According to North Carolina historian William S. Powell, the town got its name from a "passing observer who saw many lizards sunning and licking themselves on a rail fence."

In May 1997, the state installed the first traffic light in Lizard Lick, marking a new period of "increasing property values" and growth.

The Time Warner owned TruTV cable television network became aware of a local towing and recovery company owned and operated by evangelist and Lizard Lick honorary "Mayor" Ronnie Shirley and his wife Amy called Lizard Lick Towing and Recovery.

Robyn Hutt, the truTV executive in charge of the show was quoted by the News & Observer (the largest regional daily newspaper of the Research Triangle Park area, covering several counties in North Carolina) "We really fell in love with Lizard Lick".

It is dedicated entirely to Lizard Lick Towing and Recovery, due to its fast growing popularity from the segments of the show All Worked Up.