Updated 9-17/96 by Scott Brumley - Comments
Does the excitement of being a part of a region rich in history and possessing small town charm, yet on the leading edge of economic growth and vitality intrigue you? Then discover North Mecklenburg! Nestled between one of the nation's leading metropolitan cities and the Carolinas largest recreational lake, North Mecklenburg provides the perfect mix for a life of opportunity and leisure.
Accessibility to North Mecklenburg is an easy drive by way of Interstate 77, Located just 18 miles north of Charlotte, access to the North Mecklenburg Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville (exits 23, 25, 28 & 30) allows you to discover North Mecklenburg three distinct communities boasting charm and amenities all their own.
Intersected by a number of US and state highways, North Mecklenburg' possesses an enviable transportation system. Interstate 77 bisects the area while state roads 21, 115, and 73 provide easy access to many points in and around North Mecklenburg. International accessibility is yet another drawing card, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport provides direct international flight connections to points around the world.
Roads
The Lake Norman area is served by Interstate 77 and a number of state highways, including 21,73,115,160 and 16.
Bus Service
Greyhound Bus Line 527-9393Rail Service
Amtrak (Charlotte) 376-4416Air Service
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport offers more than 500 daily flights and non stop service to 150 cities. Major carriers serving the Charlotte/Douglas facility are: American, American Eagle, Delta, Delta Connection, TWA, United, United Express, US Air and US Air Express. For airport information call 359-4013
North Mecklenburg is situated in the Southern Piedmont North Carolina, and lies only 18 miles from the bustling metropolis of Charlotte. Thanks to its central location, North Mecklenburg is only a few hour's drive from both the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
North Mecklenburg is a growing area of approximately 22,220 residents. Huntersville is the largest of the area's three towns, claiming 6,100 residents The populations of Cornelius and Davidson number 5,278 and 4,340, respectively.
Boasting an agreeable climate, North Mecklenburg's temperature averages 60 degrees F. January temperatures average an invigorating 39 degrees F., while July sees the mercury hover around 79 degrees F. The area receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually.
North Mecklenburg's roots are planted deep in the heart of the Piedmont region of the state, where Catawba Indians once walked and European settlers came in the early 1700's. The area experienced a substantial boom when Davidson College was established hew in 1837, but was still primarily rural until 1964. At that time, Duke Power Company built Cowan's Ford Dam, from which 32,500 acre Lake Norman evolved covering 520 miles of shoreline. Since then, North Mecklenburg has grown to he a bustling region with an energy towards the future. The plan for controlled growth in North Mecklenburg assures residents and newcomers alike that the beauty of the area and the quality of life here will not be sacrificed.
The quality resort lifestyle offered in North Mecklenburg is unsurpassed! Scenic Lake Norman provides the setting for a myriad of water sports including fishing, boating, water-skiing and swimming.
Ramsey Creek Park provides free public boat ramps while Jetton Park boasts picnic sites and decks overlooking the lake, Parkgoers can also enjoy Jetton Park's bicycle rentals, championship tennis amenities and a sunning beach with spectacular views!
Latter Plantation Park on Mountain Island Lake offers horseback riding and horse shows at Latta Equestrian Center. Canoeing, picnicking, and hiking are also available in addition to an 1800 federal style house and replica farm building which lets you relive the early history of Mecklenburg County.
Golfers will be impressed with the area's two private ant three public golf courses on which to play.
For those seeking fitness through a well rounded workout program, North Mecklenburg offers one of the finest YMCA facilities in the country on Lake Norman.
Duke Power has made learning about energy fun. Located at McGuire Nuclear Site on Lake Norman, visitors may enjoy hands on exhibits, view films and play computer games. The site features a nature trail and native wildflowers garden and offers a view of McGuire Nuclear Station. The Exploriurm is open year round (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and day and New Year's Day). It is open 9:00a.m. - 5:00 pm. Monday ?through Saturday and 12 noon -5:00p.m. Sunday. Reservations are needed for group tours. Free. Hwy. 73, Cornelius (Exit 25 or 28 off 1-77) 875-5600
Latta Plantation Park a 1,000 plus-acre park and nature preserve on Mountain Island Lake, features nature trails, bridle paths, fishing, canoe access to the lake, picnic areas, a playground, a pier and a Visitor's Center Inside the park is the Latta Equestrian Center where visitors can learn to ride or watch horse shows. The park is open free to the public 7:00a.m. until dark, seven days a week.
5225 Sample Rd. Huntersville, 875-1391 Equestrian Center, 875-0808This 1800 Catawba River Plantation recreates the lifestyle of early Mecklenburg County. It features a Living history tour of the furnished house, slave house, barn, smokehouse, a well house, a demonstration kitchen and animals.
Latta Place - 875-2312 (In Latta Plantation Park)The Raptor Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation, research and conservation of birds of prey, including eagles, falcons, ospreys, owls and hawks. It also involves the education of the public about raptors. Visitors can view more than 20 species of live birds of prey.
Raptor Center 875-6521 - (In Latta Plantation Park)Mirroring the superb quality of life in North Mecklenburg are the premier educational opportunities that abound! A diverse scope of learning opportunities exists on every level. From kindergarten through the senior year, North Mecklenburg's schools provide a quality education for the challenges of society and the future. If you're seeking education beyond the secondary level, you'll be impressed by the opportunities afforded through Davidson College, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. A satellite campus of Central Piedmont Community College is located here, while four-year or post-graduate degrees in a diverse range of fields maybe obtained at the nearby University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The North Mecklenburg area is served by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County School system, with three elementary schools, one junior high and one high school. For enrollment information call 379-7000. When you go to register your child, you will need to take the student's birth certificate, immunization records and most recent grade report.
The Lake Norman region is served by a number of higher education facilities. Davidson College, one of nation's top liberal arts schools, is located in Davidson. The college offers bachelor's degrees in 19 major areas. For mote information call 892-2000.
Central Piedmont Community College has a satellite campus in Huntersville. The main campus is in Charlotte and offers the two year associates degree, plus corporate and continuing education courses. For information on the Huntersville classes call 875-8360.
There are a number of other campuses in the area including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens College Kings College, Johnson C. Smith University and Pfeiffer College.
Peaceful sunrise and sunset vistas, quiet walks amid beautiful landscapes and friendly neighbors. Whether a magnificently designed lakefront estate, a colonial home with built-in kid space, or a snug cabin in the woods suits your taste, you're sure to find the right ingredients to satisfy in North Mecklenburg. A wide selection of housing opportunities awaits you ... all with the promise of desirable locations and neighbors, excellent quality, and good value. If carefree condominium living is your cup of tea, North Mecklenburg gives you endless choices with a wide variety of townhomes and condos in every price range. On the lake or by the links, singles, couples, families, empty-nesters and retirees can all find the perfect place to call "home"!
A unique blend of community spirit and pride make North Mecklenburg an ideal place to visit or to raise a family. Genuine neighborly concern dominates a wide realm of community activities, fostered by the area's civic organzations, community groups and churches. In addition to recreational amenities, North Mecklenburg is rich in artistic and cultural offerings which provide a creative outlet for every interest. A myriad of events and opportunities are available at Davidson College throughout the year, from an annual concert series to art shows, theatrical productions, and athletic events to inspire and entertain!
North Mecklenburg bustles with activity and Community pride through its local festivals. LakeFest, the official North Mecklenburg annual autumn festival hosted by the North Mecklenburg Chamber, brings together the North Mecklenburg communities of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville, in a one-day festival celebrating life here. Brimming with activities and entertainment for all ages, Lakefest features the best in food, arts & crafts, music, fun and a showcase of area civic groups and businesses. Top musical entertainment draws people from throughout the region and state.
Gaining national attention among people of Scottish descent, the Loch Norman Highland Games, held each spring In Huntersville, is a two-day festival which celebrates the rich heritage and tradition of Scottish clansmen. Scottish athletics, music, dancing and demonstrations are all featured.
Other annual events in North Mecklenburg include "Christmas in Davidson" celebrating an assortment of old-fashioned festive events, activities and shopping along MainStreet, "Hello Huntersville", a fall business fair in Huntersville, the NCAA Soccer Tournament held at Davidson College, and the area's annual Christmas Parade, In addition, a spring sailing show and numerous boating regattas and water events held throughout the year add interest and fun to life on lake Norman
North Mecklenburg's specialty stores and shopping center treat shoppers like valued friends by offering them the kind of personalized service that draws them back time ant time again. whether you're in the market for farm fresh fruits and vegetables, antiques, books, clothing, greeting cards, home furnishings, collectibles or specialty products or services, you're sure to find it in North Mecklenburg. Our merchants go the extra mile to satisfy every customer's needs. After a day of browsing or shopping, relax and enjoy a vast array of restaurants from which to choose, inland or water-front, serving everything from favorite American cuisine to gourmet and international fare. If you desire a metropolitan shopping atmosphere, spend the day at any of Charlotte's mega malls and shopping centers just a short drive away.
Next door to Charlotte, a city topping the national ranks as a leading financial, distribution and transportation city and the nation's fifth largest urban region, North Mecklenburg is emerging into a bustling economic area! Small businesses are beginning to share the corporate marketplace in North Mecklenburg with larger companies locating offices here. Huntersville Business Park and the developing Northcross are just two of the many professionally designed corporate centers leasing space for the influx of business. Duke Power, Ingersoll-Rand, Dimetrics Corporation, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Davidson College are major employers The North Mecklenburg Chamber serves the region as an information, education, community, economic and business development resource bureau. Nearly 500 business members strong representing over 7,000 employed professionals from across the region your Chamber serves the business community as a volunteer-driven organization designed to work collectively through a vast pool of resources of its members, through programs and initiatives which make our communities the best they can be, The Chamber operates the North Mecklenburg Visitors Center in an effort to assist, inform and educate citizens of the communities, their guests, newcomers to the area and visitors, on the numerous attractions, events and amenities available here The center is open weekdays, 9-00 A.M. until 5:00P.M. (opening soon weekends). It houses a Community Conference Facility which conformably accommodates up to 35 persons, and is available to any individual or group on a scheduled lease basis. For information call 892-1922.
Lake Norman was created in 1963 when Duke Power Company dammed the Catawba River. With Cowans Ford Dam. The lake takes its name from former Duke Power president Norman Cocke. The dam and lake serve the area in many ways providing electricity and water, controlling flooding and providing a terrific source of recreation. Duke Power has three power plants on Lake Norman.
Driver's License
New residents have 30 days to apply for a North Carolina Driver's license. Newcomers should bring their out-of-state license, proof of insurance and proof of residency to a testing station. The nearest testing stations are:
Charlotte
8446 Hwy. 29 North 547-5486Mooresville
125 N. Main Street 664-3344Statesville
905 Carolina Avenue 878-4220Automobile License Tags
A newcomer will have a minimum of 30 days to register a vehicle. Regulations regarding registration and license tags vary from person to person. For more information call:
Charlotte
6016 Brookshire Boulevard 399-8306Mooresville
101 N. Main Street 663-5472The citywide speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted, and the school zone speed limit is 25 mph, as is the residential area speed limits. Statewide, the speed limit is 55 mph., with exceptions where 65 mph is posted.
The North Carolina Sate Roads Act forbids drivers to drink alcohol or to have an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area.
The state requires seat belts for all front seat passengers, and failure to wear a seatbelt can result in a fine. Children under the age of 4 must ride in crash test car seat and children between 4 and 6 must wear seat belts regardless of where they sit in the car.
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and burn headlights at all times.
Cornelius 892-8581 Davidson 892-8557 Huntersville 875-2412
Voters must be at least 18 years old by the date of the election and must register at least 16 working days prior to the election, Voters must bring proof of current residence and identification bearing their full legal name in order to register. You may register at any public library. For more information, call the Board of Elections at 336-2133 or your local library.
For fire, police, ambulance or rescue squad dial 911.
Electricity
Town of Cornelius 892-6031 Town of Huntersville 875-6541 Cresent Electric Membership 892-0278 Duke Power Company 892-3338
Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas Co 365-2660 Public Service of North Carolina 664-3482
Telephone
Southern Bell
Residential 780-2355 Business 780-2800
Water
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities 336-2211
The curbside recycling program accepts newspapers, aluminum, tin and metal cans, glass bottles and jars, spiral paper cans, plastic soft drink and liquor containers and plastic milkjugs. Residents living within the city limits in single-family homes may participate in the curbside recycling program., County residents are encouraged to use one of the drop centers, Harrisburg Road and US 21. For more information call:
General Recycling Information 336-6087 Town of Cornelius 892-6031 Town of Davidson 892-7591 Town of Huntersville 875-6541 North Mecklenburg Mulch/Compost Facility 875-1563
The towns of the North Mecklenburg/ Lake Norman area offer many shops and businesses in renovated historic buildings. The Davidson Walking Tour allows you to tour the nineteenth century homes and college buildings of Davidson. -
Hugh Torance House and Store is the oldest surviving store in Mecklenburg County. The structure dates from the 1770's. The building housed a store from 1805 to 1825.
A monument to confederate soldiers is located in front of Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius. It is said to mark the site where confederate soldiers signed up for service and is inscribed: "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg, Last at Appomattox." The church dates from 1828.
Duke Power State Park on Lake Norman near Troutman offers group and family camping, boating, boat rentals, fishing, nature and hiking trails, nature programs, picnicking and swimming.
Exit 42 off 1-77 528-6350Ramsey Creek Park located on Lake Norman features four paved boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic shelters and tables, athletic fields, a playground and a nature trail.
18441 Nantz Road, Huntersville 875-1391Jetton Park is on a peninsula that reaches into Lake Norman. The park features paved bike and hiking trails, tennis courts, a playground, picnic areas and sunning beach.
19000 Jetton Road, Huntersville 875-1391David B. Waymer Complex located on 18 acres, features a recreation center, playground and lighted athletic fields.
14200 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville 875-1391-Sports, Park and RecreationWith the largest fresh water lake in North Carolina, there are many leisure opportunities, as well as excellent golf and tennis facilities.
Also located on Lake Norman is the only full facility YMCA waterfront recreation center in the world. For more information call 892-YMCA.
For those interested in professional sports it's a short drive to see the Charlotte Checkers - Ice Hockey (342-4423), Charlotte Hornets Basketball (information 892-0252 or tickets 522-6500), Charlotte Knights Baseball (332-3746), Charlotte Rage Football (527-7243), Charlotte Motor Speedway (455-3200).
Senior Centers, Inc. offers information and referral to a variety of services available to residents 55 and older. Services provided include tree health screenings, employment assistance, educational classes, social activities, counseling, intergenerational activities, travel and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program).
Other groups include the Council on Aging, an advocacy group; Senior Scholars; continuing education through Central Piedmont Community College, and Jolly Travelers Senior Citizens Club (892-1040). For opportunities and information about senior activities call 334-3053.
Updated 9-17/96 by Scott Brumley - Comments