9 Best Things to Do in Belmont, NC

July 1, 2020 - Updated

Situated just a few minutes away from Charlotte, North Carolina lies the town of Belmont. Believed to have been named after a local prominent banker, the area was first settled in the mid-1700s by Dutch explorers. The town became a major transportation hub in the years after the Civil War, which led to a building boom. Belmont is home to numerous attractions, including the Belmont Abbey College, antique shops, and historic homes.

1.Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Built in 1991 by Daniel Stowe, this botanical garden is designed to help encourage visitors to discover the beauty of nature. The garden covers 110 acres and features many gardens to explore, such as the Cottage Garden, Canal Garden, and Four Seasons Garden. There is also a five-story greenhouse dedicated to orchids and other tropical plants. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has a garden store where visitors can buy unique plants and other garden-related items. A handful of events are also hosted here during the year, including birding walks and painting classes.

6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-825-4490

2.Muddy River Distillery

The Muddy River Distillery was established in 2011 and is situated inside an old textile mill. The distillery gets its name from the nearby “muddy” Catawba River and produces around 300 bottles per day. It has a vast selection of products to try which include flavors that range from spicy vanilla to basil. Tours are available of the facility which have a small tasting session at the end of them. The Muddy River Distillery also has a small shop where customers can buy not only their beverages, but shirts, glasses, and custom bottle openers as well.

1500 River Dr #100, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-860-8389

3.Catawba River Antique Mall

The Catawba River Antique Mall is owned by Emory and CJ Vandiver and is one of the largest antique malls in North Carolina. Featuring over 300 vendor booths, customers will discover a variety of goods to buy, such as vintage clothing and books. A local coffee roaster also sells fresh coffee beans. In addition to being an antique store, the Catawba River Antique Mall serves as a wedding venue and has an attached area that can be used for such events. The mall is open seven days a week.

406 Catawba Street, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-825-2383

4.Belmont Historic District

This historic district is located in the heart of Belmont and features over 264 buildings. The district was created in 1873 and is home to a unique mixture of architecture, such as Tudor Revival, American Craftsman, and Colonial Revival. Besides viewing the homes in this picturesque district, visitors can view many other noteworthy structures like the Bank of Belmont, Piedmont and Northern Railroad Depot, Belmont Hotel, Samuel Pinckney Stowe House, and the James W. Stowe House. This historic downtown area also features plenty of shops and restaurants.

Belmont Historic District, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-825-5586

5.The String Bean

The String Bean first opened its doors in 2008 and serves the community with dishes made from fresh and local ingredients. Its large menu features many options which range from grilled hamburgers to salad. You’ll find many southern favorites available, like fried pickles, crab salad, and grits. This southern bistro is also home to a market which sells fresh meat, cheese, honey, and craft beer. During the summer, The String Bean opens its terrace where diners can mingle and eat their meals in a special ambiance.

106 N Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-825-3636

6.Nellie's Southern Kitchen

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen was named after the owner’s grandmother, Nellie Jonas, who was a lifelong town resident. The restaurant is designed to honor her by serving her iconic recipes with perfect southern hospitality. Some of her famous treats and dishes available include mini biscuits, green tomatoes covered in a crispy pecan crust, and creamed corn. When you’re done eating, you can stop by the restaurant’s small shop which sells merchandise such as shirts and local music CDs. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch.

36 North Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-396-7169

7.Mugshots Coffee and Tea

Mugshots Coffee and Tea was the creation of two former law enforcement officers who wanted to find a creative way to keep serving Belmont. Mugshots Coffee and Tea provides locals with many different coffee and tea concoctions which are made from ingredients provided by small farms from around the world. Some options you’ll find on its menu include chai lattes, organic kombucha, earl grey tea, and macchiatos. Customers can order freshly-made paninis and other baked goods to consume with their drinks. Mugshots Coffee and Tea also sells whole beans and other coffee-making supplies.

102 S Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-751-5819

8.Friends Sports Bar & Grill

Created by a group of friends, Friends Sports Bar & Grill is designed to be a place where family and friends can get together to enjoy a good meal and conversation. Its menu includes dishes such as ribeye steak, nachos, and cheeseburgers. It also has a large wine and beer inventory. This sports bar and grill offers various specials and has plenty of events and activities throughout the week, including bingo, music trivia, karaoke, and line dancing. Friends Sports Bar & Grill also has live music performances.

16 North Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, Phone: 704-825-1401

9.Byrum's Grocery and Grill

Byrum’s Grocery and Grill was first started in 1972 by Olin and Libby Byrum. While the business began as a tiny grocery store, its popularity soon grew, and it eventually turned from a grocery store into a dining space. This restaurant offers breakfast and lunch and serves dishes such as grilled hashbrowns, chicken biscuits, tuna salad, onion rings, and club sandwiches. You’ll also find a mouthwatering dessert menu which offers numerous treats, like homemade pumpkin pie and brownies. The grill is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

4606 S New Hope Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28056, Phone: 704-825-4106