In the News
Gaston Bike Share program gaining traction
As Seen In: Gaston Gazette, Author: Bill Poteat
In the four months since it was launched during Memorial Day weekend, the GO Gaston Bike Share program has seen a steady increase in users and in rides taken.
Go Gaston and Get Movin'!
As Seen In: Gaston Lifestyles, Author: Michael Applegate
Making the county a walkable bikeable community. Many American communities are striving to become more walkable and bikeable and thus more livable.
Enlightening Exhibition
As Seen In: Ultimate Magazine Sept/Oct 2017
North Carolina's Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is hosting a festival of hundreds of larger-than-life Chinese lantens beginning September 7.
The Best Hikes in Gaston
As Seen In: Destination Magazine, Author: Roots Rated, Photo Credit: Ann Gibson
The USNWC's 37-mile trail network is pretty equally divided between novice, moderate and strenuous trails. The easy Lake Loop opens up for water views while the Channel Loop circumvents the man-made whitewater rivers for a front-row view of the class I-IV whitewater action.
Tourism spending increases in Gaston County for 7th year
As Seen In: Gaston Gazette, Author: Michael Barrett
Gaston County is coasting along with much of the rest of the state when it comes to boosting tourism, making incremental strides each year.
No one is complaining about the $251.7 million in tourism revenue that was reaped here in 2016, which marked a 4.2 percent increase from the year prior, according to new figures released by Visit North Carolina. Ninety-seven of North Carolina’s 100 counties saw at least some increase in tourism spending during that period. And Gaston’s tourism revenue has now increased for seven straight years since coming in at $177 million in 2009.
Photo Blogger Becomes County Tourism Partner
As Seen In: Gaston Gazette, Author: Eric Wildstein, Photo Credit: Alexandra Love
With the snap of a shutter, a novice photographer turned her hobby into a visual journey through Gaston. And the county’s Travel and Tourism Department wants in.
Alexandra Love is a Realtor by trade, spending most days working from her Belmont office and helping homebuyers purchase their new digs.
Road Rides and Rail Trails
As Seen In: Destination Magazine, Photo Credit: Shannon Irish
Let's say it is recovery day or maybe you're taking the family out for some bicycle bonding time. Consider peddling Gastonia's Avon & Catawba Creek Greenways. Three miles of paved trail connect Lineberger and Ferguson Parks for some creekside riding with loads of spots to view wildlife or stop for a picnic.
Hole in the Wall Joints Shake Shop in Cherryville
As Seen In: Our State August 2017, Author: Sheri Castle
Tried and true these love-worn restaurants are revered, not reviewed: We flock to them for everything they are – cash only, unfussy, hard-to-find – and aren't, because what matters most is always on the inside.
Gaston County Wildflower Walk, Whitewater Wonders, Top Shelf Cuisine
As Seen In: The Original Relocation Guide, Author: Lynn Brandon
About 10 miles southwest of Gastonia there stands a mountain. It rises 1,625 feet high and its name is Crowders. In 1974 the mountain was preserved as Crowders Mountain State Park. The popular mountain and park has made Gaston County a major outdoor destination. In 2016, more than 797,000 people visited Crowders Mountain State Park.
The Jailhouse: A Speak Easy-inspired Escape in Belmont, NC
As Seen In: Epicurean Charlotte June 2017, Author: Courtney Matinata
Upon passing through the discreet, iron-clad back entrance of historic Belmont’s old jailhouse, you’re immediately transported back to the 1960s, a time when this vintage landmark once held the town’s unruly. Adorned with its original barred windows, prison cell doors, and Edison bulb fixtures, the building’s past as a temporary holding site for the city remains unmistakably evident after its recent renovation.
Gaston County Looks to Boost Bike Use
As Seen In: Banner News, Author: Alan Hodge, Photo Credit: Alan Hodge
Bicycle use in our area has increased by leaps and bounds lately and a new program being promoted by Gaston Travel and Tourism hopes to expand two-wheel riding even more.
Dubbed “Zagster” the idea revolves around having racks of bikes strategically placed at various location across Gaston County and available for rental.
A new way to get to Crowders Mountain
As Seen In: Gaston Gazette on July 14, 2017, Author: William Poteat
A new shuttle bus system, geared to begin operating on Saturday, July 22, is aimed at reducing auto congestion and overflowing parking lots at Crowders Mountain State Park.
The Best Hikes in Gaston
As Seen In: Pg 20 Destination Magazine July 2017, Author: Roots Rated
Plant your hiking boot atop the rocky outcroppings on Crowders Mountain and scan the horizon for a bird’s eye view of the Charlotte skyline to savor Gaston County’s premier hiking spot, a semi-urban park that is currently ranked as the third most visited state park in North Carolina. Crowders 25-plus mile looping trail network makes it possible to tackle strenuous climbs and rocky scrambles for as much distance as you can take.
“GO” to Gaston County!
As Seen In: Page 20 of Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, Author: Michael Applegate
The “Gaston Outside” or “GO” marketing campaign is proving to be a runaway success.
Through leadership and funding, provided in large part by Gaston County Travel and Tourism, we recently collaborated with a multitude of community stakeholders, including the Gaston County Economic Development Commission (or EDC), our many municipal partners, local businesses, the Greater Gaston Development Corporation and the Ferebee-Lane Advertising Agency to develop and implement an image and branding campaign to promote our area’s strengths in an inspiring, compelling way. “Gaston Outside” was the result of nearly two years’ worth of research, input, discussion and feedback, all leveraged to spur local pride as well as business and tourism development.
Gaston County Road Trip
As Seen In: Carolina Living
In the past, Gaston County was known for its idyllic rural setting, small towns and proximity to Charlotte (a good area to live and raise children, while being close to the Queen City). Today, there’s so much to offer folks who enjoy a variety of experiences. Plan to spend several days enjoying the attractions and sites – at your own speed.
