If you're the type to come down with a case of the Mondays, this one's for you.

If Thursday's newsletter always leaves you wanting just a little more, this one's for you, too.

If you just need a little good news to start your week, you've come to the right place.

Welcome to the very first Monday edition of Hello, Gaston!

One thing you'll find every Monday is a brand-new feature called My Favorite (Gaston) Things. It's my little nod to the classic song “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. 

Each week, you'll meet a Gaston County resident through three of their favorite things and one simple question: Why do you love Gaston County?

Scroll all the way down this week to meet our very first guest, Mount Holly resident Addy Schroeder, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools English teacher who's called Gaston County home for nearly two years.

What excites me most about this feature is the variety of voices we'll hear. Some guests will be lifelong Gaston County natives. Others, like Addy, found Gaston County later in life. Every one of them will have a story worth telling.

When it comes to your favorite things, there isn't a right or wrong answer. It's personal. It's yours.

Maybe you're Team Carolina. Maybe you're Team Duke. Maybe you swear by tomato-based barbecue. Maybe you want a little more vinegar on yours. Maybe your perfect Saturday is hiking Crowders Mountain. Or maybe it's spending the afternoon strolling through Downtown Belmont.

Every answer tells a story.

And when you put enough of those stories together, you begin to understand what makes Gaston County such a special place to call home.

That's what I hope this feature becomes. A celebration of the people, places, and little moments that make us proud to live here.

I hope you'll discover a few new favorite things of your own along the way.

One more thing before we get started. I'd love to welcome NuGlo Medical Aesthetics as the presenting partner of our new Monday edition!

Located in Downtown Belmont, NuGlo offers a thoughtful, team-based approach to aesthetics, skin health, and wellness. There simply wouldn't be a Monday newsletter without their support. Big thanks to Dr. Phadke, Madelon Peck, Sandy Mazza, and the entire NuGlo team!

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Belmont's growing restaurant scene is getting regional attention. WSOC's Main Street Carolina recently highlighted downtown favorites including The String Bean, New York Butcher Shoppe, and Sammy's Neighborhood Pub, showcasing the city's rise as one of the Charlotte area's top dining destinations.

Daniel Stowe Conservancy's Learning for Littles, sponsored by Sodoma Law Belmont, offers free outdoor story time, puppets, and nature-themed activities for children ages 0 to 4 and their caregivers. The 45-minute sessions are held on alternating Wednesdays and Fridays through October at The Trailhead. 

Serene Home Maintenance helps Gaston County homeowners stay ahead of costly repairs with scheduled maintenance visits or one-time home checkups. Hello, Gaston readers save $50 on subscriptions or 10% on one-time service with code HELLOGASTON. Claim your offer and give your home the care it deserves. ($)

Planning to run one of McAdenville's favorite holiday traditions? Registration for the ChristmasTown 5K opens July 25 at 10 a.m. Organizers say last year's race sold out in just six hours, so don't wait to claim your spot.

GoGastonNC highlights a big summer for local baseball as Gaston County hosts the North Carolina American Legion State Tournament in July and the American Legion Super Regional in August, showcasing two premier tournaments and welcoming teams from across the Southeast and beyond. 

Brewstock Music Festival returns to Downtown Gastonia on Sept. 26 after nearly not happening, thanks to organizers dedicated to the local music scene. The festival features its biggest lineup yet, along with Milltown Meats BBQ & Catering, vendors, and more. A headliner announcement is coming soon.

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

Meet Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design – where creative ideas come to life!

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Tuesday (7/14) — Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (7/15) — Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (7/16) — Lexington Legends @ 7 p.m.

Brighter Days Camp for Children
📍 Shining Hope Farms, Mount Holly
📅 Tuesday, August 4
⏰ 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children ages 5 to 16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one are invited to this free, counselor-led day camp featuring nature activities, art, and interactions with gentle horses to help process grief in healthy ways. Registration is required by Monday, July 27. More Details. ($)

Cramerton Parks and Rec Blood Drive
📍 C.B. Huss Recreation Complex, Cramerton
⏰ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donate blood aboard the OneBlood Big Red Bus and help save lives in the community. Every donation can make a difference. More Details.

Ice Cream Social (Active Adults 50 & Up)
📍 Lowell Community Center
⏰ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy ice cream with all the toppings while touring the historic former Lowell Teacherage. Free for active adults ages 50 and older. More Details.

Pop Up Play Day
📍 Ransom Hunter Park, Mount Holly
⏰ 9 to 11 a.m.
Bring the family for a free morning of outdoor games and activities hosted by Mount Holly Parks & Recreation. More Details.

Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 11 a.m. to noon
Create a cow costume before heading to participating Chick-fil-A restaurants for a free menu item while dressed in your best bovine attire. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy free admission all day and explore exhibits, science displays, and natural history at The Schiele. More Details

Freeze Pops for ALL
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to noon
Cool off with free freeze pops during this weekly summer gathering for families and friends. More Details.

Home Barista Workshop
📍 Wandering Cup Coffee Co., Belmont
⏰ 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn espresso basics, milk steaming, grinder tips, and brewing techniques in this beginner-friendly workshop. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening in the community garden with volunteers and neighbors. Help garden, enjoy a picnic supper, or simply relax and connect with others. More Details.

Trujillo Winemaker Dinner
📍 Tasty NC, Belmont
⏰ 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a six-course dinner expertly paired with Napa Valley wines hosted by acclaimed winemaker Michael Trujillo. More Details.

Charcuterie Workshop
📍 Wren & Ivy Salon
⏰ 6 to 8 p.m.
Learn how to build a beautiful charcuterie board during this fun, hands-on workshop. More Details.

Pickleball Fun
📍 Woodlawn Park, Mount Holly
⏰ 6 to 8 p.m.
Grab a paddle and enjoy a free evening of pickleball designed for players ages 16 and older. More Details.

(One local. Three favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)

(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)

🍽️ Favorite Date Night | The Holland Restaurant
"The atmosphere, the wine selection, and their crispy Brussels sprouts make the most perfect place to enjoy date night with my husband. The fact that it's less than five minutes from us in Downtown Mount Holly is just truly amazing."

☕ Favorite Coffee Shop | Black Sheep Coffee
"My husband and I compare every single coffee place we go to whether it's as good as Black Sheep Coffee. It has truly become the pillar to which all others are compared."

🍕 Favorite Pizza | Stone Fired Social
"Specifically their Red and Green pizza dipped in their homemade ranch. I crave this pizza in my sleep."

❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
"I love the convenience of being close to a city, while also getting to share with my family the joys of living 'small.' For many, Gaston County is a drive-by county. For us, it gives us the best of both worlds."

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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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!