Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Salisbury, NC

  • Published 2022/12/15

Salisbury is a town filled with history; it is located within the Piedmont region in North Carolina.

Considered the county seat of Rowan County since 1753, Salisbury is a great place to visit for history buffs.

More than having been the location for different historical moments, the city also provides various sights and landscapes for nature lovers to enjoy.

If this isn’t enough, the city also offers an urban side where you can enjoy shopping and try different delights at the local dives.

Whatever side of Salisbury you decide to explore or if you want to see both, there is plenty to do in this city.

Here are the 25 best things you can do in Salisbury, North Carolina:

Make a Visit to Bell Tower Green Park

Exterior of the Bell Tower

AJ Ware / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy some outdoor fun while exploring the historical side of Salisbru by visiting Bell Tower Green Park.

Previously known as Presbyterian Bell Tower, you can find the park a city block away from the city’s historic downtown area.

Considered an epicenter of the community, Bell Tower Green Park has plenty to offer for all its visitors.

From wide green spaces to play areas and amphitheater, the park is a great place to visit if you are looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Explore the History of the Doctor Josephus Hall House

Exterior of the Doctor Josephus Hall House

Ncpappy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take a chance to look into people during the Civil War by entering the Doctor Josephus Hall House.

First built in 1820, the building had started as an academy before turning into a residence when purchased by Dr. Josephus Hall in 1859.

The hall house is currently open to tours from March to December and has open hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Cannon on the grounds of Doctor Josephus Hall House

Ncpappy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll get to hear all kinds of stories from tour volunteers in period clothing for two hours.

If the tour is not enough, you can also check out their display of local collections and check out other rooms, such as the restored kitchen building.

Pick Some Blueberries at Talia Farms

Are you interested in picking fruits?

If yes, you can do just that by heading over to the Talia Farms.

You can find this farm on River Road, which features 2,000 bushes for you to explore.

The best season to visit the farm to pick blueberries would be the second week of June until mid to late July.

Before you make any plans to visit the farm for blueberry picking, contact the family to avoid any issues with the accommodation.

Along with their blueberries, the family-owned business offers different blueberry products and things like lemon pancake mix and refreshments.

Have a Swim at Blue Waters Pool

The Blue Waters Pool is a popular place to stop by if you visit Salisbury during the summer.

With a 20,000-square-foot swimming pool that contains multiple depths and different tubes and diving boards, Blue Waters Pool is the perfect place for summer fun.

If you plan to visit this pool space, you’ll want to spend a whole day or more to make the most of the pool.

Aside from the different pool features for different ages, Blue Waters Pool provides a snack bar and grill, refreshments, and snow cones.

Zip Around on Millbridge Speedway

If you are looking for a shot of adrenalin while in Salisbury, then head on over to the Millbridge Speedway.

Millbridge Speedway is a premier outlaw kart track that caters to high-tier racers and cadets/beginner karters.

Whatever your ability with karts, you can have your need for speed fulfilled while testing your skills against other racers.

If you don’t want to race but enjoy the races, you are welcome to visit the track and cheer on other racers.

Throw Dishes and Relieve Your Stress at Grievous Gallery

Have you ever thought of throwing bottles and dishware as a way to relieve stress?

Well, you can try just that by visiting the Grievous Gallery.

Grievous Gallery is Carolina’s first-ever rage and anger room and offers different packages for their services, with open hours determined by booking appointments.

There is a small, medium, and large package you can choose from, with prices ranging from $20 to $75, with each one offering a different number of bottles and dishware.

If you are unsure about the options, you can also check their site to see what appeals to you.

Create Art at Center for Faith and the Arts

Are you interested in doing some art while in Salisbury?

You will want to visit the Center for Faith and the Arts to achieve this.

Established in 1995, the Center for Faith and the Arts aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to have spiritual experiences through artistic expressions.

The center offers different classes, with current schedules set on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at a $15 rate per person.

In addition to classes, the center also features galleries of pieces from local artists and even calls for submissions.

Visit the Salisbury National Cemetery

Headstones at Salisbury National Cemetery

Sylvia Hill / Shutterstock.com

A cemetery may not seem like the best place to visit during a vacation, but this cemetery is ideal for any history fans.

The Salisbury National Cemetery is a site dedicated to the lost soldiers during the Civil War.

There are eighteen trench graves within the cemetery; throughout the site is the resting place of over eleven thousand veterans.

When you visit this site, you can not only find a piece of history but get a view of unique graves that tell their own story.

Daytime view of Salisbury National Cemetery

William M. Bucher, Jr., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hitch a Ride on the F&M Bank Trolley System

If you want to see all the historical landmarks while taking a trip through downtown Salisbury, then take a ride on the city’s historic trolley.

Salisbury Trolley Tours is the one who owns and manages the trolley system, while the trolley itself is the F&M Bank.

A few sites that you can enjoy while riding the trolley include historical landmarks, like the Salisbury state prison and movie and TV shooting locations.

Tours operate every Saturday from April to October.

While on tours, you can also enjoy tour guides providing stories and tidbits, plus even some ghost stories.

If the historical bits don’t get you, you may be interested in the information on hidden gems in the city.

Camp Out at Dan Nicholas Park Campground

Head to the southeast side of Salisbury, and you’ll find the Dan Nicholas Park Campground to enjoy the great outdoors.

It is 425 acres and home to the Rowan Wildlife Adventures Nature Center.

Not only that, but you can also find the Dan Nichols Park and the Hurley Family Water Plaza on the site.

More than the activities can enjoy at these different spaces, there is an outdoor theater in the campground.

Are you looking for even more activities in the campgrounds?

They also offer a mini-train ride, a freshwater aquarium, and even mini-golf.

To top it all off, there are different sports fields available.

View Wildlife Beauty at the Eagle Point Nature Preserve

Just like there are various historical landmarks, Salisbury offers many different nature sights to admire.

The Eagle Point Nature Preserve is a great place to visit to enjoy the outdoor spaces.

Located within a remote section of High Rock Lake, the preserve has 200-acres of land and three miles worth of hiking trails to explore.

When taking the hiking trails, you have the chance to see several wildlife observation points and amazing views of the lake.

If the hiking trails are not for you, you can try the walking trails like the Plant Loop trail.

You may not get fantastic views, but you get a chance to spot local wildlife, such as bald eagles, wild turkeys, and even white-tailed deer.

Aside from these, the preserve also offers canoeing and fishing during certain seasons.

Grab a Beer at New Sarum Brewing Company

Get a chance to try a beer with classic and bold flavors by visiting the New Sarum Brewing Company.

The brewery currently offers six unique craft beers for any guest to try, and some of them are Milkshake Berliner Weisse and Blood Orange Wheat.

One of the things you’ll find about New Sarum Brewing Company is that they aim to merge old brewing methods with new style ingredients and have managed to do so with a brewing method that has stood the test of time.

Other than craft beers you can sample, the brewery also offers a selection of foods at the bar, plus a food truck outside.

If neither appeals to you, you’re allowed to bring food inside and hold events with your family, friends, and even dog.

Enjoy Some Drinks at the Bottle and Can

For anyone who wants to explore the Salisbury drink scene, Bottle and Can is their next stop.

The Bottle and Can is a women-owned business that established itself in Salisbury in May 2019.

Their main goal is to provide any customer with a chill environment to taste, pick, and learn about their perfect drink.

The store is open from Wednesday to Saturday and has two different open hours.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the store hours are from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Store hours for Fridays and Saturdays, on the other hand, are from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

When visiting this brewery, there are different services you can try.

More than their assortment of craft beers, the store offers a selection of wines and ciders for you to sample.

You can also check out their site to see what else they have to offer.

Find Fresh Produce at Correll Farms

If you are looking to get some fresh produce while visiting Salisbury, then check out Correll Farms.

Correll Farms has been a vegetable farm since 2005 but has a history that goes back as far as the 19th century.

The farm started as a dairy farm before it started to shift in 1950.

By that time, the farm began to produce tomatoes.

Aside from vegetables, you can also find eggs being sourced at the farm as well.

Another place you can find the farm’s produce is at the Salisbury Farmer’s Market.

The market is two blocks away from the south side of Salisbury Square and features baked goods and handicraft products, along with the different produce and meat sold.

Admire Historical Pieces at Rowan Museum

Exterior of the Rowan Museum

JoannaSerah, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rowan Museum is another ideal landmark you will want to visit in Salisbury if you are a history fan.

Located within an 1854 Courthouse, this museum features prime historical architecture and many features within, such as artifacts displayed in old rooms and public gathering space on the second floor.

Along with the artifacts and visuals, you can also enjoy interpretive displays and exhibitions.

Hike Through Gold Hill Mines Historic Park

The Gold Hill Mines Historic Park is a 70-acre piece of land managed by the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation.

It’s open from sunrise to sundown, seven days a week, and offers different activities for history fans and park goers.

A few landmarks in the park include the Russell-Rufty Memorial Shelter, the Miller Mineshaft, and more.

If history is not what you’re looking for, then you can enjoy the different park trails.

Not only are there hiking and biking trails, but there are even equestrian trails that you can try.

Listen to Music at Beacon Hall

Music fans or those interested in learning music when visiting Salisbury will want to make a stop at Beacon Hall.

The non-profit music venue offers different options for music lovers.

One of the best things that the music hall is known for is hosting various concerts with diverse music genres.

For anyone interested in having some music lessons while in the city, Beacon Hall has different workshops and classes that you can check out.

No matter the skill level, Beacon Hall can help you out with great instructors.

Frame Something at Fine Frame Gallery

The Fine Frame Gallery is a great place to go if you are interested in art pieces or looking to have something framed.

There are over three thousand options for both frames and mats you can choose from, and this is just one of the services you can get in Fine Frame Gallery.

Located in Salisbury’s Historic Downtown, the shop is known for excellent quality and fantastic customer service.

Other services that you can enjoy in the shop include custom mirror framing and photo restoration.

If that’s not enough, you can also admire their small art collection.

Knock Down the Pins at Woodleaf Lanes

For fun bowling games with the family, head out to Woodleaf Lanes on Jake Alexander Boulevard West.

This alley has 24 state-of-the-art Brunswick lanes for you to enjoy hours of bowling fun.

Walk in and get their Daily Specials to have a great time without worrying about overspending.

You can join bowling leagues in youth, mixed and senior categories created for any skill level.

They can also plan a friendly tournament for your families and mixed or individual games that are fun and competitive for everyone.

Aside from bowling, you’ll also enjoy watching sports, playing arcade games, and eating tasty grubs at the restaurant.

Woodleaf Lanes offers quick snacks to filling meals like burgers, hotdogs, grilled sandwiches, pizza, sodas, and beer selections for happy hour.

Have a Thrilling Adventure with Piedmont Skydiving

If you’re looking for a different kind of adrenaline rush, take an exhilarating jump with Piedmont Skydiving.

They’ve been providing services since 2010 at their location on Airport Road.

You’ll be guided by expert professional skydivers who will lead you from the initial briefing to taking the heart-pounding jump.

Enjoy the views of central North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains up in the Charlotte skies.

If you’re jumping for the first time, you can go tandem skydiving from 12,500 feet with a 40-second freefall.

Taking it up a notch? Take their Accelerated Freefall Progression Program to train you for a solo skydive.

Enjoy the thrill and experience with Piedmont Skydiving.

Watch Outstanding Performances at Lee Street theatre

Established in 2008, Lee Street theatre features diverse styles of performance art in the Salisbury community.

Their present home was completed in 2013 and the Lee Street Theatre & Performing Arts Center has played a great part in the city’s Railwalk Arts District revitalization.

You’ll get to catch one-act and ten-minute play festivals, off-broadway productions, original plays, live music, and much more.

The company was given the Community Theatre Award in 2013 by the North Carolina Theatre Conference.

The theatre also ranked second among North Carolina’s “Ten Best Places for Live Theatre” in 2017.

Get to witness amazing productions from talented stage actors and get immersed in great their performances.

Check the schedules of featured shows and production seasons at the Lee Street theatre website.

Appreciate the Arts at Waterworks Visual Art Center

Another great art location you can visit downtown is the Waterworks Visual Art Center on East Liberty Street.

The Waterworks organization was initially established as the Rowan Art Guild in 1959.

Its current 15,000-square-foot facility was opened in 2003 and designed by Clearscapes of Raleigh, a North Carolina architectural firm.

The center includes professional galleries, photo and clay studios, classrooms, and a conference room used for various art programs and classes.

You can visit for free or book a docent tour and browse through the permanent collections and featured exhibitions.

Indoor gallery exhibits rotate three times a year so you’ll get to see various artworks on every visit.

Take time to see the Sculpture Gardens and view permanent collections like Cohen “Dick” Ludwig’s “Girl Kneeling with Shell”, the steel “Amicus Arboris” by Kevin Eichner, the Paleo-Form/Pod by Frank Holder, Rex Eagle’s “The Salisbury Pink” and a design by Karen Alexander called “The Avé Schroff Cadwallader Memorial.”

Visit the Dula Art Library and browse thousands of art-related materials and holdings, likewise, drop by the gift shop for some souvenirs.

Enjoy Winetasting at Cauble Creek Vineyard

Smell, sip, and savor wine selections at Cauble Creek Vineyard.

This family-owned vineyard and winery are located on Cauble Farm Road with 36 acres of natural red soil coupled with great weather conditions that produce the best crops.

They specialize in raising native Muscadine grape varieties where their quality wines are sourced.

Visit their tasting room and tour their facility to see how their award-winning wines are made; you’ll also get a complimentary wine glass on your visit.

If you’re dropping by in September, you can enjoy picking your own grapes in the fall season.

Try their Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot; otherwise, you can opt for a Malbec or Petite Verdot.

You’ll also enjoy sipping other wine varieties by Cauble Creek Vineyard like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Viognier.

Final Thoughts

From a historical hall house to a museum filled with artifacts, the city has plenty of historical features you can explore.

If you are looking for something more, you can take the city’s trolley system for a quick history lesson and get a chance to learn about hidden gems, such as the local dives and nature locations you can camp out.

Whether it’s history and nature or shopping and exploring local dives, Salisbury offers two sides that appeal to visitors.

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