These three “Hidden Treasures” — The Lake Norman Cottage & The Cabin (both in North Harbor’s Davidson Landing) and The Barrel (in Mooresville) — are her personal visions of great places to gather.
Trudi moved to the Mooresville area in 2000. She was recruited by First Charter Bank (now Fifth Third) from Nashville, Tennessee. In 2008, the financial market collapsed. “After a 25-year career in banking, I lost my job and there were no jobs available in that field,” said Trudi. “What now?” she asked herself.
She contemplated opening a cookie, a flower or a coffee shop; however — after much deliberation — she chose to open a small 700 sq ft. wine & gift shop in Davidson – on the lake next to the North Harbor Club. She called it The Lake Norman Cottage.
“Going from finance to wines, I needed to step up my game,” she adds with a smile. “To my amazement and delight, during the first few months, The Cottage exceeded my expectations. Sadly, I had to turn patrons away because our facility was too small.”
As a result, Trudi signed a lease for a larger space downstairs that had multiple rooms and included two waterfront outdoor patios overlooking Lake Norman. The Cottage became known as a “quaint wine bar and a gourmet gift shop.”
“At The Cottage, I was aiming for a cozy ambiance. I decorated with comfortable furniture placed in the rooms and designed to make my patrons feel like they are ‘at home’,” Trudi explains. The Cottage is as much a gift shop as it is a lounge where people can enjoy good conversation, friendship and a glass of wine.
Sally Kees, a regular patron of all three venues says, “Being here is like you are in your own home surrounded by your friends.” Intermingled throughout the rooms, there are a huge assortment of wine bottles for sale, wonderful décor and some amazing gift items too. In addition, craft beer is available.
The Cottage has loyal patrons – who happily engage with new customers and invite them to their table. Brooke Crews works at The Cottage and greets all of her customers with a warm, engaging smile. She proudly says, “The Lake Norman Cottage has magical qualities where wine brings the most unexpected people together. It feels like family.”
In 2013, Trudi wanted to expand and needed a second location. She opened The Cabin – which is within walking distance to her first shop — also in Davidson and also overlooking Lake Norman.
She soon discovered that she was her own competition: as a result, she made each location unique and a totally different experience for her patrons.
The Cabin – her second location — provides a different experience. “Both places are special. What you can get at The Cabin is totally different than what you get at The Cottage,” Trudi grins. “The Cabin has a liquor license, so you can order a Martini or a Manhattan – you can even smoke a cigar on the patio as you overlook the lake.”
Although The Cottage opens at Noon and The Barrel opens at 2:00, The Cabin does not officially open until 5:00; however, it will open early for private parties and events. Many corporate businesses in the area host gatherings at this charming facility.
In 2018, Trudi decided that the area where she, personally, lives needed a wine and gift shop too. Consequently, she chose the empty space between the Food Lion and Ace Hardware — a few short blocks and around the corner from her home. Thus – The Barrel became her third wine and gift shop.
This fabulous and intimate bar/lounge is designed to make you feel at home – like The Cottage — plus it is the perfect gathering place for residents of The Point, The Harbour, The Farms, and all of the communities up and down Brawley School Rd. An additional bonus at The Barrel — it has live music every Saturday night starting at 6:30.
Theresa Vitanza – who loves her job as the manager of all three locations – watches as the patrons toast friendship. “Our venues are like walking into the neighborhood Cheers,” smiles Theresa, “where everybody knows your name.”
Every Friday night at The Cottage, there is a wine tasting dinner – the food is paired with the wine during a three course meal. This weekly event is only at The Cottage and reservations are required.
The Barrel does not have a weekly scheduled wine tasting event; however, this location normally hosts a wine pairing dinner once a month (reservations are required) At this monthly event, a specific winery is spotlighted and the owner or an employee of the winery comes to talk about their wines.
All three locations have outdoor seating and two are waterfront, which means — at those locations — patrons can arrive by boat or by car.
Plus – an extra bonus – all three locations are PET FRIENDLY.
Just ask sweet, gentle 15-year-old “Moose” – he is a regular. He loves sitting on the bar stools and is beloved by fellow patrons.
“Having three stores is like having three children,” says Trudi. “Like children — the first one is challenging. You are new at it. You are learning as you go and you want everything to be perfect.” Trudi chuckles slightly as she continues, “The second store — like a second child — is easier. You’ve done it before and by the time you have a third one – it all falls into place. “
“As for picking a favorite,” she pauses. “I can’t possibly pick a favorite – it would be like picking a favorite child. Like children, all three of my stores are unique and special. I love them all equally.”
The Cottage, The Cabin and The Barrel are perfect examples of how a person can turn adversity into a positive and successful adventure. Trudi Zangardi did not let the fall of the financial market and the loss of her career keep her from making new goals and turning new dreams into reality.
Next time you are looking for a place to have a glass of wine, buy a unique gift or enjoy time with a friend – consider one of these lovely wine & gift shops – you won’t be disappointed.
Lake Norman Cottage
(704) 237-3629
200 A North Harbor Pl Drive, Davidson, NC 28036
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ufHSK6kxYy7UaHG4A
The Cabin
(704) 765-9154
400 A North Harbor Pl Drive – also in Davidson
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZpBYSRBnMugJAK4g7
THE BARREL
(704) 663-0058
1082 A Brawley School Road , Mooresville, NC
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at
https://www.facebook.com/booksbytesajones/
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