Rainy Day Activities in Rowan County

Don’t let the storms steal your thunder! Even on rainy days, you can still make it a memorable day in Rowan County with these original activities.

 

Get Moving at the North Carolina Transportation Museum

Immerse yourself in 60-acres of exhibits and special events. The NC Transportation Museum is a family-friendly attraction representing the remaining structures of historic Spencer Shops, once Southern Railroad’s largest steam locomotive repair facility on the east coast! There is truly something for all – from the 90,000 square foot Back Shop filled with aviation and automotive exhibits or the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest remaining roundhouse in North America!

Take a ride with Thomas, the No. 1 blue engine during Day Out With Thomas™, an annual event occurring at the end of September that offers children to enjoy a day of fun filled Thomas & Friends™ themed activities. Come mid-November through December, “All Aboard” The Polar Express™ Train Ride where everyone hears the bell!

 

 

Watch a Movie at Gem Theatre

Where else can you see a movie and get a large popcorn and soft drink for under $10? The Gem Theatre has been a landmark place to watch movies as a family since 1936. Located in downtown Kannapolis, it was recently chosen by Livability as one of 10 cool historic theaters in small cities. Check out the article here.

The City of Kannapolis is undergoing a huge revitalization though the historic look and feel of the original downtown will be preserved, including the Gem Theatre which is trying to earn a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Read all about what’s in store for Kannapolis’ future here.

 

 

Brewery Hop

Grab a cold one at Rowan County’s two breweries: New Sarum Brewing and  Morgan Ridge Railwalk. Both breweries are located in downtown Salisbury in walking distance of each other. Popular beers at each spot include New Sarum’s Blood Orange Wheat and Morgan Ridge’s Caramel Coconut Cream Ale! Learn more about how these two local breweries source the highest quality ingredients from Carolina Malt House in this recent blog here. Cheers!

 

 

Sip Some Wine

Must-see wineries in Rowan County include North Carolina’s 100^th winery , Cauble Creek Vineyard in Salisbury, family-owned Douglas Vineyards in Kannapolis, and the scenic Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill. Cauble Creek and Douglas both specialize in sweet Muscadine wines. Connoisseurs can enjoy seven different varietals during their trip to Morgan Ridge for a fantastic Sunday brunch! Now pour a glass of red, sit back, and read this recent blog on Rowan County’s vineyards.

 

 

Get Inspired at Waterworks Visual Arts Center

Imagine a vibrant and collaborate space with visual arts experiences. At Waterworks Visual Arts Center, you can view local and regional artists’ exhibits. In effort to enhance the creative capacity of individuals in our community, Waterworks offers workshops and educational classes for a wide range of audiences and skill level. The museum is open free of charge, six days a week. Plan your visit and help them celebrate their 60th anniversary!

 

 

See a Show at Lee Street Theatre or Piedmont Players Theatre

Experience the feeling of the #2 Best Live Theatre in North Carolina ranked by BestThingsNC.com at Lee Street Theatre. Catch more local theater performances through Piedmont Players Theatre, recognized by the NC Theatre Conference as The Outstanding Community Theatre in North Carolina. PPT operates two theatrical spaces; the historic Meroney Theater and the Norvell Theater, one of the only all-youth theatres in the state.

 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

Is there anything better than shopping on a rainy day?! From clothing boutiques to specialty stores, Downtown Salisbury, China Grove, and Spencer have just the unique item you are looking for. Treat yourself to a new outfit, spoil your doggo with a treat, score a great antique find, and more!

 

 

DIY Your Heart Out at Hive

If you’ve got the Joanna Gaines’ knack for all things DIY mixed with her green thumb, then Hive in downtown Salisbury is right up your alley. They offer an array of arts education workshops ranging from DIY terrariums, macramé, watercolor, and more! Additionally, they also feature a curated selection of locally handmade gifts including candles, jewelry, and more!

 

 

Celebrate Music & Motorsports in Kannapolis

The Curb Museum of Music & Motorsports is housed alongside the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis. The museum holds the #2 car driven by Dale Earnhardt during his championship season in 1980 and the #43 car driven by Richard Petty for his 199th win.

Learn about the rich tradition of music and artists from North Carolina at the NC Music Hall of Fame. Past Hall of Fame inductees include Andy Griffith, Eric Church, Kellie Pickler, The Avett Brothers, and more! You can celebrate music from North Carolina all year long because Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed 2019 The Year of Music!

 

 

Break Stuff at Grievous Gallery

Have a bad day or just in a rut? Grievous Gallery is the perfect place to let loose, take out your frustrations, and literally break stuff without a care in the world! Release emotion as you throw a bottle against the wall or smash a plate on the ground. It’s all in good fun! In addition to being considered a Break Room, they are also an art space and gallery. View local art while having a cold beer or glass of wine! They are open Tuesday – Saturday 6 – 10 p.m.