Railroading: Day Trip to Salisbury

Story and pictures by Tam Richert.

Two hours by train from Cary, the town of Salisbury, North Carolina is steeped in history and small town charm.

Arriving in Salisbury

For my first trip to Salisbury, I stepped through the 1908 train station and headed to the Visitor’s Center (204 E. Innes Street , left out of the station and right on Innes).

I continued up Innes to Main Street and Tastebuds Coffee and Tea (106-A N. Main St). This purveyor of organic coffee has just the right balance of friendly advice, wood and upholstery to sit a spell, sip and strategize.

Navigating

Town is divided into 4 Squares for easy navigation with the intersection of Main Street and Innes Street at the center.

Both streets have plenty of interesting architecture and shopping. Literary Bookpost is a well-stocked independent bookstore with the appropriate creaky wooden floor and tin ceiling (110 S. Main Street. Say hello to Sasha the resident cat at Stitchin’ Post Gifts (104 S. Main Street).

For a leisurely town overview, try the Historic Salisbury Trolley Tours from the Visitor Information Center ($8 adults/$5 children 4-10) that begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays from April to October (VisitSalisburyNC.com).

History

The town goes back to 1770. Some of General Cornwallis’ men never left. They lie still in the English Cemetery. During the Civil War, there was a Confederate prison in town.

Historic Preservation and adaptive reuse are business as usual here. The train station is a conference center and downtown housing is interspersed with retail. Walking Tours are available online.

Food and Drink

Salisbury is the home of Cheerwine. The old-fashioned soda fountain inside Innes Street Drug (112 S. Main Street) was the perfect place for my first taste of the cherry beverage.

For over 25 years, Hap’s Grill (116 1/2 N. Main Street) has been THE place for quick hot dogs. The building is narrow and was built in an alley so standing room only here.

Sweet Meadow Cafe (118 W. Innes St.) offers an eclectic menu using fresh local produce. The aroma was intoxicating.

Simply Good Natural Foods (128 E. Innes Street) is a good choice for a picnic or snack for the return train ride.

Go for Day Trip, Return for a Weekend

The hustle and bustle of Main street gives way to cool tree-lined Bank Street and the grander living of another era. You might find yourself wanting to linger a little longer. The Bed and Breakfast historic houses on South Fulton Street can oblige.

I have a long list of places yet to see in Salisbury. I’ll be back. For 3 hours, a whole day, or a weekend, Salisbury is a great trip by train from the downtown Cary station.