Football, Fire Pits and the Promise of Fall
College football officially kicked off over the weekend. It always gets the jump on the NFL.
The NFL doesn’t care. It knows how to make you wait.
First, it teases you with the preseason, which is better than nothing during the long sports drought of July and August. Then the preseason ends, and the league makes you wait an additional week for the games that count.
Nobody builds anticipation for Week 1 quite like the NFL.
I know people love their college football. It’s never really been my thing, but I get why people love it. I’ve always leaned more toward the pros. They get the better viewing day (Sunday), and the games are generally more competitive.
July and August are traditionally slow sports months. While it’s too hot to do much outside, there isn’t much worth watching on TV either.
Then September arrives.
Football returns just as baseball begins its final stretch toward the playoffs. Is there a better time to be a sports fan? September and October more than make up for those dull summer months.
Pro football is comfort viewing in our house. It doesn’t matter who is playing or who is winning. As long as a game is on, all is right with the world.
Bonus points if Taylor Swift is sitting in her private VIP suite.
Football brings more than games with it. Just behind it are fall festivals, crisp nights around the fire pit and the return of soup simmering in the Crock-Pot.
Opening week of NFL football doesn’t mean fall is here, but it sure means it won’t be long.
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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)
🍂 WIN A GASTON COUNTY GETAWAY FOR TWO
Gaston County Tourism is giving away a two-night getaway featuring Hilton Garden Inn accommodations, admission to Daniel Stowe Conservancy and The Schiele Museum, plus $100 gift cards to Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Webb Custom Kitchen and Veronét Vineyards. Enter here to win big! [Our State Magazine]
🎃 FALL FUN RETURNS TO BELL FARM IN KINGS MOUNTAIN
Bell Farm Supply opens its 2026 pumpkin and corn maze season on Saturday, September 19. Families can pick pumpkins, navigate the corn maze, shop fall décor, enjoy food trucks and coffee, and play games at the Kings Mountain farm.
🏆 MUDDY RIVER EARNS STATEWIDE HONOR
Muddy River Distillery has been named NCRLA’s 2026 Distillery of the Year. The honor recognizes its team, locally made rum, cocktails and food, plus the experiences created inside its historic Mount Holly cotton mill.
🐴 BENEFIT RODEO RAISES $15,000 FOR TURNER MORRIS
A Bessemer City rodeo raised over $15,000 for 17-year-old Turner Morris, who suffered a broken neck during a June competition. After completing inpatient rehabilitation, Morris returned home and thanked supporters at Price’s Arena. [Wise News Network]
🍦 DOWNSTAIRS ICE CREAM THROWS GRAND OPENING PARTY
Downstairs Ice Cream is celebrating its move upstairs to 111 E. Main Avenue with a grand opening and end-of-summer party this Friday, September 11 . Enjoy Mic’s Kitchen, face painting, mystery prizes, double card stamps, a time capsule and a complimentary late-night champagne toast for guests 21 and older.
📰 QUICK BITES
🟡 Lotus Chophouse and Sushi Bar is reportedly moving to the former Rodi location behind Ashley Arms in Gastonia, where renovations are underway.
🟡 A book, a chair, and 30 minutes make Dick Ruhlman a hero every single week.
🟡 Josh Boswell went to Carolina Speedway for dirt-track racing, then raved about its dirty burger and fresh pork skins.
Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
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GO-SEE-DO GASTON
GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS (Upcoming Home Games)
Tuesday (9/8) - Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (9/9) - Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (9/10) - Lexington Legends @ 7 p.m.
PLAN AHEAD (SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12)
Strong Like AK 2nd Annual Low Country Boil
📍 2311 S. Point Road, Belmont
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy a Low Country boil and live music while helping Strong Like AK provide housing, financial assistance and comforting experiences for families facing childhood cancer. More Details.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Open Figure Drawing Session
📍 500 E. Central Ave., Mount Holly
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Practice live figure drawing in a supportive group led by a skilled facilitator. Participants must be 18 or older and bring their own supplies. More Details.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.|
Enjoy free museum admission and explore exhibits, the nature trail and The Farm. No reservations are required, while planetarium shows cost $6 per person. More Details.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Trucks in the Park
📍 519 Park Circle, Lowell
⏰ 4–6 p.m.
Kids and families can see, touch and explore vehicles up close during this free event, featuring trucks and other community vehicles at Harold Rankin Park. More Details.
Business After Hours
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Connect with local business professionals over food and drinks during the Gaston Business Association’s monthly networking event at CaroMont Health Park Thursday evening. More Details.
September Nights: Stepside Deluxe
📍 220 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 p.m.
Bring your friends, grab food and enjoy a free evening of live local music from Stepside Deluxe under the September sky at Patriots Park. More Details.
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
MY FAVORITE (GASTON) THINGS
(One local. A few of their favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)
This week’s My Favorite (Gaston) Things come from Mike Haley, a retired outside sales representative who has lived in the Lowell area for around 25 years.
(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)
🍽️ Favorite Lunch Spot | Georgio’s
”Georgio’s has great daily specials with soup for a full-course lunch or dinner, along with good sandwiches, wraps and salads. I usually take home a box of leftovers!”
🎶 Favorite Live Music Venue | Confluence
"It’s a family-friendly venue featuring local and regional musicians.”
🌳 Favorite Park | Poston Park
“There’s something for everybody, including toddler playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, a dog park and ballfields.”
🐷 Favorite BBQ Restaurant | Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ
“Along with the good barbecue, the baloney sandwich is awesome!”
🍕 Favorite Pizza Place | Sal’s Pizzeria
”Just good pizza!”
❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
“The proximity to Charlotte, an international airport and interstates, all without the big-city feeling.”
SEE YA LATER, GASTON!
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