Christmas comes alive in Gaston County, N.C.

For the past 55 years, the small town of McAdenville has turned into Christmas Town USA and brought thousands of visitors to the Gaston County. In 1956, Pharr Yarns started the tradition with putting lights on a few trees in town. Today, Pharr Yarns works with the city residents to place more than 500,000 lights on more than 375 fir trees in the town. The residents also decorate their homes and business owners deck out their store fronts for the holidays.

One of the most popular spots is the lake near the center of town. Trees covered with lights line the lake and they reflect on the water, adding to the beauty of the area. A fountain in the lake shoots water 75 feet into the air and a 46-foot wide image of Old Man Winter blows snowflakes into the air.

The lights are officially turned on the evening of Dec. 1 each year. A large crowd of town residents and visitors gather in the center of town to hear Christmas carols and await the lights coming up. Santa also makes an appearance and free hot chocolate and cookies are given out. It’s a perfect look at how small town America has celebrated Christmas for generations.

The lights will be on through Dec. 26 this year. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, visitors will be able to drive or walk along a 1.3 mile route in the town to enjoy the lights and decorations. Holiday carols and bells chiming can be heard along the route and some of the town’s people are found on their porches waiting to the visitors.

“It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life,” said Mel Collins, spokesman for the event and vice president of human resources for Pharr Yarns. “The Christmas you remember, and thought was gone, is still here in McAdenville, North Carolina.”

There is no admission charge or parking fees to enjoy the McAdenville lights.

Coming up on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in McAdenville is the annual Yule Log Parade, a unique tradition to the area. Local children pull a log on a sleigh through the town where it is ignited in the fireplace at the YMCA as Christmas carols are heard in the background.
Over the past few decades, Christmas Town USA has received national attention through Charles Kuralt’s Morning Show, a segment on “Good Morning America” and a feature article in Guideposts magazines.

For more information on Christmas Town USA, go to www.mcadenville-christmastown.com or call the Gaston County Visitors Center at 1-800-849-9994.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont features Holiday Lights at the Gardens beginning the day after Thanksgiving each year and ending on Dec. 31. More than 600,000 lights on 12,000 strands illuminate the grounds of the gardens. Among the highlights is the orchid tree, located in the visitor’s pavilion, which has 300 live orchids on a frame that makes a 16-foot tall tree. Huge ornaments, including white snowflakes and red ornaments are found throughout the gardens, adding to the festive atmosphere. A tram ride past some of the lights and decorations, a maze for the children, carriage rides, baked goodies and crafts are among the activities offered.

Make sure to stop in the orchid conservatory to get a look at tropical plans and holiday favorites. Don’t miss the bromeliad tree which is a one-of-a-kind.

Entertainment is offered throughout December and Santa visits the gardens on the weekends. Santa’s Workshop will be held on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 and a Holiday Tea is planned for Dec. 12.

For more information, go to www.DSBG.org.

SCHIELE MUSEUM

The Schiele Museum in Gastonia has many holiday activities planned in the coming weeks, including the Colonia Christmas Celebration and Sounds of the Season on Saturday, Dec. 11. Local students will sing holiday songs, Christmas traditions of the past will be presented at the 18th century back country farm. Other plans include 18th century dancing, a yule log presentation, holiday market place and more. Guests will be treated to classic holiday movie presentations and hot cocoa.

On Monday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., children will be able Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the museum. Cookies and milk will be offered and plans include pirate ornament decorating, story time with Gypsy Jack, holiday movies, games and activities and even, perhaps, some snow.

Other holiday plans include a Wintergreens Elf camp from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 18. Children are invited for fun, food and gift making. The young visitors will also be able to explore the world of evergreens hidden in the winter woodlands. The participants will learn about plant folklore and locate and gather materials to craft gifts for families and friends. The event is for ages 9 to 12 and reservations are required.

Special programs in the planetarium will also be featured during the month.

For more information, go to www.schielemuseum.org.

PERFECT YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION

While Christmas is the perfect time to visit Gaston County, there is so much offered that is a great destination year-round. Located less than 30 minutes from Charlotte, Gaston County is a great place for outdoor adventure and enjoying nature. Hiking and exploring the outdoors at Crowder Mountain State Park, boating and fishing are among the options. Crowders Mountain State Park has two mountains, Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle and covers 5,600 acres. Hiking, boating, camping and rock climbing are among the activities offered.

The permanent exhibits and displays and special programs at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Schiele Museum of Natural History are also popular tourist stops year-round. The Stowe Garden, which includes 110 acres, was donated to the area by the late textile executive Daniel Stowe. It includes an orchid conservatory and beautiful gardens and facilities. The Schiele Museum of Natural History features the largest collection of land mammal specimens in the Southeast, as well as a planetarium, a recreation of a Catawba Indian Village, animals and 18-century country farm. A special exhibit on pirates will be at the museum through February. The special exhibits are usually changed one to two times each year, with the new one for the spring to be on caves.

Special programs are also offered throughout the year, including a presentation on The Life and Times of Gypsy Jack on Dec. 31 and a Fossil Fair Feb. 5-6.

WHERE TO EAT

Two wonderful dining options in Gaston County are Old Stone Steakhouse in Belmont
and Center Street Tavern in Cramerton.

At Old Stone Steakhouse, a great choice is the shrimp and grits. Sausage and mushrooms are added to the grits which give it a unique and wonderful flavor. Other menu items include several steak selections, as well as pasta, seafood, chicken, ribs and sandwiches. Be sure to start your meal with the delightful wedge salad with blue cheese dressing.

Center Street Tavern also offers a shrimp and grits that is a bit more spicy but still wonderful. The mahi mahi is also a great choice as it is flaky and flavorful, served alongside homemade mashed potatoes and asparagus. For appetizers, the house chips and fried pickles are both a great way to start your meal.

WHERE TO STAY

During your stay, Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Belmont is a great place to stay as it is centrally located to the attractions, offers a full free breakfast and other amenities and is budget friendly. Among the amenities offered are a free airport shuttle, free high speed internet, outdoor pool, refrigerator and microwave in every room, a fitness and business center.

For more information, go to www.hiexpress.com or call 704-812-2000.

For those who enjoy staying at a bed and breakfast, Robin’s Nest is a wonderful choice. The 1914 Classical Revival home is located on 1.5 acres atop a hill in the heart of Mt. Holly and it is tastefully decorated and welcoming. It is conveniently located 2.5 miles off Interstate 85 and is within walking distance of the downtown area.

The downstairs sitting room is very inviting and guests can relax in front of the fireplace with hot apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate. Snacks, including homemade brownies and lemon cookies, are among the treats offered in the afternoons.

After a restful night’s sleep, guests can step outside their bedroom door to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee awaiting them on an early 1900s sideboard in the hall. Guests can then enjoy their coffee while getting ready, then go downstairs for a delectable full breakfast.

When the weather warms up, guests can relax on the porch in one of the big red rocking chairs. Visitors can also stroll along the grounds and enjoy the birds in a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

For more information on the bed and breakfast, go to www.robinsnestbb.com.

For more information on planning a trip to Gaston County, go to www.VisitGaston.org.