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

Belmont

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

Belmont

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

Belmont

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

Belmont

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

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

Mount Holly

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

Dallas

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

Dallas

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.

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

Gastonia

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.

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.

Spruced Goose

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

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.