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This time of year that makes it easy to lose track of the days. One evening blends into the next, the lake stays busy until sunset and somehow every weekend fills itself before you've even made plans.
There is a story about a local diver who has spent years pulling lost treasures from the bottom of Lake Norman, a hopeful update that could make life a little easier for anyone who drives I-77 and plenty of reasons to get outside while these long July evenings are still with us.
Hope you find something that gets you out into the community this week. Have a great one!
— Scott
🛑 $4.7 Million for a new I-77 Exit in Cornelius?
This image is a digital mock-up for illustrative purposes.
The Gist: On July 2, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore secured a $4.7 million federal grant to plan a new I-77 interchange at Westmoreland Road, known as Exit 27. The town is partnering with Atrium Health to cover matching costs for the design phase.
Why It Matters: If you are tired of getting trapped at the Exit 28 bottleneck, this is huge news. A second exit could mean less gridlock on local streets and easier access to the growing Westmoreland Road area, especially as medical and community services continue expanding nearby.
What's Next: Town leaders, Atrium Health, and the NCDOT are meeting later this month to hash out the remaining funding details.
🤿 Recovering thousands of lost items from Lake Norman
The Gist: Cornelius Today profiled Phil Stahala, a local diver who has built a business out of recovering lost gear from the bottom of Lake Norman. His hauls include thousands of pairs of sunglasses, dozens of wedding rings, and hundreds of anchors stuck to submerged trees left over from when the lake was first flooded in the 1960s.
Why It Matters: Stahala also returns items with clear ownership at no charge, wallets and IDs included. It is a genuinely delightful glimpse into what lies beneath a body of water most locals only see from the surface.
🍋 A sunny patio and slow-simmered hospitality
408 S Main St, Davidson
Habibi Lebanon is one of those places you easily underestimate until you sit down. Chef Nazira Atme pairs her French and Canadian training with rich Middle Eastern heritage, while her son Perry runs the floor like a family living room.
The smoky, walnut-topped muhammara and crispy, cheese-filled knafeh drizzled in rose water syrup are essential summer orders. Grab a seat on the front patio and enjoy a spread with a crisp Lebanese wine!
🧴 Lightening your summer plastic footprint
172 N Broad St #101, Mooresville
The Refillery LKN down on Broad Street helps curb that summer recycling bin overflow. Peak season is when the plastic pile-up quietly explodes with empty sunscreen, bug spray, and lake-day shampoo bottles!
Simply bring clean containers and fill up on everything from laundry detergent to plastic-free shampoo bars by the ounce. Keep things simple while supporting a homegrown storefront during a stroll through downtown Mooresville.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎪 Just Kidding Around: Fun Factory | Veterans Park | Huntersville | 07/09 | More
Sigmon Theatrical brings the interactive show that keeps toddlers grinning. Free.
👨👩👧👦 Movie in the Park: Hoppers | Richard Barry Park | Huntersville | 07/10 | More
Free cinema under the stars with lawn games and complimentary popcorn.
🍷 Live Under The Oaks: Tim Cook | The Plaza at Birkdale Village | Huntersville | 07/10 | More
Acoustic melodies and open-air rhythms perfect for an evening wind-down. Free.
😍 Ninachella | Nina's Boutique | Cornelius | 07/11 | More
Desert-festival vibes with an elevated taco bar, custom hat makers, and more!
✨ America Night Celebration | Overflow | Mooresville | 07/11 | More
Patriotic costume contests paired with classic backyard lawn games.
👨👩👧👦 Arnie the Armadillo's Summer Story Time Tour | The Outpost at LKN | Cornelius | 07/11 | More
Children's author readings and book signings plus interactive adventure stories.
🫧 Foam Party 2026 | Mazeppa Park | Mooresville | 07/14 | More
Mountains of sudsy bubbles and summer music for refreshing daytime play.
🪗 Music Bingo with Ralphie | Hoptown Brewing | Mooresville | 07/09 | More
Sing-alongs and competitive trivia paired with fresh local craft brews.
👨👩👧👦 Rock the Park: The Legacy Motown Revue | Liberty Park | Mooresville | 07/10 | More
Classic soul and patriotic celebrations featuring dynamic choreography and more.
🎸 Soulshine: An Allman Brothers Experience | BoatYard Lake Norman | Cornelius | 07/10 | More
Gritty Southern rock the way it was meant to be played, straight from the bayou.
😎 The Reflex w/ New Sensation | Boatyard LKN | Cornelius | 07/11 | More
Big '80s energy, synths, hairspray optional but strongly encouraged.
🐾 Paint & Paws | The Bar at Groomed | Cornelius | 07/12 | More
Pet portrait painting paired with refreshing mimosas to support local animal rescue.
🍺 Jam for Jack: Preserve the Conard Collection | Old Town Event Center | Cornelius | 07/12 | More
Acoustic blues and collaborative folk jams honoring a beloved local historian.
😉 Don't Dress for Dinner | Duke Family Performance Hall | Davidson | 07/16 | More
A riotous bedroom farce packed with mistaken identities and rapid-fire banter.
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