Your Downtown Guide to Gaston County

Produced by Our State Magazine and sponsored by GoGastonNC

Gaston County Deputy County Manager Vincent Wong

What makes a downtown memorable?

For Deputy County Manager Vincent Wong, it's the places that bring people together—restaurants where staff know your name, local shops filled with character, and outdoor spaces that are never far away.

In partnership with Our State Magazine, GoGastonNC invited Wong to share a few of his favorite Gaston County experiences. In the video above, he highlights Belmont, Mount Holly, and Gastonia—three communities where outdoor adventure and vibrant downtowns go hand in hand.

While these are the featured stops in the video, they're just a glimpse of what visitors can discover throughout Gaston County.

One of the things that makes Gaston County unique is how easy it is to pair outdoor recreation with downtown exploration. Spend the morning hiking a mountain, paddling a river, or strolling through gardens, then enjoy lunch, shopping, or a locally crafted beverage just minutes away.

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Belmont

Gardens, Gatherings, and Small-Town Charm

When people think of a quintessential downtown, Belmont often comes to mind. Walkable streets, locally owned businesses, inviting restaurants, and welcoming green spaces make it one of Gaston County's most beloved destinations.

Featured in the Video

Vincent highlights Nellie's Southern Kitchen, where classic Southern dishes are inspired by Nellie Jonas, grandmother of the Jonas Brothers.

Another favorite is Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill, a steampunk-inspired gastropub and brewery offering chef-driven English, Irish, and American fare.

He also points to Belmont Bookshop, where personalized recommendations come with every visit, Stowe Park, the heart of downtown where families gather, children play, and visitors can simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere, and Catawba River Outfitters, outdoor gear and apparel for your next adventure.

The Outdoor Connection

Just minutes from downtown, Daniel Stowe Conservancy offers beautiful gardens, trails, and natural landscapes that make the perfect complement to a day in Belmont.

Additional outdoor options include:

• Rocky Branch Park

• Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

• Catawba River access points

More Places to Explore

Dining

• Old Stone Steakhouse – Once served as Belmont's police station and now offers classic steakhouse fare, pastas, and sandwiches.

• Honeycomb Café– Belmont's locally sourced café known for brunch, coffee, and cocktails.

• The Lodge Tavern and Tap – An eclectic menu focused on the art of the feast, from hearty burgers and steaks to fresh salads.

• Marrelli's Italian Restaurant – A local favorite for Italian cuisine.

• Primal Brewery – Known for music bingo, board game nights, dart leagues, and themed events.

• New York Butcher Shoppe – Specialty meats, prepared foods, and gourmet provisions.

• Stone Fired Social – Known for artisan pizzas and a lively atmosphere.

• Sammy's Pub – An Irish pub serving classic favorites and cold pints.

Coffee & Treats

• Everyday Market – Fresh pastries and local coffee.

• Waterbean Coffee – Specialty coffee drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

• Taste Buds Popcorn – More than 200 premium popcorn flavors and unique gifts.

Shopping

• Market on Main – Unique gifts and heartfelt finds.

• Belletique – Women's clothing and accessories boutique.

• GiGi's Boutique & Fine Consignment – Fashion-forward finds and curated consignment pieces.

Mount Holly

Outdoor Adventure Meets Main Street

Mount Holly's downtown continues to grow while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back. Here, local businesses, community gathering spaces, and outdoor recreation are all connected.

Featured in the Video

One of Vincent's featured stops is Muddy River Distillery, a downtown destination known for craft spirits, live music, and community events.

He also highlights Vintage Nest, a favorite shopping stop filled with gifts and unique finds.

The Outdoor Connection

Mount Holly serves as a gateway to some of the region's most exciting outdoor experiences. Just minutes from downtown is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, ziplining, climbing, mountain biking, paddling, and miles of trails.

Additional outdoor destinations include:

• Tuckaseege Park

• A & E Riverfront Greenway / River Hawk Greenway

• Mountain Island Park

More Places to Explore

Dining

• The Holland – Elevated dining in the heart of downtown.

• JR Cash's Grill & Bar – Casual favorites and local hospitality.

• Jack Beagle's – A popular restaurant and bar with laid-back vibes.

• Vasileio's Italian Kitchen – Traditional Italian dishes and family recipes.

• One Nineteen Main – Sushi, Thai cuisine, and globally inspired favorites.

Craft Beverages & Nightlife

• Traust Brewing Company – a laid-back brewpub.

• Summit Beer  – Beer Bottle Shop & Tap Room.

• Smoke and Barrel – Cigar bar and lounge.

• Local Logic – Craft cocktails in a stylish downtown setting.

Shopping

• Catalyst Mercantile – Bringing community and creativity together through clothing, bath and body products, home décor, and gifts.

Gastonia

Mountain Views and Downtown Energy

As Gaston County's largest city, Gastonia offers a mix of history, entertainment, dining, and culture—all within minutes of one of the region's most iconic outdoor destinations.

Featured in the Video

Vincent's downtown Gastonia tour includes:

• Barrister's at The Esquire Hotel – A dining experience built around locally sourced ingredients.

• Webb Custom Kitchen – Housed inside a beautifully restored theater and known for exceptional food and craft cocktails.

• Durty Bull Brewing Company – Craft beer and food directly across from CaroMont Health Park.

• Elena's Argentinian Cafe – A welcoming Main Street gem serving authentic pastries, desserts, and savory empanadas.

• Keepsake Brewery – A family-owned brewery inspired by traditional German brewing methods.

• Pita Wheel – Funky, creative pita creations paired with rotating craft beers.

Stay Downtown

• The Esquire Hotel – A boutique hotel that blends historic character with modern comfort in the heart of downtown Gastonia.

He also highlights the excitement of Gastonia Ghost Peppers Baseball, where the atmosphere is all about bringing people together.

The Outdoor Connection

Featured in the video, Crowders Mountain State Park offers some of the most recognizable hiking trails and scenic overlooks in North Carolina.

Other outdoor favorites include:

• Rankin Lake Park

• Martha Rivers Park

• Lineberger Park - splash pad and pool

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More Places to Explore in Gastonia

Dining

• Fannie Cakes – Southern home-style breakfast, takeout favorites, and desserts.

• Savory Calle – Bold Latin flavors with vibrant street-food flair.

• Viva Tequis – Bringing the flavors of Mexican street food to downtown Gastonia.

Coffee

• Waterbean Coffee – Gastonia's Fuse District, is a coffee shop that prioritizes quality above all else.

• Alchemy Co-Working & Coffee – Serving The Wandering Cup Coffee, meeting space, and collaboration under one roof.

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Your Downtown Guide to Gaston County Beyond the Video

Belmont, Mount Holly, and Gastonia are only part of the story.

Across Gaston County, communities like Cramerton, McAdenville, Kings Mountain, Dallas, Stanley, Cherryville, Bessemer City, Lowell, Ranlo, High Shoals, and Spencer Mountain each offer their own blend of local flavor, outdoor adventure, and hometown charm.

As Vincent Wong shares in the video, there truly is something for everyone here. Whether you're exploring a garden, rafting a river, hiking a mountain, shopping Main Street, or enjoying a meal downtown, Gaston County invites you to experience it for yourself.