Explore the Best of Davidson, NC from Your NOVEL Apartment

In the heart of downtown Davidson, NOVEL Davidson offers more than just a place to live, it provides a thoughtfully crafted lifestyle. This luxury apartment and townhome community blends “unassuming luxury” with the charm of small-town living, offering a refined yet whimsical place to call home.

NOVEL Davidson features 237 residences, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and two-story townhomes, designed with timeless architecture and modern functionality. Residents enjoy flexible layouts, with features like dining rooms, dens, walk-out balconies, and mudroom benches, echoing the region’s lake-centric, relaxed lifestyle.

Most importantly, it’s a community built for walkability and connection. Living at NOVEL means you can park your car and explore on foot or by bike, with downtown Davidson’s restaurants, shops, trails, and cultural landmarks just steps away.

Main Street Moments: Shops, Sips, and Strolls

Living at NOVEL puts you right next to the soul of Davidson, Main Street, where you’ll find history, hospitality, and a strong sense of community.

  • Summit Coffee: Just a 3-minute walk from NOVEL, Summit is the go-to local café with expertly roasted coffee, live outdoor music, and laid-back energy. It's perfect for early mornings, remote work sessions, or Friday night hangs with neighbors.

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  • Main Street Books: A 5-minute stroll leads you to this independent bookstore, known for its cozy interior, well-curated selections, and frequent author events. It’s a hub for readers, thinkers, and creatives.

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  • Kindred Restaurant: At just 4 minutes away, this award-winning spot is one of the South’s culinary gems. With dishes like milk bread and handmade pastas, Kindred offers a unique blend of elevated Southern cuisine and approachable elegance.

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  • The Pickled Peach: This cheerful café focuses on fresh, local ingredients, offering salads, sandwiches, and house-made soups. Whether dining in or grabbing a picnic to enjoy by the green, it’s a staple of downtown life.

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  • Davidson College & The Town Green: A quick walk away, the college and green spaces serve as backdrops for community events, student art shows, public lectures, and laid-back afternoon strolls under mature oaks.

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Arts, Culture, and Events, Always Nearby

Davidson offers an arts scene that punches above its size, and NOVEL residents are at the center of it.

  • Davidson College Campus Galleries: Explore rotating exhibitions featuring national and regional artists, as well as student work, all open to the public and just blocks away.
  • Concerts on the Green: Held right in front of the town hall, these seasonal concerts draw residents together for evenings filled with live music, dancing, and family-friendly fun, and it’s all just steps from your door.
  • Christmas in Davidson: Every December, the town transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy horse-drawn carriages, holiday markets, tree lighting, and more, no need to drive or park when you live at NOVEL.
  • Local Art Crawls & Galleries: Throughout the year, Davidson hosts pop-up art shows, gallery walks, and outdoor installations, making creativity part of the everyday environment.

Outdoor Escapes Without Leaving Town

One of Davidson’s greatest assets is how connected to nature it feels, even within town limits.

  • South Prong Rocky River Greenway: With access just outside NOVEL, this greenway features wooded trails, open meadows, and peaceful streamside paths, perfect for biking, walking, or simply reconnecting with nature.
  • Roosevelt Wilson Park: A 10-minute walk brings you to this quiet gem with a pond, ducks, picnic benches, and paved trails, ideal for quick lunchtime breaks or weekend relaxation.
  • Lake Davidson Nature Preserve: Just a short bike ride away, this preserve includes shaded hiking trails, birdwatching spots, and kayak launch areas.

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  • Lake Norman: Only 15 minutes away, Lake Norman offers expansive water recreation opportunities, from paddleboarding and fishing to boat tours and lakeside dining, great for a weekend escape that’s still close to home.

Everyday Essentials, Steps Away

NOVEL Davidson’s location makes day-to-day living simple and seamless.

  • Harris Teeter: A 5-minute drive takes you to this full-service grocery store, stocked with local and specialty items.
  • Davidson Farmers Market: Just steps from NOVEL, this producer-only market is open Saturdays and features fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music, a local favorite for families and foodies alike.

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  • Davidson Public Library: A cozy, walkable library that serves as a quiet space for study, reading, or catching up on local history and news.

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  • Wellness Options: Residents have access to yoga studios, boutique gyms, and NOVEL’s own Fitness Studio, which includes Matrix equipment and virtual training screens. You’ll also find nearby greenways ideal for outdoor fitness.

A Connected Community Lifestyle

At NOVEL Davidson, thoughtful design meets vibrant community, blending form, function, and warmth.

Spaces That Invite Connection

  • The Clubhouse: With multi-level patios, a library, and a pool house, it’s an ideal place to work, read, or socialize.
  • The Conservatory: A bright gardening room with tools and seeds, perfect for residents who enjoy cultivating calm.
  • The Parlor and The Great Room: Cozy lounges with soft lighting, a salvaged nautical porthole window, and co-working nooks that reflect NOVEL’s whimsical and personal design ethos.
  • The Living Room: Featuring billiards, games, and relaxed social space for residents and guests.

Comfort Meets Convenience

  • The Patio: An outdoor lounge with a fire pit, grilling stations, and generous seating, ideal for gatherings.
  • The Post: A 24-hour package room that keeps deliveries safe and secure.
  • EV Charging Stations and gigabit-speed internet throughout the property make modern living effortless.

More than just luxury, NOVEL Davidson offers “intentional living”, where design choices support a lifestyle of connection, creativity, and comfort.

Easy Day Trips & Nearby Discoveries

When you do want to explore beyond Davidson, you’re perfectly positioned for day trips or weekend adventures.

Destination

Distance

Highlights

Downtown Cornelius

10 minutes

Breweries, galleries, and waterfront dining with a laid-back vibe

Jetton Park

15 minutes

Shady walking trails, picnic spots, and access to Lake Norman

Birkdale Village

15 minutes

An open-air lifestyle center with boutique shopping, restaurants, and cinema

Downtown Mooresville

20 minutes

Antique shops, cozy cafés, and a charming historic Main Street vibe


Whether you want a date night by the lake, a Saturday shopping spree, or a quiet antique browse, it’s all an easy drive from your NOVEL doorstep.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Davidson, Right From Home

From early morning strolls along the greenway to Saturday markets, arts festivals, and dinner under the stars on Main Street, life in Davidson is rich with moments that matter, and NOVEL Davidson places you at the center of it all.

With its intentional design, welcoming atmosphere, and walkable location, NOVEL isn’t just an apartment, it’s a home that honors the rhythm and charm of Davidson life.

Whether you're relocating, downsizing, or simply looking for something that feels more personal and grounded, NOVEL Davidson invites you to belong, explore, and thrive, one meaningful moment at a time.