Neighborhood Explorer: Historic Belmont
Showcasing small-town charm just across the river from Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson
Less than 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, historic Belmont offers a delightful reprieve from the bustling city. Belmont boasts culinary delights, handcrafted drinks, serene gardens and parks, and locally owned shops and boutiques.
Eat & Drink
Charlotte’s thriving food scene has spread beyond the city into Belmont. Experience Southern hospitality at Belmont’s restaurants, offering plenty to explore and indulge in.
Start your day at Honeycomb Café, a charming eatery on Main Street that’s known for its brunch menu. Get your caffeine fix at Jade and Elise Obsidian Coffee Shop, where you can enjoy high-quality, sustainably sourced Colombian coffee beans that’s roasted locally in Belmont from beans grown on the family-owned farm in Colombia. At The Everyday Market, breakfast can include croissant sandwiches and scratch-made pastries. This community-focused café offers a bit of European inspiration in Belmont.
For a meal on the water, head to Drift on Lake Wylie, an upscale bistro offering views of the glimmering lake. Diners can dig into steaks and seafood, alongside seasonal dishes crafted with ingredients sourced from farms across the Carolinas, for brunch or dinner.
Cherubs Café serves breakfast plates, salads, sandwiches and more, while also serving members of the community. The café supports Holy Angels, Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.
Get a taste of traditional Southern fare at restaurants like Nellie’s Southern Kitchen and The String Bean, where every meal is served with a smile in an atmosphere that feels like home. After your meal, browse the selection of wine, beer, meat and seafood at The String Bean’s on-site market.
For a more unique dining experience, Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill is the Charlotte region’s only steampunk gastropub, with a menu inspired by traditional English, Irish and American cuisines. Pair your meal with one of more than 50 freshly brewed beers on tap.
Craft beer and pizza go hand in hand at Tapside Pizza inside Primal Brewery. Pair artisan pizza, wings and sliders, with a pint of award-winning craft beer.
Take a bite out of history at STATION. Housed in the original Piedmont and Northern Railway depot, this restaurant and bar offers a casual and comfortable place for diners, imbibers and their four-legged friends.
Enjoy a USDA Choice steak inside a beautifully restored, century-old police station at Old Stone Steakhouse. This restaurant’s dining room maintained its rustic appeal, but now features a cocktail bar and cigar lounge, aptly named The Jailhouse, inside the old jailhouse. Old Stone’s food truck, Cornerstone, is parked outside of the restaurant. Order shareables, sliders and even a dish for your dog, then take a seat on the covered outdoor patio.
End your meal with a sweet treat from The Banana Bar or Bumblebee Creamery. The Banana Bar specializes in frozen bananas dipped in your choice of topping, while Bumblebee Creamery scoops up 16 rotating gelato flavors that you can enjoy in a cup or a cone.
See & Do
Mark your calendar for the array of events in Belmont, including the weekly farmers market, live music, movies in the park and annual festivals.
Nature’s breathtaking beauty is on full display at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. As you navigating more than eight miles of public trails, make a pitstop at The Trailhead Store for coffee, beer, wine, or to-go food and snacks. Inside the Gardens at Stowe, stroll 30 acres of spectacular gardens, including a conservatory showcasing tropical plants and orchids, a three-story castle playground, Adventure Trail, sparkling fountains and more.
If you’re looking to spend more time in a serene setting, Belmont has nine parks perfect for unwinding, such as Stowe Park in the historic downtown area. For some adventurous experiences, go mountain biking at Rocky Branch Park, launch a kayak from Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park or hike along the lake on the Duke Kimbrell Trail.
When the weather warms up, soak up the sun and go for a dip at South Point Access Park, a 68-acre park on Lake Wylie. This public-swim beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Before you get outside, find all the outdoor essentials you need at Catawba River Outfitters, housed in the former Belmont General Store. Situated in downtown, this gear and apparel shop has high-quality products that are perfect for first-time explorers and seasoned adventurers alike.
Shopping in Belmont consists of charming boutiques to shops showcasing local makers. Find a good book to get lost in at Belmont Bookshop. This community gathering space also hosts weekly events and book signings.
For the latest fashion must-haves, stop by one of Belmont's stylish boutiques: The Collective, Give Grace Boutique or belletique.
Antique finds abound at Catawba River Antique Mall, a 67,000-square-foot shopping destination. Located in the original Majestic Mill, this retail space features a mix of antiques, collectibles, furniture and décor from hundreds of vendors. Grab a scoop of ice cream to enjoy while you browse.
The Belmont Drive-In has been offering a nostalgic movie experience since 1983. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy new releases or classic films from the comfort of your car. Stop by the concessions stand for popcorn, soda, candy and all your favorite movie snacks.
Visit
Discover the allure of historic Belmont for yourself. Find more ways to explore this vibrant city at historicbelmont.com.
