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.