Gastonia, North Carolina

In between the Appalachian Mountains and the Outer Banks, lies a small, Southern town in which I call home. Gastonia, North Carolina is where I have resided since my first day on this Earth. I could not imagine living anywhere else, because Gastonia is home to the most pleasant, polite, and hardworking people in this nation. Gastonia is a town that was created with the perfect formula: ten minutes from Charlotte, one of the nicest and largest city in the south and surrounded by rural towns consisting of beautiful green pastures. It is between the colorful Blue Ridge Parkway that runs along the peaks of the Appalachians and only hours away from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic. The cool breezes sail from the mountains creating a pleasant chill on a hot summer day and the scent of the beach is aromatic with each breath.

The most utmost characteristic of Gastonia is the small town feel one gets when living there. Gastonia is not full of sky scraping towers, entertainment complexes, or full of corporate chains, but full of “mom and pop” restaurants and independent companies. Every Saturday morning, I go with my Grandfather to Ray’s Country Store to feast on scrambled eggs, grits, liver mush, and toast. While eating in Gastonia, one must enjoy Gastonia’s most popular and proud beverage, Sun-Drop. On dates with my friends, we will go and eat ice cream at Tony’s Ice Cream. A favorite of my grandparents when they were children, it is still the best place around to get a fully-loaded banana split. Cruising around in your car, you pass R.O.’s Barbecue which serves the world’s finest barbecue sandwich with an original slaw that leaves everyone’s appetite satisfied. These historic restaurants and eateries is proof that Gastonians are never hungry.

Gastonia was once known as the “Textile Capital of the World.” Before the economy weakened, Gastonia housed many textile factories and mills employing thousands of hard working Gastonians. Today, Gastonia is full of running textile mills exporting the world’s finest ring spun cotton and employing thousands of dedicated workers. Driving down the streets you pass other small blooming businesses that employ hospitable people that always greet you with a “hello” or “how may I help you?”

Gastonia’s small town atmosphere creates great high school athletics. Since the 1970's, Gastonia has been nationally known as a basketball breeding town. Gastonia has produced some of basketball’s greatest players including: James Worthy, Darryl Armstrong, Sleepy Floyd, and Kris Lang. Every Friday night, people fill the stands of their favorite high school football team to cheer them on under the bright, towering lights. People root and cheer for their team while they play against their cross town rival. After games, fans will drive with friends to the drive-in movie theater or go bowling at the two local bowling allies. During the winter, Gastonians can usually expect one snow fall leaving the ground covered with snow for at least three days. During this time, children and families rush to the largest hill in their neighborhood and sled for hours in their heaviest winter clothing. For years I have gone to the hill in front of my neighborhood, where we block off the street from passing cars and ride under the moonlight night.

Gastonia is not a town that would be located on a tourist map, but it is everything I could have ever wanted from a hometown. I am not alone when I say that I would not trade the experiences and lessons we have learned through living in Gastonia. Walking in downtown I am always passed with smiling faces and met with enthusiastic greetings. Each person that I pass, I can feel as if I trust for I know that they are from Gastonia. A town that produces friendly, polite, and trustworthy people located in the heartland of the South, my hometown of Gastonia.

Davis W

Submitted: Tuesday 17th February 2004, 6:43 PM

Privacy - Submit - Prizes - Conditions - Contact Us - HOME