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Salisbury, NC, is a town full of character and personality. The historic downtown district is a fascinating mixture of contemporary architecture and charming old buildings, alive with music, art, theater, and excellent culinary options. The town is also proud to be the home of Cheerwine since 1917, the oldest soft drink company in the country and still owned and operated by the same family! more 1. Downtown Charm Take a stroll through the downtown district with its historic buildings and old-world charm. Or go on a historic guided trolley ride past filming locations of popular television shows and movies, the Cheerwine building, and other prominent sites around the town. You will even hear a ghost story of two. Pop into one of the many antique shops, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants, and along the way, marvel at the beautiful murals and public art. 2. Architectural Masterpieces The town boasts five Local Historic Districts and ten National Register Historic Districts and is filled with architectural wonders. The Historic Salisbury Foundation, a private, non-profit organization, and the non-profit Rowan Museum are both committed to preserving and protecting the town's historic neighborhoods and landmarks. The museum's properties include the Old Stone House, Utzman-Chambers House, and the China Grove Roller Mill. 3. Lively Art Scene The town with its East Square Cultural Arts District doesn't have a shortage of art venues, galleries, and private artists' studios. Waterworks Visual Arts Center is a non-profit art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and an anchor for art in the region. The museum's focus is on exploring artistic and cultural realms. 4. Top Class Entertainment Piedmont Players Theatre, Inc., is a non-profit organization and owns and operates both the historic Meroney Theater and the new Norvell Theater. The organization has been going strong for nearly 60 years and was recognized by the North Caroline Theater Conference for its outstanding community theater. The Piedmont Players produce ten 10 shows every season, of which five are youth theatre productions. The Lee Street Theater presents alternative forms of performance art to the community. The Salisbury Symphony hosts a variety of orchestral music events throughout the year. 5. Beautiful Parks and Recreational Facilities The town has 29 beautifully maintained parks that spread out over 508 acres. There is an athletic and sports complex, ten tennis courts, a swimming pool, splash pad, and almost 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Dan Nicholas Park The favorite park is the 425-acre Dan Nicholas Park with a ten-acre lake, Nature Center, playgrounds, ball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, miniature golf, freshwater aquarium, two 18-hole golf courses, and so much more. You can paddleboat and fish at the lake or go gem mining with the kids. At the Barnyard, kids can look at historic farming equipment and meet the farm animals. The Nature Center has turtles, snakes, alligators, bears, wolves, and other captivating creatures to look at. When you need to cool off, the Water Plaza in the center of the park is just to place to splash around. Magnificent historic buildings, vivid art and cultural scene, beautiful parks, and friendly residents make this town the gem of Rowan County. Visit Cloninger Toyota today. We provide our clients with the best quality automotive services, parts, and exceptional finance opportunities.

'Tis the season to shop small business. If you are looking for extraordinary gifts this holiday season from local shops you don't have to travel far. Here are the top locally-owned stores to complete all your holiday shopping in Salisbury, NC. more Stitchin' Post Gifts Located at 104 South Main Street this fun boutique sits at the center of Salisbury's Historic District and offers no shortage of unique gifts. Find the most popular brands in apparel including Sanuk, Southern Couture, Fit Kicks, Chacos, and Toms. Browse through custom jewelry, sample the fragrances of the handcrafted candles, and pick up some home decor for yourself and those on your nice list. Before you leave make sure you say hello to the shop's fluffy feline, Sasha. The Salisbury Emporium You can spend hours finding gems in this antique store, 230 East Kerr Street. Tons of small shops within the store add variety and individuality, as no two shops are the same. Stroll through an endless array of antiques, books, jewelry, art, photography, and more. South Main Book Company This small, independent book store is a booklover's paradise. Located at 110 South Main Street, the store owner takes the time to hand-select the books, novels, and keepsakes that line their shelves. Gift cards are available for purchase if you aren't quite sure what genre to select for your reader or ask the helpful staff, that can certainly recommend a few page-turners. Griffin's Guitars Inside 103 South Main Street, you will find everything for the music-lovers in your life. This locally-owned shop specializes in new, used, and vintage guitars and amps. The store sells acoustic, bass, and electric guitars, as well as accessories and folk instruments. Barnhardt Jewelers Rowan County's top jewelry store has been independently owned and operated since 1990. You will find hundreds of designer engagement rings at 112 East Innes Street if you are thinking about making the day even more special for the person you love.  The store offers fashion jewelry, watches, custom jewelry designs, and a grand selection of diamond jewelry. Sweet Country Style Boutique Full of southern charm and unique gifts this boutique provides something special for everyone. Browse through hundreds of items of men's and women's clothing and accessories from popular brands. A chic gift from this boutique - 105 West Innes Street - will impress the savviest of fashion gurus in your life. Comic Monstore Comic Monstore makes it easy to find the perfect gift for any fanatic. Owned and operated by fans themselves, the knowledgeable staff can help you pick out a comic or gift for any age. Located at 813 Jake Alexader Boulevard, there is more inside than just comic books. Choose from action figures, games, books, novelty items, and more. Once you've crossed off every gift on everyone's wishlist stop by Cloninger Toyota to get yourself a gift of your own. Let our knowledgeable and expert sales team help you find the right vehicle for you that will be sure to spread joy.

The Old Stone House in Rowan County is one of the most iconic landmarks in North Carolina. Now a museum, this structure was once the masterpiece of a teenage immigrant who sailed from Germany to Philadelphia. Visitors who check out the home today can step back in time and view hundreds of artifacts from the eighteenth century. Here are five fascinating facts about this incredible piece of history that will make you the new local history expert. more 1. Its German Architecture Is Among the Best in the Southeast The house was built by Michael Braun, a German immigrant from the town of Granite Quarry. The stone design will easily make you feel like you're right in Germany. While it stands today as a magnificent piece of architecture, visitors will be surprised to know that wasn't always the case. The house stood abandoned during the 1900s and became the site of vandalism for over twenty years. At one point, developers wanted to tear down the thick granite walls to make way for a road. Today, this iconic structure stands among the best colonial-style homes in the North Carolina area. 2. It Took Seven Years to Build Braun began building the home on 274 acres of land near Crane Creek by hand. The entire project took 3,500 tons of granite from a quarry that a mile away. He polished each stone for the front of the house to fit together correctly and create an impressive design.  The back of the house did not share the same flair as the front – it stood unevenly supported on a wooden peg. 3. There Is a Secret Inscription Over the Doorway If you look up at the doorway as you enter the home, you'll see a hidden inscription chiseled into the stone above the door. The inscription refers to Braun and his three wives and ten children and the year the house was completed. Braun likely put it there because it is customary to inscribe new dwellings with the builder's name in Germany. 4. Many People Fought to Save the House After standing vacant for a long time, parts of the home began to collapse, and looters started to cut up pieces of the house for firewood. Family trustees first attempted to save the home in 1927 but could not afford the cost of repairs. A few years later, Braun's direct decedents tried to restore the house and ran into financing issues as well. The Rowan Museum stepped up in 1957, saved the home, and converted it into a museum. 5. Michael Braun is Buried Nearby Although it is not a confirmed fact, many people over the centuries have believed that the man who built the stone house, Michael Braun, is buried in the nearby family cemetery. The Braun cemetery is located across from the house where he and his wife Margareta lay at rest. Michael's headstone is missing, but visitors can still see his wife's original tombstone. Next time you are in the Salisbury area, challenge your friends and family to some history trivia and bring them to this landmark to learn while having fun. On your way back, visit Cloninger Toyota, where we will happily help you with all of your Toyota sales and service needs.

Salisbury is a small city in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Despite its size, it's an iconic city, drawing folks from across the country. The town has many parks and recreational spots, so if you're looking to get some fresh air and natural scenery, you'll enjoy the many open spaces and hiking trails. more 1. Reservoir Park Greenway The Reservoir Park Greenway is a 2.5 mile stretch of concrete, gravel, and sand. The trail is part of a larger system of greenways in the Southern Pines community. Winding through the 95 acres of the Southern Pines reservoir, the trail takes you past a dam, a metal bridge, and the greenery of the pine forest on the other side. As such, there's more than enough to keep your eyes occupied. If you get tired, you can always take a break by the water's edge as you cast for fish. Like many trails in the area, this one is also open to bikes and wheelchairs. 2. Salem Lake Trail At seven miles, this is perhaps the longest trail in the area. It circles the Salem Lake park, changing from dirt to sand and then gravel. You'll often find people cycling along the path or fishing in the lake, as both of these activities are permitted. Other attractions are a playground and a year-round water fountain. The park closes at different times during the year, sometimes as early as 7:30 in the evening, so the best times to visit are in the morning and early evening. 3. Dan Nicholas Park Trail This 2.0-mile natural surface trail loops around Lake Murtis in the Dan Nicholas Park, taking you past several bridges and a couple of fishing spots. It may prove a bit difficult to use wheelchairs and strollers on the trail, as roots in the dirt trail will get in the way. However, dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they're on a leash. 4. Forest Creek Trail This trail is a 3.5-mile dirt path connecting the Longleaf Trail in the south and Nick's Creek Trail in the north. The trail is frequently used by students from the nearby Sandhills Community College and O'Neal School. Bicycles and wheelchairs are also allowed, but the path is wide enough so both foot and vehicular traffic shouldn't be a problem. 5. Muddy Creek Greenway If you love bird watching, you'll definitely love Muddy Creek Greenway. This four-mile asphalt trail stretches through woodlands and meadows as it follows the muddy creek it's named after. You can spot various birds like Cardinals, Bluebirds, Chickadees, and Woodpeckers in the trees, and when you reach the open areas, Wild Turkeys and Meadowlarks. Bicycles and wheelchairs can ride on the asphalt trail. Inline skating is also allowed. Visit one or all five trails. Either way, you're sure to enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty. And while you're in the area, feel free to stop by Cloninger Toyota. We've got great deals on family cars, repairs, and spare parts.

Looking to spend some time with nature or have a little outdoor adventure? There's no need for a cross-country trip because a great spot exists in Lexington just a few miles off the NC 150 Highway. It's called Boone's Cave Park, and there are plenty of reasons you should check it out. more So Many Things to Do The park spans over 100 acres of land and has spaces dedicated to a variety of activities including 15 trails for hiking and biking. There is a sheltered area with tables for picnics that has a beautiful view of the Yadkin River to enjoy while you eat. There are easy access points to the river throughout the park as well that you can use for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Large, open spaces where you can play disc golf are provided, and primitive and semi-primitive campgrounds are available for tent (no trailers) camping. If you are interested in using the campgrounds, the park asks you to call two weeks in advance to confirm availability. Amazing Scenes of Nature Nearly half the park (46 acres) is noted as a Natural Heritage Site and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The hiking trails run through a secluded rolling forest of various trees similar to the North Carolina mountains, and several of the trees species are normally only seen in the Appalachian Mountains. Also, one hundred wildflowers native to the land and 125 varieties of butterflies have been observed. You may wish to bring your binoculars to have an optimal view of the migrant birds in the spring and fall. Catch a glimpse of Cedar Waxwing, Brown Thrasher, and others. Animals including deer, hawks, reptiles, and much more all call the park home as well. Walk in Daniel Boone's Footsteps Local legend says that the Boone family--including 16-year-old Daniel--came to live in Yadkin Valley of North Carolina in 1750 and supposedly spent their first year nearby if not at the park site itself. And while there may not be any documentation to prove that this was the case, there his heavy presence of the Boone name throughout Davidson County (Boone's Bottom, Boone's Ford, Boone's Spring, Boone's Cave) to suggest this legend is true. Additionally, many locals have family stories passed through the generations wherein their elders have testified to the Boones having lived east of the Yadkin. So the likelihood of Daniel Boone having roamed through the area is virtually uncontested. Today, the park still maintains 7.5 miles of trails that hold the 200-year-old character that early American settlers like Boone once utilized, and offers the best representation overall of the land they encountered back then. We know all the best places to visit in the area, and proudly serve the communities of Lexington and others surrounding Salisbury in their travel needs. Visit Cloninger Toyota today to speak with a representative and start driving toward your next adventure.

Located in the Piedmont region, Salisbury, NC is in the Charlotte metropolitan area just 44 miles northeast of the city. Noteworthy is the attention to historic preservation which boasts five local Historic Districts. Aside from staples like Food Lion and Rack Room Shoes, Salisbury has great local establishments for meals and desserts. If you are looking to get your hands on some great ice cream in Salisbury, you are quite literally in for a treat. more Spanky's Homemade Ice Cream and Deli While also serving delicious deli sandwiches and salads, the ice cream at Spanky's is the main attraction. Spanky's adds to the historic preservation of the city by setting up shop in a three-story building built in 1859. With over 24 flavors of homemade ice cream and yogurt, you could try a different flavor for over 3 weeks before finding your favorite. There are also mouth-watering sundaes, of which we would recommend the Cookie Wich. It comes with two oven-baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies and an ice cream center. You can also place an order with GrubHub for convenience. SweetFrog Coveniently located just off the I-85 exit 76, SweetFrog serves premium frozen yogurt, ice cream, and gelato. Founded in 2009, SweetFrog has settled into many communities and become active in the places in which they reside. The Frog in SweetFrog stands for “Fully Rely On God”, which is a message and reminder to be courteous and respectful neighbors. They practice what they preach by partnering with establishments in their local communities, taking part in fundraisers, and much more. They take a “make it your way” approach and allow you to choose your base and toppings. They have many flavors you know and love, as well as some oddly great creations like sweet corn flake cereal ice cream, tiramisu gelato, and Kidz Bop cookie remix frozen yogurt. With cute mascots, a family-friendly environment, and great treats, what's not to love? Culver's ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard Culver's is a Wisconsin-based chain that has been operating for over 30 years.  They are known for serving up their signature burgers and ice cream using only Midwest beef and dairy, respectively. Equally as popular as their burgers, they have their own infamous custard, sundaes, hot fudge, root beer floats, and more. Each location serves a different flavor of the day so make sure to check in before going. Team members at Culver's who want to study or learn a trade are also eligible for Culver's Foundation Scholarship Program. Since 1993 they have provided more than $4.5 million in funding for over 3,000 team members. So, don't feel guilty when going to Culver's for some comfort food because a restaurant with a cause is a restaurant worth supporting. Whether you want to be enthralled by the historic architecture, find somewhere a bit less busy outside of Charlotte, or have a cold treat on a warm day, Salisbury is a small city with a lot to offer. And for all your automotive needs, be sure to stop by Cloninger Toyota where you can talk with our dedicated staff and find the Toyota vehicle that is right for you.