Thursday, December 8, 2022

Winter Bucket List in the Heart of NC


Celebrate the Winter Season


Beat the winter blues by checking off bucket list items in the Heart of North Carolina. Randolph County shares its winter magic with visitors during this special season. November through February are typically hibernation months – this allows a better opportunity to explore with fewer crowds. Build your memorable adventure with our suggestions below!  

 Enjoy Winter Wonders

Kersey Valley Christmas | Lights, Santa, Action - Archdale, NC


Photo Credit: KerseyValleyChristmas.com

Multiple light displays, Santa’s workshop and photos, Grinch cave, reindeer games, jumping pillow, mega slide, and a roasty toasty village (and more!) await your family at Kersey Valley this Christmas season. An event that will surely delight the young and the young at heart.         

Millstone Creek Orchards | Christmas with the Kringles Market | Ramseur, NC 

Photo Credit: Millstone Creek Orchards

The Kringles are visiting Millstone Creek Orchards this season for a magical Christmas adventure! Enjoy Christmas photos with professional photographers, visits with Holly (the Christmas cow), an orchard hayride, Christmas cookie decorating, reindeer food creation stations and memorable visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Christmas hayride & light show, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, reindeer food creation station, Christmas cookie decorating, letters to Santa & hot cocoa. In addition to the event, enjoy hot apple cider donuts, s’more roasting, playground, and shop for your family Christmas tree in the tree lot.  New family traditions with Christmas Wreath Making Workshops with fresh greenery throughout November and December. Reservations are required as space is limited.                                              

Cold Weather Fun Indoor Ideas

Photo Credit: Luke Phillips


Family friendly activities found only in the Heart of North Carolina are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with the people that matter the most. Since 1990 the Family Sports Center in Asheboro, NC, has brought the fun with 32 bowling lanes, billiards, arcade and so much more.  The newest indoor attraction to our area is The Bunker Lounge at Holly Ridge Golf Links in Archdale. The Bunker is a state-of-the-art indoor simulator and game facility that is unlike anything you’ve experienced at a golf facility – experience virtual golf, archery, baseball, dodgeball, and more in the six bays of entertainment. 

Wanting to learn about history this holiday season? Check out the American Classic Motorcycle Museum to see one of the largest private collections of antique Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the country – 45 bikes dating from 1936 to 1978. Fly high at the NC Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame in Asheboro to view two large hangars filled with military artifacts, planes and memorabilia from WWI to present. Race into the Petty Museum showcasing the careers of this four-generation NASCAR Hall of Fame racing family including Lee, Richard, Maurice, Kyle and Adam Petty. Follow the family from the early “dirt” days to the present. Cars, trophies, and awards, along with nostalgic family memorabilia fill the building.  

Family-friendly Entertainment

Photo Credit: Randolph HUB


See a show, movie, or holiday special in our inviting theaters. From our traditional movie experience at Cinemark VII in the Asheboro Mall, to our family-owned and operated Liberty Showcase Theater in Liberty, NC where performances include the Jerry Allison's Annual Christmas Show. Don’t miss seasonal performances at the Sunset Theatre located in historic Downtown Asheboro for family entertainment in this gem of a venue. 

Wintertime Warm Up at Local Eateries

Photo Credit: The Wet Whistle Co.


Support our local restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops this winter season – we have over 50 to choose from in Randolph County. A handful of our dining establishments have lots of history, serving residents and visitors for over 75 years! Explore our dining options that include award-winning fried chicken at Magnolia 23  in  Downtown Asheboro or daily soup specials at David’s Restaurant in Asheboro. Warm up with a cup of coffee or tea at The Wet Whistle Co. in Archdale. Whatever the mood you are in this winter, Randolph County can delight the tastebuds. Find your dining inspiration here. 

'Tis the Season to Shop 'til You Drop

Find your next favorite gift items from one of our charming boutiques and shops in our downtown areas throughout Randolph County. Seeking the traditional shopping mall experience at Asheboro Mall with Belk, ULTA, and Books-a-Million. Hard to find treasures and unique furniture and fixtures can be found in any of our antique shops. Brighten cabinets with one-of-a-kind pottery, handmade in the Seagrove Pottery community by one of 50+ potters – complete list here. 

Want to give the gift of experiences this year? Check out our blog (here) of inspirational ideas and quick links to our partners that offer gift cards and certificates to unique experiences in the Heart of North Carolina.

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.