Sometimes, to dream big, you have to think small. Case in point: Dellview, the tiniest town in North Carolina, lies in Gaston County in the Muddy Fork watershed area. As of 2022, its population was just four people. And in its heyday, back in the early 20th century, it still had less than 25 people.

To delve into the history of Dellview, you are looking at the story of a single family, the Dellingers. Yes, the townsfolk of Dellview are relatives and always have been. They don't use public services and are entirely self-sufficient. You might consider them one of the country's most successful examples of off-grid life, although, if you think about it, our ancestors were once off-gridders, too. The Dellinger family, however, has sustained that way of life far longer than most.

It began when three brothers, Martin, Philipp, and Valentin, immigrated to the area from Germany in the mid-1700s. Their big dream was indeed small: to raise their families here in this wildly beautiful place. And they did. But for a long time, Dellview was not even a town. It only became one in 1925 when the family sought to become governable by Gaston County. Why? Chickens! At the time, the family had chicken coops, and wild dogs attacked their chickens. They had to officially become a town to shoot them under the protection of Gaston's laws. They've been Dellview ever since.

Dellview has just one paved road, but that's just enough. It connects the town to the outside world, or at least the surrounding communities, including Cherryville, Lincolnton, Gastonia, and many more. It's a rural, peaceful, lovely region surrounded by vast economic, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. Here are just a handful of attractions in the area that deserve attention:

Pay a visit to the Cherryville Historical Museum, where you can learn about the area's storied history. The building was an old City Hall, but nowadays, it's three full floors of fascinating exhibits for you to explore. And to explore a different kind of history, don't miss the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby. It offers a glimpse into the life of the legendary bluegrass banjo master and "music and stories from the American South."

Head to the park. Martha Rivers Park in Gastonia has terrific walking trails, ball fields, playgrounds, volleyball, and even horseshoes. Meanwhile, Rankin Lake Park is a great spot to go fishing or picnic.

Go shopping at NanBrook Farm in Lincolnton, a boutique with primitive antiques. The building, a 200-year-old log house, is a wonder on its own and brimming with rare pieces that can transport you to a bygone era.

Grab some phenomenal food at Alexander Michael's in Charlotte. It's "Your Neighborhood Tavern No Matter Where You Live" with fried chicken to die for, but with a side of fright on the side. This tavern is famously haunted and has been attracting ghost-hunting visitors for decades.

Dellview attracts some visitors, and likely even some unwanted ones, like pests. Pest problems happen to us sooner or later, even in the smallest and most independent towns. But rest assured that you have a friend and neighbor you can rely on who is ready to help. In Dellview, that's At Ease Pest Solutions, the region's go-to professional pest control expert. Contact us today for the best service in the area.