In the News
Regional Report: Gaston County
As Seen In: Special Section of Business NC
In Gaston County, businesses believe in the big ideas. In thinking outside the box. In creating a community that thrives on the big stage without compromising the small town feel we know and love.
It’s why companies like Pharr have been able to start, grow and thrive in Gaston County throughout the years. Having set our roots here in 1939, the Pharr family of companies has witnessed revitalization within McAdenville and success within the organization for many reasons, but one has always been because this county is focused on fostering growth, for its businesses and the communities that are built around them.
On the Water in Gaston County
As Seen In: Pg 18 Destination Magazine May 2017, Author: Roots Rated, Photo Credit: Alen Cressler
With everything from mirror-like flatwater to Class III rapids, Gaston County, N.C., features a place to paddle for everyone from novice to expert. Spring has arrived and summer’s not far behind, so stock your dry bag, strap down the kayaks and SUP boards, and head to the launch for a day on the water. Here are some of our favorite destinations.
Growing Gaston
As Seen In: Business NC, Author: Kathy Blake
Emerging from the shadow of its big-city neighbor, the state's 10th most populous county is leveraging its manufacturing past to welcome residents, add amenities and grow businesses.
A Mindset of Service
As Seen In: Page 20 Gaston Lifestyles May/June 2017, Author: Dr. Rixon Campbell
It is well documented that customer service, as a strategic resource, has yet to be fully tapped into in many economies. This article is intended to add to the body of work of hotel, tourism and hospitality management, with a critical focus on customer service or customer relations management as a tool to satisfying service industry participants.
Eclectic Fusion Fair, Here?
As Seen In: Pg 22 Destination Magazine April 2017
On the other side of the Catawba River, lies the untapped outdoor adventure and eclectic fusion fair just waiting for you. It's easy to overlook Charlotte's western neighbors when you have an urge to explore outside. With a bit of knowledge, however, you can find a weekends worth of activities to keep you busy and entertained.
Founded On a Love of Rum
As Seen In: Pg 16 Destination Magazine March 2017, Author: Kara Werts
Every now and then, most Americans will have a particularly frustrating or gloomy day, and wilst we stare longingly at the white sand beach on our screen saver, we think, "that's it. I'm done. I'm running away, I'm going to join some pirates and I'm going to spend my life burying gold coins in obscure places and drinking rum all day." It seems like a great plan until you realize how hard it is to procure a live parrot on Craigslist and you remember how diligent the US Coast Guard is about thwarting pillaging and plundering of any sort… However, I do not immediately assume your plans to be completely foiled. Change your heading from Tortuga to Belmont, and there you will find an actual pirate (of the East Carolina University variety), his lovely wife who commands her distillery with a faultless pallet, and a whole lot of rum!
Major Events and Renovations at the Schiele
As Seen In: Page 20 Gaston Lifestyles March/April 2017, Author: Philip McGinnis, Photo Credit: Schiele Museum
The Schiele Museum of Natural History has major events coming, and it’s undergoing big renovations.
Hollywood Comes to Belmont
As Seen In: Gaston Gazette, Author: Eric Wildstein, Photo Credit: John Clark
Belmont served as the filming location of a new feature film Thursday.
Stowe Manor and American Legion Post 144 next to Davis Park were flanked by dozens of trailers, crew members and makeup artists who readied actors to film scenes at those locations for the new heist flick “American Animals.” Scenes were filmed inside both of those locations during the morning and afternoon.
Romantic Gaston
As Seen In: Pg 18 Destination Magazine Feb 2017, Author: Roots Rated
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and the most of us are looking for a unique way to celebrate with that special someone. You know, that one of a kind activity that says I've been thinking about this for months and today it's all about us. We've got you covered in Gaston County. From a candlelit dinner two more unconventional activities, Gaston county offers just the right mix of romance and recreation. Choose from the outdoor in culinary adventures to win the heart and taste buds of your partner.
Crappie Fishing
As Seen In: Outdoor Journal Feb 2017
Lake Wylie covering 13,443 acres on the Catawba River chain of man-made lakes stradding the border between North and South Carolina, has long been known as a highly productive crappie fishery. With fertile waters and visibility up to 10 feet, Wylie provides anglers with plenty of black crappie action, along with an occasional white crappie encounter. But the big news on Wylie this year is the record numbers of young this year, signifying a healthy fishery for years to come.
A Guide To Climbing and Bouldering Near Gaston
As Seen In: Pg 26 Destination Magazine Jan 2017
The south east facing Quartzsite walls of Crowder's mountain offer something for every level of climber, with route ratings ranging from 5.5 to 5.13. Climbers are required to register at the sparrow springs access for that or center. Park devices submitting the required special activity a permit request, available online at www.ncparks.gov, at least two weeks prior to your visit.
Orchid Conservatory | Belmont-Gaston County, NC
As Seen In: Carolina Living, Photo Credit: DSBG
A Crystal Palace
Very near Charlotte, in the charming town of Belmont, you’ll find the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The centerpiece is their Orchid Conservatory, a massive, 8,000 square-foot, five-story glass building that is the region’s only public conservatory dedicated to tropical plants.
In Praise of Barbeque
As Seen In: Carolina Living January 2017
Vinegar, ketchup, mustard, or some combination. Depending on your location in the Carolinas, you can walk into a local restaurant that specializes in meat cooked long and slow and find one of these flavor-enhancers. (Don’t even talk about dry-rub BBQ. It’s tasty, but it’s not ours, if you know what I mean.)
Healthy Environment
As Seen In: Pg 32 Ultimate Magazine Jan/Feb 2017, Author: Ann Gibson, Photo Credit: USNWC
10 Reasons to Stay in Gaston County on Your Next Charlotte Business Trip.
FOR FREQUENT BUSINESS TRAVELERS, maintaining a healthy routine on the road is a challenge. Separation from familiar running routes, biking trails, and athletic facilities makes the thought of grabbing an a er-work jog a bit daunting. A promising trend among savvy travelers is to choose lodging near recreation amenities, making it easy to combine work with a bit of outdoor therapy.
Art and orchids Come Together at Stowe Garden
As Seen In: Page 26 Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, Author: Jim Hoffman, Photo Credit: Jim Hoffman
This winter, art and orchids will come together at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. The “Art and Orchids: Victorian Botanicals” exhibit will run Feb. 3-March 19. It features antique and collectible botanical illustrations of the Victorian Era. You’re invited to take a horticultural journey through that era with a selection of antique prints, complemented by a gorgeous, Victorian-inspired, living display celebrating the orchid mania of the 19th century.
