Tony’s vs. Downstairs? The Real Winners Are Us

In my book, there’s no such thing as a bad hot dog, pizza, or ice cream. At worst, they’re simply good.

Speaking of ice cream, congratulations to Downstairs Ice Cream for winning the Gaston Gazette’s Best Ice Cream poll. In a surprise twist, they edged out the century-old Tony’s by nearly a hundred votes.

Tony’s fans quickly took to social media defending the 100-year-old brand. I get it - it’s been the powerhouse for so long. I was as shocked as anyone to see it come in second. But this isn’t about “Downstairs good, Tony’s bad.” I love both! Each offers a unique experience.

Tony’s is classic Gaston County. It’s a great spot to people-watch, whether from folks standing in the wrong line to newcomers asking for a lid on a milkshake. And don’t skip the food. Many of my family’s McAdenville Christmas trips have ended with a stop at Tony’s.

Downstairs Ice Cream is a different kind of charm. Nearly every time, Trip Mazzucco greets you the moment he can see your head as you make it down the stairs. He and his wife Megan keep it simple: homemade ice cream and waffle cones. No toppings, no milkshakes, just some of the best scoops around.

Their September menu just dropped, and while I’ll miss August’s Key Lime Pie, I have to say, the Apple Cider Doughnut has my attention this month.

Let me give you the real scoop: Tony’s can be great, and so can Downstairs. I’ll happily hold a cone from each at the same time. Dare me!

In the ice cream skirmish of 2025, if you even want to call it that, it’s the people of Gaston County that are the real winners.

Thanks to everyone who filled out last week’s survey. It gave me a helpful snapshot of who’s reading and what you enjoy most. I’ll be digging into the feedback over the next few weeks. Most of all, thank you for supporting me through the first full year of Hello, Gaston! I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍕 TAVERN 1899 COMING TO DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

The former Freeman’s Pub spot will soon transform into Tavern 1899, serving pasta, pizza, and pints. Operated by the Pita Wheel team, it’s located in the historic Robinson-Gardner Building (1899), a Renaissance Revival landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. A Facebook commenter noted the name ties back to the building’s origins. City Council approved a façade grant Tuesday night.

🥗 RAMS KITCHEN BRINGS HEALTHY SOUL TO GASTONIA 

RAMS Kitchen (Really Amazing Meals with Soul) is one of Gaston County’s best-kept secrets! Inside Third Street Presbyterian Church, they serve fresh, affordable meals and provide nutrition education, cooking demos, and a Food as Medicine program. Check out their schedule and menu this week. (HINT: Thursday’s turkey burger is worth a trip!)

🐾 LOW TURNOUT LEAVES GASTON SHELTER FULL

Gaston County’s “Clear the Shelter” event saw just 39 adoptions, leaving nearly 200 animals still in care. Free adoptions are extended through this Saturday, Sept. 6 as officials urge fostering, volunteering, and microchipping to ease the shelter’s load. [Gaston Gazette]

🎨 FINISH IT FOR ELLA IN BESSEMER CITY

The Ella May Wiggins Memorial Committee is close to funding a 52’x16’ mural honoring the labor activist and the community’s textile history. International muralist Osiris Rain will create the piece. Just $2,224 remains to reach the $20,000 goal.

🎙️ FORGAN SHARES JOURNEY ON GASTON’S GREAT

Last week’s episode of the Gaston’s Great podcast featured John Forgan, who shares his journey from Cleveland’s steel mills to Gaston County’s farms and textiles. He reflects on adapting to change, building relationships, and why resilience and community remain the foundation of his 35-year banking and leadership career. 

🍦 DOWNSTAIRS ICE CREAM SCOOPS BEST IN TOWN

Downstairs Ice Cream has quickly climbed to the top, winning “Best Ice Cream in Gaston County” in the Gaston Gazette readers’ poll. Opened this spring by Megan and Trip Mazzucco, the downtown Gastonia shop serves 16 rotating flavors—simple, fresh, and family-made. I’ll be there this month to try the Apple Cider Doughnut ice cream! 

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨CHARGE AHEAD FOR EDUCATION AT GASTON'S RHINO RUN✨

Be part of Gaston College's Rhino Run for Education on Saturday, September 27 – where community fun creates real impact for local students!

• Choose Your Event – run a certified 5K with professional timing or enjoy a relaxed 2K family walk.

• Direct Your Impact – Choose where your entry fee goes: Gaston College, Gaston County Schools, Lincoln County Schools, or Lincoln Charter School

• Community Celebration – Live WSGE Radio entertainment, delicious food truck options, refreshing beverages, and victory recognition for top 5K finishers

Ready to run for education? REGISTER FOR RHINO RUN TODAY → 

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4  

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop seasonal produce, baked goods, and locally made items in the heart of Belmont. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, fresh meats, baked goods, and flowers from nearby farmers. More Details.

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine & Conversation
📍 Rycon Construction, 156 S South Street, Suite 101A, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Coffee, networking, and community conversation with local leaders, residents, and business stakeholders. Coffee/social at 9:30, meeting begins at 10. More Details.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

 Friday Night Football
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ times vary
- Ashbrook at Northwest Cabarrus
- Bandys at Kings Mountain
- Concord at North Gaston
- East Gaston at Burns
- Hunter Huss at North Mecklenburg
- Lincolnton at Cherryville
- Shelby at Highland Tech
- Smoky Mountain at Forestview
- South Point at T.C. Roberson
- West Lincoln at Bessemer City

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

Gaston County Cars & Coffee
📍 Martha Rivers Park, Gastonia
⏰ 8–11 a.m.
Monthly meet-up for auto enthusiasts to showcase rides, swap stories, and enjoy coffee together. More Details.

The Belmont Abbey Players present Abbey Lane
📍 Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
🗓️ Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September 7
⏰ times vary
Student-led theater production from the Abbey Players bringing stories to life on stage. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers direct from local farms. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Live at Patriots Park: Rivermist
📍 Liberty Falls Amphitheatre, Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 p.m.
Free summer concert featuring Rivermist. Food trucks and drinks available—perfect for a night out. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the region’s largest farmers markets with fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and more. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 8 - 10 a.m.
Capture the beauty of the gardens with tips from photography experts. More Details.

Misfit Market
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Unique vendors and live music highlight this alternative market event. More Details.

Youth Fishing Derby
📍 Goat Island Park, Cramerton
⏰ 7 - 10 a.m.
Kids test their fishing skills in this fun derby on Goat Island. More Details.

Gaston Pottery Festival
📍 McCord Family Park, 100 W 1st St, Lowell
⏰ 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Local ceramic artists showcase one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. Enjoy Throw The Day Away’s studio birthday celebration, live demos, and tours. More Details.

Plant Swap & Sell
📍 Falls Family Farms, 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring plants to trade or sell, or just shop. Free vendor and community event at the farm. More Details.

MAKE ’m SMILE North Carolina
📍 800 W. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free, family-friendly festival celebrating kids and adults with special needs—our VIPs—with games, animals, character meet-and-greets, resource exhibitors, and community partners. More Details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
 📍 EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville
 ⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Regular season opener on the road in Florida.

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Weekly market with vendors, live music, food trucks, full bar, and family fun. More Details.

Harvest Moon Full Moon SUP
📍 Anchored Soul, Belmont
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Guided stand-up paddle under the full Harvest Moon. Rentals $30; free if bringing your own board. More Details.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to explore exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on science fun at The Schiele. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from local farmers. 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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