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Weekends in North Carolina were made for open roads, scenic views, and the freedom to explore. Salisbury’s central location makes it the perfect starting point for quick adventures, whether you are chasing mountain views or relaxing by the water. At Cloninger Ford, we help drivers find the right Ford SUV for sale so every road trip feels easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. more Scenic Routes That Show the Best of the Carolinas One of the best weekend drives near Salisbury winds through the Uwharrie Mountains, where lake views, shaded trails, and stretches of open road make every mile rewarding. The Ford Explorer Salisbury that drivers choose for their adventures fits perfectly here, blending power with refinement. Its spacious interior, quiet cabin, and steady handling make the trip as relaxing as it is scenic, turning a simple mountain drive into an experience worth repeating. If you prefer a more relaxed outing, head to Gold Hill, a historic mining town known for its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere. The drive there feels like stepping back in time, with tree-lined streets, local shops, and vineyards dotting the landscape. Many visitors stop to browse boutiques or pick up a bottle of wine to bring home. With generous cargo space, a Ford SUV makes carrying souvenirs or picnic baskets effortless. For those who enjoy being near the water, High Rock Lake is a local favorite. It is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the shore to watch the sunset. Families can easily pack their gear and snacks, knowing that the Explorer or Escape can easily handle every turn and every bit of luggage. Comfort and Convenience on Every Drive Ford SUVs are designed to make long drives feel short. Inside, you will find thoughtful features like available heated and ventilated seats, adjustable climate control, and smart storage that keeps essentials organized. Modern technology like SYNC 4, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto ensures that playlists, navigation, and phone calls are always within easy reach. Safety also plays a major role in every Ford SUV. Advanced systems such as blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision warnings help you feel secure in any condition. Whether you are traveling through the foothills or downtown Salisbury, Ford’s commitment to safety allows you to focus on the fun of the journey. Adventures Big and Small Weekend adventures do not always need to be planned. Sometimes the best drives are the spontaneous ones, like discovering a new restaurant or stumbling upon a local event. With an SUV that can handle unexpected turns and extra passengers, you can enjoy the flexibility to explore without hesitation. At Cloninger Ford, we understand that drivers need versatility as much as style. We help you compare models, learn about features, and choose the Ford SUV for sale that suits your lifestyle. Whether you are a daily commuter or a weekend traveler, we have a vehicle designed to fit your plans. Make the Most of Every Mile From mountain views to lakefronts, North Carolina offers countless reasons to get behind the wheel. Salisbury is the ideal starting point for these adventures, and a Ford SUV makes each one more enjoyable. Visit Cloninger Ford to explore models like the Ford Explorer Salisbury and discover how the right SUV can turn every weekend into an adventure.

4 Things to Love About Living in South Salisbury, NC Historic Sights For history buffs, it's a great place to live. The townsfolk have always taken historical preservation seriously. One hundred and twenty-five historic townhouses have been preserved in Salisbury, thanks to their efforts. You'll frequently see these lovely old buildings as you walk around town. The picturesque Old Stone House is the best example. This is the oldest known building in Rowan County, constructed in 1766 with a staggering 3,500 tons of granite. During the civil war, the town was also the site of a prison camp, which has also been preserved. In total, the town has ten National Register Historic Sites. Many Museums There are some terrific museums in town, such as Hall House Museum, which is jam-packed with historical gems. The museum's building itself is a remarkable piece of classical architecture. Rowan Museum is also an excellent place to learn all about the county's history, with guided tours that help bring the stories to life. more Art and Culture There are some really intriguing and unique artistic experiences to be had in this town. The Grievous Gallery is certainly something you won't forget. Here, there's a Break Room where visitors are encouraged to blow off steam and let stress and grief drop away by smashing glassware, dishes, and bottles. Later, you'll see exhibits of modern artwork formed from all the broken glass and pottery. If you'd rather have a more traditional experience of art, Waterworks Visual Arts Center features many exhibitions or paintings, and a sculpture garden to stroll through. Railwalk Studios and Gallery is a collection of studios and a shared gallery. For excellent theater productions, you can catch a play at Lee Street Theater, and for music, the Salisbury Symphony often puts on wonderful performances designed to share and spread their love of music. Pleasant Parks Wherever you choose to live in town, you won't be far from a beautiful park or green area. Dunn's Mountain Park is a scenic, protected 83-acre park just to the south of town. It has hiking trails that reward you with splendid views of the valleys below. There are some perfect picnic spots and friendly park attendants who can teach you about the area's flora and fauna. Dan Nicolas Park is another lovely stretch of greenery, with a nature center, an aquarium, and many animal habitats. There's a large, shimmering lake there, a gem mine to explore, and even a carousel. If you have kids, it's an ideal place for days on end of entertainment. You can even stay at their campground overnight. Wine and Vineyards If you enjoy a glass of good wine in the evenings, you may appreciate the area's wine culture and variety of sprawling vineyards. For a taste of the local produce, you can pay a visit to Cauble Creek Vineyard, which specializes in muscadine wines, as well as cider and grape juice. Enjoy their wines and learn all about the wine-making process. Just be sure to drink in moderation, and of course, remember not to drink and drive. Spend a few days exploring this fine little city. We hope you're persuaded to settle down and stay. And while you're in the area, pay a visit to Cloninger Ford of Salisbury. We're a trusted local dealership that takes pride in the exceptional service we provide to each and every person who walks through our doors.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a must-see attraction for all lovers of planes, trains, and automobiles. Set at the site of the historic Southern Railway's Spencer Shops, it covers more than 50 acres of exhibits and historic buildings. You should plan to spend at least a few hours, and possibly the whole day, visiting the NC Transportation Museum. more Stop in the Back Shop The back shop is most notable for its assuming size: It's three stories high and the length of more than two football fields! This behemoth of a building once housed full overhaul facilities for locomotives. It has been fully restored and is now home to truck, tractor, and aviation exhibits. It is also where you can see the Potomac Pacemaker, a Piedmont Airlines DC3 that is currently being restored in the back shop building Hop Aboard for a Leisurely Train Ride You have two admission options when visiting the museum: with and without the train ride. Go ahead and splurge on the ride if you haven't done it before. It offers an excellent overview of the entire property, and it is a great way to spend about 25 minutes resting your feet between wandering between exhibit buildings. The train is normally pulled by a diesel locomotive. However, on special occasions, the museum offers rides pulled by a steam locomotive. If you see a steam engine pulling the train, be sure to get a ticket. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss. Take a Spin on the Turntable Just outside the massive Bob Julian Roundhouse — the largest working roundhouse in the U.S. — is a 100-plus foot turntable. It is by far one of the most unique features of the NC Transportation Museum and well worth the dollar price tag for a ride when it's operating. Be sure to ask if turntable rides are going on the day you visit when you stop in Barber Junction to buy your admission tickets. Visit During a Special Event If your travel dates are flexible and you want to have a truly memorable experience, visit during one of the special events taking place at the museum. A Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express are perennial family favorites. Buy your tickets well in advance, though, because they can sell out months ahead. Steam locomotive aficionados of every age will delight in seeing the massive Norfolk and Western 611 J-class steam engine. You may even get a chance to climb aboard during special train rides or up-close experiences. The museum also offers special excursions several times a year, so keep an eye out for them in the events calendar. Take Lots of Pictures There is so much to see and do at the museum that you won't be able to keep up with all of. Take lots of pictures so you don't forget all the fun. The Transportation Museum may be the crowning tourism attraction in Rowan County, but it is far from the only great place to visit nearby. Plan to spend a couple of days so you can visit nearby Salisbury for a walk around the historic downtown or contact Cloninger Ford to see our impressive selection of new and used vehicles for sale.