19 of the best things to do, see, and eat in Mint Hill

Yes, and: Mint Hill claims to be the first town in Mecklenburg County (not Charlotte!), founded around 1750 by Scotch-Irish pioneers. Today, it has just over 26,000 residents.

• The town is filled with locally owned gems for your next date night, girls’ night or family outing. Below are 19 worth checking out.

Caffeinate at Forest Trail House

Expect an all-day cafe, with a menu spanning from coffee to cocktails and small bites in a cozy-meets-eclectic setting. If you'd rather sit outdoors, be sure to grab a spot on the front porch for prime people watching.

Location: 7201 Matthews Mint Hill Road

Eat a massive omelet at J-Birds

And I mean massive. J-Birds nails the combination of tasty food, huge portions and relatively low prices. A Mint Hill staple for years, it's open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch.

• While you're there, spend some time browsing the sports memorabilia that decorates the restaurant (NASCAR fans will love the Dale Earnhardt gear) and check out the vintage arcade games.

Location: 7917 Fairview Road

Crush NY-style bagels at Family Dough Bagels

Bagel lovers, rejoice. This family-owned bagel spot does not play with the schmear-to-bagel ratio (evidenced in the picture below). If you're team bagel sandwiches, they've got you covered, too.

Location: 7102 Brighton Park Dr. #500 (in the Harris Teeter parking lot)

Get zen at Total Being Yoga

Choose from seven different yoga classes, including vinyasa, power flow and restorative.

• A drop-in class is $14, but your first class is free. Additional membership options include $109 for 30 days unlimited and $99 per month for six months unlimited.

Location: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road (across from Pour 64)

Have Korean for dinner at Daebak

Study the menu beforehand — it's extensive.

What we ordered: Jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce), bibimbap (rice mixed with veggies and beef) and tangsuyuk, fried pork in sweet and sour sauce (recommended by the waiter).

Location: 6908 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Try Caribbean-inspired craft beer at Panzú Brewery

Panzú claims the title as Mint Hill's first and only brewery since opening in September 2023.

The menu: Expect tropical beers and tapas-style dishes inspired by the cuisines of places in the Caribbean, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Go deeper: Panzú Brewery serves Caribbean-inspired food and craft beer in Mint Hill

Location: 7251 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Sip a glass of wine at Vintner's Hill Wine Bar & Bistro

This chic wine bar has an impressive selection and a welcoming feel. You'll find lunch and dinner options, plus breakfast on Saturdays.

Pro tip: Head to the patio and split a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board (if you go on a Saturday, there's live music at 6pm).

Location: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road #108

Enjoy fresh air at the Stevens Creek Nature Center & Preserve

The 281-acre nature preserve is home to a nearly 4-mile, well-maintained hiking trail open seven days a week.

Pro tip: While you're there, check out the nature center, which has live and native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom and a gift shop, in addition to programs and events.

Location: 15700 Thompson Road

Enjoy a beer at Pour 64

After you’ve finished at Vintner’s Hill, keep the evening going with a stop next door at Pour 64. The casual beer joint serves up more than 40 taps of rotating beer, plus cider and seltzers.

• If you’re a music buff, drop by on Wednesdays for their popular music bingo.

Location: 4410 Mint Hill Village Ln. Suite #103

Get crafty at The Gift Workshop

Expect expert-led programs where you can make everything from welcome signs for your home to bath bombs. The Gift Workshop shares a space with the Mint Hill Flower Market, so while you’re there, grab a bouquet to freshen up your space.

Location: 7717 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Carolina Creamery

This unassuming ice cream shop dishes up plenty of tasty flavors, from the classics (think chocolate chip cookie dough) to unique scoops, like pistachio.

Location: 11300 Lawyers Road, Suite A

Play disc golf at Veterans Memorial Park

The 50-acre park boasts tons of activities to take advantage of, including volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, a nine-hole disc golf course, handball courts, horseshoe pits, a bike path and a 1-mile nature trail.

Location: 8850 Fairview Road

Expand your collection at Rally Squirrel Cards

Whether you’re looking to add to a collection of sports cards, Pokémon cards, Magic the Gathering or all of the above, Rally Squirrel Cards has you covered.

• New releases come in weekly, so you can continue to grow your collection. Buy singles or sealed boxes and packs.

Location: 6904 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Grab a burger at The Hill Bar & Grill

The Hill is the quintessential Mint Hill neighborhood hangout. Grab a burger and watch a football game or belly up to the hand-built bar for a drink.

What to order: They're known for their wings, but customers also rave about their homemade zucchini burger. The Reuben sandwich is another fan favorite.

Location: 11232 Lawyers Road

Grab a slice at Big Guy's Pizza

This family-owned pizza spot has been a Mint Hill Staple for nearly 20 years. If you're looking to feed a group, their 28-inch pie ($55.99) will do the trick.

• View the full menu here.

Location: 6914 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Sample something sweet at Daphne's Bakery

The family-owned bakery offers treats to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth, including cakes, cookies, pies and muffins.

Yes, and: Daphne's also donates unsold products to area food pantries and makes it a point to purchase ingredients from local farmers.

Location: 7609 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Grab a non-boring gift at Goodness Gracious

The next time you’re about to bring another bottle of wine to someone's housewarming party, detour to Goodness Gracious instead.

What to expect: Unique and thoughtful gifts, including home decor, seasonal items, gourmet snacks and more.

Location: 7701 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Find your new favorite artist at Hardy Boys Records & Comics

And your favorite comics, too. The store is lined with records and comic books, plus guitars and stereo equipment.

• The Mint Hill location is inside Homestyles Gallery and has two additional locations, including a Matthews store and a new flagship in Camp North End.

Yes, and: You can also sell your records and comics to Hardy Boys.

Location: 11237 Lawyers Road

Support local artists at Mint Hill Arts

This public gallery showcases work from community artists. In addition, you'll find art classes for adults and children, a gift shop and exhibits that rotate through the year.

Location: 11205 Lawyers Road, Suite A

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