Good Tuesday morning Gaston County! David here.
Today is November 3rd, 2026.
‘Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’
Winston S. Churchill, 11 November 1947
Get informed and go vote if you haven’t already!
Have a great week!
Today's weather: , Beautiful with partial sunshine; dry for those heading to the polls, with a high of 73.
Tonight: Overcast in the evening, then partly cloudy late, with a low of 54.
A passenger rail station in downtown Gastonia?
The City of Gastonia is wanting to hear from you about the design of a possible new passenger rail station in downtown.
Why? The primary effort driving current planning in Gastonia is the Charlotte-to-Kings Mountain Corridor. Selected by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as part of the Corridor Identification and Development (CID) Program, this initiative aims to create a dedicated regional rail connection.
The Goal: Provide frequent intercity or commuter-style rail service connecting Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and Belmont directly to downtown Charlotte (ending at the Charlotte Gateway Station) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
The current Gastonia Amtrak station is located at 350 Hancock Street (about 1.5 miles northeast of downtown). Gastonia is served by Amtrak's Crescent line (Train #19 Southbound to New Orleans and Train #20 Northbound to New York). You have to be an early bird to ride either..Southbound #19 Crescent departs around 3:22 AM, and the Northbound #20 Crescent departs around 4:04 AM.
The "enhanced" service vision would add multiple daily round-trips tailored for commuters and regional travelers moving back and forth between Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.
The study focuses on the rail corridor and areas within a short walk of the potential station area. The goal is to coordinate transportation with high-density housing, retail, dining, and public spaces, ensuring that when expanded rail service arrives, downtown Gastonia will be a walkable, vibrant destination hub.
As we reported here, the commuter train .Silver Line in Charlotte was originally going to come into Gaston County at Belmont, but those plans were modified.
Doesn’t this look great?!
It has been a long time coming- but it’s all the sweeter now that it’s finally here! Gaston Aquatics is opening soon in Dallas …
They are a membership-based facility, but membership is open to everyone! You do not have to live in Dallas or even in Gaston County to join. They welcome individuals and families from all surrounding communities and look forward to serving the entire region.
Gaston Aquatics will offer a variety of aquatic fitness programs-including water aerobics- for our community. Stay tuned for more details!
Dulce Antojo Bakery now in Mount Holy
Dulce Antojo Bakery is now in Mount Holly at 1407 Old Hickory Grove Road. They were formerly in Belmont beside Aldi’s’
Seeing green? It’s not your imagination…
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Gaston County announced plans to illuminate county buildings, including our Veterans Services Office, green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Gaston County residents, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by changing one light to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
Local designer debuts downtown Gastonia postcards
Local designer Jessica Kolnik has just introduced a project that she calls “a little love letter to downtown Gastonia”. She has created s series of postcards that feature downtown Gastonia. “Here's to celebrating the places we love, supporting our neighbors, and finding a little beauty in the familiar” says Kolnik.
There are 5 designs out now, and she expects to drop 5 more by Christmas.
The cards are available at Wild & Whimsy, Downstairs Ice Cream, Wandering Cup at Alchemy Co-working, and Ride-a-bike in downtown Gastonia.
Halloween house slammed!
Isaac Vargas does an over-the-top Halloween display every year (Christmas too…) in Mount Holly. This year he reports that he had nearly 900 children! His biggest year to date.
“…what means the most to me is seeing the wonder and excitement in their eyes, hearing them tell me their favorite parts of the display, or that our house is their favorite place to visit on Halloween. Those little moments touch my heart more than they’ll ever know.” says Vargas.
Budget Blinds is locally owned and operated!
Great news!
Jon Walker Stables has openings for Beginner & experienced Riding Students!
First lesson free!*
Ages 5 & up - Available Thursday and Saturday afternoons only-call now to reserve a spot! 803-818-0312
*with purchase of lesson package
Death by chocolate. Available at Fannie Cakes Bakery Cafe, 101 West Main Ave. Gastonia.
Mount Holly Farmer’s Market receives $20,000 check
The Mount Holly Farmer’s Market were the recipients of a $20,000 check from the Gaston Community Foundation.
The Mount Holly Farmers Market is so much more than a market! Along with fresh, local goods, they run programs that support local farmers and help families using EBT and WIC get access to fresh, healthy food.
Saturdays 8 AM- 12 PM, 226 S Main St, Mt Holly, NC
Get a free Krispy Kreme doughnut
Today- Tuesday November 3rd, anyone wearing an “I voted” sticker can get a free glazed doughnut at participating Krispy Kremes.
The Krispy Kreme in Gastonia is at 2990 East Franklin Blvd. between Chili’s and Dynasty Buffet.
This is so fun! We go every year!
Have you been to Shelli’s She Shed yet?
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
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
Look at that happy face!
Animal ID 61844374
Species Dog
Breed Collie, Rough/Mix
Age 2 years 30 days
Gender Female
Size Large
Color Black/Brown
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog ISO
Intake Date 10/3/2026
Stage Rescue only
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