Neighborhood Explorer: Downtown Belmont
Showcasing small-town charm just across the river from Charlotte.
by Arielle Patterson
Downtown Belmont, NC
This article is brought to you in partnership with Downtown Belmont, North Carolina.
About 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, downtown Belmont offers a delightful reprieve from the bustling city. Historic downtown boasts culinary delights, handcrafted drinks, serene gardens and parks, and locally owned shops and boutiques filled with the latest trends and outdoor gear.
Eat & Drink
Charlotte’s thriving food scene has spread beyond the city into Belmont. Experience Southern hospitality at downtown Belmont’s restaurants, offering plenty to explore and indulge in.
Start your day in downtown Belmont at Honeycomb Café, a charming eatery on Main Street that’s known for its brunch menu. Get your caffeine fix and a made-from-scratch pastry from The Everyday Market. This community-focused café offers a bit of European inspiration in Belmont. For breakfast on the go, De Coria’s Bagels offers fresh New York-style bagels.
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 bar bites go hand in hand 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.
Stone Fired Social dishes out high-quality pizzas cooked in an Italian wood-burning oven. For a true taste of Italy, head to Marrelli's Italian Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant is inspired by generations of home cooking and prepares each dish, including the house-made ravioli, with love.
The Bottle Tree blends seasonal Southern ingredients with globally inspired dishes. Whether you come for brunch or dinner, be sure to order a handcrafted cocktail or varietal from the world-class wine list.
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.
See & Do
Nature’s breathtaking beauty is on full display at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Stroll 30 acres of spectacular gardens, including a conservatory showcasing tropical plants and orchids, a picturesque children’s garden, sparkling fountains and more. As you’re navigating the nearly six miles of trails, make a pitstop at The Trailhead Store for coffee, beer, wine, or to-go food and snacks.
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.
Mark your calendar for the array of events in downtown Belmont, including the weekly farmers market, live music and movies in the park, and annual festivals.
Visit
Discover the allure of downtown Belmont for yourself. Click here to find more ways to explore this vibrant community.
