Summer Bucket List in the Heart of NC

Your childhood vacations may have included a station wagon, soggy PB&J sandwiches, layers of sunscreen, and pesky mosquito bites. But we are sure they also included campfire stories, games of freeze tag with cousins, and harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden. Relive the affordable experiences your parents offered you as a child and let’s explore the Heart of North Carolina together. With several once-in-a-lifetime adventures for your family, we want to offer you options of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. We invite you to refresh your spirit, rejuvenate your mind, and reconnect with nature while making memories with loved ones.

Outdoor Fun

• Get back to nature with a walk, hike, or bike ride on any of our 19 nature trails with lots of visible markers and multiple levels of expertise along the Deep River State Trail.

Photo Credit: Piedmont Legacy Trails

• Soar through the forest in the shadow of Purgatory Mountain on Richland Creek ZipLine - 14 zip lines, three sky bridges, and one swinging bridge for an adrenaline rush in some of the Heart of NC’s most scenic wilderness areas.

Photo Credit: Richland Creek ZipLine

• If a farm adventure is what you are seeking, plan a visit to Millstone Creek Orchards to pick your own seasonal fruits or vegetables, take a hayride tour, and weekly farmers market through August.

Photo Credit: Millstone Creek Orchards

• The ultimate outdoor adventure park is conveniently located near I-85 in Archdale. Kersey Valley Attractions is known nationwide for its fall haunted attraction Spookywoods, yet there is activity on this 70-acre farm all year round. NEW this year to Kersey Valley is Bomb Bowling, a mashup between football, bowling, horseshoes, and cornhole. Additional group activities include: Axe Throwing - in a controlled environment with a guide throughout the 18-hole course | Laser 
Tag – an outdoor high tech military grade tactical laser from Laser Tag Pro that shoots harmless infrared light over 1,000 feet with the protective gear required! | Escape Room – choose from five amazing-themed rooms and solve the puzzles in time to escape in record time. Individual challenges include: Zipline - a first-class zip line featuring a closed course aviation theme with 14 lines and 1.5 miles of cable employing massive, engineered sky towers representing airport city codes from across the country and around the world

Indoor Inspiration

Consider a fun museum crawl while learning historical facts across Randolph County.

• North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame – home of Piper J-3 "Flitfire" flown by Orville Wright
• See one of the largest private collections of antique Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the country including 45 bikes ranging from 1936 to 1978 at the American Classic Motorcycle Museum 
• 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 with displays of cars, trophies, and awards.
• View more than 26 fully restored John Deere™ tractors, a 1926 return tube boiler from P&P Chair Company in Asheboro (producers of the Carolina Rocking Chair used by President John F. Kennedy), and multiple steam engines from the 19th century at the Neal Agricultural & Industrial Museum.
• See more than 800 pieces of pottery, artifacts, and photographs tracing NC’s pottery history from Native Americans to the present at the North Carolina Pottery Center.

• Shop your way around several antique stores in Downtown Asheboro – one is home to over 95 dealers within a 35,000 sq ft space.
• Specialty boutiques and shops are abundant throughout our area. Check out the Randolph Arts Guild Shop and Morings Art Center Gallery for local artists and unique gifts. Shop Southern Swag Farmhouse for rustic farmhouse goods, repurposed and new home decor, vintage jewelry, and boutique clothing. Take a step back in time at Melvin’s Variety & Hardware Store (celebrating 59 years in business!) specializing in household goods, tools, seasonal décor, and vintage games.

• Plan your own Seagrove Pottery tour in “The Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States” with more than 100 individual potters to visit. 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.

Feed Your Mind & Soul

Whether you need a quick coffee and pastry break at The Table Farmhouse Bakery, a hearty steak dinner at Holly Ridge Golf Links on their breezy patio, or live music and a food truck with an intimate setting at The General Wine and Brew – our dining establishments are top notch experts in their safe hospitality and cuisine!

Photo Credit: Food Diary of a City Girl  

Relax & Recharge

Check into your overnight accommodations after your adventure-filled day. Choose from affordable hotel brands – located in Archdale and Asheboro, quaint bed & breakfast inns – in the Town of Seagrove, fun themed & family-friendly campgrounds in Asheboro – near the North Carolina Zoo, or our newest remote tiny cabins, Getaway Asheboro. Insider tip: do not forget to ask about their military discount offerings. For a complete list of options, visit our website, HeartofNorthCarolina.com or click here

Photo Credit: Getaway Asheboro

Family-friendly Summer Itinerary Ideas

We have taken the work into our own hands and created a weekend of fun for your family! Get inspired and plan your time in the Heart of North Carolina with this quick itinerary link HERE!

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.

Ultimate Foodie Guide in the Heart of NC

An invitation to an extraordinary dining experience at The Table located in Downtown Asheboro

Visitors and residents that want to support local restaurants can begin with our ultimate foodie guide. Filled with quick bites, sweet treats, southern cuisine, authentic international dishes, and farm-to-table meals. There is a seat at every table in #theHeartofNC...grab your napkin and read on for our MUST eat spots!

Fresh made crullers at Glaze King

Glaze King- Wake up with a sweet tooth? This locally owned and operated doughnut shop puts the big names to shame with their homemade creations. Grab a fresh cup of coffee, your favorite confection, and enjoy the morning a little bit more in the Heart of NC with apple fritters, crullers, and bear claws!

Heritage Diner- End your search for a traditional southern breakfast with all the fixin’s because Heritage Diner brings it to the table. Don’t miss a visit to the American Classic Motorcycle Museum located above the diner for the largest, privately-owned collection of Harley Davidson® in the country.

The Chat and Chew- For specialty coffees and pastries, head over to The Chat and Chew for one of our favorites, the “Irish Moo” a hazelnut and Irish cream coffee creation. With an extensive offering of desserts, cheesecakes, and hand-dipped ice cream – make this stop an afternoon pick-me-up destination.

Outdoor dining for furry family members at Brewskie's

Brewskies- A local favorite offering a menu of espresso, craft beer, and wine paired with delicious flatbreads, sandwiches, and bakery items. A family-friendly dining option – for your furry family members too!

Sweet Baby Brown from The Table

The Table - From delicious blended coffees and pastries to fully plated meals, this farm-to-table style restaurant has fulfilled many cravings. We invite you to try the avocado smash toast, grits and greens, or one of their delicious, fresh salads made with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Pair any dish with a specialty drink – we’re talking about you, Sweet Baby Brown (espresso, brown sugar, whole milk in a mason jar!) - for the ultimate dining experience.

Jalapeno Margarita at The Taco Loco 

The Taco Loco- What started off as a hidden gem has become a local staple. Authentic Mexican cuisine in a stylish location refurbished in the heart of downtown Asheboro. Fresh guacamole and salsa, tacos made to order, and specialty margaritas. A foodie bucket list location to check off of your list!

Specialty made to order pizzas at The Flying Pig Food & Spirits

The Flying Pig Food & Spirits- Want to catch the big game? We saved you a seat, as long as you share your plate of Pig nachos (pulled pork drenched in queso and barbeque sauce over a heaping pile of nachos) or a slice of buffalo chicken pizza. *Local tip* – save room for a piece of signature cheesecake, made fresh by the owner daily.

Fresh Cuts Butcher & Seafood Deli- Take a break from pottery shopping in Seagrove and grab a quick bite to eat at the local deli. Fresh Cuts offers a "hot bar" with a menu that changes daily, but is always full of our southern cuisine favorites!

Signature southern dish at Magnolia 23

Magnolia 23- The fried chicken at Magnolia 23 has earned this little hideaway the honor of being one of the 75 best fried chicken restaurants in America by the Daily Meal! Grab a seat in the cozy southern restaurant, or take your food to go and relax under the shade of live oaks in the courtyard - either way, this is a meal you'll make a habit.

Snyder Farms Restaurant- A favorite stop for The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty to find country-style “mashed taters”, fried chicken, and hush puppies. You may need a nap after your meal here, it is practically like eating at Grandma’s on Sunday afternoons.

Something Different Steaks & Kabobs- Something Different Steaks & Kabobs offers a mix of American, Greek, and vegetarian dishes influenced by Chef Sinan’s years spent in Turkey, France, and America. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with local pottery from Seagrove, the handmade pottery capital of the U.S. and offers a wonderful ambiance for couples, families, and groups.

50 oz Tomahawk Ribeye with sides at Hamilton's Steakhouse

Hamilton's Steakhouse- Offering fresh-cut, in house certified Angus beef steaks, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta! This place is the perfect spot for date night with tasty cocktails, perfectly sized apps, and desserts made for sharing.

Holly Ridge Bar & Grill- Enjoy weekly specials while dining on the open-air patio overlooking the scenic greens of Holly Ridge Golf Course. Offering specialty sandwiches, fresh salads, tacos, or hand-cut rib eyes and pork chops!  

Lumina Wine & Beer- After dinner and dessert, head over to Lumina Wine and Beer for a nightcap on the string-lit porch. Find over 75 different craft beers and bottles of wine and one-of-a-kind art pieces created by local artists. Several options for entertainment include live acoustic music and wine tastings events during the week.

House favorite, Leo's Whiskey Sour at Leo's Whiskey Bar

Leo’s Whiskey Bar - A place to sit back and relax, listen to tunes from the 1940s and reflect upon a simpler time. Enjoy fine whiskey, bourbon, or scotch and visit with friends and neighbors.

Local craft beer at Four Saints Brewing Company

Four Saints Brewing Company- Local craft brew creating “great beer for great people” since 2015. Offering trivia nights, music bingo, and food trucks – plan a family night out! Grab a Potters Clay Amber Ale or one of their seasonal small-batch brews, and kick back for a great night in the Heart of NC.

 

For a complete list of dining in #theHeartofNC visit https://www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/things-to-do/index.htm?category=Local+Dining 

*The restaurants listed are recommendations with supported information from the Randolph Public Health Department scores of 90 or above.*

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.

Spring Bucket List in the Heart of NC

Spring Bucket List 

Build your Spring Bucket List with what is blooming in Randolph County. The temperatures are just right with days being in the high 60Fs and evenings in the low 40Fs. See the beauty of the nine municipalities. Plan with our must-do list for your spring visit in the Heart of North Carolina. 

Start Collecting 

Did you know that Randolph County is home to many antique shops and the bi-annual Liberty Antiques Festival. The festival is being held the last Friday and Saturday in April (this year April 29-30). Find classic treasures and one-of-a-kind items. The thrill of the find is here. The antique vendors offer a wide variety of items from classic memorabilia to repurposed and refinished goods at affordable prices. 

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Smell the Flowers 

From Ramseur to Seagrove, the farms are blossoming. At Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur, select Saturdays offering open air Spring Markets. At Seagrove Orchids see more than 200 different species, perfect for new or experienced orchid lovers. Seagrove Orchids has quickly established itself as "the orchid nursery" in North Carolina and it's worth the tour. The North Carolina Zoo offers over 51,000 plants along five miles of shaded pathways. It is definitely worth the stop between seeing over 1,000 animals at the world's largest natural habitat zoo.  

Photo by NC Zoo

Zip Through New Colors 

Go over the trees and Zipline in Randolph County at Kersey Valley Zipline in Archdale and Richland Creek Zip Line in Asheboro. Ziplining is fun for all thrill seekers. This experience is a fun challenge independently and with a group.  A spring season adventure offers a chance to catch trees as they grow new foliage. 

Photo by Canva

Birds & Bees aren’t the Only Ones Flying 

Immerse yourself with speed! See historic high flying aircraft at the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame in Asheboro. Planes and memorabilia dating back to WWI to present.  Don't miss the history of the King of NASCAR and his family, at Petty Family Attractions in Randleman. 

Photo by Petty Family Attractions

Trail On 

Randolph County is home to 19 trails, including the Deep River State Trail. In the spring months the trails are ready for you to explore by walking, running or hiking. Start planning your next hike here.

Photo by Piedmont Legacy Trails

 

Be sure to check out other seasonal bucket lists from the Heart of NC for your ultimate bucket list!
Share your next trip to Randolph County with #TheHeartofNC  

Romance in Randolph County

 Romance in Randolph County 

Enjoy these date ideas in the Heart of North Carolina - Surprise the ones you love with romance in Randolph County.  It's a getaway - 30 minutes from Greensboro, and 90 minutes from Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. Make it a day or weekend. Love is in the air. Enjoy these activities together. 

Wine and Beer Taste  -  Taste Randolph County at our brewery, wineries and bottle shops. Share a flight and learn how the drinks are made and what foods pair well with them.

    Zimmerman Vineyards 

        Address: 1428 Tabernacle Church Rd, Trinity, NC 27370

    Native Sons Winery 

        Address: 1511 Mamie May Rd, Franklinville, NC 27248

Lumina Wine & Beer 

    Address: 152 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203

Four Saints Brewing Company 

    Address: 218 S Fayetteville St Asheboro, NC 27203

Take a Class -  Get crafty and make memories that can be taken home. Enjoy a paint class on a canvas or refresh a piece of furniture in Randolph County.  

    The Preppy Possum 

        Address: 830 S Cox Asheboro NC 27203

    Chat & Chew 

        Address: 10301 N Main St, Archdale, NC 27263

    

B3 Artisan Studio

        Address: 126C East Ave Seagrove, NC NC

  Collective Interiors, Design & Paint Studio

     Address: 113 N. Church St Asheboro, NC 27203

Picnic  - Pack a lunch and enjoy the views in Randolph County. These spots offer spectacular views of our area in North Carolina that can't be beat.

    I-73/74 Visitors Centers 

      Northbound Address: 4393 I-73/I-74, Seagrove, NC 27341

     Southbound Address: 4390  I-73/I-74, Seagrove, NC 27341

Pisgah Covered Bridge 

    Address: 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205                              

Get charcuterie boards or picnic items to-go and elevate the meals with Randolph County's own makers - - 

    Boards Con Sabor,  Basket'N Boards,  Crafted Charcuterie

Sweeten it up  -  Enjoy sweets with your sweetheart. These ice cream shops offer items that are good enough to share.  

    Creative Creamery

        Address: 1442 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203

    Arbol Ice Cream 

        Address: 161 NC-42 Ste E, Asheboro, NC 27203

For baked goods and additional options to explore try one of our bakeries and coffee shops too. 

Go Big  - Let the thrill of adventure take your date to the next level. Zip line along the trees or test your skills in an escape room. See animals of all sizes from North America and Africa. 

     Kersey Valley Zip Line 

        Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

    Richland Creek Zip Line

        Address:  2728 Fairview Farm Rd, Asheboro, NC 27205

    Kersey Valley Escape Room 

        Address: 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC 27263

North Carolina Zoo 

        Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

Dine  - Randolph County offers many dining options from chains to family-owned and operated establishments. A couple of our favorites are listed below that offer an intimate option that can't be beat. 

    Hamilton's Steak House

        Address: 328 Sunset Ave, Asheboro NC 27203

    Taste of Asia 

        Address: 127 E Taft Ave, Asheboro NC 27203

Positano

        Address:  130 C South Church St Asheboro, NC 27203

Visit more of Randolph County dining options.

Pottery Shop - Explore the history and craft at the U.S. Capital of Pottery - Seagrove, NC. 

        Home to over 50 working potters, making one-of-a-kind crafts learn more and plan a visit today at https://discoverseagrove.com/ 

Planning a romantic visit to Randolph County? Share your tips with us #TheHeartofNC 

Winter Whites in Seagrove, NC

Seagrove, North Carolina offers an inspiring take on “winter whites” with work from the over 80 working potters. This collection of white, off-white, beige and neutral pottery from several makers captures the imagination this season--and inspires blissful home décor dreams.

About Seagrove

Seagrove, NC, in the heart of North Carolina, represents the largest concentration of potters in the country. Home to over 50 shops and galleries open to the public, some potters have been mastering the craft in the area for multiple generations. Others have relocated from across the country to enjoy the community of craftsmen and enthusiastic visitors. 

Winter Whites Wares

Kitchen-smart creations made by Alexa Modderno of Moddware are available at Seagrove Stoneware Pottery, the studio and shop she shares with her husband.

Linda Potts at Potts Pottery is a Cole family descendant. The name is synonymous with generations of functional pottery makers. She and husband Jeff work together to make a complete array of tableware in a variety of colors, including white. Most white pieces have a signature streak of color.

Tom Gray Pottery studied Japanese pottery techniques and has trained at the Virginia Beach Art Center and Sandpiper Pottery. He continues to draw inspiration from around the world for his pieces with clean, serene lines. His whites have a subtle grey undertone, perfect for today’s sleek kitchens.

 

Bobbie Thomas at Thomas Pottery serves up stylish tabletop and home décor pieces. Her signature textured look with an occasional note of whimsey keeps pieces classic and contemporary for years of use and enjoyment. 

Plan a Visit

Seagrove, NC offers plenty of pottery with all colors of the rainbow. The shops listed above are ones that you can explore while shopping and learning about this handmade art. Plan your visit by calling before you go - as potters tend their own shops and their families, too. You can meet the makers of the work for sale, ask questions, and learn about future kiln openings. Kiln openings are when a potter fires a kiln of  their works, then open it up to sell the pieces straight to the visitors after it cools down.

Seagrove is 1.5 hours west of Raleigh, NC, and 1.5 hours north and slightly east of Charlotte, NC. Plan a visit and explore all of The Heart of North Carolina, Randolph County. Randolph County includes Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity. 

- Guest post by Susan Dosier, DK Communications Group

-Edited and modified by Heart of North Carolina staff (01/13/2022)

Get Inspired in Randolph County

Find your Motivation in Randolph County, NC 

Whether it's a new year, a new feeling, or a desire for change, Randolph County offers you the motivation you need to get started and grow.  

Take a Hike - Trails 

Randolph County is home to 19 trails covering all nine municipalities. Get back to nature along the trails. Pause and reflect at the lakes and streams found in the county, take a stroll along the Deep River State Trail - check out this link for ideas in Franklinville and Ramseur. Explore the Uwharrie National Forest. Reflect at Creekside Park in Archdale, Clay Presnell Park in Seagrove, and North Carolina Zoo. Randolph County offers you a chance to explore the Piedmont of North Carolina like no other. For a quick reference, check out our collaborative effort with Piedmont Legacy Trails, as the first county in the Piedmont to list options for difficulty levels and lengths of trails.

Joining us from cities outside of our area? Consider booking a guide. Issa Vibe Adventures is a Charlotte-based, black-owned hiking company with a mission of making the outdoors accessible to the black community and all types of hikers with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. They were tapped by Visit North Carolina to be part of a special video campaign filmed at our Faith Rock Trail with national travel site, Matador Network. They have hiked several trails in Randolph County and across North Carolina.

Learn about Conservation throughout the World - North Carolina Zoo 

From the wilds of Africa to your backyard, the North Carolina Zoo is advancing conservation and research on animals. Learn what you can do to help and see animals in the world's largest natural habitat zoo in the world. Proceeds from admission go right back into conservation funds. 

Get Healthy 

 Keye to Healthy & S&L Natural Foods  in Asheboro, & The Only Earth in Archdale

Shop independently owned health food stores in Randolph County and learn ways to improve your health. Keye to Healthy in Asheboro offers classes and meals for the "Next 56 Days Program." They sell items that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and taste amazing. S&L Natural Foods in Asheboro offers supplements, sports nutrition, and natural groceries.  The Only Earth in Archdale carries vitamins, grocery items, and body care items.

Art and the Earth - NC Pottery Center 

Connect with the earth through art at the Handmade Pottery Capital of the US - Seagrove, NC. North Carolina's state material is clay and it can be found and used in Seagrove, NC. Over 100 individual working potters are located in and around Seagrove, NC. The artists make unique pieces of art with clay. Check out the North Carolina Pottery Center - home to seasonal classes on art and  extensive history and exhibits on the craft. 

Start Exploring - Road Trip Randolph County 

Did you know if you start at the top of Randolph County near Guilford County and drive south to the end near Montgomery County, it would take you about 40 minutes? That is not all you can see on a drive through Randolph County. See Uwharrie Mountain Ranges, stop at locally-owned shops, or dine at classic roadside diners. Hit NC Highway 705, also known as Pottery Highway, and see generational shops similar to what is listed above. Reflect on what the road can show you when you start a road trip in Randolph County. 

Share your inspiration in Randolph County with #TheHeartofNC