Gastonia is in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, 20 miles west of Charlotte and 15 miles from the South Carolina border. It is perfectly located for summer or winter recreation. The city is just 80 miles from the ski resorts of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. Only 200 miles away is the North and South Carolina coast with some of the most popular beaches on the eastern seaboard.

The Gaston County School System is the state's sixth largest, with other private and church-affiliated schools in the county. Gaston College offers associate degrees and one-year vocational programs. Belmont Abbey, founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, offers a four-year bachelor of arts program.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the state. Gaston County has 94 parks and recreational facilities with Crowders Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Battleground nearby. The Stowe Botanical Gardens is a well-known horticultural center, and Lake Wylie, popular with boaters and skiers, is a short drive away.

Right next door - 20 miles away - is Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city.

Minutes from Gastonia, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is a USAir hub. Nearby is the Charlotte Coliseum, home to the Charlotte Bobcats NBA team. The NFL franchise team The Carolina Panthers plays at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte.

A few more lively highlights:

• Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is home of the Charlotte Symphony; this is the state's premier performing arts complex.
• Spirit Square performing arts center and galleries
• The Mint Museum of Art
• The Lowes Motor Speedway, north of the city, site of major NASCAR racing events
• The annual Charlotte Observer Marathon, a qualifying race for the U.S. Olympic team

For links to all major Gaston County websites, visit

Other Local links:
Gaston Chamber of Commerce
Gaston Gazette
The Charlotte Observer