🤩 Atlanta’s famous brunch spot is expanding to Lake Norman

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When Did Picking Out a Pumpkin Become an Event?

I was looking through some old pictures the other day and came across a few from years ago when we'd take Lily to the pumpkin patch.

Back then, at least in my memory, the mission was pretty simple. Go pick out a pumpkin, take a few pictures, bring it home and carve it.

Apparently we've come a long way.

Now we've got hayrides, corn mazes, food trucks, apple cider donuts, petting zoos, live music and enough activities to turn picking out a pumpkin into an all-day event.

I'm not complaining. Some of my favorite memories are from doing things like this with Lily when she was little, and I'd probably give quite a bit to go back and do one of those days again.

But it did get me thinking about something.

Going out and doing things has gotten expensive.

It's not just pumpkin patches. Dinner out, concerts, sporting events, weekend trips and even some of the festivals we tell you about every week can add up pretty quickly, especially for a family.

So I’m curious whether that’s actually changed how often people around Lake Norman go out and do things.

We have almost 6,000 of you reading this every week, so instead of guessing, I thought we'd ask.

WE WANT TO ASK LAKE NORMAN…

Has the higher cost of living changed how often you go out around Lake Norman?

I'm genuinely curious to see what you guys say. I'll share the results next week.

And now that we've established that picking out a $10 pumpkin apparently requires an entire Saturday, here's what's happening around Lake Norman this week...

Local Lowdown

🥞 Flying Biscuit Café heads to Huntersville

The Gist: The Flying Biscuit Café is officially headed to Huntersville. A franchise agreement has been signed for one location, with site selection now underway. An address and opening date will be announced once a lease is finalized.

Why It Matters: The Atlanta-founded restaurant is known for all-day breakfast and brunch favourites like shrimp and grits, stuffed French toast and biscuit-based dishes. The local owners also hope to eventually open three to five Flying Biscuit cafés around the Charlotte area over the next five years.

🍸 A new 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge opens in Cornelius

The Gist: The Alleyway, a new cocktail lounge from the owners of Harp & Crown, opened Oct. 1 in the space directly next door to the restaurant. The 75-seat lounge pairs specialty cocktails and jazz with black walls, candlelight, exposed wood beams and other 1920s-inspired details. It is initially open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Why It Matters: The Alleyway gives Cornelius a new evening spot designed for conversation rather than televisions and loud music. The menu includes about 20 signature cocktails, along with charcuterie boards and appetizers.

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705 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036 photo tour

705 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036 - 4 beds • 4 baths • 3,404 sq ft

Restaurant Radar

🥨 A taste of Bavaria in Troutman

275 N Main St, Troutman, NC

Bavarian Kitchen serves traditional German favorites including schnitzel, potato pancakes, sausages, giant pretzels and apple strudel. The Troutman restaurant also offers German beer and rotating regional specialties.

This October, stop by Thursday through Saturday for seasonal dinner specials such as Biersuppe, pork loin and tortes. It’s a cozy local option when you’re craving something a little different.

Business Brief

🍂 Pouring warmth into hand-blended custom candles

9606 Bailey Rd # E, Cornelius, NC

Bells Box Collective makes candle pouring a fun, hands-on outing at its bright pink Cornelius studio. Guests can choose a container, create a custom fragrance from more than 250 scent options and pour their own toxin-free soy candle with help from the team.

Walk-ins are welcome during regular studio hours, while private workshops can be booked for girls’ nights, birthdays, showers and team outings. The shop also carries candles and clean home and body products if you’d rather stop in and browse.

Local Events