STORIES

Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month by discovering five unique ways to enjoy the outdoors in Gaston County. From lakeside views and wooded trails to pickleball courts, splash pads, and disc golf, each park offers a different way to spend a summer day close to home.

If it's been a few years since your last visit to Daniel Stowe Conservancy, you'll find there's more to discover than ever before. While The Gardens at Stowe remain the centerpiece, the Conservancy has grown into a full-day destination where you can explore beautiful gardens, hike scenic trails, let the kids climb and play, enjoy seasonal exhibits, grab lunch or coffee, and experience live music and special events throughout the summer. Whether you're planning a family outing

Visiting Gastonia for an event, game, or weekend getaway? Discover scenic hikes, walkable downtown experiences, local dining, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor adventures that make every stay worth extending.

Celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County This Independence Day, come celebrate in and around Gaston County! Many of the cities are celebrating with fireworks and live music, while other venues are saluting our nation with unique Independence Day themed events. Here is a list of some great ways to enjoy time with family and friends this holiday. Don't miss the fun, Celebrate Independence Day in Gaston County 2026. Dallas, NC 4th of July July 4, 2026 | Downtown Dallas The G

Across Gaston County, Juneteenth celebrations are bringing communities together through music, storytelling, food, art, and remembrance. From powerful historical exhibits to joyful outdoor festivals and live performances, these events honor freedom while celebrating the culture, creativity, and resilience that continue to shape the region today. Throughout the month, music becomes a powerful thread connecting celebrations across Gaston County — from soulful classics and live

Dive into adventure and cool off in Gaston County this summer! Whether you're a beach enthusiast or just looking to cool off in a family-friendly pool or splash pad, we have the perfect spots. Southpoint Access Belmont This picturesque 68-acre park offers a sandy beach and swimming area, picnic pads, a boat ramp, and two large fishing piers. This serene haven provides endless recreational opportunities, perfect for swimming, picnicking, or fishing. The swim beach will be open

From Mountain Summits to Riverside Patios, Gaston County Blends Outdoor Adventure With Local Flavor There’s a moment that happens after a really good trail day. Maybe it’s sitting on a patio with friends after reaching the summit at Crowders Mountain State Park. Maybe it’s watching the river drift past in Cramerton with an ice cream cone in hand. Or maybe it’s lingering over dinner in Belmont after an easy afternoon walk beneath towering trees. In Gaston County, the trail rar

In North Carolina’s Piedmont, life unfolds in a way that feels both grounded and expansive, where mountain views are within reach, greenways connect entire communities, and every season invites you to step outside and stay awhile. In Gaston County, that feeling becomes an everyday reality. This is a place where summer doesn’t rush by; it lingers in long golden evenings, shaded trails, and weekends that feel less like escape and more like rhythm. Whether you’re exploring for a

Disc golf is growing rapidly across the U.S., and Gaston County, North Carolina is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for players of all skill levels. Just minutes west of Charlotte, one of the top disc golf cities in the country, Gaston County offers a collection of scenic, easy-to-access disc golf courses, making it simple to plan a day trip or weekend outing. Whether you’re searching for disc golf courses near Charlotte, trying the sport for the first time, or looki

Eastser Egg Hunt Phot Credit: Downtown Belmont Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! We've got you covered if you're in Gaston County and looking for egg-citing fun. Get ready to hop into the festive spirit with Easter egg hunts happening across the parks of Gaston County. But remember, always double-check the hosting locations for any last-minute date changes. Let's dive into the list and make this Easter egg hunt season one to remember! Easter Egg Hunt

Discover meaningful ways to spend your free time in Gastonia during Unite 2026. From quiet coffee breaks and family-friendly museums to park walks and group dinners, this guide helps attendees make the most of every moment.

Spring is here, and Gaston County is coming alive. Longer, warmer, sunny days with Carolina blue skies beckon you to get outside and try something new. Here are 21 things to do this spring in Gaston County. Paddling the South Fork River. Photo courtesy of Catawba Riverkeeper 1 Paddle our blueways Sunny days warm our rivers making it fun to paddle the blueways of the Catawba or South Fork River. Grab a boat and head to either for a day of fun on the water. If you have equipmen

Looking for a trail running challenge near Charlotte? Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for Perennial , a timed trail running event at the beautiful Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, NC. Choose your challenge—3-hour, 6-hour, or 10-hour options—and run along scenic waterfront trails and crushed-gravel loops, perfect for hitting a personal best while enjoying the outdoors. Every loop you complete brings a new opportunity to collect prizes, cheer on fellow runners, and exp

An Unforgettable Spring Adventure Awaits! Spring is the perfect time to get active, explore, and make lasting memories! The 2026 Greater Gaston Senior Games are more than just a competition—they're an opportunity to turn an experience into an adventure. Whether you're competing, cheering on friends, or looking for a fun getaway, Gaston County offers the perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, discovery, and is another example of free and affordable things to do . 2026 Grea

If you and your partner share a love for exploration and are seeking a rejuvenating escape, look no further than Gaston County. Allow us to guide you as we present a tailor-made experience for couples yearning for a captivating getaway. Explore Together Crowders Mountain State Park is at the heart of Gaston County's outdoor allure, a majestic peak that beckons couples to hike together. The journey to its summit, a 2-3 hour endeavor, promises breathtaking vistas that stretch

Cold temperatures and the occasional snowy day in North Carolina may slow us down, but winter is actually one of the best seasons to get outside and walk. January is the perfect time to reset, move your body, and reconnect with nature—without the heat, bugs, or crowds. From peaceful trails to scenic river walks, Gaston County offers plenty of winter-friendly places to explore . Here’s why winter walking is worth it—and where to lace up your shoes. Easy Paved Open Walk at Goa

Looking for fun and engaging activities this winter? Gaston County offers a variety of ways to enjoy the season, whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or staying cozy inside. From illuminated trails to antique shopping and everything in between, here’s a guide. Top Winter Things to Do in Gaston County 1. Wander Through a Tropical Paradise Escape the cold and enjoy the vibrant beauty of the William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory . This tropical haven is the perf

Winter at Daniel Stowe Botanical Conservancy is a season of quiet wonder and unexpected beauty. The crisp air, shimmering frost, and peaceful trails invite visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature in a way that only winter can provide. Every path and garden corner tells a story, and each visit offers something new to see, hear, and feel. Unique winter beauty: what to look for Winter transforms the Garden into a living gallery of textures, colors, and forms. Evergreen

Welcome to the thrill-packed winter wonderland at Whitewater Center. From the exhilarating glide of outdoor ice skating to the captivating glow of a Winter Trail. Activities run throughout the day and into the night. This outdoor haven is your ticket to a memorable winter. Embrace the festive spirit. Grab your Christmas Trees, join the adult pond hockey league, or dive into the frosty excitement of winter races. Starting mid-November through mid-February, experience the magic

Blue Heron: Birdwatching on the Catawba River in Gaston County Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Gaston County beckons birdwatching enthusiasts to experience a captivating symphony of avian wonders. This three-day birdwatching trilogy will have you exploring the diverse landscapes, from the meandering Catawba River to the picturesque woodlands of Crowders Mountain State Park, making Gaston County a sought-after destination for both seasoned birdwatchers and eager begin