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Asheboro was named for Samuel Ashe, governor of North Carolina in the 1790s, and became the seat of Randolph County in 1796. For most of the 1800s it was a small courthouse village of fewer than 200 people, busy mainly when court was in session. The railroad arrived in 1889, hosiery mills followed in the early 1900s, and the town grew into a manufacturing center set among the low, rolling Uwharrie Mountains.
Asheboro's biggest draw today is the North Carolina Zoo, which opened in 1974 and is one of the largest natural-habitat zoos in the world, with African and North American regions linked by miles of wooded trails. Downtown's Sunset Avenue, named a Great Main Street by state planners, has been revitalized with shops, murals and restaurants, and summer evenings bring Asheboro Copperheads baseball.
The countryside around the city is full of things to explore: the potteries of Seagrove are just to the south, Uwharrie National Forest offers hiking and lakes, and the historic Pisgah Covered Bridge is one of only two remaining in North Carolina.
The world's largest natural-habitat zoo covers about 2,600 acres on Purgatory Mountain south of Asheboro, with about five miles of paths through its Africa and North America regions, home to elephants, gorillas, polar bears and more. Wear walking shoes, use the trams between regions and plan most of a day.
Housed in hangars at Asheboro Regional Airport, this museum displays restored military aircraft from World War II through the Vietnam era, along with uniforms, engines and memorabilia. Volunteers, many of them veterans, share stories. It is open on set days only, so check hours before driving out.
Located in Level Cross near Randleman, north of Asheboro, where the Petty family raced for generations, this museum displays race cars, trophies and memorabilia from NASCAR's King, Richard Petty. Fans can also see the family's racing history. Allow about an hour, and check opening days before visiting.
Asheboro's compact downtown along Sunset Avenue has early 1900s buildings, murals, local restaurants, cafes, antique shops and galleries, plus a public plaza used for concerts and festivals. It is a relaxed stop after the zoo. Free parking is available in lots and on the street.
A restored 1930 movie palace on Sunset Avenue in downtown Asheboro, owned by the city and used for classic movie screenings, concerts, plays and community events. Its Art Deco details and marquee are a downtown landmark. Check the event calendar; classic film nights are inexpensive and family friendly.
A city park on Asheboro's west side whose historic ballpark is home of the Asheboro ZooKeepers summer collegiate baseball team in the Coastal Plain League. The park also has picnic areas and walking space. Games are affordable and friendly, with promotions for families; the season runs through the summer.
The Seagrove area, about 12 miles south of Asheboro, is home to dozens of working pottery studios carrying on a tradition dating to the 1700s. Visitors can watch potters at the wheel and buy pieces directly. Start at the North Carolina Pottery Center for a map, as studios are spread along country roads.
A protected wilderness area in the northern part of the Uwharrie National Forest, west of Asheboro, with quiet trails through hardwood forest, old homesites and low ridges. There are no facilities and no motor vehicles, so it feels remote. Carry water and a map, and follow leave-no-trace rules.
One of only two historic covered bridges left in North Carolina, this short wooden bridge built around 1910 crosses the West Fork of the Little River southwest of Asheboro. It was rebuilt after a flood in 2003 using much of the original timber. A short nature trail loops along the creek nearby.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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