From The Commoner:

My family and I came up for a visit to North Carolina when our oldest son was just six months old. We fell in love with the sheer diversity of landscapes, rich history, wide range of attractions, and temperate climate. We were so enamored that we decided to relocate to the crowning jewel of the state’s Central Piedmont Region, Charlotte.

Having called the Queen City home for over a decade, it’s been the perfect place to raise a family. It’s also been an ideal home base for exploring the Carolinas and taking day trips with kids. We can easily reach the majestic mountains, the lovely lakes, or the state’s larger cities for world-class culture and entertainment – and make it home by bed-time!

Belmont, NC
Travel Time: 00:25
Located just 12 miles west of Uptown Charlotte you’ll find the charming city of Belmont. Set along the banks of the Catawba River and Lake Wylie, Belmont is ideal for quick day trips with kids or an all-day affair.

Read more from The Commoner here.