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.
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.