Hi neighbors,

Wednesday didn’t go quite as planned.

I was supposed to be at a luxury real estate luncheon at The Peninsula Club, but when Stacey’s friend couldn’t make it to her horse show, I was promoted to groom, driver, photographer and whatever else needed to be done.

I’ll be honest: I don’t pretend to understand every detail of dressage. But after seeing how much work Stacey puts in day after day, I have a whole new appreciation for what it takes to compete at that level.

Estatan delivered one of his best Grand Prix performances yet, scoring 70% in an arena he had never seen before. Watching months, really years, of hard work come together made missing lunch an easy trade.

One of the things I love about living around Lake Norman is how many people here are deeply passionate about something. Whether it’s horses, racing, music, boating, small business or youth sports, there is no shortage of people pouring their time and energy into what matters to them.

And sometimes, the best way to support the people you care about is simply to show up. Hope everyone has a great week!

— Scott

The Gist: Wildlife groups and Duke Energy teamed up July 21 to install dozens of 3D-printed concrete “fish houses” beneath Lake Norman near Lake Norman State Park and Beatty’s Ford Access. Because the man-made lake was created by flooding farmland about 60 years ago, its bottom has relatively little of the natural wood and structure fish use for shelter. The new artificial reefs are designed to provide a permanent alternative.

Why It Matters: The structures give fish and other aquatic life places to shelter, feed and hunt, while also creating surfaces where mussels, algae and other organisms can grow. They should also create dependable gathering spots for fish, giving local anglers a better chance of turning a day of fishing into a day of catching.

The Gist: The Cornelius Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 20 to adopt the town’s downtown master plan, wrapping up a nearly two-year process shaped by consultant recommendations, resident feedback and multiple revisions. Covering about 220 acres in the town center, the plan outlines a long-term vision for redevelopment, transportation, public spaces, arts, branding and future public investments. It does not change the town’s zoning.

Why It Matters: Downtown Cornelius will continue changing as the town grows, and the new plan gives officials and residents a shared framework for guiding that growth over the coming decades. Commissioners described it as a “living document,” meaning it can continue evolving as projects move forward and community priorities change.

The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen is an easy place to spend a few hours, whether you’re meeting friends for a match or just stopping by for a good meal. Along with 16 courts and Topgolf suites, the menu includes favorites like short-rib hash for breakfast and Crispy Thai Shrimp at lunch.

They also host corporate outings, singles mixers and live jazz brunches, giving locals plenty of reasons to stop by even when pickleball isn’t on the agenda.

Just off Exit 42, Zootastic Park offers a hands-on outing with drive-thru safari trails where camels, zebras and bison may come right up to the car. Families can also explore walking paths and animal habitats throughout the park.

On Aug. 1 and 2, Baby Weekend will spotlight some of the zoo’s newest arrivals with regular admission. Zootastic is also offering a bring-a-friend-free promotion for select Jr. Zookeeper camp dates in early August, giving kids another way to pack in a little extra summer fun before school begins.

🩰 Birkdale Buds | Birkdale Village | Huntersville | 7/29 | More
Interactive play, dance moves, and delightful outdoor summer activities for toddlers.

🎬 Movie Night: Zootopia 2 | Liberty Park | Mooresville | 7/31 | More
Cozy lawn seating, local food trucks, and animated adventure under the stars.

👑 Cinderella's Royal Princess Party | Cloud Nine Play | Mooresville | 7/31 | More
Salon makeovers, tea party treats, and fairytale play for young dreamers.

🎤 Concerts @ the Circles: Rock the 90's | Jetton Street | Davidson | 8/1 | More
Nostalgia hits and outdoor dancing on a fully pedestrianized street.

🍦 Slugs & Bugs Concert | NorthCross Church | Cornelius | 8/1 | More
Infectious songs, playful audience sing-alongs, and a sweet ice cream social.

🚚 Stuff the Truck | United Methodist Church | Davidson | 8/1 | More
Community drive collecting school supplies and healthy snacks for local students.

🏃 Love Week 5K | Elevation Church - Lake Norman | Cornelius | 8/1 | More
Run and stroller walk supporting local affordable homeownership initiatives.

🎩 Just Kidding Around: Mr. Vic's Magic Show | Veterans Park | Huntersville | 8/6 | More
Whimsical illusions and lighthearted morning entertainment for curious minds.

🎵 Music Bingo with Ralphie | Hoptown Brewing | Mooresville | 7/30 | More
Playlist trivia, lively sing-alongs, craft brews, and competitive fun.

🌳 Live Under the Oaks: Gin N' Sonic | Birkdale Village | Huntersville | 7/31 | More
Live music and relaxed outdoor dancing for a summer weekend kickoff.

🎭 Rock of Ages | Cain Center for the Arts | Cornelius | until 8/1 | More
Electric 80s rock anthems and classic arena hits live on stage.

🤼 Live Professional Wrestling | Ada Jenkins Center | Davidson | 8/1 | More
Old-school championship matches and high-energy wrestling action!

🧘‍♀️ Third Annual Goddess Gathering | Bright Haven Farm | Huntersville | 8/1 | More
Empowering wellness circle featuring holistic skill sharing and potluck feast.

🍸 Vinyl Live | Bin 110 | Cornelius | 8/1 | More
Classic dance hits and smooth craft cocktails in a lively lounge atmosphere.

📚 The Suspense Shelf Book Club | Fred & June's Books | Mooresville | 8/6 | More
Discussions unpacking plot twists and mysteries with fellow literary enthusiasts.

Thanks for reading our newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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