Some people dream of bright lights and big cities, while others want nothing more than a quaint little town where friends and neighbors are the same. If you crave the latter, head to charming Cherryville, North Carolina, in northwestern Gaston County.
Cherryville lies nestled into the rolling hills of the Piedmont Crescent. Its roughly 6,000 residents enjoy country living at its finest, but with the convenience of larger cities like Charlotte and Gastonia just a short distance away. It’s a place where faith and conservative family values run deep, people look out for each other, and everyone knows your name. But as small and unassuming as it may be, its pivotal role in North Carolina’s history is large. The town has long been a vital part of the state’s economic growth and continues to be. From railroads to trucking to textiles and manufacturing, Cherryville has done more than its part. Today, it remains a friendly, hard-working little blue-collar town that produces auto parts, home-building supplies, furniture, and more. It is a terrific place to live or spend some time.
So, what entertainment can you find here? Start your day with a country breakfast at the Home Folks Café. This mom-and-pop diner is a favorite and probably the closest thing you’ll find to your grandmother’s kitchen table. Next, how about working off some of those morning carbs with a walk at Robert H. Ballard Park? It’s just one of many excellent recreational spots in the town and features a walking track, pool, playground, ballfields, and picnic area.
A visit to the Cherryville Historical Museum is an absolute must, where you’ll find three full floors of memorabilia and exhibits that delve into the town’s storied history. If you are a train enthusiast, make the Cherryville Depot Train Museum your next stop and check out their working train models. If trucks are more your thing, there’s the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum to explore too. Or you can stroll around J. Ralph Beam, Jr. Heritage Park, which has some original buildings from the town’s earliest days, such as a one-room schoolhouse and an old jailhouse.
You have to try the Lotta Burger at the Shake Shop for lunch. (And a shake, of course.) People travel from all over to visit this iconic hole-in-the-wall joint. Spend the afternoon at the Cherryville Golf and Country Club, or, if you’d rather shoot a rifle than swing an iron, go hunting or do a little target practice at Rock Haven Farm. hey also dish up some outstanding dinner at Rock Haven or head to Mac’s, Black’s, or the Manantial Mexican Grill to refuel in style. And don’t forget dessert; grab an ice cream or cupcake at Uptown Sweets & Treats in nearby Shelby.
As darkness falls, try your hand at ghost hunting at Pharr Mansion or the Caroleen Broad River Bridge. Both spots are known for their spectral visitors.
No matter your interests, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in Cherryville. But there’s a little bit of mischief in town, too, namely, pests. Unfortunately, pest invasions are common, but lucky for our residents, we have At Ease Pest Solutions. At Ease is the area’s top-rated pest control expert, and we are proud to serve our community. So, if you experience a pest problem, contact At Ease, and we’ll solve it, as simple as that. We are ready to help.
