Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Here we go again—bringing you a fresh dose of good news from Gaston County! You won’t find crime or politics here. There are plenty of places that cover that. At Hello, Gaston!, we keep things upbeat, celebrating the people, places, and stories that make our community shine.

And nothing shines quite like a plate of fried flounder and hushpuppies from Twin Tops Fish Camp. 

That iconic duo just landed a spot on Our State magazine’s list of 11 Classic Comfort Food Combinations in the February 2025 issue. (Thanks Reine!)

When I moved to town nearly 25 years ago, fish camps were everywhere. As Gaston County has grown and changed, many have disappeared - with only about a dozen remaining.

So this reminder is for all of us. Me included. 

We all love the excitement of something new—and we talk about it often in this newsletter. But with Villa Roma closing after 50 years, let’s remember to support the longtime local restaurants that have stood the test of time.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who doesn’t know what a fish camp is!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

SOUTHERN ARTISAN SPIRITS OPENS NEW DISTILLERY & RESTAURANT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN

Southern Artisan Spirits, award-winning makers of Cardinal Gin, have opened a 10,000 sq. ft. distillery and restaurant at 1033 York Road in Kings Mountain! Owned by twins Charlie and Alex Mauney, this family-run business blends tradition and innovation. Visit Wednesday-Sunday to enjoy signature cocktails, stunning views, and locally crafted spirits!

GASTONIA’S TOP 5 FOR 2025: INNOVATION, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Exciting things are coming to Gastonia in 2025! From the Schiele Museum's massive dinosaur exhibit to expanded greenways, the Linwood Park project, a Real Time Crime Center, and smart water/electric meters, big changes are on the way. Discover Gastonia's "Top 5 for 2025" and learn more on the city’s website!

KEEPSAKE BREWERY NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW BREWERY IN AMERICA!

Gastonia’s own Keepsake Brewery is up for USA TODAY’s “Best New Brewery” title! Vote daily until February 24th to help them secure a top spot. Winners will be announced March 5th. Let’s support this local gem! Vote here!

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FOR GASTON COUNTY ART SHOW

Gaston College and the Gaston County Art Guild are teaming up to host the annual Senior High School Art Exhibition. High school seniors from public, private, and home schools can submit one artwork in any medium—no entry fee! Cash prizes and ribbons awarded.

CHERRYVILLE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

The Larry & Carolyn Community Recreation Center is officially open! Honoring the late Larry Summer and his wife Carolyn, the new facility features a full-size gym for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Mayor Beam praised the Summer family’s generosity, calling it a game-changer for Cherryville. [Lincoln Times-News]

MAYWORTH’S PUBLIC HOUSE REOPENING WITH A FRESH NEW LOOK

Mayworth’s Public House in Cramerton is back and better than ever! Enjoy a refreshed dining space, updated décor, and an enhanced menu—all with the same great service you love. The Grand Reopening begins on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Stop by and see (and taste) the exciting changes!

BELMONT ABBEY BASKETBALL PLAYER STAYS STRONG AFTER FAMILY’S LOSS IN WILDFIRE

After losing his family home in the devastating Eaton Fire in Southern California, Belmont Abbey basketball player Brian Carter Jr. remains focused on school and the game. With support from his team, faith, and community, he continues to push forward, proving resilience both on and off the court. [Queen City News]

THESE SHELTER DOGS NEED YOUR HELP!

Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement (GCACE) has a group of pups who’ve been in the shelter over 30 days—too long for their well-being. Extended stays lead to stress, anxiety, and health issues. As an open-intake shelter handling 300-400 calls weekly, space is limited. GCACE needs adopters, fosters, volunteers, and rescue partners to help. Can you lend a hand?

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

Comedy Open Mic
📍Durty Bull in Gastonia
⏰8 p.m.
Ready for laughs? Bring your best jokes or just enjoy the show at this weekly open mic night. Free to watch, free to perform, and always a fun time. More Details.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Friday Night Live Music featuring Michael Cansler
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰7 - 9 p.m.
Bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy an evening of incredible performances by talented artists. More Details.

Friday Night Glow Party
📍​Altitude Trampoline Park in Gastonia
📆 Friday (1/31) and Saturday (2/1)
⏰7 p.m.
Your teens are invited to jump under neon lights, vibe to great music, and make unforgettable memories this Friday and Saturday night. More Details.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Cars and Coffee in the Park
📍Martha River's Park in Gastonia
⏰8 - 11 a.m.
Rev up for a day of fun and admiration! Bring your pride and joy to showcase or admire incredible rides at this car enthusiasts' gathering. More Details.       

Chili Cook-Off at Papa Doc's
📍3990 Charlotte Hwy in Lake Wylie, SC
⏰12 p.m.
Enter Lake Wylie’s Chili Contest for $25 or taste and vote for $5. Help crown the best chili! Prizes awarded. Spots are limited! More Details.

Drum Circle with DeeAnn Macomson
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰5 p.m.
Join us for a vibrant drum circle led by DeeAnn Macomson. No experience needed—equipment provided. Connect, unwind, and explore your creativity in a fun, rhythmic evening! More Details.

Frigid Trail Race & Plunge
📍Whitewater Center in Charlotte
⏰8 - 11 a.m.
Brave the cold with a 5K or 10K trail race, then take the plunge into the Deep Water Solo pool. Your winter adventure awaits! More Details.

Misfit Market
📍The Rooster in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover handcrafted oddities, art, and collectibles at this makers market. Join the growing Misfit community—where everyone is welcome! More Details.    

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

All You Can Eat Oyster Roast
📍Traust Brewing Company in Mount Holly
⏰1 p.m.
Enjoy 2 hours of all-you-can-eat oysters for $50, plus a drink of your choice! (21+ for alcohol.) Regular menu available. More Details.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Lift Your Spirit Film Series featuring The Fall Guy
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 East Garrison Boulevard) in Gastonia
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
Join us for a free showing of The Fall Guy! Follow a stuntman’s wild journey to find a missing movie star, uncover a conspiracy, and win back his love—all while surviving his action-packed day job. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and more! More Details.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

LitFlix:Kids featuring Holes
📍Belmont Bookshop in Belmont
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
This monthly book club will feature the 1998 banned book Holes and its 2003 movie adaptation starring Shia LeBeouf! Perfect for young readers, this mystery-adventure combo brings the story to life. Ages 8+ recommended. Kids must be with an adult.. More Details.

PLAN AHEAD

2025 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Gaston County
📍Lineberger Park Pool in Gastonia
📆 Saturday, February 22
⏰10 a.m.
This fun event invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to brave icy waters in support of local athletes. Participants must meet a fundraising minimum to plunge, with extra incentives for those who raise more. Find your freeze and make a difference! 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

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!