Davidson NC- College Town Living Minutes from Lake Norman
August 13th, 2008 Categories: Lake Norman Real Estate
by Kelli Robinson
I’ve always enjoyed college towns. The mix of people, places, and things creates a cultural hub that’s fun to explore. Davidson, NC, located off of Interstate 77 exit #30, is no exception. The town gets its name and personality from Davidson College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of downtown. What’s neat about the Town of Davidson is the fun it offers everyone.
The kids and I visited the town last week and again today. I had read about a cool sandbox park that I thought they would enjoy, and they definitely did. Caldwell Green Tot Lot is an enclosed grassy area with a huge sandbox that is partially covered with a canopy. Despite the heat, my son and daughter dug tunnels and built castles for almost an hour.
After a picnic in the shade, I treated them to milkshakes at The Soda Shop on Main Street. Every small town Main Street has its resident diner; and Davidson is no exception. Opening in 1951, the restauant’s claim to fame is the variety of milkshakes and real fountain sodas. The burgers, sandwiches, and homemade sweet potato chips aren’t too bad either!
This week the Davidson Public Library hosted an event, Northern Folktales on the Green, to kick off its summer reading program. Stories, crafts, and songs were the main attractions, as well as people dressed in 16th century European attire. My daughter enjoyed the stage performers, and my son enjoyed making a medieval wishing wand. By the way, the Village Green is literally a greenspace located at the center of town along Main Street. It plays host to events throughout the year, including Concerts on the Green and Art on the Green.
This summer the Town of Davidson has organized a Farmer’s Market that operates from May until October. The Davidson community has an earthy, grassroots feel to it, likely a reflection of the liberal arts college. It was only a matter of time before a Farmer’s Market found it’s way here.
Speaking of the college, don’t overlook the opportunity for wonderful - and inexpensive! - entertainment a college campus can offer. If you don’t follow college basketball, you missed this year’s Cinderella story of the Davidson Wildcats, who made an impressive appearance at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March. My husband and I took the kids to a game this past winter and had a blast. If art or the performing arts is your passion, the college offers music, plays, and art exhibits for the public at reasonable prices.
If you’re in the mood to explore new territory on a summer-fall Saturday, try the Town of Davidson. Check out the Farmer’s Market. Lounge on the Green in the Adirondack chairs provided. Browse the unique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the Main Street eateries. If you still have room for dessert, a Soda Shop milk shake or Ben & Jerry’s sundae hits the spot. Then take a walk around the picturesque campus. Sounds like a nice outing to me!
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