Saturday (3-10-2021) was overcast and cool, but the previous two days in the 70s left us with the urge to get out and explore. Limiting drive time to one hour, we chose Salisbury, NC and drove north up I-85.
Our first stop was North Carolina’s 100th Vineyard. Cauble Creek Vineyard’s 36-acres are surrounded by parcels of land owned by Cauble families for generations. Native Muscadine grapes are their specialty, but they source many other vinifera from neighboring estates.
There are advantages to visiting Vineyards when the vines are pruned back: Fewer people and tastings can include longer chats. Biff and Anita are the current owners and do most of the work. Ms Anita was very knowledgeable and welcomed us like old friends.
Caulder’s wines are named after family members. We savored a bottle of Alexander Red with our hors d’ oeuvres. Even the dog got a nod with Wiffer red.
Two miles down the road from the Vineyard, we visited Kerr Mill. The grist mill was built in 1823 by Joseph Kerr on his 1,500-acre plantation and operated until the 1940s.
We blew by RACE WORLD USA and had to circle back. It was just the attraction an unstructured day called for. There was nobody in the tollbooth, so we waltzed in like we belonged.
I had friends with go-carts when I was a kid, but nothing like the high-tech, high-powered machines these folks built. The “mini-Indy” in the woods was amazing.
With delicacies like Fried Bologna Sandwiches, Frozen Pickle Juice and Walking Tacos on the Grub Hut’s menu, it was a shame the races started too late for us to hang around, stuff ourselves and watch the banked dirt-track action.
The Historic Mill Bridge Community was not open to visitors. While plantations were present here in the 1700s, it took the Irish to officially register the place in 1874.
Dunn’s Mountain Park was once 1,000-feet below sea level. Magma spurting through the ocean’s floor cooled so fast it turned into the awesome monoliths guarding the path that leads to the 1066-feet summit.
On top of the second highest point in Rowan County, we met Park Attendant Bob Peeler. Bob was super friendly and his knowledge of the area extraordinary. Meeting Bob will be a highlight for anyone who makes the short climb to take in the awesome views.
Dunn’s Mountain was heavily quarried until the pink granite played out in the early 1990s. Dumping and further degradation of this natural treasure continued until the 83 acres of land became protected under a Conservation Easement with the Land Trust for Central North Carolina.
The panoramic views from atop Dunn’s Mountain include the Uwharries, the oldest mountain range in the United States, the Appalachians and even Charlotte. Bring your binoculars and count on Bob to point them out.
Jack Branch opened the first What-A-Burger Store in 1957 near Newport News, Virginia. It predated the giant Texas What-A-Burger outfit and beat them in court to keep their What-A-Burger Name. We visited one of the 5 stores of the small chain in Salisbury to pay tribute to the little guys winning one.
Ya just never know, until you go when you take off on a Saturday road trip. Keep an open mind to whatever you find and enjoy the good folks you meet along the way.