10 things to see, do and eat on a 3-block stroll through Davidson
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
upper-crust-davidson
Davidson, that quaint little college town along Lake Norman, is a quick 30-minute drive from Charlotte, and although they’ve crammed a whole heck of a lot of old school charm into the 5-square-mile city, it’s rarely (if ever) on my radar. So Saturday morning after my jump rope workout in nearby Cornelius, I decided to pop over to remind myself why it’s is always worth a visit.
It worked. I hit Davidson at its prime (Saturday morning market festivities) and was so charged, in fact, that I dragged my boyfriend back up eight hours later.
Here are 10 things you can see, do and eat on a 3-block stroll down Main Street…
This gorgeous restaurant has made quite a splash since hitting the food scene back in February, garnering national attention just months after opening.
/2024/01/06/1704521567267.jpg)
/2024/01/06/1704521567644.jpg)
Newly opened in May, Mestizo offers contemporary Mexican cuisine complete with a full brunch menu. They’ve got a gorgeous patio with plenty of seats, and despite the fact that I walked by around 9:30am, I wanted a margarita that very second.
/2024/01/06/1704521568058.jpg)
Opened in 1951, this real deal American diner has been serving Davidson College students for generations.
/2024/01/06/1704521568495.jpg)
/2024/01/06/1704521569007.jpg)
Already properly caffeinated, I popped in here for a post-workout green smoothie. The line was out the door and the fresh baked scones looked awesome.
/2024/01/06/1704521569345.jpg)
Here’s a familiar face… Toast Cafe (in the process of rebranding as Famous Toastery) has locations throughout greater Charlotte, including Dilworth. This one was (not surprisingly) packed on Saturday morning.
/2024/01/06/1704521569667.jpg)
Millstone Bakehouse & Provisions
/2024/01/06/1704521569999.jpg)
Also newly opened early this year, the bakery adds a retail expansion to Millstone’s existing farm and market stands.
/2024/01/06/1704521570292.jpg)
I felt like a real idiot snapchatting this shop since everything about a real old school bookstore screams, “PUT DOWN YOUR TECHNOLOGY.” This one is in an old general store and has been here since the 80s.
/2024/01/06/1704521570740.jpg)
/2024/01/06/1704521571144.jpg)
Fresh produce, handmade goods and local meats abound at this market featuring 35 producers from within a 100-mile radius. Definitely feels like the pulse of the town on a busy Saturday morning with people, pets and kids all over the place.
Gift shop with a number of products from local artisans.
Perfect place for a picturesque stroll.
Bonus: Lake Norman
Instead of hopping back on 77S, I crossed the interstate and pulled into North Harbor Club so I could park and walk around the lake for a bit before heading back to Charlotte.
PS – The Pickled Peach was closed when I was there and I forgot to take a picture but I’m told it’s a must eat.