For those arriving a few days before our wedding or staying over a few days after our wedding, below are a few of our suggestions for things to do in the area. This is just a sampling, as there are too many things to do to list them all. You can google the area for more options and information or use the link below.

https://www.visitlakenorman.org/things-to-do/lake-activities/watersports/

If you love the outdoors and water fun, Lake Norman offers an array of lake activities and restaurants.

Lake restaurants to get to by road or boat include:

Blue Parrott Grill (where we had our 1st date). Relaxed waterfront bar & grill with a dog-friendly patio & a menu of fresh seafood & bar bites. All outdoor seating. Does not take reservations.

169 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville

(704) 663-1203

Toucans Lakefront Restaurant

167 Pinnacle Lane, Mooresville, NC

(704) 360-2001

Does not take reservations. Indoor & outdoor seating available.

The Landing Restaurant

4491 Slanting Bridge Road, Sherrills Ford, NC

(828) 478-5944

Mellow, family-run waterfront spot for seafood, pub grub & pizzas, with a festive outdoor tiki bar. Does not take reservations. Very rustic but great food at a great price. A lot of locals go here.

And now for water activities:

Water Sport Rentals:

Lake Effects Boat Rentals

8693 NC-150, Terrell, NC 28682

(704) 360-5177

Tritoon, V-haul, Suft Boats, & Jet Ski rentals

Saltshaker Maring at Lake Norman

Big Dukes Lane, Mooresville, NC

(704) 892-5990

Pontoon & water items (ski’s, tubes, mats) rental

The Landing

4491 Slanting Bridge Road

Sherrills Ford, NC 28673

(828) 478-2817

Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals, as well as boat rentals

Lake Norman State Park

759 State Park Rd., Troutman, NC 28166

Lake Norman State Park, formerly Duke Power State Park, is a 1,942-acre North Carolina state park with tent, trailer, or RV camping as well as camper cabins. In addition to camping, the park also offers, hiking trails, bike trails, boating, paddling, swimming, picnicking (picnic tables & BBQ grills available), and birdwatching. Dogs are permitted, but not in cabins.

National Whitewater Center (a little further away from Mooresville but still in the area with lots of activities on the grounds.)

5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

(704) 391-3900

Recreation grounds of 1,300 acres with whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing & more. Has a dog park and picnic tables.

For the land lovers, there are a wealth of opportunities to have fun “non-water” activities/attractions as well.

Lazy 5 Ranch (Nature & Wildlife)

15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC 28115

An interactive drive-through wildlife park with wagon rides, animal feedings, and petting areas. A variety of animals from 6 continents include zebra, giraffe, donkey, emu, hippo, and more. Reservations required: (704) 663-5100. Debit or Credit Cards not accepted.

Carrigan Farms

1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC

(704) 664-1450

"Carrigan Farms” is open by appointment only. Carrigan Farms is a family-owned farm in Mooresville, NC that offers a variety of activities for all ages. Depending on the season, visitors can pick their own strawberries, swim in the quarry, and visit the apple orchard, take a hayride and pick a pumpkin, or host a wedding, proms, or corporate picnic. Visit the Carrigan Farms website for more details.

September will be apple-picking season and open to the public.

For you NASCAR fans and car enthusiasts, Mooresville is packed with NASCAR race shops and museums. Including:

· NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame

· Memory Lane Museum (ideal for race fans and auto history lovers)

· Days of Thunder Barn (great for motorsports fans or Days of Thunder fans)

· NC Auto Racing Walk of Fame

· As well as numerous race shops

The Pit Indoor Kart Racing

346 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville (704) 799-3470

Activity center featuring indoor go-kart racing, laser tag, mini golf, a climbing wall, arcade & billiards

Trackhouse Motorplex

130 Motorplex Dr., Mooresville

(704) 696-2926 - Reservations strongly encouraged.

Outdoor Karting facility. Race on our 0.7-mile track built by industry professionals open to the public 7 days a week enjoying the thrill ... The Kart-racing track is modeled after Italy's Kartdromo Parma with an on-site garage & service retail center.

Southern Distilling Company

211 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC

(704) 978-7175

Southern Distilling Company is the artisan bourbon maker proudly reigniting the North Carolina whiskey tradition.

Tasting room + Tours available to book on-line.

Daveste Vineyards

155 Lytton Farm Road, Troutman, NC 28166

(704) 528-3882

Wine & Beer tasting. Outdoor seating available under a pavilion or under the trees.

Point Blank Range (Shooting Range)

743 River Hwy, Mooresville

(704) 230-0262

Lake Norman's preeminent indoor shooting sports facility and firearms pro shop, featuring a 25-yard range with 15 shooting lanes.

There are several area golf courses as well. These can be googled or contact us for recommendations.

Lake Norman Racquet & Social Club (formerly Lake Norman Tennis Center)

205 Overhill Drive, Mooresville

(with 4 dedicated pickle ball courts)

Call for availability and pricing (980) 444-2280

And for those looking for a low-keyed, relaxing day, suggested activities include:

Main Street Antiques and Design Gallery

500 S Main Street, Mooresville

Josh’s Farmers Market

630 Brawley School Road, Mooresville

Lake Norman Antique Mall

467 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville

(704) 799-8767

Mooresville Art Gallery

13 W. Center Ave., Mooresville

Old downtown Mooresville, which has been revitalized, is filled with many quaint shops, restaurants, and pubs.

We hope you all enjoy your stay in the Mooresville/Lake Norman area!