The Cornelius center point is around 6 miles northeast of McGuire Nuclear Station and 8 miles southeast of Queen's Landing.
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.
There are plenty of hotels that offer discounted rates on rooms. For example, the Best Western Plus Huntersville Inn & Suites Near Lake Norman offers lower rates for members of the military, government officials, and members of AAA or CAA. All you have to do is present your ID at check-in. By staying here, you can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, fitness facilities, and business center, as well as the outdoor pool and computer station.
The Clarion Inn is another establishment that accepts the AAA or CAA discount. They also offer lower-priced rooms for seniors. Enjoy a coffee maker, ironing board, refrigerator, and microwave in every room. Plus, fill your belly at the free hot breakfast, get your news for the day with the free newspaper, and have your laundry and dry cleaning done for you.
While these rooms might not be the lowest priced ones in town, they're also not the most expensive. Instead, they provide the best value at a price that won't break your budget.
Try the Hampton Inn Charlotte/Cornelius for a room that will meet your needs and your wallet's restrictions. It's a great place to go for business meetings or conferences, as it features a 520-square-foot event room as well as a 24-hour business center. Naturally, the rooms are also impressive, with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, video game consoles in the room, and your own private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Another hotel that's a great value is the Comfort Inn & Suites Cornelius. Pets are allowed here, which is great if you're bringing along your furry friend. This four-floor complex includes an outdoor pool, meeting room, and business center to accommodate your working needs. In your room, you'll appreciate free wired internet, an accessible bathroom, and a coffee maker.
The biggest attraction in Cornelius is by far Lake Norman. Spend your days out on the lake by wake-boarding on the gentle current or fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, yellow/white perch, and striped bass. If you happen to be around in the winter, fishing is one of the few lakefront activities that's still enjoyable.
Otherwise, consider renting a boat or jet ski for cruising around the different parts of the lake. There are no speed or horsepower limits, so you can take anything from a sailboat to a pontoon to a bass boat out on the water. If you're up for the challenge, it's also a great place to kayak or canoe.
Of course, not every activity involves getting wet. Stay dry by hiking and biking the local terrain. The Carolina Thread Trail runs through the area and is comprised of cycle-friendly lanes marked off for bikes only. This entire system of trails is still under construction but is expected to reach 15 different North Carolina counties once it is completed.
You can also visit one of Cornelius's many different parks. Torrence Chapel Park offers baseball and softball fields as well as a batting cage, while the Lake Norman Kiwanis Splashville Park is ADA accessible and provides a reservable picnic shelter for family gatherings.
Whatever you decide to do during your time here will be enjoyable. Take in the local lakefront atmosphere and spend your time in a state of unparalleled relaxation away from whatever troubles you have in your daily life. Regardless of whether you're looking for budget, luxury, or value accommodation, Cornelius has plenty of options to meet your needs.
Below are reviews of the city of Cornelius, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Everything was very convenient to hotel.
Very clean city. Plenty of amenities and felt like a safe place.
Hotel is right off the highway. Nice!
Easy access to stores.
Lots of activities, stores and entertainment nearby. Easy access to Interstate 77 and close to other major cities.