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Summer is coming, which means it's time to start planning the best weekend getaways near Salisbury, NC. Start mapping out your top trips with our go-to destinations within a few hours' drive (or less!) 4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC 1. Durham, NC A weekend trip to Durham takes about 2 hours from Salisbury, NC, but it's well worth the journey if you're intrigued by the history behind the city's revitalized downtown area. You'll be able to stay in your choice of trendy hotels within walking distance of top-rated restaurants, eclectic boutiques, and modern cocktail spots. If the weather cooperates, stroll through the lush plant displays at Sarah P. Duke Gardens or take a walking tour of Durham's historic African American communities. more 2. Chapel Hill, NC Consider Chapel Hill for another great weekend getaway within a 2-hour drive of Salisbury. This destination will appeal to visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation, with attractions like the Riverwalk in Hillsborough and hiking trails at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. You may want to plan your visit around one of Chapel Hill's many community festivals, from Arts on Market to weekly wine tours. 3. Myrtle Beach, SC You can be enjoying the sun and sand of Myrtle Beach in just under 4 hours, so make it a long weekend and fully enjoy this popular surfside resort city. If you're not planning on spending most of your time on the shore, you'll also find tons of activities from go-karts and amusement parks to mini golf and boardwalk shopping. For a bit of adventure and an unforgettable view, ride the SkyWheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The city also has some of the country's best golf courses. 4. Charlotte, NC Charlotte is the perfect place to spend a few days if you don't want to venture too far from Salisbury. Although it's less than an hour's drive away, the city has so much to offer all types of travelers. You can stay in a quaint bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel while enjoying some of the best restaurants in the region. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Discovery Place science museum. You can also spend an exciting day at Carowinds theme park. 5. Knoxville, TN Located about four hours from Salisbury, Knoxville gives you the chance to explore vibrant Southern nightlife, a cool art scene, and lots of incredible food. It's also an enjoyable destination for outdoor lovers, with miles of hiking and biking trails within city limits. You need plenty of space to pack your road trip essentials, so it might be time to upgrade your ride to the expansive Toyota Highlander SUV. Contact Cloninger Toyota and make your appointment to see it in person today.

You don't have to drive far to find beauty and tranquility in nature. Everything nature lovers need is right here in Salisbury, NC. Pack your outdoor gear in a rugged and tough Toyota Tacoma, put on your hiking boots, and explore three incredible natural areas down miles of scenic nature trails. Just Down the Road: 3 Fun Spots for Nature Lovers Near Salisbury, NC 1. Eagle Point Nature Preserve The breathtaking 200-acre Eagle Point Nature Preserve at 665 Black Road is the ideal spot in Salisbury to enjoy nature's beauty and solitude. The preserve has over three miles of back-to-back loop trails, including an interpretive plant and tree identification loop. The scenic trails cut through different types of forests typical to Central North Carolina and run to beautiful isolated coves and observation overlooks with spectacular views. more As you make your way down the trails, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles around Goldeneye Cove, owls, egrets, herons, and kingfishers, and if you're lucky, you may spot raccoons and white-tailed deer along the way. The preserve also offers canoe and kayak access to High Rock Lake in summer when the water is at its highest. 2. Dan Nicholas Park Dan Nicholas Park at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of fun outdoor activities. The park has a scenic lake, nature center, aquarium, animal habitats, and a campground. The Rowan Wild facility provides educational opportunities for kids and adults and is home to indigenous North Carolina animals, including black bears, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, white-tailed deer, alligators, raptors, and snakes. Paddle and fish for catch and release smallmouth bass, keeper bream, and catfish in the 10-acre spring-fed Lake Murtis, barbecue at a covered shelter with picnic tables and grills, and stay for a few nights in a lovely cabin or campsite in the woods. 3. Dunn's Mountain Park The peaceful 80-acre Dunn's Mountain Park at 1740 Dunn's Mountain Road in Salisbury is the newest Rowan County park. Hike to the summit of Dunn's Mountain on the easy half-mile trail through picturesque woods carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and summer months or when the leaves change color in fall. Once you're at the top, there are long-range binoculars and the best views of downtown Salisbury and Rowan County. It's also a great place to spend time outdoors, birdwatching, admiring the beautiful surroundings, enjoying peaceful picnics, and watching spectacular sunsets. Dunn's Mountain Park has a shuttle service over weekends that will take you up to the top of the mountain and back down again. Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and discover beautiful natural areas filled with native plants, birds, and animals. Before you hit the road, call Cloninger Toyota today to schedule a maintenance service and ensure your car will get you safely anywhere you want to go.

Art lovers will simply love what the Salisbury, NC area has to offer when it comes to galleries and art centers. So take a day for yourself and stop by one of the following spots that are guaranteed to bring out your inner artist. Drive on Down to These 3 Spots for Art Lovers Near Salisbury, NC 1. Waterworks Visual Art Center You'll love the many exhibits in this 13,000-square-foot art museum. The creators of the Waterworks Visual Art Center make it their goal to be an innovator in both art exhibitions and education, all while showcasing the works of local artists. The center highlights exhibits that rotate three times a year. Just visit their website to see what's coming up. The staff is also friendly and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask any questions you'd like. more After you've browsed the center, be sure to stop by the museum store before you leave. Waterworks is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visits are free of charge, though donations are appreciated. Visit here at 123 E. Liberty St. 2. Rail Walk Studios & Gallery Local artists claim this 1800s warehouse-converted art gallery home. They use the weekdays to create beautiful artwork, and then open their doors to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where you can browse the exhibits, watch the artists work, and even learn about how they create their pieces. Do you see something you like? Go ahead and spoil yourself with a brand-new piece of artwork for your home. You can find information about each artist, as well as their upcoming events, all on their website. Rail Walk Studios & Gallery is located at 409-413 N. Lee St. 3. Old Sarum Gallery This gallery features 19th- and 20th-century art and specializes in appraisals and restorations. See their collection of beautifully framed artwork, and purchase your favorite. You can also speak with the experts when it comes to building a collection of your own. Whether you're new to the process or experienced, they will talk you through the practice of creating your own collection. Old Sarun Gallery is open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. You can contact the proprietor, Davis L. Cooke, at 704-639-0006 for more information. You'll find this gallery at 124 W. Innes St. Drive to the local art establishments in a brand new 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE. Stop by Cloninger Toyota today and let us show you around our fine inventory of new and used vehicles. Come visit us today at 511 Jake Alexander Blvd.

Celebrate the warmer weather with fun spring activities around Salisbury, NC. Load your loved ones in the Toyota Camry, Highlander, or Tacoma and go on an Easter egg hunt, hay and carriage rides, join the exciting festivities and music events in the parks, and shop for the best farm-fresh spring fruit and veggies, delicious home bakes, and beautiful handmade crafts at the farmers' market. 4 Fun Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC 1. Ring in Spring Take the little ones to join the excitement at the annual Ring in Spring event at Gateway Park at 105 Depot Street on April 1 at 11 a.m. Hunt for Easter eggs at the participating shops down Main, Innes, and Fisher Streets, fill your basket with goodies and get a free family photo with the big and fluffy Easter Bunny. Go on hayrides through the park, get creative making crafts, and enjoy a variety of mouthwatering snacks, all free of charge. more 2. Hurley Park Spring Celebration Celebrate the beautiful spring weather at the free Hurley Park Spring Celebration on April 2 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Hurley Park at 304 Annandale Avenue. The festive occasion is packed with fun outdoor activities for the whole family, including carriage rides. The Soap Bubble Circus will provide loads of entertainment, the Salisbury Swing Band will play favorite tunes, and there will be an array of yummy eats and treats. Remember to buy a Spring Celebration t-shit featuring the park's beautiful flowers, gazebo, and bridge. 3. The Sounds of Salisbury Spring Concert Series Pack blankets, chairs, and a picnic basket in the Toyota and head to Bell Tower Green Park at 120 South Church Street on April 2 at 3 p.m. for the start of the Sounds of Salisbury Spring Concert Series. Get comfortable on the lawn and listen to the sounds of Colton Sherrill and the Pickups and Seth Grigg and the Fixns: local Salisbury bands playing alternative, rock, funk, R&B, and country music. The bands will keep playing music everyone will enjoy until 5 p.m. 4. The Salisbury Rowan County Farmers' Market The weekly Salisbury Rowan County Farmers' that kicks off in mid-April is a vibrant market full of friendly vendors offering the best locally grown, farm-fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, meat, home-baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, and beautiful handmade crafts. There's always live entertainment, great bargains, and delicious food. The market is in the newly restored Railwalk Pavilion at 228 East Kerr Street in Downtown Salisbury and is open on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. until the middle of December. Get out there to do all the exciting stuff that's happening around town and enjoy every minute of spring. While you're out and about, stop at Cloninger Toyota today to take one of the new 2023 models for a test drive.

Salisbury, NC has plenty of things to offer in town, but its central location and access to I-85 also make it a perfect starting point for countless summer activities that are only a short drive away! Whether you're looking to get the kids out of the house and have some summer fun for the whole family or looking to leave the kids with the sitter and enjoy a romantic day in nature, Toyota Cloninger has you covered. 4 Summer Activities You Can Drive to From Salisbury, NC 1. Family Fun at The North Carolina Zoo The NC Zoo isn't just any zoo! Once you enter, exploring its 2,600 acres full of animals in their natural habitats is a completely different zoo experience. It's even laid out in continent-specific sections, making it the perfect opportunity to teach the kiddos about native animals. After a full day exploring, the whole family will have plenty to talk about on the short 45-minute ride home. more 2. Endless Outdoor Entertainment at the Whitewater Center Set your Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features, such as the dynamic-radar cruise control and road sign assist, and ride in comfort to a world of outdoor fun at the Whitewater Center. Ropes courses, rafting, and tubing are just some of the recreational activities offered. If you're looking for more adult-oriented activities, check out the River Jam series with evening yoga and live music, or sign up for a romantic sunset paddle trip to a fireside culinary experience. 3. Beat the Heat at Boone Cave Park Your Toyota RAV4 will keep you cool all summer long, but if you're looking to stay cool even while you're outside, head up to Boone Cave Park! Hike through shaded forests, venture to the 140-foot-deep cave where Daniel Boone and his family are thought to have spent their first winter in NC and cool off in gorgeous swimming holes along the river. 4. Keep it Local with Dan Nicholas Park If you're looking to stay closer to home, head to Dan Nicholas Park, a local summer haven. The park features a lake, carousel, aquarium, gem mine, and more. Just don't forget your picnic! And don't worry if the kids spill the baked beans before you get there, because Toyota's stain-and-spill-resistant seats make clean-up a breeze.   There's no shortage of summer fun just a short drive from home, and now that you've planned your perfect summer days, how will you get there? Luckily, Toyota Cloninger has that covered too. The Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium's all-wheel drive is perfect for tackling those beautiful NC mountains, and the roomy SofTex-trimmed seats make summer drives comfortable for the whole family. Come check out Cloninger Toyota and ride in comfort to everything North Carolina has to offer!

Salisbury, NC, is rich in history and natural beauty. There are numerous local attractions to see, including museums, monuments, and parks. While there is no shortage of things to do in the area, the places below are a must-visit. 5 Great Local Attractions to Visit Near Salisbury, NC 1. Salisbury National Cemetery The Salisbury National Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and maintained by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Originally the Confederate army's burial grounds for Union soldiers held at Salisbury Prison, the cemetery now consists of the original location and an annex. You can see headstones of American soldiers and their families, as well as the mounds that mark the location where the confederate army buried thousands of prisoners of war in trenches. In addition, there are numerous monuments to honor the soldiers buried here, including the Federal Monument to the Unknown Dead and a memorial in honor of the 4th Marine Division. more 2. Dr. Josephus Hall House The Dr. Josephus Hall House, initially built for the Salisbury Female Academy in 1820, was purchased by Dr. Hall in 1859 and passed down for many generations until the Historic Salisbury Foundation bought the home in 1972. Included on the National Register of Historic Places list, you can see some of the home's original furnishings, as well as a restored building where enslaved people once lived. There is also a cannon used during the Civil War located on the property. 3. Rowan Museum Serving as a courthouse from the 1850s until the early 20th Century and surviving Stoneman's Raid in 1865, the Rowan Museum showcases the rich history of Salisbury and Rowan County. With educational exhibits, displays, and artifacts, there is plenty to learn about the old days at this museum. You can also see the old courtroom and public gathering place on the second floor. 4. Dan Nicholas Park Owned by Rowan County, Dan Nicholas Park sits on land given to the county as a gift from local entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Dan Nicholas in 1968. The park is packed with things to do and is a perfect stop for families. Here you will find a carousel, train, paddle boats, mini-golf, playgrounds, a splash pad, and picnic areas. The park also has Rowan Wild, including the Nature Center, T.M Stanback Barnyard, and Wildlife Adventures. There is a campground for tent and RV camping, along with a campground store, to top it off. 5. North Carolina Transportation Museum Located in nearby Spencer, NC, the North Carolina Transportation Museum highlights different types of transportation history, including aviation, railroading, and automotive. You can view exhibits of antique automobiles, locomotives, and rail cars. In addition, there is an authentic train station built in 1898 that now serves as the visitor center and an old firetruck that was once used in Elizabeth City by an all-black volunteer fire company. The museum offers train rides as well. These are just a few of the many great places to visit in the area. And, to keep your adventures going, we have a fantastic lineup of vehicles to choose from that you can depend on. Contact Cloninger Toyota today and let our team find the perfect vehicle for you.

If you're traveling in and around the Salisbury, NC, area, you'll find some great accommodations to book your stay. This scenic area offers great hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns, and unique places to enjoy during your vacation. more 1. Cherry Treesort The Cherry Treesort offers a unique place to stay for upcoming events or a simple weekend trip. The resort features rustic, treehouse-style cabins in the woods, surrounded by natural beauty with all the comfort and amenities you need. It's the perfect spot to enjoy your stay in style while getting the most out of the great outdoors. The Cherry Treesort features private events, nearby wineries and restaurants, and lots of scenic places to explore during your stay. 2. Turn of the Century Bed and Breakfast This Victorian-style bed and breakfast offers an excellent retreat when you're away from home. The inn is a restored home located in Salisbury, featuring beautifully decorated rooms with comfort, modern amenities, and great hospitality. The home was built in 1905 and offers three guest rooms: one two-room suite, private baths, and lots of sitting room. The retreat features a delicious breakfast, board games, books, and free Wi-Fi during your stay. 3. Salisbury Inn The Salisbury Inn is a fun and affordable place to stay during your trip to the city. The property is smoke-free, family-friendly, and parking is free. There's a convenient 24-hour front desk, and each visitor receives a complimentary breakfast. 4. Across the Pond Bed and Breakfast This bed and breakfast inn features historical decor and comfortable accommodations for your next trip to Salisbury. The inn was originally a house owned by a prominent doctor, offering high-quality craftsmanship, including oak floors and cedar closets. It's considered one of the finest homes in the city and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The resort is close to many attractions, including antique shopping, restaurants, and just five blocks from Main Street. 5. Chetola Resort The Chetola Resort is the ultimate gateway to luxury and fine accommodations for your next special weekend. The retreat features an amazing 87 acres of beautiful outdoor space, including a restaurant, indoor pool, and an on-site spa. You'll love the resort's many amenities, including a games room, tennis courts, free Wi-Fi and a business center, a breakfast buffet, hot tubs, and lots of activities for the kids. It's the perfect place to visit with the family or book your next event. 6. The Dunhill Hotel The Dunhill Hotel is conveniently located down Charlotte, NC, offering retro decor and traditional rooms, free airport shuttle service, and a great restaurant. This boutique hotel opened in 1929 and is considered one of the most historic sites in the area. It's a quick walk to many attractions, including the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and lots of shopping. The penthouse suite offers a balcony, and there's room service available. You'll want to book your next vacation in or around Salisbury once you discover the many fantastic hotel accommodations available. Contact us at Cloninger Toyota and see what we have to offer you from our showroom on your next drive to town.