Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

So my in-laws recently took my advice and hit up The Moose Cafe in Asheville—right by the Western NC Farmers Market off I-40. This place is known for serving up biscuits the size of your face, with a side of apple butter that’ll make you rethink breakfast.

My mother-in-law texted me later, raving about their “apple sauce.” Bless her heart—she’s a Northern gal, but I had to step in fast. You can’t be out here mixing up apple butter and apple sauce. Folks around these parts notice things like that… and they will talk.

Then, with biscuits still on my brain, I stumbled across an old Our State magazine roundup compiling the best biscuits in North Carolina. Naturally, I had to check—did any spot from Gaston County make the list?

One did. And not the place you’d expect.

Tony’s Ice Cream. Yep. That legendary ice cream shop on Franklin Blvd. got recognized for their livermush biscuit.

Now, this list is from 2019—pre-COVID and practically prehistoric in biscuit years. (I mean, how many years actually make up a ‘biscuit year’?)

So I’m asking you, Gaston County: who’s really serving up the best biscuit these days? Let’s build our own list, one biscuit at a time!

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!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🌶️ GHOST PEPPERS BRING THE HEAT IN 2025

The Gaston Gazette gives us a first look at the 2025 Gastonia Ghost Peppers, who return tomorrow for their fifth ALPB season—and second under Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. After notching 83 wins last year, they’re back with a loaded roster and eyes on a championship. First pitch is 7 p.m. at CaroMont Health Park.

☕ NOW OPEN: HICKORY GROVE COFFEE ROASTERS

A new coffee shop has opened at 507a Woodlawn Street in North Belmont, across from Thirsty Dog. Hickory Grove Coffee Roasters offers fresh-brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and online ordering for quick pickup.

🎉 MIC’S KITCHEN CELEBRATES ONE YEAR

Mic’s Kitchen is turning one! Join them this Saturday (4/26) from 12 – 8 p.m. for their anniversary celebration. Enjoy local vendors, live music, drink specials, games, and more. Help celebrate one flavorful year of community, growth, and gratitude!

📅 SAVE THE DATE: SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

The 2nd Annual Small Business Expo is coming May 7, 2025, from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Gastonia! Connect with local business owners, explore unique products and services, and discover hidden gems. 

🙌🏼 APRIL GIVEAWAY: FREE HVAC MEMBERSHIP!

Erica Southers with BNT Realty is back with another monthly giveaway on Instagram! This month, win a free HVAC maintenance membership from Call Dad AC & Heating. Winner will be announced this Sunday (4/27). Keep your system running strong all year!

🌿 DANIEL STOWE CONSERVANCY REBRANDS FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Fresh off last week’s big rebrand announcement, CEO John Searby hosts members of the BooneOakley team on the Queen City Green podcast to talk about the transformation of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden into Daniel Stowe Conservancy. The new name highlights a deeper commitment to conservation and education, and the team explains how the rebrand helps protect 380 acres of natural beauty in Belmont.

🥖 PENN STATION OPENS APRIL 28 IN SOUTH GASTONIA

Penn Station is opening this Monday (4/28) at 2950 Union Rd in Gastonia. Enjoy hot grilled subs, fresh-cut fries with malt vinegar, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The grilled Italian sub is a fan favorite you won’t want to miss!

🍽️ TONY’S ICE CREAM NAMED A TOP BISCUIT SPOT

Tony’s Ice Cream in Gastonia made Our State magazine’s 2019 list of “24 Places to Get Your Biscuit Fix” thanks to its legendary livermush biscuits. A true local favorite, they’re a must-try for any Southern breakfast lover! What other Gaston County spots are serving up top-tier biscuits? Let us know!

📰  QUICK BITES

🟡 The Gaston County Museum’s new exhibit, Summer in the Carolinas, opens April 29 and features 10 local artists.

🟡 Craig Graves sits down with brewer Jordan Doctor on YouTube to share how Durty Bull Brewing came to life in Gastonia’s Fuse District.

🟡 Big Lots reopens in Gastonia on May 1 and Belmont on May 15. Expect new layouts, more apparel, and bigger closeout savings.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Belmont Farmers Market this event has been cancelled
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
📅 Every Thursday (April - October)
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
Stop by to purchase local fruits, veggies, sustainably-raised meat, fresh baked goods, and unique crafts. More Details.

Trivia Night at Cavendish Brewery
📍207 N Chester St, Gastonia
⏰7 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions. Gather your team, grab a pint, and show off your smarts. Free to play.  More Details.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Cherryville's Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
📍 Uptown Cherryville
📅 Friday, April 25 - Saturday, April 26
⏰ times vary
Celebrate spring at Cherryville’s beloved festival! Stroll through charming streets with local vendors, food, live music, carnival rides, and activities for all ages. The Cherry Blossom Festival brings the community together for a colorful kickoff to warmer weather. More Details

Cramerton Music & Movie featuring David Childers & The Serpents + Sonic 3
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6 – 10:30 p.m.
Bring your chairs and picnic blankets for an unforgettable evening under the stars! Enjoy the powerful sounds of David Childers & The Serpents at 6:00 p.m., followed by an outdoor showing of Sonic 3 at 8:15 p.m. Food trucks, family fun, and great local vibes all evening long. More Details

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. York Revolution  (3 game-series)
📍Caromont Health Park, Gastonia
📆 Friday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26
⏰times vary
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers are ready for their season opener at CaroMont Health Park! They’ll take on the York Revolution in a three-game series to kick off their fifth year in the Atlantic League. More Details.

Arbor Day Celebration
📍Mount Holly Municipal Complex
⏰11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy a tree giveaway, food truck, family activities, and a special proclamation celebrating the importance of caring for our environment. More Details.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Mountaineer Rumble Half Marathon Race & 5K
📍Kings Mountain State Park
⏰9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This race takes you through historic battlegrounds and scenic trails in Kings Mountain. A rewarding challenge for both new and experienced trail runners, with beautiful views and custom medals.  More Details. 

Tuck Fest 
📍 Whitewater Center, Charlotte
📅 Friday, April 25 - Sunday, April 27
⏰ times vary
Celebrate outdoor adventure with races, clinics, and live music! Join outdoor enthusiasts for trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding in a vibrant festival atmosphere. More Details

Run Mount Holly 5K & 10K
📍 100 E Central Ave, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.
Hit the pavement in downtown Mount Holly during this fun and scenic 5K and 10K. Open to runners and walkers of all levels, the race benefits the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation and highlights the city’s charming streets and trails. More Details.

Family Movie Morning
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 E Garrison Blvd.), Gastonia
⏰10:30 a.m.
Bring the family for a fun morning movie featuring Disney’s Secret of the Wings, a magical adventure starring Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. More Details.

Bessemer City Alive featuring Too Much Sylvia
📍 Bessemer City Centennial Park
⏰ 4 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy a full cruise-in car show featuring vintage rides and hot rods, followed by a high-energy concert from Too Much Sylvia. More Details

Garibaldi Festival
📍Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰12 - 9 p.m.
Experience a vibrant day filled with Plein Air artists, local artisan vendors, live music, delicious food trucks. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
📅 Saturday’s only in April
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April - October)
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Sip-N-Savor Music Fest 
📍 Dallas Park
⏰ 11 a.m.
Enjoy amazing food and live music featuring R&B legend Howard Hewett and Atlanta's Londee the Artist! There will be food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, and a kids' splash pad for family fun. More Details

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
📅 Every Saturday (April - October)
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. More Details.

Pickin’ on the Porch
📍 Trailhead Store, Belmont
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
Soak up the sounds of local talent at this laid-back music series on the Trailhead Store porch. Enjoy rotating musical acts and sip on lattes, cider, wine, or beer while you relax. More Details.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍716 Old Stubbs Road, Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy sheep riding, calf riding, steer riding, amateur and open bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

Dallas NC Farmers Market
📍 Sandcastle Farms, Dallas
📅 Various Sundays through the growing season
⏰ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy Sunday brunch, local vendors, food trucks, and The Bar serving beer, wine, and mimosas! More Details.

MONDAY, APRIL 28

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. High Point Rockers (3 game-series)
📍Caromont Health Park, Gastonia
📆 Monday, April 28 - Tuesday, April 29
⏰times vary - - More Details.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

Conference Carolinas Baseball Championship 
📍CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📆 Wednesday, April 30 - Monday, May 5
⏰ 1 - 8 p.m.
Watch top collegiate teams battle for the championship title! This exciting tournament featuresg high-stakes competition and incredible talent in a great ballpark atmosphere. More Details

PLAN AHEAD

Fourth Annual Cramerton Legacy of Golf Tournament
📍 Cramer Mountain Club, Cramerton
⏰ 8 a.m.
Tee up for a cause! This premier golf tournament is limited to 100 players. Register by May 28 to secure your spot. Proceeds benefit the Cramerton Historical Society and Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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