What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about North Carolina?

The Tar Heel State is unrivaled in its geographic splendor, from the Outer Banks' sparkling expanse to the Smoky Mountains' mist-shrouded majesty. Perhaps it's the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. Or maybe it's the endless cultural entertainment of large metropolitan areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.

Or maybe, just maybe, it's the abundance of quaint rural communities that make up so much of our state, tiny in population, classically Southern, unapologetically countrified, and filled with hard-working people who still understand the value of treating neighbors as friends. One such place is Denver, and if you had to pick just one small town to epitomize those qualities, Denver should be the first thing that comes to mind, too.

Denver is incredibly lovely. Nestled under a lush canopy of trees and perched along the western shores of the Catawba River and Lake Norman, you'll be hard-pressed to find a prettier spot anywhere. And Lake Norman is pretty special as well. It is the perfect spot for water-themed recreation and has a fascinating history. Lake Norman was once a town. It was once called Long Island, a small but thriving mill community that existed for over a hundred years. But in the 1950s, its inhabitants were relocated, and the area was deliberately flooded to create Lake Norman.

If you are looking for a thrilling aquatic adventure, you can still dive into the ruins of the old town. Remnants of ancient structures still exist beneath the waves, stretching up from the murky depths like tombstones of a bygone era. But beware, legend has it that Normie is down there, our hometown version of the Loch Ness Monster.

Denver and its surrounding areas will delight you if you're a foodie. Enjoy some traditional homestyle fare at Westlake Family Restaurant. Dig into a belt-loosening steak dinner at Lineberger's, a local favorite. Or indulge in one of Caruso's superbly elevated, elegant Italian specialties.

The history of Denver goes back to the earliest days of Lincoln County. In the 1700s, it was called Dry Pond, named after a swampy area of land that would dry out during the warmer months. However, the name was changed to Denver in the 1800s to make it sound more hospitable and inviting to the railroads that were beginning to crisscross the nation. If you want to learn more, visiting the Mundy House and History Center of Eastern Lincoln County is a must.

The region surrounding Denver is NASCAR country, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is just a 30-minute drive away. If you love racing, don't miss it. You'll also love Rocky Springs Nature Preserve, one of the best parks in town. Test your wits at Denver Escapes, a top-rated escape room experience. Or channel your inner artist with a workshop at Sweet Momma's Paint and Pottery Studio.

Denver has plenty of something else, too, and it's not particularly good. Pest problems are a persistent and costly problem here, but that's where we come in. We are At Ease Pest Solutions, and nobody does more to resolve your home's pest problems. We're local, friendly, affordable, and experienced. Contact us today and let us demonstrate why we're special too.