There’s something about summer in Rowan County that invites you to slow down and savor it - lake days and splash pads, farm trails and small-town strolls, concerts under the stars and dinners that linger a little longer. It’s the kind of place where unplugging comes naturally and simple moments turn into lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a nostalgic road trip or a spontaneous weekend escape, here are 10 reasons to make Rowan County part of your summer story.
1. Make a Splash with Water Adventures
From cannonballs to lake days, Rowan County is made for cooling off.
Photo of Dan Nicholas Park Splash Pad in Salisbury, N.C.
Make waves at these summer favorites:
High Rock Lake
Boat, fish, paddle or spend a laid-back afternoon soaking up lakeside sunshine. Check out our Guide to High Rock Lake to start planning your adventure!
Dan Nicholas Park Splash Pad
Pair water play with paddle boats, mini golf and classic family fun. Check out our full Guide to Dan Nicholas Park for more!
Bell Tower Green
Downtown Salisbury's waterfall and splash fountains make for a refreshing stop between exploring.
Royal Giants Park + Atrium Health Ballpark Splash Pads
Two playful, kid-approved places to cool off.
Classic Summer Pools
Blue Waters Pool brings all the nostalgic summer vibes, and Landis Pool offers a classic small-town summer setting - be sure to check their website for current membership rates and access details before visiting.
2. Wander Wild Places
Trade screen time for safari rides, farm paths and animal encounters.
Photo taken at Carnivor Feed Safari at Tiger World in Rockwell, N.C.
Go wild here:
Lazy 5 Ranch
Drive-thru or wagon safari with giraffes, zebras and exotic animals.
Tiger World
See endangered species up close while learning about conservation. Check out our Guide to Tiger World!
Rowan Wildlife Adventures at Dan Nicholas Park
Discover native wildlife through hands-on nature experiences.
Patterson Farm
Pick produce, meet farm animals and enjoy unplugged farm fun. Check out our Guide to Patterson Farm and start planning!
3. Chase Small-Town Summer Nostalgia
The kind of summer that feels wonderfully familiar.
Photo taken at Fullers Market in Downtown Salisbury, N.C.
Savor simple pleasures:
Ice Cream Stops
Between our historic Dairy Queen, Landis Creamery, and other original ice cream spots in Rowan County, we've got plenty of ways to keep summer cool.
Downtown Strolls
Explore Downtown Salisbury, Downtown China Grove and other charming downtown districts.
Shop & Antique Hunt
Start with the Salisbury Emporium, and let our Guide to Antiquing in Rowan County take you on a full journey from there.
Soda Fountain Classics
Grab a meal, ice cream or classic soda pop or float at Fullers Market and Faith Soda Shop for a full-on nostalgic summer.
Front Porch Vibes
Relax over an evening cocktail at Shug’s at Brooklyn South Square or a uniquely created meal at Sweet Meadow Cafe for the best hometown, front porch vibes.
4. Fill Your Calendar with Original Summer Events
There’s always something happening worth planning around.
Photo taken at the Salisbury-Rowan Farmers Market in Salisbury, N.C.
Add these events to your summer bucket list:
- All Summer: Farmers Markets in Salisbury, China Grove, & Kannapolis
- All Summer: Discover Fun in Kannapolis
- Every 1st Friday through September 4: Landis Classic Car Cruise-Ins
- Various Dates through September: Car shows at the N.C. Transportation Museum
- Every 4th Saturday through September 26: Dancing on Depot St. Concert Series in Cleveland
- Various Dates June - August: Summer Fun Days at the N.C. Transportation Museum
- June 6: Salisbury Symphony's Pops at the Post outdoor performance
- June 13: Fire Truck Festival
- June 28, July 19 & August 9: High Rock Lake Summer Concert Series
- Week Leading up to July 4: Faith 4th of July Celebration
- July 17 & 18: Farmers Day Festival
- August 8: Brew & Choo Summer Concert
- August 15: Woodleaf Tomato Festival
- August 22: Dragon Boat Festival
5. Paddle, Pedal & Play Outside
Summer is meant to be active.
Photo taken on High Rock Lake at Eagle Point Nature Preserve in Salisbury, N.C.
Get outside:
Ride
- No bike? No problem. These spots have you cover: The Pedal Factory & Skinny Wheels Pedals & Pints
- Check out these ridable trails: Salisbury Greenway & Spencer Yadkin River Park Trailhead
Paddle
- Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard across the waters of High Rock Lake at Eagle Point Nature Preserve or at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
Play
- Disc golf, bocce ball, trails and more at Kelsey Scott Park, Ellis Park, Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, and other Rowan County parks
- Head to Dan Nicholas Park for gem mining, carousel rides, mini gold, and more or head to Patterson Farm for an exciting agriculture-themed playground, giant slides, paintball and more!
Go Big
- Looking for a big thrill? Piedmont Skydiving may be just what you're looking for - take outdoor adventure to the extreme!
6. Eat Your Way Through Summer
Summer tastes even better in Rowan County.
Photo taken at Go Burrito Rum Bar in Salisbury, N.C.
Savor the season at these local favorites:
Patio Bites & Casual Favorites
Grab bold flavors and sunny patio vibes at Go Burrito & Rum Bar, enjoy local comfort food at Hap's Grill, or keep it classic with a stop at The Hotdog Shack.
Fresh Summer Flavors
Cool off with smoothies and healthy bites from Juice Life or enjoy colorful, flavor-packed meals at Queso Salsa.
Dine with a View
Nothing says summer quite like waterfront dining at Waters Edge Dock & Grill or lakeside meals at Lakeview Family Restaurant.
Slow Down & Savor
Settle in for vineyard views and leisurely afternoons at Morgan Ridge Vineyard or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Meadow's at Grove Cartel.
From Seafood to Slice Night
Dig into coastal favorites at Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar or gather around artisan pizza at Salty Caper.
Whether it’s tacos on a patio, pizza with friends, vineyard sunsets or dinner by the lake, Rowan County serves up the kind of summer meals worth lingering over.
7. Step Into Storybook History
Slow down and follow the stories that shaped Rowan County.
Photo of the Dr. Josephus W. Hall House in Salisbury, N.C. | Circa. 1820
Explore history in memorable ways:
Walk Through the Past
Take a self-guided stroll with the Salisbury Heritage Walking Tour - available at the Visitors Center and on the Visit Rowan County NC app in the Apple Store & Google Play Store, which also features outdoor trails. Dive deeper with the African American Heritage Trail, or explore the Spencer Historic District Walking Tour for another layer of local history.
Tour Historic Landmarks
Step inside the past during Saturday tours at the Historic Hall House, visit the Rowan Museum, or catch special programming like History on Tap through Historic Salisbury Foundation.
Wander Historic Places
Spend an afternoon exploring the Gold Hill village, where preserved charm and mining history make every stroll feel like stepping into another era.
Explore Museums Full of Wonder
Climb aboard the past at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, where rail history comes to life through exhibits, train rides and seasonal events, then discover whimsical nostalgia at the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures, where childhood treasures and tiny worlds spark wonder for all ages.
Add a Nearby Detour
Extend the adventure with nearby stops in Kannapolis, including the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
From walking tours and museums to living history and heritage trails, Rowan County makes it easy to turn a summer outing into a journey through time.
8. Unplug and Play Together
Trade screens for laughter, friendly competition and old-school family fun.
Photo of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Stadium Provided by the City of Kannapolis.
Make family memories the tech-free way:
Classic Family Fun
Roll into summer at Foxfire Lanes or Woodleaf Lanes, where a few frames can turn into an all-evening family tradition. Bonus: Woodleaf Lanes is offering a program where kids bowl for free with shoe rental all summer long! Find out more here.
Play Like a Kid Again
Tap into hands-on fun at The Fun Factory, build and create at BrickEd & More, or race into nostalgia nearby in Kannapolis at The Slot Car Track.
Solve, Compete & Laugh Together
Put your teamwork to the test at Escape Central, challenge the family at Game Show Arena Live, or explore the one-of-a-kind fun at Back Street Boo Factory.
Cheer on Summer Traditions
Nothing says classic summer like a night at the ballpark with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers - hot dogs, hometown baseball and fireworks included.
Keep the Fun Going Nearby
Add a little extra adventure with Kingpin Underground, another playful nearby stop for family-friendly competition.
From bowling lanes and ballgames to escape rooms and slot cars, Rowan County proves some of the best summer memories happen when everyone puts the phones away and just plays.
9. Catch Summer After Dark
Some of summer’s best moments happen after the sun goes down.
Photo of and by Lee St. Theatre.
Make the most of long summer nights:
Take in a Show
Settle in for an evening of live entertainment at Lee Street theatre, the historic Meroney Theater, or performances at Norvell Theater.
Enjoy Movies & Music Under the Stars
Pack a blanket for outdoor movies and concerts at Village Park through the Discover Fun in Kannapolis series, including Stories Under the Stars, the Swanee Children’s Theatre series and Thursdays on Main.
Sip, Sing & Stay Awhile
Test your music knowledge at music bingo with New Sarum Brewing Company or unwind with open mic nights at Cauble Creek Vineyard.
From community concerts to curtain calls and starlit movies, Rowan County makes it easy to stretch summer days long into unforgettable nights.
10. Slow Down and Stay Awhile
Turn a summer day trip into a summer escape.
Stay, Play & Get Rewarded
Make the most of summer with our Summer Fun Stay & Play Package - book an overnight stay at a participating Rowan County hotel between May 18 - August 31, 2026 and receive a VISA e-Gift Card equal to 50% of your stay.
Plan Around Summer Fun
Use your getaway to experience original events like the Rowan County Dragon Boat Festival, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers games, Farmers Day, Woodleaf Tomato Festival and more - or build your trip around favorites like Dan Nicholas Park, Tiger World and North Carolina Transportation Museum.
Stay a Little Longer
Because some summer days deserve more than a day trip. Use the booking widget below to start planning your summer escape and claim your Stay & Play offer.