Everyone loves a good vacation. It’s fantastic to get away and just relax for a while, and while the tourism industry and hotels have been around for decades, some people have turned their unique locations into vacation rental spots. Rowan County is known for being original and for its unique personality and welcoming atmosphere, so it’s no wonder that these locations are up for booking.
Here are a few of the surprisingly unique and fun places to stay when you visit Rowan County:
Art, Lofts, and a Downtown Experience You’ll Never Forget: Artist Loft, Downtown Salisbury
Artist Loft upstairs library.
A large repurposed factory in downtown Salisbury, this unique location is home to one of the many art galleries located in downtown. It is an open space, interrupted by walls, stairs, and curtains, but the space is truly a studio. Guests sleep on the second floor, while the first floor is an art gallery. The artists both live and work there, so you get a real feel for industrial loft living.
The space is right in the middle of historic downtown Salisbury, and you can walk to all of the shops and events located in downtown. It’s three miles away form the NC Transportation Museum, and the hosts, artists Syed and Whitney, recommend going on the self-guided tour of the Salisbury Sculpture Show which is on display between April and January.
Bathroom in the Artist Loft.
The artists will also rent out the gallery below and it is perfect for conferences, events, and parties. Some of the events they have already hosted include a Reader’s Theater’s production of Pinocchio, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin Blues Concert, City Council candidate forum, Black Leadership breakfast meeting, and Pecha Kucha Night.
Rob and Ellen from Bozeman, Montana came to say in December. They commented on their stay saying, “This Airbnb in downtown Salisbury exceeded our expectations, and Syed and Whitney were excellent hosts. We wanted to sit many long hours and just talk about anything and everything… I highly recommend this Airbnb to a traveler who enjoys art, music, books, meaningful conversations, as well as a comfortable good night’s sleep…”
Want to stay a while? Visit here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/28697264?source_impression_id=p3_1578947622_i%2BEQj5TGk23MtTvn
Below the Artist Loft is an Art Gallery! Make sure you check it our during your stay.
Downtown Living: 132 Flats, Downtown Salisbury
This newly renovated, historic apartment is perfect for a visit to Salisbury. The flat is right in the middle of downtown, within walking distance of all the amenities downtown has to offer. The space can comfortably sleep 4 people and has a security gate and security system for extra peace of mind. They also come fully-equipped with brand new furnishings including a washer and dryer.
Fisher Realty already owned the flat, and it was leased out as office space for a while. When that seemed like it might not be the best course of action, they decided to make a change. “It was really just an attitude of ‘let’s give it a try’,” Ellen Robertson of Fisher Realty commented. “We own four flats, and the other three we rented out as apartments. With the last one we thought, ‘how cool would it be to furnish one,’ so that’s what we did.” Ellen has already gotten calls from people wanting to reserve the new Airbnb location for the upcoming Cheerwine Festival and for downtown and local weddings.
Kitchen at 132 Flats looking into the living room.
“It’s really about supporting the downtown,” Ellen said. “We wanted to provide a location for people to visit Salisbury and not have to worry about driving if they didn’t want to. The flats are close to everything you really need.”
“Rowan County has traditional Southern charm, but the high cost of Concord and Charlotte hasn’t made it here yet,” Ellen remarked. “There’s something going on every weekend.” With the flat being right in the middle of downtown Salisbury, it is in a prime location for all of the amazing events that Rowan County hosts throughout the year.
If you’re interested in renting the flat, follow the link below:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/37807101?source_impression_id=p3_1578950443_VFLIBPbjKvrRmIMr
A sunny view from outside 132 Flats!
Treehouses Aren’t Just for Kids: Cherry Treesort, China Grove
Trent and Ashley’s working 26-acre farm is filled with five different treehouses of varying sizes, but these treehouses aren’t just for children, they’re for the whole family! These treehouses are camping with style and come with full-amenities, including heating/air, full-working bathrooms, mini-kitchens, and more! People have traveled from all over the country to stay in these beautiful, hand-built treehouses.
The Newest Edition: Chico’s Hideaway
Located in China Grove, the treehouses are located near a hub of different activities. Whether you’re in to shopping, hiking, or just strolling through small towns, this is a relaxing way to reconnect with nature without having to worry about not having modern conveniences.
Cherry Treesort is one of Rowan County’s most unique lodging accommodations, and Trent says that it stays busy, especially during the summer. Another busy time of year is when Salisbury hosts the Polar Express. He says, “Families like to bring their children to the Polar Express and then they come and stay with us.” 295 people recommend Cherry Treesorts on Facebook, and their accommodations have over 480 5-star reviews on Airbnb.
Trent himself says he’s had thousands of testimonials from happy customers, and each Treehouse has a guest book where guests can write about their visit. Staying in one of these treehouses will rekindle your inner child and have you reaching for the stars.
Want to read more about the Treesort and Trent and Ashley’s story? Click here (https://yourrowan.com/cherry-treesort/)
The cozy bed in the retreat for two, “Miss Molly.”
A Peaceful Retreat
Ellen Whiteside and Jade Reese own The Sacred Grove Retreat, a beautiful meditative and transformation retreat center set on a secluded 11 acres of land. The land itself has four different lodging accommodations as well as a Grandmother Yurt gathering space, fire pit, trails, meditation labyrinth, ropes course, and grounding vortex.
The story of Sacred Grove Retreat begins years before the current owners with two professors from Pfeiffer University, a husband and wife team, who bought the property to be used as a clinic. They built the Log House on the property, as well as a clinic that is now called the Grove House. Soon after opening the clinic, Marilynn’s husband passed away and she soon became overwhelmed with the task of keeping up the property and running the clinic. Ellen had come from Charlotte to work as a massage therapist for Marilynn and her husband, and when Marilynn told Ellen she had to sell it, Ellen jumped at the opportunity. She bought the retreat and turned it in to the Bed & Bike Inn. “At the time, I didn’t think that Rowan County was quite ready for a retreat center, so I turned it in to a place for cyclists. The biking trails around here are gorgeous.” Unfortunately, the inn was not attracting as many cyclists as she thought, and the clients who did visit told her that they were looking for “peace and quiet.”
Sitting room at the retreat center!
In 2010, Ellen rebranded the Bed & Bike Inn to the Sacred Grove Retreat, adding new bathrooms and showers for guests, renovating the Grove House, and including meditative places like the vortex. Ellen met Jade through the retreat’s ceremonial Native American medicine dances that they hold throughout the year. When Ellen mentioned that she needed a business partner, Jade eagerly volunteered. “She’s the left brain, and I’m the right brain,” Ellen commented. “When she said that she’d be my business partners, I didn’t really know her all that well. Now we’re like family.”
Sacred Grove Retreat has already had over 33 groups go through, and they are looking to expand and work with others to offer holistic classes and other types of retreats. Yet, you don’t have to be a part of a retreat or group in order to book a cozy and relaxing place to stay. Sacred Grove Retreat offers individual and group lodging, as well as group meeting spaces. Booking a space, whether it’s for the day or a week, you will have use of the labyrinth, bonfire circle, vortex, butterfly garden, hiking trails, and all common areas. The space also has an outdoor kitchen, bathrooms, and showers that are available to certain lodging accommodations.
One of the many bedrooms at Sacred Grove.
The Grove House is their primary retreat house and can house 18 guests. It includes five bedrooms and two full baths, as well as two half baths upstairs, a library, sitting area, kitchen, and dining area. The Log House is a hand-built log cabin that can hold up to eight guests. It has a kitchen, living room, and a back porch with rocking chairs and a swing. The property also contains a small log cabin that accommodates four with a jacuzzi tub, and a delightful baby yurt that holds two. Pets are allowed.
“The town of Gold Hill is adorable,” said Ellen. “I always tell everybody that they have bluegrass every Friday night in the town.” As well as the bluegrass, Ellen recommends people go and visit Lazy 5 Ranch and Tiger World, as well as take the time to go and visit the nature that is preserved in Rowan County. The retreat center itself also holds Native American dances throughout the year, including both medicine and fire dances.
If you’re interested in booking a stay at Sacred Grove Retreat, visit one of the links below:
https://sacredgroveretreat.com/lodging/
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/730727?source_impression_id=p3_1578950468_Tj5FaMYAXlUdQ0ra
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6543873?source_impression_id=p3_1578950438_bRAJedhcoYHGCmnb
https://www.visitsalisburync.com/lodging/airbnbs/
Outside view of the log cabin at Sacred Grove.
Crane Creek Haven
Set on a 1 ½ acre lot on the 15,000-acre High Rock Lake, Crane Creek Haven provides guests with a scenic lake getaway. The lake frontage of the lot is 150 feet and has easy boat access that will dock two boats. It has a private launch area, as well as plenty of room to park your vehicles and boat trailer. This space is also pet friendly and allows for fishing! It comes with an outdoor grill, paddleboat, and firepit.
Crystal P. recommends Crane Creek Haven saying, “We have been here two years in a row, and it is our most relaxing trip with three kids. With the privacy, land, paddleboat, and view, this is a great vacation rental.” Steve S. also gave Crane Creek a glowing review commenting, “This is the perfect little house for a weekend getaway. From the ramp and excellent dock, to the large rear deck overlooking the water, this place is built around the lake. Indoor, the kitchen and bedrooms are well appointed and clean. We will definitely plan to be back.”
Crane Creek Haven is right near a plethora of things to do including downtown Salisbury, Morgan Ridge Vineyards, The NC Transportation Museum, Hill’s Minnow Farm, Hap’s Grill, and Dan Nicholas Park. If you’re looking for a fun place to stay on the lake with plenty to do, give Crane Creek Haven a try.
You can book your visit on their website here: https://cranecreekhaven.com/
There are so many places to stay in Rowan County! Curl up next to a warm fire at the Cherry Treesort.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
One of the most amazing things about Rowan County is the unique landscape and communities within. In one county you can go hiking and enjoy kayaking and fishing, while also going to several wineries and local breweries, and enjoying quaint downtown life. There’s a plethora of history, art, and music, and it’s all filled with the wonderful southern charm and hospitality.
You definitely need to come visit! There is something here for everyone!
For a list of unique Airbnb’s in Rowan County, click here (https://www.visitsalisburync.com/lodging/airbnbs/) or you could always visit the Airbnb website and search for Salisbury, NC (https://www.airbnb.com/s/Salisbury–NC).
