Piedmont Lakes Pilot

12/08/2024

Explore history and vibrant activities around Lake Wylie. From its origins in 1904 as Catawba Lake to its current status as a recreational haven, there's much to do—boating, hiking, dining, and more.

First created in 1904 by the construction of a dam at India Hook Shoals, north of Rock Hill and west

08/08/2024

Since 2005, Project Healing Waters has empowered veterans to heal through the art of fly fishing. With 175+ chapters, they offer free classes and trips, fostering resilience and community.

There’s an art to fly fishing. The way you throw your wrist to cast your line followed by the fluent

06/08/2024

Anntony's Original has relocated to The Landing at Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford! Enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine with a Southern twist, lakeside vibes, live music, and a sandy beach for kids. Accessible by boat or car, it's the perfect spot for a memorable meal.

Dr. Tony Martin, the original owner of Anntony's, immigrated from British Guyana to Charlotte in 196

05/08/2024

Growing up on Lake Norman, Susan Newsom of Lake Norman Power Sports cherished boating her mom to work. Now, she runs a thriving family business with her sister Joie and mom Dana. Visit their new facility on Chartown Drive and feel like family.

Growing up on Lake Norman in Cornelius, Susan Newsom of Lake Norman Power Sports has fond memories o

02/08/2024

New Piedmont Lakes Pilot issue! Meet the women behind Lake Norman Power Sports, discover Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, learn about the new Anntony's at the Landing, and explore Lake Wylie. Issues are hitting stands around the water starting today!

It’s hot in here … and out there … and in the pages of the newest issue of Piedmont Lakes Pilot. In

02/08/2024

Check out our friends at Safe Harbor Westport!

31/07/2024

Harmful algal blooms may be present in NC waters, according to NC Dept of Environmental Quality. Avoid discolored or smelly water to stay safe. Report sightings via DWR Citizen Report. Check updates on the Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and Division of Water Resources (DWR) have alerte

30/07/2024

Discover the magic of butterfly gardening! Create a haven in your yard with sunny spots and native plants. Check out "Butterfly Gardening in the Carolina Piedmont" for tips. Transform your garden and enjoy the fluttering beauty!

A tiger swallowtail glides above my backyard creek, held up by yellow wings with coal-black tiger st

01/07/2024

Don't miss out on all the great fireworks showings on Charlotte-area lakes for the Fourth 🇺🇸

There’s no holiday like the Fourth of July, and where better to watch a patriotic firework display t

25/06/2024

Still looking for those Fourth of July 🇺🇸 plans? Check out our list of the best places to catch local fireworks displays on our area lakes:

There’s no holiday like the Fourth of July, and where better to watch a patriotic firework display t

14/06/2024

Pool Scouts honored National Water Safety Month by partnering with Hope Floats Foundation, donating 1,500+ swim lessons to children in poverty. They aim to raise $35,000 this year to support swim-lesson scholarships and reduce drowning deaths.

Pool Scouts of Lake Norman & South Charlotte honored National Water Safety Month by partnering w

07/06/2024

07/06/2024

Enjoy a day at Lake Tillery at The Boat House! This lakeside gem offers pizza, wings, burgers, and more, with indoor and outdoor seating, live music, a sandy beach, and a shop for all your lake needs. Dock or drive up for great food and drinks, and don’t forget to sign a dollar bill for the wall!

The Boat House at Lake Tillery is “all you need for a day on the lake,” according to its Facebook pa

06/06/2024

Lost something valuable in a local lake? From wedding rings to Apple Watches, local scuba salvage businesses are here to help. With challenges like low visibility and debris, expert divers on Charlotte-area lakes are ready to recover your treasures.

It’s hard to ruin a nice day on the lake, but when you suddenly lose your wedding ring, Apple watch

05/06/2024

Celebrate the 4th of July on Piedmont lakes! Enjoy boat parades, lakeside dining, and stunning fireworks with reflections on the water.

Top spots: Badin, Tillery, Norman, Wylie, James, Hickory, Wateree, High Rock, Mountain Island, and the Whitewater Center.

There’s no holiday like the Fourth of July, and where better to watch a patriotic firework display t

04/06/2024

Discover the inspiring journey of Matt and Lynette Santomenna from corporate life to founding Race City Marine, a faith-driven boat dealership in Mooresville. Through dedication and community support, they've grown from humble beginnings to a premier dealership, offering top-notch service and giving back through partnerships with local ministries.

Back in 2008, Matt Santomenna had worked in the corporate world for 20 years when he and his wife Ly

03/06/2024

A new swim beach has just opened at the Wittenburg Access on Lake Hickory in time for the coming summer months. Alexander County commissioner Marty Pennell says the beach is a great way for families to interact with the Catawba River safely.

Lake Hickory is opening a new swimming area at the revamped Wittenburg Access area, just in time for

03/06/2024

Volume 23, Issue 3 is out on stands now, Piloters! 🏖️

Grab your copy at one of hundreds of locations around the Piedmont region📍

This issue is full of great features:

FEATURE: Race City Marine builds on faith and perseverance to build their local dealership into a one-stop, year-round service and sales location for area boaters.

LAKES: 19 can’t-miss destinations for Fourth of July fireworks celebrations 💥

PILOT’S GALLEY: The Boat House Lake Tillery is a waterside hangout for the entire family 🍔

FISHING GUIDE: A different kind of fishing: Six area scuba salvage resources for that item that fell overboard last weekend.

Plus: 70 pages of marine services offered locally, lake maps for Tillery; Badin; High Rock; Norman; Wylie; Wateree; Hickory, and our full marina guide!

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03/06/2024

27/05/2024

✍ Looking to grow our contributing writers pool with lake-life and boating publication in the Charlotte area.

We are beginning the search for Charlotte-area writers and freelance journalists who have experience or interest in covering news, culture, events, lifestyle, boating and fishing around the Piedmont region lakes: Lake James, Lake Hickory, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Lake Wateree, Mountain Island Lake, Lake Tillery, Badin Lake and High Rock Lake.

We accept all story pitch submissions from local freelancers and offer base rates for articles published to our website and in the print publication. Please reach out with any interest in working with our team to produce these local stories, or share this post with someone you think would be a good fit!

19/04/2024

The best times to catch bedding bass are during the new and full moons in April and May. Those not bedding will be holding in pocket openings, near shallow points and on the shady side of boat docks. Capt. Gus on how to catch 'em:

Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. was an outdoor columnist and full-time professiona

18/04/2024

SandBar Marina & Grill, a lakeside food, drink and docking destination on Lake Hickory, offers family and friends a place to relax after or during a long day on the water. We dig into the new menu and what else to look for at this hopping spot on Lake Hickory.

SandBar Marina & Grill, a lakeside food, drink and docking destination on Lake Hickory, offers f

16/04/2024

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Morganton and Marion, Lake James is the up-and-coming lake destination in NC for good reason. We've put together a quick guide for how to get on the water and what to do once you're there.

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Morganton and Marion, fed by three rivers, L

15/04/2024

In our latest issue, we caught up with Nathan Fabbricatore, captain with Sea Tow Lake Norman, about his boating journey and work with SeaTow, which has brought him from the hurricane-ravaged waters of Florida back up to helping boaters in the Piedmont.

Sea Tow Lake Norman serves Lake Norman, Ramsey Creek, Stumpy Creek, Little creek and more with prior

20/03/2024

Stay ahead of fire safety regulations on the water. Explore this article for vital insights into fire extinguisher requirements for your marine vessel. Don't set sail without this knowledge.

Navigating the waters comes with its own set of safety regulations, including requirements for fire