Dine + Wine
On Tap
by Lara Tumer
A Craft Beer Itinerary for Outdoor Enthusiasts SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE AND SUPPORT THE BEST IN LOCAL BEER
Aloha Paddle Sports in Cornelius.
Carbonation Craft Beer and Wine Shop.
S
JUNE 2020
40 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS
ummer is brewing up in Lake Norman, a favorite time of year to enjoy the warm weather, lake water, luscious green parks, and time outside with family and friends. This year, though, it may take place at a distance. Enjoying a cold craft beer is a great way to cool off, relax, and unwind between activities, and even if some of Lake Norman’s favorite beer gardens and tap rooms are closed, breweries are offering unlimited alternative options so you can still grab your favorite brews to go. Spend the day soaking up the sunshine with a few stops along the way supporting the Lake’s best local beer serving businesses.
Early Risers Paddleboard Session Start the day on the lake, arguably the best time to get on the water. The current is calm, and you won’t be fighting speed boaters and jet skiers for space. Paddle boarding isn’t only fun, but it’s a great way to sneak in
some exercise. Aloha Paddle Sports (located at 17505 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius) offers paddleboard rentals from Tuesday to Sunday starting as early as 9 a.m., if you don’t own your own. Reservations and online payment is required for minimal contact and safety procedures.
Fuel Up - Park Picnic & Growlers To-Go After an hour or two of paddle boarding around the lake, head to Eleven Lakes Brewery located at 10228 Bailey Road in Cornelius. Weekend hours begin at noon and you can grab any of their noteworthy small batch beers like Sandbar Blonde or LKN IPA for just $10 a growler. Make sure to pack some sandwiches, snacks, and a picnic blanket so you can head around the corner to Bailey Road Park for a midday picnic.
Prep for Happy Hour Don’t forget local favorite D9
Brewing. Their website makes it easy and seamless to order 4-pack cans in over a dozen selections with seasonal limited releases and standing favorites both in the mix. Simply pull up and pop your drunk for curbside pickup. Throw a cooler in your car to chill your beer while you tackle the afternoon’s outdoor activities and don’t forget to stock up on a few extra cans to have at home. If you don’t have time to make the stop D9 is offering daily deliveries with an easy to use online ordering system so you can have beer delivered right to your home.
Get Moving – Mid Day Hike & Afternoon Swim Mostly shaded, Jetton Park is the perfect place to escape the sun and enjoy an afternoon hike or bike ride, depending on your preference. The loop is an approachable 1.4 miles in total and can easily be completed by the whole family with a paved path that’s easy to navigate and stroller friendly. You can pop off at
one of the park’s picnic tables and crack open your beer if you simply can’t wait. Perhaps you’ve worked up a sweat. Take the 2-3 minute drive around the corner to Ramsey Creek park to take a dip in the lake.
Stock Up for Sunset Sips Breweries aren’t the only place to buy local and regional brews. Before you head home, hop over to Carbonation Craft Beer and Wine Shop ( found at 20910 Torrance Chapel Road in Cornelius). They’re selling craft beer and wine for carry out and filling growlers with quality craft beer. You can check out a list of the breweries that they carry or give them a call for personalized recommendations if you’d like to try something new. If you’re looking to create your own beer tour, head to visitlakenorman.org, with a full and comprehensive beer and wine trail map, organized by neighborhood.
