Go, See & Do Christmastown USA With almost a half-million lights decorating 400+ trees throughout town, McAdenville is a popular local attraction each December. Thousands of visitors drive or walk the nearly two mile route through town to view this spectacular holiday display. There’s live entertainment as well as scheduled appearances by Santa. www.mcadenville-christmastown.com www.mcadenvillenc.com
Belmont Abbey College Established in 1876, this a small, Catholic, liberal arts institution with more than 1,400 students. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the college’s basilica is the spiritual center of the campus. The basilica features stained glass windows exhibited in the 1892 World’s Fair, and a unique baptismal font of historical significance.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Located on 380 acres, this botanical garden is just south of Belmont along the banks of Lake Wylie. Features include spectacular gardens with sparkling fountains, nature trails, gift shop, and much more. The orchid conservatory is devoted to displaying tropical plants and orchids. A broad variety of educational programs, classes and special events are also offered year-round. This is truly a must-see for all ages.
100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-461-6700 www.BelmontAbbeyCollege.edu
6500 S. New Hope Road | Belmont, NC 28012 | 704-825-4490 www.dsbg.org
Milican Pictorial History Museum If you are a history buff then this is a must see destination! Housed in The Abram Stowe House, which is the oldest house in Belmont, NC this museum features a unique collection of photographs illustrating local and area history. Admission is free but donations are accepted. 35 E. Catawba Street Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-5391 millicanpictorialhistorymuseum.com
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Schiele Museum of Natural History Exceptional opportunities for visitors of all ages to see the region’s rocks, minerals, plants and animals. Includes the largest collection of land mammal species in the Southeast. Visitors can see and learn about rotating planets, moons, galaxies, comets, asteroids and black holes in the domed ceiling planetarium. 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard Gastonia, NC 28054 704-866-6908 www.schielemuseum.org
Located on the banks of the Catawba River across from Mount Holly. This 1,300 acre state-of-the art facility offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation and fun such as white-water rafting and kayaking, flat-water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lines, ropes courses, a canopy tour, as well as 30+ miles of biking, hiking and running trails. 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway Charlotte, NC 28214 704-391-3900 | www.usnwc.org
Belmont Historical Society Historical exhibits, records and a large collection of photo’s, videos, books, and artifacts fill one of Belmont’s oldest homes, which is called a Cultural and Heritage Learning Center. Displays tell the story of early times in the greater Belmont area from the Indians who traveled through here to the once thriving textile industry. There’s even a Sports Hall of Fame with memorabilia of the athletes who have been inducted over the years. Behind the center, a 1920’s mill village house has been restored as well as an outdoor kitchen. 40 Catawba Street | Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4848 | www.thebelmonthistoricalsociety.org
African American Museum of History and Culture Visitors can explore, examine, engage and seek a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the African-American culture. Located in the revitalized Loray Mill, donated artifacts including photographs, books, and farming equipment highlight the accomplishments of notable Gaston County natives and residents from the past through present day. The Little Korner Bookshop, located in the museum, features books written by and about the Black Experience for all age groups. 300 South Firestone Street, Suite P | Gastonia, NC 28052 | 980-888-4005 | www.blackhistorymuseumgastonia.org 8
MONTCROSS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
