Start Summer with a Weekend Getaway in Gaston County Your Memorial Day Weekend Escape Near Charlotte
- Melissa McCauley
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer—and in Gaston County, it actually feels like it. The beach is open. Peaks are calling. Rivers are moving. Whether you’re planning family time, chasing a little adrenaline, or just looking to slow things down, there’s a version of the weekend here that fits.
Get Outside & Make a Day of It (or a Weekend)
Summer starts outside—and this is where Gaston County delivers.
Start with one of the region’s most iconic views at Crowders Mountain State Park. Climb rugged peaks rising 800 feet above the surrounding countryside and 1,600 feet above sea level. Rocky ledges and outcrops open up into sweeping panoramas—natural seats overlooking the entire landscape below.
From there, explore the Carolina Thread Trail network across the region with several exceptional trails in Gaston County:
Walk or bike the wooded Duke Kimbrell Trail at the trails at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Follow the river along the River Hawk Greenway at Tuckaseege Park
Hike beneath a shaded canopy at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont and if you make it all the way to Cramerton, reward yourself the local way: grab an ice cream at Floyd & Blackies, right across from Goat Island Park. It’s the kind of simple summer moment that sticks with you.
Finish the day on the water or head toward the coast-style feel of Southpoint Access Park, where the beach is open and summer officially begins.
And yes—splash pads are open too, adding an easy bonus stop for families along the way.
For the Thrill Seekers
Memorial Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, just a short drive from both Mount Holly and Belmont hotels—making it an easy stay-and-play getaway for the long weekend.
This annual tradition is built around outdoor adventure from start to finish. Begin Saturday morning with a 3, 5, or 8-mile trail race through the Whitewater Center’s scenic trail system—challenging, energizing, and the perfect way to set the tone for the weekend.
From there, the experience unfolds across the property with a full weekend pass. Guests can explore climbing, paddling, and a wide range of land and water activities at their own pace, along with open-air yoga sessions designed for recovery and reset between adventures.
As the day winds down, head to the River Jam Stage for live music, where the entire weekend comes together as a festival-style celebration of movement, music, and the outdoors—all just minutes from lodging in Mount Holly and Belmont.
Friday Night at Carolina Speedway
If you’re looking for something a little louder, Friday night lights belong to the dirt track.
River Wars takes over with a full lineup of racing action: Renegade Sportsman, Street Stock, Thunder Bomber, Crown Vic, Pro 4, and Southern Vintage classes all hitting the track.
It’s fast, gritty, and pure summer tradition—one of those nights where the sound of engines becomes part of the weekend memory.
Nature, Music & Time Together
If your weekend is about slowing down and being together, Gaston County delivers that too.
At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden—the region’s crown feature—you can build an entire day around it. Wander miles of trails, explore the Prairie Castle, and let kids take the lead on the Adventure Trail.
Then settle in for weekend programming like Jazz Garden evenings and “Pickin’ on the Porch,” where live music and open air set the pace.
More Family Fun (After the Sun Goes Down)
Keep the day going with a few easy, memorable nights out. Spread out a blanket for Movies in the Park at Stowe Park, or go nostalgic with a double feature at the Belmont Drive-In.
For something different, spend your Friday night at Schiele Museum of Natural History—from planetarium shows to telescope viewing, it’s a night that feels a little out of this world.
Quintessential Bites You’ll Want to Plan Around
In Gaston County, food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of the experience.
Along the BBQ trail, stop at RayNathan’s near Daniel Stowe, where slow-smoked flavor makes it worth building your day around. Head into downtown Belmont for Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, a lively Southern spot rooted in family tradition. In Gastonia, Webb Custom Kitchen brings elevated comfort in a historic setting, while Jekyll & Hyde serves up casual favorites like burgers and Irish nachos. And for something unexpected, grab a quick bite at Pita Wheel—a local favorite inside a converted service station.
Wind Down After the Adventure
After a full day, slow things down your way. Follow the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail and discover local breweries and distilleries perfect for unwinding. If you spent the day at Whitewater, make your way into Mount Holly to visit Traust Brewing Company and Muddy River Distillery—an easy extension of the day. Or take in the view at Veronét Vineyards & Winery, overlooking Crowders Mountain as the sun goes down.
Turn Your Plans Into a Getaway
You could try to fit it all into one day—but this is the kind of weekend that’s better when you don’t. Start your morning on the trails, spend the afternoon on the water or beach, and wind down with great food, live music, or a drink. Then wake up and do it again—at a slower pace. Because the best Memorial Day weekends aren’t rushed—they unfold.
Make This Your Weekend: A Memorial Day Weekend Escape Near Charlotte
You don’t need a long trip to make it feel like summer. Just a change of pace, a little fresh air, and a place that gives you more to do than you expected. You’ll find all of that right here in Gaston County.
Located in the western part of North Carolina, just west of Charlotte and along the South Carolina border, Gaston County sits where urban convenience starts to blend into mountain foothills and river country. It’s an easy drive from the Charlotte metro area, making it a quick escape for weekend trips or spontaneous day adventures—close enough to get to without much planning, but far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into something different.
