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China Grove

Legend has it that the Town of China Grove was named for a stand of chinaberry trees that were a landmark used by indigenous people. For us, China Grove is known for the famous Gary’s BBQ, Cherry Treesort, the annual Farmers Day celebration and street fair, their downtown farmer’s market, the historic China Grove Roller Mill, the Southern Rowan Christmas Parade, and a guaranteed chance of snow during their annual Christmas in the Grove! China Grove is also home to Gary Chapman, who you may know better as the author of “The Five Love Languages” series. You’ll find unique shopping, dining and year round experiences in China Grove, N.C. Learn more about these events and attractions below and begin planning your next visit to China Grove in Rowan County, NC!

Gary’s BBQ:

For more than 50 years, Gary’s BBQ has been serving Rowan County’s famous barbeque. The restaurant is located in an old Gulf station (though they’ve added on many times) on Highway 29 in China Grove. They specialize in North Carolina vinegar based barbeque, but they’ve got hamburgers, hotdogs, BLTs and everything else you’d expect at an old fashion BBQ spot. You’ll want to take some extra time to look at Gary’s nostalgic décor - they even have vintage cars!

Cherry Treesort:

Ever stayed in a mini house up in the trees or under ground in a hobbit house? Well you can at Cherry Treesort, China Grove's very own tree house resort. Their business started by accident when owner, Trent Cherry, built an epic treehouse for his son on their family farm. Each of their tree houses and hobbit houses have all modern conveniences of home, running water, comfy beds, refrigerators and more. Gather around the fire pit, swing in the trees and enjoy walks around the secluded property. We promise it will be like nothing you've ever experienced.

Farmers Day:

Farmers Day is a Rowan County original tradition that we’ve been celebrating for more than 40 years! The event was organized to honor local farmers and allow them to sell their produce and enjoy a day of fun with food, crafts and music. Farmers Day has since grown to become one of the best street festivals in North Carolina drawing thousands to the colorful booths lining Main Street with a variety of arts and craft items, local farmers selling produce, honey and other locally made goods, agricultural and antique tractor displays, dancing in the streets to live music, the aromas of fresh food, the flavors of homemade ice cream, children’s activities, fireworks, and so much more! Farmers Day is held each summer on the third Saturday of July.

Market at the Mill:

Market at the Mill is China Grove’s very own farmers market. The market is held every Friday from 4 – 6 p.m., May through September. You’ll find local produce, preserves, flowers, honey and other goods being sold at the historic China Grove Roller Mill. The market offers the very best of what farmers and makers in China Grove and the surrounding areas have to offer!

China Grove Roller Mill:

The China Grove Roller Mill draws visitors from throughout the area. It is now operated by the historical Society of South Rowan as a museum, but the mill used to grind corn and wheat into meal and flour. It fed local households, supported local farmers, and served as a meeting place for the agricultural community for well over a century. Farmers used to come to the mill to sell their grain for flour and corn meal production, to purchase farm necessities and to socialize. When visitors enter the mill, they are transported to an earlier time. Tours are available on select dates and times.

Southern Rowan Christmas Parade:

The Southern Rowan Christmas parade has traveled down the main streets of Landis and China Grove in southern Rowan County for more than 40 years. The parade is a staple of the holiday season in Rowan County and surrounding areas. You’ll find antique trucks and tractors, cheerleaders, homecoming queens and kings from local high schools, dance troupes and politicians. It is also customary for Little Mr. and Miss Farmer from the Farmers Day pageant be in the procession, and as always, Santa will bring up the end of the parade!

Christmas in the Grove:

The Town of China Grove knows how to celebrate the holiday season! Christmas in the Grove is an annual event with shopping, food, fire pits and more. Children can have their face painted, enjoy hot chocolate, do activities and visit Santa who is stationed in Hanna Park. Holiday characters roam downtown for special photo opportunities, and you’ll even find carolers singing classic holiday songs. If you’re looking for something extra special, be sure to take a horse drawn carriage ride down Main Street, you may even see some *snow flakes.*

Plan Your Visit to China Grove, NC

Things to do in China Grove, NC

  • 308 N. Main St.
  • (704) 633-5946

For over one hundred years, the China Grove Roller Mill was in continuous operation and was a meeting place for the agricultural community surrounding the town of China Grove. Farmers came…

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