Brighton Park, The Quiet Side of Cabarrus County

They say location is everything. If that’s the case, then Brighton Park is everything and more.

As the newest community from award-winning local builder Niblock Homes, Brighton Park offers residents the home of their dreams in beautiful Mount Pleasant, NC. Once a rural textile community, Mount Pleasant today is the quintessential Americana small town. It’s a vibrant one, as well, attracting locals and visitors alike to its Historic District, where many of the landmark properties now serve as shops and restaurants. You’ll even find a brewery and a distillery. And several well-known antique shops draw pickers from all around.

Mount Pleasant is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and forests. Throughout town, the history of Mount Pleasant can be discovered on a plate and in a glass, along downtown streets and outdoor trails, at antique destinations and inside restored landmarks.

Let us take you on a tour of the several restaurants and attractions that the Town of Mt. Pleasant has to offer.

 

73 & Main.  Enjoy a side of history with your meal. 73 & Main is an American restaurant and pub housed in the restored Mount Pleasant Hosiery Mill, which was built more than a century ago. An on-site nano-brewery, Old Well Brewery, makes sure that no one goes thirsty.

 

Southern Grace Distilleries.  Southern Grace Distilleries is the first distillery in the country that’s located within a former prison. You can come to this small-batch distillery simply to enjoy the drinks, or you can schedule a one-of-a-kind tour of the prison. Get a look behind the scenes on the Behind Bars Tour or be immersed in the process with the Barrel House Tasting or Bourbon Experience.

 

Café Lentz.  Café Lentz makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away and dropped in a European café. Lounge on the outdoor patio while savoring a latte and a flatbread or one (or two) of its signature cheddar biscuits. Or enjoy your meal indoors amid the work of local artists. The café offers a nice selection of local beer and wines as well.

Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse.  When deciding what to order at Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse, you have your work cut out for you. The meats — smoked traditionally — are all delicious. The brisket is moist, the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, the burnt ends are crispy, the pork melts in your mouth and the pulled chicken tastes great piled high on a thick slab of Texas toast. Try any of the meats on a sandwich or enjoy as a platter with a choice of sides: hush puppies, mayo slaw, fried corn on the cob, and more.

 

The Bakery at Mount Pleasant.  Confections in pastel hues, gooey cinnamon rolls, sugar-dusted cannoli, buttercream-capped cupcakes… These are just some of the treats you’ll find at The Bakery at Mount Pleasant. Here, everything is made in-house and from scratch for a rotating menu that changes daily. Stop by in the morning for flaky croissants and warm blueberry scones or in the afternoon for fudgy brownies and chewy cookies. Housed inside the historic 1912 Lentz Building, The Bakery also serves up coffees and teas to pair with its decadent delights.

Cantina 73.  Food fusion is the name of the game at Cantina 73. Though the dishes are Mexican, the owner infuses his Indian heritage into the cuisine in tasty ways, such as the Eastern-spiced tofu tacos. North Carolina’s Southern culinary traditions show up in surprising places, too.

What-A-Burger No. 13.  Do as the locals do and eat at What-A-Burger. A Carolina staple since 1969, this family-owned joint is the go-to spot for classic burgers expertly made. About a dozen burgers grace the menu, from the original What-A-Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion and mustard to chili-topped burgers. Conclude the meal with a heaping plate of funnel fries.

Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail.  Enjoy some nature therapy in this nature preserve that span nearly 400 acres. The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is a moderate, 2.1-mile trail that leads you through oak-savanna and farmland. You’ll be rewarded for your hike with a beautiful view from a high bluff over Adams Creek.

 

White Owl Antique Mall. Set aside some time for this Mount Pleasant attraction. With 100,000 square feet of space, White Owl Antique Mall isn’t a place you’ll just pop in and out of. Spend some time looking through the items — the albums, the toys, the jewelry, the furniture — and find a keepsake to bring home.

 

Ruffin’s Roost. If you love the farmhouse chic style (who doesn’t?), Ruffin’s Roost is your place. This décor style blends with so many others, from rustic to contemporary, that the unique items you’ll find here will become conversation pieces in your home.

 

Cline’s Country Antiques. The owner of Cline’s Country Antiques, Donald Cline, stresses this isn’t a “prissy” place for shopping. Come ready to rummage for treasure! This Mount Pleasant attraction is as much a place for music fans as antique fans: The Avett Brothers filmed their music video for “February Seven” right here in the antique yard.

Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum.  Get a glimpse into mid-19th century life in Cabarrus County. The Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum building has witnessed much of the county’s history — it began as the main building of the Western Carolina Male Academy in 1852. Learn about the county’s rich history. Bonus: Admission is free.

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