The Spirit of the Season is all over Lake Norman

It is the Holiday Season around Lake Norman and it is only fitting that we look at those among us that are doing good in our communities and say thanks. Thank you for the Red Cross volunteers, for the police and public safety offices, thank you to the individuals that make personal contributions, thank you to those that stocked local food pantries, and thank you to those that helped local charities.

Yes, thank you for making this place we call LKN a better place.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

Merry Christmas Lake Norman - Gift Ideas for the LKN Homeowner

Merry Christmas to Everyone! Here are some gift ideas for your LKN neighbors.

Now, go finish your shopping and get ready for a few days of celebrating this great holiday with your family and friends.

Lake Norman Snow!

I know, it's been a while since my last post. I have a new job and done a ton of travel, so I've not taken the time to make a post. But there is lots going on around LKN. I will do a better job of posting about happenings around the Lake but now you know why I've not been around.

But talking about happenings around the Lake, we have snow! Yes, it arrived on December 18th, the Friday before Christmas, and we have the white stuff on the ground.

I hope you have a fantastic Holiday season and for my Christian friends, Merry Christmas!

McDowell Creek Greenway at Lake Norman

The McDowell Creek Greenway park officially opens Oct 10th here in LKN. Come join the fun or just take a walk!

New Winery on the West Shore of Lake Norman

If you are looking for some good local wine, look no farther than the West Shore of LKN. My wife's stepbrother just opened his new winery and retail store, Sweet Vine Winery. Not only will he be selling his own vintage wine but also other North Carolina wines. So, stop by and give his "killer apple Riesling" a try. All the best to you Ken!

Fly on the Liberty Belle!

This would be really cool. I hope to see you there!

Concord

Reserve seats on Liberty Belle, a restored World War II B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber, which will offer flights every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29-30 at Concord Regional Airport. Contact Scott Maher at 918-340-0243;

smaher@libertyfoundation.org.

Lake Norman on Wikipedia - Who Knew?

I've lived and worked around this part of the Carolinas for most of my life. Still, it is fun to type in a search and see what pops up. Today, I typed "Lake Norman" and found that we have a Wikipedia page. There isn't a lot here but since this is a consumer created and managed tool, it is good to know that LKN has made it to the web on this level. Now I suppose it is up to all of us to spread the word about our little slice of paradise.

Things to do in Mooresville this weekend

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, you may want to head up to Mooresville. Queens Landing has something for just about everyone. Have a look and then have some fun!

Living Here - Lake Norman

There is a little tabloid magazine published by the Charlotte Observer called Living Here. It is an annual publication and yes, it is ad supported. But in this year's edition, there are tons of great things to know about living around Lake Norman.

So, if you have just moved here or grew up in the area, there is something to learn about LKN in Living Here. Pick up your copy today!

Safety and State Law on Lake Norman

Folks, just because we've not heard about people getting hurt or killed this year doesn't mean that it still can't happen. Add to that, the laws about boating near a dedicated boat launch, and this is a piece that needs to be read.

State law mandates that you are not to create a wake within 150 feet of a dedicated boat launch, this includes private piers. Please adhere to the law and safe boating rules. They aren't written or enforced to kill your fun but to keep you from getting hurt of killing someone else.

Lake Norman BBQ

Now, I am not one to just stop off on the side of the road for a bite to eat but Saturdays around here are little hectic. Often, it is up early, get the chores done and if there is any time left over at the end of the day, we head out on the lake. So, when I was at the Sam Furr and Catawba Ave Cashion's a few weeks ago, there was Pop's Bar-B-Que set up in a catering trailer in the parking lot. It was really an accident that I decided to grab a sandwich. I was making a stop at Cashion's and needed to have some lunch. Boy, am I glad I was hungry.

Certainly, we North Carolinaians are BBQ snobs. Between the Eastern and Lexington style choices, everyone from NC claims to be some sort of connoisseur of the pork or beef variety and we ALL have an opinion! Well, Pop's makes it easy to choose, he has a bit of both and you can add to it as you see fit. The food is just down right good, not greasy and full of flavor not fat.

So, if you find yourself in the area of Birkdale and hankering for some que, head up the road to Cashion's and look for Pop's trailer out front (he usually set up the latter part of the week and weekend). You will not be sorry!

LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION

New Retail Coming to Huntersville

Either it is a sign that the economy is picking up or it has taken a really, really long time for the zoning in Huntersville to be finished. Regardless, it looks like there is new retail coming to the south west corner of Hwy 73 and Beatties Ford Road.

No matter which it is, looks like dirt may be moving in the area soon!

Swimming at Ramsey Creek

Many moons ago, people would come to Lake Norman and swim. I'm not talking about the landed gentry with water front homes. No, the masses who were landless and boat less. They too could come and frolic in the soothing waters of LKN. Alas, as the "open" space on the lake filled with homes and our county parks decided that swimming was too risky to allow, places where you could legally get your feet wet have been shrinking or simply non-existent.

However, the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation department is considering a change of heart and proposing to the County Commissioners that swimming be allowed back at Ramsey Creek Park (Cornelius). I think that is a great idea and considering how many families are looking for a chance to enjoy our precious jewel, as well as save a few bucks on a costly beach vacation, this is an idea whose time has come.

Bravo Parks and Rec! Now commissioners, get on board and do the right thing!

What to do in Davidson - Hurry!

There was such positive response to the post last week about what to do in Cornelius, I thought I would post a link to the Davidson Parks & Rec site.

Get out there and have some fun around Lake Norman!

What to do in Cornelius?

Are you looking for something to do on the south end of LKN? Look no further than the Cornelius Parks and Rec web site.

From movies to yoga, there is something here for everyone.

So get out there and do something!

Hickory Tavern Opens in Huntersville

We made the trip down Sam Furr Road/Hwy 73 the other week to try out the new Hickory Tavern, located in Huntersville next to Birkdale. Since we were there, they have opened outdoor seating but the inside venue is very nice. Just don't be surprised when you walk in because no matter what the name (Tavern?) this is all sports bar. I lost count of the TVs and the menu was not varied enough for my taste.

The food and service were good and I would certainly dine there again. But if you are looking for something a bit more upscale, you will want to drive down the road a bit more. Still, for a sports bar, this is a great place to be.

LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION

Movies on Lake Norman

Friday, July 10th, pull up in your car or better yet, your boat to the Duke Energy, McGuire Nuclear Station Energy Explorium on LKN. Movies at McGuire kicks off this Friday night!

Just a few weeks ago, we attended the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) concert at the Explorium and so we know movie night will be equally fun.

See you there!

Midway Marina on Lake Norman has a new lease on life!

The Lancaster family has taken over the old Midway Marina on LKN and if their other business ventures are an indicator of what we can expect at Midway, they will surely have a hit on their hands.

Boat rentals, gas docks, service, and oh yeah, FOOD, this place will have it all. Located on Hwy 150 in Terrell, this is the next place we are going to check out for a burger the next time we are out on the lake.

Charlotte Symphony at Energy Explorium on Lake Norman

The Charlotte Symphony will hold it's annual free concert at the McGuire Nuclear Station's Energy Explorium on Friday, June 19, 2009. The concert kicks off at 8:15 pm EDT. Bring a blanket and picnic or better yet, anchor your boat at the Explorium and enjoy the music from the water!

Come one, come all!

Wow, almost full pond on Lake Norman!

I know, I know, we're all a bit tired of the constant rain over the past few weeks but it is helping replenish the water table and if you live on Lake Norman, you can't complain about having a full lake to boat on.

To be precise, we were at 99.7 on Saturday and 99.5 on Sunday. That is just inches away from full pond. Of course the down side is that you have a lot of debris washing in from the shore, the islands have very little usable beach, and what beach you have is covered in trash that has wash up. Still, you can use the opportunity to go into coves that may not normally have enough water for your boat or you can enjoy a fair amount of swimming from the back of your boat.

No matter what, get out and enjoy LKN!

Inches Away from Full Pond on Lake Norman!

If we can muster up some sunny weather, we can have a blast on LKN! With all of the rain we've had this week, we are just inches away from full pond. 

That is pretty cool considering that in the past few years, we've had well below normal rainfall and thus a pretty shallow lake. 

So, I know the daily rain is getting old but just remember where we were literally a few months ago and be thankful for this rain. Summer will be here soon and the long, dry spells may well be in our future again. 

Coca-Cola 600 Rain Delayed Finish

David Reutimann gets his first Sprint Cup Win and the first win for Michael Waltrip Racing. In a race that was rain delayed from Sunday to Monday and then for another two hours after lap 227, Reutimann's Team had the winning strategy. At lap 221, pit road opened but Reutimann, who was in 14th place, stayed out under caution. By lap 227, the race was stopped and two hours later, officially called with Reutimann in the lead. 

No, this isn't the way he wanted to win nor is it the way the fans wanted to see it but let's face it, in this sport, weather and strategy go hand-in-hand. Ted Turner will be the first to tell you that weather played a major roll in several of his storied sailing victories but so did the strategy he employed. So, this isn't anything new. Yes, we would all have loved to see a full race but let's be honest, it is also nice to see someone come from behind with a smart play to take the prize. 

Congratulations David, MWR, and Toyota (their first non-Joe Gibbs win)!

Foodlion Speed Street

So, with Race Week in Charlotte, there are things you can enjoy, outside of Lowes Motor Speedway (although there are things to do there too). Once again, you can take it to the street, literally! 

Visiting the Food Lion Speed Street events in Uptown Charlotte is a great way to take in all things related to Race Week, even if you aren't going to the actual races. Check out these photos from last year. 

Race Week at Lowes Motor Speedway

The LKN region's kick-off for summer is arriving this weekend at Lowes Motor Speedway. Starting with the Sprint All-Star Race and ending with the Coca-Cola 600, this promises to be a fun week in area. 

You should prepare for a bit more traffic and a few more folks at your favorite eatery but thank everyone for leaving their travel and tourism dollars as they head back home. And of course, enjoy some racin!

Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival and Race on Lake Norman

I bet you won't see this every day on LKN, Dragon Boats racing!

The 10th Annual Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival will be held this coming weekend at Ramsey Creek Park. This will be a sight to see but most of all, it promises to be fun. Stop by and take in the excitement of a real Chinese Dragon Boat Race and learn a bit more about the diverse community we call Lake Norman too!

Fun on Lake Norman

While Memorial Day may be the official open of summer, someone forgot to tell the folks out on LKN this weekend. With 80+ degree weather, it is clear that the 2009 Lake Norman Boating season is here. 

Take a look at a few photos from this weekend on the lake!

Video from the FLW Bass Fishing Tour Take Off

Here is a short video clip of the FLW Bass Fishing Tour take off from Blythe Landing this morning.

 

Kicking off the Day the FLW Bass Tourament Way!

I've always loved early mornings and am always a bit surprised that I never became a fisherman. Oh, I live on the lake and have the required fishing gear but it really isn't my thing. But this morning, for the second day in a row, I ventured down to the shore and watched as the boats from the FLW Bass Fishing Tour left out of Blythe Landing on Lake Norman. 

It was so nice to sit by the lake, watch the sunrise, and see 100+ folks going out on LKN. Here are a few pictures of the take off from Blythe.

FLW Bass Tour on Lake Norman

I was able to watch the first day take off for the FLW Bass Fishing Tour on LKN this morning. The boats went out at 7:00 AM and it is always a sight to see. There must have been 60+ boats all heading out full throttle. 

Here is the story posted by the FLW League about the 1st day. Have fun watching the next few days!

Update on the Ducks

Well, there is really no update. A few days after I posted my photo, I checked and the duck and all of her eggs were gone. We have a fox on the island, so I am guessing that our duck and the eggs became a part of the circle of life. 

Sort of sad...

Lake Norman Levels on the Rise

Wow, we are really looking good on LKN. The weather was really good this past weekend and this coming weekend looks really equally promising, 80+ degrees! Add to that, we have lake levels that are on the rise. 

Welcome to the 2009 Boating season on Lake Norman! Please get out and enjoy the LKN. And as always, please be safe!

Mooresville Farmers Market at Morrison Plantation

I'm all for growing and consuming locally grown produce. Now, there is a new spot in the Lake Norman region to do just that. Meeting Street Homes & Communities has announced plans for a Farmers Market in the popular Mooresville development, Morrison Plantation. The market opens on Tuesday this week. 

LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION

Loch Norman Highland Games

The 16th Annual Loch Norman Highland Games & Rural Hill Scottish Festival kick off at Rural Hill Farm on Friday, April 17th. There is a lot to do for the entire family. There are traditional Scottish games, family tree information, and of course, food. 

The weekend weather looks to be promising too. So, tie or your kilt and head up to Huntersville for the Scottish treat of a lifetime!

A LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION!

Good Eats at Lake Norman

We have a new restaurant option, an expanded outdoor seating option, and a planned bigger option. It's hard for me to think about a slow down in the economy when all of these restaurants are either cropping up or expanding. 

If we keep eating out, we're all going to need bigger boats!

Lake Norman Sailing Center is Open!

For the local sailing enthusiast, the time has arrived for you to rejoice, well, maybe just be really happy. The NC Community Sailing & Rowing Center at Blythe Landing has opened. If you are into sailing or would like to be, here is your local place to be. A non-profit group has raised money for the center and is continuing to raise funds to support the center's business plan. 

Check it out and slow the pace a bit. Sailing and rowing are great ways to enjoy LKN!

Wal-Mart FLW Outdoor Fishing League Arrives at Lake Norman

Starting on April 20th, Lake Norman will come alive with brightly colored boats and the equivalent to NASCAR on the water. It is the Wal-Mart FLW Outdoor Bass fishing tournament. The start and final weigh-in takes place at Blythe Landing, home of the new Sailing center. We live just across the cove from Blythe and let's just say that if we didn't know about the tournament, we would know something is up when 50+ bass boats head out at 6am each morning. 

So, if you are in to sport fishing, take some time to look up the event and enjoy the kick-off to the 2009 Spring fishing season on LKN!. 

Spring is Officially here at Lake Norman

You know Spring has arrived when the Mallard's return. But imagine my surprise when I was cleaning the front porch yesterday when I startled a Mallard nesting in the shrubs! 

It looks like we will have the pitter-patter of a dozen or so little ducklings soon!

Welcome Spring to LKN!

Civil War Era Submarine found in Lake Norman

Early this morning, drivers on the I-77 causeway on Lake Norman (between Exit 30 and 33) noticed a strange object peaking through the water. As anyone that travels this stretch of interstate  knows, this can be the slow part of your drive, as traffic slows to take in the view. But this morning, the view was enhanced by a Civil War era submarine that had been lost at the bottom of the lake and chose today to resurface. 

While not fully intact, it is believed that part of the sub had been sitting on the bottom of the lake, weighed down by debris that had collected over it during the time it sank. As the debris shifted and moved, a trapped air pocket acted as a float to lift the sunken treasure to the surface. 

More news is expected as the investigation continues but what a great story for our region. 

Fun with the Family out on the Water - Even Lake Norman

If you haven't heard of him, Captain Gus Gustafson is a local fishing guide here on LKN. He also pens a weekly piece in the Charlotte Observer. In this week's Local Section, Gus shares the story of his son catching his first fish. The moral of the story? Make sure you renew your fishing license and take your family out to make a few memories of your own. 

Lake Norman is on the Rise

Technically, we may still be in a slight drought but LKN is looking pretty healthy these days. In checking the latest Lake Levels at Duke Energy, we are above target for this time of year and only a little more than 2 feet from full pond. 

Let's hope we continue to see some slow, steady rains this year and we can then put the previous two drought years behind us. 

A Taste of the Caribbean near Lake Norman!

Technically, Anthony's Caribbean Cafe is not in what I would consider the Lake Norman area but he is so close to LKN and the food is so darn good that I have to give Anthony a big recommendation. 

Located in the Cheshire Commons Shopping Center at the corner of West Sugar Creek and Harris Blvd, Anthony's is only a 20 minute drive from Huntersville and Cornelius. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The decor is a nod towards the Caribbean and there are a few flat screen TVs so you can watch the latest game, so Anthony has figured that just because you want to feel the vibe of the islands doesn't mean you want to remove yourself from civilization. But what really matters is the food and man is it great. It is a great selection of Caribbean favorites (try the goat) but there are a few island versions of traditional American foods. And don't forget to top it all off with a slab (yes, a slab) of their coconut cake, it is fantastic. 

While I am not one to venture too far for a dinner out and while Harris Blvd isn't the ends of the earth, I will be making the drive to Anthony's on a very regular basis. 

THIS IS A LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION!

Spring is on the way to LKN!

Have you been enjoying the recent spring like weather? Well, in just a few hours, Spring 2009 will arrive and there is no better place to be than Lake Norman. On a recent outing, we saw a few signs of an early spring on LKN. 

Now, I expect there will still be a few days of jackets and long pants but I am already thinking about heading out on the water and chasing a sunset into the western shore. This is really my favorite time of year on LKN. 

Welcome Spring!

Business Week Best Affordable Suburbs 2009

One of Lake Norman's local towns made the Business Week Best Affordable Suburbs of 2009 list. Cornelius is located on the southeastern shores of LKN and is a bedroom community to big brother Charlotte. This is a great town with an exceptional quality of life and it is really nice to see some national recognition. 

Congratulations Cornelius!

Finding Lulin

A comet discovered in 2007 is visible tonight in the eastern sky. Comet Lulin is named for the Lulin Observatory in Taiwan. Go have a look see!

Take it Outside, LKN

There is a new biking, hiking, and running trail in the Denver area. The site of the old R-Anell homes plant in Denver has been converted by Denver Baptist Church and a group of volunteers. Denver Baptist acquired the property when R-Anell consolidated their operations in Cherryville a few years ago. The church converted the plant into a skateboard park as part of their ministry and then a fellow named Keith Isenberg of local bike and skate shop, Blood, Sweat, and Gears came up with the idea for the trails. 

So, GET OUT and enjoy some fresh air on the west side of Lake Norman!

Summer Camp Season is here (well, almost), are You Ready?

Growing up in the 60s and 70s, we didn't do much in the way of summer activities. My folks both worked and aside from the annual one week vacation in North Myrtle Beach, SC, we stayed pretty close to home. Add a week of bible school and chores, we just never did the summer camp thing. Today, kids chores aren't nearly as consuming as they were when we were young (do I  sound like my parent yet?) and finding something to entertain your kids is a job all by itself. Our daughter has attended the Davidson College Lake Camp for the past few years. It is really a great way for kids to get the real outdoor experience in a day-camp environment and is a really well run camp. 

Well, believe it or not, now is the time to be registering your child for 2009 summer camps. It seems there is no shortage of camps in the greater Charlotte area and enrollment is usually limited. Therefore, the reason you need to register now is so you can pick your week and guarantee a slot in your camp of choice. Of course, we still recommend the Davidson College Lake Camp but there are plenty of options in the area. 

So, plan your summer activities and get out and enjoy the LKN area, summertime is calling!

Boating Season is Coming to Lake Norman. Are you Ready?

I know it is still too cold for many of us to think about getting out on the lake and cruising the shoreline but Memorial Day will be here before you know it and we will all be ready to hop in our boats and head out on the water. However, before you pull to the boat launch or cast off from your private pier, now is a good time to think about preparing your boat for a summer of fun. 

Nothing can ruin a day on LKN like being stuck out in the middle of the lake with engine problems. Did you have your boat serviced last fall? Have you checked to make sure everything is in working order? What about an inspection of all the safety equipment? 

Yes, this is the stuff boredom is made of but it won't feel so boring if you have a great day out on the lake. And now is a great time of year to put just a little effort into maintaining your vessel. Boat mechanics are usually slower this time of year, so if you have been putting off maintenance or just didn't get around to it this fall, don't wait until boating season is here because you will be sitting on the shore wondering what a fun day out on the water would have been like!

A Toast to and in Huntersville

If you are looking for a good dinning experience, try Toast. This is a great little place in the heart of downtown Huntersville. We've had breakfast and a Valentine's Day dinner there. Both meals were good and the service was good. Aside from the glass of tea spilled on me during Valentine's dinner, things were really good (Note to the owners, good form would have been to offer dry cleaning). 

One thing, this is not a cheap joint, so bring some coin. However, for a special occasion dinner, like Valentine's Day, don't go on the cheap and Toast is a good choice. 

Fishing Devices on LKN?

There is an interesting story in the Charlotte Observer today about a plan to deploy fish attacking devices on Lake Norman. Basically, these are PVC contraptions that act as a submerged Christmas trees but won't snag fishing lines like the proverbial Christmas tree. I suppose this isn't a bad idea but the real rub is that the LKN Marine Commission, the governing body for LKN had no idea it was happening until Gus Gustafson, local fishing guide and LKN celebrity mentioned it to a member of the Marine Commission. Let's just say, surprised isn't the best word to describe his reaction. 

Now I am not much of a fisherman but I'm not too sure I even I want the kind of help a bunch of PVC pipe can give me. I mean really, if fishing is so bad here, why does Wal-Mart host a Bass tournament every year? 

NASCAR Racing and Lake Norman

NASCAR and Lake Norman go hand in hand and today is the running of the 51st Daytona 500. As a newbie to NASCAR racing, I still have a lot to learn but I can tell you that hearing those cars rumble by at 190 mph on Fox is a rush you just can't explain. But how does this tie to LKN? Well, you are hard pressed to spend much time on the lake and not see or visit some locale on LKN that doesn't have a NASCAR story to it. 

So as we start the 2009 NASCAR season, let's also remember the role that this sport and it's family of drivers, owners, crew, and fans play in living, working, and yes playing at LKN!

Living with the Lake

Yesterday, my wife and I took a course on organic gardening. By no means are we experts and if anything have found out just how little we know about caring for and being caretakers of our environment. However, I did learn that we don't have to eat bean sprouts and wear Birkenstocks to do our part in reducing our impact on the environment and landscape. 

For some time now, we have been avid recyclers. Weekly, we sort the items for trash collection and when we were building our house, we tried to make choices in the building process that would save energy and further reduce our impact on the environment. Like everyone, we can always do better and by embracing the vision that this is a journey and not a destination, we can all take steps to lessen the impact on our world.  

But I digress, the course we took was in Matthews and sponsored by a company called Organic Plant Health. Billy Styles is the founder and President of the company and was a key participant in the panel of professionals. He is a fifth generation farmer and an international expert on organic gardening. This was one of the best things I have spent a Saturday doing in a very long time. I walked out with confirmation that my lawn would be an ongoing project (I've told my wife it will be no less than 5 years to get it where I want it and then I will have to maintain it) and living in such close proximity to the lake that there are no minor treatments to our garden and yard, that every thing we put on or in the soil effects everything around us, including LKN. Therefore, I need to be always aware of even very small things that I do. 

I have personally spent a lifetime working my way to living on what I consider one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places on earth, Lake Norman. It is now my responsibility to do everything I can to make sure it survives and even thrives for generations to come. Now I am going to have some bean sprouts and slip into my sandals before I head out to the yard. 

Lake Norman Hydrilla Campaign, a plan for Success

If you have ever launched a boat at a public access ramp on Lake Norman, you have seen the signs that advise you on removing any vegetation from your boat before entering the lake and as soon as you pull  you boat back out. But do you really know why? Well, think of it as not shaking hands with someone when you have a cold. Just as you can spread a cold through such a minor personal contact, you can just as easily spread unwanted plant life into our lakes and streams by introducing even very small pieces of plant life from the hull or out drive of your boat. 

Hydrilla is a very aggressive water plant that can clog water intakes, entangle boats, and make swimming dangerous. But thanks to a coordinated effort (and funding campaign), several local organizations, governments, and businesses have created a model of success in managing hydrilla in Lake Norman. Hydrilla is a nationwide problem for many waterways but several years ago, sterile, grass eating carp were introduced to rid LKN of hydrilla. Now after years of monitoring and only small investments by Duke Power, local governments, and interested parties, hydrilla is really only a minor issue. Yes we will need to monitor it for years to come (a sprig can lay dormant for up to 10 years) but we know how to manage this threat without using pesticides or harmful chemicals and that is a great story to tell. 

Lake Norman is such a wonderful place for us all to enjoy. Keeping the waterways clean and safe is just a smart thing to do now and for future generations. 

Recent Sites on the South End of Lake Norman

Here are a few recent photos from around Ramsey Creek. It seems the wildlife around LKN isn't too concerned with the winter chill. 

Las Brisas at Lake Norman

Fortunately for my wife, we dine out regularly. Fortunately for me, there is a great Mexican place here in Cornelius and Mexican is my true food guilty pleasure. Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant  is a local establishment with really great food, reasonable prices, and a very friendly staff. Located in the old Mom's at I-77 and Exit 28, this is a place where you will feel like a regular on your first visit. 

They have a full bar, extensive menu, and a great family atmosphere. Small group or big party, this place can handle whatever you throw at them. So, the next time you have a taste for something a little spicy, give Las Brisas a try, you won't be sorry!

This is a LKN Local Recommendation!

Sangam Indian Cuisine at LKN

When you think Lake Norman, you most likely think of casual living, a slower pace, and fewer of the options that living 15 miles down I-77 can offer in Charlotte. However, coming to LKN does not mean giving up your dinning options. Sangam Indian Cuisine at Lake Norman is a great not-so-secret to LKN Locals. 

Located at Shoppes on the Green (Torrence Chapel Road behind Lake Norman Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) at Exit 28, this is a great place that locals know and love. For the non-local, it is a nice break from the burger and pizza joints that seem to be on every corner. The food is very good and the staff is genuinely interested in making your visit the absolute best. Expect a dinner meal with tip to run about $20 and if you add alcohol and/or appetizers, you can expect a bit more. But you will not be disappointed. 

This is a LKN Local recommendation!

Lake Norman is Not Just for Fun, Well Maybe a Little Fun Too

I've spent the last several months blathering about all the fun stuff and non-commercial aspects of LKN. But in the tag line on the masthead, it clearly states that this blog is about "Living, Working, and Playing in the Lake Norman Region".  So, to keep true to my mission, check out the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. 

Personally, I work from home and live at LKN. Now, I may not be in the market to relocate my company from New York to Cornelius but this group is a key player in the quality of life we enjoy here. This is the same Chamber that supports the many businesses we rely on in our communities. 

So, do your part, support the small and not-so-small businesses around LKN. And if you do happen to be in the market for a great place to locate your company, you can thank me for introducing you to Lake Norman!

Go Boating on Lake Norman without a Boat!

Okay, that title is misleading but it does get your attention. It is a fact that you don't have to live on Lake Norman to enjoy boating here. Because this is a man made lake that has oversight from MANY governments/agencies and there are a fair number of public access points, all you need is a way to get your boat to LKN and in the water to start enjoying the lake. 

But what if you could enjoy boating on LKN without owning, maintaining, or renting a boat? Well, there is a way. The Queen City Boat Club is located in Cornelius at the South Street Seaport (in the Ramsey Creek section of LKN). I have friends in Wilmington, NC that are members of a similar club. They are very experienced boaters but since they don't have a water front home and don't want to trailer, they have found the boat club to be a great way to keep close to the fun on the water without all of the headaches that come from landlocked boating.

As well, if you are a time starved professional or boating novice, this is a great, lower cost way to dip your toe in the water (sorry, couldn't resist the play on words). Plus, the fact that you can spend your time boating and not towing, maintaining, repairing, etc. makes a boat club much more attractive. Of course, there are several places on LKN that you can rent boats but if you know you want to go boating but renting isn't the right fit, perhaps a membership is what you need. 

So, if you think boating is for you or you know you love boating but don't want the commitment, check out a boating club. You may find your passion is all wet!

Making Lake Norman A Better Place

So, if you have made New Years resolutions, please don't forget ways you can also improve life around LKN. For example, if you live in Mooresville or in Iredell County, here are three things in your area that you can do to enrich your life and those around you.

But no matter who you are and where you live around LKN, resolve to do you part to give a little of your time and talent to keep our local gem sparkling.