Welcome: Visitor Center Your First Stop 
 

The best place for first-time visitors to begin learning about Gaston County is the Visitor Center operated by Gaston County Travel and Tourism at 620 North Main Street in Belmont. That's at I-85 Exit 26 (Belmont Abbey College.) There you'll find friendly folks to answer your questions and supply all the maps and brochures you need. Be sure to ask for the Magnolia Tour brochure, with information and photos about a wide variety of interesting places to see and things to do in Gaston County.

Don't fail to ask about the spectacular Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, named one of the nation's 20 great gardens. Also not to be missed is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, the world's largest multi-channel, recirculating whitewater river, and an official U.S.Olympic Training Facility. The Whitewater Center is across the Catawba River in Mecklenburg County, but only a few minutes from the Visitor Center. 

From the parking lot at the Visitor Center, you can see just across the Interstate the spires of Belmont Abbey College and the beautiful and historic basilica. Founded in 1876, Belmont Abbey is both a Benedictine monastery and a Catholic co-educational liberal arts college. Stroll the lovely 650-acre campus and drop in at Holy Grounds for a cup of Starbucks coffee with the students and the monks. 

All of the towns of eastern Gaston (Belmont, Cramerton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mount Holly and Stanley) are within a short drive from the Visitor Center. Gastonia, the county seat, is less than 10 minutes south on I-85, and the skyscrapers of Charlotte about 15 minutes north. 

While traveling in Gaston County, take time to stop for a spell in any of our small towns. You'll find each community has it's own distinct charm and proud heritage. Learn about our past in historical museums, sip a cup of gourmet coffee, relax in a spa, walk on a greenway, cruise the lake, attack the whitewater, inhale the gardens, make great discoveries in our antique shops, sample our barbecue or enjoy a fine dining experience at one of many excellent restaurants.

You'll discover the quality all of our communities have in common is friendly people. Don't rush. Take time to talk with people you meet. You'll find we're as eager to get to know you as you are to know us.

Thanks for stopping by.