming. As a result, there is a great selection of Lake Norman vacation rentals to consider. According to a recent study, Charlotte, NC is ranked as the 6th fastest-growing large metro region in the U.S....

The Best Lake Norman Marinas for 2023

The Best Lake Norman Marinas for 2023

Lake Norman is a great place for boating! Located just minutes from Charlotte, and being the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman is truly a boater's paradise. There are several marinas to choose from on the lake. Owners of pontoons, cruisers, and...

We Love Alino Pizzeria | Mooresville NC

We Love Alino Pizzeria | Mooresville NC

Alino Pizzeria is a family-friendly pizza restaurant located at Merino Mill near downtown Mooresville, NC. Alino Pizzeria is a restaurant brand created by a visionary entrepreneur, Michal Bay. Alino Pizzeria was voted the best pizza in the Lake Norman area by our...

20 Most Popular Restaurants in Mooresville (NC)

20 Most Popular Restaurants in Mooresville (NC)

Presented in partnership with: This article lists the top 20 most popular restaurants in Mooresville, North Carolina. This list is based on Google reviews as of January 2023. We hope this article serves as a great resource for you when looking for the best restaurants...

The Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden | Mooresville NC

The Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden | Mooresville NC

The Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden is a casual eatery located in the Merino Mill complex in Mooresville, North Carolina. A short drive from Charlotte, NC, Barcelona is a worthwhile destination for local and not-so-local foodies. Note: The Barcelona Burger and Beer...

Brown Bag Seafood Co. | Birkdale Village (Huntersville)

Brown Bag Seafood Co. | Birkdale Village (Huntersville)

Brown Bag Seafood Co. has expanded into Huntersville, NC with the opening of their latest location at Birkdale Village! Brown Bag Seafood Co. is a fast-casual seafood restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Their goal is to make hot, fresh,...

Visiting Hello Sailor Restaurant | Cornelius NC

Visiting Hello Sailor Restaurant | Cornelius NC

Hello, Sailor is a casual waterfront seafood restaurant in Cornelius, North Carolina. Hello, Sailor is a concept developed by nationally recognized Chef Joe Kindred and his wife Katy. Hello, Sailor occupies the waterfront space that formerly housed the Rusty Rudder...

Is Milkbread Restaurant in Davidson Really THAT Good?

Is Milkbread Restaurant in Davidson Really THAT Good?

Milkbread is a fast-casual restaurant concept developed by Joe and Katy Kindred in Davidson, North Carolina. The Kindreds also own Kindred Restaurant in Davidson, NC. Milkbread is located on Jetton Street near the area known as the “traffic circles” in Davidson....

10 Best Places to Bring Your Dog Around Lake Norman

10 Best Places to Bring Your Dog Around Lake Norman

Main image photo credit: @our_doodle_boone (Instagram) Presented in partnership with: In this article, we’re sharing our 10 favorite dog-friendly places around Lake Norman. Having fun in the summer sun has always been a staple of the season, and what could be more fun...

The Waterman Fish Bar | Lake Norman

The Waterman Fish Bar | Lake Norman

Presented in partnership with: The Waterman Fish Bar is a neighborhood seafood restaurant in Cornelius, North Carolina. The place is reminiscent of Charleston and Calabash-style eateries. Maybe more Charleston than Calabash. The Waterman Fish Bar was founded in...

Welcome to Davidson College | Davidson, North Carolina

Welcome to Davidson College | Davidson, North Carolina

Photo credit: Jon Beyerle, oncambercreative.com Presented in partnership with: Looking at the numbers, it is clear that Davidson College is a prestigious institution. U.S. News and Reports ranks it among the top 15 liberal arts colleges in the nation and among the top...

20 Most Popular Restaurants in Cornelius (NC)

20 Most Popular Restaurants in Cornelius (NC)

In the market for a Lake Norman home? Go to our Trusted Local Experts page and let us connect you with the Top-3 Real Estate agents in the area! This article lists the top 20 most popular restaurants in Cornelius, North Carolina. If you’re looking for some of the best...

Blumengärten: The Best Florist in Cornelius (NC)

Blumengärten: The Best Florist in Cornelius (NC)

Presented in partnership with: Blumengärten Florist in Cornelius, NC is not your typical florist. When owner and CEO, Denise Ulhorn, set out over a decade ago to open a florist, that was the goal – to be original, to be better, and to set herself apart from everyone...

The Best of LKN | Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

The Best of LKN | Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Presented in partnership with: Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is one of the premier Jeep dealerships in North Carolina! Located just off I-77 in Cornelius, North Carolina, LKN Jeep has more new Jeep vehicles in inventory than any dealership in the area. They are...

10 Best Hiking Trails Around Lake Norman

10 Best Hiking Trails Around Lake Norman

Presented in partnership with: The Lake Norman area offers both stunning views of the water and picturesque nature regardless of the season. Whether it’s the fall’s changing leaves or the spring’s air of new life, hiking provides the perfect activity to appreciate all...

The Best of Lake Norman | Hair Salons

The Best of Lake Norman | Hair Salons

Presented in partnership with: Sick of not knowing where to go to get your hair done?  Whether you're planning a big chop or a refreshing trim, finding a salon to meet all your cut, color, and styling needs can be challenging - to say the least.  Here are the best...

The Best of Lake Norman | Barbeque Restaurants

The Best of Lake Norman | Barbeque Restaurants

Presented in partnership with: Que the “Q”! If there’s one thing North Carolina knows, it’s barbeque.  Sweet and spicy barbecue sauces, steamy and soft baked potatoes, succulent cornbread, and maybe a side of mac and cheese. Don’t forget the banana pudding! Just...

The Best of Lake Norman | Sushi Restaurants

The Best of Lake Norman | Sushi Restaurants

Presented in partnership with: One of the best things about sushi restaurants is that there’s usually something for everyone! You don’t have to be a huge fan of raw fish to enjoy sushi – you just have to know where to find the best sushi restaurants with amazing...

The Best of Lake Norman | Italian Restaurants

The Best of Lake Norman | Italian Restaurants

Presented in partnership with: There’s just something about authentic Italian food! Especially when paired with a cozy dining experience (complete with white table cloths) and a nice bottle of Chianti. The Lake Norman area is bursting with many amazing restaurant...

The Best of Lake Norman | Wedding Venues

The Best of Lake Norman | Wedding Venues

Presented in partnership with: Marriage is one of the most important events in life, and for many, it’s one of the most stressful. There are invitations to be sent, showers to be thrown, and second only to finding The Dress, reserving a venue is the most daunting task...

The Best of Lake Norman | 25 Go-To Restaurants for Lunch

The Best of Lake Norman | 25 Go-To Restaurants for Lunch

Presented in partnership with: Regardless of where in the Lake Norman area you find yourself, there are bound to be delicious restaurants that offer varied cuisine at great prices! Compiled below are five great options for each town surrounding Lake Norman, as well as...

The Best of Lake Norman | Yoga Studios

The Best of Lake Norman | Yoga Studios

Presented in partnership with: We all know that one person who lives and breathes yoga. They always have a yoga mat in the back of their car, own a wide variety of leggings, and are perpetually happy. Yoga is a practice that all people, regardless of age, physical...

The Best of Lake Norman | Private Schools

The Best of Lake Norman | Private Schools

Presented in partnership with: Are you searching for the best private schools in the Lake Norman area? Well, look no further. While Lake Norman is home to many great public and charter schools, the sheer affluence in this area has given rise to the demand for private...

The Best of Lake Norman | Bridal Boutiques

The Best of Lake Norman | Bridal Boutiques

Presented in partnership with: Getting married is one of life’s most joyful experiences, but the planning process is notorious for turning even the most placid of ladies into raging bridezillas. Wedding stress is no joke, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either...

The Best of Lake Norman | Top 10 Real Estate Brokers

The Best of Lake Norman | Top 10 Real Estate Brokers

We’re all aware by now of how hot the real estate market is. Last year, Zillow ranked the Charlotte Metro area as the 5th hottest real estate market in the U.S. This doesn’t come as a surprise to Charlotteans who have witnessed homes selling within hours of hitting...

The Best of Lake Norman | Fashion Boutiques for Women

The Best of Lake Norman | Fashion Boutiques for Women

Fast fashion is convenient...that is, until that cheap clothing you got starts to fall apart at the seams. In a world that’s flooded with mass-produced, low-quality apparel, it can be hard to find clothing that will do your wardrobe some genuine good. That’s where...

The Best of Lake Norman | CrossFit Gyms

The Best of Lake Norman | CrossFit Gyms

We all know that exercise is important, but let’s face it: working out just to work out isn’t healthy. Without the proper mindset, fitness can be a stressful and even damaging cherry on top of an already exhausting cake. In this day and age, we’re all busy bees....

Best Mexican Restaurants Around Lake Norman

Best Mexican Restaurants Around Lake Norman

There’s nothing quite like going out for Mexican food. The vibrant decor, the merry music, and who could forget the margaritas? Just like complimentary chips and salsa, the list of what we love about the Mexican dining experience is bottomless. However, there is one...

Barrel & Fork: Lake Norman’s Best Speakeasy

Barrel & Fork: Lake Norman’s Best Speakeasy

They’ve been interviewed for our podcast, featured in our fine dining article, and written into our calendars many a time—I’m talking, of course, about Barrel & Fork, one of the best culinary experiences since sliced bread (which, fun fact, was invented in 1928.) ...

Our Favorite Lake Norman Farms for Fall Fun

Our Favorite Lake Norman Farms for Fall Fun

At first glance, I’m not very southern. I don’t like sweet tea, I prefer living in the city, and “y’all” isn’t a word I use very often, if at all. In fact, I’ve lived on the other side of the world, twice; I probably resemble every place on the planet except for the...

This Season’s Best Pumpkin Patches

This Season’s Best Pumpkin Patches

This may be a controversial topic for some, but I’m a firm believer that Autumn is the best season for produce. Don’t get me wrong, I love my strawberries and watermelons, but nothing can beat fall flavors. Fresh apple cider, warm cinnamon buns, and the grand-daddy of...

Boozy Autumn Festivities

Boozy Autumn Festivities

Settling down for a beverage is a pleasure no matter the time of year, but as the leaves take on a new Autumn hue, so too do our favorite drinks. Traditions like Oktoberfest and grape-stomping festivals have become synonymous with fall to the point where many folks’...

5 Best Spots for Waterfront Dining on Lake Norman

5 Best Spots for Waterfront Dining on Lake Norman

Buying or Selling a house in the Lake Norman area this year? Go to our Trusted Local Experts page and let us connect you with the Top-3 Real Estate agents in the area! A great Lake Norman waterfront dining experience isn’t just about the food. Sure, the fare has to be...

The 10 Best Wine Bars Around Lake Norman

The 10 Best Wine Bars Around Lake Norman

While craft beer breweries proliferate throughout the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas, wine lovers may wonder, “What about us?” Well, we’ve done the leg work and compiled the definitive list of the best places around the Lake Norman area to enjoy a glass (or bottle)...

The Best Bike Shops Around Lake Norman

The Best Bike Shops Around Lake Norman

Main Photo Credit: Jon Beyerle, On Camber Creative @on_camber_creative Ready to go for a bike ride? Here at The Best of LKN, we love cycling. Mountain, road, recumbent, cruising, tandem, you name it! Well, maybe not recumbent, or tandem. My wife and I always laugh...

Lake Norman State Park

Lake Norman State Park

It’s no secret that we here at The Best of LKN blog love to report on the area’s cuisine. Seriously, we could talk about food all day, every day. Something you may not know is that we also love outdoor activities—hiking, camping, biking, swimming—you name it! After...

The Best of Lake Norman | Fine Dining Restaurants

The Best of Lake Norman | Fine Dining Restaurants

Presented in partnership with: While we all thoroughly enjoy casual lunch dates here at Best of LKN, sometimes the situation calls for a more refined dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, treating your in-laws, or simply looking to savor the finer...

The Best of LKN: Pizza!

The Best of LKN: Pizza!

Pizza: even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. So what’s good pizza like? Imagine you walk into a gas station to grab a soda, and you walk out with your drink and a winning lottery ticket. It’s like that. Serendipitous, marvelous, and dare I say, life-changing....

The Best of LKN: Burgers!

The Best of LKN: Burgers!

We publish a new article every week. Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter to be the first to know! There’s never a shortage of options when it comes to burgers. Every neighborhood has at least one good burger joint, while others have closer to fifty. When all you’re...

Mother’s Day Shopping Guide

Mother’s Day Shopping Guide

This is going to be a really special Mother’s Day. 2020 was a tough year for so many, but perhaps no one faced more challenges day after day than Mom. Balancing kids, work, community, and self care is challenging enough - but in 2020, finding any sense of harmony was...

Top 5 Spots: St. Patrick’s Day Around Lake Norman

Top 5 Spots: St. Patrick’s Day Around Lake Norman

Several Lake Norman craft breweries and taprooms are eagerly anticipating St. Patrick’s Day 2021. The closures of 2020 forced many of us to celebrate the Irish holiday at home last year, making this one of the most anticipated events of early 2021. While several local...

18 Ways Consumers Can Help Small Businesses

18 Ways Consumers Can Help Small Businesses

Small businesses are worthy of your support, and they need that support now more than ever. Here’s a list of ways that you can help lift up your favorite local small businesses, and many of these tips won’t cost you a dime. Interested in making a positive impact on...