Belmont One of the fastest-growing areas around the lake is the Belmont peninsula in Gaston County, which until recently was largely undeveloped. Areas along Lake Wylie have seen considerable growth as affordable waterfront property is quickly snatched up. At the very tip of the Belmont peninsula lies Reflection Pointe, a premier community of custom-built homes with fine exterior features such as cedar shake, stucco and stone. The community features a grand gated entrance, French Provincial-style clubhouse, lagoon-style swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, paved walking trails and fenced boat storage. Homes are available from around $600,000 up to over $1.6 million. Homesites are also available to build on. Off Lower Armstrong Road, Misty Waters features massive custom-built homes, many on the waterfront. Most lots in Misty Waters are well over an acre in size. Other fine lakefront communities in Belmont include Woodland Bay, Paradise Point and Forest Cove. Further north along N.C. 273, the town of Belmont offers a quaint, peaceful setting with a small-town feel. This community with just over 9,000 residents is home to a number of textile manufacturers and features small cottage houses along with its new developments. The town’s streets are lined with lilac, magnolia and dogwood trees, as well as its charming architecture. With a fountain, gazebo, playground, track and playing fields, Stowe Park in downtown Belmont is the site of special events hosted by the city including Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park series. In May, the Belmont Woman’s Club hosts an annual home tour, which typically includes historic and renovated homes as well as gardens. The rich history of Belmont is best known through Belmont Abbey College. Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, this private, liberal arts college is the only Catholic college in the Southeast. Its cathedral is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another interesting characteristic of Belmont is the Belmont Drive-In Theater, one of the last of a dying breed. For more than 50 years, the drive-in has been entertaining residents in the region with blockbuster films. Off South New Hope Road, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features a number of landscaped gardens with distinct themes, as well as a visitors’ center. Recognized as one of the top 20 gardens in the country by HGTV, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden currently covers 110 acres, but will eventually cover 450 acres as part of its 10-year master plan. The Garden is holding a capital campaign to raise money for its next project: an orchid conservatory. Encased in glass, the conservatory will rise 50 feet, cover 8,000 square feet and contain a diverse selection of orchids, tropical plants and butterflies. Just minutes from Belmont, the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides 300 acres of recreation on the Catawba River. An Olympic-caliber training site, the center features an artificial river with adjustable rapids for different levels of paddlers. Also part of the center are climbing facilities, trails for biking and hiking, and a 37-acre island for camping. Off South Point Road in Cramerton, Cramer Mountain Country Club offers an 18-hole championship course, tennis courts, fitness center and Junior Olympic-size swimming pool. West of Belmont along I-85, the tiny town of McAdenville offers a unique experience during the holidays. A mill town with about 700 residents, McAdenville began its Christmas tradition in 1956 when the local men’s club decided to decorate the trees around the town’s community center with Christmas lights. Townspeople quickly followed, adorning their own trees with lights. Today, the tradition has evolved into more than 450,000 lights on 400 live trees ranging from four feet to 80 feet in height. During the month of December, visitors drive their cars through the town to view the amazing Christmas display, particularly around the town’s small lake, where a fountain shoots water 75 feet into the air. It is estimated that around 600,000 visitors come to view the lights each season, pumping an estimated $12 million into the local economy. Another boon to McAdenville’s economy is a new development of Saussy Burbank homes called McAdenville Village. About 189 neo-traditional-style homes are being built on lots formerly occupied by mill houses. The development is expected to double McAdenville’s population. About 20 minutes west of Belmont, Crowders Mountain State Park makes a great day trip. The park covers 3,000 acres and includes 12 miles of hiking trails that lead to Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle. It is also a popular spot for rock climbing. Just across the state line from Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park add another 10,000 acres of recreation. Kings Mountain was the site of a major Revolutionary War battle that is considered one of the turning points in the war. The military park includes a 1.5 mile trail with historic markers and a half-hour film depicting the events of the battle. Along with Kings Mountain State Park, the two parks offer 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Kings Mountain State Park also includes a 116-site campground that is open year-round.