Dr. Diana Bass is a proud native of Gastonia, NC!
She has some tried and true favorite spots that she would love to share to anyone visiting, preparing to live, or driving through Gastonia! She is so proud to call Gastonia, NC home.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is an incredibly fun museum located in Gastonia, NC with engaging exhibits and a touch of local history! This museum is a go to for Dr. Bass and her family because of the wide range of indoor and outdoor educational activities.
When you walk into the Schiele, you are greeted by a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex! Children are immediately struck with awe and their curiosity is sparked when they see a life size T-Rex skeleton greet them at the door.
From there, moving through the museum is easy as you stroll through additional life sized dinosaurs and fossils! After your trip through the Jurassic era, there is an exhibit that displays the different environments in North Carolina and the wildlife and plants that live here!
In the outdoor exhibit at the Schiele Museum, you can visit a farm with live animals such as goats and chickens. A second must-see exhibit is the recreation of local primitive housing from early Native Americans to Colonial times.
It is fascinating to see history books come to life at the Schiele Museum!
Webb’s Custom Kitchen is a dining experience like no other! This restaurant was built in 1920 and was originally Webb’s Theater, an iconic landmark in Gastonia, NC at the time.
Visiting Webb’s is like stepping into the past, but with a modern twist. The beautifully renovated building has notes of history all around while remaining relevant and interesting to the modern eye. The decor is extremely tasteful and creates a resounding feeling of opulence and glory. When you step through the doors, you get an immediate feeling of glorious nostalgia you can get nowhere else.
The food at Webb’s is a subject on its own. The head chef Dylan Furgeson creates locally inspired dishes that accentuate local taste, and his menu is ever changing to cater to a loyal clientele. When Dr. Bass goes to Webb’s, she gets the delicious wedge salad with lovely tenderloin medallions! It is a must try!
If you want a truly unique experience you can’t get anywhere else, visit Webb Custom Kitchen!
Pita Wheel started out as a food truck 6 years ago and quickly became so popular they decided to build a brick and mortar restaurant! This special place is known for its funky and creative pita dishes.
Pita Wheel has quickly become a Gastonia, NC staple for good times and family fun! Not only is the food absolutely delicious, but the atmosphere hosts live music and local beers on tap to enjoy. There is an abundance of outdoor seating to accommodate all of your friends and family!
Tony’s is a beloved staple for Gastonia, NC that lives in the heart of every local. Tony’s Ice Cream was established in 1915, and has served the residents of Gastonia their deliciously special ice cream and food ever since.
Known for their 28 flavors, their milkshakes are one of a kind and have an unmistakable taste. When you walk into Tony’s it’s like you’re walking back in time. The nostalgic atmosphere somehow makes the food and distinctive milkshakes taste even better.
If you want to be transported through time, get a classic American meal, and support a delightful local business, head to Tony’s Ice Cream!
Dr. Bass loves to take Fender, her well known Bass Dentistry therapy dog, around Rankin Lake Park for walks with her family! This park was built in 1922, and possesses 242 city-owned acres that act as a reservoir to protect Gastonia, NC’s drinking water.
Since its great expansion in the 1980’s, there are now a great number of activities you can do solo or with family and friends.
There is a clubhouse that can be rented for large events, picnic shelters, 18-hole disc golf course, horseshoe courts, outdoor classroom, a trail that connects to the Highland Rail Trail, an 80-acre lake, two fishing piers, a viewing pier, and a rental office that handles boat rentals and fishing permits!
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If you’re traveling to Gastonia, NC soon, be sure to check out all of these places if you can. They are all very special and beloved to Gastonia locals. There is a little something for everyone. To stay up to date on everything happening in Gastonia, check out the Gaston Gazette!
