When it comes to most states, the bigger cities people know about are fun draws, but there isn't always something to write home about once you leave the city limits. North Carolina is unique in that the smaller communities are just as wonderful outside of our big cities. Allen, North Carolina, a community about 12 miles from Charlotte, is a perfect example.

Allen is just outside the town of Mint Hill, within Mecklenburg County. People from Allen often hang out in Mint Hill during holiday events like the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, the Madness Family Fun Festival and Fireworks Spectacular, or the Miss Mint Hill Scholarship Pageant.

Another way to spend a day is just down the road at Cedarbrook Alpaca Farm. The three-acre wooded farm offers educational tours that include hands-on experience and interaction with alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens, emus, and ducks. The farm also offers fun experiences like goat yoga and Alpaca Paint & Sip events. If you're looking for a fun place to get some photos taken, the farm offers private sessions for that as well.

If you take State Road 27 west from Allen for about a mile and hop on the Rocky River Church Road headed North another mile or so, you'll find yourself at Sherman Branch Nature Preserve. That's a favorite for mountain bikers, who like to take advantage of man-made obstacles along a twisting 9-mile trail that includes bridges, jumps, and berms. Hikers also enjoy the 6.7-mile main loop trail. Sherman Branch is just one protected area in Mecklenburg County; there are 7,600 acres worth of nature preserves within the county, set aside to protect the region's biodiversity and conserve natural habitats. However, Sherman Branch is the closest option if you're heading from Allen.

You may be hungry for dinner on the way back from the Preserve. If you head an extra mile or so down the 27, you can stop by Jake's Good Eats. The family-owned restaurant is perfect after you've worked up an appetite outdoors, serving up hearty American fares like pit-smoked barbecue, burgers, and hot dogs. If you prefer seafood, Jake's also has North Carolina Shrimp and crawfish on deck.

If you're an aficionado of live music, Stooges Pub & Grub is another great option, and if you're leaving the Preserve, the stop is directly on your way back to Allen. On top of local bands, you can play games while sipping a craft beer or glass of wine on a happy hour special or watch your favorite sports team while you snack on wings, pizza, or a salad. 

Unfortunately, bugs also like the city, and veteran-owned At Ease Pest Solutions has experts ready to assist you with your pest control needs. We offer specialized plans to deal with bugs and rodents, and we tailor our treatments to your property, budget, and needs. We work hard to maintain our #1 rating.