Once upon a time, or on October 23, 1896, to be exact, there was a quiet little town in Rowan County that did something so innovative that it changed life as we know it across the entire United States. That town was China Grove, and the innovation they introduced is a service Americans still enjoy, rural, free mail delivery. Until then, people living in rural areas had to visit a post office to pick up their mail. The service changed that, and the experiment was so successful that it significantly influenced the development of the U.S. Postal Service. RFD postal routes soon began connecting our country like never before, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, China Grove is still a quiet little town. It is a suburb of Charlotte and home to approximately 4,000 residents. It’s considered the best place to live in Rowan County, and it’s easy to understand why. China Grove is the epitome of peaceful rural life, rich in tradition, history and an endearing charm that transcends ages. It’s close enough to other cities to partake in the opportunities the thriving region has to offer, yet far enough away to provide the benefits of country living. So, what is there to do in and around China Grove?
Take a step back in time at the China Grove Roller Mill. This historical landmark is a museum now, but it was once a working mill. It’s filled with fascinating displays punctuating the town’s unique history and is a great place to spend a few hours.
Have an adventure at Tiger World. This wildlife rescue and rehabilitation preserve in nearby Rockwell allows visitors to observe endangered and exotic animals up close. And it’s not just tigers. You’ll see leopards, sloths, and many other animals at this amazing sanctuary. Bring the kids and introduce them to Michael, a rare Timbavati white lion.
Go fishing for a sea monster. Just a short drive away in Fallstown is Lake Norman, a picturesque body of water sometimes referred to as North Carolina’s “inland sea.” Yes, it offers wonderful recreational opportunities but it is also home to Normie. Normie is a giant sea monster that has been spotted many times and described as being similar in appearance to the Loch Ness Monster. We’ve all heard some tall fishing tales, but how’s this one? Normie has been known to steal your catch right off your fishing line.
Treat yourself to some great grub. China Grove boasts some phenomenal restaurants to suit your cravings. The China Grove Family House is a favorite, known to dish up classic homestyle cooking in such big portions that they might even satisfy Normie. If BBQ is your go-to, go to Gary’s for some fantastic ribs and the best hush puppies in North Carolina. Gary’s has an ultra-cool vibe, with antique signs, vintage cars, and even a mechanical pig ride for the kiddies. And don’t miss the Candy Shoppe on Main, an old-fashioned candy store bursting with sweet confections guaranteed to please.
Yes, China Grove is a great place to call home, but like many other towns, it suffers from pest problems. If you’ve experienced one, you deserve a great pest control company to solve it, and that’s At Ease Pest Solutions. We are the region’s most-trusted pest control company, and we deliver, too, not the mail but excellent, reliable service for your pest control needs. Contact At Ease today and let us help.
