One of my very best suggestions to learn about the city you're visiting is to take a tour. And one of the best ways to tour Salisbury is by the very cute trolley tour.
Our tour guide for this ride was Anna Keply, who did a great job and was a terrific and informative guide. This 60-minute tour takes you through the historic downtown area, by the old Confederate prison site, and out to the National Cemetery. You will hear how Salisbury got its start and how the historical foundation is keeping the incredible city alive.
This is not a get on and off tour. Your guide will give you a history of this town and point out major attractions and spots. Highlights include the restored 1907 Railway Station, The Old Cheerwine Bottling Company (cheerwine is a local cherry-flavored soda that you can easily find at any store), Chestnut Hill Cemetery, the Confederate Museum, the Rowan Library (which has an extensive genealogy and research room), The Presbyterian Bell tower left from the original 1882 church, the only building left from the old Confederate prison, the National Cemetery, and the Salisbury Mural. Artist Cynvia Arthur Rankin painted this 127’-48.5’ mural on a wall near the Wachovia Bank.
The tours run every Saturday April-October at 11 and 1. Admission is $5 pp. Run inside the visitor’s center, grab the latest edition of Out & About, and you will find a buy-one, get-one-free coupon. Or you can get a combination ticket, which includes the trolley tour, the Utzman-Chambers House, the Rowan Museum, and the Hall House for $11(a)$7(c).
Aside from the tour, the trolley does offer pick-ups at the train station and picks up and drops off at several museums, including the NC Museum of Transportation.
You can rent the trolley for your wedding, prom, political events, birthday party, meeting, or any other event. They also are often part of the downtown events, including a Santa spotting in December!
The trolley tour is a nice way to start your day. I suggest taking the 11am tour if possible. The museums and homes do not open until 1pm. You can take the tour, grab a bite to eat, and then be at the museum when it opens at 1pm.
For more information, go to www.downtownsalisburync.com or www.visitsalisburync.com, or call (800) 332-2343 for information on private tours.
The tours leave from the visitor’s center in the heart of downtown. There are restrooms inside the center. You can also grab a drink and get information on Salisbury and walking tours as well as information on nearby attractions and places all over my great state. They can also guide you towards a great restaurant and lodging options.