Here is one of my fav BBQ places there:
Richard's Bar-B-Q, Salisbury
another review of Richard's (http://hkentcraig.com/BBQ13.html - broken link)
I also recommend the transportation museum even for non-train buffs, it is a really neat place.
FWIW, my grandfather restored the turntable (huge rotating platform for the trains) back in the 80s.
Make it a better trip and take the 'back way':
Hwy 51 N until it dead-ends into 24/27 (Albermarle Rd), take a right.
Left on 601.
In just 1-2 miles take a Right on Mt. Pleasant Rd (Rt 1006)
This will take you though the country and the cute little down of Mt. Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant Rd turns into Organ Church Road and you can see the very historic churches (all three) and cemetery.
It is
Organ Lutheran - 'the mother of Lutheran Churches in NC' established 1774.
The cemetery is the resting place for many of my relatives on my mother's side from the early 1800s.
Cross over 152 and Organ Church Rd turns into Faith Rd.
This will take you through the tiny town of Faith, then right into downtown Salisbury.
I live near the Arboretum and this drive is 49 miles from my driveway.
You actually make better time than the highway and enjoy the scenery & small towns.
You will miss all this Americana taking 85N!