This Natural Wonder in North Carolina Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

North Carolina has incredible, must-see sites, from Biltmore to the Outer Banks and Great Smokey Mountains National Park. In addition to these popular, widely recognized places, there are many more hidden gem attractions. Belmont, North Carolina, a small city about 20 miles southwest of Charlotte, is home to a showstopper. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is 380 acres of beautifully preserved land.

Daniel Stowe, a textile businessman from Belmont, North Carolina, reserved the land and established a foundation to care for it in 1991. He wanted to see the property developed into one of the best botanical gardens in the world. In the years since, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has figuratively and literally thrived. A 13,000-square-foot Visitor Pavilion opened in 1999, and an orchid conservatory opened in 2008. There's also a children's garden, Perrenial Gardens, the Four Seasons Garden, and Cottage Garden, each with distinct natural features. The Ragan Canal Garden is centered around a long, narrow canal bordered by seasonal plants and water features.

Visitors can enjoy many activities at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. After exploring the Visitor Pavilion, which has gardens, fountains, restrooms, and a garden store, visitors can check out the five-story glass conservatory with orchids and tropical plants. Kids can explore the playspaces and amphitheater in the children's garden. The property also has trails, including the Carolina Thread Trail, Persimmon Trail, and Meadowood Walk. Some trails run near Lake Wylie, offering walkers stunning water views.

The botanical garden hosts many events throughout the year. There are seasonal runs and event series like Immersive Garden Mornings, where attendants connect with nature. Several specific events occur during the holiday season, like Holidays at the Garden, where visitors can enjoy holiday lights displays, visits with Santa, holiday cocktails, and rides on a trackless train. The garden also hosts wreath-making, jazz music, and sip-and-paint events. The Bright Lights 5K is an annual fun run through the garden's lights displays.

For more information about the garden and upcoming events, visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden website and Facebook page.

Belmont, North Carolina, is known for its role in the early 20th-century textile industry. It has about 15,000 residents and fantastic antique malls, like the Catawba River Antique Mall and Piccolo Antique Mall. Sammy's Neighborhood Pub serves delicious pub food in Belmont. The Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, known colloquially as the Belmont Abbey, is a beautiful and historic place to visit. The abbey is closely tied to a Benedictine monastery where monks live, work, and teach at the nearby Belmont Abbey College.

If you'd like to visit Belmont, North Carolina, consider staying at the Hampton Inn Belmont at Montcross, which is very close to Belmont Abbey College.