Photo credit: Leah Arrington Photo Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23rd – Bags of Hope's 5th Annual Back-to-School Food Drive is returning with an ambitious goal of collecting 28,000 pounds of food for local students in need.Meeting a Critical Community...

Each month, I bring together some of the best and brightest professionals in the Lake Norman area for a special networking mixer. Our most recent coffee social took place on Thursday, June 12th at Classica Homes! I took this opportunity to reconnect with past guests...

Many small business owners wonder which marketing tactic truly drives sales. Is it the social media ad, the blog post, or the press release? The truth is that marketing isn’t about a single magic bullet. All your marketing efforts work together, influencing your...

Walking into Crazy Cool Collectibles in downtown Mooresville feels like stepping into someone's incredibly cool basement—if that basement happened to be curated by a pop culture obsessive with impeccable taste. A life-sized velociraptor greets visitors at the...

Father's Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the wonderful Dads in our lives, and what better way to show your appreciation than by finding the perfect gift? If you're around Lake Norman, you're in luck, as this area boasts a plethora of shopping options that...

Updated: May 2nd, 2025 Life is tough, but perhaps no one faces more challenges day after day than Mom. Balancing kids, work, community, and self-care is challenging enough - but these days, finding any sense of harmony can be next to impossible.  This is the year to...

Luxe Habit Luxury Resale, formerly Ava Lilly’s Boutique, is now open in downtown Cornelius. Specializing in luxury handbags and accessories, it’s the first boutique of its kind in the area. The name “Luxe Habit” reflects how buying one luxury item often leads to a...

If you think of social media as a direct sales tool, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Unlike paid ads or cold outreach, social media is NOT about instant conversions. (So, stop asking your social media manager why their posts are leading to sales!) In all...

Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen MartinUpcoming Lake Norman Professional Networking EventsSpecial thanks to:AprilAbout the Author: Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter. When he isn’t working,...

After a chance meeting, I circled back and caught up with Jessica Dufresne, co-CEO and co-owner of Success on the Spectrum - Lake Norman (SOS) in Cornelius, a franchise dedicated to providing treatment for children on the spectrum. As she walked me through her new...

You glance down at your body, small quills poking out of your skin, in a mysterious “connect-the-dot” pattern that you can’t quite figure out. These quills, or fillform needles as they are technically referred to in the practice, are somehow magically working to...

This Healthy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas is a lighter, nutritious twist on the classic. Crispy roasted chickpeas and crunchy panko breadcrumbs bring texture to the fresh kale, while a creamy Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing adds rich flavor. Topped with...

His energy is infectious, his drive relentless, and his commitment to helping kids undeniable. That’s Chad Macy, owner and founder of Eyes Up, a group training program for kids called Movement. When we caught up on a rainy February afternoon, he had just completed the...

In Cornelius, there's a little gem that is a go-to spot for health enthusiasts and those seeking a boost into their wellness journey. Step into Lake Norman Nutrition Club, a cozy, welcoming space where people come together to feel better, look better, and achieve...

Now open in Cornelius, Cocotte Bakery brings an authentic taste of France to Lake Norman. This delightful French patisserie has quickly become a treasured local gem, offering residents and visitors alike a true European bakery experience without leaving the...

Have you ever heard of a boutique being inside a former bank, with dressing rooms being where the old vault was? This is Nina’s Boutique - a place you will want to checkout in downtown Cornelius! The boutique offers trendy multigenerational styles and fun accessories....

Our Up-To-Date Guide for Lake Norman Events and ActivitiesSpecial thanks to:FEATURED EVENT!Do you know of some upcoming events I should highlight? Contact Me and I'll share them here!About the Author: Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast,...

Tucked away in the charming town of Troutman, North Carolina, Bottles and Taps offers a delightful refuge for craft beer and wine enthusiasts. This cozy bar boasts an impressive, rotating selection of local and regional brews on tap, alongside a curated wine list that...

If your marketing strategy is all about conversions, you might be leaving a huge chunk of potential customers untapped. While direct response ads (like lead gen or sales-focused campaigns geared towards the bottom of the funnel) are great for capturing demand, they...

Can you believe Valentine’s Day is almost here? Same! This year is already flying by, and with busy days ahead, staying fueled is a must. If you’re looking for a sweet, nourishing snack that’s easy to make (and even easier to love), these no-bake Valentine’s Day...

As we enter the month of love—February—it’s a great time to begin practicing self-love. Self-love is an incredibly important practice. But what is it, why should we practice it, and how, exactly, do we do it? What is self-love? Self-love is the practice of caring for...

Surrounded by the inviting aromas of her hand-poured candles, Laura Messer, founder and owner of Davidson Candle Company, embodies entrepreneurial determination and vision. After moving with her family to Davidson, NC, from California in 2021, she fell in love with...

On Thursday, January 30th, I joined the team at Blumengärten in Cornelius to raise funds for Piedmont Animal Rescue. The floral design classes at Blumengärten are always a big hit. Last year, we partnered in a floral design class to bring flowers to the patients and...

I knew Devika was a creative force from the very first conversation we had. Our talks always lead somewhere unexpected and to my delight, we would delve into textiles, artistry and life. Devika is the owner and founder of Peaceware, a Davidson, North Carolina-based...

Flow Head Spa had their grand opening and it was as splendid as the services they have to offer. Nestled at Shops on the Green in Cornelius, you are able to escape and immerse in relaxation and luxury.What is a head spa?A luxurious and therapeutic experience that...

Social media is a powerful tool for businesses, but here’s the hard truth: You don’t own your followers. That means your carefully cultivated audience can disappear in an instant if the platform changes its rules, pivots, or vanishes entirely. (I’m looking at you,...

The Hot Spot Studios in Mooresville, NC, is a haven for creativity and fun for people of all ages. With a wide variety of art-based activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to unleash your inner artist, spend quality time with...

MINE by sandy, an upscale boutique in Davidson, NC, has been a go-to destination for stylish, unique finds since 2008. With two locations, including one on Main Street, Sandy has created spaces for the community to shop locally. Her vision was inspired by a desire to...

We're so proud to announce our brand partners for 2025! Thanks to these local businesses for supporting our efforts each week to elevate the local small business community. Click through to their websites to learn more about them, or (even better) listen to their...

Airlie Baby children's boutique for babies + toddlers that just got an upgrade with a bigger space at Birkdale Village, located in Huntersville, NC. Next time you take a stroll around Birkdale you will HAVE to stop in and check it out. You may have seen it at the...

There’s something magical about the moment you first open the green door to The Bungalow Market in downtown Davidson. The soft chime of the bell welcomes you, and the subtle, inviting scent that feels like a cherished memory sets the tone. As you step inside, the...

I get it — creating content, especially when you have more important things to focus on, like running a business, can feel like a never-ending task. The thought of constantly coming up with fresh ideas might make you want to abandon ship completely. But guess what?...

New Year. It makes us want to begin again. To start over. We resolve to be better. We may even make resolutions, swearing off what we consider to be “bad” habits, and embracing new, healthier choices. While wanting to make healthier lifestyle choices is noble and...

If you're looking for a place to eat in Huntersville, you've come to the right place. This article lists the top 20 most popular restaurants in Huntersville, North Carolina.  This ranking is based on the number of Google Reviews each restaurant has received as of...

Cornelius, North Carolina, is a town on the shores of Lake Norman, just 19 miles North of Charlotte. Founded in 1893, Cornelius is a historic town and one of Charlotte’s most popular suburbs. While her neighbor to the North, Davidson, seems to get most of the love and...

Rio 150 is the home of the biggest margarita on Lake Norman, and it’s the hot spot in Downtown Mooresville for Mexican cuisine! A friend and I recently dined in, and they gave us the royal treatment from their menu! With two locations in Mooresville, it’s a must...

Serving the Lake Norman area since 2018, the Bavarian Kitchen is like stepping into the German countryside. Owner Fiona grew up cooking with her grandmother in Germany and you can feel the love and attention to detail as soon as you walk in.  Everything feels...

Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further than Sweet Grass, a gem right in Mooresville, NC! Our go-to destination for thoughtful and unique gifts, ALL things home, and everyone’s favorite shop to buy Lake Norman keepsakes.   Since opening its doors in 2007, Sweet...

If you’re looking for a boutique that caters to both men and women with modern and classic styles, Remedy Boutique is a must-visit. Located in the Jetton Village Shoppes in Cornelius, NC, this boutique combines a welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful collection of...

Each month, I bring together some of the best and brightest professionals in the Lake Norman area for a special networking mixer. Our most recent coffee social took place on Thursday, December 12th at Blumengarten in Cornelius! I took this opportunity to reconnect...

It’s always a joy to catch up with Andrea Gaines Sharp founder of Good Gaines, a group personal training fitness company based in Huntersville, NC. Located inside the RIP City Baseball facility on Parr Drive, off Sam Furr Road. Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science in...

As a business owner, of course you want to see sales rolling in. So, when it comes to marketing, it’s no surprise that you might be tempted to jump straight into creating catchy ad campaigns or brainstorming clever taglines. But before you do any of that, there’s one...

As downtown Statesville is growing, The Mercantile On Broad is more than happy to be a part of this wonderful community. Surrounded by new and old businesses, Broad street is the perfect location for a boutique shop like this. They mostly specialize in merchandise...

Christmas in Davidson returns December 5th-7th! It began 36-years ago with a simple idea: keeping stores open later during the holiday season to meet shoppers' needs. Irene Blackwell, a town committee member, and founder of The Village Store, saw a chance to help her...

Boutiques like Lemonade Boutique don’t appear every day—especially ones with such a focused mission and distinctive approach. Lemonade Boutique proudly blends a love of fashion with a forward-thinking spirit, positioning itself as a haven for style-savvy women and...

In the charming town of Davidson, North Carolina, Dwell Home Supply offers more than just homeware—it delivers a philosophy of intentional living. This thoughtfully curated boutique emphasizes the beauty in everyday objects, blending function with elegance through...

Fisher Fest returns to Davidson, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, families, and community members for a day of fun and adventure at the beloved Fisher Farm. Organized by the Tarheel Trailblazers, this event promises an exciting mix of activities, live music, and...

If you're in Mooresville or around the Lake Norman (LKN) area and are on the hunt for an exceptional cup of coffee, Bean Catcher coffee truck should be at the top of your list. I caught up with this beloved mobile coffee shop at Downtown Mooresville, right in front of...

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Melissa Vandiver, the owner of Cotswold Marketplace, and her team. If you’re looking for a new spot to shop for home decor and interior design, Cotswold Marketplace is a must-visit!A One-Stop Destination for Custom Furniture,...

Copyright 2024 Jon Beyerle ImagesA FREE Landscape Photography Meetup with Jon Beyerle ImagesWant to level-up your photography skills? Join The Best of LKN and Jon Beyerle Images for an in-person landscape photography tutorial on Lake Norman!When:Sunday, October 20th @...

Offering fresh, chef driven, healthy meals, Benevolent Bistro is a European inspired food truck with a delicious menu. I was able to experience a recent tasting with the owners and was blown away with the entrees. Benevolent Bistro is an environmentally friendly truck...

Each month, I bring together some of the best and brightest professionals in the Lake Norman area for a special networking mixer. Our most recent coffee social took place on Wednesday, October 9th at Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club - one of my favorite venues! I took...

Foxcroft Wine Co. at Birkdale Village is a local wine bar, bottle shop and scratch kitchen restaurant!  With 3 other locations Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greenville, this is the first LKN location! They were founded in 2004 with the intent to combine a retail wine shop...

Sabores Bakery in Cornelius is the most beautiful vintage food trailer serving up fresh bakery items such as sweet rolls, cachitos, baguettes, and cinnamon rolls.  The bakery launched in May and was founded by mom-and-daughter duo Zulenka Bueno and Daniele Amaral. ...

From Carrigan Farms, reposted here with permission.Pumpkin Picking at Carrigan Farms begins September 21st and will last through October 31stMOORESVILLE, NC, September 18th – As Autumn approaches, Carrigan Farms, a North Carolina Century Farm, invites families to...

From Birkdale Village, reposted here with permission.Airlie Baby moving and expanding, two new businesses openingHuntersville, N.C. (September 10, 2024) – Less than two years ago, mother-daughter duo Robin Galloway and Samantha Stevens opened Airlie Baby in one of the...

Joel’s Asian Grille in Mooresville was established in 2001, and has been serving up delicious sushi, noodles, curry, hibachi, and filipino dishes ever since! They have the freshest ingredients and the menu is extensive including options for vegan, vegetarian and...

The original owners of Joe Fish Casual Seafood in Mooresville brought over 40 years of food and beverage experience when opening the restaurant. Their vision was to bring "a little bit of New England" to North Carolina. In 2018, the original owners retired, but the...

Get a FREE Market Analysis & Broker Pricing Opinion for Your Home: Connect with my Preferred Lake Norman Real Estate Agents!Welcome to a guide on how to sell your home without a real estate agent. In the current real estate landscape around Lake Norman, NC, many...

On August 1st, 2024, twenty thoughtful and conscientious local Lake Norman professionals from various fields came together for a good cause. Together with Blumengärten Florist (ranked #1 out of the 5 Best Cornelius NC Florists) and John Hassell (NC Farm Bureau...

What is a Vacant Property Staging?A Vacant Property Staging is provided for houses that are empty.  This service usually starts with a pro-Stager conducting a preview (via photos sent to them or in person), and a quote is provided for Staging certain rooms in the...

It took me long enough, but I finally visited GOAT Pizza in Cornelius. The highly-anticipated sports-themed restaurant opened back in April. This is the latest addition to the Lake Norman culinary scene by Chef David Burke. I posted a review about his other local...

Get more articles like this delivered every Friday morning -Sign up for Lake Norman's #1 Email Newsletter!From Foxcroft Wine Co. - June 25th (republished here with permission): Huntersville native and restaurateur, Conrad Hunter, announces the opening of Foxcroft Wine...

Mazeppa Park is a hidden gem in Mooresville, North Carolina. The park consists of 166 acres that's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you're a sports fanatic, a mountain biking aficionado, or a parent looking for the perfect playground, Mazeppa...

Summer Camps and Clinics for Athletes at The Carolina FactoryThe Carolina Factory is Lake Norman's premier athletic performance facility. They're dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential. Here are details about upcoming camps & clinics this...

When it comes to planning your dream wedding, Lake Norman and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of reasons why they could be the perfect choice for your special day. For starters, the stunning natural beauty of Lake Norman provides a breathtaking backdrop for...

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,...

Join Accent Prone for their Grand Opening in Huntersville!Accent Prone is a small business retailer of furniture and home accents. We take pride in our unique collections of furniture and home decor that are specially curated and sourced by interior designers Justin...

The Official Press Release for G.O.A.T. Pizza in Cornelius:*Reposted with permission. Cornelius, N.C. (April 22, 2024)– G.O.A.T. Pizza, the highly anticipated sports-themed restaurant developed by internationally celebrated chef David Burke, announces the unveiling of...

Proof Men’s Grooming is a styling studio located in Huntersville, North Carolina. Brittany Bukauskas is the owner and stylist, and she brings decades of experience to her boutique business. Brittany opened Proof Men’s Grooming in 2023 with one vision in mind: a...

Hunter House is a unique fine dining destination in Huntersville, North Carolina. The home, built in 1913, was home to Helen Hunter Ranson and her family. Today, Ellen Loncz owns Hunter House and has transformed the estate into one of the Lake Norman area’s premier...

New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar in Cornelius, NC is home to a few of my favorite lunch specials in the Lake Norman area. I've heard so many great things about this place, I just had to try it out. Within two weeks I had tried each one of their lunch specials....

Lake Norman Small Business & Professional Networking EventsHere you'll find upcoming seminars, lunch & learns, webinars, and happy hour socials around Lake Norman, NC. Presented in partnership with: John Hassell - NC Farm Bureau Insurance of N. Mecklenburg...

02/28/2024 - The official Fin & Fino press release from Birkdale Village:Huntersville, NC – Rare Roots Hospitality opened its second Fin & Fino location on Wednesday, February 28! The "social seafood house" menu consists of small plates including fresh...

“Sittin' in the mornin' sun I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes Watching the ships roll in Then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah”Photo credits: Instagram @northharborclubNorth Harbor Club Reopens Friday, March 1st!Welcome to North Harbor Club in DavidsonNorth...

Taco lovers rejoice: bartaco is open at Birkdale Village!02/21/2024 - The official bartaco press release from Birkdale Village:Huntersville, NC – Opening tonight for dinner service, we're thrilled to welcome bartaco to Birkdale Village. Known for its coastal vibe in a...

Six Work Coworking in Cornelius, NCLake Norman has a new coworking space! Six Work is a premium coworking brand and has officially opened their doors in Cornelius. How excited am I about this? Well, I signed up to be one of their first members! Join me and a few of...

The Charlotte NC real estate market is hot! Last year, Zillow ranked the Charlotte Metro area as the 5th best real estate market in the U.S. The Lake Norman market is especially booming. Lake Norman is home to several of the most desirable neighborhoods in the...