Location: Gastonia
Top Things to do in Gastonia
7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Gastonia That You Shouldn't Miss
Gastonia is the largest city and county seat of Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. It is also the second largest satellite city of the Charlotte area, behind Concord. The population was 71,741 at the 2010 Census. Gastonia is the 13th largest city in North Carolina. It is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, officially designated the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Gastonia has experienced steady growth, with a population increase between 2000 and 2010 of nearly 8.2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Restaurants in Gastonia
1. Rankin Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Friendnc - Gastonia, United States
I love going to this park in the mornings to ride my motorized scooter around the 1.5 miles lake (I'm disabled). VERY relaxing and peaceful. The path is paved, flat, very easy to navigate, wide enough for people to pass, and very picturesque. The park is about 250 acres, within the city of Gastonia, and very easy to get to. There are picnic shelters along the lakeshore with gorgeous views of the water, corn hole and horseshoe pits, disc golf course, wooed trails, open meadows, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, etc., Very clean, well maintained, beautifully green/flowery, and safe. Would highly recommend!
2. The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By bobbilo - Long Island, United States
The museum itself is closed right now but the grounds are open and are a fun outing with children. Since the museum itself is closed, right now there is no charge to go on the trail It was bigger than I expected and had many exciting things to engage the interest of the nine-year-old i brought with me. The nature trail has several different exhibit areas including a gristmill where the children took off their shoes and waded in the water, a Catawba Indian village area which showed the different kinds of housing they lived in over the years, a Stone Age section that explained the functions of the stone structures that were built, as well as a farm. We did not make it to the farm because this is North Carolina in the summer and it started to rain but we will definitely return.
3. Gaston Pickers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By cherylh903 - Durham, United States
We've been to a lot of places with the word "pickers" in the name and have found them to be messy with a lot of junk. Not this place. It is 28,000 square feet of awesome. They offer a little bit of everything from collectibles, vintage, antiques, newer items, the unusual, and primitive. The aisles were clear and the booths were well organized. The only problem was the strong smell of cigarette smoke when we were in the back of the warehouse. We noticed the large doors were open so someone was probably taking a smoke break and the smoke was coming inside the building. I usually rate down due to the smell of cigarettes but I liked this place so much I just pulled the neck of my t-shirt up over my nose and kept right on going.
4. Martha Rivers Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By GumlawU - Clover, United States
Lots of things to do and my boys love it to come here. Nearby are also soccer & baseball fields. Picnic opportunity’s.
5. Lineberger Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By AEN524 - Charlotte, United States
You can walk this small park and then cross Franklin Blvd and do the Cotton Thread Trail. Great for exercise and to enjoy the trail, easy to park and its free. We try to go there once a month or more.
6. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Sleepy Poet is coming to Gastonia October 1st, 2016. We will have 2 floors open and over 80 vendors of unique antiques, collectibles, and much more "no rhyme or reason, just cool stuff". We are located in the historic Kress building in downtown Gastonia.
Reviewed By thomasom2020
????????????MUST Read! What happen to owner Towery Maurice Burris-Hunt? This is a great place to shop or just visit. It has a museum & antique shop feel. The place is large and the selection incredible. Attendees helpful. Usually someone on hand to talk offer the history on items. Clean welcoming environment. Its roots is similar to that of Catawba River antique mall in Belmont which was founded by J.P Morgan blood heir Diplomat Towery Maurice Burris-Hunt in 2013. During that time he was being recognized globally son of a Moroccan Ambassador to USA. Locally being acknowledged for his charitable contributions after being administered the estate trust of billionaire grandfather Johnny Bryan Hunt founder of J.B Hunt Transportation and famed TV personality Kemal Amin "Casey" Kasem. He acquired historical First National Bank 106 S. Lafayette St Shelby NC acquiring 100s of area properties including land & building rights used by Sleepy Pot. He allowed select individuals to pick through commercial & residential buildings. Much of the initial inventory came from this source. While many of the properties were being looted by individuals and items being hidden or sold at flea markets and yard sales. The two Antique stores were visited by History Channels "American Pickers" at his request. Enjoyable. But if you ask of its history or the story of how it came to exist. You have to find locals willing to tell.
7. The Little Theater of Gastonia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
