You Picked the Community Over the Cover Charge

Last week I asked what your favorite free (or almost free) thing to do around Lake Norman is. 80 of you answered, and here's how it shook out:

• 44% said festivals and community events
• 31% said parks, trails or the lake
• 24% said live music
• 1% said something else (and that one person made a strong case for car shows)

So in other words, almost half of you would rather be out with your neighbors than anywhere with a velvet rope.

What you wrote said even more. One of you put it simply: "I love it when the whole community comes together." Another said festivals get you out of the house, and "looking around and talking with others is free." A couple of you brought up the Thursday night summer concerts at Langtree, plus Birkdale Village and Davidson on the Green.

And one reader said something I keep thinking about. Some nights it's just appetizers in the backyard, a fire pit with the neighbors, or an evening cruise on the lake. Not because they can't afford to go out, but because they'd rather not waste money on something that doesn't feel as good.

I think that's right. Some of the best times I have, to be honest, are just spending time with my family, and especially with these guys. Meet Chips and Salsa, our two mini donkeys. They don't care what anything costs. They just want a scratch behind the ears and a snack, right?

Chips and Salsa, checking to see if I brought snacks. (I did.)

In the meantime, fall is festival season around here, and several of the events below are free. Pick one, grab a neighbor, and go.

P.S. One of you mentioned fire pits and backyard nights with the neighbors, and I hear that a lot this time of year. People want a better outdoor space but don't want to touch the low rate on their first mortgage. That's what a home equity line is for. It lets you borrow against your home's value and leave that first mortgage alone. If you're self-employed and the bank said no because of your tax returns, that's usually a write-off problem, not an income problem, and it's most of what I do. Just hit reply. No pitch, no pressure.

🏛️ Latta Place breaks ground on $11.2M rebuild

The Gist: Mecklenburg County has broken ground on an $11.2 million redevelopment of Latta Place in Huntersville. Closed since 2021, the 16-acre site is getting a new visitor center, improvements to the historic farmstead, an interpretive trail loop, and a memorial sculpture honoring at least 65 known enslaved individuals. The site is expected to reopen to the public in 2027.

Why It Matters: The project aims to tell a more complete story of the people who lived and worked at the former plantation. The redesigned site will offer visitors a more inclusive educational experience while preserving an important and difficult part of Mecklenburg County's history.

🚔 Cornelius names first woman police chief

The Gist: Deputy Chief Jennifer Thompson, a 25-year veteran of the Cornelius Police Department, has been named the town’s next police chief, becoming the first woman to lead the department. She has worked her way up through the ranks since joining in 2001. Thompson holds a criminal justice degree from Gardner-Webb University and was named the Lake Norman Chamber’s Officer of the Year in 2008.

Why It Matters: Her appointment marks a milestone for the department as she prepares to lead its next chapter. Current Chief David Baucom will retire on December 31 after nearly 28 years with the Cornelius Police Department.

🚧 West Catawba widening moves forward

The Gist: After nearly 20 years of delays, Cornelius’ $35 million West Catawba Avenue widening project is moving into its next phase. Utility crews are clearing trees and relocating power lines to make room for expanding the 2.7-mile stretch between Jetton Road and Sam Furr Road from two lanes to four. Utility work is expected to take about a year, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.

Why It Matters: West Catawba has struggled to keep up with the area’s growth, and the project will add travel lanes, a center median, and paths for people walking and biking. There’s still a long road ahead, with construction disruptions and tree removal in the meantime, but the improvements are expected to help ease congestion.

🍑 Fresh sandwiches and a sunny back lawn

202 S Main St Ste C, Davidson, NC

The Pickled Peach is a great spot for a fresh, easy lunch, with handcrafted sandwiches, salads and soups made mostly in-house using locally sourced produce. Popular picks include the Reuben and Brie and ham sandwich with pickled peach.

You'll love their sweet desserts and welcoming atmosphere. With vegetarian and gluten-free options and a back lawn for relaxing, we say grab a bite and slow down.

🎃 Craft cocktails and spooky season vibes

11941 Ramah Church Rd, Huntersville, NC and 166 N Main St, Mooresville, NC

Murto Made Distillery runs a couple of fun Lake Norman locations to keep in mind when you’re in the mood for craft cocktails. Their speakeasy-style bar serves drinks made with small-batch house spirits, from charcoal-filtered vodka to botanical gin and Caribbean rum.

With festive Halloween decorations, friendly service, and plenty of drinks to try or take home, it’s an inviting place for a fall night out. You can find them at Ramah Church Rd in Huntersville and N Main St in Mooresville.