Davidson is a charming Southern college town located in northern Mecklenburg and Iredell counties, North Carolina, on the banks of Lake Norman. The town was founded in 1837 with the establishment of the Presbyterian Davidson College, named for Brigadier General William Lee Davidson, a local Revolutionary War hero. The land for Davidson College came from Davidson’s estate, a large portion of which was donated by his son. Davidson College is a vital part of the town’s identity today. Today, countless famous alums, including 23 Rhodes Scholars, and seven-time NBA All-Star Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry graduated from Davidson.
The main street of Davidson offers a variety of shops, restaurants, wide sidewalks and a public library. Many of the eateries have cafe tables where you can dine outdoors. If you go to just one restaurant in Davidson, make it Kindred, located in the heart of historic downtown. Owners Katy and Joe Kindred have taken great care to restore the building that houses their restaurant, which served as the town pharmacy in the early part of the 20th century. At Kindred you’ll find inventive dishes created by Joe, a James Beard nominee. Be sure to stop in at Main Street Books, a fantastic independent bookstore. The locally owned store will be glad to offer you suggestions for your next read.
The town is proud to be pedestrian and bicycle friendly. In September 2011 Davidson was given official recognition for their reputation as a Walk Friendly Community. Davidson was also awarded its first Tree City USA designation making it one of just 72 communities in North Carolina and just 3,000 nationwide to receive the award. Davidson has miles of greenways and walking trails that connect neighborhoods, providing citizens with alternate ways to get around town and access nature up close.
Only a mile’s drive from Davidson is Lake Norman with all the activities living at the lake has to offer. Enjoy Lake Norman State Park is a 328 acre park for camping, mountain biking, hiking, running, a public beach for swimming and boat docks for fishing and boating.
If you’re in Davidson on a Saturday, walk down to the Davidson Farmers Market. The Market is a weekly event that includes local growers and producers from within a 100-mile radius. Thirty vendors sell fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy, freshly baked bread, prepared food, beverages, and health and beauty products.
