When you vacation with StayLakeNorman, you don’t just get a house. You get the Lake Norman Experience (hence the name of our new podcast!) That’s why partnering with other local businesses is so important to us. We want you to fall in love with our hometown, just like we have, and that comes with insider recommendations to the best the lake has to offer. Caleb Hannon, StayLakeNorman’s COO, put it this way: “Just having a place to stay doesn’t make a vacation. Having the best food, the best activities, and the best experiences on top of staying in an amazing house is what makes the perfect vacation.” Read on for a few of our top picks!
Where to Eat
Make your vacation truly effortless (and delicious!) by ordering fresh, prepared meals or hiring a private chef from Carolina Gourmet. Food can be delivered before or during your stay for a convenient and tasty alternative to cooking. Or, treat your group to a catered meal for the ultimate indulgence!
On the Nines is one of our favorite local spots if you’re looking to go out for a delectable yet unpretentious meal. It’s ideal for any occasion, from the casual to the celebratory, and open for dinner and Sunday brunch.
We also recommend Peninsula Prime for those with a taste for expertly cooked steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant is open only for dinner and reservations are recommended.
For more of our favorite local restaurant recommendations, check out our blog on Lake Norman’s best waterfront restaurants.
What to Drink
Hoptown Brewing is a local brewery where you’ll be treated like a neighbor, whether you live here or not. That welcoming vibe, along with the exceptional beer, is what keeps us coming back. We also appreciate the way they give back to our community by way of their Sip It Forward ale. Customers can enjoy a delicious beer and the opportunity to select one of Hoptown’s chosen charities to receive a donation.
We also love to recommend King Canary Brewing to our guests because of the homey, family-friendly atmosphere. They are the only brewery with lake access and host a Tuesday evening social paddle club, welcoming both locals and visitors to participate.
Looking for something unique? Check out Overflow, Lake Norman’s only spot for self-pour beer, wine and coffee. There are a plethora of options for every palate, and the rooftop area with a view of the lake is a lovely place to enjoy your sips.
For more ideas, check out our blog on the best local breweries and bottle shops in Lake Norman.
How to Play
Carolina Cruising Charters is who we recommend for luxury, captained boat charters. When you want to spend the day enjoying the lake worry-free, you will be well taken care of with their all-inclusive service.
If watersports are your jam, Ride LKN is the best in class. They offer wakeboarding, wake surfing and foiling lessons for all ages and experience levels.
And don’t sleep on South Shore Watersports if you’re hoping to zip around the lake on a jet ski, arguably the most exciting way to see the sights. Whether you’re a pro or a first time rider, you are in capable hands.
Wanting to outfit your pool or private beach with some water toys or outdoor games? Sunside Rentals will hook you up with everything you need, from paddleboards to floats to the extras you may have forgotten. Best of all, they deliver and pick up for you – no need to make a special trip!
For the anglers, you’ll want to contact our friend Captain Will Price at Set’NHooks. His guided fishing trips give you access to both his top-of-the-line technology and his extensive personal knowledge of fishing Lake Norman. Tell him we sent you!
For more information, check out our blog on playing in and on Lake Norman.
Where to Stay
These properties, in true StayLakeNorman style, are not just houses – they are an experience. With uncommon features and opportunities to connect (or disconnect), you might have a hard time choosing just one!
Nancy Key offers surprises around every corner, including a tropical oasis pool with waterfall and an intimate wine cave.
Sunset on Ballycastle takes luxury to the next level with a dramatic, dual-sided stone fireplace inside and an impressive, upscale pool outside.
Lake Norman Getaway invites relaxation with two stories of windows, bathing the expansive main room in natural light.
