Asheboro Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and much more in Asheboro, North Carolina, with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Asheboro

Asheboro is a charming city located in Piedmont Triad, North Carolina. It offers visitors the perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and relaxation. Asheboro is known for its world-class zoo, surrounded by a number of beautiful parks and gardens, each with their own unique features. Beyond this, Asheboro offers a rich cultural heritage, unique local cuisines, and an array of shopping and entertainment options. This travel guide will provide all the essential information you need to make your Asheboro experience unforgettable.

List of Places to Visit in Asheboro

Asheboro has an array of attractions that cater to all visitors, from the history buff to outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the top places to visit when in Asheboro.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • North Carolina Zoo: This world-renowned zoo is the main attraction in Asheboro. It features over 1,600 animals belonging to around 250 different species.
  • American Classic Motorcycle Museum: This museum showcases an impressive collection of rare and vintage motorcycles.
  • Randolph County Historic Courthouse: This courthouse dates back to the late 1800s and was in active use until 1903. It now serves as a museum that gives visitors an insight into the history of the local area.

Natural Attractions of Asheboro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pisgah Covered Bridge: This historic bridge is located in the Uwharrie Mountains and is one of the last remaining covered bridges in North Carolina.
  • Uwharrie National Forest: This vast forest offers visitors hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
  • Tot Hill Farm Golf Club: This golf course is built around the area’s natural terrain, providing golfers with scenic views while playing a game.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Asheboro

Asheboro boasts a range of hiking and biking trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Holly Bluff Family Campground Trail: This 1.5-mile trail leads visitors through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the nearby lake.
  • Uwharrie Trail: This trail is a 21-mile-long hike that is popular with hikers and mountain bikers looking for a challenge.
  • Birkhead Mountain Trail: This trail is a 5.8-mile loop through the dense forests of the Uwharrie Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Asheboro: Activities and Tours

Asheboro offers a range of activities and tours, designed to cater to visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the best things to do when in Asheboro include:

  • Take a guided tour of the North Carolina Zoo
  • Explore the hilly terrain on a quad bike
  • Enjoy a hot air balloon ride and take in the views
  • Visit the local wineries and sample the best wines in Asheboro

Week-Long Itinerary for Asheboro

Visiting Asheboro for a week gives you ample time to explore the city and its surroundings. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the North Carolina Zoo
2 Indulge in outdoor activities at Uwharrie National Forest
3 Tour the American Classic Motorcycle Museum
4 Explore the history of Asheboro at the Randolph County Historic Courthouse
5 Enjoy a round of golf at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
6 Spend the day exploring the Pisgah Covered Bridge
7 Take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of Asheboro

Food and Drink Scene of Asheboro

Asheboro’s food scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can indulge in a range of local cuisines, including barbecue, Southern fried chicken, and homestyle cooking.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue: Asheboro is known for its smoked meats, especially pork BBQ. Bob’s BBQ & Catering, Pik-n-Pig and Fuzzy’s Barbecue are some of the popular spots to try authentic BBQ.
  • Southern Fried Chicken: Asheboro is known for its signature dish -Southern Fried Chicken. Diners can enjoy the crispy and juicy chicken at The Table Farmhouse Bakery, Smithfields or Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen.
  • Homestyle Cooking: Local diners serve the best homestyle cooking which is the perfect comfort food. Some of the local favorites are Lucky’s Burger-N-Tap, Chef Sam’s or The Flying Pig.

Local Beverages

No food is complete without the right beverage. Asheboro, being the hub of the wine industry in North Carolina has a range of options for visitors. For beer lovers, there are breweries such as Four Saints Brewing Company, which serves locally brewed craft beer.

Where to Stay in Asheboro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Asheboro offers various accommodations options depending on visitors’ preferences and budget. They can stay at one of the iconic hotels such as The Acorn Inn, where they can avail themselves of the spa services. Or they can choose to stay at budget-friendly options such as the Comfort Inn, Best Western Plus or the Quality Inn. Other options include River House Inn and Bed & Breakfasts.

What to Buy in Asheboro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Asheboro is known for its arts and crafts. The visitors can choose from handcrafted pottery, blown glass, paintings, and jewelry. They can buy souvenirs and gifts from Asheboro Arts Center, Auman Pottery, and Artifacts Gallery.

Local Culture and Customs of Asheboro

The people of Asheboro are friendly and hospitable, with a distinct southern charm. Visitors should respect their culture and traditions, such as saying “May I” and “Thank you, ma’am or sir.”

Best Time to Visit Asheboro

The best time to visit Asheboro is during the spring when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in full bloom. October is also a great time to visit because of the fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Asheboro

Do:

  • Take a guided tour of the North Carolina Zoo
  • Respect local customs and traditions

    Don’t:

  • Leave trash behind
  • Disrespect local culture

Safety and Health

Asheboro is a safe city that offers visitors a peaceful environment. However, visitors should take precautions to stay safe.

Safety in Asheboro

  • Keep valuables out of sight
  • Stay in well-lit areas
  • Avoid risky behavior, especially late at night

Health in Asheboro

Asheboro has a certain amount of pollen to which visitors may be allergic. It is advisable to keep the necessary medication close by.

Getting to Asheboro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Asheboro is easily accessible by road, air, and bus.

Airports Near Asheboro

The closest airport to Asheboro is Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is approximately 40 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Asheboro

Greyhound Station is located on Fayetteville Street and provides a convenient public transportation option.

Other Options

Asheboro is also accessible by car, with several highways passing through the city.

How to Get Around in Asheboro

Asheboro is a walk-friendly city. Visitors can also use rental cars, taxis, and Ubers to move around.

Where to Go Next from Asheboro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Asheboro is close to many exciting destinations, including:

  • High Point, known for its international furniture market.
  • Greensboro, which offers a range of attractions, including the Greensboro Science Center and the Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park.
  • Charlotte, famous for its world-class NASCAR racing.

Conclusion

Asheboro provides an ideal vacation spot comprising of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. It offers visitors an exciting range of activities, delicious local cuisine, and multiple accommodation options. Plan your Asheboro trip now to experience an unforgettable journey.