1. Gaston College
City: Dallas, NC
Category: Education
Telephone: (704) 922-6200
Address: 201 Hwy. 321 South
Description: With two campuses in Gaston County and a third in Lincoln County, Gaston College is one of the state’s larger community colleges, enrolling more than 20,000 people each year. Approximately 5,000 students enroll each quarter in curriculum programs, with another 16,000 students annually in continuing education programs. More than 90 areas of study are offered for a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree. Gaston offers day and evening courses, as well as online classes. One of the most distinctive features of the school is WSGE 91.7 FM, the college’s 24-hour radio station, which plays adult alternative music, Carolina beach and shag tunes, and an eclectic mix of talk radio and special programming.
2. Gaston County Museum Of Art & History
City: Dallas, NC
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (704) 922-7681
Address: 131 West Main St.
Description: Located in the historic Dallas court square in the restored 1852 Hoffman Hotel, this museum features Victorian period rooms with exhibits on American art and history. Permanent exhibits focus on Carolina textiles, Gaston County’s place in the center of the nationwide business, and how the industry shaped people and their way of life. The largest public collection of carriages and sleighs in the state is displayed in the Stowe Carriage House. Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tues through Fri; noon to 5 p.m. Sat; and 2 to 5 p.m. the first Sun of each month. Free.