Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane.

The first place I ever ate at in Gaston County was the Chick-fil-A in Eastridge Mall.

The year was 2000 and I was on a lunch break from new-hire orientation with the County. I didn’t know anybody yet. I didn’t know where anything was. But I knew there was a mall. I had seen it right off Exit 20 when I got off the interstate. I figured I could find something to eat there — and I did.

As a kid, I loved the mall. I grew up going to SouthPark in Charlotte. Back then, it had an Eckerd Drugs {with a food counter}, a Woolworth’s, and my favorite: The Record Bar. I could spend hours in that store. And a few years later, I did — as an employee. By then, it had changed names to Tracks. Then Blockbuster Music. The name always seemed to change, but it didn’t matter. I was just there for the music.

Belmont’s Mike McIntyre recently posted photos on Facebook from a visit to Eastridge Mall. His caption was filled with nostalgia, and it made me think about my own mall memories. We all have them. At one point, the mall was the place to be — the food court, the arcades, the shops, and yes, the pretty girls.

It was the social hub of the community. If you wanted to see and be seen, you went to the mall.

One commenter on Mike’s post said it was sad to see places like country stores and shopping malls just disappear. Mike replied, “It seems to happen too fast, but I guess it’s really not. We just kind of forget about these places.”

And he’s right. The malls didn’t change.

We did.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨RHINO CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT ✨

June 23, 2025 - Tee off for Gaston College student-athletes 

• Premier golf tournament at Gaston Country Club benefiting athletics

• Check in at 8:30 a.m. (includes breakfast) with a 10 a.m. shotgun start

• Alternative putting & driving skill challenges for all skill levels

• Experience refreshing tiki bar service, snow cones and slushies on the course

This fundraiser unites golfers and local leaders in support of Gaston College student-athletes’ success in the classroom and on the field. Register your foursome today!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍑 PEACH AND BLACKBERRY SEASON BEGINS AT LINEBERGER’S

Lineberger’s in Dallas just started harvesting their first early peaches, with a strong season ahead. Blackberry and blueberry picking has also begun, making this the perfect time to visit the farm for fresh, local fruit straight from the source. Support local agriculture and taste the season at its peak.

🛍️ EASTRIDGE MALL SPARKS NOSTALGIA IN FACEBOOK POST

Mike McIntyre took to Facebook to share photos from a recent walk through Eastridge Mall. The quiet halls stirred memories of the malls he grew up visiting. “There was a time when the mall was the place to be,” he wrote. “I got a little nostalgic walking through this one.”

📚 SUMMER READING RETURNS AT THE LIBRARY

Gaston County Public Library’s summer reading challenge is back through August 9! Adults and kids can log books or complete local adventures to earn prize entries. Rewards include a museum membership, drawing tablet, or themed gift bag—thanks to Friends of the Library.

👻 GHOST PEPPERS SET BACK-TO-BACK ATTENDANCE RECORDS

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers made history twice last weekend—first with 4,224 fans on Friday, June 6, the largest single-game crowd ever. The next night, they broke the weekend attendance record with 7,333+ fans total. The stadium was electric, and the Peppers are already looking ahead to the next big night.

🎬 $1 SUMMER MOVIES AT REGAL GASTONIA

Now through August 6, catch $1 family flicks every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at Regal Gastonia. Part of the Summer Movie Express, it also includes $5 snack packs and Dippin’ Dots deals. It’s a cool, budget-friendly way to enjoy time with the kids. Next week: Trolls Band Together and IF.

🌄 CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK TO REOPEN JUNE 27

After a nine-month closure due to Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock State Park will reopen on June 27. Weekday access will be limited, and reservations are required—even for passholders. The park team credits volunteers and supporters for helping make the long-awaited reopening possible. [WSOC]

☕ WATERBEAN COFFEE BREWING UP GASTONIA DEBUT IN JULY

Gastonia is getting a jolt of java joy! Waterbean Coffee plans to open its largest location yet next month at 618 West Franklin Blvd. The new “Exquisite” concept will feature premium coffee, a full bakery, and space to relax, meet, or study.

📰  QUICK BITES

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

 ArtsGaston Showcase
📍 Durty Bull Brewing, 109 W Main Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 6 – 9 p.m.
Celebrate Gaston County’s vibrant creative scene with live performances, networking, art booths, light bites, and a drink while supporting Gaston Arts Council’s inspiring mission. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, 24 S Main St, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, meats, flowers, and baked treats from local growers while enjoying relaxed small-town vibes beside beautiful Stowe Park. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shop locally grown vegetables, pasture-raised meats, handmade breads, and garden blooms from Gaston County farmers every friendly Thursday morning at this open-air market. More Details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

Cramerton Legacy of Golf
📍 Cramer Mountain Club, 100 Hidden Pastures Dr, Cramerton
⏰ 8 a.m.
Charity golfers tee off on Cramer Mountain’s scenic course, honoring Cramerton’s storied golf heritage while raising funds for youth programs and community improvements. More Details.

Gaston College Foundation presents: A Night for Momentum Makers
 📍 Gaston Country Club, Gastonia
 ⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Support Gaston College with drinks, music by Band of Oz, and live auction. More Details. ($)

Friday Night Live: On The Border
 📍 S. Main St, Belmont
 ⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Free Eagles tribute show, food trucks, and drink garden downtown. More Details.

Juneteenth Festival
 📍 Centennial Park, Bessemer City
 ⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Bessemer City’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Festival with music, food, and vendors. More Details.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

 2nd Annual Fairy & Mystical Creature Festival
📍 Dallas Lavender Lane, 937 Old Willis School Rd, Dallas
⏰ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dress as fairies, mermaids, or unicorns and explore lavender fields, live music, crafts, vendors, and photo stations during this whimsical family festival. More Details.

Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 111 N South St, Gastonia
⏰ 2 – 8 p.m.
Parade, live bands, food trucks, vendors, and heritage activities transform downtown Gastonia into a vibrant Juneteenth celebration of Black freedom, culture, and pride. More Details.

Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
 📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
 ⏰ 2–9:30 p.m.
Cultural festival with music, food, art, and vendor marketplace. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fill your basket with fresh peak-season produce, meats, flowers, and baked goodies from Gaston farmers during this bustling weekly Saturday morning downtown market tradition. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Shop regional produce, eggs, meats, jams, and crafts while enjoying acoustic tunes at Kings Mountain’s friendly Saturday open-air market beside downtown landmarks. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Browse farm-fresh vegetables, breads, honey, and crafts under shade trees at award-winning Mount Holly market, featuring chef demos and kids’ garden activities. More Details.

Trailhead Cornhole Tourney
📍 Trailhead Store + Café, Belmont
⏰ 1 – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with cornhole, live bluegrass, cold drinks, and good eats. Tourney signup optional—spectators welcome! More Details.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

Documentary Screening – “Sargent”
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Enjoy a free big-screen art documentary on John Singer Sargent, introduced by museum educator Ali Pizza, revealing fashion, charisma, and scandal in Gilded-Age portraits. More Details.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, 101 E Main St, Cherryville
⏰ 5 – 7 p.m.
Pick up fresh local produce, baked goods, and crafts while meeting neighbors at Cherryville’s friendly mini-park market on Tuesday evenings all summer long. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shop locally grown produce, meats, breads, and blooms every Tuesday morning while chatting with growers and discovering seasonal cooking tips. More Details.

Master Gardener Plant Clinics
📍 Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 3 – 5 p.m.
Bring troubled leaves or questions to Gaston County Master Gardeners for on-the-spot diagnosis, advice, and plant-care resources during this free hands-on clinic. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Lexington Legends
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Discounted tacos, hot dogs, and playful on‑field games spice up Tuesday night as Gastonia hosts league rivals under warm June skies. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Lexington Legends
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Midday matinee celebrates seniors with half‑price tickets, shaded seating, and relaxed afternoon baseball against visiting Atlantic League lineup. More Details.

Downtown Dallas Caffeine & Conversation
 📍 Downtown Dallas, Dallas
 ⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Coffee, connections, and community conversations with local leaders and neighbors. More Details.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Growing and Harvesting Flavorful Teas
📍 Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas–Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
The Master Gardener Group of Gaston County welcomes author and garden expert Jodi Helmer. Discover how to grow, harvest, and brew your own flavorful herbal teas. More Details.

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!