The Tindol Ford Team has been delivering face masks to members in our local community on behalf of Ford Motor Company's #FinishStrong initiative. Over 1M million masks have been donated to North Carolina and Ford's goal is to donate 120,000,000 masks across the country!
On December 9th, 2020 Tindol Ford & Subaru honored local first responders from the Gastonia Police Department, Gastonia Fire Department, Gaston County EMS, Gaston County Sheriff's Office and Gaston County Police. After our ceremony, Chick-fil-A Franklin Square provided 500 lunches for local first responders. The Tindol team handed out bagged lunches to first responders as they drove through the dealership parking lot. The North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association handed out Hometown Heroes shirts and magnets to show their support. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen. With your help, we were able to show our appreciation for the first responders that keep our community safe.
Like most things, the 28th Annual Cruise In at Tindol was quite a bit different in 2020. Instead of a Cruise In, the event was changed to a Cruise Thru. Drivers lined up at Tindol Ford early Saturday morning, then pulled out for a cruise down Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, then on to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Like previous years, proceeds from the event were used to benefit the local Boy Scouts. The event also included Tindol Subaru's Annual Pet Adoption, which is a part of our Subaru Loves Pets Month efforts to help local shelters and pets in need. At least 37 pets were adopted, making this the most successful event ever! The Tindol Team appreciates the support of our community and customers which allows us to raise funds for local youth organizations and help local pets find a loving home. Thank You!
Spending a Saturday afternoon of pampering is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a hectic work week, whether you're a mom trying to manage a long list of tasks or you work in an office and have a long commute. A facial, calming music, and a massage can help you get the self-care you need. Here are some of the best wellness and day spas in Gastonia, North Carolina, that have been vetted by other locals. Chic Nail & Spa Chic Nail & Spa is located at 116 S. South Street right near Center City Park. While the salon primarily focuses its offerings on traditional manicures and pedicures, it does have some notable spa services. This includes eyebrow waxing, massage, and deluxe skin treatments. The staff members are known for going out of their way to be helpful and friendly. Body Balance Day Spa Located at 2346 E. Franklin Blvd., Body Balance Day Spa offers massages, pedicures, manicures, and hair salon services. While some customers say this spa is hard to find, they claim that it's well worth the effort to find it. In addition to spa services, the spa has a gift shop with jewelry, candles, and other small accessories that you can shop for before you leave. more Massage Envy - Gastonia Massage Envy - Gastonia is located at 2290 E. Franklin Blvd. Although it's part of a national chain, you can still expect friendly customer service and the opportunity to develop relationships with your service providers. You can get a massage, which the spa is known for. You can also get a facial, skin care treatments, and advice. Ella's Therapeutic Bath & Spa If you're looking for true Southern hospitality from an independently owned day spa, consider going to Ella's Therapeutic Bath & Spa. It's located at 707 S. Avon St. The spa's owner is known for treating customers with added gifts such as wine, fruit, and flowers. It's an excellent place to go for a romantic couples massage. There is also a sauna on-site, where you can enjoy the gentle heat and sweat out impurities from your skin. Harmony Medical Spa If you'd prefer to receive skin and anti-aging services from a medical practitioner, consider Harmony Medical Spa at 2391 Court Drive, Suite 110, near the CaroMont Regional Medical Center. There are so many services to choose from, including facial peels, collagen stimulation procedures, Kybella's double chin treatment, and hair restoration. There are also surgical solutions available to get you the results that you're looking for. Harmony Medical Spa also offers a weight-loss program, erectile dysfunction wellness program, and hormone replacement, in addition to massage therapy. The right day spa for you depends on what services you plan on getting. Some of the day spas on this list have a limited number of spa services, while others have more robust offerings. All of the day spas on this list have delivered high-quality services to customers who felt compelled to leave positive online reviews. Image via Pixabay | CC 0 | Cropped from original
Finding fun stuff to do with your kids is a great way to not only spend some time out of the house but also get in some quality time. Whether your kid is all about learning or they need space to burn off some energy, Gastonia, North Carolina, offers parents plenty of different kid-friendly options in and around town. Here are our top four favorite spots to bring the kids in Gastonia. Schiele Museum of Natural History The Schiele Museum of Natural History is an excellent pick for family outings that are both super cool and educational. If your kid has an interest in natural history, from dinosaurs to geology to the nature around them, this museum is a great pick. We strongly recommend the Dino Safari exhibit, as well as the 18th Century Backcountry Farm. The planetarium is also a neat experience that offers a unique look at the incredible universe we live in. The museum is located at 1500 East Garrison Blvd. General admission tickets for adults are $7 and for kids age 4-17 they're $6. Kids under four are free. more Carolina Speedway The Carolina Speedway is a super fun place to bring your kids if they're a fan of car races. Hosting a number of events throughout the year, ranging from amateur to professional events, the Carolina Speedway is a family-friendly option that's also easy on your wallet. Camping is available for the big races if you want to make an event of it and of course, concessions are sold on site. The Carolina Speedway is located at 6355 Union Road. Ticket prices depend on the event. Be sure to bring hearing protection! Adventure Landing Offering fun both indoors and out, Adventure Landing Gastonia is packed with excitement. The sprawling indoor arcade has everything from classic games to modern adventures, with over 29 different games to choose from. You can even win tickets from some of them and ultimately choose your own prize! There is also a super fun mini-golf course for an outdoor challenge, plus batting cages. Adventure Landing is a great choice for a family outing and is also a popular birthday party spot. Adventure Landing is located at 2600 East Franklin Blvd. Keep an eye out for their frequent promotions and coupons. Martha Rivers Park Looking to spend some time outside? Martha Rivers Park is a popular family destination thanks to its unique castle-themed playground and generous recreational spaces. The playground covers a full acre and was designed by local children to be one of the most fun in the area. Enjoy a family game of tag or just kick back and relax while your kids play. There are soccer fields, as well as baseball diamonds, that can be used when games aren't scheduled, plus paved walking trails for interested guests. Martha Rivers Park is located at 1515 Neil Hawkins Road. These four Gastonia destinations are all great choices when planning outings with your kids. No matter their interests, there's always something to get them excited and keep them interested. Image via Pixabay | CC 0 | Cropped from original
Cheesecake comes in an amazing variety of flavors depending on what you use for the crust, the cake, and the toppings. With so many variations it's never quite the same in different places, and in Gastonia, North Carolina, you can find plenty of spots that make their own. But if you want the best cheesecake the city offers, you should check out one of these locations. Webb Custom Kitchen The Webb Custom Kitchen is a new American restaurant with a lovely dining room just off Franklin Boulevard and South Street. Each menu offers a list of culinary experiences made with fresh ingredients and an eye for details, and that includes a list of wines imported from all around the world. After the main course you can choose from a fine list of desserts and nightcaps, and that includes a tall New York-style cheesecake. Webb makes their cheesecake with a particularly smooth cream cheese, and they take their time mixing it to give you the best texture you'll ever have. Old Stone Steakhouse The Old Stone Steakhouse is over in Belmont, just across the street from Stowe Park on South Main Street. Old Stone sits in the old Belmont police department building, and you can still find the Old Belmont Jailhouse just behind the building. It's a surf 'n turf restaurant, so it has a solid list of steak cuts, chicken dinners, and fresh seafood like Atlantic salmon and Maryland-style crab cakes. Their list of desserts is always changing, but there's a good chance you'll find a New York-style cheesecake with a classic Southern topping like pecans and caramel. more Lotus Bar and Eatery You'll find the Lotus Bar and Eatery in the southeast end of town just off Hoffman Road. It's an upscale new American place that takes influences from across the country, plus it has a full sushi bar with plenty of special house rolls and classics like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. They have a big list of desserts and other after-dinner specials, and that includes a turtle cheesecake. They make it with swirls of salted bourbon caramel, a brown-sugar cream, a spiced-rum caramel sauce, and candied pecans. Sprouts Cafe Sprouts Cafe is a vegan restaurant and bakery. They have a few meat options on their dinner menu, but everything from their bakery contains zero animal products. This includes their berry and key lime cheesecakes, which are both delicious despite using zero cheese. While you're there you should also check out their gluten-free cakes, their coconut cream pie, or get a half-dozen of their vegan chocolate chip muffins. Cheesecake is an absolutely decadent dessert, and that's true whether you get a plain New York-style slice or a Southern-style cheesecake with bourbon caramel swirls and a layer of pecans on top. Between the bakeries and fine restaurants in Gastonia, you'll have plenty of opportunities to find a nice cheesecake when you're in town. Image via Pixabay.com | CC 0
A hamburger can be a pretty simple food: all you need is some ground meat, a bun, and a grill. However, you can take hamburgers to the next level by using high-quality meat, adding a nice blend of spices to the mix, topping the patty with a perfect blend of ingredients, and putting it all together on a homemade bun. Finding a burger in Gastonia, North Carolina, is easy, but if you want something better than the usual fast food joint you should head over to one of the local spots on this list. Peace N Hominy Q Peace N Hominy Q is on Catawba Street in Belmont, just a short drive south of Wilkinson Boulevard. It's an old-fashioned Carolina barbecue restaurant that smokes its own meats using a house-made sauce. It's a great place to get pulled pork and beef brisket, but they also offer hand-pattied burgers and hot dogs. You can get yours American style, Carolina style, or with chili and cheese. Their signature burger is the Big Butt Burger, a beef patty topped with pulled pork, bacon, American cheese, onions, and the house-special barbecue sauce. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries Despite the name, you'll find the Hwy 55 in Gastonia in Franklin Square between I-85 and US-74. Hwy 55 is a popular North Carolina franchise diner, and although it's expanding outwards you'll still find most of its locations in the state. At Hwy 55, the burgers are the stars, which is why they make a point of hand-pattying each one and never freezing the meat. They offer options like the Carolina Classic topped with onions, chili, and slaw, or you can have one covered in bacon and pimento cheese. more Grille Works Food and Drink Grille Works is a local spot down on South New Hope Street. They offer a nice blend of American diner food like potato skins, Caesar salad, onion soup, and fish tacos, plus they have some Italian classics like hot subs, pasta, and bruschetta. For burgers they offer both a basic half-pound beef patty and a black-bean veggie patty as a vegan alternative. You can top it however you like, or you can try one of their burger specials like the Southern with chili and slaw, the Smoked with mushrooms and gouda, or the Brunch with fried eggs. Balls Grill and Produce Balls Grill and Produce is a local diner down on South York Road near the edge of town. It's a very old-fashioned place, but you can see from the clean interior that the owners still care about giving their customers the best experience they can. Like the name says, you can buy fresh produce from their store, and they also have a simple menu full of options like hot dogs, salads, and some surprisingly awesome burgers. Gastonia has no shortage of fast-food burger joints, same as any other city. However, if you look hard enough, you'll find some great places to eat burgers that put those fast-food patties to shame. Image by Gerry Dincher via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original
Charlotte, North Carolina is known as a popular place for food lovers. For those who love sweets or just enjoy the taste of some freshly-baked goods, you can find something to suit your palate at one of the many popular bakeries in the city. Whether you call Charlotte home or find yourself venturing there for a day trip, you can find something you've been craving at one of the Charlotte bakeries listed below. Amélie's French Bakery A popular bakery, for both tourists and locals alike, is Amélie's French Bakery located in Charlotte in the NoDa district, which is one of the city's most popular art destinations. The bakery features tasty baked goods, great coffee, and even an art gallery to enjoy during your visit. The location is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The atmosphere is eclectic, yet relaxing, boasting comfortable furniture and unique artwork from some of the areas burgeoning artists. The menu is known for its authentic French pastries, soups, and savory items. The shop is known for locally roasted Magnolia Coffee blends. Two of the most popular menu items include the Cafe Marcotte which is espresso, vanilla bean, simple syrup, salted caramel, and sea salt and the salted caramel brownie. more Bar Cocoa Bar Cocoa is located inside the Rit-z-Carlton in Uptown Charlotte and is known for its upscale and unique offerings as well as its amazing window display that stops passersbys in their tracks. Crystal Broadbent is the head pastry chef and brings a unique flair and decadence to her menu. She starts with classics like banana pudding and brings them up to a level that hits the senses on all levels. You can enjoy your items on the sidewalk terrace or at a cozy inside table. You can even help create your favorite items by joining in one of the bakery classes the kitchen offers. The bakery is a favorite for die-hard chocolate lovers and offers some popular favorites such as red velvet cupcakes, coconut cakes, French macaroons, house-made gelato, and Norman Love Confections. Las Delicias Bakery For dessert lover's who enjoy pastries and bread with an international flair, you'll want to make a stop at Las Delicias Bakery on Central Avenue. Head pastry chef Zhenia Martinez brings the traditional recipes that her mother brought when she came from Chihuahua, Mexico to the citizens and tourists in the Charlotte area. The bakery offers classic bakery items and favorites from many Central and South American countries. The chef's favorite dish, and a hit with all those who stop in is her trenza which is braided bread with raisins and Bavarian cream. Other popular favorites include passion fruit cake and churros. Locals of the area are also known to grab some tamales during their visit which have been ranked the best in the city. Check out one or all of the bakeries listed above on your next visit to the Charlotte area for some desserts and pastries that you will never forget. Whether you are craving the classics, looking for items with a little international flair, or looking for a unique twist on your favorites, you can find something to suit your palate in the city of Charlotte. Image via Pixabay
Date night doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. You can put a lot of thought into an evening with your partner or significant other and make it special without dipping too far into your wallet. Here are some inexpensive date night ideas near Charlotte. Visit Local Wineries There are six different wineries within an hour's drive of Uptown Charlotte. Most of the tours and tastings are under $10 and even include a complimentary glass. Your date night can turn into a daytime date and include a scenic drive to one of the wineries. The list includes Cauble Creek Vineyard in Salisbury, the Childress Vineyards in Lexington, and the Douglas Vineyard in Kannapolis. Childress and Douglas more both offer wine slushies for a refreshing treat on a warm day, and you can find out about events on their websites. Check Out Local Comedians at Comedy Zone Comedy Zone is the local comedy club where you can see some of the up-and-coming local comedians on open mic night. Tickets are just $10 if you buy them in advance, and open mic is usually on Tuesday. The club also has a full lineup of events that you can check out on the website, with the price range of tickets listed right on the event page. Coming up this spring, you can see John Caparulo, Funny on the Fly, and JJ Williamson. Go For A Hike If you both like the outdoors, take your date on a hike. Just 40 minutes outside of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain has over 20 miles of hiking trails. The trails range from easy to strenuous so you can choose how hard you want to work. If you're up for a challenge, the Backside Trail is less than a mile, but it ends with 337 steps to get to the summit. The Pinnacle Trail is less of a challenge, but it still has a large boulder to get around and a steep switchback. Explore Local Art Museums Admission is free at The Mint Museum on Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. You can stroll through one of the largest art collections in the area for your date night. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has Bechtler By Night on the third Friday of every month when they offer free admission from 5-9 p.m. Explore the four floors of the museum to see the over 1,400 pieces of modern art. End the night at one of the city's local food joints for burgers and comfort food. Places such as Mr. K's, Zack's Hamburgers, and Brook's Sandwich House all offer options for just a few dollars. You can also stop for ice cream, and each enjoy a small cone or sweet treat. The options for an inexpensive date night are unlimited. The Charlotte area has so many unique attractions and sights to see that you don't have to pay for. Just take the time to make a plan, and you'll both have a great time. Image via Flickr by James Willamor /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0
It seems like new sandwich shops are constantly popping up around North Carolina. With everyone claiming they have the best sandwich, it can be overwhelming to pick just one. Check out a few of the top-rated sandwiches in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. French Onion Grilled Cheese at Papi Queso You might have seen the Papi Queso black food truck driving around downtown Charlotte. Papi Queso has also been seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and has made a name for itself with their mouthwatering, delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Notable sandwiches on the menu include the smoked chicken and the mushroom gruyere, but the French onion grilled cheese is a must-try. This sandwich comes topped with wine-braised onions, poblanos, and gooey, melted American and Provolone cheeses. Make sure you wash down your sandwich with either the root beer or cream soda drinks. more Ding Dong at Pinky's Westside Grill Pinky's Westside Grill is known for pushing the limit and testing out food combinations you could have never imagined on your own. You can order a burger or chicken sandwich Ding Dong style, which consists of crunchy peanut butter, sriracha sauce, and honey-cilantro slaw. Order your sandwich with a side of southern slaw or fried squash. If you are still hungry, make sure you try one of the unique hot dog creations. Pinky's also has a full bar menu and a fun and comfortable dining room, making it a great place to check out. Chicken Salad Sandwich at Rooster's Rooster's has a large sandwich menu, each item made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. But, if you are going to try just one item, make sure it is the chicken salad sandwich. The chicken salad sandwich at Rooster's is unlike any other chicken salad sandwich you have ever had before. This sandwich is homemade daily, complete with fresh ingredients and served on warm rye bread with red tomatoes and leafy lettuce. The Olympian at The Common Market The Common Market has evolved from a local convenience store to a popular sandwich shop in Midtown Charlotte. Just one of the must-try sandwiches on the menu is the Olympian. This large sandwich is topped with fresh turkey, feta cheese, red onion, green pepper, olive tapenade, tomato, and lettuce. The Olympian pairs perfectly with one of the available fresh salads or hot soups. In addition to sandwiches, the Common Market also has hot coffee, live music, and craft beer. The Chicken and Egg Sandwich at the Local Loaf Although a breakfast sandwich, the chicken and egg sandwich at the Local Loaf is delicious any time of day. The sandwich which comes with a poached egg, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and a homemade chipotle cheer wine sauce is was ultimately led to the Local Loaf's popularity. They also serve drip and cold-brew coffee and locally sourced snacks. Check out a few of the best sandwiches that Charlotte, North Carolina, has to offer. Each one is sure to fill your craving for a fresh, unique, and fulfilling lunch option. Image via Flickr by Felipe Valduga / Under use by CC BY 2.0
Gastonia, North Carolina, is abundant with historic attractions, blooming flowers, and peaceful hiking trails. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautiful city at one of these great walking trails. Lineberger Park Lineberger Park has been a popular outdoor destination in the Gastonia area since the 1920s. The park is just a few blocks from downtown Gastonia and offers over 18.5 acres of green outdoor space. The Avon Creek runs through the park, giving you waterfront views along your walk. Within the park, you will also find public restrooms, water fountains, a basketball court, picnic shelters, and an outdoor pool. The Gaston County Vietnam War Memorial midway also runs through the park, honoring the fallen Gastonia soldiers from the Vietnam War more 8th Street Greenway If you are limited on time but still want to enjoy the outdoors, check out the 8th Street Greenway. The trail is just a short drive out of Gastonia and begins at North Loop Road. It runs for a half mile, looping through mature trees and into the Bakers Creek Park. The asphalt-paved trail is flat and perfect for all ages. Once you reach the park, you will have access to public restrooms, tennis courts, and even a mini-golf course. Avon & Catawba Creeks Greenway The Avon & Catawba Creeks Greenway is a handicap-accessible, 3.0-mile trail that begins north of the Catawba Creek Bridge. The Greenway is popular among skaters, cyclists, joggers, and walkers. The trail is right in Gastonia and runs through grassy parkland and quiet picnic spots before coming to an end at Ferguson Park. Along the way, you will see blooming flowers, native wildlife, and flowing creek waters. The Catawba Creek trail also runs by the Municipal Golf Course. Highland Rail Trail The Highland Rail Trail is a great spot to check out if you enjoy North Carolina history. The 1.5-mile-long trail runs along the Carolina and Northwestern Railway. This historical railroad was in operation until January of 1974, connecting Downtown Gastonia to Rankin Lake Park. Although the railway is no longer active, it is a cool place to walk. You will find skaters, cyclists, joggers, and walkers on the Highland Rail Trail from dawn until dusk. Crowders Mountain If you are looking for more of a walking challenge, try out Crowders Mountain. Crowders Mountain is just a short drive from Gastonia in Kings Mountain. The 5,096-acre park has eight additional trails geared toward all different ages and skill levels. The Family Camping Trail is just 0.2 miles long, while the Ridgeline Trail runs for 6.2 miles through the Kings Mountain State Park and the Kings Mountain National Military Park. You can climb mountain peaks as high as 800 feet or view the city below on one of the rocky ledges. The wheelchair-accessible park also offers picnic shelters and fishing piers. The Gastonia, North Carolina, area has many wonderful trails to explore. Whether you prefer strolling along a historic railroad or pushing yourself to the limit on a 6.2-mile mountain hike, you are sure to find something you enjoy. Image via Flickr by gurdonark / Under use CC BY 2.0
Gastonia, North Carolina, has a variety of fun, educational activities for kids and adults. You can learn about nature, check out interesting art, or let your kids learn through hands-on play. Here are some of the best museums to visit in Gastonia and the surrounding area. The Schiele Museum Bud Schiele and his wife, Libby Hobbs, founded The Schiele Museum of Natural History in 1961 when they were in their 60s. They had collected and preserved many cultural artifacts and natural specimens. The museum's exhibits are from North America. You can look at dinosaur skeletons, explore an 18th-century farm, see a Stone Age heritage site, and more. The Creepy Nature gallery teaches people how plants and animals can sometimes be scarier than horror movies. The James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater has a digital projection system that surrounds viewers with a domed screen for an immersive experience. The planetarium can entertain 152 more viewers per show. There's a gift shop, and parking is free. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There are several different exhibits, so seeing everything could take a few trips. Discovery Place Discovery Place Science is in Charlotte, about half an hour away from Gastonia. It has a variety of classes, exhibits, and activities for kids and adults. Thinker Space classes teach people basic skills like sewing, as well as how to use new tools and technologies. There's also an aquarium, an IMAX theater, and an exhibit about human anatomy and physiology where you can learn about the body's organs and what happens when you exercise. The Explore More Life exhibit lets you see live animals like Madagascar hissing cockroaches, horseshoe crabs, and sea urchins. If your children are younger, visit Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville. It's also about half an hour away, and it's built like a small town to let children learn from play. The I Can Be Healthy exhibit teaches the basics of shopping for and cooking healthy food. It also teaches how food gets from farms to homes. With I Can Work, kids can try out being a veterinarian, a firefighter, an ambulance driver, or a patient. You can also see daily puppet shows, dance parties, and science experiments. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte opened in 2010. Andreas Bechtler inherited much of the collection from his Swiss parents, Hans and Bessie Bechtler. It includes works by Miró, Picasso, Giacometti, Calder, Warhol, Hepworth, Nicholson, Ernst, Le Corbusier, and many others. Only a few of these pieces have been available for viewing in the United States before, so even art aficionados can see unique, new artwork. Temporary exhibitions change about every six months, and it's easy to enjoy multiple visits. Learning new things and seeing new sights is a wonderful way to spend a day for kids and adults. Next time you're searching for something fun to do, visit a museum near Gastonia. Image via Flickr by lauri_vain /under use by CC BY 2.0
