From coffee to famous-family dinner, 5 ways to spend a day in Belmont for $50 or less
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Downtown vibes
If you’ve lived in Charlotte for long enough, you already know one of the best parts about road trips involves passing through the charming small towns across the Carolinas. We actually have so many quaint towns and cities that even a Carolinas native may not have visited them all. Explore them in this series.
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Charlotte is surrounded by endearing cities that are great for exploring and providing a chance of pace during a day trip. Just 14 miles from Charlotte’s city center is downtown Belmont.
This quaint, small town in Gaston County — which was once known for its booming textile industry — has a downtown that’s home to locally owned shops, restaurants and more. There’s plenty to do, even when you’re on a tight travel budget for sightseeing.
When you’re ready to check it out here are 5 things to do in Belmont for less than $50 a day:
Coffee in downtown Belmont
Location: The Everyday Market, 7 S Main St, Belmont, NC 28012.
Start your morning at The Everyday Market with a custom latte. Order a small latte ($3.25) and add caramel (.85). The neighborhood cafe is inspired by European cafes with a vibe that makes you want to stay a while. Hot and cold drinks, such as tea, smoothies and frappes, are also on the menu. You’ll also find an assortment of handmade desserts and snacks.
Cost: $4.10+ tax and tip.
Explore a ‘huge treasure chest’
Location: Catawba River Antique Mall, 406 Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012
Window-shop as you peruse the Catawba River Antique Mall in the former Majestic Mill building close to downtown. The 67,000 square-foot building is home to more than 300 vendors who offer old records, furniture, golf clubs, memorabilia, collectables and more.
Cost: Free (Unless you find an antique that you can’t leave without.)
Where to eat lunch in Belmont
Location: The String Bean, 106 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012.
Enjoy lunch at The String Bean. (Bonus: there’s a market and butcher shop, as well.) The Southern bistro takes food seriously, offering daily specials and its own spin on classic favorites. Order the Boom Boom Shrimp from the Bites section of the menu. The jumbo fried Gulf shrimp is served with spicy red pepper sauce and sesame seeds ($14).
Cost: $14+ tax and tip.
Visit a park in the heart of downtown
Location: Stowe Park, 24 S Main St, Belmont, NC 28012.
Spend the afternoon at Stowe Park, one of the area’s most popular parks. There are picnic tables, a picnic shelter, a pavilion, a walking path and a fountain that lights up at night. The park is also home to various events throughout the year. On select Friday evenings, you can enjoy Friday Night Live concerts with music, food trucks and drinks.
Cost: Free
Where to eat dinner in Belmont
Location: Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, 36 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012.
Finish your time in downtown Belmont with dinner and a cocktail at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, a Southern restaurant owned by Kevin Jonas Sr., father to pop stars the Jonas Brothers. (Pro tip: There’s now a Vegas location). Expect to feel the love and be comforted by the ambiance and the food. Order Nellie’s Chicken and Dumplings, featuring a rich broth and a choice of side ($16). To drink, order the Front Porch Punch, which comes with gin, Malibu rum, drunken cherry juice and mixed citrus juices. It’s served over ice and is garnished with an orange slice and a drunken cherry ($10).
Cost: $26+ tax and tip.
Total cost for your day in downtown Belmont: $44.10+ tax and tip.
This story was originally published July 13, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
