Perfect Day Trip Travel Guide for Salisbury, North Carolina

Sharing a day trip guide to downtown Salisbury, North Carolina - just forty minutes from Charlotte.

As I mentioned in my Piedmont train guide, Michael and I recently climbed aboard the train and headed out of Charlotte for a fun day away.

Our destination? Salisbury, a city I frankly knew very little about before our visit – although Michael continues to insist that it is the birthplace of the dish Salisbury steak.

Looking for more day trip guides? Check out my list of Essential Day Trips from Charlotte

(It is not the birthplace of Salisbury steak, a dish I highly suspect he’s never even tried).

Some destinations take time to get to know, and others reveal themselves to visitors immediately. As for Salisbury? Well, after just a day in the city, I feel like I know it quite well.

Below is some actual, factual information about Salisbury, North Carolina.

ABOUT SALISBURY

Salisbury, North Carolina, was first established as Rowan Court House in 1753 to serve as the county seat of Rowan County. Just two years later, the town became formally known as Salisbury, after the town of the same name in England (fun fact: the two are now Sister Cities!).

Like many communities, the introduction of a rail line in 1855 spurred Salisbury’s growth – and with that, commerce. Perhaps the household name most associated with the city is Cheerwine. For the unfamiliar, this product is not wine, as one might be led to believe (this is the South, people!), but a wild cherry soda still in production today. Local grocery chain Food Lion was also conceived in Salisbury and now operates over 1,000 grocery stores across the region.

But why visit today?

Salisbury is only 45 minutes from Charlotte and Greensboro and is one of only a few downtown areas easily accessed by rail in North Carolina. With a walkable downtown core that places an emphasis on the arts and community, it’s a welcome change of pace from the busy metros and makes for a perfect day trip. Ditch the car and enjoy an afternoon in downtown Salisbury:

THINGS TO DO IN SALISBURY

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

On Saturday mornings, the Salisbury Farmers’ Market offers some of Rowan County’s freshest local produce from mid-April through mid-December. Even if you’re not in the market for fresh fruits, vegetables, or local meat and dairy, it’s worth a stop by the Railwalk Pavilion to shop the seasonal baked goods, crafts, and fresh-cut flowers. Check out the market’s Facebook page to see what’s currently in season.

→Salisbury Farmers' Market // 228 E Kerr St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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1854 Courthouse

Have a little free time in the afternoon? Spend part of it at the 1854 Courthouse, which now houses a small gallery and rotating exhibits (as well as the offices for Rowan Museum Inc). Dedicated local museums like this offer an up-close look at your destination for an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

The museum occupies the first floor of the courthouse building, and we managed to explore its contents in about forty minutes, although you could breeze through or linger longer if you like. No matter how long you choose to stay, it’s vital that we as visitors learn the history of the places we are visiting to give us more context and insight. Note: the museum is currently only open Wednesday-Sunday.

→Rowan Museum Inc // 202 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Waterworks Visual Art Center

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when I see a small town embrace the arts, and Salisbury does it beautifully. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a bit of a novice, a stop at Waterworks Visual Art Center is a must. The gallery offers a glimpse at local contemporary art without pretentiousness, and the center’s many educational opportunities ensure the next generation will carry the (undoubtedly beautifully crafted) torch.

→Waterworks Visual Art Center // 123 E Liberty St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Two images of shops in downtown Salisbury — *left*: Pottery 101 | *right*: Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques

Entrance to Lost & Found Salisbury — Lost & Found

A plant shop and a bookstore in Salisbury — *left*: Roots Plant Exchange | *right*: South Main Book Company

Shopping in Downtown Salisbury

As Main Streets all over the country continue to be left to ruin or taken over by chain shops and restaurants, it’s refreshing to find a downtown area that feels truly local. As I was only in Salisbury for the day via train and would have to tote any purchases around, I primarily stuck to window shopping. But if you’re looking to shop ’til you drop, there are a number of great downtown businesses! Here are my picks:

Need a fun gift or souvenir? For a little bit of everything, Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques is your spot. This marketplace features more than 100 vendors selling local, handmade, boutique, or vintage items for your home, wardrobe, or belly. For quirky vintage vibes, get lost in the depths of Lost & Found – you never know what you’ll find. And for the pottery-obsessed, Pottery 101 is a must-visit.

Plant parents will appreciate a stop at Roots Plant Exchange, a chic plant boutique that also offers boozy wine slushes to enjoy in-store or to-go. Need a book for the ride home? South Main Book Company has shelves full of good reads for the choosing.

→Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques // 310 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144 
→Lost & Found // 105 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144 
→Pottery 101 // 101 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144 
→Roots Plant Exchange // 107 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144
→South Main Book Company // 110 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Events in Downtown Salisbury

It seems like there’s always something going on in Salisbury. From the annual Cheerwine Festival to smaller events with a more local focus, don’t be surprised if your visit coincides with a special event (we managed to catch a bit of the Halloween Fun Fest at Bell Tower Green!). Head here to check out the events calendar.

→Salisbury Events Calendar

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN SALISBURY

Alyssa holds a coffee in front of a brick wall in one photo, and Michael slices a bagel in another — *left*: Mean Mug Coffee Company | *right*: Koco Java

Salisbury Coffee Shops

Oftentimes small towns have just one coffee shop, but you’re spoiled for choice in downtown Salisbury. I had the chance to visit two during this trip, Koco Java and Mean Mug Coffee Company. Koco Java roasts its own beans and offers a number of customization options alongside a pastry case of goodness. Prefer your coffee extra sweet? Mean Mug Coffee Company carries a special line of syrups.

→Koco Java // 329 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144
→Mean Mug Coffee Company // 110 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Hap’s Grill

Hap’s Grill may be tiny but it isn’t hard to find – it’s the alley-sized spot on Main Street with a line out the door at the top of this post! This local favorite has a small but mighty menu of hamburgers and hotdogs at reasonable prices (it’s also an excellent place to pick up a glass bottle of Cheerwine!).

House-made chili, mustard, and onions are the go-to toppings here, and they don’t skimp! Check out the competition on the Hall of Fame, and head outside to make a new friend at one of the sidewalk tables or walk over to New Sarum Brewing to enjoy your hearty meal with a local beer. Note: Hap’s Grill is cash only.

→Hap's Grill// 116 1/2 N Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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New Sarum Brewing

Longtime readers know I love a good brewery, so a visit to New Sarum Brewing was non-negotiable. This downtown Salisbury spot opened in 2016 and offers a flagship line of ales, lagers, and porters – but they’re always tinkering, so there’s a good chance something fun and funky will be available during your visit. The patio is the place to be on a beautiful day, and you can bring in your own food or order from one of their rotating food trucks (if available). Can’t sit still? New Sarum Brewing is part of Salisbury’s Social District, so feel free to ask for a beer to-go.

→New Sarum Brewing // 109 N Lee St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Yummi Banh Mi Street Side Cafè

Just a quick walk across the train tracks deposits you at Yummi Banh Mi Street Side Cafè, a strip mall spot that would be considered unassuming if it weren’t for the bold, colorful murals out front. I already knew to expect delicious things from the team in the kitchen, as I’ve made a pit stop here in the past (it’s just off I-85, and so much better than all the chain restaurants you’ll pass!).

Even though I ate my lemongrass pork bánh mì at the train station a little while later, it did not disappoint – though I’d love to dine in next time and try their less-portable Phở. For another helping of Yummi Banh Mi, catch the owners on an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games.

→Yummi Banh Mi Street Side Cafè // 121 N Long St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Tita’s Cake House

A visit to Tita’s Cake House is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth (they also serve coffee, but I confess to being far too caffeinated to partake!). The specialty here is the Love Cake, a Chilean cake with crispy layers held together by jellies and cream, but I only had eyes for the carrot cake. Perfectly moist and nutty with a lightly-sweet frosting, it made for a sweet ending to a day in downtown Salisbury.

→Tita's Cake House // 115 E Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144

TRAVEL TIPS FOR SALISBURY

A visit to Salisbury is reminiscent of other nearby North Carolina towns (Kannapolis and Albemarle come to mind!) – but of course, no two small towns are exactly alike and each offers something unique for visitors. General travel tips for the region apply here, but there are a few considerations specific to Salisbury:

Transportation + Parking

Downtown Salisbury is easily reached by car (just minutes from I-85) and by train. The latter is how we chose to arrive for this visit, as Northbound and Southbound Amtrak trains stop at Salisbury station five times per day in each direction (head here for my tips on riding the Piedmont route).

Coming from further afield? Consider flying into CLT or GSO and renting a car to complete the 50-minute journey. Ample free parking is provided (follow posted duration limits), although events and festivals may decrease parking availability in downtown Salisbury.

Social District

Downtown Salisbury is one of many municipalities that have adopted a Social District, which allows for the consumption of certain alcoholic beverages within a designated perimeter. This doesn’t mean you can just visit a corner store and walk out with a beer – but it allows you to purchase a beverage at a participating establishment and walk around within the boundaries. Find the current Social District rules and regulations here.

When to Visit

Any day but Sunday! This being a small town in the South, many of the downtown businesses are closed on Sundays. As for the best time of year to visit, a Carolina spring or fall simply can’t be beat thanks to their cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Atmosphere

With a walkable core serving as the draw, it was so wonderful to see locals out and about supporting their neighbor’s local businesses throughout my day in Salisbury. And just as my visit was coming to a close, a Halloween-themed community event was ramping up, with families spilling into the streets for some trick-or-treating. On nearly every corner, I witnessed friends giving hugs and kisses hello they bumped into each other, leaving me with an impression of a strong community.

Shall we talk about the tough stuff? As organizations issue travel advisory warnings for Black and LGBTQ+ travelers in the South, it’s more important than ever for towns and cities to ensure visitors from marginalized groups feel welcome and safe in their communities. You will often hear that small towns in North Carolina have a reputation for being less accepting of non-white and non-cishet people, and though I’m not a member of either of those communities and don’t really feel qualified to speak with authority on the nature of safety, it was heartening to see displays of support in many of Salisbury’s businesses.

WITH MORE TIME IN SALISBURY

Have more time in Salisbury? Excellent! You can use it to catch a performance at the Lee Street theatre or Piedmont Players Theatre, visit the NC Transportation Museum, take a Ghost Walk, check out area wineries, or gather a group for a trolley tour. Even more purrfect, you can check out Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, which has since opened a location in downtown Salisbury.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING SALISBURY

Alyssa walks away from the viewer in downtown Salisbury — Outfit Details

As a travel blogger, one of the questions* I hear most often is, “Where’s your next trip?” I’m used to hearing, “Oh, I love that *place*” or, “Oh, I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard great things!” as a response, but every once in a while, I get hit with an incredulous “Why?” – which was the response I received most often for Salisbury.

Now, I’m not from this area, but I am from a city surrounded by similarly-sized towns, and I’m well aware of the stigma that there’s simply not much to do outside of the big city. But as travelers, we stand to gain so much more when we remain open to visiting destinations without mass appeal and when we believe that every destination has something to offer.

So, claim your reward for your willingness to break the mold with a day trip to Salisbury: impressive local art, great food and drink, a little more history under your belt, and a renewed sense of community.

*This question is second in frequency only to "What's your favorite destination?" - an impossible question to answer.

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Questions for you

Have you ever taken a day trip via train?

Have you tried Cheerwine? Did you like it?

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One Comment on “Day Trip Travel Guide for Salisbury, North Carolina”

Melissa Hull says:

November 22, 2023 at 6:21 pm

Love your Salisbury, North Carolina travel guide! Your recommendations are spot-on, and the personal touch makes it a delightful read. Thanks for the inspiration—I’m ready to plan my day trip!

Day Trip Travel Guide for Salisbury, North Carolina