The area where Midland, North Carolina, sits dates back to the late 1700s when the community of Garmon developed around the Garmon Mill. It was in 1913 that Midland took shape as a railroad town of the North Carolina Railroad. Today, Midland is a thriving industrial center headed by manufacturing giants Corning and Intertape Polymer Group.

The area has been popular since 1799 when a young boy named Conrad Reed found a 17 lb. gold nugget in his family's creek. Not knowing what the nugget was, the family used it as a doorstop for a few years. After showing the rock to a jeweler and selling it for $3.50, the boy's father realized he had something valuable on his property. In 1803, he found a nugget weighing 28 lbs. When the news spread throughout the region, landowners searched their properties for the commodity, which started the Carolina Gold Rush. 

The Reed Gold Mine was the first "documented commercial gold find in the United States." The mine remains a National Historic Site today and is open to the public for viewing. However, some believe there is something else in the mine. A neighbor of Reed, Eugene Mills, stormed out of his house after arguing with his wife. He returned a few hours later to find that she had fallen down the stairs. Legend has it that as her corpse lay there screaming at him, he panicked, picked up the body, and dumped it down a mine shaft to stop the screaming. It has been claimed that she still screams to this day. There has even been a report of the ghost being videotaped. Still, on the subject of gold, the mine is home to the North Carolina Open Gold Panning Competition. Contestants vie for the prizes in the speed-panning event.

From underground to open spaces, we have Rob Wallace Park. The park is Cabarrus County's largest at 143 acres. The first phase of the new project included a playground and picnic area, a boardwalk and fishing pond, and bike and walking trails. Future phases include nature classrooms, scenic trails, and an aerial adventure park.

Horse lovers can find their perfect ride at the Brandywine Springs South Stables. The stable offers lessons, training, horse leasing, and affordable boarding rates for beginners to advanced. Brandywine is also home to the award-winning Young Riders 4-H Club.

Relax with a glass of wine at Rocky River Vineyards if you prefer seatback to horseback. Gaze over the scenic vines or take a walk through the woods, where the walking trail lands you at a great spot for a picnic. Stop by for one of the great events like the Christmas Open House, Fall and Spring Festivals, and the 4th of July. One visit is all it can take to fall in love with the place and grab a membership.

One membership residents want no part of the Loyal Order of Pests. If termites, ants, and roaches make your home or office their new meeting hall, contact At Ease Pest Solutions. Our experts can help you get rid of the most challenging pests. In the Midland area, no one is better than the professionals of At Ease.