A Town Like Mine

Did you grow up in a town like mine?

Each morning, I mooed at the cows in the pastures on the way to elementary school.

But time changed that.

Cow pastures changed to restaurants, subdivisions, and superstores and forced me to leave behind my big backyard living. You really shouldn’t moo at a restaurant unless perhaps you wish to comment on the way your steak was cooked (even then, I wouldn’t suggest it).

That commercial development was only the beginning of my small town turning to a big town. When I go home now, the roads that once had two lanes have five, chain restaurants have overtaken the small mom and pop ones, and the charm that was once so easy to see is hard to notice unless you’re looking for it.

That’s not Cornelius, though.

My husband and I moved here for his job during the winter of 2010. At the time, I had no idea of the gem that we had discovered (quite honestly, I wanted to move back home, stat!) Now, a proud Old Town Cornelius resident for nearly six years, I realize what a blessing that move was.

I no longer long for the “home” I once knew – instead, I delight in the small-town life I’ve found here in OTC: The sunrises over Antiquity; the multiple venues featuring local artists; the restaurants enticing you with captivating aromas wafting through the air on your evening walk; the friendly faces that you’ve come to know, waving to you from their porches or cars; the boutique shops bringing uncommon goods–this is small-town living.

If you grew up in the Lake Norman area, you already know what a privilege it is. If you’re new to the area, like I was six years ago, welcome! And a piece of advice: Open your eyes, quiet your heart, and explore what this town has to offer–it won’t disappoint.