A root beer float or dinner in an old mill: 5 ways to spend a day in Davidson for $50 or less
READ MORE
Downtown vibes
If you’ve lived in Charlotte for long enough, you already know one of the best parts about road trips involves passing through the charming small towns across the Carolinas. We actually have so many quaint towns and cities that even a Carolinas native may not have visited them all. Explore them in this series.
Expand All
Downtown Davidson is just 21 miles from Charlotte’s city center. It’s a bustling college town with a small-town charm — and the hospitality alone is a reason to make the trip.
Known for Davidson College and its proximity to Lake Norman, Davidson’s downtown is vibrant. You’ll find college students and locals shopping, dining and enjoying a variety of activities while supporting local shops and restaurants.
If you’re looking for ways to spend time in a new place, here are five things to do in Davidson for less than $50 a day:
Order a Dirty Chai
Location: 77 Grounds Coffee, 605 Jetton St Suite B, Davidson, NC 28036
On Jetton Street in Davidson, you’ll find 77 Grounds Coffee, a shop that’s known for specialty crafted coffee and hosting pop-ups, as well as bringing its mobile espresso bar to parties Ask the barista for the Dirty Chai ($5) and enjoy your coffee in peace or work remotely.
Cost: $5+ tax and tip
Window shop at The Village Store
Location: The Village Store, 110 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
This is a great place to explore and possibly gain insight into gift ideas for yourself and loved ones. It’s a specialty store and gift shop that has everything from games for kids, jewelry, souvenirs, home decor and more.
Cost: Free, unless you see something you like
Go back in time
Location: The Soda Shop, 104 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
If you’re in Davidson, The Soda Shop is a must-do, especially if you like feeling nostalgic. Since 1951, the shop has been a staple on Main Street and is the place for good food, drinks and a good time. Visitors will find an extensive menu that includes soups, salads, wraps, hoagies, hot dogs, sandwiches, old fashioned sodas, floats, sundaes and more. Order the Chicken Caesar Wrap, which includes grilled chicken, melted provolone cheese, romaine, tomato, Caesar dressing and your choice of side ($8.75). Try a regular rainbow sherbet milkshake ($4.50) for dessert.
Cost: $13.25+ tax and tip
Spend time outdoors
Location: Roosevelt Wilson Park, 420 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
About a five minute drive from Main Street is Roosevelt Wilson Park, which is a great place to explore — and walk off lunch and dessert as you enjoy the sight of the large pond and water feature. The park features include paved walking trails, a picnic area, playground, restrooms and more. Pro tip: The greenways in Davidson span more than six miles throughout multiple parks and the entire town, which means there’s plenty of green space to explore in the area.
Cost: Free
Have dinner and a drink in Davidson
Location: Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St, Davidson, NC 28036
Wind down from a day of exploring with dinner and a drink from Brickhouse Tavern. For two decades, the restaurant has been housed in the old Davidson Cotton Mill, which was built more than 100 years ago. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, more than 70 beers and more. The Salmon BLT includes grilled salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato and guacamole on a brioche bun. It’s served with one side ($13). Order a Carolina Draft from the Tap Room ($6).
Cost: $19+ tax and tip
Total cost for your day in downtown Davidson: $37.25+ tax and tip.
This story was originally published October 25, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
