Cleveland, NC

In the heart of Western Rowan County, you’ll find the Town of Cleveland. A unique and picturesque town, complete with gorgeous fields and country churches, filled with fresh air and friendly people. Cleveland possesses a host of historic homes and buildings, small-town charm, centuries-owned family horse and cattle farms, and some of Rowan County’s favorite family-owned restaurants. The town is home of Daimler, the largest truck manufacturing plant in the United States. You may have heard about Cleveland in Our State Magazine, when they covered Rowan County’s own Keaton’s Barbecue. Or maybe you’ve heard about their 1,000 square foot barn quilt mural, currently the largest of its kind in the United States. Other notable happenings in Cleveland include Frankie’s Chicken & Ribs, the 2.6 mile Barn Quilt Trail, the Red Barn Market at Correll Farm, Windmill Spring Vineyard, Mario’s Family Restaurant and more! Cleveland is the only town in North Carolina with easy access to three major interstates – I-40, I-77 and I-85. Plus, Cleveland is within an easy driving distance of all of Rowan County’s activities and commerce. Learn more about all of the Town of Cleveland’s original offerings, and begin planning your next visit to Rowan County.

Keaton’s Barbecue:

Mr. Burette Walker Keaton, better known as B.W., founded Keaton's Barbecue, Inc. on November 12, 1953. He came up with a barbecue sauce that captures the "taste" of all walks of life. It was then that he gained fame and notoriety by specializing in his savory barbecue chicken and barbecue pork until his passing in November of 1989. Since then, business is still going strong and operating in his honor.

Largest Barn Quilt Mural & Barn Quilt Trail:

The largest barn quilt mural in the United States is currently found in Cleveland at the Cleveland Community volunteer Dire Department. The artwork in the quilt is the same style as barn quilts that you’ll find all over Rowan County. The mural is 1,000 square feet and contains more than 160 pieces. It may not seem like much, but it required hundred hours of work. The mural is accompanied by a 2.6-mile trail of cubes covered with barn quilt-inspired patterns throughout the Town of Cleveland. These cubes can be found in places that best represent Cleveland’s community – their schools, their churches and their libraries.

Frankie’s Chicken & Ribs:

Frankie's Chicken & Ribs in Cleveland, NC brings people in from all over. What brings them in? Their famous dipped chicken recipe. At Frankie's you will find southern food to satisfy all your cravings - dipped chicken, BBQ, ribs, mac n' cheese, collard greens, fried okra, and much more.

Red Barn Market at Correll Farm:

Correll Farm has been in the family for four generations and over 100 years. Up until November 2005, it was a dairy farm and wholesale tomato operation. Currently, Correll farms raises beef cattle, dairy heifers, tomatoes for wholesale, and many fruits and vegetables. These items are sold at local Farmers Markets and their own farm. Shop their farm via their Red Barn Market to find the freshest produce in Cleveland.

Windmill Spring Vineyard:

Windmill Springs Vineyard is a pick your own muscadine and blackberry vineyard located in Cleveland. The muscadine season begins the first week of September, but cider, juice and jelly are available for purchase year-round!

Mario’s Family Style Restaurant:

Mario's Family Style Diner offers Italian style cuisine, but their menu includes a bit of everything. From pizza and pasta to barbecue and more, you’ll find something for everyone in your family to enjoy.