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.    

                         

 

 

Feel Your Heart Race: Why We Love Richard Petty

The heartbeat of NASCAR can be felt right here in #TheHeartofNC, the birthplace, and home of “The King,” race car driver and legend, Richard Petty. Petty was destined to become a racing great. His father, Lee Petty, helped pioneer the sport and won the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959. What began with Lee continued with Richard, his son Kyle, and eventually, Kyle's son Adam and his daughter's son Thad Moffitt. 

About Richard Petty: NASCAR Legend

In 1958 at the age of 21, Richard Petty drove in his first NASCAR event and in 1959 won his first race at Columbia Motor Speedway. Today Petty is one of the most respected and well-known figures in motorsports. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame In Charlotte in 2010 in its inaugural class. His career was full of highs, winning the Winston Cup Championship 7 times, the Daytona 500 7 times, 200 wins in NASCAR competitions, and over 700 top ten finishes throughout his career. With so many victories and accomplishments under his belt, Petty has remained humble. Fans could always find Petty staying late to sign autographs and he was voted the Winston Cup's most popular driver 9 times.  

Visitors to The Petty Museum in Randleman, NC can re-live or learn firsthand the great moments in Petty family racing history. The museum is located next to the The Toomes- Petty House where Richard and his brother were raised. At the museum, guests can see and photograph The King’s belt buckle collection, championship rings, trophies, and a multitude of cars driven by the Petty family throughout the decades. Even those who are not NASCAR fans warm to the daring family stories, videos, collection and displays of this museum. 

Petty as the voice of Strip "The King" Weathers in "Cars"

Today’s younger generation knows Richard Petty as the voice of Strip “The King” Weathers from the Disney Pixar animated trilogy, “Cars.” A little-known fact, Richard's late wife, Lynda Petty, voiced Mrs. "The King" Weathers. At the Petty Museum, visitors can see these characters in real life, immortalized in Petty blue.

How Victory Junction Changes Lives

We can brag on Richard Petty’s incredible racing career for days on end, but what he and his family have achieved beyond the racetrack is rooted in their love of community and family. In 2000, Richard Petty’s grandson and fellow NASCAR driver, Adam Petty, was tragically killed in a practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on May 12, 2000.

Only nineteen years old at the time of his death, Adam left behind a compelling and compassionate vision of helping children with mental and physical disabilities.

In June 2004, Victory Junction Camp opened its doors in Adam’s honor. Its mission is to enrich the lives of children with serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, at no cost to children or their families.

The camp runs solely on donations from the generous public. Funding is raised from signature events such as Run to Victory (a 10k/5k/Fun Run), Hearts of Victory Fundraising Dinners, and the Campership Classic Disc Golf Tournament. You can donate online, or attend one of the many events throughout the community.

The camp is colorful and joyous—with bright, high-energy designs in all activity areas as well. Ziplines and outdoor activities are designed for campers with physical disabilities. A larger-than-life version of the #45 car that Adam Petty drove can be seen at Adam’s Race Shop and is a beloved camp area. Cabins are specially tailored to accommodate the changing medical needs of each group of campers. 

A racetrack is the camp’s central base and used to highlight camp activities. Each camp session hosts NASCARnival night with games, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and tethered hot air balloon rides. Oftentimes race teams such as Legacy Motor Club, Penske, and Roush Fenway Racing will send drivers and pit crews for these events. The teams perform a live-action pit stop complete with tire changes while campers are encouraged to take part and feel like a member of the crew.

Doctors, nurses, therapists, and medical support teams volunteer to come in for each week in their medical specialty, creating a magical experience for the campers….and allowing caregivers and parents to take the only breaks many of these families ever receive.

The Richard Petty Tribute Park 

The legacy of Richard Petty is interwoven throughout the hills of Randolph County, as well as the racing community. The Richard Petty Tribute Park is a way of giving back to the man who has done so much for so many. The life size statue, created and designed by Carolina Bronze Sculpture, was revealed on April 15, 2023 during a special dedication in Downtown Randleman. Pictured above, The King and his daughters, Sharon and Rebecca, get a first look at the casting.      

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.

Randolph County includes Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity. 

Best Patio Dining in the Heart of North Carolina

 Fresh Air in Randolph County

As temperatures warm into the next season, the best seat in the house is often outdoors. We have a few suggestions of local dining options with patios that welcome guests to have an al fresco experience in the Heart of North Carolina.

Asheboro 

Don Julio Cocina Mexicana - Warm, easy-going outdoor space. Don Julio's offers Tex-Mex specials from burritos, fajitas, and more. For the over 21+ Don Julio has an extensive beer and cocktail menu.

405 E Dixie Dr P, Asheboro, NC 27203

The Table in Downtown Asheboro (photo credit: Our State Magazine)

The Table Bakery - This farm-to-table bakery and dining is everything you want, fresh ingredients, cooked to order, and fresh pastry items. The patio is covered by white umbrellas and gives you a view of the Asheboro Farmers Market. 

39 S Church St, Asheboro, NC 27203  

Something Different - Something Different Restaurant is just as the name suggests: a blend of American, Greek, and additional options. The updated patio greets you right at the entrance - an inviting experience with market lights turned on in the evening. 

1512 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

Magnolia 23 in Downtown Asheboro (photo credit: Randolph County EDC)

Magnolia 23 - With a patio tucked in the back, Magnolia 23 outdoor space offers a relaxing dining experience. Magnolia 23 is known for the award-winning fried chicken, Southern home-cooking from scratch, and a chalkboard of daily specials.

23 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Brewskie's -Established in 2019, Brewskie's offers a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a welcoming and shaded patio. Enjoy flatbread or their freshly brewed coffee specialty drinks.

736 S Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC 27203

Una Mas Mexican Grill - One of the largest patios in Randolph County, Una Mas stands out in its dining offerings. They serve fresh Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner - known for grilling chicken and steak to perfection in every order.

1337 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

Archdale

The Chat & Chew - Seasonal coffee drinks, fresh dessert, and hand-dipped ice cream are available at Chat and Chew in Archdale - a great stop to relax with an open front patio.

10301 N Main St, Archdale, NC 27263

Holly Ridge Golf Bar & Grill - Located on Holly Ridge Golf Links, this patio dining offers one of the best views of the Holly Ridge golf course - open daily for lunch and Thursday - Saturday for dinner. 

7933 US-311 S, Archdale, NC 27263

The Wet Whistle Co. on Bonnie Place
(photo credit: The Wet Whistle)

The Wet Whistle Co. - Enjoy unique coffee, wine, and beer, plus a variety of North Carolina and East Coast products. The Wet Whistle is a little bit of dining and shopping. See live entertainment on certain nights on the small but inviting front patio.

101 Bonnie Pl, Archdale, NC 27263

Seagrove 

The General Wine and Brew - Uncork and unwind at The General Wine and Brew, this former and renovated Seagrove General Store built in 1910. The General has a retail wine shop and bar offering wines by the glass or bottle. Beers on tap are available as well as a variety of bottled or canned craft beers. It features a large deck in the back of the shop for outside seating. Well-mannered pets and children are welcome.

124 W Main St, Seagrove, NC 27341

Staley 

Main Street Grill  - Serving breakfast and lunch, this staple of Staley offers a covered patio that is perfect for the daily specials.

126 S Main St, Staley, NC 27355

Bring your own picnic! 

Northbound Visitor Centers picnic area
(photo credit: Google Business submitted by FSS)

I-73/74 Northbound & Southbound Visitor Centers 

Relax and unwind with the large set of picnic tables surrounded by charcoal and wood-burning grills. It is a perfect stop to see the views of Randolph County. See all seasons come alive from the green roof on the Southbound side. 

I-73/74 Northbound Visitor Center is located at 4393 I-73/I-74, Seagrove, NC 27341, and our I-73/74 Southbound Visitor Center is located at 4390 I-73/74, Seagrove, NC 27341 

Deep River State Trails - Explore Randolph County while taking in the sights of nature along the Deep River State Trails access points – we have three in our county. Picnic tables under weather shelters and grills are the perfect start or end to your trail adventure.

Franklinville Access 163 W Main St, Franklinville, NC 27248

Ramseur Access 728 Liberty St, Ramseur, NC 27316 

Randleman Access 117 Presnell St, Randleman, NC 27317 

Solar Pointe picnic area at the North Carolina Zoo
(photo credit: North Carolina Zoo)

North Carolina Zoo - Visiting the largest zoo in the United States? The North Carolina Zoo offers outdoor dining options and onsite food choices for purchase. American fare located throughout the zoo includes hamburgers, fried chicken, and barbecue. You are your seat at a picnic table within the park or venture outside of the admissions gate to Solar Pointe, easily accessible from the North America Plaza. Guests also have the option to leave the park to dine offsite and return with a the single-day admission ticket.

4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

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.

Randolph County includes Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity. 

Come Inside & Play in Randolph County!

Cooler temperatures and winter blues should not keep you from finding fun in the Heart of North Carolina this season. Make the best of your visit with indoor family-friendly experiences across Randolph County.

Award-winning Museums

Petty Family Attractions - Randleman

Photo credit: Kevin Ward

See where racing history began and a family's legacy was built at the Petty Museum, learn the unparalleled success story of one of the founding families of stock car racing, their drive for engineering excellence, and the technical inventiveness, innovation and ingenuity that made it all possible. See where it all started and how they are now local and worldwide legends of NASCAR.

Address: 309 Branson Mill Rd, Randleman, NC 27317

North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame - Asheboro

Photo Credit: Linda Westerholm

Explore aviation history in a hangar filled with military and civilian memorabilia including vehicles, weapons, equipment and uniforms, and a Piper J-3 "Flitfire" flown by Orville Wright. Take a flight on the simulator as you are surrounded by history dating back to WWI. The Hall of Fame showcases influential aviation professionals from North Carolina or with a significant impact on North Carolina aviation. It is history coming to life with from pieces of our past.

 Address: 2222 Pilots View Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

American Classic Motorcycle Museum - Asheboro

Photo Credit: Sharon Probert

 

One of the largest private collections of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the country, this museum features wall to wall history of the vehicle. You will find tools, trinkets, memorabilia with the Harley-Davidson® brand, including lunch boxes and posters. The museum is conveniently located on US-64 and offers a gift shop and diner, open for breakfast and lunch. 

Address:  1170 US-64, Asheboro, NC 27205

Linbrook Heritage Estate - Trinity

Photo Credit: Linbrook Heritage Estate - Linbrook Hall

Take a walk through history within three indoor attractions at one location, Linbrook Heritage Estate. Relive farm life in 1905 at the Historic Hoover House, lovingly restored to its original appearance. View more than 26 fully restore John Deere™ tractors and 1926 return tube boiler from P&P Chair Company, the Asheboro business that produced the Carolina Rocking Chair used by President John F. Kennedy. Complete your day with a tour Linbrook Hall, one of the largest privately-owned homes in the Southeast, with more than 60 rooms! Located on a hill in view of America’s oldest mountain range, the Uwharrie Mountains, it features architectural details found in many 18^th century homes.  

Address: 5507 Snyder Country Rd, Trinity, NC 27370

Shop ‘til you Drop!

Seagrove Pottery - Seagrove

Photo Credit: VisitNC

Collecting pottery is nothing new, but in the last dozen years or so, it has turned into a must-do if you are into supporting the arts and creating fun bucket list adventures! There are now more than 100 individual potters to visit and collect from in the Seagrove area. Explore at your own pace one pottery shop to the next to see what is new and exciting in the pottery world, as well as seeing potters make their famous handmade traditional pottery that has been created here for generations! When you take a piece of Seagrove pottery home, you are also supporting this large family of artists who make a living in this craft.

Downtown Seagrove is a wonderful place to being your shopping excursion. Park here and walk to multiple shops.

Address: 106 Broad St, Seagrove, NC 27341

Family Fun Adventures for all ages

Kersey Valley Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing - Archdale

Photo Credit: Kersey Valley Axe Throwing

Known for their outdoor fun offerings, Kersey Valley brings adventure indoors with Escape Rooms and Axe Throwing, perfect on dreary or chilly days. Plan a visit to a uniquely themed Escape Room with your closest friends to see who will collect the clues to make the master escape to beat the clock. Test your hand eye coordination by taking your turn at the wooden bullseye board with Axe Throwing, an indoor experience that proves to be sharp competition.  

Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263  

 

The Bunker at Holly Ridge Golf Links - Archdale

Photo Credit: Holly Ridge Golf Links - The Bunker Lounge

Holly Ridge Golf Links has some of the best greens in the Piedmont area for golfers, now the location has indoor options that are ideal for keeping your tee time on cold or rainy days. The Bunker at Holly Ridge is a recent addition to the club house that features an HD golf simulator experience with six bays of virtual play from courses worldwide. Enjoy an afternoon of indoor play with appetizers and beverages from the bar & grill.

Address: 7933 US Hwy 311, Archdale, NC 27263  

 

Family Sports Center - Asheboro

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Hyde

Providing family-friendly fun since 1990 with 32 bowling lanes (bumper lanes can be included!) boasting the latest in automatic scoring and graphics. Check in with staff members to plan an Xxtreme Glow bowling evening. Take some downtime from the lanes by enjoying the billiard room filled with 5 regulation size AMF tables along with an arcade. All this action will make you hungry - enjoy one of the best cheeseburgers in town at their snack bar.

Address: 219 NC-42, Asheboro, NC 27203

 

Have other ideas for a rainy or frigid day in the Heart of North Carolina? Share those with us and we will include them in our list!

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.