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Freezing for a great cause! Team Tindol was happy to have been a part of such an awesome event, the 2019 YMCA Pledge 2 Plunge. The Gaston County community stepped up and had 64 plungers take part in this event and over 300 people come out to support the event. At the end of the day the Warlick Family YMCA raised over $58,000. These dollars will allow the Y to: - Provide a safe place for parents to send their children to attend our afterschool program - Provide an amazing experience for children to attend summer day camp - Teach life saving water skills to children through our swim initiative - Provide a 12 week support program to cancer survivors

Girl Scout Troop 20927 visited Tindol to earn their Car Care Badge. Their Leaders are Becky Lipka (36 years as a GS Leader) and Tina Anderson (20+ years as a leader). Toni Biddix, Shawn Pearson, Lisa Fischer, Karen Upton, Michelle Hovis and Chad Owen all shared the many aspects of a car dealership with them and taught them about safety, maintenance, safe driving, what to do in an emergency and how to drive for a greener world. Thank you all for visiting and for letting Tindol share the love for what we do with the girls!

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

Gastonia, which gets its name from the jurist William J. Gaston, is North Carolina's 13th largest city. It is a fast-growing city and offers plenty of entertainment and activities for residents and visitors. Here are some of the fun activities you can enjoy in Gastonia. Visit the Schiele Museum of Natural History If you enjoy science, this museum should be high on your list. The Schiele Museum is at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia and is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday between 1 and 5 p.m. Admission is free for children under three and Schiele Members, $7 for adults, and $6 for children between four and 17 years old. The museum's permanent indoor exhibits include the Hall of North Carolina Natural History, the Hall of North American Habitats, and the Hall of North American Wildlife. The outdoor exhibits are the Nature Trail, the Memorial Wildlife Garden, the Stone Age Heritage Site, the Catawba Indian Village, and the 18th-century Backcountry Farm. The last two are open seasonally, so inquire before visiting. more Visit Rankin Lake Park Rankin Lake is a serene, peaceful park located at 1750 Rankin Lake Rd. in Gastonia. It has a beautiful, 82-acre lake with plenty of waterfowl and piers for fishing. You can rent paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks to enjoy the water, or walk, run, or bike along the park trail if you prefer to stay on land. There are also several picnic areas with covered picnic tables. Don't leave without catching a spectacular sunset. Shop at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall of Gastonia Visit these shops at 111 W. Main Ave. in Gastonia, at the historic S.H. Kress Five & Dime store in the Art & Antique District. They are open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. The vendor booths, spread across three floors, offer antiques, collectibles, and more in a range of prices. You will find home-made soaps, candles,  glassware, carpets, furniture, toys, vintage clothes, old record albums, war memorabilia, art, and much more. See a Play at The Little Theater of Gastonia This nonprofit community theater is located at 238 S. Clay St. in Gastonia. They have been producing plays and musicals since 1950, and they offer a variety of shows for the whole family. Visit their website to learn about their current and upcoming productions. Play a Live Escape Game at Xtreme Xcapes In the game, a team of two to 10 people must figure out how to escape from a locked room in 60 minutes or less. The game is kid-friendly, so you can participate with your whole family. Xtreme Xcapes is located at 246 N. New Hope Rd., in the Eastridge Mall in Gastonia, and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Gastonia has so much to offer in terms of fun activities for the whole family. Whether you're visiting for a day or live here year-round, you'll never lack for exciting things to do! Image via Flickr by erh7777 /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Gastonia, North Carolina, is full of delicious pizza joints. You can enjoy a dinner out, take kids to a more casual restaurant, or get takeout. Here are some of the best places for pizza in Gastonia and the surrounding area. Simonetti's Simonetti's is in Belmont, about 15 minutes away from Gastonia. Jerry Simonetti founded it more than 20 years ago. The dishes are based on authentic Italian recipes he learned as a child from his grandmother. Simonetti's uses fresh ingredients, and they offer a wide selection of affordable wines. You can start your meal with a salad, bruschetta, or a bowl of tomato cream soup. Along with traditional options like honey mustard or ranch, you can choose raspberry vinaigrette, warm bacon, or Gorgonzola dressing. The small pizza would be a medium at most other places, and you can also order by the slice. The Philly cheese pizza has roast beef, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. The Simonetti Supremo is similar, but it comes with pepperoni and sausage instead of roast beef. The veggie pizza includes mushrooms, onions, green peppers, olives, tomatoes, eggplant, and spinach. You can also try the buffalo chicken pizza with buffalo chicken, spicy ranch sauce, Gorgonzola, onions, and bacon. If a companion isn't in the mood for pizza, he or she can try a calzone, a plate of decadent pasta, or a hot or cold sub. The kids' menu is inexpensive, and it contains favorites like cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese. more Brixx Wood Fired Pizza Brixx opened in 1998, and they have more than 30 locations, including one in Gastonia. They bake fresh focaccia bread for sandwiches every day, and there are lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. They make their own Mozzarella cheese from scratch, and you can choose from a variety of unique pizzas. The spicy shrimp pizza has Sriracha sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and goat cheese. You can also try the sweet Thai chicken pizza for wood-roasted chicken with sweet chili sauce, mozzarella, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, and pistachios with peanut satay sauce. There's even a Mexican pizza with black bean spread, cheddar, mozzarella, chicken, Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream. For Sunday brunch, try the ham and egg, Italian sausage omelet, or Brunch Supremo pizzas. The Tuscan white bean and sausage soup with onions, garlic, and tomato makes an excellent appetizer, and the cocktails, like the pineapple jalapeño margarita and the peartree martini, are unique new versions of old favorites. For dessert, try the flourless, gluten-free chocolate truffle torte or a s'mores pizza with a graham cracker crust, chocolate, and marshmallows. Franky T's Pizzeria Franky T's is ideal for a quick lunch or some takeout. They also deliver and sell pizza by the slice. Try the house special with ham, pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, ground beef, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and black olives. The Hawaiian comes with pineapple, ham, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Next time you're craving some pizza, visit one of these excellent spots. You can try something new or enjoy your favorite toppings. Image via Flickr by Deeped & Amanda Strandh /Under use by CC BY 2.0

The holidays are almost here and the local area has tons to offer! Whether you are looking for quick activities to keep the kids busy or you just want to enjoy some quality time with your whole family, there’s something for you! Take look below to see a variety of events, tours, and some good ole family fun for the Holidays! Fall Family Harvest Festiva l Want to get the family all dressed up in their best farmer costume? The Fall Family Harvest Festival in Statesville, NC is the perfect time to get everyone out to enjoy some music, food, face painting and more. Right before Thanksgiving and the shopping madness, take the family out for a nice time that everyone can enjoy! That isn’t it! They have games, raffles and even a costume contest to so everyone will have a blast. There will also be pictures to capture the moment so you and your loved ones can remember this awesome moment. This wonderful event is happening this Saturday on November 17th. This will be great time for you and your family to remember. more Candlelight Christmas Tour Want to enjoy some holiday lights and decorations? Get ready for a special time at the Historic Latta Plantation! With holiday themed tours throughout the historic house you will begin to feel the spirit of the season. Not to mention the hot cider and fresh cookies fireside, this will be a splendid time for you and the family. The Candlelight Christmas Tour dates are Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8. Each tour begins on the hour at either 6pm, 7pm, or 8pm. Right in the heart of Huntersville, NC this sure to be a nice evening to learn and enjoy the experience of the fine set-up and lights displayed here during this special event. Lighting Up the Lake: Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade Ready for a spectacle? You’ve seen parades on tv or maybe a local school event. This is something different and even better. The Norman Lighted Boat Parade is the perfect start to Christmas season with a ton of awesomely decorated boats taking sail across the lake! The kids will love it and you will have fun watching this display of lights and creativity!  All the fun starts December 1 st, from 5pm to 8pm, right at Lake Norman! Winter Tubing at Crowders Ridge Are you ready to have some serious fun and help support your community at the same time? The winter tubing at Crowders Ridge invites you to come out and have a blast going down the ridge. They want everyone to kick in and help fund scholarships that go to assisting children that are attending camp next summer and the capital expansion! Be sure to mark your calendar for November 23, 2018 when all the fun begins! 130 Camp Rotary Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052 is where this great event will be held, so bring your family and friends to enjoy a great cause and joyous atmosphere! Charlotte Christmas Village From live entertainment to a fresh market, the Charlotte Christmas Village is a superb time to hang out and enjoy the holiday season with the whole family. It will also be at a brand-new location this year! This year is expected to be bigger and better than before with trivia games, a German bakery, and of course Santa will be making an appearance! This is an event for the whole family to enjoy with tons of different activities going on throughout the day. Charlotte Christmas Village will be open Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve, you do not want to miss this! Jump-start your holiday spirit with the family and be sure to check out these incredible local events, you won’t regret it! Image via flickr by ancasta1901 /under use by CC BY 2.0