The sign actually read, “Eat Here. Get Gas.” Not “Eat Food, Get Gas,” as I originally shared Monday.

Field correspondent Mike H. not only identified the correct town, Kinston, after my memory failed me, but he also had a picture to prove it.

From what I could determine online, the Rightway gas station changed its signs and branding around 2016. The sign I remembered is no longer there.

Thank goodness Mike took a picture.

In 1996, most of us didn’t carry cameras around in our pockets. Unless you had the word “photographer” in front of your name, cameras usually came out for vacations, birthdays, graduations, Christmas mornings and other occasions worth documenting.

You didn’t waste film on every curious thing you passed along the highway. (Like “Thrift Store Ice Cream.”) 

If something caught your eye, you made a mental note and, if you were lucky, remembered it.

Nearly 30 years later, I remembered the sign. I just didn’t remember it correctly.

Thankfully, Mike had the receipt. Or, in this case, the photograph.

“Eat Here. Get Gas.”

Mystery solved. Memory corrected. And another little piece of North Carolina roadside history preserved because someone decided it was worth a picture.

Consider this a reminder to take the shot. What catches your eye today may be gone tomorrow.

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Visit restaurants, shops and attractions across Gaston County while collecting exclusive dinosaur trading cards through December 31. Pick up a map at The Schiele Museum or any participating location, gather your crew and follow the Dino Trail for prehistoric fun. [GoGastonNC]

Mount Holly Nights brings live music and an America 250 drone show to its downtown on Friday, September 11. Garrett Huffman opens at 6 p.m., followed by the Zac Brown tribute band, 20 Ride, at 7 p.m. The free event also features food trucks, beer, vendors and a $5 kids zone.

Tomorrow’s your last chance to win two tickets to the Ghost Peppers’ Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, September 10. Watch Gastonia face Lexington at 7 p.m. in its final regular-season home game. Entries close Friday, September 4, at 3 p.m. Enter today!

Spruced Goose Station will temporarily close Monday, September 14, while Holy Angels prepares to refresh the McAdenville location. The food, coffee and mission guests love will remain, but with a new look. The grand reopening is Wednesday, September 30, at 10 a.m.

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement’s pet pantry is empty, leaving families without a source of pet food. The donation-supported pantry urgently needs wet and dry cat food, though dog food is also welcome. Donations may be made online or dropped off in person. [WBTV]

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.

Thursday (9/3) - High Point Rockers @ 7 p.m.
Friday (9/4) - High Point Rockers @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (9/5) - High Point Rockers @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (9/6) - High Point Rockers @ 1 p.m.

Sunday (9/13) - Chicago Bears (1 p.m., FOX) | Week 1

2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South Street, Gastonia
⏰ Registration at 9 a.m. | Ceremony and walk at 10 a.m.
Walk together to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s while raising awareness and funds for research, care and family support across our three local counties. More Details.

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30 a.m.
Meet local business leaders, residents, stakeholders and public servants for coffee and conversation focused on Downtown Gastonia’s community, businesses and future. More Details.

Mustard Seed Mercantile September Sale
📍 2758 E. Ozark Ave., Gastonia
⏰ Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Shop a curated collection of antiques, vintage treasures and consigned home décor during Mustard Seed Mercantile’s monthly sale, including Wednesday’s Sip and Shop event. More Details. 

September Nights feat. Tangerine Trees
📍 220 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy a free outdoor performance by Tangerine Trees as Kings Mountain’s September Nights concert series returns downtown. More Details.

First Methodist Church Mt. Holly Cruise-In
📍 140 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
See custom cars, trucks and other standout rides while enjoying a relaxed community gathering, food and a 50/50 raffle open to everyone of all ages. More Details. 

Learning for Littles
📍 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 9 a.m.
Children ages 0–4 and their caregivers can enjoy a free outdoor nature experience featuring a story, puppets and a hands-on activity. More Details.

Yoga in the Garden
📍 126 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 7 p.m.
Practice mindful movement, breathing and relaxation during an outdoor seasonal yoga class designed to support balance and restoration. All levels are welcome. More Details.

River Wars at Carolina Speedway
📍 6355 Union Road, Gastonia
⏰ 8 p.m.
Spend your Labor Day weekend watching drivers battle on the dirt track during an action-packed night of racing at Carolina Speedway. More Details.

Cars & Coffee in the Park
📍 1515 Neal Hawkins Road, Gastonia
⏰ 8 a.m.
Car enthusiasts can display their rides, admire vehicles of every make and model and connect with fellow drivers during this Saturday gathering. More Details.

2026 Literary Festival
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate books and storytelling with author readings, story times, signings, panel discussions, live entertainment, contests and prizes during this free festival. More Details.

Bluegrass Night Featuring Crystal Fountains
📍 52 Ervin Street, Belmont
⏰ 7–9:30 p.m.
Crystal Fountains brings live bluegrass music to Primal Brewery for a free evening featuring local craft beer, food and plenty of good company. More Details.

Real Taste of Jamaica
📍 Veronét Vineyards & Winery, 1549 Ike Brooks Dr., Kings Mountain
⏰ Noon–5:30 p.m.
Enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine from Real Taste of Jamaica while sipping wine and taking in the mountain views at Veronét Vineyards & Winery Saturday. More Details. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Sunday Paddle & Primal Social
📍 170 Lake Mist Drive, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.
Enjoy a relaxed 90-minute social paddle before heading to Primal Brewery in Belmont. Equipment rentals are available, and advance reservations are required. More Details.

Live Music feat. David Childers & The Serpents
📍 Keepsake Brewery, 211 S. Columbia St., Gastonia
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Spend Sunday afternoon at Keepsake Brewery enjoying live music from Mount Holly singer-songwriter David Childers and The Serpents in Downtown Gastonia from 3–6 p.m. 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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