Good morning Gaston County, David here…
Today is May 19th, 2026
It’s cool to see new businesses in Gaston County, and the use of historic buildings for retail, restaurants, and apartments. Charlotte doesn’t seem to value their historic structures as much as we do, or maybe I’m not as in tune with historic Charlotte. Progress in business while honoring the past will help Gaston County preserve it charm…and soul. Good job Gaston County!
Today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm.. The high will be 91.
Tonight: Clear, with a low of 62.
New Canal Coffee to open May 27
The Canal Coffee on South New Hope Road is so successful that they are opening a new location at 1957 Hoffman Road, near Publix. According to co-owner Elliott Davies, they were franchisees of the Human Bean, and decided to start their own coffee company.
Canal Coffee offers regular coffee, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, energy drinks, hot breakfasts, teas, bakery items, lunch, and snacks.
Gastonia Architecture & History Appreciation holding two new events
by Annie O’Leary Crites
Hey y'all ! We just added two new events that I am REALLY excited about!! These events are what I call "Geneology Exploration" and we're so lucky to start this off with two GIANT leading families here in Gastonia. George Gray and Karen Craig Price will be leading discussion on their respective families, and OH my gosh there is a lot to tell about both!!! Check out the event links here:
Geneology Exploration: Gray Family
Sunday May 31
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E1FYqKF81/
Geneology Exploration: Craig Family
Sunday June 14
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Av2Xp6Znc/
As a reminder, this is not a group of experts, but a group that is passionate about learning more and exploring Gastonia's history deeper. Our speakers are knowledgeable, because these are their family stories, and they are still being written. I can't wait to hear them.
Belmont mural completed
The America 250 mural at 140 N. Main Street in downtown Belmont has been completed, and the dedication ceremony is set for June 4 at noon. The Major William Chronicle Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution raised the funds and coordinated the project. Noted muralist Boyce McKinney is the artist. Plan to attend the celebration and honor the South Fork Boys who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780.
Muddy River Distillery planning a Summer Festival June 20th
Muddy River Distillery, 250 North Main Street, Mount Holy
More info to follow, here
Photo and text courtesy of Positive Change for Downtown Gastonia Facebook page
Savory Calle now open in downtown Gastonia
The downtown food and bar scene continues to grow with the addition of Savory Calle, now open at 223 E Main Avenue — just west of Wild & Whimsy near Broad and Main.
This takeout and catering kitchen offers bold, authentic Central and South American cuisine alongside a vibrant bar rooted in lively music and rich cultural flavors. Currently operating as a takeout window for lunch and dinner with bar service after hours, Savory Calle brings a fresh new vibe to The DTG.
For hours, menus, and more, visit savorync.com or check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/Savorync. They are open Mon-Sat 6 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 8AM-#PM.
MOUNT HOLLY NIGHTS
Presented by Caromont Health
Join us for the best "Food Truck Fridays" in the region! Enjoy live music, food trucks, local dining, and shopping. Each event will be held in the heart of downtown Mount Holly on Main Street.
May 1st, 2026 (Friday) - Buffett and Beyond (Jimmy Buffett Tribute & More), with opener Reece Brendle
June 5th, 2026 (Friday) - The Chain (Fleetwood Mac Tribute), with opener FlipSide
June 25th, 2026 - Fireworks Celebration - (Thursday) - Groove Machine (70's Tribute), Fireworks will begin shortly after dark
August 14th, 2026 (Friday) - The Catalinas (Beach Music Band), with opener Trace Casanova
September 11th, 2026 (Friday) - 20 RIDE (Zac Brown Tribute), with opener Garrett Huffman
October 9th, 2026 (Friday) - September (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute), with opener Ken Middler
Eric Lovell has passed
Local musician Eric Lovell passed away from cancer on May 9th. He and Gigi Dover played in Gigi Dover & The Big Love, and more recently, the Thurston Howell Band. They played locally at many Alive After 5 music events around Gaston County.
They have future dates on their website, but no word on future plans.
Gigi Dover has a Gofundme set up to help with Eric’s medical expenses. You can check it our here.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery on track for September opening
As we told you recently, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Mount Holly is moving towards a September opening. According to CEO Jim Birch, the steel frame for the building should go up over the next two weeks. Trees have already been planted for the biergarten.
A neat feature-there will be a landing for kayaks along the river, and a ramp up to the brewery. They also plan for a warehouse space at the property.
Meet Cuatro Leches at Miami Fusion Café: a soft, tender, moist, and sweet cake soaked in four different styles of milk for a light bite you won't be able to stop eating. It's a delicious taste of our native Latin culture in every forkful! This dessert is ridonkulous!
At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, we are dedicated to helping your family as we care for our own families. With years of experience and state-of-the-art dental technology, we help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. We ensure the best possible dental experience with friendly, personalized care in a comfortable environment. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the past six months, or you are interested in enhancing your smile, give us a call. With one visit you’ll see why so many families in your neighborhood trust Oak Ridge Dental Arts with all their dental needs.
Arts Mount Holly Festival
Friday Night Preview on West Central Ave. from 6-9 pm. Meet artists and see demonstrations.
Saturday 10-3 art crawl : greet artists and shop their art work located inside local businesses around the downtown area.
Juried art show, “Roots and Branches”, at The Grand Hall located at 400 East Central Ave, open 10-3:00 reception and awards 4:30-6:00 pm.
Gastonia is growing, but not that much
According to US Census Bureau estimates, Gastonia’s 2025 population was 87,067. Gastonia grew by 1.4%, or about 1200 people. That put’s Gastonia in 14th place in cities in the Charlotte Metro. Gastonia is 365th nationally as far as growth.
Note that this is Gastonia only, not Gaston County as a whole. As of July 2025, Gaston County had a population of 246,558. Gaston County has grown 8.2% from April 2020.
Charlotte grew more than any other US city or town. Charlotte grew by 20,731 from July 2024 to July 2025.
Where to park in downtown Gastonia near the stadium
You have probably heard all the hubub about cars getting towed in Gastonia, and in Charlotte, for that matter. Seems like there is an epidemic of bad actors in the towing business. Laresa Thompson has put together a nice video showing all the places to park..and not get towed! Check it out here.
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
Check us out!
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
I call this “the intelligent head tilt”
Animal ID 60970262
Species Dog
Breed American Blue Heeler/Mix
Age 2 years 7 days
Gender Male
Size Medium
Color Blue/White
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Stray
Intake Date 5/11/2026
Stage New Arrival
