Salisbury and Rowan County are rich in history and so are the towns and communities that make up this authentic North Carolina destination. Each community in Rowan County has its own story to tell and is unique in its own heritage and history. The area offers vibrant and inviting downtowns with Downtown Salisbury serving as the hub, providing a growing arts community, numerous historic and architectural North Carolina attractions, unique shopping alternatives, and an array of family-oriented activities.

The host organization for the RPCA 2010 Conference, the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer was once the site of Southern Railway’s main steam locomotive repair facility between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The 57-acre site was donated by the railroad to the State of North Carolina through two gifts in the late 1970s, when committed volunteers and staff set to work converting the site, which had fallen into disrepair, into the top-rate transportation museum it is today.

The museum features an extensive collection of rolling stock, the beautifully restored 37-bay Bob Julian Roundhouse, a collection of antique automobiles, and artifacts reflecting North Carolina’s aviation, automobile and early transportation history. A 25-minute narrated train ride offers a look at areas of the site not available by foot.

• A hidden treasure in Rowan County, Dan Nicholas Park features a lake for fishing and paddle boating, campground, petting zoo, wildlife center and aquarium, a gem mine and much more!
• Waterworks Visual Arts Center offers a variety of exhibits, classes and workshops and other community outreach programs.
• Rowan Museum, located in historic downtown Salisbury, preserves and interprets the history of Rowan County and the Piedmont area of North Carolina.