Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Family Friendly Fall FINDS – 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. Celebrating one year of parkrun events in 2022 - join this international 5k event, weekly at Creekside Park, one of three 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 FIND Relaxation & Rest

Since opening in 2007, as Randolph County’s first commercial vineyard, Zimmerman Vineyards has welcomed thousands of visitors and residents to take in spectacular views among 140 acres at the foot of Mt. Shepherd. Guests enjoy weekend tours, wine tastings, intimate art shows, and live music during the height of Zimmerman’s season. Find your spot on the rustic flagstone terrace for ultimate relaxation.

Zimmerman Vineyards Photo credit: evercastro92

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!

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.

 

 


Monday, September 19, 2022

Ultimate Bucket List in the Heart of North Carolina

Located in the center of North Carolina, the Heart of North Carolina offers budget-friendly experiences including multiple hiking trails, local dining, exploring historic sites, flying among the treetops, and visiting the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Continue for the Ultimate Bucket List of adventures ahead!

Carolina blue skies, rolling hills among our scenic back roads, miles of hiking trails, and majestic roaring lions…yes, we said lions! We have it all in the Heart of North Carolina. We invite you to #TakeItOutside and find adventure solo or with your family and friends. Use this fun guide to find the outdoor gems that transform a getaway into a treasured memory. We want you to stay safe and travel smart.


#13 - Enjoy talented musicians, stroll the vineyards, and sip wine at Zimmerman Vineyards. Find an intimate setting and beautiful views at the base of Mt. Shepherd in Trinity (birthplace of Duke University). The vineyard is open Saturday 12 - 6 pm and Sunday 1 - 6 pm.  Songwriter Sunday at Zimmerman Vineyards is a FREE event from 3 to 5 pm every Sunday, March through October.


#12 -
Plan a picnic at the Pisgah Covered Bridge - the ultimate place for a family Instagram photoshoot. Insider tip: Pick up a fried chicken to-go meal or pack your basket with goodies from the Fresh Cuts Deli in nearby Seagrove. 


#11 - Take a Hike! Discover the Deep River Rail Trail, a three-quarter-mile trail created by an old railroad bed. The route offers biking, jogging, and fishing. In search of something more challenging? A complete guide to Randolph County Trails – a total of 19 - can be found at bit.ly/RandolphCountyTrailsGuide .


#10 –
Come play at Creekside Park and Disc Golf Course. This 107-acre park offers tennis courts, baseball/softball/t-ball fields, picnic shelters, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, an 18-hole championship disc golf course with beginners’ loop, orienteering course, and three miles of scenic walking trails along Muddy Creek. 


#9 –
Spend a day at Kersey Valley Attractions. Fly high on the ziplines or get a workout throwing axes. Kersey Valley is also home to a cornfield mazeescape roomslaser tag, and Spookywoods, voted scariest Haunted Attraction in NC, so visit again this fall!


#8 –
Enjoy outdoor dining at The Table Farmhouse Bakery or Magnolia 23 in Downtown Asheboro. In case of rain, check out our list of local options following safety measures: bit.ly/SupportLocalDining

#7 –Pick seasonal fruits at Millstone Creek Orchards. Stock up on freshly made cakes and cookies at the Apple Barn Country Store. Swoon over their famous, fresh-pressed apple cider and slushies.


#6 –
Celebrate Earth Day year round with offerings directly from the dirt – pottery! Make your way to Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of the U.S., and find a new coffee mug or gift as you design your own gallery crawl along Pottery Highway.


#5 -
Enjoy the scenery at Commerce Square Park in Randleman, then scoot over to the Petty Museum and Petty's Garage to see the cars and memorabilia of NASCAR legend, "The King" Richard Petty and his family. 

#4 – Enjoy a picnic lunch in Bicentennial Park in Downtown Asheboro with views of our uniquely themed murals. When you are finished, stroll Sunset Avenue for antique shops, “geeky” comics, collectibles, gifts, and crafts. Only a block away find your favorite carbon-neutral brews at Four Saints Brewing Company with a dedicated food truck, try small bites at Asheboro Popcorn Co and Asheboro Bagel Co.

#3 – Practice your golf swing while you play through the Asheboro Municipal Golf Course, designed by famed golf course architect Donald Ross in 1935. Additional courses can be found at bit.ly/GolfInTheHeartofNC

#2 – Love airplanes? Visit the NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame. See stunning military artifacts and civilian memorabilia from WWI to the present, including an impressive collection of military vehicles, weapons, equipment, uniforms, and a flight simulator; see the Piper J-3 "Flitfire" flown by Orville Wright.


#1 -
About those roaring lions we mentioned earlier…explore the world's largest natural habitat wildlife zoo in Asheboro. Our North Carolina Zoo works daily to save species globally. It showcases more than 1,200 animals from North America and Africa. Payton the polar bear, our newest addition, is looking for love with Anana. We have our paws crossed for bear cubs soon. Stop by the chimpanzee habitat to catch a peek at playful Asha and Obi. Visit the Watani Grasslands to check out our adorable baby rhinos! *Note - A 10-acre Asia continent is in the works for the North Carolina Zoo, details 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.

Until then - enjoy a virtual tour of #theHeartofNC below. See you soon!



 

  

Friday, September 2, 2022

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

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  

 

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 


See Leaves Change




 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 

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 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. 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


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. 

Address - 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263



 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!




Fall in the Heart of NC

*Please note that at the time of publication, COVID-19 is still affecting the operations of our attractions, restaurants, and event venues. We encourage you to review and plan ahead as details are subject to change.*

Fall in love with the Heart of North Carolina this season – with dramatic leaf colors, crisp cool weather, and fun festivals. Grab your boots, scarf, and seasonal flavored drink (pumpkin or apple) to begin your adventures in the Heart of North Carolina.  

History meets trails - Soak in the fall scenery around our numerous trails. Explore historic sites, see beautiful fall color as the leaves change, and feel crisp breezes as temperatures cool with the change of the season. The Heart of North Carolina boasts 19 trails for you to explore. For the complete Randolph County Trail Guide here, from our friends at Piedmont Legacy Trails.

Faith Rock Trail, an access point of the designated Deep River State Trail, has an easy 3/4-mile loop with a big payoff. Cross over the historic bridge, take in the beautiful views of the river, and step back in time from the top of Faith Rock - where American Patriot Andrew Hunter was cornered by the Tory Army in 1782 during the Revolutionary War.

Located at 1306 Andrew Hunter Rd, Franklinville, NC 

                       More Information



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. 

Located at 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 

                                                                                               More Information                   


We love to explore the trails inside the North Carolina Zoo to discover animal adventures on a large scale, but did you also know that the Zoo has trails for exploration with no admission? Check them out when the season change. The main mission of the trails is to protect native wildlife and their natural habitats.

Located at 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC

                                                                                                More Information 


Fall Harvest – Gather your friends and family for harvest time fun on the farm.  


Millstone Creek Orchards (MCO) is a working farm with opportunities for visitors to explore the 18-acre property with u-pick adventures, hayrides, fishing, and educational classes. This fall MCO is pumpkins and apples. 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!

Located at 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC                     

                       

          More Information and Reservations


         

Kersey Valley Attractions is home to family-friendly adventures during the day and a haunted trail once the sun sets. Get lost at Kersey Valley Maize Adventure, a corn maze experience offering a maze, train ride, jumping pillows, pedal carts, treehouse village, and dinosaur discovery zone. Kersey Valley Spookywoods started out with a dare in 1985 and has grown into one of America's most popular and scary haunts. Reservations are encouraged on weekends in September and October. 

Located at 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC                                                                    

                                                                                               More Information

Seagrove Pottery – Pottery Highway in Seagrove, NC is fun every time of year, but the fall brings seasonal pottery and new adventures. Explore over 40+ pottery shops within a 20-mile radius this season and treat yourself to autumn pottery. For an ultimate road trip adventure, plan a visit to Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of the US.   

  


Potters Pumpkin Patch is an annual celebration of participating potters opening their shops along scenic Pottery Highway, NC Hwy 705, by selling their festive fall wares. Our 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  



Festivals and events in the Heart of North Carolina are vibrant and fun. Beginning in September with our biannual antiques festival with over 400 dealers. October weekends are filled with street festivals focusing on arts and crafts, live music, all the deep-fried foods - we even honor the King of NASCAR! We wrap up the fall season with our Seagrove Pottery friends by supporting their art during their annual festival and studio tours to purchase fall-themed decor and get an early start holiday shopping!                                              

 Check out our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events in the Heart of NC. 

Share your fall adventure with #TheHeartofNC

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 through...