Lake Norman to Uptown Charlotte Living: North Carolina: Cornelius

There are a number of breakfast places to enjoy in the Lake Norman region, but do not skip the Cookhouse Restaurant.

It is a family restaurant located in Cornelius just off Exit 28 in The Shops on the Green. Growing up in New York and my wife in Cleveland we are used to getting a good breakfast from your local Diner.

Well, my wife and I found the next best thing. When we are looking for a quiet Sunday breakfast together or stopping off before heading to the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains we make Cookhouse our breakfast choice.

Click here to view menu

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Saturday's Salute the Troops on Lake Norman

Here is a portion of what was written in the Local section of the Charlotte Observer detailing the event.

Saturday's Salute the Troops - a collaboration of local sponsors and the USO that included the lake cruise, a tour of a nearby race shop, volleyball and other activities - was meant as a small thank-you to military men and women, organizers said. About 150 troops and veterans gathered at Midtown Sundries in Cornelius for the party, sharing beers, burgers and camaraderie with old and new friends.

"This is all about you guys and everything you do," said Cliff Champion of Championship Yacht Charters, which provided the cruise, as the troops boarded the boat.

The group of troops arrived at Midtown Sundries by charter bus Saturday afternoon, after a tour of the Michael Waltrip race shop. Most were young men, dressed in T-shirts and cargo shorts, baseball caps and buzz cuts, though there were also a few women. A few veterans also took part, many wearing red, white and blue.

What a great way to give back to the people who serve our country. This is the second time they have done this for the troops and they want to make it an annual event.

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Waterfront Condos and Townhomes for sale on Lake Norman.

There is a great market for those who are looking to move into a condo or townhome located on Lake Norman. So many people who are looking to downsize or get closer to family without the responsibilities of owning a home have a great opportunity to find good value in a waterfront condo or townhome.

Many of the complexes are located within minutes of shopping, retail, restaurants and offer nice amenities. Some even have marina's for those who own a boat or jet ski's.

Lake Norman, the largest body of fresh water in North Carolina, takes its name from Norman Atwater Cocke, former president of Duke Power, the company that created the lake. The scenic inland sea was created in 1967 by the establishment of the Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River.

Lake Norman by the numbers:

• 34 miles long and eight miles across at its widest point (twice the size of the Sea of Gallilee)
• 520 miles of shoreline (more than the coasts of both North and South Carolina)
• 32,510 surface acres of water 130 feet deep at its deepest point; average depth is 33 feet
• Holds 3.4 trillion gallons of water, weighing approximately 14.2 billion tons
• Four counties border Lake Norman: Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Mecklenburg

A haven for boating and water enthusiasts, Lake Normanis home to a number of waterfront communities. Each community offers residents a lifestyle unique in its own way, but always luxurious.

Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $150k-$200k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $200k-$250k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $250k-$300k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $300k-$350k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $350k-$400k
Waterfront Condos/Townhomes $400k-$450k

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Disc Golf Course Opens at Bailey Park in Cornelius NC.

The Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department and Charlotte Disc Golf Club have partnered to open a full 18-hole disc golf course at Bailey Road Park.

It is the only public, 18-hole disc golf course in the Lake Norman area. The closest public courses are found at Hornets Nest and Reedy Creek parks.

The course is designed for the beginning disc golfer and winds its way around the southeast corner of the park, which is located at the corner of Bailey Road and N.C. 115. Cornelius Park Superintendent Troy Fitzsimmons said Mark Huether, of Charlotte Disc Golf Club, designed the course, building on the existing nine holes.

The disc golf clubalso is raising $4,300 to $4,800 to purchase equipment for the nine new holes. "It's still a sort of work in progress," Fitzsimmons said Monday, July 12, because club members still have to pour the concrete pads, which serve as the tee boxes where disc golfers begin each hole. Some of the signs for the new holes also are temporary.

The town and disc golf club opened the new nine holes to play about a month ago, and the number of disc golfers grew immediately, Fitzsimmons said. "During this time of the summer, between major sports, about the only things you'll find people doing at Bailey Road Park are playing disc golf and picking blackberries," he said.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Beach Volleyball and Cycling Lake Norman 2 great summer activities to stay fit.

Summer is here and Lake Norman is a great backdrop to find a sand volleyball court or bike trail. Among the options are Blythe Landing in Huntersville, Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius,both of which have numerous courts available for reservations in addition to lakefront amenties.

There is also Midtown Sundries on Lake Norman that not only offers great food and beverages, but a very nice sand volleyball court for patrons to enjoy.

Love to cycle but want to try a new mountain bike trail? Check out the new Denver Cross Country trail, built by Blood Sweat Gearsand volunteers from the Denver, NC area. Located at the old Ranell Homes manufacturing facility, this three-mile trail offers variety for any rider.

Also check out the new Itusi at Lake Norman State Park bike trail. As far as construction, this has to be the most amazing trail you can find: bridges, crib walls, bench cuts, etc. . The downhill sections are wide and flow with the shape of the land. There are plenty of whoops to keep it exciting. This trail can be a challenge if you want to ride really fast; really makes you work on technique in corners, and switchbacks

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Distressed Waterfront Properties on Lake Norman.

Unfortunately, Charlotte, NC was hit hard because of the banking industry many changes. This in turn has hurt the luxury housing market in the Lake Norman area.

In my recent search of homes that are in Short Sale status or foreclosure I have found 18 Luxury Waterfront homes. In past times some of these homes would have priced well over a million or more.

I can remember that for many of us it was only a thought to be able to afford lakefront living. Lots alone were well over $200,000.

Lake Norman is a beautiful man made lake that covers over 500 miles of shoreline. Duke Power created the lake and has done a great job balancing the growth and keeping its natural beauty. Their are a number of islands that boaters take advantage of, as well as, great fishing holes for the anglers.

Lake Norman is also home to the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Tour Event and American Bass Anglers Divisional. Just to name a few fishing events.

If you are looking for affordable waterfront living make sure to get off exit 25 - exit 36 when driving North or South on I-77.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

 Lake Norman Waterfront Homes Sell for more than 10% and sometimes 30% off List Price.

 After completing a Market Report for Waterfront Lake Norman Homes homes that have sold since 5/1/2010 have on average sold at 80 to 90% of asking price.

These are homes that are averaging around a million dollars or more. One property listed at 1.5 million sold for 1.2 million. Another sold for 930k and was listed for 1.1 million. And yet another luxury home listed at 3.4 sold for 2.8 almost 20% below asking.

With the inventory of luxury waterfront homes being so great I do not see any relief for sellers at this point. Lake Norman is a fantastic place to live with great amenities and schools surrounding the lake. For those who dreamed about living on the water can now make it a reality with interest rates being at their lowest and reduced prices for these great homes.

To view all these great properties go to: http://lakeandtown.com/search-waterfront.html

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Lake Norman, NC region to get it's first Miniature Golf course.

For years my partner and I have said "Why isn't there a Mini golf course in the Lake Norman area?" Having 7 yr old triplet boys I would have to drive into Concord, which is 30 minutes away, to play.

Well, I just got word that our thoughts are finally coming to fruition. A family from Wisconsin who moved to area backk in 2007 felt the area lacked some family entertainment.  

In March of 2009 the whole process began for Lake Norman Miniature Golf and if all things go to plan will open October 1, 2010. They will remain open weather permitting through the Thanksgiving weekend and then shut down through the winter reopening for a full season late March 2011.

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Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264