20+ Great Things to Do in Asheboro (NC Zoo and More!)

Asheboro and its surrounding Randolph County neighbors sit in the heart of North Carolina, making it an easy day trip from Raleigh (also from Durham) in the Triangle, especially from Greensboro and the Triad, and Charlotte. It’s also home to some of our state’s most interesting people and bucket list-worthy places to visit.

Whether you’re visiting any of the 100-plus Seagrove potters or wanting to learn more about North Carolina’s legendary racecar driver, Richard Petty, there are so many things to do in Asheboro and beyond in Randolph County.

It’s home to the world’s largest zoological park, in case you didn’t know already!

After exploring the area more than a few times, here are our favorite ways to fall in love with Asheboro and Randolph County for at least a weekend. 

Read More: Small towns in North Carolina

Where is Asheboro, North Carolina?

Asheboro, North Carolina is located in the center of North Carolina in Randolph County. Take I-74, and you’ll find that Asheboro is an easy day trip from Greensboro or even Charlotte. While Downtown Asheboro is where a lot of the action is, the towns of Ramseur, Seagrove, Randleman, and Trinity also have lots to explore. 

This article is organized as such: 

• Annual Events in Asheboro, NC
• Visiting the NC Zoo
• Things to do in Downtown Asheboro
• Restaurants in Asheboro
• Pottery of Seagrove 
• And more Things to do in Randolph County

Annual Events in Asheboro and Randolph County

• April events: Enjoy a self-guided tour of the pottery studios at the annual Celebration of Spring in Seagrove. Go behind the scenes and get to know the artists more intimately, and purchase exclusive pottery made just for the event. 
• May events: PettyFest is held every May and allows fans to tour the museum, garage, and the birthplace of Richard Petty. There are food trucks, vendors, music, and even a chance to meet The King! 
• June events: The North Carolina Food Truck State Championship is a judged food truck competition held in Randleman, including live musical entertainment, activities, and food! 
• August events: Enjoy the largest individual amateur golf tournament in the Triad at the Annual Holly Ridge Charity Classic. Raising money for Hospice of the Piedmont & Hospice of Randolph County, golfers come from across the state to participate in this championship. Explore Seagrove by joining a tea crawl! Stop by five participating potters and sip local tea in their handmade mugs. 
• October events: Asheboro Fall Festival brings families and friends from all over to enjoy the beautiful downtown Asheboro. Hosted by the Randolph Arts Guild, festival-goers can enjoy local food, vendors, and fun! Spookywoods at Kersey Valley is unlike any Halloween event in North Carolina! Enjoy this family-friendly event that includes live actors, a corn maze, zip lines, and so much more! 
• November events: Celebration of Seagrove Potters is an annual event in Seagrove showcasing the pottery studios of Randolph County. Visitors can tour the studios, speak with the artists, and see demonstrations, as well as exclusive kiln openings. 
• December events: Kersey Valley Christmas: See 1 million LED lights light up Archdale! Kersey Valley Christmas is an interactive holiday experience with plenty of hands-on activities, lights, and even a snow tube track! 

Things to Do in Asheboro and Randolph County for a Weekend

The North Carolina Zoo

How lucky are we to have the world’s largest natural habitat zoo park right here in North Carolina!? Spending a day, or even a weekend, at the North Carolina Zoo (NC Zoo) is one of the best things to do in Asheboro. Their super affordable entrance fee is one great reason to keep coming back.

Also, the NC Zoo is a part of the Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA). This means they not only provide entertainment for the general public, but are dedicated to conservation, education, advocacy, and animal care initiatives.

There are also a variety of kid-friendly events happening at the NC Zoo throughout the year!

Read More: 7 Wonderful Aquariums in North Carolina and How to Visit them All!

Five hundred of the property’s 2600 acres are accessible, and the NC Zoo sees over 900,000 visitors a year.

And since Asheboro is smack dab in the center of North Carolina (or heart), the zoo is reachable for folks from all corners of our state. The zoo currently hosts habitats for Africa and North America and will soon expand to include Asia—and eventually, Australia.

You can grab a ticket to be up close with giraffes at Acacia Station or hop on the Zoofari bus. Through the latter, you’ll roam 50 acres of grasslands filled with 100-plus animals, including eight species of antelope and rhinos. 

Note: Some attractions and dining at the NC Zoo are seasonal, including the Zoofari, Acacia Station, and Billy D’s. Make sure to check their website for seasonal availability before planning your visit! 

Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)

Things to do in Downtown Asheboro

Asheboro is filled with people who love good home cooking and smiles that make you feel welcome for Sunday supper.

Randolph County Arts Guild

With Seagrove being the Pottery Capital of the US, it is no surprise that Randolph County is bursting with art and culture. The Randolph Arts Guild serves as the glue to bring artisans and the community together. Stop in to shop for local handmade goods or ask about local events and classes held downtown.

Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)

See a Rhinoleap Production

Rhinoleap is a theatrical production company started by Asheboro natives, with a mission to make Asheboro the “theatrical center of North Carolina.” Producing live theater alongside digital media, Rhinoleap is also involved in bringing theatre to North Carolina high schools. 

Rhinoleap hosts live events throughout Randolph County, and seeing one should be one of your first things to do in Asheboro!

Drink Tea and Browse Local Art at Carriage House Tea

At Carriage House Tea, you can find over 100 varieties and blends of tea to peruse before deciding on a dozen to take home. Brightside Gallery also sits inside this two-story home, so guests can browse local art while sipping tea and divulging in homemade sweets.

Lady Mary blends each small batch of loose leaf tea by hand at Carriage House. 

Add Some Spirits to Your Tea

You can take your tea experience to a whole new level, as Lady Mary is also known as The Hauntress of Asheboro. That’s because her house is reported to host spirits, and Mary invites small groups to experience them in a Paranormal Research 101 class.

Attendees can learn about the property, detect using ghost research equipment, and walk through the house to see what they can encounter. 

Join a Ghostwalk

If that’s a little too hardcore for you, then how about a haunted ghost walk? The local historian-researched and verified Historic Asheboro Ghostwalk is an hour-long experience of eerie stories reenacted by local actors.

And because of all this, the highly regarded tour sells out quickly. Just contact the Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services office in advance for dates and ticket sales.

Go Antiquing

Even if antiquing isn’t your thing, you are bound to find something exciting and fun when in Asheboro! Start at the Collector’s Antique Mall, which features more than 95 dealers in 35,000 square feet of space.

It’s easy to spend hours browsing the treasures of days past there or elsewhere inside Antiques and Geeks. I promise you that you never know what you might find!

Where to eat and drink in Downtown Asheboro

After exploring all these fun things to do in Asheboro and the rest of Randolph County, dig into the area’s fabulous restaurants. And you’re in luck because Randolph County’s chefs and restauranteurs are known for good hometown county cooking! 

Magnolia 23

Magnolia 23 will greet you with a blackboard menu, pan-fried chicken, and traditional sides like crowder peas and pinto beans. It’s no wonder this place has so many fans!

And because no Southern meal is complete without a dessert, Magnolia also serves up some of the best. You can sit inside this place and say hello to new friends or enjoy their beautiful back patio!

The Table

Dustie Gregson is a hometown girl who took her vision and created The Table. With a passion for furniture restoration and a big dream, Dustie saw her community in need of something new.

Homemade bread, fresh vegetables, and preserves made at the peak of freshness are just some of the ways The Table reminds Gregson of childhood summer evenings on her screened-in porch.

It’s housed in a 1925 historical building that Dustie and her family renovated themselves. All their hard work has turned The Table into one of the best places to eat in Asheboro. 

Taco Loco

Expect a line on the weekends at Taco Loco in Asheboro on the weekends! This popular downtown restaurant serves delicious burritos, nachos, and the best organic margaritas in Randolph County! The family-owned restaurant makes everything in-house (including the tortillas!) and is known for its large portions. 

The Flying Pig

Four friends went back and forth on what to name their scratch-made pizza restaurant. In frustration, someone said they’d come up with a name “when pigs fly,” and suddenly, the name was born!

The Flying Pig is a casual Asheboro restaurant where friends enjoy delicious hand-tossed pizza and a great beer list. Oh, and they also save room for the specialty cheesecakes, which are amazing!

Leo’s Whiskey Bar

Step back in time with an Old Fashion at Leo’s Whiskey Bar. Membership is required (by North Carolina law- $1), and patrons will enjoy a wide array of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch in an intimate setting. Whether you are sipping a classic cocktail or expanding your palate with a whiskey flight, Leo’s is a great place to catch up with friends in a classy setting. 

Four Saints Brewing 

Four Saints Brewing serves as the center of social events in Downtown Asheboro! Beyond the delicious beers they craft, many community events are held at the North Carolina brewery. Enjoy an intimate performance from Rhinoleap Productions, battle it out for Team Trivia, and stay for Live Music, all while sharing a frosty pint with friends. 

Black Lantern Tea

If alcohol isn’t your scene or looking for a morning meeting spot, Black Lantern Tea Room is new to downtown Asheboro! With pure and custom-blended teas, the interior of this Asheboro small business is stunning. Add in the homemade baked goods, and we guarantee that your soul and belly will be warmed at Black Lantern Tea Room. 

Things to do in Seagrove, North Carolina

Visit the Seagrove Potters

Seagrove is considered “The Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” hosting more than 80 potters within a 20-mile radius. You can find a wide variety of styles, and a great place to get your head around them is the North Carolina Pottery Center.

Step inside and learn about the history of pottery, check out their rotating exhibit, and see samples from all of the Seagrove potters to map out your day’s itinerary. 

If you want to flex your creative side, spend time at a Clay Party with Thomas Pottery. Artist Bobbie Thomas hosts these gatherings on the first Saturday of each month. You will have created a customized ceramic at the end that she will then fire and glaze before shipping to you!

We think a visit to the Seagrove potters is one of the best things to do in Asheboro with friends. That’s why we added it to our bucket list of things to do in North Carolina!

Where to Eat and Drink in Seagrove

The General is a wine and bottle shop located in the restored 1910 Seagrove General Store. After an afternoon of browsing pottery studio, stop in and enjoy a bottle of wine or North Carolina craft beer! While The General does not serve food, they are accommodating if you want to bring your own meals in for dining.

Seagrove Family Restaurant

Did we say good ole home cooking? Because that’s exactly what you’re going to find at long-standing local joints like the Seagrove Family Restaurant.

With daily specials and incredible desserts, you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from the menu here! Just make sure to grab a slice of Pig Pickin’ Cake. It will perfectly top off your meal. 

Want to learn more about the Seagrove Potters? Check out this book by Stephen Compton that covers their history. 

More Things to do in Randolph County

Spend Time at Millstone Creek Orchards

If you’ve never seen a peach tree bloom, then you need to come out to Millstone Creek Orchards in the Spring! With over 86 acres of rich farmland, this family farm receives 500 to 700 visitors a weekend and goes through 3,000 gallons of their freshly pressed apple cider a season.

You might think fall is the best time to visit, and don’t get me wrong, the 2,000 pounds of pumpkins picked a day is proof enough! However, Millstone Creek is open from March to December and has family-friendly events and you-pick options for all seasons. 

The farm has blackberries, blueberries, cluster grapes, peaches, pecans, pumpkins, gourds, and apples.

If you have a larger group, book a tour with Beverly during the week or come out with the family for the weekend hayrides, farmer’s markets, kid-friendly movie nights, or the roast marshmallows with Santa. 

Race to Victory at the Petty Museum

Literally 20 feet away from Richard Petty’s childhood home in Randleman is the Petty Museum. It’s a museum and garage dedicated to the success and story of the Petty family.

In case being known as “The King” wasn’t enough, Richard Petty won a few races (200) during his career.

That includes 7 Daytona 500s, and in total, Petty earned over 360 trophies. Inside the museum, you’ll find his original cars, memorabilia, and many of Petty’s personal collectibles (guns, pocket watches, and his famed belt buckles). 

Read More: The NC Museum of History (+7 Things We Love About It!)

Tour Petty’s Garage

The back of the museum is home to Petty’s Garage. This unique automotive retailer is known for its custom performance builds, upgrades, and restoration.

They also perform one-of-a-kind jobs that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Tours of the facility are available upon request and availability.   

For more about the King’s life and background, check out his autobiography here. 

Kersey Valley

Located in Archdale, Kersey Valley is the ultimate family-friendly attraction. With a zip line, axe throwing, ropes course, laser tag, and escape room- you could spend hours at Kersey Valley!

But if you want to make the most out of your time in Randolph County, then make sure to come for a weekend and attend Spookywoods or Kersey Valley Christmas. Spookywoods gained national attention as one of the Top 5 Haunted Attraction in America by USA Today.

Kersey Valley Christmas is brand new as of 2021 and lands on our list of the best Christmas light displays in North Carolina! With 1 million LED lights, Kersey Valley Christmas is interactive and incorporates the whole family into the festive season.

Check out the TikTok we made of Kersey Valley Christmas with 300k+ views!

Check Out Classic Hogs

Browse a personal collection of 1930s- to 1950s-era Harley Davidson motorcycles at the American Classic Motorcycle Museum. It is donation-based, and all proceeds go to a local charity.

That’s another reason this is a must-stop before grabbing lunch downstairs at Heritage Diner. The food is simple yet delicious! We enjoyed some great burgers, but we have heard they also have a great breakfast!

Motorcycles range from fully restored to covered in cobwebs because, to owner Ed, restoring a motorcycle takes away the story that it once had.

In addition to more than 35 Harleys, the museum also contains parts, photos, toys, equipment, clothing, and local history. Don’t forget to sign the guest book on the first floor before you get started, too! 

Uwharrie National Forest

A portion of Uwharrie National Forest’s 51,000 acres sits within Randolph County. And here’s another factoid for you- based on early evidence from the Catawba Indians, the Uwharrie Mountains are considered the oldest in North America.

Besides learning about these ancient hills, you can hike around the 3,000 acres of an old plantation in the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness. You have three options here, including the Tot Hill Farm Trailhead, Thornburg Trailhead, and Robbins Branch Trailhead. 

Linbrook Heritage Estate

Linbrook Heritage Estate is a sight to be seen, as what I would like to call a modern-day Biltmore. The house was built by local technology entrepreneur Jerry Neal, who lives in a modest farmhouse next door. Inspired by his travels, the house is filled with his and his wife, Linda’s, collectibles and serves today as an event space.

Read More: How to Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore

A popular spot for weddings, Linbrook Heritage Estate is a charitable foundation. All of the profits from weddings and tours go directly to St. Jude’s Hospital. To see Linbrook Hall, reservations are required- but worth it! During the winter season, the house is beautifully decorated and open to the public for tours. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!

Whether you’re coming to Asheboro for the quaint downtown or to visit the North Carolina Zoo, you’ll find that there is plenty to do here!

So if you haven’t been here yet, now is the time to come on down. No matter which of these things to do in Asheboro and Randolph County fill your weekend, you’re bound to fall in love with this part of the state!

Have you ever visited Asheboro, Seagrove, and elsewhere in Randolph County? What did you get into while here? If you haven’t yet passed through this area, what do you want to do first?