Small Business Saturday is November 25th! In this article, I’m going to recommend 25 Lake Norman small businesses you should visit this holiday season!
Small Business Saturday is a special day for small business owners nationwide. It’s a day when communities rally together to support small businesses by getting their holiday shopping done locally.
Here’s a list of 25 local Lake Norman small businesses I think you should check out this year.
Let’s go!
1. Table & Board
Table & Board is Lake Norman’s premier source for custom charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and light catering. Owners Julie & Mary Lou started this beautiful small business in the Fall of 2021. The concept was born from their passion for food, design, and entertainment.
The team opened their brick-and-mortar location in 2022 in the Icehouse building in historic downtown Davidson. If you’re planning a holiday party this year, make sure Table & Board is part of your party plan!
Table & Board
Address: 416 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Meet the owners of Table & Board in episode 175 of the podcast!
2. Knotty and Board Interiors
Owners Kim Hankins and Michael Fournier opened Knotty and Board just a few years ago with a mission to bring high-quality and unique home furnishings and decor to Davidson that wouldn’t break the bank.
Their new location near downtown Davidson just opened in the Fall of 2022, and it’s breathtaking. Stop by to shop or just relax.
Knotty and Board
Address: 20700 N Main St #104, Cornelius, NC 28031
3. Side Bar Bottle Company
From the founder of the wildly popular Side Bar Trailer Company comes Davidson’s hottest new space for wine and relaxing. Brittni Hagerman opened Side Bar Bottle Company in downtown Davidson in the Summer of 2022, and the community welcomed her concept with open arms.
Located right above one of downtown Davidson’s most popular restaurants, Side Bar Bottle Company is an exquisitely appointed and super comfy space for relaxing before or after dinner. The team curates fine (but approachable) wines from boutique vineyards throughout the country.
In addition, they proudly offer craft beer on tap and in cans from the best breweries in the Charlotte area.
Pro tip: This is the perfect spot to host your holiday party!
Side Bar Bottle Company
Address: 208 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
Meet Brittni, the owner of Side Bar Bottle Co. in episode 138 of the podcast!
4. MINE by sandy
A conversation about the best local small businesses in Davidson wouldn’t be complete without mentioning MINE by sandy. MINE is a women’s fashion boutique with two shops in Davidson – one on Jetton Street by the roundabouts, and another small shop in downtown Davidson.
MINE by sandy
Address: 605 Jetton St, Davidson, NC 28036
Meet Sandy in episode 58 of the podcast!
5. Mascara Bros. Coffee Co.
Inspired by a family photo from 60 years ago, the Mascara brothers came together to fulfill a lifelong dream of forming a business together. Mascara Bros Coffee Co. is a local coffee roaster that guarantees the freshest cup of coffee you’ve ever had!
Their subscription model makes ordering coffee a breeze. Customers can also place orders for one bag of fresh-roasted coffee at a time. When it comes to shopping for the coffee lovers in your life, I highly recommend Mascara Bros. Coffee Company!
Meet one of the founders, Tim Mascara, in episode 161 of the podcast!
6. REFRESH Medical Spa & Wellness
Give the gift of beauty, wellness, and relaxation this year with REFRESH Medical Spa & Wellness. Owner Josette Giuffrida and the team have decades of experience in the medical field and are ready to help you select a custom gift card for someone special.
REFRESH Medical Spa & Wellness
Address: 18067 W Catawba Ave Suite 106, Cornelius, NC 28031
7. Barrel & Fork
The gift of fine dining is always a good choice. When it comes to fine dining in the Lake Norman area, Barrel & Fork is one of my favorite places.
Owners Jason Tuton and Sarah Conrad have developed one of the area’s most successful fine dining concepts.
Barrel & Fork is also home to one of the best whiskey bars in the area. We love the exquisite cuisine, craft cocktails, and speakeasy vibe.
Barrel & Fork
Address: 20517 N Main St, Cornelius, NC 28031
8. Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman
Possibly the coolest gift ever, an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman will make this a holiday season to remember! Owners Grace and Tom Kennedy are ready to assist you in selecting the right bike for that someone special.
You can even test-ride the bikes!
Not ready to drop $2k on a Christmas gift? No problem, try a gift card for an electric bike rental. Now that might be the most creative gift idea this year!
Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman
Address: 19911 Zion Ave d3, Cornelius, NC 28031
9. Blumengärten Florist
Brighten someone’s year with a gift from Blumengarten Florist – Lake Norman’s BEST floral design studio. Owner Denise Uhlhorn produces the dreamiest floral arrangements for any occasion.
Gift cards are nice, but also consider having an arrangement custom-made for someone special or a beautiful table centerpiece.
Blumengärten
Address: 10308 Bailey Rd #412, Cornelius, NC 28031
Meet Denise in episode 7 of the podcast!
10. Postmarked
Postmarked is a perfect example of how sometimes you can’t judge a book by its cover. Postmarked in Cornelius not only offers packing, shipping, mailbox, and printing services (and much more), but is also an amazing gift shop!
Owner Ayden Daubigne has curated some of the loveliest and most unique gifts in the Lake Norman region. What’s more: Postmarked might also be Lake Norman’s headquarters for the best greeting cards!
Pro tip: Gifting wine this year? Postmarked can ship it!
Postmarked
Address: 20619 Torrence Chapel Rd Suite 116, Cornelius, NC 28031
Meet Ayden in episode 185 of the podcast!
11. Clean Eatz Cafe
This is another one of my favorite Lake Norman small businesses! Every new year we resolve to exercise more and eat healthier. Clean Eatz Cafe makes that second part easy by taking care of the meal planning and preparation for you.
A gift card to Clean Eatz will help someone you love with that new year’s resolution to eat healthier. Meal prep, snacks, supplements, smoothies, and cooked-to-order cafe meals – Clean Eatz has you covered!
Clean Eatz Cafe – Cornelius
Address: 17111 Kenton Dr unit 101B, Cornelius, NC 28031
Meet the owner of Clean Eatz Lake Norman in episode 33 of the podcast!
12. The Nodamic Jeweler
Sydney Miller launched her jewelry business to fill a need she found in the market. An avid traveler, Sydney struggled to find pieces that fit her perfectly when visiting new places. Not to mention, any pieces she did find were often lost during her travels.
The answer: permanent jewelry! The Nomadic Jeweler crafts minimalist pieces that fit perfectly and are totally stackable. You can find The Nomadic Jeweler at local pop-up locations, including Birkdale Village.
Coming soon to the podcast!
13. Fleet Feet Birkdale Village
I do love a local running store. As far as I know, Fleet Feet in Birkdale Village is Huntersville’s only independently owned running store. They carry all the premium running brands, shoes, apparel, gear, and hydration. Do you have a runner on your list? A gift from Fleet Feet will make them happy!
Fleet Feet Birkdale Village
Address: 16620 Cranyln Rd #100, Huntersville, NC 28078
14. Luhrs Wicked Wicks
We love supporting mission-driven local small businesses here at The Best of LKN, and Luhrs Wicked Wicks is one such business. Luhrs Wicked Wicks is a craft candle maker based in Huntersville that donates a portion of its proceeds to the Autism Strong Foundation. You can find their candles at local boutiques like Davidson Provision Company, or order directly from their website.
Shop online at Luhrs Wicked Wicks
15. Main Street Craft Coffee & Coworking
This isn’t just another coffee shop. Main Street Craft Coffee & Coworking is part of the revitalization efforts in downtown Huntersville and is home to one of my favorite local coworking spaces. Give the gift of coffee and coworking this year to someone who needs to work from home less often.
Main Street Craft Coffee & Coworking
Address: 104 Main St #A, Huntersville, NC 28078
Meet the owner of Main Street Craft Coffee in episode 11 of the podcast!
16. Birkdale Village
So many Lake Norman small businesses in one place! Birkdale Village is the Lake Norman area’s premier shopping destination and is home to dozens of beautiful, locally-owned independent businesses. Plan to spend a few hours here as there is so much to take in. Valet park, buy a beverage or two, and enjoy a shopping experience like none other.
Birkdale Village
Address: 8712 Lindholm Dr #202, Huntersville, NC 28078
Hear the story behind the new Birkdale Village in episode 131 of the podcast!
17. Juelerye | Fine Gifts & Art
In the heart of downtown Mooresville, and right next to Epic Chophouse, you’ll find Juelerye Fine Gifts & Art. Owner Jacqueline Bassett has curated works by some of her favorite artists and offers a gallery-like shopping experience for her guests. There’s something here for nearly everyone, and a gift purchased here is certain to be unique.
Juelerye | Fine Gifts & Art
Address: 112 S Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
18. The Mill Cyclery
Santa is known to deliver bicycles from time to time, and this year I think he should be shopping at The Mill Cyclery. Owners Lou and Laura Gregori have made a lifelong dream a reality in 2022 with the opening of their bike shop.
Located at Merino Mill near downtown Mooresville, The Mill Cyclery is one of the newest Lake Norman small businesses. The team caters to all cyclists with bike sales, accessories, parts, and service.
The Mill Cyclery
Address: 500 S Main St Suite 104, Mooresville, NC 28115
19. Charlotte Running Company Lake Norman
By now, you know I love shopping at a local, independently-owned running shop. Charlotte Running Company has all the gear you need to get started or to PR your next marathon.
CRC Lake Norman was featured on the podcast and in one of our YouTube videos! Another one of my favorite Lake Norman small businesses.
Charlotte Running Company – Lake Norman
Address: 146 Mooresville Commons Way Suite I, Mooresville, NC 28117
20. Race City Flight Operations
Near the top of the list for the coolest gifts ever, a gift certificate for a discovery flight at Race City Flight Operations will be a winner every time. From kids to adults, Race City Flight Operations will give the aviation fanatic on your list a huge smile as they view the Lake Norman sights from the air. The flight instructor might even hand over the controls for a bit!
Race City Flight Operations
Address: 149 Yeager Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
21. The Rumor Mill Market
Scot & Janie Sluserick have endured some major ups and downs over the years with their beautiful furniture & home decor gallery in Davidson. This is a place we love to visit!
The team offers personalized attention to every guest who walks through their doors. The Rumor Mill Market is another one of those retailers where you’re certain to find a unique gift, whether it’s home decor or a piece of furniture.
Visit The Rumor Mill this season and see for yourself why locals call this their happy place!
The Rumor Mill Market
Address: 217 Depot St, Davidson, NC 28036
Meet Scot & Janie in episode 156 of the podcast!
22. King Canary Brewing Co.
I always like to include a brewery in the Small Business Saturday article. This year, I selected King Canary Brewing Co. in Mooresville.
King Canary is one of those local craft breweries that just checks a lot of boxes: excellent beer, a comfy & unique taproom, a great location, and a great team that loves their community.
If a keg is on your to-do list for the holidays, consider ordering from King Canary Brewing Co. Of course, everyone loves a 4-pack, too.
King Canary Brewing Co.
Address: 562 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
Meet the owner of King Canary Brewing Co. in episode 122 of the podcast!
23. Crazy Cool Collectibles
This year’s award for the “Most Unique Place to Shop for Small Business Saturday” has to go to Crazy Cool Collectibles in Mooresville.
Owner Brad Kalmikoff brought a lifetime of love for toys, games, and collectibles to this amazing little corner of downtown Mooresville. You’ll find items for sale here that you literally won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Pro tip: if you have a fan of 80s or 90s pop nostalgia and pop culture on your list this year, Crazy Cool Collectibles is a must-visit!
Crazy Cool Collectibles
Address: 348 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Meet the owner of Crazy Cool Collectibles in episode 171 of the podcast!
24. Learning to Earn with Romanza Madge, by Cristina Grossu
What could be more “Small Business Saturday” than a children’s book by a local Lake Norman author? Cristina Grossu wrote Learning to Earn with Romanza Madge when inspiration struck to create an empowering children’s story. Learning to Earn follows Romanza Madge as she learns valuable life lessons about money and self-reliance.
A great gift with meaningful lessons, written by a local author. This is another must-add to your holiday shopping list!
You can find Learning to Earn with Romanza Madge by Cristina Grossu locally at Postmarked in Cornelius, and on the book’s website!
Meet Cristina on our YouTube channel and in episode 184 of the podcast!
25. LKN Local
Give a gift that celebrates your love for Lake Norman this year! LKN Local is the area’s premier maker of high-quality custom tees, hoodies, and accessories.
Founders Larisa and Anne opened LKN Local just a few years ago to fill a need they saw in our local market. We needed beautiful Lake-Norman-branded apparel, and they have delivered!
Based in Mooresville, LKN Local is the quintessential local small business.
Meet Anne and Larisa in episode 121 of the podcast!
There are hundreds of local small businesses that we all know and love. This list is just a good place to start. Get out there and shop small this holiday season!
Looking for more? Download a free copy of my 2024 Lake Norman Visitors Guide featuring 100’s of local businesses!
About the Author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN, an online platform that highlights the best businesses, places to go, and things to do around Lake Norman, North Carolina.
He’s also the founder of Epic Journey Media, a marketing agency that specializes in serving local businesses.
And… a Real Estate Agent affiliated with Keller Williams Realty Lake Norman.
When he isn’t editing podcasts, building websites, or writing blog articles & email newsletters, you can most likely find him taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.