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The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC
The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC is a family favorite for learning about the natural wonders of North America and North Carolina.
The museum is a public institution established to promote awareness and appreciation for nature, and to instill a sense of individual and social responsibility for the diversity of the natural world and the role of humanity in it.
The Schiele collects, studies, and preserves a comprehensive collection of flora, fauna, minerals and fossils, which it displays through... Read More »
No Shortage of Great Restaurants in Gaston County
North Carolina may be known for its world-famous barbeque – and there is wide variety of can’t-miss barbeque joints around Gaston County. But foodies of all stripes can find a growing offering of restaurants to suit anyone’s taste in Gaston County.
Take Old Stone Steakhouse, for example. The Belmont steakhouse is known for – what else? – some of the best steaks in town. And while people rave about the incredibly tender and perfectly cooked steaks, the mellow atmosphere and friendly service,... Read More »
Gaston County 'Fish Camps' Serve Up Fresh Seafood
What is a fish camp?
You’ll see signs for fish camps throughout Gaston County, and newcomers might be confused at first. But stop by and you’ll discover that a fish camp is simply a restaurant where large servings of fried fish are served – a popular dining tradition in North Carolina’s Piedmont.
One popular fish camp is Twin Tops in Gastonia, with a dining room as big as a bowling alley and rows and rows of deep-fat fryers. Customers are served huge portions of the freshest fish, any way they... Read More »
U.S. Whitewater Center Provides Indoor, Outdoor Thrills
For those who like to experience nature first hand, the U.S. Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, is just the spot to visit.
This U.S. Olympic training site is the world’s premier outdoor adventure and environmental education center, and it's just the place to raft the world’s largest man-made whitewater river.
Not only that, visitors can also flatwater kayak, mountain bike, trail run, hike more than 11 miles of trails and even climb one of the largest outdoor climbing structures in the U.S.... Read More »
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Provides Scenic Retreat
For a day of tranquility, visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Established in 1999, Daniel Stowe is a display garden, grouping plants and flowers aesthetically rather than by the typical genus and family arrangement favored by other botanical gardens.
“We have 380 acres, including 10-12 acres of manicured gardens and areas divided into various garden rooms," says Jim Hoffman, director of marketing and guest services for Daniel Stowe. "People arrive, pay admission and step... Read More »
Shopping in Gastonia, NC
Conveniently located near several large cities, Gastonia, NC offers a variety of retailers sure to meet every shopper's needs. Bring your list – you just may be able to check each item off after shopping your way through this city.
Downtown
Gastonia's downtown is filled with eclectic shops, such as Katy-Did's Antiques. This store, considered an icon in the area, features unique items found by owners Kathy and Dennis Grinstead, as well as 25 booths and approximately 100 consigners.... Read More »
Gastonia's Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Displays Nature's Finest
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Sometimes creativity springs from a little relaxation, so kick back with a visit to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Gastonia, NC. Established in 1999, Daniel Stowe is a display garden, grouping plants and flowers aesthetically rather than by the typical genus and family arrangement favored by other botanical gardens. The sprawling 380-acres includes manicured gardens and various garden rooms. Ten thousand species of flowers, banana trees, winterberry and the... Read More »
Carolina Speedway Offers NASCAR Thrills
It’s Friday night, and eager racing fans pour into the stands at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, ready to feel the rumble of the stock cars that will soon be idling at the starting line. When the checkered flag goes down, the souped-up vehicles roar to life, skidding around the dirt track to the screams and cheers of the crowd.
Despite the advent of paved speedways, dirt-track racing remains hugely popular all over the country. And in Gaston County, fans look forward to weekly action at Carolina... Read More »
Gastonia, NC Festivals Have City Celebrating
Gastonia, NC and the surrounding Gaston County area have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here's a rundown of some favorite annual festivals in the region.
The month of November ushers in the annual Piedmont Heritage Festival that showcases more than 25 entertainment attractions at Schiele Museum in Gastonia. And exhibitors from all over the Southeast convene in Dallas each October to crank up their antique steam and gasoline engines at the annual Cotton Ginning Days get-together.
The Catawba... Read More »
Historic Downtown Gastonia Enjoys a Renaissance
A century ago, downtown Gastonia was the city's heart, soul and center, where shopping and entertainment were combined with growth and business.
But that vibrancy faded over the years as people moved to the suburbs and strip malls, and shopping complexes usurped the downtown hub. Now all of that is changing as Gastonia revitalizes its 49-acre historic downtown business district with 1.1 million square feet of mainly historic buildings.
The city began by investing $6.3 million in renovating the... Read More »
