Here is how to enjoy a weekend in Mount Holly by getting outside and onto the Catawba River in Gaston County, located just outside of Charlotte, NC. Let the adventure begin!
Make your way to Tailrace Marina, where you can rent a variety of personal vessels available for hourly and daily rental. Single and double kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and pontoon boats are all available.
After you shove off and get some distance from the marina you will notice that the scenery along this section of the river is beautiful and remote, making it conducive for a relaxing day on the water. Keep an eye out for a chance sighting of wildlife such as deer, foxes, osprey and other native species.
Downstream you will discover the dock of the U.S. National Whitewater Center where you could also rent a kayak. We highly recommend a stop here as one could easily spend an entire day.
This impressive facility offers a plethora of outdoor activities for thrill seekers including whitewater rafting on man-made rapids, climbing, rope courses and multiple ziplines, or rent one of their mountain bikes and head out on miles of impressive trails.
If you aren’t a thrill seeker, they also have an impressive selection of brews from the Pump House Biergarten, and offer outdoor concerts in the evenings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, all summer long. These concerts can really draw a crowd.
After your time on the water you may have worked up an appetite. Check-out J.R. Cash’s located right at the marina. Take a seat on their large covered patio overlooking the marina, sip hand crafted cocktails made at the outdoor bar and munch on French-dip sandwiches, recommended by the staff.
After you fill up, hop back in the car and make the short drive into town where several places await your arrival and are ready to serve up a good time.
Downtown Mount Holly offers visitors unique retail and dining options to compliment your outdoor activities, altogether making an affordable getaway, that will leave a lasting impression. Several places in town offer live music. Check websites for details.
The Smoke and Barrel Cigar Bar and Lounge is housed in a refurbished gas station on the edge of historic downtown and is super comfy and accommodating, even if you don’t smoke.
At the Queen Bee Bakery we recommend the Sun Drop cupcake made with the actual soda which was first created in the area.
Start the day off right with a cup of joe from Catawba Coffee in downtown Mount Holly.
The Summit Beer Shop offers a selection of rotating draft beer and wine, an outdoor patio and weekly food trucks.
If you are looking for a comfortable place to rest your head, Mount Holly offers two hotels located only a short drive from your adventure; Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites. Both offer the highest quality service from an experienced staff as well as free Wi-Fi, a seasonal outdoor pool, and breakfast.
Now is the time to make your plans for an affordable outdoor getaway on the water, in Mount Holly. Easily accessible to I-85, I-77, and I-485, just outside of Charlotte, on the Catawba River, in Gaston County.
