As I was leaving Downtown Gastonia yesterday, every car going up and down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way was honking their horns.

I get it. And we don't need to get into it. The reason was political, and around here we don't do politics or drama. Not one bit.

But it did get me thinking.

There's something I love about "Honk if you love..." signs. They only leave room for one choice. If you love it, you honk. If you don't... well, silence is your vote, and that's kind of boring.

Downtown Gastonia has had plenty of things said about it over the years, many not so good. I've probably said a few of them myself.

But lately, it feels like every week brings something new.

Tavern 1899 is getting ready to open. The redevelopment of the historic Citizens National Bank is officially underway. The Piedmont Delicatessen opened its doors last week. And starting today, Downstairs Ice Cream begins serving customers from its beautiful new upstairs location.

So maybe today someone should stand on the corner with a sign that says, "Honk if you love ice cream."

Or, "Honk if you love a good Reuben."

Better yet...

"Honk if you love Downtown Gastonia."

I'd roll my window down for that one.

Not because every building is finished or every problem is solved. Far from it. But because downtown is finding its rhythm again. New businesses are taking chances. Old buildings are getting new life. People are showing up.

Sometimes it's okay to make a little noise for the place you call home.

So if you ever see someone standing on the corner of Main Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way holding a sign that says, "Honk if you love Downtown Gastonia," don't be shy. Give the horn a tap.

Yesterday, downtown was filled with the sound of people making a point. I'd love to hear it filled with the sound of people celebrating a place.

Now that's the kind of noise worth making. A joyful noise.

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After 20 months in its cozy basement location on Main Avenue in Downtown Gastonia, Downstairs Ice Cream will be moving to a larger space at 111 E. Main Ave. The shop plans a soft opening at its new location today!

The first sunflower has opened at Lineberger's Farm, a sign that the field could reach peak bloom in the next 5 to 7 days. While drought conditions have resulted in shorter plants this year, visitors can still expect plenty of color just in time for Fourth of July photos and family outings.

Want to make better coffee at home? The Wandering Cup in Belmont is hosting a Home Barista Workshop on July 15, teaching coffee basics, espresso extraction, grinder selection, milk steaming, and more. The beginner-friendly class includes hands-on demonstrations, Q&A, and a take-home cheat sheet. Spots are limited, so reserve yours early. ($)

This month marks 25 years since the owners of Viva Tequis first opened a restaurant in Downtown Gastonia. What began as Tequilas Mexican Grill has evolved over the years, but the family-owned business remains a longtime fixture in the heart of downtown.

After four decades of serving Gaston County, White's Restaurant may be gone, but the memories remain. A community celebration honoring Mary and Carroll White will be held July 18 at Crossroads Church in Belmont, giving longtime customers and friends a chance to share stories, reconnect, and offer a proper farewell that COVID never allowed.

The former Curry restaurant space on East Franklin Boulevard has a new tenant. Nawab Kabab Grill & Bar is now serving authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine, featuring halal kababs, curries, biryani, fresh naan, and a Sunday buffet for Gaston County diners looking to spice things up. 

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

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tuesday (6/30) — Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (7/1) — Lexington Legends @ 12:30 p.m.
Thursday (7/2) — Lexington Legends @ 7 p.m.

PLAN AHEAD

Summer Art Film Series: Frida Kahlo
📍 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch, Gastonia
📅 Monday, July 6
⏰ 6 p.m.
Presented by the Gaston County Museum of Art & History and hosted by the Gaston County Public Library, this free documentary explores the life, art and enduring legacy of Frida Kahlo, one of the world's most celebrated and influential artists. More Details. 

Monthly Job Fair
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Connect with local employers, explore job opportunities, and network with hiring managers at this monthly workforce development event. More Details.

Mount Holly Fireworks Celebration
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music from Groove Machine, food trucks, a kids zone, and a fireworks show after dark. Bring a chair and celebrate summer. More Details.

The Art of Poetry
📍 The Esquire Hotel, Gastonia
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
An evening of spoken word and poetry featuring an open mic for writers, performers, and poetry lovers. More Details

Fire & Ice Science Show
📍 The Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 1:00 p.m.
Watch hot and cold collide through exciting science demonstrations featuring reactions, transformations, and hands-on learning for all ages. More Details

Bessemer City Alive! Concert & Fireworks
📍 Centennial Park, Bessemer City
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music from On The Border followed by a fireworks show as part of the Bessemer City Alive! summer concert series. More Details.

Llama Trek
📍 The Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Take a guided woodland walk with a llama or alpaca while learning about these fascinating animals. Advance tickets required. More Details

Gaston County Master Gardeners present “You Can Grow It Here!”
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Learn how to grow unusual edible plants including ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and more. Suitable for all ages. More Details.

Lowell Fourth of July Celebration
📍 McCord Family Park, Lowell
⏰ 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate with free food, live music, games, activities, and community information booths during this family-friendly gathering. More Details.

Triumphant Quartet
📍 Hampton Homestead Farm, Gastonia
⏰ 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of Southern gospel music featuring the nationally known Triumphant Quartet. More Details.

Cherryville Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Bill Edwards Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with food vendors, inflatables, a gaming truck, speakers, music, and family-friendly activities. More Details.

Cramerton Independence Day Celebration
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
Live music from Coming Up Brass, food vendors, family activities, and one of Cramerton's largest fireworks displays. More Details.

Movie in the Park: The Incredibles
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy a free outdoor showing of The Incredibles under the stars in downtown Belmont. More Details

Meet the Author: Ashley Manley
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
Belmont author Ashley Manley discusses her latest novel, The History Between, with books available for purchase. More Details

Movie Wednesday: Jurassic Park
📍 Lowell Branch Library, Lowell
⏰ 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy the classic dinosaur adventure Jurassic Park with complimentary popcorn provided. All ages welcome. More Details

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰6:00 p.m. - 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.

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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