6 minute read
Go, See & Do
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.
6500 S. New Hope Road | Belmont, NC 28012 | 704-825-4490 www.dsbg.org
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
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
U.S. National Whitewater Center
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 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.
100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-461-6700 www.BelmontAbbeyCollege.edu
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
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.
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
Gaston County Museum of Art & History
Housed in the historic Hoffman Hotel which was built in1852, the Gaston County Museum showcases permanent exhibits such as The Ties That Bind, which includes rare artifacts that tell the story of Carolina’s textile history, and North Carolina’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in the Daniel Stowe Carriage House. As a family-friendly facility, the Museum is free of charge and has rotating exhibits related to local art and history, and interactive displays to engage younger audiences as well as old!
131 W. Main Street | Dallas, NC 28034 | 704-922-7681 | www.gastoncountymuseum.org
Mount Holly Historical Society
Mount Holly Historical Society (MHHS) was founded in 2010 with a vision statement of “Understanding Our Past Today.” MHHS is dedi-cated to research and display the history of people, places, and events that illuminate the heritage of Mount Holly. There is a growing collection of pictures, photographs, relics, and memorabilia on display throughout the museum.
131 S. Main Street | Mount Holly, NC 28120 980-277-1249 www.mounthollynchistoricalsociety.org
Brevard Station Museum
Browse numerous historical artifacts and information pertaining to the region around the town of Stanley. There is an abundance of collections displayed, including railroad memorabilia, sports memorabilia and military memorabilia. There is also the Research and Genealogy Center for visitors to look through genealogy and family records. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
112 S. Main Street | Stanley, NC 28164 704-263-9801 | www.brevardstation.com
Spirit of the Fighting Yank
The Fighting Yank is a stoic 8 foot tall World War II soldier leaning forward, wearing a helmet, holding a rifle under his left arm and ready to throw a grenade in his right hand. Belmont is one of only five cities in the country to display this statue which was designed by Ernest Moore Viquesney. It was erected to honor all those who served in World War II.
Stowe Park in Downtown Belmont 24 S. Main Street | Belmont, NC 28012
Cotton Candy Factory
If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the place to satisfy your sugar needs. Established by Holy Angels, treat yourself to a cloud of customized cotton candy with 25 different varieties that you can spin yourself. Enjoy a large selection of "penny-candy" sold by the pound, as well as a giant gumball machine named “Big Mama” .
21 N. Main Street | Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-0416 www.holyangelsnc.org/cotton-candy-factory
Gastonia Honey Hunters
This professional baseball team plays in the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), a “partner league’ of the MLB. The team plays their home games at the newly built 5,000-seat CaroMont Health Park in downtown Gastonia. “Honey Hunters” refers to the toughness of a honey badger and the ability to seek out positive things in hard times. Honey Hunters baseball is fearless, resilient, and determined.
800 W. Franklin Boulevard | Gastonia, NC 28052 704-874-1810 | https://gohoneyhunters.com
Muddy RIver Distillery
This small batch distillery, located along the banks of the Catawba River, is the oldest Rum distillery in North Carolina and the 5th legal distillery in North Carolina since prohibition. The in-house production cranks out a line of delicious rums. Silver Coconut, Basil & Spiced Carolina Rum, and Queen Charlotte’s Reserve 1 Year & 4 Year Single Barrel Carolina Rum are all impressive spirits. Take a fun-filled tour and learn about the distilling process. You’ll get to taste samples and go home with a commeroative shot glass. Muddy River products are available at the distillery as well as in NC ABC stores and SC liquor stores.
1500 River Drive #100 | Belmont, NC 28012 704-860-8389 | www.muddyriverdistillery.com
