Experience Original in Rowan County

Some may consider China Grove a drive-through location, but we're here to explain why China Grove, N.C. is much more than that. China Grove is home to famous local restaurants including Gary's BBQ where you'll find delicious food accompanied by a vintage atmosphere, and Stag & Doe where you can order just about anything and it is guaranteed to have that magical home-cooked touch. China Grove is also known for the incredible Cherry Treesort where you and your family can be wisped away into reservable treehouses and hobbit houses in a setting right out of a fairytale. New to China Grove is Grove Cartel Brewing Co. which offers a rustic atmosphere, food trucks and the best brews in town. We recommend visiting China Grove during some of their most iconic events like Farmer's Day Festival and taking the time to tour the historic China Grove Roller Mill while you're there!

When visiting Rowan County, there are a few stops to make and sights to see while in Cleveland, N.C. While driving, be sure to check out the barn quilt trail comprised of 2.6 miles of barn quilts and includes the largest barn quilt in the United States. Restaurants like Frankie's Chicken & Ribs, Keaton's BBQ and Mario's Family Restaurant are all musts when searching for a place to eat. Cleveland also has its own pick-your-own farm and vineyard, Windmill Springs Vineyard, where you can pick your own muscadines and blackberries. Be sure to visit Cleveland, N.C. during picking season so you can enjoy some delicious berries on your trip back home.

During the week, Gold Hill, N.C. may seem like a ghost town, but on the weekends is where this historic gold mining town comes to life. It's in this small town where you will find talented artists' shops, cozy boutique stores, a quaint cafe that makes a cup of coffee better than Starbucks and hand-painted murals that make for the perfect backgrounds to take pictures in front of. In addition to the Gold Hill Village where you can find all this and more, Gold Hill is also home to the Gold Hill Mines Historic Park where you will find trails, a playground, an amphitheater and the great spaces for a picnic. Be sure to come visit Gold Hill for some of their iconic annual events like the Lighting of the Fall Fires, Gold Hill Founder's Day and Gold Rush Days' Arts & Crafts Festival.

Did you know that Elvis Presley's headstone was made out of the famous pink granite mined from the hills of Granite Quarry, N.C.? Elvis fan or not, Granite Quarry has more to offer than just fun facts. The Old Stone House - the oldest structure in our county - hosts a plethora of events that any historian would admire. The Colonial Spring Frolic, German Fest and The Race to the Dan are just a few that we recommend checking out when planning your trip. Granite Quarry is also home to some delicious eats like Belly's Soul Food Diner and The Hotdog Shack. Grab a plate to-go and enjoy it in the serene Granite Lake Park comprised of a lake with a fountain and a trail loop ideal for an evening stroll.

Photo taken in Downtown Kannapolis

Whether it's NASCAR, baseball or the beautifully designed downtown that draws you in, there is no doubt that Kannapolis N.C. is equipped to fulfill just about anyone's desires. Home to the minor league team, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, The Dale Trail and the N.C. Music Hall of Fame, Kannapolis is great place to visit when in search of a kick of nostalgia. Stroll downtown where you can shop unique boutique stores, try amazing dishes at restaurants like Chophouse 101 and finish the day with a relaxing, original brew at Old Armor Beer Company. Before you leave, be sure to take the time to view the neon lights of the Gem Theatre where you'll feel like you've been transported to a different time. 

Art, history, parks, downtown shops and original restaurants - here in the home of the famous Cheerwine beverage, you will find all that and much more. Take a stroll or catch a concert at the Bell Tower Green, peruse around the boutiques of Downtown Salisbury, watch an original production performed by one of our three theaters and dine at some of the most unique restaurants you'll ever enter. While you're in town, don't forget to check out some of our iconic attractions and restaurants including Dan Nicholas Park and Hap's Grill which you'll find all the locals at. There are always events going on in the area, but we recommend scheduling your trip around some of our most popular events and festivals like Cheerwine Festival, OctoberTour and Wine About Winter.

Spencer N.C. - the train capital of our great county - is home to the N.C. Transportation Museum where you will find everything from planes, trains to antique automobiles. The N.C. Transportation Museum hosts multiple events a month throughout the year including Day Out With Thomas, The Polar Express, Fire Truck Festival, Brew & Choo, antique car shows and much more. After a long day of exploring the wonders of transportation, be sure to dine at one of their original restaurants like Pinocchio's Italian Restaurant or Hendrix Barbeque where you'll get delicious meals in unique atmospheres.

In the small town of Faith, you will find a whole lot of pride and a whole lot of passion. Every local knows that the best time of year to visit Faith, N.C. is during their week-long Faith Fourth of July Celebration. There you will find individuals come from all over the state to experience the festivities including a fair, parade, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, streets adorned with red, white and blue decorations and of course, one of the most impressive firework shows you'll ever experience. Throughout the rest of the year, Faith is known for their famous restaurant, the Faith Soda Shop. There you'll find all the comfort food you can dream of in one place brought to you with peak southern charm service.

Rockwell, North Carolina - the home of amazing restaurants, a great historic museum, and... wildlife? That's right. The adventurous Tiger World is the perfect place to take the family for a day of quality time with rare species of animals, putt-putt and seasonal events that happen throughout the year. While in Rockwell, you'll also want to call ahead to schedule a tour of the Rockwell Museum which houses a variety of local historic memorabilia. End the day with a delicious meal from one of their satisfying restaurant options like Johnny's BBQ, Seafood and Steaks, Romano's Italian Cuisine and the Rockwell Diner.

Right next door to the Town of Spencer, is the Town of East Spencer. Just like Spencer, East Spencer has also had a heritage made up of the railway. During your visit to East Spencer, N.C., be sure to check out some of it's most famous attractions like the Royal Giants Park which is home to a newly refurbished, baseball-themed splash pad that your kids will fall in love with. This portion of our original county also holds a place as a part of the Carolina Thread Trail - a regional network of connected greenways, trails and blueways that reaches 15 counties, 2 states and 2.9 million people. 

In the Town of Landis, there are a handful of things that never disappoint - outdoor adventure, quality BBQ and southern hospitality. When visiting Landis, N.C., a trip over to Lake Corriher Wilderness Park is must. There you will find two beautiful lakes for camping, fishing, paddle boating, kayaking and more. The park also boasts several hiking trails, a 18-hole disc golf course and picnic areas perfect to enjoy nature in. While in Landis, you'll also want to check out some of their other icons like Stringbean's BBQ and the Landis Pool. 

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins... no matter the season, Mount Ulla, N.C. is the place to be. Take a trip over to Patterson Farm Market & Tours where you and your family can enjoy seasonal fun on the farm during their spring and fall events, and pick the most delicious strawberries you'll ever try when their in season. Right down the road at Keeper Creek Farm, you'll discover delectable blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and more produce during harvest season. Looking for a nice stroll? Sloan Park never disappoints. There you'll be able to enjoy 100 acres of greenspace and 3 miles of trails to satisfy your inner explorer.

Home to farmland and breathtaking scenic routes is Woodleaf, N.C. No matter the time of year, a visit to Woodleaf is like entering a place untouched by the modernization of franchises or the  industrialization of large buildings. Instead, Woodleaf offers much more than that - a place of organic escape where you can enjoy the beauty of the land. The best time of each year to enjoy its beauty is during their annual Woodleaf Tomato Festival where farmers and craft vendors alike come together to put on an event like none other. Celebrate tomatoes and luscious greenspace the next time you visit Rowan County in Woodleaf, North Carolina.