If you’re a regular at The Landing on Lake Norman, you definitely know that glorious feeling of being tucked away in a remote cove of a secluded beach, where cares simply drift away.
No worries if you’re a newcomer – getting here is easy by land or by lake. Once you’re here, there’s no shortage of fun and fabulous food, with both indoor and open-air dining. And for the entire family, there’s built-in entertainment!
“The Landing is about having fun and enjoying life,” says new owner, Dustin Keith, of the popular Lake Norman spot that first opened in 1993.
Having owned Aquaventure Boat Club for 14 years – and operating a fleet of over 50 boats for use by private members – Dustin had dreamed of having his own place on the water, rather than just leasing boat slips. And he’d always envisioned the perfect laid-back “hang out” around the lake.
“I had been eating at The Landing with my family for years,” he explains. “I knew it was a sign when I found out it was for sale. It was something we prayed about, and felt it was exactly right for us.”
Combining excellent food, festive drinks, and all the elements of a true kids’ paradise, Dustin realized another personal vision.
“I wanted to recreate some of the amazing little restaurants and marinas my family and I had visited while boating in the Abacos,” he adds. “I was also a commercial pilot before I opened Aquaventure Boat Club, so I wanted to somehow incorporate an aviation theme into the restaurant as well.”
In other words, Dustin dreamed of the place where you can take two hours out of your day, kick back and relax, and feel like you’ve escaped reality for a bit. To complement that, the overall theme has evolved into fast casual dining with a chef’s touch!
“We offer a wide variety of cuisines with something for everyone,” says Chef Drew Moseley. “Some of the new favorites on the re-designed menu are definitely the Queso Birria Street Tacos: braised chuck roast in an aromatic blend of Hispanic ingredients, served on a seared corn tortilla with mozzarella cheese.
The roasted Brussels sprout basket with bacon and balsamic glaze is also a crowd favorite, as well as hand-cut filets and ribeyes butchered in house, grilled at a searing 500 degrees, and basted with rendered beef fat. The staff is also currently working on a signature drink – appropriately named the Crash Landing!
“All of our food is scratch made in-house, with a lot of love from our wonderful staff,” adds Drew.
Both Dustin and regular customers say they’ve never seen a restaurant their kids loved more than The Landing. There’s an enormous sand pit to play in, a tropical Sno shaved ice stand right on the water, a pirate-themed arcade featuring video games and vending machines, and the perfect spot to feed fish right there on the dock.
“We occasionally light camp fires and make s’mores while hosting movie nights, too!” adds Dustin. And who can say no to a ride on the Tiki Boat Water Taxi (kids of all ages, included!) The return of live music to The Landing has also been a priority, so Dustin and Drew (who has experience as a musical artist) plan to have live music every Thursday and Saturday this coming season. Plans are also underway for a Pig Pickin’ and an incredible Oktoberfest celebration!
“I believe the culture for small business at Lake Norman has always been really positive,” says Dustin. “It’s a place where with a little vision and a lot of hard work, I have been able to create a destination that I think makes a difference in a lot of families lives.”
Arrive by land or by boat, and come enjoy the amazing food and fun The Landing has to offer Lake Norman residents! The restaurant is located at 4491 Slanting Bridge Road, Sherrills Ford, NC, 828-478-5944, and online at landingatthelake.com. Follow them on Instagram @thelandingatthelake for event updates and menu specials. Hours are Wednesday through Friday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
