Davidson - Lexington, NC Area Guide

Davidson County was founded amid palpable patriotic fervor following the victory over the British Empire during the American Revolution. Its namesake was general William Lee Davidson, who died along the Catawba River during battle in 1781. The city of Lexington was named after the Massachusetts town which experienced one of the first battles in the conflict.

The land was attractive, boasting arable land, dense forests and an extensive system of waterways. Later in the 19th century, the county received a boost following the construction of the North Carolina Railroad, from its influential advocate, John W. Thomas, for whom Thomasville is named. While in that city, stop by the Thomasville Depot, North Carolina’s second-oldest standing depot. Among other things, Davidson County has historically been considered a global center for furniture manufacturing and a national hub for NASCAR fanatics and race-car drivers.

Dining in Davidson County means one thing: barbecue. The county seat Lexington is considered by many to be the barbecue capital of the world. With dozens of barbecue joints lining its historic streets, Lexington beckons even the most moderate barbecue enthusiast. People come in vast numbers to sample these treats. Every October, Lexington holds its Barbecue Festival, which has grown progressively every year to become a massive, month-long, hog-themed extravaganza accommodating more than 160,000 hungry visitors. While there are too many barbecue restaurants to keep track of, two of the best-known are Barbecue Center and Lexington Barbecue, both serving classics such as tender pulled-pork sandwiches and a side of hush puppies.

When you’re sick of barbecue, which, in Davidson County, may become a distinct possibility, there are plenty of other local culinary choices in Thomasville or nearby Denton to sample, as well as regional and national chains to visit such as Ruby Tuesday and East Coast Wings & Grill. For great a great burger, pasta dish, or pizza, be sure to check out Original Christo's. Davidson County is not known for its bustling nightlife, but if you’re interested in finding something to drink, check out the award-winning wineries sprinkled throughout the region. Not much has changed about Weathervane Winery since its opening; owner Sid Proctor’s first product, which he called Sweet Mountain Bliss, is still a hit.

Davidson County’s historic downtown areas are a great place to take a stroll. In Lexington, you find over 35 pigs from the inventive public art project Pigs in the City throughout the business district, probably the only pigs in the area not bound for the barbecue pit.

While walking is encouraged in the historic downtown areas, you probably need a car to get around other sections of rural Davidson County. Interstate 85 cuts through the county on a diagonal path, paving the way to an easy commute of less than an hour southwest to Charlotte or northeast to Greensboro. The county is also served by Routes 52, 64 and 70. If you don’t have a car, public transportation and taxis exist in small number but aren’t prevalent in the area. Lexington and Thomasville have a Circulator bus making stops all around those cities for $2 a ride. Uber is not a reliable mode of transportation in the area.

There are plenty of spaces to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors in Davidson County, which features natural sites that have drawn national attention. Fishing is a popular activity here. The famous BASS Master’s Classic fishing competition was held in High Rock Lake several times, and is planning on returning for more. If you’re not a patient person, try fishing in Davidson County – you won’t have to wait long to reel one in.

Boone’s Cave Park is another county treasure, boasting centuries of American lore. Legend has it that Daniel Boone’s family settled around here in 1750. Wandering around the park’s hiking trails, historic cabins and rustic campsites, it certainly feels as though you’ve been transported back to the 18th century, discovering the magic of the woods for the first time. Don’t miss the guided nature walks offered every Saturday during the spring and summer – this park is a bird watcher’s paradise.

It won’t cost you very much to live in Davidson County. The average monthly rental for a one-bedroom unit hovers around $539, well below the national average rate. The cost of living as a whole is also lower than the average cost in those two urban centers. As mentioned before, the Circulator bus only charges $2, and you won’t have to pay much more for a beer at a local pub. Gas prices hover between 1 and 2 percent above the national average price.

Davidson County will meet all your furniture needs and then some. You can find plenty of home-furnishing stores in the historic downtown districts of Lexington, Thomasville and Denton and plenty of antique shops as well. These quaint towns provide for a wonderful shopping experience, where local owners sell their wares to customers they've known for decades. In addition to locally run shops, Davidson County has plenty of big-box retailers and chains such as Wal-Mart, Rite Aid and Walgreens to make those necessary errands quick and painless.

Lanier's TrueValue store in historic uptown Lexington, looking the same as it did when it opened in 1940, characterizes the small-town mentality and charm of Davidson County. Its motto is "The place to find what you want," and if they don't have the "thingamajig" you're looking for, it pledges to find it. With a staff of home-repair experts boasting over 200 years of experience, you're in good hands at Lanier's.

Make sure to also stop by Flowers by Patty in Denton, a family-run shop that treats each client as one of its own. This mother and three-daughter team creates unique and customized floral arrangements for any event.