Denver, North Carolina is located in Lincoln County on Highway 16 on the west shore of Lake Norman on the Catawba River. It is about 25 miles north of uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the largest city in the state. Denver has a population of approximately 13,000.
The Denver area was settled in 1770. Because of its location adjacent to a swampy area was originally known as “Dry Pond”. However, in 1873, “Dry Pond” was renamed “Denver” after a local school principal, D. Matt Thompson. The people of “Dry Pond” were trying to persuade the railroad industry to route through the area. Therefore, they worried that the name “Dry Pond” made the area sound unattractive. The school principal was asked to choose a new name that would make the area more appealing. Since Colorado was becoming a state and booming at that time Mr. Thompson suggested renaming the area Denver.
The west side of Lake Norman, where Denver is located, has typically been a relaxed and laid-back area. With easy access to Charlotte and Hickory via Highway 16, development has quickly hastened to bring homes and businesses in the area over the last several years. And, still, today development projects are underway. It is becoming one of the fastest growing areas on Lake Norman.
Things to do in Denver
While the Lake has many things to offer, Denver and Lincoln County have other fun-filled activities. From spring to fall you can find festivals from Strawberries in May to Apples in September. There is also a day filled with music, games, and fireworks the weekend before July 4th at East Lincoln High School. On a more spiritual note, each year, in August, the Rock Springs Campground hosts its annual Camp Meeting which began in 1794. Still, to this day, the camp meeting lasts two weeks and draws many Denver natives and locals for inspiration and fellowship. In September, take the family to Denver Days for carnival rides, games, food, and music. Looking for fresh, locally grown produce then attend the farmer’s market held every Saturday from mid-April through September. So, whatever your preference, there is always something exciting going on in Denver.
Parks and Recreation
There are many parks surrounding Lake Norman. For instance, one of those is Beatty’s Ford Park. Offering a picnic shelter, splash park, playground, beach volleyball, and disc golf, just to name a few activities. If you would rather have a quiet place to hike and enjoy nature, then Rock Springs Nature Preserve is a great place. Or, for other outdoor fun and areas of interests check out Blythe Landing, Jetton Park, and Latta Plantation, a few miles from Denver.
If golf is your thing, you can pick from any of these 18-hole golf courses:
Cowan’s Ford Golf Club
Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club
Westport Golf Club
Not only are these golf courses, but they are great places to call home.
Some people like the indoors, if you are one, then check out Denver Defense. They offer a full-service indoor firearms range and gun store, plus gun safety instruction as well as private lessons.
If these adventures aren’t enough then hop in your car and drive to uptown Charlotte for great food and entertainment.
The sky is the limit for adventure, fun, and relaxation on Lake Norman.
Schools
Before making that final commitment, it is important to know what school your children will be attending. According to GreatSchools.org, Rock Springs Elementary has a rating of 10, while St. James an 8 and Catawba Springs Elementary a 7. All three schools make a great choice depending on your location. Furthermore, the middle school is located in Iron Station and the High School is East Lincoln High in Denver, “Home of the Mustangs”. The “mustangs” offer some of the best fine arts programs such as art, drama, and marching band in the county as well as some top sports programs in the county and state. If public school is not what you are looking for, there are also private and charter schools in the Denver area such as Lincoln Charter and Denver Christian Academy both offering grades K-12.
Restaurants
One of the local favorites for a great breakfast is Denver’s locally owned West Lake. Great food and atmosphere is a great way to start your day. Barbeque is always good in North Carolina and Denver is no exception with Two Sons Barbeque beside Dunkin’ Donuts. Some other great eating choices are Mid-Town Sundries and Sports Page. Hang out with your family and friends and enjoy great wings while watching the game. For a fine dining experience check out Chillfire Bar & Grill. Fresh Chef, currently serving Cornelius and Mooresville has finally come to Denver. They offer a more healthy menu and a friendly atmosphere.
Shopping
For the shopper, Northlake Mall or Charlotte Premium Outlets is only 20 minutes away off Highway 485. Birkdale Village in Huntersville 15 minutes on 73 provides a complete one-stop shopping experience with a main street setting.
Medical Facilities
Lake Norman Medical Group health care professionals offer many services to keep you and your family healthy. Endocrinology, Family Medicine, General Surgery, and Neurology are all part of Lake Norman’s services.
Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians has several locations, one being in Denver. Services rendered here include Urgent Care, Pediatric Well visits, Women’s health, Minor surgery and Dermatology to name a few. Many other health care groups including Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Family Practitioners are located in the Denver area. If you need an Oncologist or Cancer Center then Cornelius, Lincolnton, and Mooresville can meet those medical needs.
Supermarkets
Harris Teeter is a supermarket chain based in Matthews, North Carolina. The chain operates over 245 stores, one right here in Denver, and in seven states. Publix is new to the Denver area. It is the largest and fastest growing employee-owned supermarket chain in the U.S.
Moving Companies
Cross Country Movers of Charlotte, NC provides full service moving from Charlotte, NC to anywhere in the U.S.. Call (704) 228-9329 or check out the website at crosscountrymovingcompany.net
Two Men and a Truck provide long distance and local full-service moving. Call for a quote: (704) 299-9981
Local News Source
www.lakenormanpublications.com/denver_citizen