To get acquainted with Salisbury you might want to begin your lesson at the Visitor Center where you can check out one of several self-guided tours available free of charge.

The Civil War Heritage Tour (audio, driving) provides insights into Salisbury's important role during an infamous time which included a Union prisoner-of-war camp where 11,700 died while incarcerated. Although nothing remains of the Salisbury Confederate Prison, those brave Union soldiers are memorialized at the Historic National Cemetery.

The Salisbury Heritage Tour (audio, walking) is perfect way to see Historic Salisbury at your own pace. This walking tour provides a personal glimpse into the history and architecture of Historic Downtown Salisbury and the stately homes of the West Square Historic District.

The African-American Heritage Trail (brochure, driving) is a self-guided tour that chronicles the historic moments, great leaders and lives of generations of African-Americans who lived, worked and contributed to the industrial, artistic, cultural and spiritual life of the Salisbury community. Any one of these tours will introduce you to the heritage of our town - its Civil War connections, architectural significance, thriving Main Street and both famous and infamous personalities who called Salisbury home.

Take the family to lunch at The Wrenn House restaurant located in the 1839 Salisbury Female Academy, one of the oldest academy buildings in North Carolina. Try the blue plate special!

Continue your history lesson in the afternoon with a visit to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. This facility, called locally "Spencer Shops" (because that's where the

 

Southern Railway took its steam locomotives to be repaired) was opened in 1896 at a point halfway between Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA along the main north-south railroad line. Start at the restored Barber Junction Depot Welcome Center before you begin your journey to the 37-bay Bob Julian Roundhouse to see the "iron horses" and opulent private rail cars. Antique cars in vintage settings bring back memories in the Bumper-to-Bumper exhibit. Don't forget to stop by the Gift Station before leaving the museum.

Before you leave take a little "on your own" look at Spencer. Do a bit of shopping at the Little Choo Choo shop, the Art Station and the Green Goat Gallery. Go browsing for "trash or treasures" or pick up some fresh product at Bucky's. You can refresh yourself with a soda or a cappuccino at Escape the Daily Grind before your family heads home with fond memories of Rowan County.