One day you’re open. The next day, you’re closed. For good.

That’s how it unfolded Monday as I scrolled through Facebook. Painted Tree Boutiques, the 40,000+ sq. ft. store tucked into Franklin Square between Books-A-Million and PetSmart, is now shut down.

Not just here in Gastonia. All 60-plus locations across the country closed abruptly on Monday.

Employees are out of work. Vendors, many of whom invested time, money, and inventory into their booths, are now scrambling to retrieve their merchandise and figure out what comes next.

It caught everyone off guard. You know how I know? There was a Ladies Night shopping event scheduled for tonight, featuring live music, refreshments, and giveaways. Not now.

Gaston County loves to celebrate the openings. We don’t talk enough about the closings. But this is part of it.

But hope is already starting to emerge. The community is stepping in. 

Steve D’Avria, who helps lead the Positive Growth for Downtown Gastonia Facebook group, put out a call to action on Wednesday morning. His message was simple: let’s find space for these vendors and bring that energy to Downtown Gastonia. Let’s take a negative and turn it into a positive.

And people responded.

As of now, the thread is filled with comments, shares, ideas, and offers. Vendors are looking for new spaces. Business owners are offering it. Folks are tagging connections and pointing to potential opportunities. It’s equal parts shock and momentum.

No one knows exactly how this will shake out.

But if that thread is any indication, something good just might come out of it. 

And as always, thank YOU for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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Matt Stephens, an Instagram influencer known for exploring North Carolina’s small towns and downtowns, made a stop at Bolton’s Curbside Cookery in Mount Holly to try a burger many call the best in the state. His verdict? You’ll have to watch, but Bolton’s Curbside Cookery is getting plenty of buzz.

Laresa Thompson’s latest edition of Gastonia City Sights spotlights Ride-A-Bike in Downtown Gastonia, one of North Carolina’s oldest bike shops. From tune-ups to new rides and e-bikes, they keep you rolling. And don’t miss Woody, the shop’s friendly four-legged greeter.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Gastonia Ghost Peppers Opening Night game against the High Point Rockers on April 24 at 7 p.m. at CaroMont Health Park. This one’s just for Hello Gaston! subscribers only. Contest ends Sunday. Winner will be drawn Monday. Enter now! ($)

Longtime Schiele Museum Director Dr. Ann Tippitt will retire later this year after nearly four decades with the City of Gastonia. Since becoming director in 2005, she led major expansions, fundraising efforts, and helped elevate the museum’s reputation across the region and beyond. [Wise News Network]

The Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia is hosting a free plant giveaway and open house this Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 406 E. Franklin Blvd. Stop by, grab plants while they last, and learn how you can get your hands dirty this season by leasing a garden bed of your own.

Gaston County Tourism is spotlighting some of the area’s best trails, from Crowders Mountain’s scenic overlooks to greenways in Belmont, Cramerton, and Mount Holly. Whether you are hiking, biking, or strolling, it is easy to explore the outdoors right here close to home.

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

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

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

6th Annual Take A Swing at Pediatric Cancer Golf Tournament
📍 Cramer Mountain Club, 101 Hidden Pastures Dr., Cramerton
📅 Monday, May 4
⏰ 7:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. shotgun start
Join a 4-person captain’s choice tournament supporting Strong Like AK programs, providing housing, financial help, and comfort experiences for families facing childhood cancer. More Details.

Gaston Business Association - Small Business Expo
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, 145 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia
📅 Wednesday, May 6
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Connect with local businesses, explore services, and meet entrepreneurs at this free community expo hosted by Gaston Business Association. Vendors range from established companies to rising startups. More Details.

The Master Gardener Group presents Connecting Community Issues to Horticultural Solutions
📍 1303 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
Hear horticulture agent Payton Flowers share how research-based gardening practices can address community challenges like food access, mental health, and population growth in meaningful ways. More Details. 

Small Business Networking Event
📍 Muddy River Distillery, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Network with Mount Holly businesses during this quarterly event featuring speed networking, food from the host venue, and a relaxed evening open to everyone. More Details.

Thursday Social Paddle
📍 170 Lake Mist Drive, Belmont
⏰ 6:15–9 p.m.
This adults-only paddle includes 90 minutes on the water, optional SUP fitness moves, and social time afterward at a local Belmont hangout. More Details.

Professional Women’s Association presents Women 2 Women w/ Laura Little
📍 601 W. Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 8–9:30 a.m.
Hear Broadway producer Laura Little share her journey from community theatre roots to major productions during this small-group women’s leadership conversation. More Details.

Holy Angels Spring Plant Sale
📍 6600 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont
📅 Friday, April 17 - Saturday, April 18
⏰ times vary
Shop affordable flowers, herbs, and plants grown with care by Holy Angels residents while supporting horticulture therapy and hands-on learning opportunities. More Details.

Black Gold Sale
📍 3100 Duke Street, Gastonia
📅 Friday, April 17 - Saturday, April 18
⏰ times vary
Stock up on compost for your yard or garden during this cash-only sale. Scoops and bucket fills are available while supplies last. More Details.

Bessemer City Concert & Cruise-In feat. The TONEZ
📍 Downtown Bessemer City, Bessemer City
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music from The TONEZ during Bessemer City’s cruise-in evening with DJ Tim Johnson joining the fun. More Details.

Cramerton Concert & Movie Series feat. KRVE Band
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Enjoy a free double feature night with KRVE Band at 6 p.m. followed by an outdoor showing of Lilo & Stitch at 8:15 p.m. More Details.

House of Mercy presents the 31st Annual Walk for AIDS
📍 Sacred Heart Campus, Belmont
⏰ Check-in at 9 a.m., Walk starts at 10 a.m.
Join the community for the 31st Annual Walk for AIDS, supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. Registration is $30 and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Walk, then stay for a celebration. More Details.

Ranlo Community Yard Sale
📍 Ranlo Ball Field, Ranlo
⏰ 7–11 a.m.
Spend the morning bargain hunting or setting up your own sale during this free community yard sale tradition in Ranlo. More Details.

The Strawberry Stroll
📍 Lineberger’s Farm, Dallas
⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of strawberries, shopping, live music, food trucks, vendors, and springtime farm fun at Lineberger’s in Dallas. More Details.

River Hawk Races
📍 420 E. Central Avenue, Mount Holly
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Choose from a 10K, 5K, or kids dash during this Mount Holly race event celebrating movement, community, and the greenway by the river. More Details.

Earth Day Celebration
📍 Kings Mountain Gateway Trail, Kings Mountain
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with free family activities, live animals, dinosaurs, woodworking demos, a butterfly release, and trail walking in Kings Mountain. More Details.

Gaston County Master Gardeners presents Growing Herbs
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn how to grow herbs for cooking and pollinators during this practical gardening session with the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener group. More Details.

Movies In The Park feat. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor movie night in Downtown Belmont with a big screen, immersive sound, retro arcade games, and concessions. More Details.

Gastonia Architecture and History Appreciation Society Meet & Greet Story Swap
📍 Waterbean Coffee Exquisite, Gastonia
⏰ 2–4:30 p.m.
This organizing meet-and-greet invites local history and architecture lovers to brainstorm, swap stories, and share memorabilia in a casual Gastonia setting. More Details.

Gaston County Celebrates America 250 Trivia Night
📍 Durty Bull Brewing Company Gastonia, Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Test your Gaston County history knowledge during this free trivia night tied to America’s 250th celebration, with prizes for the winners. More Details.

Earth Day Celebration!
📍 Goat Island Park, Cramerton
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Start with a guided nature walk, then stick around for crafts, activities, and giveaways during this Earth Day gathering at Goat Island. More Details.

Earth Day Celebration
📍 203 McAdenville Road, Lowell
⏰ 4–5 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day in Lowell with fun crafts and activities designed for all ages during this family-friendly community event. 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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