If you and your sweetie love to travel and are looking for a place to enjoy the 2021 Valentine's Day holiday weekend, look no further then Gaston County. We have gathered a list to help you make the most of this romantic destination.
Our charming historic downtowns will create a magical adventure for two. Take a romantic hike, window shop in our boutiques, grab a sweet treat, sip a craft beverages, listen to music and enjoy a candle light dinner for two.
Romantic Walks
on the Carolina Thread Trail
The centerpiece of outdoor adventure in Gaston County is Crowders Mountain and a hike to the top is well worth it offering impressive views for miles. This hike will take 2-3 hours giving you time to connect with your Valentine. If you are looking for a different type of hike check out our list of trails along the Carolina Thread Trail.
Sip Craft Cocktails
on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail
The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries and wineries each with a unique feel and culture. This Valentines Day we are recommending Veronét Vineyards & Winery and Cavendish Brewing Company.
Veronét Vineyards & Winery will be featuring a pink sparkling wine cocktail, Lobster Dogs Food Truck, live music, macaron cookies and cake pop truffles. Open Sat/Sun from 12pm - 6pm you must secure a reservation before visiting and only outdoor seating is available at this time.
Cavendish Brewing Company in Gastonia will be running a Valentine's Day Special all weekend! Bring your Valentine, Galentine, or friend for a night out with 2 drinks and a pizza for $25.00!
Music to Make your Heart Sing
Jordan Middleton will engage listeners with his soul searching voice and acoustic guitar at Primal Brewery in Belmont on Saturday, February 13th at 6 pm. Brett Milstead of Thirsty Horses will be performing solo originals a from noon to 6pm at Veronét Vineyards. Reservations required
“Love is in the Stars”
At Schiele Museum Planetarium
Stargaze together as you take a guided tour of the evening sky and discover the ancient love stories immortalized in the constellations above. From love stories rooted in constellations and planets to pop culture references about love in the stars, we'll gaze into the eyes of deep space, find out if you should really love your spouse “to the moon and back!” Get your tickets now , “Love is in the Stars” planetarium program is at the Schiele Museum of Natural History on Friday, Feb. 12th. $8 per person
Friday Night Lights
at USNWC
After the sun sets lovers will become entranced by a series of immersive light installations, created by local artist Meredith Connelly, integrated into the forest and illuminate a walking trail at the Whitewater Center. The Lights are free to all visitors. Parking is $6.
Ice Skating for Two
at USNWC
Hold on tight to your sweetie as you glide on the ice at the US National Whitewater Center then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa served on-site. Ice skating has limited capacity so please reserve your space ahead of time. Skating is $20/person
Also open this holiday weekend at US National Whitewater center is River’s Edge and Outfitters. River’s Edge offers a wide selection of food, beer, and wine giving guests an the ideal place to sit back and relax after playing outside. Outfitters offers a variety of adventure equipment and apparel, geared towards those who live the active, outdoor lifestyle.
Candlelight Dinner for Two
Several restaurants in the area will be featuring special menus helping you to make the most of your stay.
Barristers, located inside the Esquire Hotel in downtown Gastonia will offer a Valentine’s Day menu from Friday, February 12th to Sunday, February 14th You can reserve your table @resy.
Webb Custom Kitchen, also located in downtown Gastonia and voted in the Top 100 Most Romantic in the USA by Forbes and OpenTable will also create some delectable specials and include some of their "Best Of" dishes for a spectacular Valentine's Day Dinner by Chef Dylan and company.
Old Stone Steakhouse in Belmont will be featuring specials all weekend. This restaurant is located in the restored police station and the old Jailhouse located behind the restaurant serves as a cocktail bar and cigar lounge.
Jekyl and Hyde located in downtown Belmont, is cooking up a 3 Course Valentine's Day Dinner for Saturday. Reservations encouraged. Call 704-846-HYDE.
Sweets for your sweetie
We have many great bakeries and sweet shops in Gaston County. Queen Bee Bakery in Mount Holly bakes cupcakes, custom cakes & other sweet treats served from this quaint stop. Shown here is the Sun Drop cupcake inspired by the soda first bottled in the county. Cotton Candy Factory and Taste Buds Popcorn can both be found in Belmont. Another county favorite is Tonys Ice Cream, a long-running mom-&-pop ice cream parlor offering a large array of homemade flavors.
A Romantic Overnight
There are many great places to stay in Gaston County however the Esquire is a boutique hotel in downtown historic Gastonia not only offers a great place to stay but is also featuring a Valentines day dinner. Valentine’s Day packages. Call 980-888-1500.