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Itinerary
Ideas
Here are a few itinerary suggestions to get you started:
Let’s Play All Day!
Begin the day by packing a picnic
lunch and heading to
Dan Nicholas Park which is situated in the scenic countryside on
Bringle Ferry Road just 9 miles outside Salisbury, NC. Spend the morning
playing a round of putt-putt, riding the little train and Haden’s carousel,
feeding the ducks, paddling the paddleboats around the lake, and panning for
beautiful gems at the gem mine. There’s a wonderful hiking trail around the
lake and the nature center and petting zoo are full of animals to view or pet.
Dan Nicholas Park is a terrific way to spend the morning.
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After lunch, continue the fun
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.
After dinner, you might want to continue your play day during the spring and
summer months, by heading to Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium to cheer on the
Kannapolis Intimidators baseball team, a farm team of the Philadelphia
Phillies.
Nature
Calls!
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Start the day by meeting some 750
exotic animals from six different continents at the
Lazy 5 Ranch where children can get up close and personal with the
inhabitants. You can see these animals from your own car or by riding on the
horse-drawn wagons through the 3.5 -mile safari. Be sure to bring your camera.
This is a drive-through experience unique in North Carolina. There is no other
collection of animals like this in the Southeast. While at the
Lazy 5 Ranch stop by the petting areas, the black smith shop, gift
store, horse barn, and play ground.
On your way to Salisbury, you’ll pass through the rolling hills of western
Rowan County, which was settled by the Scots-Irish Presbyterians in the 1700s.
In the spring, you might even stop to buy locally grown strawberries at
Patterson’s Farm; in the fall, stop and pick out “The Great Pumpkin.”
Head on down Highway 150 into Salisbury and stop for lunch in Downtown
Salisbury. If you want food fast stop at Hap’s
and have a hotdog and Cheerwine
while you dine on the sidewalk and people watch. If you’re in the mood for a
soup and a sandwich and the very best homemade ice cream around, you can grab a
bite at Spanky’s on the square.
After lunch, hop in your car and head to
Dan Nicholas Park which is situated in the scenic countryside on
Bringle Ferry Road just outside Salisbury, NC. Spend the morning playing a
round of putt-putt, riding the little train and Haden’s carousel, feeding the
ducks, paddling the paddleboats around the lake, and panning for beautiful gems
at the gem mine. There’s a wonderful hiking trail around the lake and the
nature center and petting zoo are full of animals to view or pet.
If there’s enough time before
nightfall, you might want to take a hike at the Eagle’s Nest Nature Preserve.
Continue past Dan Nicholas Park
and across High Rock Lake (about 3 miles). After the lake crossing, continue
about another 3 miles to the second paved left which is Black Road. Turn left
onto Black Road. Road dead ends after 3/4 mile at the entrance to
Eagle Point Preserve. Currently a little over two miles of trails
including a self interpretive tree and plant identification loop, a *high water
canoe access to High Rock Lake, and an additional hiking trail leading to
beautiful isolated coves are open to the hiker and nature lover.
A
Fun History Lesson?
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.
There’s
Gold in them Hills!
Start the morning off in the
Village of Gold Hill just off St. Stephen's Church Rd. (via Old NC 80 off US
52)
in Gold Hill, NC. Once touted as, "The richest mining property east of the
Mississippi", this quaint little village was once a thriving, rough and rowdy
mining town. You can visit the Rock Jail, Mauney's 1840 Store and Museum, and
the E.H. Montgomery Store, the Gold Hill Bakery & Mint Shoppe, and the
Christmas Shoppe. The
Have a delicious hot lunch at
Miss Ruby’s and don’t forget to take some sweets home with you from The Gold
Hill Bakery & Mint Shoppe.
Take a walk on the Gold Hill Rail
Tail. Its' 2 miles long open year around, accessible to pedestrians and
bicycles and passes 6 historic locations.
After lunch, head to Dan Nicholas
Park and see what sort of gems you can find at the Gem mine. You can have your
precious stones polished and made into jewelry at the Gem Shop. Dan Nicholas
Park is situated in the scenic countryside on Bringle Ferry Road just outside
Salisbury, NC. Spend the morning playing a round of putt-putt, riding the
little train and Haden’s carousel, feeding the ducks, paddling the paddleboats
around the lake, and panning for beautiful gems at the gem mine. There’s a
wonderful hiking trail around the lake and the nature center and petting zoo
are full of animals to view or pet.
Celebrate
the Holidays in Rowan County
The holiday season is a wonderful
time to bring the family to Salisbury.The Holiday Caravan Parade takes place
every
year the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with lots of floats, bands and Santa.
You don’t want to miss the
“Lighting of the Fall Fires”
in the Village of Gold Hill. Get into the holiday spirit Piedmont style as dark
falls and the warm fall fires are lit. The Village comes alive, all the shops
open, and refreshments are served.
Downtown Salisbury,
Inc. sponsors children’s events
every Saturday in December right up to Christmas.
You can have your picture taken
with Max, the Grinch & Santa at the Presbyterian Bell
Tower (corner of West Innes and Jackson Streets).
Celebrate with the Angels over
tea at Gateway Park , Ride the Antique Fire Truck with Santa & the
Grinch or spend the Night Out on the Town Shopping.
There will be refreshments and carriage rides available at all events and the
Trolley be running for many events as well.
The Historic Josephus Hall
House is open weekends beginning the second weekend of December
through Christmas eve. You can see the house decorated for a Victorian
Christmas and enjoy the tour given by docents in period costume.
The Santa Train pulls
out of the station at the N. C. Transportation Museum on the
weekends beginning the second weekend of December through Christmas. Ride the
train with Santa and his Elf, make a Christmas ornament to take home, have your
picture made with Santa and hear the story of the Polar Express.
The annual Old Christmas
Celebration at the Old Stone House is always a
lot of fun. There are tours of the house and enhancement of a colonial family’s
Christmas; including guides in period costume, customs, crafts, musket firing,
woodworking, weaving and candle making. There’s music and children’s games and
much more.
The ringing in of the New Year
begins at 11 pm on New Year’s Eve at the Old Presbyterian Bell Tower in
Historic Salisbury with refreshments and music and a good time to be had by
all.
There are special musical and
theatrical events all through the season at Catawba College, the Meroney
Theatre, the Salisbury Symphony and the Rowan Concert Association. Be sure to
check the calendar of events to plan your perfect holiday trip to Salisbury.
Whether you are looking for that perfect unique gift, having holiday fun with
the children or just out for a weekend of holiday fun Rowan County is the
perfect spot for a holiday adventure.
Note: The events listed above are
date specific. Please call the Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau at
800-332-2343 for future dates and information or click here for calendar of
events.
Roaming for Antiques &
Treasure
Plan to spend the day searching for treasure in Rowan County. Browse the many
small antique shops as well as the large emporiums and specialty shops. The fun
of it all is finding that incredible treasure in the midst of what seems to be
a pile of "junk."
You may want to begin you search
in downtown Salisbury at Morgan’s Coffeehouse with a hot cappuccino and some
decadent dessert. After all, you’re going to need that energy. Be sure to go to
the Visitor Center at 204 E Innes Street and pick up an antique guide for the
county. You don’t want to miss a single shop.
You will love the old timey
atmosphere of downtown Salisbury’s main street shopping. On Main Street you
will find everything from specialty shopping to art and frame galleries,
antique stores to hardware stores. Be sure to stop in at Salisbury Square
Antiques, open seven days a week, with 43,000 square feet of antiques,
glassware, and collectibles and 100 dealers. On the basement floor you will
find a 4,000 bottle climate-controlled wine cellar and a coffee and dessert
bar.
Just up North Main Street and
right on Kerr Street you will find the Salisbury Emporium. A wonderful
collection of shops and galleries located in a renovated historic landmark
adjacent to the architecturally acclaimed Salisbury Train Station. The Emporium
houses over 15,000 square feet of gifts, antiques, home accessories, Christmas
items, fine art, handcrafts, and much, much more! Closed on Mondays.
Have lunch at the
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 and if you’re lucky they’ll be serving “Salisbury Steak”.
After lunch, head out North Main Street into Spencer where you will find
Ashley’s Antiques & Gifts, The Art Station and
The Green Goat Gallery. The Green Goat features over 25 artists
exhibiting work in media ranging from jewelry, pottery, wood, metal, painting,
textiles, and glass. The
Green Goat Gallery offers exquisitely crafted pieces of the highest
quality and is home to the working studios of Brent Smith, Cara Reishe, and Jon
Palmer.
Take out your antique guide and
travel out Salisbury Avenue and turn right onto Long Ferry Road. There are
several shops in this area.
Don’t miss Carolina Lily on Kern
Carlton Road, just off Long Ferry Road. You could spend the whole day strolling
through century-old boxwoods and magnolias at this antique country farm place.
Enjoy a unique gathering of new and vintage treasures all in a beautiful garden
setting. There are two Cottage shops and a wonderful selection of herbs,
annuals and perennials.
Finding Aunt Mildred
Ever wondered about your family
tree and those stories your parents and grandparents told about your relatives?
Pick up the “Research and Geneaology & Local History” brochure at the
Visitor Center located at 204 E Innes Street and head over to Rowan Public
Library’s Edith M. Clark History Room.
The Edith M. Clark History Room
is valuable resource for family historians whose ancestors came from the 13
original Southern and Middle Atlantic colonies. The collection focuses on all
of North Carolina with significant holdings from bordering states and those
showing heavy migration in and out of the Piedmont area of N.C.
The History Room’s holdings include over 10,000 books, 3,000 microforms, 51
computer databases, 45 manuscript collections, and dozens of genealogical
journals.
The helpful staff at the History
Room can certainly assist you with your quest.
Walk across the street and have a
nice hot lunch at The Wrenn House restaurant located in the
1839 Salisbury Female Academy, one of the oldest academy buildings in North
Carolina.
In the afternoon you may want to
visit out some of the other significant sites, such as; The Old English
Cemetery, The Old Lutheran Cemetery, Rowan County Register of Deeds, Clerk of
Court’s Office, Archives of the NC Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, and Catawba College Archives Southern Chapter of the Evangelical and
the Reformed Church of Christ.
While in town,
you may want to check out the Heritage Walking Tour of historic Salisbury,
available at the Visitor Center for no charge.
This tour offers the perfect way to become more familiar with 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.
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