Location: Gastonia
Top Things to do in Gastonia
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Top 10 Things to do in Gastonia, United States
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. The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Charles P - Charlotte, North Carolina
My first visit to the Schiele Museum provided a most pleasant surprise. The museum, although small, is packed with interesting exhibits that are beautifully presented and well documented. The dinosaur exhibit featured smaller species, and the models appeared to be realistic and set in suitable habitats. The animals were obviously made by excellent taxidermists and were also set in realistic, interesting habitats. Native American objects and models were respectful of their cultures and good teaching tools. Because it was pouring rain, we were not able to explore the trail and outside exhibits, but we'll go back for those. Also, our tour group was limited in time, so we did not see the planetarium show, another reason to return.
2. Rankin Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Strowd1 - Kings Mountain
Terrific restoration at Rankin Lake Park!
In past years this was an old, run down, unsafe park. It was unsafe and under used.
Today it is a year round active facility. Well kept. Great for lakeside activities, picnicking, disc golf, hiking, jogging...
Convenient location off I85 and 321. Ample parking.
Enjoy!
3. Martha Rivers Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
This park made me wish I was a child again. I've never seen anything like the playground that people call "The Castle". It's an all wooden structure that consists of swings, slides, a fort, a ship, a car, a sandpit where you can dig for dinosaur bones, places to climb, places to hide, and it's all connected by ramps and catwalks. This is definitely the best part of the park.
The 58 acre park also has 4 lighted soccer fields, 2 batting cages, 4 lighted baseball fields, picnic shelters, volleyball area, 2 horseshoe areas, kids gymnastics area, and 3 miles of paved walking trails around and through the park.
If you are passing by or through Gastonia you really must check it out. If you are traveling by car with kids this is the perfect place for them to burn off some energy to make for a quieter car ride when you leave.
4. Gaston Pickers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Gratchford - Gastonia, North Carolina
I was there the first week Gaston Pickers moved into its new location. There were very few booths and articles for sale. After a month, the place was packed. There are numerous booths with various types of antiques, etc. Just a great place to look and buy.
5. Lineberger Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By pacetax - Gastonia Nc
This was my stomping grounds as a kid...from birth through now...and it is still a great place...yes, it has some areas that may need some attention but it connect the the Greenway for walkers and bicycles...it also has a pool, sports facility, the "train" has moved to the upper area but still is a nice feature for kids...
6. American Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Pattyjpp - Gastonia, North Carolina
Displays of uniforms, medals and weapons from wars, along with flags, magazines and all kinds of misc items - also has a large model collection of ships, planes, tanks and other military vehicles from all wars. You wouldn't believe what is packed into this building! The staff is so friendly and is more than willing to walk with you if you would like them to and explain anything your heart desires. Tour at your own pace - lots to look at and read! It could take 30 minutes to 2 hrs or so.
Awesome learning experience!
7. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 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 cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall in Charlotte, NC has always been one of our favorites so we were really looking forward to seeing this second store. It's located in the beautiful 1930 Kress Building downtown Gastonia.
We were greeted with big smiles as soon as we walked in the door and I could immediately tell it would be just as nice as their other store. They have over 100 dealers offering everything from vintage clothes, collectibles, antiques, unique items, glassware, painted furniture, toys, books, furniture, art, upcycled items that were amazing, as well as many other things.
The main aisles were wide and clear and the booths were well organized. The layout was easy to go from one booth to another without fear of missing something. I highly recommend checking it out. We left with several things we didn't even know we needed.
8. Rotary Centennial Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
While we were walking around seeing what the city of Gastonia had to offer, we stumbled upon the Rotary Centennial Pavilion. We decided to grab a takeout lunch and eat it there.
It's in the middle of the city but it still managed to be a quiet place. It has amazing brick artwork, benches, and an awesome stone fountain. I looked it up and found out they hold festivals, concerts, bazaars, and other events there during the year. It was the perfect place to eat our lunch and relax.
9. Katy-Did Antiques
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
I will never understand why people would pay for booth rental and then just pile so much stuff in the booth that a person can not even get into it. Do they really think anyone will take the time to try to find anything in all the clutter? We just shake out heads and walk right past cluttered booth even if we see something in the back we may be interested in (what else can you do if you can't even get into the booth?).
This place actually had some very interesting things and would have gotten a much higher rating if it wasn't for the clutter (a pet peeve of mine). They have over 40 vendors and you can find records, jewelry, military, glassware, pottery, collectibles, furniture, unique/unusual items, shabby chic items, vintage clothes, toys, tools, and just about anything else you could think of.
The main aisles are wide and clear and we were greeted with friendly smiles as we walked through the door.
10. Gastonia Grizzlies
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
The Gastonia Grizzlies is a baseball team in the Coastal Plain League that plays at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia, NC. The Grizzlies are known for crazy promotions throughout the entire game, engaging and interacting with the crowd as much as possible. The constant fun is a perfect night for friends and family!
Reviewed By Sara L - Mount Holly, North Carolina, United States
We love going here for baseball games. Great family atmosphere and always a lot going on. Many themed nights and lots of contests to get the fans involved. Great food at great prices and a good beer selection.
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