From the Mountains to the Sea

What can you find all within a day’s drive of Lake Norman?

Proximity to endless road trip opportunities is another reason residents love our location. Whether you want a quick jaunt a couple of hours up the Blue Ridge Parkway, a shopping excursion or a leave-your-cares-behind retreat to one of the many beaches along the Carolina coast, Lake Norman is perfectly positioned as a home base for all manner of Carolina adventures. Here are a few ideas for you:

Hickory/High Point/Thomasville

Drive Time — Hickory: 45 minutes

Drive Time — High Point and Thomasville: 90 minutes

North Carolina has long been considered the furniture capital of the United States, and no three cities are more tied to furniture than Hickory, High Point and Thomasville. Despite recent trends toward moving production overseas,

ASHEVILLE, A CULTURAL HUB some of the best-known brands in the furniture industry remain headquartered in these three cities. In fact, some of the most extravagant furniture you’ll ever see moves through these areas. Take a short drive to Hickory Furniture Mart on Highway 70, where you will find hundreds of name brands made in America as well as outlets for pieces ready to take home. High Point hosts a twice-a-year furniture market that attracts thousands of industry buyers from all over the world.

Boone

Drive Time: 2 hours

Boone is a North Carolina mountain destination Lake Norman residents can easily reach for a fun day trip or long weekend. Some of the Blue Ridge’s highest peaks are located in the Boone area. It’s another favorite for those interested in viewing the beautiful fall foliage. Many bed and breakfasts beckon visitors year round, and the town is home to Appalachian State University. During the holidays, dozens of Christmas tree farms open for business, so families can pick out the perfect tree and make lifelong memories in the process.

Greenville Drive Time: 2 hours

Greenville, S.C. has become well known in recent years for being a hub of culture, outdoor adventure, food and beer. The streets and parks of the city are home to almost 100 pieces of public artwork.The 32-acre Falls on the Reedy park sits right in the heart of downtown and features a 40-foot natural waterfall and floating pedestrian Liberty Bridge. A popular activity is cycling along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multiuse trail system that runs along the Reedy River. If you don’t have your own bike there are plenty available to rent. There are also many places to shop in Greenville, from storefronts displaying funky pieces of artwork to antiques, to farmhouse décor, urban outfitters and boutiques with carefully curated clothing brands. There’s also an Artists Guild Gallery co-op that represents more than 20 local artists and many other storefronts where you can shop for handcrafted mixed media pieces, jewelry, watercolors and photography.

Asheville Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Asheville is western North Carolina’s largest city and serves as the business, cultural, shopping and dining hub of the mountains. Asheville is known across the world for being a mountain gem, as it has an arts scene filled with concerts, festivals, art galleries and performances. The city is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its natural beauty. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which brushes Asheville, attracts motorists each October when the trees begin to turn. The historic Biltmore Estate, which sits on the city’s outskirts, is a favorite destination for those who love spring flowers and beautiful holiday decor.

Charleston Drive Time: 3.5 hours

Few destinations anywhere are as splendid as Charleston, S.C. Make one trip to this charming southern city and you’re sure to be back. Charleston is located on the coast and is considered by many to be the South’s cultural capital. Dining in Charleston is world class, and the city’s dozens of restaurants offer Lowcountry menus that simply can’t be beat. Here you’ll find beautiful gardens wedged between historic pastel homes — many of which were built before the Civil War (which started in nearby Fort Sumter). Beachgoers are also at home in Charleston. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Sullivan’s Island offer a variety of fun for those wanting to hit the sand.

Myrtle Beach

Drive Time: 4 hours

Few places are as hot come summer as Myrtle Beach, S.C. (and we’re not just talking about the temperature). Myrtle Beach boasts miles and miles of beautiful beaches, hotels at every price point, hundreds of shops and nearly 2,000 restaurants. And if you’re a golfer, few places can offer more than the Myrtle Beach area does all year long. More than 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach each year. Families love the carefree summertime atmosphere the beach offers, and with amusement parks, theaters and nightclubs in the mix, there’s truly something for everyone in Myrtle Beach

Distance from the Lake Norman area (Huntersville) to Several Major Cities

New York City: 9 hours 50 minutes; 630 miles.

Philadelphia: 8 hours 30 minutes; 534 miles.

Washington D.C.: 6 hours 20 minutes; 393 miles.

Atlanta: 4 hours; 254 miles.

Savannah: 4 hours 30 minutes; 265 miles.

Jacksonville, Florida: 6 hours 15 minutes; 400 miles.

Miami: 11 hours 40 minutes; 750 miles.

Nashville: 6 hours 45 minutes; 425 miles.