Gaston County, NC

When it comes to finding an outdoor oasis or secluded nook to take in some fresh air and natural beauty, Gaston County residents have an abundance of riches.

The area enjoys a number state parks, secluded camping and fishing locations, whitewater and hiking trails.

“We have a lot of things to offer and a lot of untapped beauty,” says Walt Israel, director of travel and tourism for Gaston County.

One must-see destination is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Established in 1999, Daniel Stowe is a display garden, grouping plants and flowers aesthetically rather than by the typical genus and family arrangement favored by other botanical gardens.

“We are a relatively new garden, only 10 years old,” says Jim Hoffman, director of marketing and guest services for Daniel Stowe. “We have 380 acres, including 10-12 acres of manicured gardens and areas divided into various garden rooms. People arrive, pay admission and step out into a pavilion and are immersed in a beautifully landscaped garden.”

Paths and trails wind through the banana trees, palm trees and winterberry while the newest addition to the garden is the orchid conservatory. At more than 8,000 square feet, visitors can wander among the more than 10,000 species of the flower. Even more unique to the center is their collection of talanzia.

“We have the largest collection of talanzia, a plant that doesn’t grow in soil,” says Hoffman. “Their nutrients come from the air or from the water in the air. We have 14,000 of those in a real creative display.”

And for those who like to experience nature first hand instead of simply admiring it, the U.S. Whitewater Center is just the spot to visit. This U.S. Olympic training site is just the place to raft the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. But not only that, visitors can flatwater kayak, mountain bike, trail run, hike more than 11 miles of trails and even climb one of the largest outdoor climbing structures in the U.S.

But if manmade just won’t do, the real thing is just a stone’s throw away. Crowders Mountain State Park is truly one of nature’s gifts.

And whether you choose to spend a lazy afternoon fishing in the nine-acre wooded lake or hiking the rocky trails, there is never a dull moment for the athletic.

“It is so close to Charlotte and there are people who drive down from Asheville,” says Israel. “It has been a boon for the climbing community, which a lot of people around here do.”

For newcomers and residents alike, there are plenty of ways to fill a perfectly gorgeous day in Gaston County.

“We are putting a whole new emphasis on travel and tourism,” says Israel. “There are tons of family friendly activities and plenty more good things on the way.”