A Great Memorial Day Weekend Getaway in Gaston County

Thanks to warmer weather and longer days, May is a great time to travel. Memorial Day is a three-day weekend, creating the perfect opportunity for that much-needed vacation. Take advantage of the moment to plan your time off and plan a getaway.

Whether you're looking to spend this Memorial Day unwinding on calm water, reflecting from the top of a mountain, or honoring fallen soldiers, Gaston County offers the chance to enjoy the three-day weekend outside your four walls.

Paddling adventures

Paddling the calm waters is a super easy and fun way to pass the time. Grab a boat and head to the Catawba or South Fork River using a sit-on-top kayak with single or tandem kayaks or a canoe. Paddling Adventures

A Day on the Water

The Catawba River, which leads to Lake Wylie, allows our visitors to enjoy open water. Grab some friends, rent a jet ski or pontoon boat at one of our marinas, and make your own private party on the water.

Carolinas' Garden for All Seasons

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden allows guests to reconnect with nature and create lifelong memories. Located on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, this garden features spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory of tropical plants, and more.

Our Crown Jewel

At Crowders Mountain State Park, the views here are spectacular. Outdoor adventurers can enjoy miles of hiking, camping, fishing, and more. More hiking opportunities are available with the Carolina Thread Trail. Their trail system offers miles of trails, creating more opportunities to experience the great outdoors.

The world's premier outdoor facility

The Whitewater Center is the world's premier outdoor facility featuring the best adventures for thrill seekers, including whitewater rafting, zip lines, and climbing, creating a great weekend getaway

Whitewater Rafting

A must at Whitewater Center — it's in the name, after all. Rapids range from classes II to IV, and experiences vary from beginner to advanced. All options include a professional guide. Experienced paddlers may take on the whitewater course by kayak.

Zipline

Stretch across the center's campus. The ziplines vary from 200 to more than 1,000 feet long and carry passengers above the tree canopy and across the whitewater course.

Deep Water Solo

A form of rock climbing that utilizes falling into a deep pool of water instead of traditional climbing protection. The Whitewater Center's Deep Water Solo Complex has five walls ranging from 20 to 45 feet tall.

Tree Canopy Ropes

An activity built into the trees or made of utility poles incorporates traversing obstacles of varying difficulty. Participants wear harnesses and are attached to safety lines throughout the course.

24-Hour Gaming Action

Now open in its pre-launch temporary facility, Catawba Two Kings Casino brings excellent gaming action with the newest slot machines and electronic table games in a smoke-free environment. As this facility continues to expand on the types of gaming and the number of devices, it will quickly become North Carolina's premier gaming facility.

We Pack the House as Spectators Roar

In Gaston County, we pack the house as spectators roar with cheers for their team and favorite athletes. If you're an athlete at heart, you must head to the ball field in Gastonia to witness the fun of the ball game. The Gastonia Baseball Club is a professional baseball team in the Atlantic League.

Science and Natural History

Learn about science and natural history in this museum offering exceptional educational programs, exhibits, and more. The Schiele Museum of Natural History is only one of 70 museums in the U.S. designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

Tasty Craft Beverages

The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features breweries, distilleries, and wineries in and around Gaston County. Currently, there are 12 locations located on the trail. Each has its unique feel and culture, and the experience on the trail makes it a great weekend getaway.

Steeped in History

Kings Mountain State Park has miles of forested trails perfect for supreme hiking and two fishing lakes and sits adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, one of many national Revolutionary War sites.

A Great Memorial Day Weekend Getaway in Gaston County

Located just outside Charlotte, NC, Gaston County offers many things to see and do, making a great weekend getaway. We are only minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and have great places to stay and numerous unique dining establishments to complete a great weekend away. Stay with us!