BREWERIES & WINERIES

Rowan County is a destination for craft beer and local wine lovers. Your Rowan Attractions will help you discover countryside must-see wineries including North Carolina’s 100th Winery Cauble Creek Vineyard and family-owned Douglas Vineyards. Eat, drink, and stay at scenic Morgan Ridge Vineyards.

Born in the heart of Salisbury, New Sarum Brewing Company has been serving up unique brews since 2012. Right down the road in an old refurbished warehouse is Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery & Eatery. Craft beer connoisseurs will socialize and sample at the Brewbury Festival, Salisbury’s annual craft beer tasting crawl and festival.

From live music, karaoke, dancing, and more, Rowan County is buzzing when the sun goes down. Sip beachy rum drinks on the rooftop bar at Go Burrito or hear live music in the SkyLounge at DJ’s Restaurant.

HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Our Rowan highly values history and heritage possessing 11 National Register districts.

A source for education and fun, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is a family-friendly attraction filled with immersive exhibits. The museum was once Southern Railroad’s largest steam locomotive repair facility on the east coast.

Step back in time by visiting the China Grove Roller Mill which served as a gathering place for the agricultural community.

Take part in a popular walking or driving tour such as the African-American Heritage Tour or the Salisbury Heritage Walking Tour.

Our Rowan, with its diversified economy, is home to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, 16.1%; manufacturing, 15.4%; and retail trade, 13.2%. The Your Rowan Business blog shares some of the many success stories of local businesses that have created culture, jobs, and a positive impact for Rowan County.  

Some 2,500 businesses are located in the county, including Fortune 500 and international companies such as Food Lion, Daimier Trucks North America LLC, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Gildan, Continental Structural Plastics, El Pharmaceutical Solutions, Dillard’s Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Swing Transport, Inc., Schult Homes, Henkel Corp., Greenwood Motor Lines, Inc., and Freshouse II, LLC.

Serving and advancing the business interests of our community is the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and NCWorks Career Center are committed to partnerships that help our region’s businesses and workers become “competitive force in our global economy.”

Rowan County has a wide-array of original businesses that locals and visitors love to frequent. From restaurant favorites that have been featured on such programs as Food Paradise on the Travel Channel (Salty Caper) and Tar Heel Traveler (Hap’s Grill) , to mom-and-pop shops that offer exceptional customer service, there’s something for every taste and desire.

Residents of China Grove often frequent Bella’s Ales & Tails, a dog bar and popular karaoke hotspot. Just up from there on Main Street, there’s a cluster of quaint shops like Ritchie & Ritchie Home Emporium and Old Town Soap Co.

Salisburians often like to frequent the two downtown breweries, Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery & Eatery and New Sarum Brewing Company. Downtown Salisbury also boasts a great selection of gift shops, boutiques, and a plethora of diverse restaurants.

Rowan County is home to three wineries, pick-your-own farms, fresh markets featuring local produce, one-of-a-kind retail stores, antique shops, and so much more! All of our main streets and towns are full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

The list of original businesses in Rowan County could go on and on. Come see it yourself, just know… you may not want to leave! Rowan County is the perfect place to call home and start a business. 

ROWAN/SALISBURY SCHOOLS

The Rowan-Salisbury School System is ranked in the “Top 10” nationally for pioneering uses of classroom technology. Each student has a personal iPad or laptop. Your Rowan’s Educational blog shines light on some of the unique stories, innovative programs and people that are creating a better future for our home, Our Rowan.   

The 35 public schools in this system serve more than 21,000 students with a 15:1 student/faculty radio. Salisbury High, the only N.C. school to receive a Silver Medal for 2 consecutive years from U.S. News & World Reports, is also recognized by Newsweek as one of the top schools in America.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is part of curriculum from pre-K through grade 12. The system operates 12 Career Academies to prepare students for multiple manufacturing careers and post-secondary programs. RSSS’s Early College program provides challenging experiences for students identified as high ability who are not yet reaching their potential, are first-generation college, have financial need, are traditionally underserved in higher education or would benefit from an accelerate academic program.

KANNAPOLIS CITY SCHOOLS

The Kannapolis City Schools surrounds one of the world’s premiere centers of scientific discovery: The North Carolina Research Campus. The Kannapolis public system is one of only 4 school systems in the state named to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Honor Roll. This system offers Global Studies, Dual Language Immersion, A+ Arts, innovative online learning, culinary arts, engineering, and performing arts.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Four private schools are located in Our Rowan – Sacred Heart Catholic School, Salisbury Academy, North Hills Christian School and Rockwell Christian School.

SUPPORT NETWORK

Our school systems are supported by several organizations, Including Rowan Partners for Education, Rowan County Crosby Scholars Program, and Communities in Schools.

Rowan Partners for Education provides support and funding for programs that go above and beyond the normal curriculum in the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

The Rowan County Crosby Scholars Program gives students in public middle and high schools in Rowan County the opportunity to attend college by helping them navigate college admissions and financial aid. This college access program is designed to prepare students academically, personally, and financially for college enrollment and other post-secondary opportunities ideal to a student’s needs.”

Communities in Schools is the Nation’s #1 Drop Out Prevention Program. Since 1998, Communities in Schools of Rowan County has provided support through in-school mentoring and tutoring, supportive guidance to families, referrals to community agencies, and assistance with school uniform and supplies.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Our Rowan is also proud to be home to 5 institutions of higher learning, together serving more than 20,000 students:

• Catawba College is a 167-year-old liberal arts school affiliated with the United Church of Christ with a 96% employment /post higher education rate for graduates. Catawba’s Center for the Environment is nationally recognized. Catawba is engaged in a MIND BODY SOUL Campaign for Growth.
• Livingstone College is a 139-year-old private, historically black institution affiliated with the AME Zion Church, with a student to faculty ratio of 17:1.
• Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, with 5 campuses and more than 25,000 students annually, wins awards for its digital innovation, industry training partnerships and custom-made programs for local industries. Nearly 1,200 Rowan-Cabarrus students are actually traditional high school students at local schools earning college credit tuition free and many students come to Rowan-Cabarrus for the first two years of their bachelor’s degree.
• Hood Theological Seminary is a graduate and professional school that provides theological preparation for effective ministry in a diverse society. Hood is engaged in a campaign for a new Chapel, a Center for Chaplaincy, and a United Methodist Studies Center.
• The North Carolina Research Campus is a public-private venture created by visionary David H. Murdock, owner of Dole Food Co., Inc. The campus is home to 8 leading research universities and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, each with a specific research focus and one commitment – improving human health.

EXPLORE OUR ROWAN THROUGH ITS PARKS AND FARMLAND. 

Dan Nicholas Park is a 425-acre park that offers a 10-acre lake for paddle boating and fishing. Dan Nicholas Park is also home to a 70-site campground that is open year-round. Family fun attractions include a carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium, animal habitats, nature center, and many more.

Plan a stay-cation by renting a lake-side cabin at Lake Corriher Wilderness Park. Enjoy fishing, paddle boating, kayaking, and a 12-hole disc golf course.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy three miles of trails, observation overlooks, and canoe access at Eagle Point Nature Preserve by High Rock Lake. For bird watching and a short hike, visit Dunn’s Mountain Park. Those looking for a scenic view including woodlands, streams, and gardens, will enjoy the beauty of Hurley Park.

With 26-acres of recreational activities, Ellis Park is the perfect setting for an easy family outing offering playgrounds, ball fields, disc golf course, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and more. Additional recreational opportunities including trails, volleyball court, softball diamond, and a playground can be found at Sloan Park.

Experience Village Park come alive with the Kannapolis Summer Events Services that includes concerts, arts, movies, and storytelling. Village Park also offers the Rotary Express Train and a splash pad.

You haven’t truly experienced Our Rowan until you have picked and ate strawberries off the vine from Patterson Farm. Taste fresh blueberries from Talia Farms, Pine Top Farm, and Elium Berry Farm. Check out various local farmers markets with fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables.

Many organizations are making for a better, healthier, and stronger Rowan. Healthy Rowan, a community coalition, identifies and addresses health and quality of life issues in Rowan County. They bring together leadership from health care agencies including Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Rowan County Health Department, Community Care Clinic of Rowan County, and the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center, along with social service, non-profit agencies, and many community partners to educate, collaborate, and advocate healthy outcomes.

The YMCA of Rowan County combines spirit, mind, and body in an integrated approach to well-being that goes beyond just fitness. No matter what edge of the county you live, the YMCA offers three convenient locations: East Rowan – Saleeby-Fisher YMCA, Salisbury – J.F. Hurley YMCA, and South Rowan – J.Fred Corriher Jr. YMCA. Depending on location, amenities include training center, basketball courts, aquatics, child care, group exercise classes, personal training, youth league sports, climbing wall, and more! Endurance athletes can check out the Buck Hurley Triathlon or the China Grove Main St. 5K. Get out and get active in Rowan County!