It's no secret that the Tar Heel State is one of the most desirable states to live in the entire country, and it achieves that distinction largely through the strengths of its many wonderful small towns. But if you had to choose just one of those small towns to call home, you could not do better than the charming suburb of Charlotte known as Stallings.

With a rural feel and oodles of old-world southern charm, Stallings is considered one of the top 10 towns in the state. It straddles the counties of Union and Mecklenburg and encompasses just eight square miles, but despite its compactness, it feels sprawling and uncrowded, easily accommodating its 15,000+ residents. It boasts great schools, low crime, thoughtfully developed residential areas, and abundant economic and entertainment opportunities. It is also incredibly picturesque, punctuated by the powerful Catawba River and the meandering Goose Creek, framed by the glorious mountains and rolling hills that make the entire Piedmont region a visual feast.

In the late 1700s, Stallings was a bustling mill town and cotton trade center. Although several different industries have come and gone throughout the years, it has remained a great place to pitch your tent. One of the world's first and most famous circuses did just that in the 1800s. You might not have heard of the John Robinson Circus, but they were particularly fond of using one of the town's mill sites for their shows. We bet you've heard of the troop they eventually became known as, however, the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. The attractions around Stallings are quite different, but there is still much to amaze and delight you. Here are some of the best.

They may not have a trapeze act, but you should swing over to Carowinds. This top-rated amusement park has been dazzling Carolinians for many years. With over 60 world-class rides, a spectacular waterpark, and exciting live entertainment, there's endless fun here for the whole family.

If you love to shop, don't miss The Southern Nest for home décor, DragonFly Thrift for deals galore, and the upscale SouthPark Mall for so much more.

Scarier than a sideshow oddity, ghost-hunting enthusiasts want to check out the Carolina History & Haunts Beyond the Grave Tour. The entire region is infamous for its spectral activities, and this popular tour is considered one of the spookiest.

Next, how about some to-die-for grub? Stallings' own Rock Store BBQ has been slathering on its signature sauce for over 50 years. Or make a pilgrimage to nearby Matthews, a true mecca for foodies across the state. Tops on the list of Matthew musts—the legendary Picadeli's Pub-in-Deli. The locals say their French Onion Soup is the absolute best on the planet.

Meanwhile, Kabob-Je serves amazing Mediterranean cuisine, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers made-in-store caramel apples guaranteed to beat Ringling's any day.

Those are just a few of the wonders you'll find around Stallings, but if you pitch your tent here, there's a chance you might experience some problems as well. Pest issues, for example. We have an unwelcome menagerie of pests here, nothing like Ringling's circus beasts, mind you, but troublemakers, some of which cause big headaches for homeowners. If you have a pest problem, please keep At Ease Pest Solutions in mind. We can help you keep your tent pest-free, and we've also shut down a flea circus for a time or two. Contact us today, and we'll show you how it's done.