Free Things to Do in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties in North Carolina

Looking for some free things to do this summer or throughout the year? More and more people are opting to do "stay-cations" instead of vacations. Not only can these be more affordable, but there are a lot of free things that you can do in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties in North Carolina. All you need is a little imagination and maybe some gas money.

Want to learn about something glittery? Visit Reed's Gold Mine in Midland, NC. This is where gold was first discovered in America. The tour of the mine is free; although there is a charge if you want to try your hand at panning for gold. Here you can see the restored underground tunnels, the stamp mill and go for a hike on the Talking Rocks trail. You'll also hear about a golden doorstop!

Want to stop and smell the flowers? Then go to the Memorial Garden in Downtown Concord. This three acre garden changes every season so you'll always want to check it out no matter what time of year it is. The garden features a two hundred year old cemetery that belongs to the First Presbyterian Church. There are azaleas, Japanese Maples, waterfalls, beautiful paths and more in a picturesque setting.

If you feel the need for speed, then you might want to check out Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. Here you can go through the showroom for free.

One of the neatest things in the area during the summer happens at Village Park in Kannapolis, NC. Every Friday during the summer, you can watch free movies at the park. Just bring a lawn chair or a blanket and your picnic basket. There are also special events with concerts and fireworks.

Need a "Night Out"? Then you should go to historic downtown Salisbury, NC. Once a month you can walk around downtown enjoying music, free trolley rides, and so much more. This event is free and family friendly. Many of the stores are open late, just in case you enjoy window shopping. Every month has its own theme, so you'll want to keep coming back for more.

Take a hike! Historic Salisbury offers many different walking trails; from a Salisbury Heritage Tour to a Civil War tour.

While visiting Salisbury, check out the Rowan Museum. Here you will see many artifacts from Rowan County's history and learn about some of Rowan Counties first families. The admission is free although they do accept contributions.

Rowan and Cabarrus County have great parks that have lots to offer their visitors, as do the many towns within their counties. There are so many free things to do in both Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, that the best place to find more information is to visit their visitor's centers.

List of Sources:

Cabarrus Visitor Center

City of Kannapolis

Downtown Salisbury, Inc.

Salisbury-Rowan County