Arts, Shops and the Great Outdoors

Spending the weekend in Davidson? Here are a few ideas of things to do…

1. Start your morning with a cup of joe and a blueberry scone at Summit Coffee on Main Street, and then if it’s a Saturday, stroll over to the Farmer’s Market right out back.
2. Then head out onto Main Street and walk down to the corner of Main and Griffith Streets to check out the galleries at the Belk Visual Arts Center and then wander through Davidson College’s beautiful campus, which has been designated a national arboretum.
3. Afterwards, stroll back up Main Street and browse the shops including ‘Cats on Main, The Village Store, Monkee’s on Main, Main Street Books and Sanctuary, a local artists’ co-op. If it’s April, you might find our Art on the Green Festival on the town green.
4. Art lovers should make your way down South Main Street to the Wooden Stone Gallery to see fabulous functional fine art from over 100 North Carolina artists and others from around the country, and then on to the Merrill-Jennings Gallery to see local and international art in their seven showrooms.
5. By now, you might be ready for lunch in one of our many restaurants. As you head back up Main Street, culinary options include Italian food at Campania Café and Trattoria, some international cuisine at Restaurant X, or a shake and burger at the very popular The Soda Shop, which was established in 1951 and is full of town and college memorabilia. These restaurants, and others, all offer outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful Davidson weather. If you want a view of Lake Norman while having lunch, check out the North Harbor Club and sit lakeside under a bright yellow umbrella.
6. Energized for a hike? Try Fisher Farm, which has mountain bike trails, beautiful meadows, and wide pathways for a nice walk in the woods. Or stay closer in town and take a walk or ride your bike along our greenways.
7. Later in the afternoon, you can spend time out on the water. If you’re a wine aficionado, do some tasting at Lake Norman Cottage, or arrange for a wine cruise on the lake through Duffy Electric Boats of Lake Norman.
8. For dinner, there are a myriad of options downtown, such as the Flat Iron Kitchen + Taphouse, on the corner of South and Main Streets, featuring local food and a variety of beers on tap, Il Bosco or Bonsai on Depot Street. The Circles @ 30 area offers Sabi for sushi, CharGrill for a great burger, delicious fries and a yummy shake or Ming’s Asian Bistro. Then treat yourself to some ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s on Main Street or some decadent chocolate at Davidson Chocolate Company.
9. To wrap up a fun-filled day, enjoy some live music at Summit, see a movie at Our Town Cinemas, a play at the Armour Street Theater or a sporting or cultural event at Davidson College.

Have ideas for an itinerary for visitors or residents? Email Us your idea for possible inclusion on our Itinerary page.