This Lesser-known North Carolina City Has Beautiful Hikes, a Lively Downtown, and the World's Largest Natural Habitat Zoo

You've likely never heard of Asheboro, North Carolina — here's why you should visit.

Located in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region, the city of Asheboro has a wild side. It's home to the world’s largest natural habitat zoo — one of the most popular attractions in the state — as well as lots of outdoor activities, including hiking Purgatory Mountain; the trailhead can be found near the zoo entrance.

Nearby, the Uwharrie National Forest spans five counties in the region, including Randolph County where Asheboro is situated. The 55,000-acre untamed natural paradise offers hiking, wildlife, and the Pisgah Covered Bridge, one of only two original covered bridges in the state that the public can visit. It’s both a local and federal landmark.

But outdoor exploration is only part of Asheboro's appeal. Visitors can make their way downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the growing nightlife. “There’s such a beautiful environment downtown — the pace is slower,” says Dustie Gregson, designer and owner of The Table in Asheboro. Gregson is a Randolph County native, and felt called to open a restaurant in the city when she moved back home. “The nature of our downtown feels slower in a good way.”

If all of this sounds like your idea of an ideal vacation, here's how to plan a memorable trip to Asheboro, North Carolina.

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Asheboro, North Carolina

• Spot the polar bears frolicking in the water at the North Carolina Zoo.

• Go for a hike in the Uwharrie National Forest.

• Order the fried chicken at Magnolia 23.

• Shop for pottery in the Seagrove community.

• Grab an ice cream at Minkology while shopping on Sunset Avenue.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Postcard Cabins Asheboro

Located on Old Cox Road, Postcard Cabins Asheboro is part of a nationally recognized chain of glamping properties. Stay in one of 32 luxury tiny cabins on 31 private acres of rolling hills with trails, and enjoy catch-and-release fishing just minutes from both downtown and the zoo.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort

This family-friendly RV resort has so much to offer that guests can have an amazing time without ever leaving the property. Located just four miles from the zoo, children can bounce on the jumping pillow, play laser tag, and watch movies at the outdoor theater. In addition to RV and tent sites, guests can stay in glamping tents and cabins, with golf cart rentals available.

Back to Earth Farm

“We rent this place even though we live there,” Gregson says. There's a cabin on the property, and guests can schedule tours and meet the cows. “It’s actually where we get our beef from. It feels like you’ve traveled a long way, but it’s right here in Asheboro.”

Apartment on Lawyers Row

“Christie Luckenbach is an incredible designer in Asheboro, and she’s restored some [properties] with a loft feel in downtown,” Gregson says. This one-bedroom, one-bath Airbnb is perfect for couples wanting to be close to downtown.

Zoo City Den

Located only five minutes from the zoo, this two-bedroom Airbnb pays homage to the area’s top attraction with wild animal decor. Amenities include a fire pit, plus it’s within walking distance of the Cone Health ZooCity Sportsplex.

Related: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in North Carolina, According to Locals

Best Things to Do

Visit the North Carolina Zoo.

First-time visitors can’t miss a trip to the largest natural zoo habitat in the world. The park is known for its accessibility; guests can rent wheelchairs, electronic convenience vehicles, and double strollers. Walk or ride the tram across the 500-plus-acre park, from the North American side to the grasslands of Africa. The zoo is undergoing a major expansion to add Asia as the third continent, scheduled to open in 2026.

Immerse yourself in nature.

There are plenty of options for hiking in the county. The Walkers Creek portion of the Uwharrie Trail in the Uwharrie National Forest, for example, is known for its view of the Uwharrie Mountains. The Deep River State Trail, meanwhile, runs the entire length of Randolph County. It's particularly unique because it's a hybrid trail, both land and paddle based.

Shop for pottery.

Approximately 20 minutes from Asheboro, Seagrove is known as the Handmade Pottery Capital of the U.S. Seagrove Potters invites the public into their studios every day. Check opening hours before planning your visit.

Stroll along Sunset Avenue.

Come for a day of antique shopping, or wind down after a morning or afternoon on the trails at one of the many restaurants in and around Sunset Avenue. For some entertainment, enjoy a performance at the historic Sunset Theatre. RhinoLeap Productions often hosts live professional theater here and at venues throughout the county.

Feel the need for speed.

Tour the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame and stop by family-owned Cox’s Harley-Davidson for an adrenaline rush. Sometimes, lucky visitors to Petty Museum in nearby Randleman get to pose for a photo with Nascar icon Richard Petty or get an autograph.

Related: I've Lived in North Carolina My Whole Life, and These Are the Most Underrated Destinations in the State

Best Shopping

The Maker and Merchant

Located in the Randolph Mall, shoppers at The Maker and the Merchant will find local and handmade gifts and jewelry, as well as apparel from nearly 50 vendors. Pick out a pair of handmade earrings by AmberLynn or a treat from Asheboro’s legendary Nannie Mae’s Cafe & Bakery.

Carriage House Tea and Brightside Gallery

Carriage House Tea and Brightside Gallery in downtown Asheboro share a little green bungalow (across from the courthouse). One side is tea and the other features local crafts, oils, and handblown glass friendship balls. Proprietor Mary Murkin will even perform walk-in weddings on site.

Walker Shoes & Apparel

For more than 50 years, Walker Shoes & Apparel has been providing footwear for Asheboro and the Randolph County area. Formerly known for its work shoes, the store has much more to offer now. Popular brands include Ariat, Carhartt, and Timberland. In addition to sneakers, flip-flops, and boots, you'll find apparel and a section for children.

Minkology

Located downtown, Minkology specializes in home decor, women’s clothing, accessories, and soaps. Shoppers can bring in their own furniture to paint, or the team can do it for them. They also have Scoops by Mink, an in-house ice cream parlor serving frozen treats from Homeland Creamery.

Antiques & Geeks Collectibles on Sunset

This Sunset Avenue mainstay is loved by adults and children. Grown-ups appreciate the vintage Gucci bags at the highly curated shop, while kid favorites include comics and Pokemon cards.

Best Nightlife

Four Saints Brewing Company

When owner Joel McClosky first opened his brewery, local potters helped raise money for the startup. Though not specifically named in Nicholas Sparks' book, "Counting Miracles," a “local brewpub” is mentioned — and locals are pretty sure Four Saints served as the inspiration.

Leo’s Whiskey Bar

Located on North Street, Leo’s is a cozy, speakeasy-style whiskey bar, named after Leo Papas, a veteran, steel mill worker, and handyman. Old-school cocktails like Leo’s whiskey sour and Leo’s old-fashioned, along with music from the 1940s make visitors feel like they've stepped back in time.

Best Restaurants

The Table

Located on the site of a former hosiery mill, Gregson's restaurant, The Table, is a local favorite. Breakfast and lunch are served; opt for a bowl or sandwich — both popular options, as are the Anigrahams cookies and Simply Granola.

Black Powder Smokehouse

Black Powder's chef and pitmaster Keith Henning specializes in artisan smoked meats and hearty sides like gouda mac and cheese, served cafeteria-style.

The Flying Pig

This Sunset Avenue sports bar is best known for its specialty pizzas and lively atmosphere. The owners said they’d open a pizza place when liquor by the drink passed in Asheboro, laughing and claiming that would happen “when pigs fly” — hence the name. Today, the restaurant is part of the Zoo City Social District. Save room for dessert: Multiple flavors of cheesecakes rotate through the menu, and all are homemade.

Magnolia 23

“Their fried chicken is just incredible,” Gregson says about Magnolia 23, a restaurant that serves down-home cooking, including chicken and dumplings and collard greens. “I love the owner. He’s so kind, and the way he treats you is an experience and a taste of the South.”

The Taco Loco

The Taco Loco serves fresh Mexican favorites. A popular choice is the seafood cocktail, served in a goblet along with fresh avocado and crackers.

Best Time to Visit

Arguably the best time to visit Asheboro is autumn for the Fall Festival — hosted by the Randolph Arts Guild since 1952 — and pumpkin patches. Plus, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Seagrove community hosts the Pottery Festival Weekend, which includes the Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour.

How to Get There

Asheboro is about 30 minutes south of Greensboro and 1.5 hours from Raleigh. Most people drive to town, but for those who prefer to fly, the Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is about 35 miles north, while the larger, Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) is about 67 miles east.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Downtown

The downtown area around Sunset Avenue is easily walkable and offers dozens of local shops and restaurants. Part of downtown, the Zoo City Social District — set off by animal footprints in the crosswalks and a big polar bear mural — nods to the zoo. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses may be consumed in outdoor public spaces within the district.

How to Get Around

The downtown Asheboro community around Sunset Avenue is easy to navigate on foot. You'll need a car to go beyond downtown and other areas outside of that, like Seagrove and Franklinville. Rental cars are available through the local Enterprise office. Uber and Lyft are also available with limited drivers and service.