Gaston County is a trove of hidden gems that sparkle bright in springtime. The locals have a sixth sense when it comes to where to find these natural treasures — and nobody knows that better than Doug Miller, co-owner of the outfitter Aquatic Adventures. “The other day, we had one warm day in between some cold weeks, and my phone was ringing from people wondering if we’re out there with kayaks.”
His answer is yes. Miller is happy to greet visitors who, like the locals, long to get outside and experience the county’s beauty. It’s spring, after all, when warm air blows over Gaston County’s cool earth, heralding the feeling of growth and possibility. “You see everybody out there, from fishermen to birds to boaters — you name it.”
In addition to the towns of Belmont, Gastonia, and Mount Holly, this Piedmont county has its own spine of mountains, rolling hills, and enough nature to fill the days with awe and fun. Read on for seven of our favorite ways to enjoy springtime in Gaston County.
Uncover what makes Gaston County unique. Witness sweeping views from Crowders Mountain State Park. Stroll through historic towns filled with local gems and experience the warmth of Southern hospitality. Let us be your guide to creating unforgettable memories. GoGastonNC.org
Root, root, root for Gaston County’s home team, the Gastonia Ghost Peppers. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
This spring, the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, an Atlantic League Professional Baseball team, kicks off their inaugural season, which runs until mid-September. CaroMont Health Park opens its doors an hour before the first pitch, which means you’ll have plenty of time to grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, find your seat, and get ready to root for the home team. Check out the schedule for tickets and more information.
Wander through the open-air gardens and an enclosed conservatory at Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
You don’t have to be a plant lover to fall in love with the sweeping landscapes of Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Whether you’re popping in for a peaceful garden stroll or spending the day soaking up all the natural beauty across 380 acres, there’s something here for everyone. Think scenic hikes, vibrant rare blooms, boutique shopping, tasty food and drink options, and even live music — it’s all waiting for you. From seasoned adventurers to those who prefer the great indoors, Stowe offers a welcoming path to connect with nature, no matter your style.
At the heart of it all is the Conservancy’s crown jewel: the gardens. Since opening in 1991, they’ve blossomed into a world-class destination for horticultural dreamers. Stroll through a Piedmont prairie, wander nine miles of trails that wind around Lake Wylie, and discover hidden gems like the sunken pond at Lost Hollow Kimbrell Children’s Garden. Explore the Canal Garden, the Cottage Garden, the White Garden, and the Pergola Walk through the Four Seasons Garden. Pack a picnic or grab a snack and drink from the Trailhead Store to keep your adventure fueled as you spend the day surrounded by breathtaking blooms.
The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium takes visitors on an exploration of the galaxy. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
If you’re hungry for the natural world after a cold winter, The Schiele is the perfect place to feed your wonder. The Gastonia museum blends North Carolina’s rich natural and cultural history, making it an ideal destination for an outdoor adventure. A farm hosts live demonstrations about topics ranging from sheep shearing to pigs’ intelligence, you can explore the museum’s interpretation of a Catawba Indian Village, and get lost in a maze constructed entirely of natural materials.
The museum has more than 80 animal ambassadors, including Penny, the opossum; Spike, the alligator snapping turtle; and Aroma, the adorable striped skunk. In the summer, you can mine for stunning gems that represent the variety found throughout North Carolina.
Take in Belmont’s downtown buzz from your perch on Nellie’s Southern Kitchen’s rooftop patio. photograph by Gaston County Tourism Development
Dinner at the family-friendly Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Belmont feels like a visit to your grandmother’s: friendly, casual, comfortable, and complete with delicious, down-home food. Up on the restaurant’s rooftop patio, you can overlook downtown as you savor their unmatched fried chicken or shrimp and grits — and sip an adult slushie.
“Our wedge salad just looks like spring,” Manager Jackie Grindstaff says. “It’s topped with strawberries, pecans, blue cheese, and mandarin oranges. My favorite protein to add is grilled salmon.”
It’s more than just food and views that draw people to Nellie’s — the restaurant is also central to live entertainment. Musicians serenade diners on Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and at Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And starting in May, more music rings out around the corner every other Friday night, thanks to the Belmont Friday Night Live series. The series brings a lineup to both the upper field of Stowe Park and South Main Street. “People bring their lawn chairs over or spread out their blanket at Stowe Park and just hang out while they listen to music. There’s always a beer vendor who highlights a charity,” Grindstaff says. “It’s just a really good time.”
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is just one of the outdoor dining spaces that comes to life in spring. Also in Belmont, you can enjoy your lump crab bucatini while watching gentle waves on the water at Drift on Lake Wylie. Executive Chef Rogger Torres helms this chophouse that features locally inspired side dishes and a well-curated wine selection.
At J.R. Cash’s Grill & Bar in Mount Holly, the sandwiches and burgers make for a perfect lunch or dinner, but we’re partial to the sweet taste of spring in their honey-butter croissants. Enjoy them from the peaceful, covered patio that overlooks the Catawba River.
The South Fork of the Catawba River is home to rapids that add a thrill to the otherwise gentle waterway. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development
Flowing just past Charlotte to the west, the Catawba River borders Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. “Along the Catawba River, there are virtually no rapids to speak of — except on the South Fork,” Miller explains.
Aquatic Adventures gives Gaston County visitors plenty of opportunities to explore nature, from open-water swimming events to full-moon paddle trips. Leading groups down the South Fork section is one of Miller’s favorites. “It’s cool because it’s basically the closest mountain-like rapids to Charlotte.”
Participants can park at the Catawba Riverkeeper Boathouse in McAdenville, where they meet Miller and get a ride about five miles north. “We put the kayaks in near Spencer Mountain, then paddle down the river for a couple of hours,” he says. “If you’re comfortable in the water, there’s really no kayaking experience required.”
Along the way, kayakers can peek through the surrounding woods to see old brick mill buildings and keep watch overhead for herons, osprey, and eagles.
Pause to admire the murals like the one in Cherryville (above), sculptures, and independent galleries along the Art Trail. photograph by Gaston County Tourism Development
With his shiny, reflective coat, Spot-the-Disco-Dog is hard to miss. photograph by Gaston County Tourism Development
See art and nature converge along Gaston County’s Art Trail, complete with more than 40 stops that range from large-scale murals to installations in pockets parks. As you make your way between the county’s outdoor spaces and explore the downtowns, keep your eye out for pieces from the Art Trail. See if you can find Belmont’s giant, mirror-covered Spot-the-Disco-Dog. Look for the mural celebrating Cherryville’s local music legends Darin and Brooke Aldridge. And you can shop or simply delight your eyes at Southern Arts Gallery in Kings Mountain.
Which location will you visit first? Whether you want to savor a meal outside at golden hour, cheer on the Ghost Peppers, or launch a kayak into the Catawba River, you can do it all and much more in Gaston County. Click here to learn more.
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