Popular North Carolina Drive-In Reopens After Tornado Damage

We have had some great times in Belmont. Take a lawn chair, plenty of popcorn and load up the kids and watch a movie outside. It is possible again. This popular North Carolina drive-in reopens after tornado damage. A big relief for people that love the privacy of watching a movie in your car or on your tailgate.

Some were concerned after a tornado ripped the screen at the popular drive-in theater back in May. When would it open and how much would it cost the owners? The Belmont Drive-In was set to reopen after being closed for ten years. Then the May storm happened seemingly thwarting plans. After all it had only been opened for a short amount of time when 110mph winds plowed through part of Gaston County. According to our source, Channel 9 in Charlotte there was extensive damage to the projector screen.

But here's some good news. The owners have worked fast and this popular North Carolina drive-in reopens June 7 after tornado damage. Oh man and this sounds like the perfect thing to show. Bring the kids. The gates will open at 6pm on June 7 shortly before they show, The Lion King. Then The Mummy will show right after that.

Bring a car load for $25 dollars. And the concession stand is cash only. So keep that in mind when you are planning you night out. This popular North Carolina Drive-In reopens after tornado damage. For more information, check out details from our source at wsoctv.com.

So many great things about this Gaston County town. Belmont has become our go to for eating out for lunch or supper or concerts in the park. Belmont is great for antiquing or shopping for that something special.

One of my friends was visiting from another part of the country and wanted to go to a seafood restaurant one night.  Oh, I said, let me take you to my favorite fish camp in the area.  She had no idea what I meant by "fish camp".  Here are 5 of the best fish camps in North Carolina according to Yelp.

Let's get back to that question, "What is a fish camp"? It is different than seafood restaurants people in other parts of the country are used to.  Southern Living magazine describes fish camps this way:"The original fish camps date back to before World War II. They were little more than rudimentary waterside kitchens, either outdoors or in smaller spots along riverbanks or coastal sounds, where fishermen could cook what they caught. Some of the fishermen saw entrepreneurial opportunities and hired cooks to help out. Over time, these camps evolved into no-frills seafood restaurants, a few of which remain in business today. Some are in the same locations as the old camps, while others moved a little closer to town."

And the origins of fish camps are closer than even I knew until I did some research.  This is what google has to say about the history of fish camps." The earliest were established along the Catawba River in South and North Carolina in the 1930s and 1940s and began as sheds where anglers could fry their fresh catches. And while most restaurants purchase their fish from seafood wholesalers and farms, fish camps continue to be found along waterways."

Well, lets get to it, here are the top five fish camps, according to Yelp ( some are listed in Charlotte magazine).  Ironically the ones we are featuring are located right where it all began.

We like the one in Belmont but there are other locations for The Captain's Cap.  I had a friend that would say "Let's go eat food the same color", and the fish is fried a golden brown.  Don't forget the hushpuppies.  Here is what Charlotte Magazine had to say about the Captain's Cap.The family packs are worth checking out, including the 20-piece Baby Flounder pack, the 16-piece Perch Filet pack, or two pounds of Calabash Shrimp.

This is an iconic location in Gastonia.  Once Lineberger's, people have been gathering in this spot for the ultimate fish camp experience.  And that candy counter is still there!  I will take one seafood platter please.

Here is what Charlotte Magazine has to say about another one of Belmont's iconic fish camps.

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri, 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat, 3 p.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed Mon)
What to try: The platter here gives you the full experience: shrimp, oysters, deviled crab, flounder fillet, perch, and catfish.

This place has been here since the very beginning of fish camps.  And they are still there serving up delicious fish for dine in or carry out.  Here is what Charlotte Magazine had to say about this place, 1031 Lower Dallas Hwy., Dallas
Opened in 1948
Hours: Wed-Thurs, 1:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat, 1:30 p.m.-9 p.m., and Sun, 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m. (Closed Mon-Tues)
What to try: Be sure to try the croaker and the fantail shrimp from this one, the oldest on the list.

I have got to get back here!  Here is what Charlotte Magazine says about one of several Gaston County original fish camps. 4574 S New Hope Rd., Gastonia
Opened in 1968
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; and Sat, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. (Closed Sun-Mon)
What to try: The salt & pepper catfish is among the area’s best—and you better get that slaw on the side.