Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and the excitement in my house has been building for weeks. According to my reliable 4-year-old source, we’re officially down to just one sleep before the big day.

That means it’s finally time for those giant, heart-shaped shortbread cookies with pink and red icing—the ones we bought at Sam’s weeks ago—to come out of our freezer and make their way to the wonderful teachers and staff at our kids’ daycare at First Baptist in Stanley.

They’ve been calling my name, but for some reason, only after midnight. I’ve held strong this long, and with just one day left, I think they’re safe.

I wish I could say the same for the Thin Mints and Trefoils. They never stood a chance

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!

The Traveling Sip is opening a brick-and-mortar cafe in Downtown Dallas! Known for serving the "best coffee on wheels," the popular mobile coffee spot is settling in near The Parlor Salon and Barber Shop. Stay tuned for an official opening date!

The popular Gastonia-based Tex-Mex Back Road Grill has opened a second location in Bessemer City! Doors opened last week at 128 W. Virginia Ave, serving breakfast and lunch, with hopes to add dinner hours in the future.

After five years in Belmont, The Bottle Tree will serve its final meal on Sunday, February 16—but it’s not goodbye! The space will transform into Kaya Gastrolounge, a fresh gastropub experience opening in March.

Gaston County’s own Bailey Marie Griggs is set to take the stage at Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Uptown Charlotte! The rising country-pop artist has performed at legendary venues like the Apollo Theater and The Roxy and shared the stage with stars like Lainey Wilson and Eric Church. [WSOC]

Teens Changing Gaston County awarded $5,000 in grants to seven student-led projects supporting local nonprofits. From literacy programs to playground upgrades and animal welfare, these teens are making a difference. Their efforts reflect a commitment to community service and leadership, shaping a brighter future for Gaston County.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina at 2409 E. Franklin Blvd. has closed. A sign on the door announced the closure, but no further details were provided. The restaurant had been open since 2005.

Hosted by the City of Gastonia and Gastonia East Rotary Club, the free concerts will be held on May 1, May 29, Sept 18, and Oct 30. The first three concerts are at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion, with October’s event at CaroMont Health Park. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, and a kids' play area. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the series has raised over $225,000 for local charities!

Chocolate and Wine Pairing
📍The River Room in McAdenville
⏰6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy fine wines from Johnson Brothers expertly paired with artisan chocolates from JF Chocolatier at this exclusive pre-Valentine's event. Perfect for date night, Galentine’s, or a treat-yourself evening. More Details.

Matt Mathews: Boujee On A Budget Tour
📍The BOPlex in Charlotte
⏰7 p.m.
The viral comedian—known for his hilarious farm life stories, boudoir photography tales, and wildly popular “Confessions with Matt” series—brings his unfiltered humor to the stage. More Details.

90's Nostalgia Valentine's Party
📍The Rooster in Gastonia
⏰6 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s with a night of nostalgia, belting out hits from Backstreet Boys to Pearl Jam, Salt-N-Pepa to Blink-182. Whether you lived it or just love it, this throwback party is the ultimate trip down memory lane! More Details.

Adult Prom Night
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰7 - 11 p.m.
Get ready to relive the magic of prom—‘80s style! Dress up, dance the night away with DJ Baxter spinning throwback hits, snap fun photos, and compete for prom king & queen. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughter, and fun! More Details.

Belmont Abbey Players presents The Importance of Being Earnest
📍Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College
📆 February 14 - 23
⏰times vary
Audiences are invited to enjoy Oscar Wilde’s timeless satire, filled with wit, mistaken identities, and Victorian-era charm. The story follows Jack and Algernon as they navigate love and social expectations through hilariously deceptive antics. More Details.

Galentine's Party
📍Belletique in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Grab your besties and celebrate Galentine’s Day in style! Enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping new arrivals, sipping, and snacking. Don’t miss this chance to treat yourself and your friends! More Details.

Hearts at the Diamond: When Harry Met Sally
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰Dinner at 7 p.m.; Movie begins at 8 p.m.
Celebrate a romantic evening featuring a three-course meal, champagne, and a special screening of When Harry Met Sally on the big screen. Plus, couples receive two Ghost Peppers tickets for a mid-summer date in the 2025 season! More Details.

Pickin' On The Porch featuring JazzGroupProject
📍The Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰2 - 4 p.m.
Warm up this Valentine’s Day with live local music, bonfires, s’mores, and cozy vibes. Enjoy charcuterie, wine discounts, and a special performance of love songs by JazzGroupProject. More Details.

Dog Days of Winter
📍Whitewater in Charlotte
⏰10 a.m.
Celebrate winter with your furry friend at this fun-filled event! Enjoy a 5K trail race, adoption events, clinics, ice rink access, doggy vendors, and more activities for both dogs and their humans. More Details.

Daddy-Daughter Dance: Candyland Edition
📍Warlick YMCA in Gastonia
⏰6 - 9 p.m.
Step into a magical Candyland wonderland for an evening of fun, laughter, and sweet memories! Enjoy buffet-style hors d'oeuvres, dance to upbeat hits and slow songs, and create lasting memories with interactive games, prizes, and surprises. More Details.

Galentines Brunch & Shop
📍Traust Brewing Company in Mount Holly
⏰10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Gather your friends for a fabulous brunch featuring a Mimosa & Bloody Mary bar and shop from an amazing selection of curated vendors.  More Details.

February Plant Swap and Shop
📍Traust Brewing in Mount Holly
⏰12 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy a fun plant swap and shopping event! Bring plants to trade or shop for unique finds. Kid- and pet-friendly with great food, drinks, and plenty of parking. More Details.

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

Master Gardener Group of Gaston County presents Dr. Patrick McMillan
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
You’re invited to hear Dr. Patrick McMillan, Horticulturist for the Town of Cary and host of PBS’s Expeditions with Patrick McMillan, discuss how to incorporate native plants into your landscape—even with HOA restrictions—while benefiting wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies.  More Details.    

The 5th Annual CLT Donut Festival
📆 Sunday, March 9
📍Norfolk Hall in Charlotte
⏰1 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy a day of donuts, treats, and drinks with Tito's Bloody Marys, craft beer, hard seltzers, mimosas, and cocktails. Vendors include Beyond Amazing Donuts, Swirl Dessert Bar, and more. 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.

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