Gift the Experiences of the Heart of NC!

 

 Give the Gift of Experiences to

Make Memories in the Heart of NC

Purchasing gifts for loved ones can often be a challenge. Consider giving the gift of experiences this upcoming season. We have compiled a perfect list of all ages of experiences that are unique to our area. When you think of a gift you may think about why you would give someone a gift, it may be to show appreciation for their friendship, it could be an item they need, or it could be an activity that makes them happy. Make memories and by trying something new with your loved ones in the Heart of NC from this list of family-friendly adventures.

Family-Fun for all at the North Carolina Zoo

*Gift idea: North Carolina Zoo Annual Membership

Photo credit: North Carolina Zoo

More than 1,800 animals call the North Carolina Zoo home. These wild animals represent two continents, African and North America, with Asia coming soon! At the world's largest natural habitat zoo, the animals have acres of room to roam, and so do you! With 5-miles of walking trails inside the park, nature play areas for children, a zoo animal-themed carousel, and an expansive collection of art exhibits located throughout the Zoo – make sure you lace up your walking shoes for this adventure.

The North Carolina Zoo is open daily (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days). Begin new traditions or continue old ones with your loved ones this holiday season at the North Carolina Zoo. 

Purchase Annual Memberships Here 

 

Thrill-seeking Fun at Kersey Valley Attractions

*Gift idea: Kersey Valley Attractions Gift Card

Photo credit: Kersey Valley Attractions

Kersey Valley Attractions will satisfy any adrenaline seeker on your gift list this season. Choose one or more experiences found on this 83-acre farm to check off your bucket list. Zipline along the tree lines on the aviation-themed flight path or take a shot at the state-of-the-art laser tag outdoor course. If you want to stay at ground level, Bomb Bowling or Axe Throwing may pique your interest. The Piedmont Triad’s best real-world adventure game rooms offer family-friendly, creepy, and scary Escape Rooms.

Seasonal experiences include the award-winning Kersey Valley Spookywoods, an immersive haunted house attraction featuring a family-friendly corn maize adventure during the day. The Christmas season is filled with joy, hot cocoa, lights, Santa, and a train ride around the park. Kersey Valley Christmas is in its second season and has expanded the light display for even more Christmas cheer for all ages!

Purchase a Gift Card for Kersey Valley Attractions – good for most adventures!

Take a Scenic Drive and Explore the Pottery Highway

*Gift idea: Handmade items only found in Seagrove! 

Photo credit: VisitNC

Oftentimes the best memories can be made on a winding country road. One of the most beautiful back roads in Randolph County takes visitors to Seagrove, NC, nestled in the southern part of the Heart of NC. The true experience of the Seagrove Pottery community is meeting the makers of this craft, some are 8^th generational potters. Driving down NC Hwy 705, Pottery Highway, you will encounter historic areas of North Carolina which have been making and selling hand-thrown and hand-built pottery since the eighteenth century. 

Insider tip – plan to explore the charming dining and unique shops throughout the Downtown Seagrove area as well to support the small businesses. 

Begin Planning Your Visit Today!

 

Off-Broadway Entertainment Comes to the Heart of NC

*Gift idea: RhinoLeap Productions Season Pass

Photo credit: Jeremy Skidmore

RhinoLeap Productions is a professional theater production company based out of Randolph County since 2015. The upcoming production season is filled with comedy, drama, tragedy, documentaries, podcasts, and seasonal entertainment. Production subscriptions include a ticket to each RhinoLeap performance for 2023 - 2024. 

Learn About Productions and Purchase Tickets Here

 

Legendary Entertainment at the Liberty Showcase Theater

*Gift idea: Liberty Showcase Theater performance tickets

Photo credit: Randolph Hub

Live music and world-class entertainers perform in an intimate vintage movie theater in the downtown area of Liberty. Established in 1949 as The Curtis Movie Theater, this historic venue now hosts legendary artists from the music industry across several genres including bluegrass, country, and gospel. Theater owners, Dewey, and Leslie Brown are also known to entertain their guests with original music written and performed by the couple. Consider the gift of music for your loved one to make memories and check off bucket list items by visiting the Liberty Show Theater.

Learn About Performances and Purchase Tickets Here 

 

Fuel for the Adventures - Dining Local

*Gift idea: Gift Cards to Local Dining Establishments

Some of the fondest memories are made around the dining table. Delicious food has a way of bonding people together. Additional highlights of the entertainment and adventures mentioned above include having a meal, or two, among our extensive list of local award-winning dining establishments. From farm-to-table and tastes of comfort to pizzas made in a wood-fired oven or delicious burritos from an authentic taco stand; some of our dining options have been in business for over 75 years. Grab a drink at our brewery, wineries, and tasting room to sample beers and wines made right here in Randolph County.

See Our Foodie List in Randolph County Here!

When can we expect you? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar . We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.

                     

 

Great Trails State Day in #theHeartofNC

Celebrate an outdoor adventure with us.

Join us for the day or a portion of the day as we celebrate Great Trails State Day in Randolph County located in the Heart of North Carolina. No matter what your skill level on a trail there is outdoor activity to be enjoyed. 

The morning begins as Randolph County's seat, Asheboro Mayor invites you for a walk along the trail at our newest outdoor venue for recreation and organized sports, the Zoo City Sportsplex - only a few miles from our world renowned North Carolina Zoo. 

Another morning activity occurs each week, Internationally, is the parkrun 5K - one of only four in the state of North Carolina at Creekside Park in Archdale. Enjoy a paved surface for this 3.1 miles that can be shared with your four legged friend as well!

Take on a paddle trail along the Deep River Rail Trail at the Worthville Boat Access in Randleman. This is the first public access to the waterway along this trail and is maintained by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the City of Randleman.

Refuel at any unique dining option throughout the Heart of North Carolina - check out some of our favorites HERE. 

Challenge yourself with a natural surface hike at Caraway Creek Preserve. The historic land is primarily under tree cover, perfect for the afternoon sun. Experience grand views of surrounding hills from the Uwharrie Mountain chain. The main feature and highlight of the hike is the historic check dam, seen from the Caraway Forks Trail - likely built in the early 1900s as a method for silt-retention and flood prevention. This land is owned and managed by the Piedmont Land Conservancy. 

 

Fall Bucket List in the Heart of NC

                Harvest, Haunts, and More! 

     Building your bucket list can be challenging. We are here to help you celebrate the fall season with haunts, harvests, wild animals, and one-of-a-kind artists. Randolph County has a little bit of everything that makes fall a great season to visit. Check out our suggestions below for your ultimate bucket list adventure, only in the Heart of NC!   

         Celebrate the Largest Community of Potters

Seagrove Pottery Community -  Seagrove, NC

Seagrove Pottery Community -  Seagrove, NC

D   Discover nearly 40+ shops of local potters in Seagrove located along scenic Pottery Highway, NC Hwy 705. This time of year the Potters Pumpkin Patch is an annual celebration of participating potters that sell their festive fall wares on weekends in Octobers. Talented potters showcase special items including pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaf pottery, woodland creatures, scented candles, and seasonal refreshments. Stop in at any of the shops and get your Potters Pumpkin Patch Map with event details for each location. 

      More Information on Potters Pumpkin Patch  

 

Continue celebrating the crisp weather and beautiful colors by exploring Seagrove during Pottery Festival Weekend. This early shopping experience has been a tradition for the Seagrove Pottery community for over 30 years, now with TWO locations to shop - the Historic Luck's Cannery and Seagrove Elementary School.  Join your pottery friends on the weekend before Thanksgiving to see live demonstrations, new seasonal wares, and holiday gift items.  

      More Information for Seagrove Pottery Festival Weekend at Seagrove Elementary School 

 More Information for Seagrove Pottery Festival Weekend at Historic Luck's Cannery

See Leaves Change

 Pisgah Covered Bridge – Asheboro, NC

 Pisgah Covered Bridge – Asheboro, NC

     Randolph County's Pisgah Covered Bridge is one of North Carolina's two remaining covered bridges that was built in 1911 at a cost of $40. The bridge is 54 feet in length and crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River within the Uwharrie National Forest. This site serves as a direct connection to Randolph County's past mode of transportation when horse and wagon were common and automobile travel was in its infancy. Walk this bridge and see why it is iconic to Randolph County and North Carolina.  

Address - 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 

   Animals & Pumpkins

  North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, NC 

  North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, NC 

     Boo at the NC Zoo - Enjoy this family-friendly zoo tradition at the North Carolina Zoo and Pumpkin Palooza. Boo at the NC Zoo offers trick or treating for children and live music. Pumpkin Palooza gives you the option to see animal enrichment as they play with pumpkins. There are also many photo opportunities along the decorated trails with designated seasonal photo spots. This is THE fall event at our North Carolina Zoo. 

Address -  4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

 All Things Apples

 Millstone Creek Orchards – Ramseur, NC

 Millstone Creek Orchards – Ramseur, NC

     Millstone Creek Orchards is a working farm with opportunities for visitors to explore the 18-acre property with u-pick adventures, hayrides, fishing, and educational classes. Beginning in September, Apple Pickin' Adventures begin followed closely by Pumpkin Pickin' Adventures at Millstone Creek - check the website for exact dates and reservation requirements. We never leave the farm without trying a fresh apple cider slushie paired with hot apple cider donuts. Reservations are required for u-pick adventures - don't miss out on the fun!

Address - 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC  

                 

Get Scared 

Kersey Valley – Spookywoods - Archdale, NC

Kersey Valley – Spookywoods - Archdale, NC

Spookywoods at Kersey Valley - From the moment you arrive, you are fair game to all of the haunted creatures that reside on Kersey Valley land. Spookywoods has been a North Carolina tradition since 1985 and is one of America’s most famous haunted attractions. This haunted house has 15 scenes to walk through and along the way, you’ll encounter a few surprises. Haunts begin September 23rd in 2023!

Address - 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

 Spooky Bottom Haunted Trails - Seagrove, NC 

 Spooky Bottom Haunted Trails - Seagrove, NC  

     Spooky Bottom Haunted Trail was recognized as Fear Carolina's 2020 Victims Choice Award winner for the best-haunted attraction in North Carolina. Continuously improving, this will be their best year yet, with all new scenes and an overall longer experience. Witness backwoods horror like never before. Do you have what it takes? 

Address - 6059 Union Grove Church Rd, Seagrove, NC 27341

 

Be sure to check out other seasonal bucket lists from the Heart of NC for your ultimate bucket list!

Family Friendly Fall FINDS in Archdale – Day or Night!

Fall can be defined by many people as colorful foliage, tasty homemade treats, and fun family traditions in pumpkin patches and corn mazes. In the northwestern portion of the Heart of North Carolina, Archdale and Trinity have many attractions for family fun during the day and spooktacular entertainment at night. Read on to plan your next memory making tradition with loved ones.

Where to FIND Fall Foliage

Take a seasonal stroll along paved walking trails at Creekside Park in Archdale or elevate your walk with the workout stations throughout the trail. Not only is this 107-acre park geared toward passive recreation there are multiple opportunities to take in nature by exploring the 1.24-mile orienteering course featuring 12 control points. Competitive fun for all ages continues with the 18-hole disc golf course designed by Russell Swartz in 2011. Children of all ages and abilities will enjoy multiple playgrounds with one being ramped and ADA compliant. Join an international 5k event - parkrun - weekly at Creekside Park, one of four in North Carolina, FREE registration. Convenient electric car charging stations available.

Photo credit: Doll Girl

Fall temperatures continuously attract golfers to Holly Ridge Golf Links, a premier public golf course that leads the way in challenging, affordable golf in the Piedmont Triad. While tee times are preferred for the area’s finest 18-hole course, feel free to drop in for a quick nine. Delicious food and beverages from the newly renovated bar and grill will keep you energized for continued entertainment in The Bunker, an HD golf simulator experience with six bays of virtual play from courses worldwide.

Holly Ridge Golf Links Photo credit: Richard Schaffer

The Bunker | HD Simulator Photo credit: Conner Jarrell

Where to FIND History

Privately owned with a primary mission of preserving North Carolina’s farming heritage and industrial legacy, Linbrook Heritage Estate is home to Linbrook Hall, Historic Hoover House, and Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum. Connect agricultural history to today’s modern technology with tours of each site.

Linbrook Hall is the center piece of Linbrook Heritage Estate and is not only a house, but an event and fundraising venue. With four floors of antiques from all over the world, seasonal tours are offered to guests with reservations.

Linbrook Heritage Estate - Linbrook Hall

Relive Randolph County early farm life from 1905 to 1944 at the homestead of the Neal family is the Historic Hoover House. Restored to its original appearance, early farm equipment and hand-built tools are on display for viewing through guided tours.

Linbrook Heritage Estate - Historic Hoover House

See artifacts and more than 26 fully restored John Deere® tractors at the Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum. View a 1926 return tube boiler from P & P Chair Company in Asheboro, producers of the Carolina Rocking Chair used by President John F. Kennedy, multiple steam engines from the 19th century, and see demonstration of the War of the Currents. Open daily to the public, children FREE admission!

Linbrook Heritage Estate - Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum

Where to FIND Thrills & Chills

Explore fall colors from above at Kersey Valley Zipline with 14 lines and 17 sky decks providing a bird’s eye perspective. A pumpkin patch, corn maze, gem mining, and a jumping pillow will entertain the entire family building traditions and fall memories.

Kersey Valley Zipline

Guests can check off their thrill-seeking list with activities on this 83-acre adventure park at every turn. From intense themed Escape Rooms to a challenging Axe Throwing Course, adrenaline will flow into the late hours of the night with one of the top haunts in America – Kersey Valley Spookywoods. Each year, since 1985, movie quality sets with soul-shaking special environmental effects spook the bravest of guests. Get scared HERE, if you dare!  

Kersey Valley Spookywoods

Where to STAY & Play

Rejuvenate from your fall exploration at one of our affordable hotel properties, conveniently located off I-85, near local dining establishments and a charming shopping district. Book your accommodations here before your visit!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Archdale

We look forward to following along during your visit – tag us at #theHeartofNC. Make sure to order your FREE travel guide bit.ly/FREETravelGuide for more planning tips.

 

 

2023 Year of the Trail in the Heart of NC Event Round Up

Piedmont Legacy Trails Produces Randolph County Trail Guide

We invite you to join trail enthusiasts and lovers in each city and town throughout Randolph County as we celebrate their special outdoor amenities with ribbon cutting events and activities in honor of 2023's Year of the Trail in North Carolina. 

Before your trail adventures begin, check out this video from The Great Trails State Coalition Trails for the Future: How History is Shaping Trail Development in Randolph County.     

 Early Spring | March & April

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails | Creekside Park in Archdale

Healthy Communities invites you to join their Sunday Hike Adventures on March 12 – Spring into Action – Hike from Mundo Vista at Camp Caraway to Slip Rock Mountain and April 16 – Celebrate Trails – Hike to the top of Mount Shepherd, the highest elevation in Randolph County. 

·         The City of Archdale will host a ribbon cutting event at the Creekside Greenway – Outer Loop.

·         The City of Randleman will hold a ribbon cutting at the Worthville Blueway.

·         The Town of Seagrove will host a trek through town along their Downtown sidewalks.  

Late Spring | May & June  May/June

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails | Caraway Mountain Top in Asheboro

Healthy Communities hosts their Sunday Hike Adventures on May 21 – Explore NC – Hike to Russell Gold Mine in the Uwharrie National Forest and June 3 – National Trail Day – Celebrate at the North Carolina Zoo’s event.

Join the team from Piedmont Land Conservancy as they hold a ribbon cutting at Caraway Creek Preserve.

·        The City of Asheboro will host trail lovers to explore the newly opened Zoo City Sportsplex facility.

·       The North Carolina Zoo celebrates National Trail Day on June 3^rd with a ribbon cutting of the Purgatory Mountain Spring Trail.

 

Summer | July & August

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails | Randleman Section of Deep River State Trail

Healthy Communities continues Sunday Hike Adventures on July 16 – Celebrate NC Parks – Hike the newly opened trails at Piedmont Land Conservancy’s Caraway Creek Preserve with a view of Mount Shepherd and Caraway Mountain and August 13 – Wellness and Trails – Hike to Cooper Mountain Cemetery from Robbins Branch Trailhead in the Birkhead Wilderness of the Uwharrie National Forest. 

·         The Town of Ramseur will host a ribbon cutting for a trail extension and trailhead.

·         The Town of Liberty will showcase improvements at Freedom Park to celebrate their trails.

·         The City of Randleman will hold a ribbon cutting event at Phase III of their Greenway. 

Fall | September & October

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails | Uwharrie National Forest - Birkhead Wilderness Area

Healthy Communities invites you to join their Fall Sunday Hike Adventures on September 10 – Achieve a Trail Goal – Hike to Cooler’s Knob, the highest point in the Birkhead Wilderness and Colonel Balfour Grave Site from Tot Hill Farm Trailhead and the entire month of October is filled with Mayor’s Fitness Challenge events from all municipalities across Randolph County – Wellness Walks on Saturdays and Hikes on Sundays. 

·      The Town of Franklinville will host a ribbon cutting at Sandy Creek Bridge. 

·       Enjoy a Uwharrie Trail Thru Hike with beginner and advanced hikers – learn about our natural beauty and history of the Uwharrie National Forest.                        

Late Fall & Early Winter | November & December

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails | Franklinville Section of Deep River State Trail

Mayor’s Fitness Challenge events continue in November with walks on November 4 & 11 and a hike on November 5, there are no planned hikes in the month of December – find your outdoor adventure. 

·     The Town of Franklinville will host a ribbon cutting event from the center of Franklinville to Sapona.

*NOTE: All Healthy Communities Hikes begin at 2 pm at the site. Some dates and sites may be subject to change pending any weather or scheduling issues. Please check with Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County Trails Coordinator – maryjoan.pugh@randolphcountync.gov    

When can we expect you? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar . We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.