Mount Holly runs along the Catawba River in Gaston County, and the river shapes how people spend their weekends. The A&E Riverfront Trail carries a paved mile between trailheads and connects to a loop inside Tuckaseege Park, where there are ball fields, a skate park, a dog park, and long views of the water. Tailrace Marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoons for anyone wanting to get out on it. Downtown sits a short walk from the greenway, with independent shops, a bookstore, and two breweries: Traust, which leans Scandinavian, and Firehawk, which took over the town's old fire station.
The A&E Riverfront Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail network and follows the Catawba River between two trailheads.
Firehawk Brewpub operates out of Mount Holly's old fire station.