IN THE NEWS

On February 19, 1896, a small group of civic leaders met at Detroit’s Cadillac Hotel with a bold idea: if they could work together to attract conventions and visitors, they could bring new life and opportunity to their growing city. That simple but powerful vision sparked the creation of the world’s first destination organization and laid the foundation for an industry that now fuels economic growth and community vitality across the globe. This February 19, 2026 as we recog

Gaston County Tourism, also known as GoGastonNC , is conducting a marketing study to understand better how we can attract visitors and create a positive impact on our communities. Your input is crucial to this process. As someone who cares about Gaston County's success, this is your opportunity to have your voice heard. The survey is confidential and anonymous, and it takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Responses will be aggregated to guide future tourism efforts. Th

The magic of McAdenville, North Carolina, is featured in USA Today’s GO Escape Winter 2025 . From Dec. 1–26, this small town 16 miles west of Charlotte transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland. Visitors can stroll or drive past half a million lights, enjoy the historic charm of the town, and make it a full holiday weekend with nearby activities — including Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, snowless sledding at The Chutes in Kings Mountai

The holidays shine brightest right here in McAdenville , North Carolina — better known as Christmas Town USA — and now this beloved small town has been nominated for Best Christmas Town 2026 in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards! Each year, Newsweek’s editorial team highlights destinations that capture the true magic of the season. From charming light displays to festive traditions, these towns embody everything we love about the holidays. For nearly 70 years, Christmas Tow

Belmont, N.C . — Domestic and international visitors to and within Gaston County spent $389 million in 2024, an increase of 10.3% from...

Gaston County Tourism, currently recognized as GoGastonNC , is beginning a year-long rebrand process to better represent the county as a destination for visitors, residents, and businesses. The rebrand process will be led by NorthStar Place Branding , a firm specializing in community and destination branding. Their approach combines research, strategy, creativity, and action, with specialists in each area collaborating from the start. This methodology ensures seamless transit

Belmont NC Featured on Good Morning America – Discover It for Yourself Belmont, NC was in the national spotlight! ABC’s Good Morning...

Arial view of Spencer Mountain in Gaston County. Photo Credit: Nancy Pierce Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Charlotte...