Life in the 21st century is overly busy for many. Between working, social engagements, family commitments, and the everyday duties of maintaining a household, many couples search for time to take a break and relax. Finding the time to squeeze in a getaway sometimes seems impossible, but why get in the car and drive for hours to enjoy a vacation when there are several ways to enjoy a relaxing weekend without ever leaving Rowan County?
Across the Pond Bed & Breakfast
From luxury bed and breakfasts to treehouses, and a little bit of everything in between, there are several options for spending a weekend away while still only being minutes away from home. Though Rowan County is home to several wonderful and convenient hotels, I am going to explore the nontraditional accommodation options we offer in our community.
Across the Pond Bed & Breakfast, located on Fulton Street in Salisbury, NC is a lovely historic home that celebrated its 100th birthday this year.
Northern England natives, Andrew and Mary Walker, moved “across the pond” to the U.S. in 1991. After retirement in 2012, they moved south and found Salisbury, NC to have that small town feel and sense of community they were looking for. In 2013, they purchased the Colonial Revival style Stokes Snider home, originally built in 1919. After an intense 6-month renovation project and staying true to its historic structure, the Walker’s opened the doors to Across the Pond in January 2014.
This bed and breakfast screams 20th century with its high ceilings and hardwood floors. Included in the Walker’s 21st century updates are three cozy guest rooms accompanied with sitting areas, flat screen TV’s, and fresh bed linens. Additionally, the home offers an elegant lounge with sparkling chandeliers and gas fire log, a stately library, and a beautiful sunroom with original terrazoo flooring where full English breakfast is served including tea and coffee. It’s the true English experience right here in Rowan County!
In addition to the three guest rooms, the Walker’s also offer special packages that cater to romantic breaks, family gatherings, wedding parties, and college visitors. Currently, for all returning guests, they are offering a free room upgrade!
During your visit, check out local attractions and restaurants in downtown Salisbury including shops, wineries, and breweries. Book your stay on their website here.
Across the Pond Bed & Breakfast has 20th century history with 21st century updates.
Turn of the Century Bed & Breakfast
Another local and historic bed and breakfast is Turn of the Century, which is also located on Fulton Street in Salisbury, NC. Originally built in 1905 as a private residence, the Heilig-Dees home is a true example of late Victorian architecture. Located in the West Square National Historic district of Salisbury, the home was purchased by Karen Windate of Atlanta in 1997. The home’s two-year historic restoration paid off tremendously. In 2000, Turn of the Century was honored with the 1998-99 Building Restoration Award by the Salisbury Community Appearance Commission. Additionally, in 2001, the bed and breakfast was awarded the Preservation North Carolina Award of Merit.
Step into the inviting foyer and parlor and feast your eyes on antiques and an original marble fireplace. Guests will feel right at home in one of the three guest rooms with private baths or in a two-room suite. Your stay includes a full gourmet breakfast. Enjoy coffee and a book on their wrap-around porch.
Turn of the Century Bed & Breakfast, located on Fulton Street in Salisbury, NC, was originally built in 1905 as a private residence.
Cherry Treesort
If you are looking for an accommodation a little out of the ordinary, Cherry Treesort is the perfect place. Owned and operated by the Cherry’s of China Grove, NC, Cherry Treesort offers guests the opportunity to stay in the woods… literally!
It’s the perfect mix of nature and luxury. Hideaway in one of five fully-furnished treehouses on their family farm in China Grove near South Rowan High School. Their treehouses accommodate 4-8 people depending on which you chose. Relax in swings or hammocks or by the fire pits. With easy access off 1-85, Cherry Treesort is the perfect escape from daily life here in Rowan County.
Stay in a treehouse at Cherry Treesort in southern Rowan County.
Relax, You Are on Vacation
For my family, relaxation is one of the main reasons we choose to take vacations. My wife and I recently enjoyed a session at the Salisbury Salt Spa. This newly opened spa in downtown Salisbury offers Halotherapy to customers in a relaxing Himalayan Dry Salt Room. Halotherapy aids in respiratory and skin conditions.
Joint Owner, Tricia Cole, was excited to bring this type of health and wellness therapy to Rowan County. She was extremely friendly and told us exactly what to expect all while providing us options such as asking how we wanted the lighting to be for our session. She makes clients feel completely relaxed to the point that you may even fall asleep.
Rowan County is also fortunate to be home to luxurious and relaxing spas. Get pampered at one of the many salons and spas in town.
Salisbury Salon & Spa, located in downtown Salisbury, offers a wide variety of spa services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair services.
Greystone Salon & Spa has two locations in Salisbury, one in downtown and one in Wallace Commons. For a complete spa day, check out one of their spa packages. They offer massages, facials, nail services, salon services, waxing, and more. At the spa on Main Street in downtown Salisbury, their talented professionals specialize in Novalash lash extensions, semi-permanent makeup, body treatments, and more.
From massages to facials to Novalash lash extensions, let the talented professional at Greystone Salon & Spa transform you!
Explore the Great Outdoors
If you are up for exercising as a part of your vacation, consider exploring Dunn’s Mountain Park. Dunn’s Mountain is over 80 acres and offers places to hike, birdwatch, or to simply enjoy the outdoors. In addition to Dunn’s Mountain, explore or set up a picnic at one of the four other Rowan County parks including Dan Nicholas Park.
Get outside and explore Dunn’s Mountain Park for scenic views of Rowan County.
Food for Thought
One of our other favorite parts of vacation is enjoying the local food. We are blessed in Rowan County to have many quality restaurants that are each unique. Some of our favorite lunch spots in Salisbury are Yummi Banh Mi, Sidewalk Deli, Spanky’s Deli, and Hap’s Grill. So, whether you are feeling Vietnamese, an artisan deli sandwich, or the most delicious hot dog you’ll ever eat, downtown Salisbury has just the place to satisfy your lunch cravings.
Enjoy a deli sandwich and cold drink on the patio at Sidewalk Deli in downtown Salisbury.
For dinner, I suggest City Tavern, Mambo Grill & Tapas, or Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant. City Tavern and Mambo Grill are both located in downtown Salisbury. Grab a drink, watch a game on the big screens, and enjoy tavern food from steaks to sandwiches at City Tavern. Mambo Grill is perfect for couples that want to experience authentic Cuban food and one of the best mojitos in town!
If I had to pick a favorite dinner restaurant for my wife and I, it would be Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant in Spencer, NC. Anthony and Amy are the new owners and they have been working hard to incorporate locally grown and produced foods into their weekly specials.
Enjoy Italian specialties at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant in Spencer, NC.
Whether you decide to enjoy a Cuban from Mambo Grill or the Chicken Marsala from Pinocchio’s, you won’t have any trouble satisfying your appetite at any of these wonderful restaurants.
Keep the Night Going
After dinner, if you’re up for some entertainment, check out a show at one of Rowan County’s local theaters. We are home to three different theaters: Norvell Theater, Meroney Theater, and Lee Street Theatre. While this will take a little planning, there are shows offered regularly at these three theaters.
Catch a show at one of Rowan County’s three theaters. Pictured here: Lee Street Theatre
If you would rather have a little adventure this fall, I suggest a Salisbury Ghost Walk. The Salisbury Ghost Walk began in 2010 and covers a six block area in downtown Historic Salisbury, NC. Bring a flashlight and hear haunted tales!
Rowan County has a buzzing night life. For beachy rum drinks and a rooftop view of downtown Salisbury, visit Go Burrito. DJ’s Restaurant & SkyLounge offers live music, karaoke, dancing, and more depending on the night of the week.
Sip beachy rum drinks and take in rooftop views at Go Burrito in downtown Salisbury.
Head over to one of three local wineries including Morgan Ridge Vineyards, Cauble Creek Vineyard, and Douglas Vineyards. Beer lovers can enjoy a pint at either New Sarum Brewing or Morgan Ridge Railwalk.
Girls day or date night? Check out Morgan Ridge Vineyards in Gold Hill, NC.
No matter what your preference is, there is a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy in Rowan County.
Safety First
As with any vacation, there are some steps you should take to ensure your safety and to protect your home while you’re away. Before you leave your home, be sure that all doors are secured and that a light is left on. Inform a trusted friend or neighbor that you are going to be away from your home. While you are traveling, make sure that your valuables are not visible in your car and always lock your doors. The majority of larcenies from motor vehicles occur when the vehicle is left unlocked – don’t make yourself an easy target.
The next time you feel the need to escape reality, remember Rowan County has everything you need for your staycation. Save on gas and splurge on making more memories locally.
