LEIGH DYER
Stowe Gardens gets votes
as your favorite discovery Newcomers: What’s your favorite discovery since moving here?
The most popular answer among a group I invited to the Observer’s newsroom recently for a newcomer forum was the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont.
“We went to the Stowe Gardens and it was one of the best days we have spent here,” said Shirley Klein, who moved to south Charlotte’s Carmel Forest neighborhood from Scottsdale, Ariz., last August. “It was beautiful. It’s a well-kept secret. We didn’t know about it.”
It’s definitely a must-see. In 1991, retired textile executive Daniel Stowe designated about 400 acres of peaceful meadows for preservation as a botanical garden. Now visitors can stroll through more than 100 of them during all four seasons. The garden is home to special events and concerts throughout the year, including July 4th and Labor Day, and installs lights during the Christmas holiday season. The garden includes 12 fountains and is a popular spot for weddings.
When I visited last week, I met newcomer Andrea Kropfelder, visiting with her 6-year-old-daughter Layne for the first time since moving to Belmont from Chicago. “We think it’s gorgeous. We love it,” she said.
Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $10 adults, $9 seniors; $5 children 4-12; younger kids and members free. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont; 704-825-4490; www.dsbg.org.
Have a local discovery to share? Please get in touch. Got a question?
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or Ldyer@charlotteobserver.com
Source: http://www.charlotte.com/living/columnists/leigh_dyer/story/225617.html
The Belmont Front Porch 
Definitely add it to your list..the folks out there are great, the site is beautiful, and as it grows and expands will become the world-class destination that was visioned by Mr. Stowe at its inception.
I want to put DSBG on my list of places to go and things to see. I love to see the majesty of God’s creation.