Home for the Holidays: new businesses that opened in Gaston County in 2023
Updated: Jan 29
As you return home for the holidays, Gaston County unfolds a year of remarkable growth and transformation. If you last came back a while ago, here's a glimpse of the exciting developments and new business that opened in 2023.
BELMONT
Belmont has undergone exciting transformations from expansive recreational spaces and other new businesses in the past year.
South Point Beach Access: Gaston County Parks and Recreation unveiled this 68-acre park featuring boat ramps, fishing piers, sandy beaches, and more.
Belmont Public Recreation Center: This state-of-the-art fitness center spans 42,500 square feet and offers diverse fitness activities, making it the premier destination for a fulfilling recreational experience.
Pita Wheel: If you're in the mood for casual and creative pitas, head to Pita Wheel in Belmont. Craft beer on tap adds charm, making it an ideal spot for a delightful culinary adventure.
Waterbean Coffee: Quality coffee takes center stage at this new coffee shop where they go beyond, aiming to create an environment that feels like an extension of your home or business.
The Belmont Drive-In: Relive the nostalgia at the revived Belmont Drive-In—an outdoor cinematic experience under the stars, complete with buttered popcorn.
Bumblebee Creamery: Explore Belmont's Bumblebee Creamery for a taste of Italy. Indulge in rich gelato flavors like honey, lavender, lemon, and raspberry, complemented by homemade waffle cones and fresh artisan bread.
My Cuban Corner: brings authentic Cuban flavor to Belmont, serving traditional favorites like café con leche y tostada, croquetas, picadillo, and rice and beans. The Cuban Corner will transport you to your Abuela's kitchen.
Market on Main your new go-to destination for unique and heartfelt gifts, many lovingly crafted by talented residents and crew members of Holy Angels, adding a special touch to every purchase.
Winter Paddling: Riverside Paddle and Row, owned and operated by a mother/son team, is eager to provide fun and affordable, beautiful outdoor nature-filled excursions for all ages!
Bessemer City
This community-driven town has flourished with a new recreational space and culinary gem offering authentic cuisine.
Stinger Park: Bessemer City's state-of-the-art recreational park is designed for diverse outdoor activities. From sports fields to greenways, it offers something for everyone.
Mustafa's Place: Fresh, handmade dishes with 100% Halal meat—a culinary journey rooted in tradition and the authentic taste of Turkish cuisine.
Lowell
A brand new central park makes this town come alive with festivals, barbecue cook-offs, and live music.
McCord Family Park: This small park in central downtown Lowell will serve up big fun as the town can host festivals, outdoor concerts, barbecue cook-offs, and more.
Miami Fusion Café is a Cuban cafe that serves traditional favorites like empanadas, croquettes, yuca cheese bites and yuca fries, desserts, cocktails, specialty coffees, and fountain drinks.
Dallas
This year brought welcomed additions to Dallas Park.
Splash pad at Dallas Park, Run by Gaston County Parks and Recreation, is a welcome addition for family and friends during the summer months.
Mount Holly
This vibrant downtown gets brighter with new murals and business.
Enchanted Forest is a huge mural at Traust Brewing and is a captivating tribute to the town's commitment to connecting community and nature.
Firehawk Brewpub: Lowell's culinary scene gets a boost with Firehawk Brewpub, a family-owned establishment celebrating local traditions with slow-cooked pork and house-made beer.
Planet Vintage Clothing: Embrace sustainable fashion at Planet Vintage Clothing in Mount Holly. It offers classic, well-constructed pieces in natural, biodegradable fabrics.
McAdenville
New trails, businesses with more on the horizon in this old mill town.
The Pharr Yarns Family Trail and the McAdenville Greenway combine to provide nearly five miles of greenway through McAdenville, featuring views of the South Fork River and the falls at the McAdenville dam.
Knowledge Perk is not just a coffee shop—it's a small-batch roastery transforming the coffee experience and fostering a global community.
Two Scoops: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Two Scoops Creamery in McAdenville. It's a delightful treat for all ages, a family-owned local staple offering over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream.
Gastonia
This city is committed to community wellness, showcasing revitalized community centers, including the modern stay experience at Tru by Hilton, as well as being the first town to offer a social district!
Pickleball Courts at T. Jeffers Center: 15 new pickleball courts and playground equipment offer additional exciting recreational options.
Erwin Community Center: Renovations at the Erwin Community Center in Gastonia have enhanced sports, recreation, and community gatherings facilities.
Tru By Hilton: Experience modern hospitality at Tru by Hilton Gastonia. Boasting amenities like an indoor heated saltwater pool, fitness center, and outdoor patio seating, it's not just a stay—it's an experience tailored for business and leisure travelers.
Simulate Golf: Golf enthusiasts shouldn't miss Simulate Golf in Gastonia. With state-of-the-art indoor facilities, it redefines the golfing experience for both seasoned pros and novices.
Social District Gastonia: Gastonia has opened a social district, enhancing foot traffic and creating a vibrant nightlife. Explore downtown and feel the buzz of increased activity.
Quetzalcoatlus at Schiele Museum: After a significant update to the lobby, a new exhibit was revealed to the public. As visitors open the front doors, they will be greeted by the large fossil cast of a Quetzalcoatlus feeding its young.
Cherryville
The newly refurbished town of Cherryville, with loads of new businesses, is a sight to behold.
New Street Scape: Cherryville, named one of North Carolina's top 10 small towns, has undergone a transformation blending old-fashioned charm with modern elements.
Westgate Park: Exciting upgrades are happening at Westgate Park in Cherryville. Painted surfaces for new pickleball courts add to the city's recreational offerings.
The Fuzzy Cow: Indulge in a sweet and refreshing treat at The Fuzzy Cow, a delightful yogurt shop in downtown Cherryville.
Ryann Oneal Boutique: Discover fashion and gifts at Ryann Oneal Boutique in Cherryville. With a curated selection, it offers a personalized shopping experience in the heart of the town.
The Wild Cholla: Combine boutique shopping with a bar experience at The Wild Cholla in downtown Cherryville. Explore a diverse selection of clothing, jewelry, and drinks.
Pete's Fish Box: Seafood lovers should stop at Pete's Fish Box in Cherryville. Enjoy fish cooked to order, along with homemade slaw and fresh hushpuppies.
Cramerton
Cramerton introduces a social district as well as riverfront adventures.
Bike Rentals at Confluence: Confluence in Cramerton is a gathering point for riverfront adventures, art, refreshments and now bike rentals as well.
Floyd & Blackies: Open since 2012, this establishment has moved to a more prominent location closer to downtown and is still a local favorite with a casual atmosphere.
Screamo Taco: Blending traditional flavors with a modern twist, Screamo Taco caters to various tastes for a vibrant taco bar experience.
Kings Mountain
Indulge in sweet escapes in Kings Mountain.
The Sweet Station: Find more than ice cream at The Sweet Station in downtown Kings Mountain. It's a gathering place for friends and families, providing a sweet escape.
Ranlo
A brand new place to host your next party, event, or meeting.
The Ranlo Lodge a great place to host a party, event, or meeting. Check out The Lodge in Ranlo.
2023 New business in Gaston County
As you return home for the holidays, Gaston County reflects a year of significant growth and change. Each town has its unique story, highlighting parks, eateries, and community initiatives. The county has become a diverse haven from Belmont's South Point Beach Access to Cherryville's transformed streets. Reconnect with family and friends, immerse yourself in Gaston County's blend of tradition and modernity, and create lasting memories. Welcome home to Gaston County—a community that invites you to explore, savor, and celebrate the new businesses that opened in 2023.
