Local area

Located on site of what was once the southern Railway Co largest steam locomotive repair facility. Visit antique automobiles and trains and trace the history of transportation. Experience days of the working railraod repair shop in the restored 1924 Robert Julian Roundhouse. The museum features 13 buildings, 57 acres, including a restored roundhouse and exhibits on early transportation. Special annual events include Rail Days, Thomas the Tank Engine and Polar Express. www.nctrans.org

425-acre park located 8 miles southeast of Salisbury. Offers a 10-acre lake for paddle boating and fishing, Wildlife exhibits, tennis courts, picnic shelters, water plaza, playground, volleyball, horseshoes, ball fields, miniature golf, antique hand carved Carousel, gem mining, fresh water aquarium and a miniature train ride for children. The 80 site family campground is open all year round. Also has an outdoor theatre.

The Lazy 5 Ranch is privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasturelands of Piedmont, North Carolina. While visiting at the Lazy 5 Ranch you will have the opportunity to view over 750 animals from six different countries. You can see these animals from the safety of your own car or call for reservations on our horse drawn wagons. And be sure to bring your camera!

Patterson Farm is a 4th generation working farm. We grow 350 acres of tomatoes, 25 acres of strawberries, 40 acres of pumpkins, and poinsettias. From April to Christmas, enjy fresh from the field seasonal produce, plants and much more. Group farm tours are offered during strawberry, tomato, and pumpkin seasons. Call for an appointment. Also enjoy the petting farm, local music, hayrides and dancing or pack a picnic and enjoy the clean country air. Hours vary so call ahead.

A 15,000 acre reservoir on the Yadkin River featuring excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Public boat ramps are located at Smileys Tamarac Marina (fee) and at the Wildlife Access, by the Second Creek Bridge on Bringle Ferry Rd. Private lake homes line the lake and the lake is home to many fishing tournaments.

Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are the Single-A farm club in the Chicago White Sox minor league chain. They are one of the 14 teams of the Class-A South Atlantic League. The SAL opened its doors with the first season in 1903. The Intimidators play 140 games in the regular season and 70 home games at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium welcoming 13 different major league affiliated teams to Kannapolis.