IN THE NEWS

Uncover the holiday magic in Western North Carolina with Cathy Bennett Kopf's festive guide on She Buys Travel. From enchanting garden illuminations at Daniel Stowe Conservancy to the Jonas Brothers' Nellie's Southern Kitchen , experience the charm of McAdenville's Christmas Town USA and indulge in the delights of the Esquire Hotel in Gastonia.

The Gaston County Museum  in Dallas, North Carolina , is turning 50 in 2026, marking 50 years of sharing the region's rich art and history. As one of only nine museums in the state with Top Tier accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums , it has long been a cornerstone of the community, offering exhibits, programs, research, and educational opportunities for locals and visitors alike—often free or at a nominal cost. "There is so much excitement surrounding the museu

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...

Nestled in the heart of Belmont, North Carolina, one of Gaston County’s most beloved outdoor destinations is entering a new chapter. The...

December 9, 2024 - Gaston County, NC  - John Searby, Chief Executive Officer of Catawba Riverkeeper and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden,...

Belmont, N.C . — Domestic and international visitors to and within Gaston County spent $352.46 million in 2023, an increase of 4.9%  ...

We're thrilled to announce our designation as a Outdoor NC Trail Town and celebrate the launch of the Official North Carolina Trail Town...

TAR HEEL TOWNS Your Guide to Gaston County Sponsored by Gaston County Tourism and written by Lara Ivanitch, "Tar Heel Towns Your Guide to...

Discover the outdoor wonders of Gaston County, North Carolina, as we dive into "The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Guide to Charlotte," A local’s...

JOIN THE MOVEMENT Outdoor NC Trail Towns Over the next few months, Gaston County Tourism Development will be working with Outdoor NC on...

Dive into the heartwarming Jonas family food traditions in an exclusive feature by Food & Wine. From shared breakfasts during the...

Join Rachel Chang as she unveils the heartwarming tale in her story, "This Small Town in North Carolina Transforms Into a Whimsical...

Ever wondered what the Jonas Brothers' favorite meals are at their family's restaurant, Nellie's Southern Kitchen? Kevin Sr. and Denise...

Southern Living Magazine has honored McAdenville, affectionately known as "Christmas Town USA," as one of the 16 Best Destinations for a...

Visitors can see the world’s largest flying reptile GASTONIA, N.C., September 29, 2023 – After a major update to the lobby of The Schiele...

Visitors can be among the first to see it during two special events GASTONIA, N.C., September 20, 2023 – If you have visited The Schiele...

Our State Magazine features 8 landmark spots in North Carolina serving up classic burgers! Shake Shop in Cherryville made the list. Shake...

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s conducted the 13th Annual Best of the Blue Ridge Awards this year to find the best outdoor businesses,...

R.O.’s Sauce, Slaw & Dip is sold at Food Lions, Harris Teeters, and Ingles Markets in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties, and at...

NORTH CAROLINA WEEKEND Natural Beauty Season 19 Episode 19 | 26m 46s| North Carolina Weekend explores places around the state famous for...

Story by NCTripping.com , Photo from Gaston County Tourism One of the most beautiful ways to enjoy spring (especially spring break) is to...

Harold Varner III rebounds from poor front in fourth round of the PLAYERS Championship March 14, 2022 Story and video by PGATOUR.COM In...

We are so proud to announce that Moonlight on Main won best event for 2021. The North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events is proud...

One of Belmont’s most innovative and interesting small businesses, as well as a tourism destination , Muddy River Distillery , is growing...

Photo: Spencer Mountain Landing 2009 by Nancy-Pierce Over the last few years, Gaston County has increasingly become a destination for...

Heading south for the winter? Warmer temperatures are a perfect excuse to escape the chill and indulge in some superb Southern food. When...

The pace of development in and around Gaston County has put our communities in play for explosive growth in new business and investment....

Construction has just wrapped up on an extension of the Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway through central Gastonia. Connecting Lineberger...

The Carolina Thread Trail online map is new and improved! Easier to navigate and more mobile-friendly, the interactive map includes all...

Welcome to Gaston's Great A podcast featuring all the positive things happening in and around Gaston County, NC!

Home to 13 distinctively unique municipalities, Gaston County is a huge treasure trove of fun! From the beautiful Daniel Stowe Botanical...

One of the many great things about living in Charlotte is that you can go from center city to practically off the grid in under an hour....

The Queen City makes a great jumping off point for a day trip or weekend getaway to these nearby attractions. There’s plenty to do in...

Join host Deborah Holt Noel as she shares the best things to see and do across the state each weekend. Whether you're a fan of bluegrass...

About the Group Black Folks Camp Too is an outdoor lifestyle executive educational group whose mission is to increase diversity in the...

Road Rides Let’s say it’s a recovery day, or maybe you’re taking the family out for some bicycle bonding time. Consider peddling...