Looking back at 2017, OTC was filled with exciting developments that are helping to shape a vibrant and flourishing arts scene just outside of Charlotte, NC. Known for its popular local breweries, Old Town Cornelius (OTC) is making a name for itself as a destination for culture of all kinds: from boutique stores and bottle shops, to farm-to-fork restaurants and live music venues. Check out this year’s top headlines.
Homegrown Arts Organization Gains Momentum
Host to popular community events such as the Tawba Walk and 2nd Friday Street Festival, Cornelius Cultural Arts Group (CCAG) expands it’s Board, forms an Artist Collective and makes plans for a slate of exciting initiatives in 2018.
OTPH Opens for Coffee
Old Town Public House expands it’s menu to include a full service coffee and espresso bar. Now open daily at 6:00 am (8:00 am on Sundays), the popular neighborhood watering hole is offering even more reasons to visit Old Town and explore the area’s unique vibe.
Festivals Grow in Attendance and Impact
The Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival, 2nd Friday, Halloween in OTC and Christmas in Cornelius all hit record attendance. The serge of popularity has provided a boost of economic activity in town, with many local artisans and area businesses experiencing increased sales and visibility in 2017.
Cornelius Arts Center Planning in Full Force
The Cornelius Arts Center names an Executive Director (Justin Dionne) and selects a nationally renowned architect and design team (C Design and Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture) to pave the way for the facility’s exciting development. that will serve as a destination for entire region. The center will include a host of activities such as live entertainment, theatre performances, galleries, classes, and special events, serving as a destination for the entire region. To stay in-the-know and for updates throughout the year visit www.corneliusarts.org
Eleven Lakes joins OTC’s Popular Brewery Scene
“Brewnelius” continues to earn it’s nickname as Eleven Lakes Brewing opens its doors to rave reviews in 2017. Located in Hyde Park on Bailey Road, Eleven Lakes becomes the third brewery to join the growing arts & culture scene in OTC along with fellow beer aficionados Ass Clown Brewing and D9 Brewing.
Boatyard Eats Announces Plans for Old Anchorage Marine Site
Historic preservation advocate and local entrepreneur David Stockwell will open Boatyard Eats in 2018, a unique concept that offers “experiential dining”. Located on the old Anchorage Marine site (the corner of Westmoreland and Hwy 21) Boatyard Eats will provide a rotating menu of local food trucks, crafts beer, wine, and spirits in a relaxed atmosphere with live music and entertainment being served up on a regular basis. To find out more and for updates visit www.boatyardeats.com.
‘Bike! Cornelius Master Plan’ and Greenway Connectivity Progress
In an effort to make Cornelius a premier bicycling destination, the Town Board adopted a plan to by providing a well-connected network of safe and comfortable on-street and off-road bikeways for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The town currently has 8.2 miles of bicycle facilities, including just over 2 miles of bike lanes and about 6 miles of greenways and side paths. The Bike Cornelius! plan recommends expanding these to a comprehensive network of bicycle facilities, all of which would total 97.4 miles
Jess Boye
I live here in Old Town Cornelius and absolutely love our area's unique character. My life's calling is to work to bring art and culture to the forefront of everyday life. I work full-time for Bella Love, Inc and taking care of my adorable son, Kipton.
