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Chinese Lantern Festival Returns to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden After several years away, the Chinese Lantern Festival at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden returns this summer, lighting up Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden from June through August. This immersive nighttime experience features hundreds of handcrafted lanterns—some towering several stories high—transforming the garden into a glowing landscape of color, culture, and artistry. Visitors can explore illuminated displays, enjoy live performances, and experience interactive elements designed for all ages. Its return also comes at a time of major growth for the garden. In recent years, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has expanded its offerings with new attractions like the Adventure Trail, enhanced walking paths, and imaginative spaces such as the Prairie Castle—creating a more dynamic, family-friendly destination that extends well beyond a single evening visit. Why This Story Works A highly anticipated return – A fan-favorite event back after several years What’s new since its last run – Expanded experiences and new features at the garden Visually compelling – Ideal for print, digital, and broadcast storytelling Weekend-worthy destination – Strong anchor for overnight and multi-day trips Story Angles to Explore A Garden in Transformation How Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is evolving with new attractions like the Adventure Trail and Prairie Castle—broadening its appeal to families and repeat visitors. A Weekend Getaway in Gaston County Use the festival as the centerpiece of a 2–3 day itinerary across Gaston County, pairing evening visits with outdoor recreation, dining, and local experiences. Make a Day of It in Belmont Spend time in Belmont before the lanterns come to life—exploring its walkable downtown, local shops, and restaurants. Beyond the Garden Highlight nearby trails, water access, and regional attractions that make the area ideal for an overnight stay. Art, Culture, and Craftsmanship A behind-the-scenes look at the design and cultural inspiration behind large-scale lantern displays. Media Opportunities Interviews with garden leadership and event organizers Preview visits and on-site filming opportunities Access to high-resolution images and B-roll Custom itineraries featuring Belmont and Gaston County Resources for Story Development Chinese Lanterns Landing Page – Event details and tickets What to Do in Belmont – Local attractions, dining, and shopping What to Do in Gaston County – Regional highlights and itinerary ideas For more information, story development support, or to plan a visit, contact: Melissa McCauley, melissa.mccauley@gastongov.com

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Chinese Lanterns – Partner Preview Friday, March 27, 2026 UPDATED: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is bringing the Chinese Lantern Festival to Gaston County this June, running June 18 – August 30, 2026. We believe this event will draw visitors from outside the county, encouraging overnight stays and boosting the local economy. A special landing page has been created to help visitors plan a full weekend in Gaston County, highlighting local attractions, restaurants, and experiences. Tickets go on sale in April—this is a great opportunity for partners to align and leverage the buzz for their own promotions. Button: View Landing Page

< Back This is a Title 01 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

Restaurant Week Restaurant Week Drift 315 Lanyard Ln m, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 980-351-0111 Celebrate Charlotte restaurant week in Gastonia at our very own Drift on Lake Wylie. Jan 23 through Feb 1, 2026. We will have three courses for $45 per person; dinner only, drinks are extra. LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT ALSO WORTH SEEING Women at the Edge of War Kings Mountain Museum LEARN MORE Drift & Sip Drift LEARN MORE Unlimited Play Day Simulate Golf LEARN MORE Ladies Night Simulate Golf LEARN MORE

A Fresh Look 2025 A Fresh Look 2025 SASi 301 N Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 704-739-5585 A Fresh Look Regional Artist Exhibit and Competition June 4 – July 31, 2025 A Fresh Look art exhibit and competition opened last week at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Artists from around the region have submitted seventy works of art to be judged for cash prizes. Artists were asked to show their most recent work taking a fresh look at the world around them. The theme for this show is very open, allowing for a wide variety of subject matter to be entered. LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT ALSO WORTH SEEING Women at the Edge of War Kings Mountain Museum LEARN MORE Drift & Sip Drift LEARN MORE Unlimited Play Day Simulate Golf LEARN MORE Ladies Night Simulate Golf LEARN MORE

Summer Fun Summer Fun SASi 301 N Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 704-739-5585 Our Members Only Art Exhibit is on display now through July 31, 2024. Much of the work is available to purchase and priced to sell. LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT ALSO WORTH SEEING Women at the Edge of War Kings Mountain Museum LEARN MORE Drift & Sip Drift LEARN MORE Unlimited Play Day Simulate Golf LEARN MORE Ladies Night Simulate Golf LEARN MORE

All Aboard All Aboard SASi 301 N Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 704-739-5585 ALL ABOARD! 100 years of trains and travel regional artist competition and exhibit Southern Arts Society is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic Southern Railway Depot that is our home. We are asking artists to help us celebrate by creating art that speaks to the history and power of moving by rail. From 1925 to the present day, what visions reflect the people who built, worked, or traveled on the railway? The railway moved people, packages, mail, livestock, cars, coal and more around the country, opening up the vast regions of the US in a way never seen before. One hundred years later, we still rely on the rails to move and connect our country. We are looking for artwork and images in all media that capture travel and movement by rail spanning 100 years. LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT ALSO WORTH SEEING Women at the Edge of War Kings Mountain Museum LEARN MORE Drift & Sip Drift LEARN MORE Unlimited Play Day Simulate Golf LEARN MORE Ladies Night Simulate Golf LEARN MORE

Winter Escape Getaway Best for: Couples, Friends & Families Best Enjoyed: Dec - Mid Feb Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days ITINERARY FAQS STAY GALLERY MAP Winter Itinerary Step into the enchanting world of winter with this winter escape weekend getaway to Gaston County. Discover a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and cozy moments amidst the backdrop of mild temperatures, limited snowfall, and crisp, refreshing air. Here's why Gaston County is your ideal destination for a winter vacation: Snowless Sledding Embrace the thrill of snowless sledding at the Chutes at Crowders Ridge. Perfect for families, this outdoor activity provides a festive and exhilarating experience that captures the joy of sledding without the need for snow. COST: TIME: 1 hr Chutes at Crowders Ridge Take a Winter Hike on Gaston County’s Trails Winter is a fantastic time for hiking in Gaston County. The crisp air and open views from leafless trees create the perfect conditions for exploring trails. Visit Crowders Mountain State Park for panoramic summit views, or enjoy leisurely walks at George Poston Park and other local parks. COST: Free TIME: 1 - 4 hrs Hiking Trails Go Ice Skating Glide into winter fun on the Whitewater Center’s massive ice rink. Featuring skating trails, open zones, and an on-ice bar, it’s an unforgettable activity for all ages. COST: $25 TIME: 1 hr Ice Skating Sip Locally Crafted Beverages The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties. Each has a unique feel and culture, and experiencing together creates a great weekend getaway. COST: Varies TIME: 1 hr - All Day Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail Explore a Museum Spend a day exploring the Schiele Museum’s fascinating exhibits on natural history, wildlife, and fossils. Don’t miss the planetarium for an immersive journey through the stars! COST: Varies TIME: 1 hr - All Day Schiele Museum of Natural History . Explore an Illuminated Winter Canyon As part of Winter at Whitewater , the Winter Canyon Trail offers an illuminated walking adventure through the woods at night. With suspension bridges, play structures, and unique discoveries for all ages, this free activity is perfect for families. Whitewater Center Experience Gaston County Through Our Lens From scenic adventures to local flavors and unique experiences, explore our gallery to get a taste of what your weekend in Gaston County could look like. Know Before You Go Gaston County offers the perfect mix of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. Wander along the Catawba River, explore colorful trails, or stroll through charming downtown streets — all while enjoying the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape or an action-packed weekend, Gaston County makes every visit feel effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours. Getting Here Gaston County is just 20 minutes west of Charlotte, making it an easy drive for a weekend escape. If you’re flying, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the closest major hub. Once you arrive, our towns and attractions are easy to navigate — most are within 15–20 minutes of each other. Atlanta, GA 4 hrs Washington, DC 7 hrs Nashville, TN 6 hrs Charleston, SC 3 hrs Raleigh, NC 3 hrs Pigeon Forge, TN 4 hrs Myrtle Beach, SC 4 hrs Richmond, VA 5 hrs Getting Around While Gaston County is compact and easy to navigate, having a car is essential to fully explore the area. Most attractions, trails, and restaurants are spread out, so having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to see everything at your own pace. Where To Eat Fuel your adventures with flavors of Gaston County. From cozy cafés to hearty Southern fare, here are a few favorites to satisfy every craving Annual Events Make your getaway even more special by checking out our signature events. From seasonal festivals to celebrations, there’s always something fun to capture the spirit of the season. Night Life Whether you’re looking for live music, a craft brew, or a relaxed evening stroll, there’s something for every night owl there's always a little something extra. Reserve Your Stay Today! Book direct for a simple, stress-free way to reserve your stay. Choose your dates, secure your lodging, and start planning your Gaston County weekend with confidence.” Map Out Your Perfect Weekend in Gaston County Plan your perfect weekend at your own pace! Explore all the top stops—attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and more—then mix and match to create your ideal weekend. Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link HOW CAN WE HELP? GETAWAY GUIDE Download your free Weekend Getaway Guide Downloadable Getaway Flyer SAVE & SHARE Share this getaway with a friend or save it for later! Copy link ASK US Got a quick question? Ask us here. Ask Us Email About Getaway EXPLORE MORE TRIP IDEAS? Winter Escape Getaway Available: Dec - Mid Feb Spring Blossom Getaway Available: March - May Fall Foliage Getaway Available: Sept - Nov Christmas Vacation Available: December

Weekly Oil Painting Weekly Oil Painting SASi 301 N Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA 704-739-5585 Weekly oil Painting Classes with Todd Baxter in his Studio. Fridays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact Todd Baxter to register: 704-367-2857 LEARN MORE For more information, click the LEARN MORE button above (if provided) or reach out to the venue/host directly. FIND IT ALSO WORTH SEEING Women at the Edge of War Kings Mountain Museum LEARN MORE Drift & Sip Drift LEARN MORE Unlimited Play Day Simulate Golf LEARN MORE Ladies Night Simulate Golf LEARN MORE

Heritage Village VISIT TODAY Heritage Village 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas 704-922-2160 WEBSITE Heritage Village in the County Park in Dallas The 1890s Heritage Village in the County Park in Dallas was born with the gift of the mule barn. Gaston County's 150-year "Sesquicentennial" was celebrated as the barn was set on its new site. The master plan for the Parks and Recreation Board had called for a historic area, and the GAMTRA organization had begun a very successful Cotton Ginning Days program. As more buildings were added to the area the plan evolved to portray our county's early textile history by interpreting the story of the cotton farmer's family life before they had a tractor. So, what was it like to grow cotton using mules and a hand plow, a guano fertilizer spreader, and pure muscle power? Water was drawn up from the well or a nearby creek. Cotton pickers drug large sacks and picked by hand all day in the hot sun. The year's crop was delivered to the cotton gin in a large wagon. Some cotton farmers couldn't afford to buy the land they farmed and had to rent from other landowners. They were our tenant farmers and sharecroppers. Life was pretty hard and success depended heavily on the weather. The cotton farming family was virtually self-sufficient. They raised their own meat and cured it in the smokehouse. They had a chicken coop, a pigpen, and a vegetable garden. The children were expected to help in the fields, the garden, and the house. Electricity hadn't reached the countryside, so oil lamps, an icebox, and a wood-fired stove were used. Of course, there were the outhouse and the well. Additional things that were needed by the farm family caused the building of other structures that eventually made a small village. There was a need for a blacksmith shop, a machine shop, a church, a school, a country store, and a post office. Even though these little crossroads towns were small, they allowed the farm families to lead a happy, interdependent, and close-knit existence. They helped each other in times of trouble and celebrated together during life's good times. Times have changed over the last 125 years and modern technology has made some great advances. However, if we accept the present without remembering how we got here, we might forget all the hard work, the commitment to purpose, and the need for cooperation, that preceded our fast, frantic lifestyles of today. Let the 1890s Heritage Village increase our appreciation and meaningful understanding of the past as we plan for the future. MORE IN: Dallas 01/19 - 01/23 Papa's & Beer 3150 Dallas High Shoals Dallas Read More 01/19 - 01/23 Gaston College Beach Volleyball Complex 201 US-321 Dallas Read More 01/19 - 01/23 Riverside Fish House 1341 Dallas Stanley Highway Dallas Read More 01/19 - 01/23 Cabin at Sandcastle Farm 147 Sandcastle Rd Dallas Read More 01/19 - 01/23 Gaston College Small Business Center 600 Rhodes Perimeter Dr. Dallas Read More 01/19 - 01/23 The Traveling Sip Cafe 132 N Gaston Street Dallas Read More

Join us for BINGO for Active Adults 50+ at City of Lowell in Belmont ,2026-04-10 . Learn more about this event others in Gaston County on GoGastonNC. BINGO for Active Adults 50+ April 10, 2026 Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM LEARN MORE City of Lowell 715 N Main St, Lowell, NC, USA VENUE INFO < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT > Join the City of Lowell Parks & Recreation Department for a morning of Bingo on Friday, April 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lowell Recreation Center. This event is free and open to the public. Participants are invited to come out and enjoy a fun and engaging activity with the community. This event is held in partnership with The Center and is sponsored by HealthSpring.