"Lake Norman, just 20 miles north of Uptown, feels a million nautical miles away from Charlotte's hustle and bustle. This is the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas, which means there's plenty of space for boating, fishing, watersports, and just chilling out. You'll see all types here, from beer-toting and bikini-clad singles to adventurous, fun-seeking families. Whether you fancy pontoon boats or paddle boards, kayaks or wakeboards, remember that Lake Norman is all about being on the water—not just looking at it from the shoreline." - Nancy DePalma