The small, suburban town of Blackburn, North Carolina, lies tucked away in picturesque Catawba County. The county is named for the sprawling Catawba River, which was named for the Catawba Native Americans that first inhabited the land along its banks. The Catawba Indians settled here a mind-boggling 6,000 years ago, although, by the mid-1800s, the area had been transformed by European settlers.

The Catawba River flows 221 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont Mountains, spanning both Carolinas. It provides precious resources to the many towns in the surrounding regions. Some are large metropolitan cities like Charlotte. Others have remained small, like Blackburn, home to roughly 12,000 residents. Though it may be small, Blackburn has vast charm and a unique sensibility that beckons and dares you to call it home. If you do, there is much to see and do.

If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, you won’t want to miss Henry River Mill Village in nearby Hickory. The abandoned, historic village dates back to the turn of the 20th century, but in the movie, you’ll recognize it as District 12. It’s now an exciting tourist destination that offers tours, special events, and even comfortable overnight lodging in some original buildings that have been painstakingly restored. We think Katniss would approve.

For some outdoor recreation, Bakers Mountain Park is the place to go. This spectacular park teems with wildlife and sits atop the county’s highest elevation. The hiking trails here are arguably the best in the area, and the scenery is breathtaking. Spacious, well-maintained, and blissfully uncrowded, visitors describe it as a “hidden gem.”

For indoor fun, head to Nocturne Adventures and test your wits at this extraordinary escape room experience. With live actors, top-notch theatrical effects, and elaborate puzzles and sets, it’s easy to understand why this attraction is top-rated.

For some folks, no trip away from home is complete unless you stop to shop. If that sounds like you, stop at Harris Arcade Specialty Shops. The historic building and stunning architecture alone are worth a look, but it is also filled with wonderful boutiques and small specialty shops. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, there is no shortage of great dining spots in the Blackburn area. Grab a Pork Belly Cuban at Hatch Sandwich Bar, swill a pint or two at Backstreets Bar & Grill, or wield your fork at Fourk, where the seafood is simply superb, and their Blackberry Wine Cake can give you chills.

Do you know what else might give you a few chills around Blackburn? Bigfoot. There have been credible sightings of the hairy beast for decades across the region. If you want to go on a hunt for the legendary creature, the wooded areas right outside your doorstep are a great place to start.

Most of the creatures around Blackburn are not bigfoots, however, but you might notice quite a few pests. Invasive insects can be a real problem for homeowners here, but the solution is right outside your doorstep, too: Contact At Ease Pest Solutions for your pest control needs. We’re your local, friendly pest control professionals and are happy to help you out of any hairy, pest-related situation. Contact us today and tell us what you saw.