Getting Here
Gastonia is the largest town in Gaston County, North Carolina and can be found just south of I-85 off of exit 17 in the center of the county. Hwy 321 runs north and south straight through town giving even better access to this booming metropolis.
Things to Do
A three-time All-America City and recipient of the U.S. Conference of Mayors top Livability Award, Gastonia is recognized as one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size, and quality of life. The city’s slogan: Great Place, Great People, Great Promise.
SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Located a little outside of the downtown but a "Must SEE" is the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. This museum is one of 70 museums in the U.S. designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and features the largest collection of mounted land mammals in the Southeast. Experience galleries with vivid natural history exhibits, plus outdoor recreations of a Catawba Indian Village and an 18th Century Farm. Discover our planetarium, Stone Age site, nature trail, live animal enclosures and many other interactive exhibits.
Other museums include the Alfred C. Kessell Center and the African American Museum of History & Culture both located in the renovated Loray Mill as well as the American Military Museum.
History
Gastonia began in 1873 as a small railroad depot. The combined effect of the realignment of the Atlanta & Charlotte Airline Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) from its original intended path several miles to the north of the City, and the Chester and Lenoir Narrow Gauge Railroad (now CSX) and the introduction of the steam powered textile mill. It was the crossing of these two railroads and the beginning of the City's textile industry which brought opportunity to the town.
Explore all there is to do in
Gastonia
Mangiamo Italian Cafe
Mangiamo Italian Cafe is known for excellence in Italian cuisine! Voted Best Italian in New Jersey and Gaston County! We take pride in our ability to bring you the best in Italian dining! Be sure to stop by and enjoy wonderful, authentic Italian food! Bring your own bottle of wine or beer!
Tru by Hilton Hotel Gastonia
The four-story hotel will include 99 rooms, including 69 rooms with double queen-sized beds and 30 rooms with one king-sized bed. The rooms have about 230 to 270 square feet and will also have rolling desks, large TVs and spacious bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy indoor amenities like the indoor pool located on the first floor, a 24-hour market for snacks and meals and conference rooms.
Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard Charlotte Gastonia is nestled on Remount Road and easily accessible to Interstates 85 and 485. At our hotel, we know what is important to today's business and leisure travelers. J
Econo Lodge
When you stay at Econo Lodge® in Gastonia, you’ll get affordable rates and an easy stop on the road. Our hotel is located at Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 321.
Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia
Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia offers 14,201 sq. ft. With the largest room setup of 5,248 sq. ft., 7 break out rooms, and 119 guest rooms
M O Owens Worship and Fine Arts Center at Gaston Christian
520 seat auditorium with 2,000 sq. ft. stage, sound lighting, projectile equipment, fine arts classrooms, reception center & hospitality suite decorations
Esquire Hotel Gastonia
The hotel’s unique history and seasonal cuisine set the stage for memorable events in Gastonia. With settings ranging from The Patio to The Rooftop, The Esquire is equally suited for meetings, weddings, and other social events.
Gaston Pour House
Pub eats with craft beer, brown spirits & classic cocktails, plus live music & open mic nights.
Mangiamo Italian Pizzaria
Mangiamo Italian Pizzaria is a new location and known for excellence in Italian cuisine! Voted Best Italian in New Jersey and Gaston County! We take pride in our ability to bring you the best in Italian dining! Be sure to stop by and enjoy wonderful, authentic Italian food! Bring your own bottle of wine or beer!
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express® Charlotte West - Gastonia is as beautiful as it is convenient. Located just off I-85 and Hwy 321, it is easy to get to Charlotte and downtown Gastonia.
Motel 6
My6 Lower Rates Available. See what's new at Motel 6. Free morning coffee! Bold New Room Designs! Military family discounts. Amenities: Free Coffee, Kids Stay Free.
Comfort Suites Gastonia
Comfort Suites® Gastonia. You’ll find the caring service and amenities you expect, and the space you need to relax.
Loray Mill
Loray Mill Event Hall is the perfect location for your special occasion. This one of a kind event venue is now open, located just minutes south of Charlotte, NC in the historic Loray Mill.
Webb Custom Kitchen
At Webb Custom Kitchen in Gastonia the ambiance takes on its former existence as a theater, plus they serve great food and craft cocktails.
Durty Bull Brewing Company
Will be located in the former Coca-Cola facility and will likely include up to eight taps featuring a rotating assortment of the company's lagers, IPAs, sour beers and experimental flavors, along with a brewing area, full kitchen, a stage along with additional outdoor seating and patio space.
Quality Inn
Quality Inn® hotel in Gastonia, NC has the value you're looking for. Find us off Interstate 85 just 20 minutes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with easy access to CaroMount Regional Medical Center. Get ready to create memorable travel experiences when you stay with us.
Super 8 by Wyndham
Our Super 8 Gastonia hotel is conveniently located off I-85, near Charlotte Motor Speedway. Our hotel places you within easy reach of the most popular attractions in the area, and has been designed with your comfort in mind.
Affordable Suites of America
Our fully furnished all suite hotels provide the comforts and conveniences that long-term travelers value most, including a separate bedroom with a queen sized bed or two double beds.
Best Western
The Best Western Gastonia offers all the essentials you need to stay on your game and be your best. We’re just minutes away from the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
Caromont Health Park
Home to the Gastonia Honey Hunters, CaroMont Health Park is a multi-use sports and entertainment facility providing year-round sports, music, and entertainmet events in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Bansen Farms
The barn and grounds at Bansen Farm offers quiet solitude for your next event with spaces to socialize or a catch sunset.
Barristers
Barrister's located in the boutique Esquire Hotel in Gastonia where the food is locally sourced and the decor is thoughtfully appointed.
Tonys Ice Cream
Tony's Ice Cream is a long-running mom-&-pop ice cream parlor offering a large array of homemade flavors & American eats.
HIKE & BIKE THESE TRAILS
River Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
1 mile
River Loop is roughly a one-mile loop, marked in blue signage, and is considered the flattest, shortest, and easiest of the three loops. Highlights include Catawba Creek views and forest views.
Styz Trail System at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
About 4 miles
The trailhead for the system is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot. You’ll spot a large kiosk there that will show you a map of the three connecting trail loops.
Rankin Lake Park Trail
Walking, Jogging
Moderate
1.9 miles
This trail runs through Rankin Lake Park.
Quarry Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy, Moderate
1.66-mile circuit
This 1.66 mile circuit is the longest and steepest loop. Marked with green signs you’ll follow along the Catawba Creek and passes by a rock quarry and certainly some wildlife along the way.
Avon/Catawba Creeks Greenway
Paved, Sidewalk
Easy
2.4 Miles One Way
This greenway is paved for its entire length, and much of it is lined by mature trees on both sides of the trail.
Highland Rail Trail
Paved, Gravel
Easy
1.5 Miles One Way
A ten foot wide, paved surface trail constructed along the historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway.
Power Loop at Warlick YMCA
Natural Surface
Easy
1.39-mile circuit
This 1.39-mile circuit is marked with yellow signs. The power loop both begins and ends with the Power Line marker.
Highland Rail Trail Downtown Sidewalk Connection
Paved
Easy
.5 Miles One Way
This 0.5-mile downtown sidewalk trail connects downtown Gastonia to the Highland Rail Trail.