Explore A New NC Town... Davidson, NC
- addiekrug05
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
If you love a quaint small town in North Carolina, you can’t miss out on Davidson, especially in the spring! Davidson is right alongside Lake Norman and is 25 minutes from Charlotte. This town is home to Davidson College, where Steph Curry started a legendary basketball career. Davidson has a lovely Main Street flowing from campus and even more attractions outside Main Street. Consider this your ultimate guide to where to eat and what to do in Davidson, North Carolina…
Where to Eat:
The Pickled Peach
4.7 Star reviewed “Lofty nook with farm-to-table sandwiches, sides & desserts, plus select groceries & outdoor seating.” The Pickled Peach is if a farmers market took the form of a restaurant. The vibe here is unmatched and the food is beyond incredible.
Open 11 am- 7 pm Tuesday-Sunday
202 S Main St, Davidson
Ben and Jerrys
A classic. Right next to Pickled Peach right on the street corner. It feels like your local, small-town ice cream shop even as a chain.
Open 12 pm-9 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Open 12 pm-8 pm: Tuesday
Open 12 pm-10 pm Friday
Open 11 am-10 pm Saturday
202 S Main St, Davidson
Summit Coffee
Summit Coffee was a highly ranked featured coffee shop in last week's post, but they offer SO much more than coffee. If you continue reading, you will see the Summit Coffee weekly event lineup that you can’t miss! Summit Coffee, Ben and Jerry's, The Pickled Peach, and the Davidson Farmers Market form a square tucked into Main Street that could easily fill an afternoon.
Open 6 am- 7 pm Monday and Tuesday
Open 6 am- 9 pm Wednesday- Saturday
Open Saturday 7 am- 7 pm
Open Sunday 7 am- 5 pm
128 S Main St, Davidson
Mandolinos
Mandolinos has top-notch local pizza and creative menu items such as their tupelo honey pie. The tucked-away outdoor dining in its backyard silences the noise of Main Street unless you go on a live music night:) Mandolinos is extremely high on my list of restaurant recommendations near me!
Open 11 am- 9 pm weekdays and 11 am- 10 pm Friday and Saturday
208 S Main St, Davidson
Kindred
Kindred is more than a delicious restaurant but a historic, yet stylish venue. Kindred also offers private dining experiences at The Chef’s Table and their immersive events and dining has landed them a spot in Bon Appetit’s Hot Ten Best New Restaurants in the Conference. Right in the heart of Main Street, Kindred creates memories that truly set them apart.
Open Tuesday- Saturday 5 pm- 10 pm and Sunday until 9 pm
131 N Main St, Davidson
Flat Iron
Flat Iron is located on what I like to consider the “crown” of Main Street. My Flat Iron favorites are their appetizers, including their pretzel bites, kale salad, and deliciously seasoned hummus.
Open 11 am-3 pm and 5 pm- 9 pm Monday-Thursday
Open 11 am- 3 pm and 5 pm- 10 pm Friday and Saturday
Open 11 am- 3 pm and 5 pm- 8 pm Sunday
215 S Main St, Davidson
Soda Shop
If you want to dine the retro way, Soda Shop encapsulates the perfect local diner vibe paired with delicious food. Their burgers and milkshakes are a delicious, classic American treat.
Open 10 am- 8 pm Monday- Friday
Open 8 am- 8 pm Saturday and Sunday
104 S Main St, Davidson
Milkbread
Milkbread is one of my favorite restaurants near Charlotte. It is a quick and casual meal, but the menu is so fresh and delicious. They serve chicken, biscuits, creative salads, gourmet donuts and treats, and coffee. It is easy to recognize the distinguished taste of Milkbread because the flavor and freshness are truly unique to them.
Open daily 7 am- 8 pm
624 Jetton St #110, Davidson
Crazy Pig
A new addition to Davidson serving BBQ favorites, Crazy Pig’s delicious menu and relaxed feel have earned it a 4.5-star reviewed restaurant. The outdoor seating creates a picnic vibe that is perfect for enjoying their perfectly smoky, flavorful BBQ dishes.
Open Tuesday- Saturday 7 am-8 pm and Sunday 8 am- 7 pm
402 S Main St, Davidson
Carburritos
Davidson’s authentic, 4.6-star reviewed Mexican food done right. Carburritos is a fresh, family-owned casual restaurant serving impeccable California-Mexican cuisine. Starting in the heart of Davidson, they are growing beyond their roots to RTP and Carrboro.
Open 11:30 am- 8:30 pm Tuesday-Thursday
Open 11:30 am- 9 pm Friday and Saturday
Famous Toastery
Davidson is the PERFECT brunch town and embodies the essence of a slow Sunday morning. Famous Toastery serves delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch and is so beloved that it usually requires beating the crowd to guarantee a spot.
Open daily 7 am- 3 pm
101 N Main St, Davidson
What to Do:
Town of Davidson Watercraft Rentals and Nature Reserve
One of my favorite Charlotte area hidden gems is the Nature Reserve in Davidson. Behind Davidson Day School is a beautiful trail sculpting the edge of Lake Norman’s shore. There are picnic areas, stunning views, and my favorite part… kayaks and paddle boards available to rent. The lake forks into several peaceful coves that are optimal for kayaking on flat water. Your perfect summer afternoon can be spent in this tucked-away nature reserve.
Davidson Farmers Market every Saturday from 9-12
The Farmers Market is what I would consider to be the heart of Davidson. The producer-only market has 35 incredible vendors with delicious and often homemade market goods. My favorite mornings are spent with a Summit coffee in one hand and Davidson Farmer’s Market flowers in the other. This is a must-see!!
Paper Skyscraper Bookstore
A new store I wish I could write a whole post about. This bookstore truly feels like it has everything. The books are divided by interest and the store is full of products beyond books giving it a local gift shop feel. Their emphasis on humor brings a special light to so many of their products. It is also right next to Milkbread so I have a hard time staying off this road!
Open Monday-Friday 10 am- 7 pm and Saturday until 6 pm
Open Sunday 12 pm- 5 pm
610 Jetton St, Davidson
Davidson Library
Open 9 am- 8 pm Monday-Thursday
Open 9 am- 5 pm Friday and Saturday
119 S Main St, Davidson
Shop Main Street
MINE by Sandy, The Village Store, and Main Street Books, The Jewel Box, The Davidson College Store, The Davidson Provision Company, and The Bungalow Market are AMAZING! Friendly staff and amazing products.
Summit Coffee Events
You all are probably sick of me talking about Summit, but they are more than delicious coffee! Their weekly events are a special part of Davidson’s charm. Wednesday Open Mic Nights from 7 pm-9 pm, Thursday trivia nights 7 pm- 9 pm, Friday and Saturday live music from 7 pm- 9 pm, and Sunday Run Day from 9 am are weekly!
128 S Main St, Davidson
Events:
April 23rd Ribbon Cutting for the new Roosevelt Wilson Park 420 Griffith Street
April 26th Earth Day Festival 10 am-1 pm, 35 Lorimer Rd
May is Bike Month! Bike to work week is May 12-18
I hope you love Davidson as much as I do! I want to hear if you do, or don't, at addiekrug@customcarolinatravel.com or customcarolinatravel.com
And if you are eager to use the itineraries you came to Custom Carolina for, stay tuned! Starting THIS MAY, Custom Carolina will begin consistent itineraries and itinerary packages for all the summer fun you can imagine! Contact Custom Carolina with places you want to see!
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