Do your holiday shopping on the main streets in Gaston County
Years ago, it was as if magic was in the air when the holidays rolled around. Each year the whole family would hop in the car to make a special trip into town to scour the street on a hunt for the perfect holiday gift for each of our family and friends. Poinsettias, twinkling lights, silver and gold ornaments, greenery and red bows, would decorate the stores while Nat King Cole filled the room putting you in the holiday spirit.
While showering loved ones with gifts has become a big part of holiday traditions for many Americans, online shopping has made the whole experience less enchanting. This year, the effects of the global pandemic have disrupted the retail industry forcing people to rethink how they find their holiday gifts. Instead of cramming in all your shopping into an online spree, with no idea if your gifts will ever arrive, indulge in the holiday cheer by shopping local marketplaces found in brick and mortar shops.
Christmas lives on the main streets in Gaston County
Take a stroll along our main streets to take in holiday spirit while completing your Christmas shopping list. Welcoming mom and pop shops flourish alongside restaurants, breweries and art galleries. One could make a weekend trip out of shopping just the main streets of Gaston County. Here are just the shopping highlights to inspire you to plan a holiday getaway in Gaston County.
The holidays are coming up quickly, so make your list, check it twice—then head to the main streets in Gaston County.
Belmont
Nestled along the banks of the Catawba River is this bustling historic mill town. Find several types of shops along main street to complete your shopping list. South Main Cycle, bicycles, Catawba River Outfitters, outdoor gear, GiGi's Boutique, fine consignment and new clothing, Jolie's Boutique, and Piccolo Antiques to name a few. Tastebuds Popcorn pops up some insanely good popcorn, tasty treats can be found at the Cotton Candy Factory, and Belmont's Specialty Foods has all kinds of cool provisions.
Three great places to take a break from the shopping include; String Bean, a casual bistro with an in-house butcher, wine and beer selections. Jonas family’s restaurant, Nellie's Southern Kitchen, or further down the street or you can grab a bite in the refurbished police station, Old Stone Steakhouse.
Mount Holly
Several unique shops can be found in the heart of Mount Holly. Full of unique finds make your way to Mount Hollywood Vintage, for vintage clothing and home goods. Catalyst Mercantile is a brick and mortar shop for local merchants offering all kinds of great products that could make the perfect gift this time of year. The Vintage Nest Home & Gift Shop and POP-Maize-N Gourmet Popcorn are two more great shopping options.
Fuel up at JackBeagle's, a neighborhood hangout with great food and outdoor patio. If you have a little extra time, check out J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar where you can sit on the patio overlooking the Catawba River.
McAdenville
Mona’s Boutique & Gifts is an adorable shop in the coziest space, right in the heart of McAdenville. The vast variety of products is truly amazing. Christmastown Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery is the only official Signature Thomas Kinkade Gallery in the area and can also be found here.
Before your shopping spree, fuel up with a breakfast sandwich and a cup of joe at Spruced Goose or finish up at Terra Mia with an Italian feast.
Gastonia
The largest town in the County, Gastonia, offers visitors a few great places to shop in the newly revived downtown. A few stand out places include Ride-A-Bike Bicycle Shop, serving cyclists and promoting cycling in North Carolina since 1981 and are proud to be one of the oldest bicycle shops in the state! Ford’s Seeds & Plants, sells seeds and plants, seasonal items, potted plants, home and garden accessories, and other items from their gift shop.
Amazing dining experiences await at either Barrister's found inside Esquire Hotel or, Webb Custom Kitchen where ambiance evokes from its former existence as a theater.
Cherryville
Victoria-Cole in Cherryville feels magical and whimsical the moment you walk through the door with something for everyone. Annalise Boutique is a cute pink boutique with great selection and prices. Grab a sweet treat from Butter Me Up Bakery.
Gaston County Tourism Development
620 N. Main Street, Belmont, NC
GoGastonNC.org | TravelGuide@gogastonnc.org
