Spend the Weekend in Belmont

If you’re visiting Charlotte to explore Billy Graham’s journey from farm boy to renowned pastor, then you’ll find a welcome home for the weekend in Belmont, N.C. Just 15 minutes from the Library, Belmont is a wholesome community built on small-town values. Here you’ll find a quaint Main Street, businesses that pride themselves on quality and customer service, and a host of family-friendly activities that are certain to complement your visit to the Billy Graham Library.

Here’s how you can spend your weekend with us:

On Your Way In

Get the family settled in at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Charlotte/Belmont@Montcross or Home2 Suites by Hilton Belmont and head over to The String Bean for a scrumptious meal to start your weekend. Locals rave about the eggplant fries and the Belmont-named “The Big Abbey” burger.

Morning

Before you head to the Library, stop in at Cherub’s Café for a quick breakfast. Cherubs Café is owned by Holy Angels and provides work opportunities for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Choose a southern favorite such as liver mush or breakfast casserole. Or start your morning on Cloud Nine – pancakes, French toast, crepes or a waffle filled banana mudslide, simply strawberry or traditional style. It’s great fuel to get you through an activity-packed day. After breakfast, take a walk down Belmont’s historic Main Street. Check out the Catawba River Antique Mall, just down Catawba Street. Slip into the past at one of the largest antique destinations in North Carolina, filled to its brim with 300 vendor booths of antiques and nostalgia.

Afternoon

After exploring the Library’s fantastic exhibits and grounds, save time in your schedule for a trip to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden where you can enjoy nature’s beauty in one of the outdoor gardens or in the Orchid Conservatory. You also might want to learn a little more about Belmont’s history by stopping at the Belmont Historical Society Cultural and Heritage Learning Center where they have artifacts and exhibits that tell Belmont’s story from the first Native Americans to the textile age.

Evening

Take the family to dinner at The Lodge Tavern & Tap, a restaurant featuring an eclectic menu that focuses on the art of the feast. This new dining experience can introduce you to bison meatloaf, venison chili or flash fried roasted duck legs. Or check out Simonetti’s Italian, voted one of the 21 best in the world. The Margherita Pizza is fantastic!

Before You Leave

Make a quick stop at the Mary, Help of Christians Basilica, one of only 64 Basilicas in the U.S. recognized by the Vatican. Located at Belmont Abbey, the monastery established in 1876 is now home to about 20 monks.