Momentum Is Building in Gaston County

Last week, many of us woke up to the news that Cavendish Brewing Company was closing its doors. A local favorite for a lot of people, it left patrons and employees suddenly figuring out where to go and how to fill the gap left behind.

Then came the twist. Cavendish didn’t just close. It sold because something bigger is coming. A $4 million investment, in fact. More proof that Downtown Gastonia, or DTG as more folks are calling it, has truly turned a corner. The momentum feels real and it’s carrying into 2026 and beyond.

And then came another bit of good news. The New York Butcher Shoppe and Wine Bar opened in Belmont earlier this week to a lot of excitement. I knew it was coming soon, but this week caught me off guard. It’s going to be a great addition to Downtown Belmont’s food scene.

After a month full of surprising closings (R.O.s and Cavendish), this week felt like a burst of positive news. That’s how it goes. Ups and downs. Starts and stops. Still, the overall trend line for Gaston County keeps moving up.

That old line about Gaston County being the best kept secret in the Charlotte region? I think those days are over. The secret’s out.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎉 BELMONT WELCOMES NEW YORK BUTCHER SHOPPE & WINE BAR

The wait is over, Gaston County! The New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar has officially opened in downtown Belmont, bringing premium hand cut meats, a wine bar, specialty groceries, and a dining experience. Located at 100 Bryant Street, the new spot invites neighbors to eat, drink, and shop. [Also: Read Heather Todd’s opening day review.]

🍽 QUEEN’S FEAST HITS GASTON COUNTY

Make your plans now for Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, running January 23 to February 1. Gaston County participants include Drift on Lake Wylie, Old Stone Steakhouse, M.E.P. Casual American Cuisine at Floyd & Blackie’s, and Southern Artisan Spirits, all offering special prix fixe dinners. Reservations are recommended. [GoGastonNC]

🌱 SPRING ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN

Hello, Gaston! is booking a March to May Spring Kickoff Package for local businesses. This seasonal option helps brands reach engaged Gaston County readers as spring services and projects ramp up. Limited placements available. Email today!

🚨 $4M BREWERY PROJECT SPARKS DOWNTOWN GASTONIA MOMENTUM 

A $4 million investment from Sugar Creek Brewing is headed to downtown Gastonia, transforming the former Cavendish Brewing Company site into a major food and beverage destination. Plans include expanded brewing, a taproom, Dixon’s BBQ, a covered patio, and a future distillery, signaling strong Main Street momentum.

🕊 HOLY ANGELS EXPANDS CHILDREN’S CAMPUS IN BELMONT

Holy Angels is nearing completion of Phase I of a $21 million Children’s Campus Expansion. The project adds three specialized homes, a community center, and advanced medical and therapeutic spaces, enhancing care for medically fragile children and residents with developmental disabilities. [Catholic News Herald]

🥾 WINTER WALKING GUIDE SPOTLIGHTS GASTON COUNTY TRAILS

A new feature from Gaston County Tourism Development highlights five reasons winter is ideal for walking outdoors. From mood boosts to scenic views, the guide points readers to greenways, parks, and mountain trails across Gaston County, encouraging locals to stay active and explore quieter paths this season.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅 Now through Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

Nature and Spirituality at Bliss Gallery - Opening Reception
📍 25 N. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
An inspiring exhibition honoring Holy Angels’ 70th anniversary, featuring artwork by the Sisters of Mercy and resident artists. More Details.

Community STEM Night
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Free after-hours STEM fun at The Schiele with planetarium shows, hands-on activities, and museum exploration for all ages. More Details.

Music Matters: The Spark Session
📍 334 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
A free, collaborative songwriting session welcoming musicians of all skill levels to create, learn, and connect together. More Details.

South Fork Run Club
📍 Confluence, Cramerton
⏰ 6:15 p.m.
Weekly group run welcoming all paces, followed by community time at Confluence. More Details.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Ice Sculptures at Stowe
📍 Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
📅 Friday, January 16 & Saturday, January 17
⏰ 5–9 p.m.
Walk through a winter wonderland featuring 20 nature inspired ice sculptures throughout the gardens, created with Ice Trade Sculptures. Evening event, tickets required. More Details.

Laser Shows: Classic Hair Bands (6 p.m.) & Queen (7 p.m.)
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰Two shows (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite music paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Adult Magic Show
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 8 p.m.
A high-energy magic show designed just for grown-ups. More Details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Vacation Planning Event
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Meet travel experts, explore destinations, and start planning your next getaway at this all-day vacation planning event. RSVP by 1/16/26. More Details.

Carolina Pro Musica Songwriting Workshop
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Songwriters and musicians gather for a hands-on workshop focused on lyrics, melody, collaboration, and creative growth. More Details.

Laser Show: Taylor Swift (2 shows)
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.
A dazzling laser light show set to Taylor Swift hits inside The Schiele’s immersive planetarium dome. More Details.

Laser Shows: Rush (6 p.m.) & Metallica (7 p.m.)
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰Two shows (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite music paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Charlotte Blues Society Presents: Kendall Town Social Club
📍 The Rooster, 334 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
Live blues takes over The Rooster with Kendall Town Social Club and a high-energy night of music. More Details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Nerf Night
📍 Kate’s Skating Rink, Gastonia
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
An action-packed Nerf battle night for kids and teens. More Details.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
📍 Dallas Historic Courthouse, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
A community gathering honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with reflection and fellowship. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

Parks and Rec Master Plan Public Open House
📍 131 N. Gaston St., Dallas
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Drop in to share feedback and help shape the future of Dallas parks and recreation over the next decade. 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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