Davidson is a small town on Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County of North Carolina. The estimated population was 12,452 in 2016. The town was founded in 1837 with the Presbyterian Davidson College being established. Davidson College was named for Brigadier General William Lee Davidson, a local Revolutionary War hero. The town’s growth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was typical of small railroad towns throughout the Piedmont. However, the college helped to create a unique village filled with inspired architecture. Because of the school’s influence it led to commerce and culture throughout the entire town.
Today, Davidson has grown in part due to the vast development of Charlotte. Local businesses, with specialty shops, restaurants and the College has made the town an intellectual and cultural center. Additionally, the town received National Register Historic District status in 2009.
Things to do
Davidson College has something going on for everyone. Whether it’s sports, theater or music performances, or the art gallery, there is always something to do. Summer Concerts
on the Green is a popular place to relax and enjoy the music. Also, the Town of Davidson was named a bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists (2010-2014). Davidson’s Kincaid Trail is approximately three-miles and is connected as part of the Carolina Thread Trail system. This trail reaches 15 counties. So, have a great time exploring nature, culture, and history.
Another fun and educational activity is the Davidson Historical Walking Tour. You may begin at any point and takes approximately one hour. Furthermore, The Davidson Historical Society has placed stone markers with fun facts guiding you on your tour.
Additionally, from May-October the Farmer’s Market is a highlight for locals and restaurant owners. Offering fresh, local produce from veggies to meats, cheese and soaps the market offers locally produced, seasonal produce and organic methods when possible.
Parks and Recreation
Roosevelt Wilson Park features a playground, picnic area, boardwalks, paved walking trails, and public restrooms. So, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.
Mary Beatty Tot Lot (Summit Tot Lot) is located directly behind Summit Coffee. The park offers shaded benches and a playground for children.
For the dog lover, The Preserve Dog Park is reserved for dogs with current Davidson dog tags. Also, a fully enclosed area that features a hiking trail.
Marinas
North Harbor Marina in Davidson just off I-77, exit 30 is easily accessible by vehicle or boat. The marina contains 124 boat slips ranging from 20’ to 54’. Also, North Harbor has a restaurant and bar with reserved slips for patrons visiting by boat.
South Harbor Marina is convenient to residents of Davidson Landing. The harbor contains 72 boat slips ranging from 20’ to 54’ in length.
Golf Communities
River Run Country Club in Davidson has well-manicured yards of Bermuda fairways. A year round course for both novices and professionals to enjoy. Incidentally, its’ 18-hole championship golf course has been home to some of the highest-quality tournaments in the southeast. Then, there is The Peninsula Club in Cornelius, and Birkdale Golf Club. For more information click on the link: https://www.lakerealty.com/b/lake-norman-golf-course-communities
Schools
Elementary schools include Davidson Elementary. Davidson does not have a middle or high school. So, students go to Cornelius for public education. However, there are several private schools in Davidson, such as Davidson Day School, Woodlawn School, and Lake Norman Christian School.
Restaurants
From Main Street to looking out over Lake Norman, Davidson has several quaint, locally owned restaurants. Such as, The Egg at Davidson to The Soda Shop for breakfast or lunch. For an evening out, The North Harbor Club and Brick House Tavern, are great places to gather with friends and family. Or, if you are looking a place to take that special someone, Kindred is the place. However, the menu changes daily. Finally, a new bakery has landed on Main Street in Davidson for 2019 with plenty of sweet treats. Gateau on Main, offering fresh on site pastries, making their own croissants, tarts and macaroons. Great any time, day or evening.
Shopping
The Village Shop in Davidson is a unique shopping experience. Providing great gift ideas and unusual items for the entire family.
For the book lover, Main Street Books is stocked full of great finds. If they don’t have it in stock they can get it. Moreover, the building itself is over a 100 years old. Where canned and dry goods use to be shelved now is filled with novels, biographies, picture books, and more.
Several other quaint shops such as Monkee’s of Lake Norman, and Wooden Stone are also great fun shops to check out.
Finally, check out Birkdale Village in Huntersville. Birkdale offers a movie theater, restaurants and national and local stores all in a main street setting.
Supermarkets
Harris Teeter and other grocery chains are nearby. Also, Fresh Market and Aldi’s are a few miles from Davidson, offering organic, local produce, and fresh meats.
Medical Facilities
Carolinas Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare organizations in the Southeast. Davidson Clinic is one of 900 locations providing the best medical care for your entire family. Services include, but are not limited to Newborn care, Immunizations, Sports injuries, Gynecology, and minor surgery. Also, Davidson provides urgent care, minute clinic, holistic care, and counseling services as well for all your healthcare needs.
Veterinarians
The Veterinary Hospital of Davidson is a full-service small animal hospital. They integrate conventional medicine, surgery, and dentistry with natural treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.
Total Bond Veterinary Hospital believes in the importance of bonding with pets. In business for 30 years they provide the best care possible for our pets. And, they even provide traditional chinese veterinary medicine. Some of their treatment methods include acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and food therapy.
Moving and Storage Companies
Smooth Moving Solutions in Cornelius is a fully licensed and insured moving company. With over eight years experience. They specialize in emergency renovation furniture moves, as well as standard residential moves.
Two Strong Dudes Moving Company was started in 2005. They provide full-service moving, labor moving and residential moving.
Davidson Min-Storage, located off I-77, exit 30. The min-storage development contains 432 individual units varying sizes and open parking spaces for lease.
Local News Sources: https://lakenorman.com/lake_norman_news/
For Real Estate in Davidson NC visit Lake Realty.