Gastonia is the biggest city in the whole of Gaston County, NC. It is the satellite city of the Charlotte area and its surrounding vicinities offer plenty of interesting attractions. If you or a loved one is looking to retire near Gastonia, NC, here are several social and recreational opportunities in Gastonia that you can take advantage of in this beautiful city.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History

This museum features various permanent exhibits that are showcased both indoor and outdoor including the Hall of North Carolina Natural History. The Schiele Museum of Natural History houses the James H. Lynn Planetarium which is the only one in the Charlotte area. There is also a science theater that showcases a special exhibition on the natural occurrences of horror fiction concepts like zombies and alien invaders. There is also the Dino Safari exhibition that dwells on a journey to the past where visitors can explore the Age of Dinosaurs.

Rankin Lake Park

This is a 242-acre landmark that is beautifully created around a reservoir that provides the residents of the city with drinking water. The park is one of the favorite spots of the locals there as well as visitors who are seeking recreational opportunities within the outdoors. Visitors of Rankin Lake Park can look forward to picnics, fishing, gatherings, and more. There is also a clubhouse with chairs and tables, an outdoor classroom, an 18-hole disc golf course, a trailhead, and two horseshoe courts.

Martha Rivers Park

This 48-acre green area is established in 1955 and it features a youth sports complex, hiking trails, a castle-themed playground, and picnic shelters. Kids get to enjoy a ship, a fort, swings, a race car, slides, and a sandpit at the playground to explore the outdoors in a safe environment. The park also features three lighted youth baseball fields, four lighted soccer fields, and one lighted youth softball field. All these fields come with restrooms where park visitors can freshen up after a game.

Lineberger Park

For recreational opportunities that are fit for the whole family, this is the park to go to. It is the first park in the area and it can be found just several blocks away from downtown Gastonia. There are 18.5 acres of greenery at this park and a trailhead dedicated to the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway. Kids can also enjoy the outdoors at the playground as well as a miniature train area.

Webb Custom Kitchen

The Webb Custom Kitchen is situated in downtown Gastonia and it has a historic movie theater where residents go to celebrate. The place has been revamped to house guests for movie screenings. Guests in the gallery can watch silent movies while diners enjoy their meals on the main floor. Its central bar serves delicious first-class American contemporary cuisine food and many cocktails. There is also a large selection of desserts to choose from to end the night. The Webb Custom Kitchen is the perfect destination for friends and family to get together and connect over good food.