A Little Reunion on Main Street
It was just me, the kids and an attempt to get out of the house Saturday night.
So, we went somewhere we knew we could get a good meal while the kids acted a fool, respectfully, of course: Traust Brewing Company.
I mean, where else can you get a helping of chickie nuggets, seasoned fries and a side of Jenga blocks at the same time?
If you’ve never been, Traust is a spacious brewery and restaurant in Downtown Mount Holly known for celebrating Halloween all year long. Even the skeletons go back to school at Traust.
The weather Saturday evening was beautiful, so the crazy crew and I grabbed a table on the patio overlooking Main Street.
That’s where a lost dog became a found dog.
A group nearby had discovered a timid little white Chihuahua. Thanks to the power of social media, they eventually found the person who had been searching for the little dog.
When the owner arrived, he held up his phone to show the group a photo proving the dog was his.
But he didn’t need it. The dog ran straight to him.
The entire patio erupted in applause as we watched this tiny family reunion unfold on Main Street.
Sometimes social media isn’t all that bad.
I don’t know if that’s just another Saturday night in Downtown Mount Holly, but I’m here for it.
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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)
📖 BELMONT GETS SOUTHERN LIVING SPOTLIGHT
Southern Living featured Belmont as a weekend getaway filled with historic charm, local shops and outdoor adventures. Writer Jennifer Prince highlighted Belmont Bookshop, Daniel Stowe Conservancy, downtown dining, Lake Wylie activities and year-round festivals, giving readers plenty of reasons to plan a visit for themselves.
🍔 YOUR FRIEND MATT MAKES THE SHAKE SHOP PILGRIMAGE
Charlotte food influencer Your Friend Matt drove an hour to Cherryville last month to test claims that The Shake Shop serves North Carolina’s best hamburger. The cash-only favorite did not disappoint, with customers lined up before its second shift for burgers and cherry lemon Sun Drop.
Belmont author Ashley Manley will launch The Difference Between, the second book in her Back to Fontain series, Sept. 17 at RayNathan’s in Gastonia. Tickets include a book, refreshments, custom wine glass and author discussion. Space is limited.
🍎 WINDY HILL’S OPENING MARKS FALL’S RETURN
The unofficial start of fall in our area arrives Thursday, Aug. 13, when Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill opens its Fall 2026 season. Apple cider doughnuts, fresh-pressed cider and other favorites return, with events scheduled through December.
🎤 OFFICER EUDY RETURNS FOR HOPE UNITED FUNDRAISER
Officer Eudy brings his comedy and storytelling to The Rooster, 334 W. Main Ave. in Gastonia, on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Presented with Gaston Homegrown and VKC Productions, the fundraiser will benefit Hope United Survivor Network and its work supporting local survivors.
📰 QUICK BITES
🟡 Go Gaston NC profiled JG’s Vinyl and More, a Downtown Gastonia stop for music lovers.
🟡 A local baker gave the Peach Cobbler Chattahoochee Roll a makeover, with even sweeter results.
🟡 A local food truck’s “world-famous” orangeades are reviving sweet memories of Bessemer City’s beloved Central Drug.
Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
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GO-SEE-DO GASTON
GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS (Upcoming Home Games)
Tuesday (8/18) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (8/19) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (8/20) - Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
PLAN AHEAD
MAKE ’m SMILE North Carolina
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MAKE ’m SMILE is a free celebration for children and adults with special needs and their immediate families. Enjoy games, bounce houses, crafts, food, live entertainment, and more. Hosted by First Assembly of Gastonia and Nathaniel's Hope. More Details.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Pragmatic AI for Small Businesses
📍 601 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn practical ways AI can save time, increase productivity, simplify everyday tasks and support smarter business decisions during this hands-on Gaston Business Association workshop. More Details.
Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 4 to 8 p.m.
Explore The Schiele Museum during an evening of free admission. More Details.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Butterfly Release Experience
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to noon
Help welcome new butterflies to the Butterfly Bungalow during this small-group release experience. Participants should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. More Details.
Charcuterie Workshop
📍 Gaston Pour House, Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 8 p.m.
Gaston Pour House and Graze & Piece team up for an evening of creativity, friendship and charcuterie. Space is limited. More Details.
Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Join garden volunteers for an evening of gardening, picnic suppers, and community fellowship. More Details.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Windy Hill Orchard’s Opening Week
📍 Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, York
⏰ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Windy Hill Orchard begins its fall season with its farm stand open Thursday through Sunday and cider bar open Friday through Sunday. More Details.
Village Market
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 4 to 6 p.m.
Shop seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, baked treats, flowers and specialty items from local farmers and artisans in the Farmhouse Courtyard. Admission is free. More Details.
Tap Takeover With Durty Bull
📍 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy trivia and a special tap takeover featuring Durty Bull Brewing Company. The brewery’s crew will be on hand throughout the evening. More Details.
Live Music at Pita Wheel Belmont
📍 Pita Wheel, 55 Glenway St., Belmont
⏰ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Head to downtown Belmont for an evening of live music featuring Bobby Ray Bittle at Pita Wheel. More Details.
Music Bingo at Local Logic
📍 Local Logic, Mount Holly
⏰ 7 to 9 p.m.
Test your music knowledge and compete for bingo during Local Logic’s Thursday night Music Bingo. 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.
MY FAVORITE (GASTON) THINGS
(One local. A few of their favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)
Meet Barb Linster, a Mount Holly resident, Gaston County Master Gardener volunteer and retired massage therapist. Barb has called Gaston County home for 23 years
(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)
🍑 Favorite Farmers Market Vendor | Webb’s Farm
"We buy a bag of peaches every week from the Fourth of July through Labor Day. They are the best around by far, always sweet and delicious."
🛍️ Favorite Local Shop | Catalyst Mercantile
"The selection is different, and the local women business owners have great taste. My husband calls it my new Anthropologie, thankfully at a more affordable price."
🍖 Favorite Barbecue Restaurant | Hillbilly’s BBQ
"I love the taste, texture and selection of sauces. We take it to the beach every year for our first night’s dinner."
🚗 Favorite Road Trip | Blowing Rock
"Our first road trip 23 years ago was to Blowing Rock. We pack a lunch, eat in the park, walk, shop, enjoy the lovely scenery and get ice cream before heading home. It’s always a perfect day."
❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
"I feel like we are away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but it’s still nearby."
SEE YA LATER, GASTON!
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