Located just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and surrounded by the epic natural beauty of western North Carolina, Belmont offers a rare blend of small-town charm supported by a thriving business community. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse yourself in art and culture, and call home. Let’s look at five of the best things to do in Belmont, NC this spring.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Whether you are 2 or 92, there’s something for everyone to love at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Boasting 110 acres of stunning gardens, this “Garden for all seasons” offers a children’s area that’s perfect for imaginative play, a tropical plant and orchid conservatory that’s bursting with color, a canal garden with soothing fountains and ever-changing seasonal plants, and 3.2 miles of garden trails – ideal for spending a relaxing afternoon indulging the senses.
In addition to the lovely grounds, there are year-round classes for adults, children, and families, and fun events like Jazz in the Garden, Movies on the Lawn, and holiday-themed celebrations.
Walking, Hiking, Running, Biking
The Carolina Thread Trail is a network of connected greenways, trails, and blueways that sprawl across the state and offers hundreds of miles of outdoor recreation during sunny spring days. There are extensive trails and waterways for biking, hiking, running, and paddling, with nearly 10 miles of the trail near Belmont. Surfaces are a mix of paved and natural, so everyone can enjoy fresh air and exercise.
Seven Oaks Preserve Trail is a 2.6 mile natural surface trail that runs alongside Lake Wylie and joins the trails of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Nature lovers will appreciate the unspoiled beauty of this protected habitat. In the spring, the fresh scent of blooming snowbell fills the air, and visitors may spot wild turkeys, turtles, ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers.
Downtown Belmont Historic District
With its historic landmarks, restaurants, parks, and shopping, downtown Belmont is always a good idea for a walking tour. Start off in beautiful Stowe Park and catch a festival or outdoor concert, then grab lunch and a brew al fresco before hunting for treasure in the antique and consignment shops. When it’s time to recharge, coffee and dessert are plentiful in any of the district’s cafes and coffee shops. There are also unique storefronts like an artists’ workshop, a cultural learning center, and gift shops.
On the Water
Belmont is surrounded by waterways that offer both relaxing and exhilarating aquatic experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, scenic paddling route or an adventure-filled whitewater experience, you can choose from numerous water activities on the Catawba River, South Fork Catawba River Blueway, or Lake Wylie.
This city, “Where Southern Charm Blossoms,” attracts visitors all year long because of its picturesque location, diverse outdoor activities, temperate climate, and proximity to Charlotte. But it’s just as easy to live here, too. While Charlotte is fast growing as one of the country’s most dynamic cities, Belmont offers a quiet reprieve from the activity, yet is still close enough for residents to immerse themselves in world-class entertainment, dining, shopping, and more.