Beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown Salisbury and the constant noise from urban life is a place that bursts to the seams in relaxation. A place not too far from Salisbury, well worth a leisurely day trip. This place is none other than eastern Rowan County. Despite some critics who complain that the remote setting of eastern Rowan County is its greatest weakness, being remote could very well be one of its best attributes. Boredom is seldom found in so called “Mustang Country” because there are so many things to do there!
The “main street” of East Rowan would quite possibly be Highway 52, the same strip of road that is called Innes Street upon entrance to Salisbury. Winding down through Granite Quarry, Rockwell, and Gold Hill, there are numerous stores, restaurants, and attractions that take up space along the way. One of these restaurants is Slice of Heaven Pizza and Wings. Located on Highway 52 just northwest of Granite Quarry, Slice of Heaven offers Pizza, Wings, Calzones, and much more great tasting food that can be ordered to eat within the store or for carry out. Many local residents are fond of this unique establishment.
Nestled deep in the heart of Eastern Rowan County, the Gold Hill community is one of a kind. Also located off of Hwy 52, Gold Hill was founded in the 19th Century for the sole purpose of mining Gold which was rumored to be in the area. Today, however, Gold Hill offers so much more. With a fine selection of shops, such as the E.H. Montgomery General Store, the old mining village offers a day’s worth of shopping and sightseeing all in one place.
Although Highway 52 is the primary avenue for tourism, nearby Stokes Ferry Road and Bringle Ferry Road offer a good selection of attractions on their own. At the corner of Stokes Ferry Road and Dunn’s Mountain Church Road stands one of the tallest peaks in Rowan County. Dunn’s Mountain is Rowan County’s newest park, dedicated in 2006 for the purpose of both an overlook and a recreational park. From the top of the mountain, one can see downtown Salisbury, the North Carolina Transportation Museum, and the nearby Uwharrie Mountain range. The park is open in January and February on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of the month from 11 to 4 on Saturdays and 12:30 to 4 on Sundays.
Bringle Ferry Road parallels Stokes Ferry Road, and upon traveling on that road, one comes to find one of Rowan County’s largest attractions, Dan Nicholas Park. The park is by far a favorite for young and old alike, with attractions including Gem Mining, a miniature train ride, a carousel, paddle boats, fishing, and much more. It is a perfect place to spend the day, and everything at the park boasts of reasonable prices.
Whether you are planning an extensive day trip, or wanting to spend a little bit of time in a quiet place, eastern Rowan County beckons with many things to do, places to eat, and fun to have!
