Cornelius was founded back in 1893 and became incorporated on March 4, 1905. Since its early beginnings, cotton has been a huge industry here and is actually the catalyst for the creation of the town.
Before Cornelius was settled, Davidson was the hotspot for cotton production. Two local firms were upset over the hiring of an official town cotton weigher. This led one of the firms to move just south of Davidson to previously unsettled land.
The roads between Davidson and this unsettled land were dismal, meaning they became impassible every time there was a heavy rain. In order to keep the cotton growers in business, Joseph Benjamin Cornelius invested some money so the firms could set up their own cotton mill, independent of Davidson. Thankful for the money, the cotton mill workers named their new settlement after the principal investor, and the rest is history.
Today, Cornelius sits in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia Metro Area, and many people come here to experience the amenities of Lake Norman.
What is the best time to visit Cornelius, NC?
While Cornelius does experience all four seasons, they aren't as extreme as more northern cities. Typically, temperatures rarely drop below the 30s, even in cold months like January or February.
However, since most people flock to Cornelius for some lakefront fun at Lake Norman, visiting in the winter is less than ideal. For optimum beachfront temperatures, consider booking your trip in May, June, July, August, or September. These months all have average highs in the 80s or 90s, which will make a dip in the lake that much more refreshing.
Because these are the ideal times to visit, they are also the most crowded. If you'd like to avoid some of the rush, try visiting just outside these months, in April or October. You'll still see high temperatures in the 70s, which is plenty warm enough for chilling by the lake during the day. Just be sure to bundle up at night, when temperatures can drop to the mid-40s.
Whenever you visit, you'll be pleased to know that the area does not seem many rainy days. On average, there are only five to seven days per month of rain. The rainiest month is July, while the least rainy months are October, November, and February.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Cornelius, NC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Cornelius, NC. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the least expensive time to book a room in Cornelius for your upcoming travels.
Which luxury hotels are in Cornelius, NC?
4 Star Average Prices: $115.00
Because Cornelius is a smaller town, you can get a taste of luxury without truly breaking your bank. All of the luxury hotels below are both affordable and provide you with all the comforts you expect.
Consider Homewood Suites by Hilton Davidson, which is just one town over from Cornelius. This 3-star hotel is spread out over five floors and features 128 air-conditioned rooms. Each room comes with a full-size fridge and microwave for your convenience, as well as MP3 docking stations and cable TV. You'll also enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, on-site shopping, and complimentary hot breakfast each day.
Another 3-star hotel, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lake Norman provides a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor pool to keep you occupied during downtime. Whichever room you book, you'll find complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, and a safe and desk. Outside of your room, enjoy the fireplace in the lobby and a picnic area for outdoor fun.
Last but not least is the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Mooresville, another 3-star hotel that features its own restaurant and bar for dinner and drinks. You'll appreciate the Select Comfort bed in every room, as well as satellite TV and video game consoles to keep you entertained. Hop in the hotel's indoor pool, relax the tension of the day in the spa tub, and burn off a few calories at the fitness center.
What options are in Cornelius, NC for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $115.96
If your goal is to plan a trip to Cornelius on the smallest budget possible, you'll have great success thanks to a number of affordable hotels in the area. Each of the following accommodations offers standard amenities for low prices for travelers that aren't as picky about their rooms.
Look into the Microtel Inn by Wyndham, which is just under a mile from the city center. In this 60-room hotel, you'll be right next to Raceworld USA and Davidson College. Each room features free Wi-Fi, a hair dryer, cable TV, and a desk with phone. Catch up on work at the 24-hour business center, or grab a free newspaper in the lobby to read up on the latest happenings.
Another low-cost hotel to consider is the Econo Lodge & Suites Lake Norman. It's a mere .94 miles from the city center and within driving distance of the Lake Norman Visitors Center, meaning you'll be close to all of the action. This three-floor hotel features an outdoor pool for relaxing in the summer as well as a complimentary breakfast each morning. Each room comes with a coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a microwave, and a mini fridge.
One final budget option is the Days Inn Lake Norman. Here, you'll be .71 miles away from the center of town and can take advantage of the outdoor pool. Get a workout in at the fitness facilities, grab a drink from the bar and lounge, and fill your belly each morning with the free breakfast.
