I met a newcomer to Gaston County this week. She was talking about how excited she was to explore everything our area has to offer. And for a second, I was kind of jealous.

She gets to see Gaston County with fresh eyes. You only get to do that once. Those first couple of years are full of firsts.

I’ve been here 26 years. As you can imagine, a lot of the newness has worn off. I’ve done most of the things. I’ve seen most of the things.

Maybe that’s why we get so excited when a new restaurant opens, a new park opens, or an old park gets a new attraction. It brings back that feeling.

Like kids in a hotel. It’s just a room with beds and a TV, but to them it feels magical. It’s new and exciting.

These hotels often come with elevators that have buttons inside you can press just because you can. And you know you can’t do that at home.

When she told me she couldn’t wait to explore, I was ready to unload. You have to try this. You need to go there. Let me tell you all the spots.

But I had to pause.

What did she want to discover? What were her interests? Her pace? Her kind of fun?

For a moment, though, I felt that spark again. Like I might get to reexperience Gaston County all over again just by hearing her impressions of seeing it for the first time.

Please help me welcome Benjamin and Katie Roudabush with Serene Home Maintenance as our newest Hello Gaston partners! I’m grateful for their support and their belief in what we’re building here!

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Is your home getting the attention it deserves? Serene Home Maintenance keeps it running smoothly all year long:

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One of the prettiest summer traditions is coming back around! Chinese Lanterns at Daniel Stowe Conservancy returns June 18–August 30 with nearly 60 glowing displays that turn the gardens into pure magic. Go with the kids. Make it a date night. Just don’t forget your camera. Tickets go on sale in April.

Least of These Carolinas has been awarded $200,000 through the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards and was named the top organization in its region. Local owner-operators Nolan Hatley and Natasha Gilbert nominated the group, and community votes helped secure the win for children in foster and kinship care.

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers just announced their 2026 promotional lineup at CaroMont Health Park, and it’s stacked. Opening Weekend kicks off April 24–25, followed by K-Pop Night, Superhero Weekend, Beer Fest, Country Western Night, Star Wars fun, and Faith & Family Night. There’s something for everyone in the family this season!

The peach trees are officially gone. Lineberger's Farm has removed its aging orchard after years of declining production. Watermelons will be planted in their place next season, and peaches will still be available through a partnership with a Kings Mountain grower.

“For five years, we’ve never missed a Tuesday.” That’s the heartbeat behind Rice N Beans Gastonia, which has served 4,350 meals in 2025 alone. Volunteers gather weekly on East Franklin Boulevard, then head to McLeod Recovery Center, offering food, clothing, prayer, and steady compassion to neighbors in need.

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

Travel on your 2026 to-do list? Stop by TECHWORKS in Belmont on Saturday, February 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

📍 52A Ervin Street (next to Primal Brewery)

Ready to plan your next adventure? REGISTER NOW➜

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. ($)

Carnivorous Plant Container Gardening
📍 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy., Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
The Gaston County Master Gardeners host this presentation on growing and caring for carnivorous plants in containers, led by Mike DeLange. More Details.

Belmont Abbey Softball vs. Coker University (Doubleheader)
📍 Abbey Yard, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont
⏰ 1–5 p.m.
Belmont Abbey College hosts Coker University for a doubleheader at Abbey Yard, with first pitch at 1 p.m. and game two at 3 p.m. The Crusaders look to build on last year’s sweep over the Cobras. More Details.

Birding Walks
📍 6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont
⏰ 9–10 a.m.
Join a guided bird walk along Daniel Stowe Conservancy trails and learn about local species from an experienced volunteer birder. More Details.

The Belmont Abbey Players present Scapino
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont Abbey College
📅 Friday, February 20 - Sunday, February 22
⏰ Times vary
Enjoy a theatrical performance of Scapino, blending classic comedy, movement, and lively storytelling. More Details.

NC MAKERS Opening Reception
📍 131 W. Main Street, Dallas
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
The Gaston County Museum of Art & History hosts the opening reception for NC MAKERS, featuring photography by Gaston County artist Joshua Braswell. Meet the artist and explore the exhibit. Free and open to the public. More Details.

Little Theater of Gastonia presents Seussical the Musical
📍 238 S. Clay Street, Gastonia
📅 Friday, February 20 - Sunday, March 2
⏰ various times
Horton protects the Whos and an abandoned egg in this heartwarming, family-friendly tale celebrating friendship, loyalty, and imagination. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Slow down, enjoy nature, and sharpen photography skills during a guided walk with a professional photographer at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. All skill levels welcome. More Details.

Special Olympics Gaston County Polar Plunge
📍 Lineberger Park, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.
Take the plunge or cheer others on during this annual fundraising event supporting Special Olympics athletes in Gaston County. More Details.

Saturday Drop-In: Lego Building
📍 203 McAdenville Rd., Lowell
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
All ages welcome for this monthly drop-in Lego building session at TECH at Lowell. More Details.

Kidz & Co
📍 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Kids of all ages can create pinch pots with dried flowers during this hands-on craft event at Confluence South Fork. Supplies available while they last. More Details.

All You Can Eat Oyster Roast
📍 Traust Brewing, 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 1–4 p.m.
Enjoy unlimited oysters and one included drink at this lively oyster roast. Regular menu available. Must be 21 to consume alcohol. More Details.

Charlotte Blues Society Presents DejaBlues
📍 334 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
The Rooster hosts a night of Carolina blues featuring DejaBlues during this monthly Charlotte Blues Society residency. More Details.

Gaston College Rhinos vs. Florence-Darlington Tech (3-Game Series)
📍 Sims Legion Park, 1001 N. Marietta Street, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, February 21 - Sunday, February 22
⏰ Saturday 1 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.
The Rhinos host Florence-Darlington Tech for a three-game weekend series at Sims Legion Park, featuring a Saturday doubleheader and Sunday finale. More Details.

Belmont, NC Winter Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, artisan foods, and handmade items during this bi-weekly winter farmers market in downtown Belmont. More Details.

Jaycees February Meeting
📍 Traust Brewing Company, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
Join the group’s February meeting at Traust Brewing Company for networking, updates, and conversation in a relaxed setting. More Details.

The Gaston Arts Council presents Breakfast for the Arts
📍 Gastonia Conference Center
⏰ 7:30 - 9 a.m.
A morning event celebrating and supporting the arts community, featuring connection, inspiration, and engagement with local creatives. 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.

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