Must-try places for a sweet treat while visiting Gaston County

For those of you who like to indulge when on a vacation, here is your go-to guide to complete your traveling experience. Ice cream, flakey pastries, creative cookies and cupcakes, sugary sno-cones, and sweet and savory popcorn are all available to top off your stay in Gaston County.

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SWEET PAIRING: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices, so we've made a list of some of our most unique sweet treats currently available in our walkable downtowns and paired them with great visitor experiences to make the most of your visit to Gaston County.

Belmont

SWEET PAIRINGS

The first five locations on this list can be found in Belmont and would be a nice addition after visiting Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, paddling the Catawba at Kevin Loftin Riverside Park or Riverside Marina, playing on the playground at Stowe Park or simply shopping the boutiques on Main Street.

Cotton Candy Factory

Owned and operated by Holy Angels, Inc., the Cotton Candy Factory is a non-profit organization is dedicated to caring for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

The Everyday Market

The Everyday Market is a community-focused cafe that strives to create simple and delicious made-from-scratch desserts paired with exceptional coffee.

Tastebuds Popcorn

Handcrafting gourmet popcorn since 2011, Tastebuds Popcorn offers 200+ flavors made with real ingredients. The flavors will make your tastebuds pop!

Two Chicks Sandwiches and Scoops

Two Chicks Sandwiches and Scoops invites you to try their delicious food and chase it down with a scoop or shake.

Bumble Bee Creamery

Bumble Bee Creamery in the heart of downtown Belmont offers the exquisite taste of delectable gelato flavors.

Mount Holly

SWEET PAIRINGS

Try these sweet treats after a visit to Tuckaseege Park for a walk along the Catawba River or a visit to the Whitewater Center.

POP-Maize-N Gourmet Popcorn

POP-Maize-N Gourmet Popcorn turns a beloved snack into amazing handcrafted gourmet popcorn. They have developed many flavors to appeal to a wide variety of palettes that you can also mix and match to make new flavors.

Cramerton

SWEET PAIRING

Get yourself an ice cream cone or iced latte after a visit to Goat Island Park, River Street Park or a paddle on the South Fork River.

Floyd and Blackie's Coffee and Ice Cream

Floyd and Blackie's is a full service coffee and espresso bar with ice cream in downtown Cramerton.

Dallas

SWEET PAIRINGS

Grab a sweet treat in Dallas after a visit to Gaston County Museum, Dallas Park, or Lineberger's Maple Springs Farm.

Cake Me Away Bakery

Wearing super power aprons, Cake Me Away Bakery puts the dream work with team work to make this world a little sweeter. They sprinkle love and kindness into every baked good they create.

Pelicans SnoBalls

A New Orleans style tradition, this sweet treat combines smooth fluffy snow with bold flavors. Pelican's SnoBalls offers over 100 flavors for you to choose from.

Front Porch and Provisions

Reimagined from a historic automotive store, Front Porch and Provisions in downtown Dallas, NC is a place to indulge in the rich flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Their commitment to supporting local businesses is evident in every bite, from homemade desserts crafted in-house to the creamy scoops of Riverbend Creamery ice cream.

Gastonia

SWEET PAIRINGS

A bit of a drive that's well worth it, you'll need to hit Gastonia after hiking Crowders Mountain State Park, a visit to the Schiele Museum of Natural History.

Tony's Ice Cream

Tony's Ice Cream is a family owned and operated restaurant is located on Franklin Boulevard in downtown Gastonia. Milkshakes are their specialty and they are made with whole milk and ice cream in 28 flavors all made onsite.

Elena's Argentinian Cafe

Discover a slice of Argentina in the heart of Downtown Gastonia at Elena’s Argentine Café. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, this Main Street gem offers a delightful menu of authentic pastries, decadent desserts, savory empanadas, and so much more.

Downstairs Ice Cream

Located on Main Ave. in downtown Gastonia, Downstairs Ice Cream is all about fresh, small-batch ice cream made right on site. Treat yourself to the unforgettable taste of homemade goodness in the heart of downtown.

McAdenville

SWEET PAIRINGS

Grab a sweet treat in McAdenville after visiting the Boathouse for an easy paddle or half day tour. Or take a hike or a mountain bike ride along the South Fork River. Another great time for a sweet treat is while your walk the streets of McAdenville during Christmas Town USA.

La Delizia Italian Market

La Delizia Italian Market is a dessert lover’s dream, serving rich Italian gelato, handmade pastries, and an ever-rotating selection of house-made desserts crafted with old-country tradition. From sweet treats made by Nonna Rita to authentic Italian flavors you won’t find anywhere else, every bite is pure indulgence.

Spruced Goose

Spruced Goose is a popular coffee and lunch spot where you can also get a tasty shake and other sweet treats.

Life is Sweet

In McAdenville, Life is Sweet is a nostalgic candy store offering over 180 varieties of bulk candy, retro favorites, artisan chocolates, homemade fudge, and customizable gift boxes. It’s a must-stop for sweet treats and timeless confections for all ages.

Cherryville

SWEET PAIRINGS

If you haven’t been to Cherryville lately, now’s the time to check it out. This once-quiet mill town has sprung back to life, with a revitalized downtown full of shopping and dining, and it’s proudly home to the C. Grier Trucking Museum—where Carolina Freight was born and local history rolls on.

The Fuzzy Cow

A cheerful frozen yogurt shop in Downtown Cherryville offering self-serve yogurt with a variety of flavors and toppings, plus desserts and bubble tea. The Fuzzy Cow is a fun, refreshing stop for a sweet treat while exploring downtown.

Bessemer City

SWEET PAIRINGS

Wicked Waffle

The Wicked Waffle Co. in Bessemer City is a cheerful dessert café serving fresh, fluffy Belgian-style waffles with creative toppings, along with coffee, milkshakes, and other sweet treats. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and fun presentation, it’s become a popular spot for locals and visitors looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Dino's

Dino’s in Bessemer City is known for its made-from-scratch desserts, prepared fresh daily by a chef-driven kitchen. Be sure to save room for indulgent treats—and don’t forget, whole cakes are available for special occasions.

Stanley

SWEET PAIRINGS

Sweet Shananigan's

Sweet Shananigans is a family-owned bakery located in the heart of downtown Stanley, North Carolina, serving up fresh-baked treats made from scratch every day. Known for its oversized cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and classic baked goods, this charming Main Street bakery focuses on real ingredients, small-batch baking, and old-fashioned recipes—nothing frozen and nothing artificial.

Kings Mountain

SWEET PAIRINGS

Treat yourself in Kings Mountain after a day of adventure! Explore Kings Mountain State Park or the Kings Mountain National Military Park, or dive into local history at the Kings Mountain Museum. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a sweet treat before heading home.

Big Red's Cafe

Conveniently located off I-85 at US-74, Big Red’s Cafe is the perfect stop before or after exploring Kings Mountain. Whether you’re on a road trip or just taking a break from your adventures, you’ll feel right at home with comfy chairs and classic rocking chairs on the front porch. Inside, enjoy freshly made sweet treat like hand-dipped ice cream, and delicious doughnuts with a specialty coffee, —each served with a big dose of Southern hospitality.

The Sweet Station

The Sweet Station is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a gathering place for friends and families alike. The inviting seating area encourages guests to linger and savor their treats while enjoying each other's company. It's the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions, indulge in a post-dinner treat, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

K Donuts

K Donuts in Kings Mountain, NC takes pride in crafting delicious hand-made donuts for its loyal patrons. As the sun rises, the delightful aroma of freshly baked donuts fills the air, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the talented team who spend their nights creating these delectable treats for you to enjoy each day.