The newsletter is a pretty eclectic today, and it’s a mix of old and new. A secret old Gaston County location, new mountain bike trails, and several new and coming restaurants. Oh, and a man wrestling a camel.

If you have news or a story idea, contact us at [email protected]-we’d love to hear from you!

Today’s weather: Plenty of sunshine, but chilly with a high of 46.

Tonight: Clear and cold, with a low of 22.

From Ted Hall, volunteer with the Montcross Chamber: After watching daily for months as the NY Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar went up on a formerly vacant lot at the corner of McLeod and Bryant Streets in downtown Belmont, it was a pleasure Saturday to attend the Montcross Area Chamber ribbon cutting for this exciting new business. In addition to spectacular cuts of beef, pork, chicken, fish and wines, It offers a large line of prepared meals, sides and salads. Visit Monday - Thursday from 10 until 8, Friday and Saturday from from 10 until 9 and Sundays 10 until 6. The address is 100 Bryant St., Belmont. For more info, visit: https://www.nybutcher.com/belmont

Two brand-new downhill flow mountain bike trails will be opening soon at Mountain Island Park. These new trails are located on the Lake Trails side of the park, just off the new parking lot across from the recycling center.

Riders will have two fresh lines to choose from: A new Green Line - The upper portion is an adaptive trail, designed to be accessible and enjoyable for handcycles and recumbent bikes or a new Blue Line - Built for riders looking to progress, featuring drops, tables, and jumps; with all features fully rollable for those who prefer to keep their tires on the ground.

Both downhill flow trails connect to new shared-use paths, providing a smooth, relaxed ride back to the top, perfect for a few warm-up sessions. From there, riders can cruise down into the park below the dam via the temporary access trail and get ready for even more new trails coming soon.

Stay tuned for opening details, and get ready to ride!

So evidently this is what is/was called the Cat Walk or the Foot Bridge in Cramerton. Looks like it has seen better days… Do you know the history and/or purpose of the Cat Walk? Email us @ [email protected]

Congrats to entrepreneur and all around nice guy Jim Morasso and team! They are celebrating their 10 year anniversary with Webb Custom Kitchen. Awards? Too many to mention, but here are a few: 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America, Top 25 Restaurants in Charlotte, Top 25 steakhouses in America, and many more. They are a true treasure in our community.

We told you last week that Elevra has been moved to the pink sheets of the stock market…not a great place for a company to be. So evidently in October Carolina Lithium received two general stormwater permits, and still needs an air permit to move forward, as well as rezoning by Gaston County.

Another factor in the slow development is the low price of lithium, which caused Piedmont Lithium to lay off 48% of their people between February and October 2024.

Joey Black is the new owner of Wicked Waffle in Bessemer City. But he’s not new- he has been there since they opened. He was originally employed by Sue Ann Propst, owner of Running with Scissors, but bought the business when she decided to step away.

Since Black took over, the menu has changed little, except for the addition of smoothies. The bigger change has been the decor. He has added art and some upholstered furniture, as well as a television. They are located at 130 West Virginia Avenue in Bessemer City. Check them out here.

What do Ride-A-Bike and yoga have in common? They now share an address. Caroline Miller has opened up a yoga space above Ride-A-Bike Bicycle Shop in downtown Gastonia. The first class is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30. $12. They are located at 140 East Main Ave. In Gastonia. Bike Shop

Actually, Tractor Supply recently opened in Cherryville. The camel as well as donkeys and goats were on hand courtesy of Circle M Safari Park. The grand opening was on Saturday. They are located at 1008 East Main Street in Cherryville.

Hunting Wives Season 2 is being filmed in Mount Holly, and the Charlotte Metro area. Hunting Wives is a mystery series on Netflix. Supposedly John Stamos has been spotted in the area. They have been filming at the Bright Star in Mount Holly, as well as Pine Island Country Club, Mooresville and around Lake Norman

There may be a chance to be an extra….

First Watch, a new breakfast and lunch restaurant is coming to the old On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina space 2409 East Franklin Blvd. They will serve breakfast staples, but also fresh juices, oatmeal bowls, and avocado toast.

They expect to be open by spring. Their hours will be 7AM-2:30 PM. Check out their website and menu here.

Shelli's She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.

New Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-3pm
980-318-3816

106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164

Check us out!

Office Assistant Manager, Armor Fire Services, Mount Holly: $87k-$94k

Benefits Administrator, City of Gastonia: $69k-$111k

Business Intelligence Analyst, Jhex Inc., Dallas NC, Hybrid: $100-$120k