Gaston County makes for a great weekend getaway. It’s easy to get outside and enjoy a plethora of activities. Check out our Winter Guide, showcasing the best way to experience Gaston County this season. Enjoy the outdoors, locate our most scenic views, explore our historic downtowns, indulge in our most unique dining, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Get Outside and Explore
With the help of the Carolina Thread Trail, Gaston County offers miles of trails giving all visitors a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature.
Our crowning jewel, Crowders Mountain, presents the most spectacular views rising 1,500 feet above its surroundings. Dedication of the people to the preservation of this natural rocky monadnock has earned Gaston County its reputation as a regional hiking destination. Check out the trails to understand what makes Gaston the go-to for weekend travelers from all over the southeast.
Other impressive hikes around the county include George Poston Park, Seven Oaks Preserve Trail, Mountain Island Park, and the South Fork Rail Trail.
Visit a Five-Story Glass Tropical Home
This 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory is home for multi-colored orchids and tropical plants in the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Closed early in the pandemic, this attraction is open once again for the delight of visitors. During your visit, include a winter hike on the nature trail along the banks of Lake Wylie.
Test Your Ice Skating Abilities
For a third year US National Whitewater Center transforms their whitewater rivers into an ice trail for a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience, open through mid-February. Other activities open year round include ziplines, rock climbing, mountain biking and more.
Indoor Fun
The fun continues indoors. Axe throwing, jumping on trampolines, paint and sip and more. Make the most of your stay by enjoying some indoor fun in Gaston County.
Sip Our Craft Beverages
The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries and wineries in the area. Each has its own unique feel and culture and experienced altogether on the trail makes it a great weekend getaway.
The Road to Excitement
Now open in its pre-launch temporary facility, Catawba Two Kings Casino brings great gaming action with the newest slot machines and electronic table games in a smoke-free environment. As this facility continues to expand on the types of gaming and number of machines, it will quickly become North Carolina’s premier gaming facility.
Unique Finds
Whether you’re having a moment of shopping serendipity in a new and unexpected place or on a mission to find something specific, antiquing in Gaston County is worth it. Is there anything more satisfying than finding a priceless piece of furniture for a bargain? Make your weekend complete by taking time to explore our downtowns where you will find not only great shopping but unique dining, and local entertainment.
A Great Place to Stay
Our accommodations conveniently include the finest national brands, historic boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts and Airbnbs. Whether you are traveling in a large group, a family, or all by yourself, you will find well-appointed properties with all the amenities you need during your stay.
Easy to Find
Gaston County is located in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina just west of Charlotte, the largest metropolis in the state. I-85 runs straight through linking us to cities in the northeast and southeast, while I-77 and I-40 provide easy Midwest access.
Don’t miss the splendor of the season. Gaston County makes for a memorable weekend getaway. Check out our Winter Guide regularly so you won’t miss a thing.
