Plan Your Visit to Rowan Museum in Salisbury, NC

June 14, 2021 · 3 min read

If you live in Salisbury, NC, you will have heard of the Rowan Museum before. But where is it located, and what can you learn there? In fact, the museum has four different buildings you may have seen around town: the Courthouse, the Old Stone House, the Utzman-Chambers House, and the Roller Mill in China Grove. Let's explore what each of these buildings is about and how to plan your trip.

The Rowan Museum in Salisbury, NC

The museum includes several historic buildings in and around Salisbury, and you can explore them all or choose the one you're most interested in. There is also a series of lectures, called the Rowan County History Class, where you can learn more about your local area. Before deciding to go to one of the buildings listed below, you should contact the museum to make sure it's open on the day of your visit.

1854 Courthouse

The 1854 courthouse is the location of this museum's offices, and you can stop by on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm. The address is 202 North Main Street, and it is easy to find by car. You will be able to see some rotating exhibits and the Messinger room here. The building survived Stoneman's Raid and was the local courthouse until the early 1900s.

Old Stone House

Located at 770 Stone House Road, this piedmont plantation was created in 1766 by a German immigrant named Michael Braun. Today, the home is fully restored and features Colonial and Georgian furniture and information on the colonial lifestyle.

Utzman-Chambers House

On 116 South Jackson Street, you will find the Utzman-Chambers House, an 1815 building constructed by the cabinetmaker Luis Utzman. It is an example of how people lived in antebellum America - which refers to the time period before the Civil War but after the War of 1812. This era is marked by the expansion towards the West, the spirit of reform, and the development of two separate economies in the North and the South of the country.

China Grove Roller Mill

If you go to 308 North Main Street in China Grove, you'll be able to see the Roller Mill, built in 1903. The purpose of this construction was to mechanize grain grinding. This is a fascinating building to visit if you're interested in the Industrial Revolution.

Rowan County History Class

If you're eager to hear local community leaders speak about the history of your area, you can attend a series of lectures from February to May. Each week, a different topic or time period is discussed, and some of the lectures include tours and visits to local landmarks. Check the museum's website or give them a call to find out the exact dates and times of these events. When planning a day out in your local area, one of the four museum buildings is a great choice. They all offer interesting insights and a unique take on history. While you're in the area, stop by at Cloninger Toyota to find out what new and used vehicles we're currently displaying. Our sales team will be happy to speak to you and show you around.

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Jul 24, 2022 in Museum

Discover Art With Your Toyota: Four Local Art Galleries a Short Drive From Salisbury, NC

If you're looking to get out of your routine and get inspired by the creativity of area artists, you can do so by visiting some local art galleries in Salisbury, NC. Salisbury has several different galleries you can choose from, so whether you're in the market for some artwork and are interested in building your own collection or you are an artist who wants to get inspired by your peers, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at these galleries. Discover Art With Your Toyota: Four Local Art Galleries a Short Drive From Salisbury, NC 1. Rail Walk Studios & Gallery Located at 409 North Lee Street, Rail Walk Studios & Gallery is an art gallery with plenty of art to view, and they also offer small group art classes and private lessons. They're open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM and on other random days when their open flag is displayed in front of the building. Here you can view the art created by area artists, and when you're done, you can load any souvenirs you've purchased into the back of your new Toyota Corolla LE and then explore the rest of the Rail Walk Arts District of Historic Downtown Salisbury. more 2. Old Sarum Gallery Old Sarum Gallery is located at 124 West Innes Street and is a gallery that features 19th and 20th-century fine art. If you're looking to invest in some artwork, this is the perfect spot to visit to preview the available items, speak with experts, and ask them to help you create your own collection. They also do appraisals, restorations, and consultations for both individuals and corporations looking to build a collection of art. 3. Waterworks Visual Art Center You can find Waterworks Visual Art Center located at 123 East Liberty Street. This gallery showcases visual art exhibitions, provides art education, and creates outreach programs. Admission to the Waterworks Visual Art Center is free, and it's open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit at a time that works best for your schedule. Aside from their indoor exhibitions, they also have an outdoor sculpture courtyard, sensory gardens, and offer art instruction classes like pottery and art and crafts for youth, adults, and families. 4. East Square Artworks Located at 120 East Innes Street, East Square Artworks is a gallery that showcases some beautiful artwork, including the works of Whitney Peckman, painter, and sculptor. It's the perfect spot to stop in if you want to support local area artists, see their work, and get inspired. If you are looking for a reliable, affordable, and long-lasting new or quality preowned vehicle that can get you everywhere you need to go, we have plenty of incredible options. Our team will help you find your next vehicle and help you get a deal you can't pass up. Visit us today at Cloninger Toyota to learn about our current specials and test drive a vehicle you can take from our showroom to the art galleries and then back home to your driveway.

Jul 24, 2023 in Landmarks

5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC

Ready for your Instagram-worthy close-up or to snap some shots of local wildlife? Salisbury, NC has tons of eye-catching, spectacular photo opportunities waiting for you in your own backyard. Don't stress searching for the perfect spot for your next profile pic. Here are the top five photo spots around Salisbury! 5 Top Photo Spots for Taking Pictures in Driving Distance of Salisbury, NC 1. Waterworks Visual Arts Center The Salisbury nonprofit museum is an incredible place to appreciate local art and delve into the art and culture scene. The museum boasts a wide array of art inside and outdoors. The Waterworks' outdoor sculpture garden is a great way to explore art with exhibits and sculptures ranging from abstract contemporary to renaissance gothic. Stop by Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. more 2. Hurley Park The 18-acre public park is perfect for scenic, enchanting shots. The park is filled with trails, streams, gardens, and woodlands. Visitors love the rustic wooden bridge that crosses over a small brook, an ivy-covered gazebo, and more. During the spring, visitors to the park can enjoy the daffodil gardens and the vibrant red and oranges of the changing leaves in the fall. 3. Crossroads: Past Into Present Mural The Past into Present Mural is one of Salisbury's most famous attractions. Painted by Salisbury's own Cynvia Arthur Rankin, the painting immerses you in the city's past. The whimsical, fun mural features over 100 locals dressed in period costumes and has been featured on NBC, in newspapers, and in magazines. 4. Salisbury City Park The 41-acre park features a 4.25-acre scenic lake. The rustic wooden dock that juts out onto the center of the lake is perfect for photo ops and duck-watching. The park also features pickleball courts, picnic tables, a climbing wall, and two play structures. Visitors enjoy the park's gorgeous trails that take you through city woodlands full of greenery. 5. Old Stone House Less than five miles from Salisbury sits the Old Stone House in Granite Quarry. The two-story Georgian-style house was built by German immigrant Michael Braun in 1766 and is the oldest structure in Rowan County. The old-stone home surrounded by woods makes you feel like you are stepping back in time. The house is open to tours every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM April through November. Whether you are looking for an artsy photo or to capture wildlife, you don't have to go far with these great spots. Hop in your Toyota RAV4 that can take you through any on or off-road terrain, turning heads. The sleek and sporty RAV4 will have jaws dropping whether you are on asphalt or dirt. Stop by Cloninger Toyota today and find the picture-perfect vehicle for your needs.

Jul 12, 2023 in Landmarks

4 Great Weekend Getaways You Can Drive to Near Salisbury, NC

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.