The Signs of Pre-Spring

The thaw is almost complete. At least that’s true on the north-facing side of my house, the stretch of yard that barely sees the sun all winter. One stubborn patch of snow and ice is still hanging on, days after our two winter storms.

I take it as a good sign. Or at least I want to. Spring is on its way. It won’t be long now.

They say spring travels north about 10 to 15 miles a day. If that’s true, it is still lingering along the coast of South Florida. We have a little more waiting to do.

But the hints will show up soon, if you’re paying attention.

First, the bright yellow burst of forsythia. Then the soft red haze of maples waking up. Dandelions will dot the lawn, and those persistent turf weeds like henbit and chickweed will quietly bloom as if they own the place.

And then there’s the time change. That one feels big. The light stretching later into the evening does something to you. It lifts the mood. It makes dinner feel less rushed. It reminds you that the dark does not last forever.

That is the beauty of spring. It carries hope. The only way out of winter is through it.

And we are almost there.

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

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🏆 GASTON COUNTY RANKED NO. 10 FOR MOVE-IN INTEREST

U.S. News & World Report ranked Gaston County the 10th most desirable county to move to in the nation, based on online move-in searches and migration trends. Cited for its proximity to Charlotte, lower cost of living, and solid employment outlook, Gaston joins a South-dominated top 10 list.

🗣️ STEVE D’AVRIA RESPONDS TO TOP 10 RANKING

In his Downtown Partners newsletter, Steve D’Avria, Senior Vice President of the Gaston Business Association, responds to U.S. News & World Report ranking Gaston County No. 10 and the online chatter that followed. His message: growth is coming, so let’s plan wisely and welcome it well.

💘 VALENTINE’S DINNER PLANS AT FRONT PORCH & PROVISIONS

Front Porch & Provisions in Dallas is offering a special Valentine’s menu crafted by Chef Will Bayrd. Guests can enjoy three courses for $35 per person or $59 per couple on Feb. 13 and 14. Add a personalized note for an extra thoughtful touch. Make your reservation today! ($)

🎨 AMERICA250 MURAL COMING TO BELMONT

Internationally known muralist Boyce McKinney of Stanley will paint an 8-by-20-foot America250 mural in downtown Belmont, honoring Major William Chronicle and the South Fork Boys. The project aims for a July 4 unveiling, with a $20,000 fundraising campaign now underway.

🔥 CHUBBY’S BBQ COMING TO KINGS MOUNTAIN

Chubby’s BBQ is bringing smoked meats and southern sides to Kings Mountain at 238 S. Cherokee St., the former Skillet location. The team hopes to open by late March and is now hiring for all positions. Downtown Kings Mountain is about to smell a whole lot better!

🏙️ MIC’S KITCHEN OWNER SHARES HER LOVE FOR GASTONIA

Erica Southers recently profiled Chyncia “Chyn” Rodgers, owner of Mic’s Kitchen in Downtown Gastonia, highlighting her heart for people and pride in the city. Rodgers says the sense of community is what she loves most. It is that personal touch, paired with delicious food, that keeps families coming back.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EXPEDIA CRUISES

✨YOU'RE INVITED TO BELMONT'S "SPRING INTO TRAVEL" EXPO✨

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

• Free Event, Real Value – Destination ideas, insider tips, and Expo-only deals. Ample free parking.

• Meet the Experts – 12 top suppliers including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Sandals, Virgin Voyages and more.

• Register Early Bonus – Extra raffle entry when you register before the event.

📍 52A Ervin Street (next to Primal Brewery)

Ready to plan your next adventure? REGISTER NOW➜

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, FEBRUARY 12

South Fork Run Club
📍 Confluence
⏰ 6:15 p.m.
Meet at Confluence every Thursday for a group run exploring downtown, Goat Island, and connecting trails. All paces welcome. Stick around afterward for trivia, drink specials, and a cold beer. More Details.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Through the Looking Glass: Telescope Party
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Enjoy a planetarium presentation, then view the night sky through telescopes with guidance from planetarium staff. Space is limited. More Details.

Scapino
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont Abbey College
📅 Friday, February 13 - Sunday, February 22
⏰ Times vary
Enjoy a theatrical performance of Scapino, blending classic comedy, movement, and lively storytelling. More Details.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Cars + Coffee: Valentine’s Day Edition
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservacy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
⏰ 8:30–10 a.m.
A free, family-friendly car meet welcoming all makes and models, with Valentine-themed perks and garden admission incentives. More Details.

Seed Starting
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 East Garrison Boulevard Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn practical techniques for starting seeds at home during this free, all-ages gardening program with Master Gardeners. More Details.

Roaring 20’s Adult Prom
📍 Confluence, 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
Dress Gatsby-style for a 21+ night of dancing, vintage flair, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres at Confluence South Fork. More Details.

Valentine’s Day Vino in the Village
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservacy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
Sip wine and stroll the gardens during this Valentine-themed evening experience. More Details.

Free Family Movie: Superman
📍 The Joy Theatre, Kings Mountain
⏰ 10 a.m.
Enjoy a free family movie at The Joy Theatre featuring Superman, with doors opening at 10 a.m., presented by Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate. More Details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

February Plant Swap & Shop
📍 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Swap plants or shop vendors at this free, family- and pet-friendly event hosted at Traust Brewing Company. More Details.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Spark Sessions
📍 Alchemy Coworking, 121 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Join an inclusive songwriting workshop led by Beth Gatlin and Madeline Swann, featuring a Valentine-themed collaborative love song. All ages and experience levels welcome. More Details.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Meet the Author: David Poston
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 East Garrison Boulevard Gastonia
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Local poet David Poston discusses his newest poetry collection during this adults-focused author talk and conversation. More Details.

Gaston County NCWorks Job Fair
📍 300 S. Firestone St., Suite 100A, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet multiple local employers, explore job openings, and connect with career resources at this free NCWorks-hosted job fair. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Singer/Songwriter Open Mic
📍 The Rooster, 334 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Share original music or enjoy live performances during weekly open mic night. More Details.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

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.

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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