Just 30 minutes west of Charlotte, Belmont, North Carolina is proof that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a memorable getaway. With its charming downtown, locally owned shops, historic landmarks, scenic parks, and impressive dining scene, this small town offers a great mix of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family outing, or simply looking for a new place to explore, Belmont has something for every kind of traveler. Spend the morning sipping coffee on Main Street, browse unique boutiques, enjoy lunch at a local favorite, enjoy nature, and end the day with dinner or dessert at a local favorite spot.
If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Charlotte, here’s how to spend the perfect day in Belmont, NC.
Start your Morning with Coffee in Downtown Belmont
Begin your day strolling down Main Street to arrive at some of the best coffee spots in town.
For those who enjoy a more elevated experience, check out the Waterbean Cafe. With its marble and gold accents and fresh variety of French macarons and freshly brewed coffee, this shop will not disappoint in providing a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your first cup of the day.
If you’re looking for a cozy place to start your morning, head to The Everyday Market. Featuring a wide variety of hot and iced coffees, breakfast sandwiches and the best chai latte in town, this main street staple will not disappoint in making you feel welcomed. The Everyday Market has indoor and outdoor seating and is dog friendly, ideal for those who want to include the whole family.
Explore Historic Downtown Belmont
It is easy to get lost in the charm of downtown Belmont as you begin to wander the town’s streets. As you walk through this former textile mill town, take in the historic architecture of charming red brick building facades and sidewalks, colorful murals and breathe in the fresh air of the gorgeous Stowe park.
From boutique clothing stores to art studios, Belmont is rich in local businesses that provide one-of-a-kind items. If you enjoy antiques, check out the Catawba River Antique Mall. Once a former cotton mill, the mall has been converted and is home to over 300 stalls of merchandise. This 67,000 square foot treasure trove will keep you and your family busy searching for the perfect purchase. Furniture, historic memorabilia and clothing all await you. The mall is dog friendly and perfect for the whole family to enjoy hours of shopping.
For those shoppers that enjoy a more literary experience, the Belmont Bookshop is a must-see. Offering a large variety of books, puzzles, games and even a mystery book section, this shop has everything a book-lover could ask for. If searching for a specific story, or even feeling a particular reading vibe, their staff is extremely knowledgeable to find you the best book. And don’t forget the most important staff member of all, Libby, the bookshop’s canine mascot who wanders the store greeting guests and helping them find what they need. For families with kids, be sure to climb upstairs into the store’s tree house to enjoy the playful kids section.
Enjoy Lunch at a Local Favorite
After a morning of shopping and exploring, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Belmont has you covered.
If you’re after fresh, locally sourced cuisine, head straight to The String Bean. This restaurant offers an incredible menu from salads, sandwiches and their famous ‘Cowpig’ burger and duck fat fries. Their meats are butchered in house, and offer a wide selection of wines from their shop. At the String Bean you can bet on having a delicious and fresh meal in a comfortable atmosphere.
Another community favorite is Cherubs Cafe. Operated by the Holy Angels Inc, a non profit organization dedicated to caring for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, the Cherubs Cafe has been a Belmont staple for 29 years. This local hot spot is busy serving delicious salads, sandwiches, wraps and soups. And don’t forget to enjoy a scoop of ice cream which is sourced locally from Tony’s Ice Cream in Belmont’s neighboring town, Gastonia.
If you want to explore other parts of town for a sweet treat, visit Two Chicks. Known primarily for its fresh sandwiches and wraps, Two Chicks also offers Hershey Ice cream selections with multiple toppings. Whether grabbing ice cream in a cone, cup or milkshake, you will be leaving the shop with a very tasty treat.
Once you’ve finished lunch, it’s time to enjoy one of Belmont’s greatest assets—its beautiful outdoor spaces.
Spend the Afternoon Outdoors
After grabbing lunch, jump in the car and head over to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for an afternoon of beauty in nature. The botanical garden is home to 380 acres of meadows, woodlands, fountains and lake front property. Daniel Stowe also has a dog park and scenic trails that are free to the public, but to see the gardens admission is required. The gardens are rich in botanical options from perennial blooms, a conservatory featuring exotic plants and a butterfly bungalow which is favorite for families with children. Take some time strolling the grounds and taking in the green leafy trees, breathtaking colors and floral scents that surround you as soon as you enter the park.
If you’re looking to stay closer to historic downtown Belmont, walk the trails of Rocky Branch Park which provides moderate level hiking paths, wooden bridges and is dog friendly.
You may also explore Stowe Park in the center of Belmont’s Main Street. The park provides kids with a massive playground to enjoy and a pavilion with picnic tables to take time to sit and recharge. Check the town of Belmont’s website for park events like farmers markets and craft shows that are hosted in the park periodically.
Happy Hour Spots
Belmont is home to several local breweries, cocktail lounges and bars and has something for everyone.
Primal Brewery is home to a wide variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic craft beer selections made on site. For those who don’t enjoy a beer, no worries, they also have ciders and seltzers on the menu for different palates. There is a spacious patio where it’s not uncommon to find live music being performed, or you may head inside to play a round of darts or select a board game from their game options.
Home to Belmont’s premium whiskey and cocktail bar, The Jailhouse, is also a great option for a pre-dinner beverage. The Jailhouse is located in Belmont’s historic 1960’s jailhouse and provides a unique experience dining in history, while enjoying a delicious custom cocktail.
And finally, if looking for a great outdoor spot to enjoy a delicious drink, check out Cornerstone which provides an outside seating deck right on Main Street creating a relaxing spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Finish the Day with Dinner
After a day spent exploring Belmont’s charming streets, and local shops, and greenery it’s time to slow down and enjoy some of the town’s standout restaurants.
Nellies Southern Kitchen is a one stop shop for southern style comfort food with a modern twist. With a chic farmhouse atmosphere, you will not be disappointed to try their crispy fried green tomatoes, smooth and creamy shrimp and grits and end the meal with sweet banana pudding. Just like grandma used to make. The restaurant also offers a unique opportunity for fans of the musical group, The Jonas Brothers, as it showcases a wall of Jonas Brother memorabilia as the restaurant is family owned.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for Italian food, you’re covered by some of Belmont’s favorite dining. For more casual Italian dining with a funky retro atmosphere, check out Stone Fired Social which offers delicious pizza options fit for the whole family. If more classic Italian fare is your preference, visit Marrelli’s Italian Restaurant. This family owned restaurant specializes in homemade pastas and bruschetta and is inspired from generations of home cooking and classic Italian traditions.
If looking to end your day with a final sweet treat for dessert the Bumblebee Creamery is the spot for delicious homemade gelatos and sorbets made with fresh ingredients. Or, check out The Banana Bar where patrons can build their own frozen banana dessert by selecting the base dip, toppings and drizzle to enjoy on their frozen banana.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a weekend of it, Belmont’s welcoming atmosphere, thriving local businesses, and scenic surroundings make it a destination worth returning to again and again.
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