The city of Asheboro is best known for being home to the North Carolina Zoo, but there are plenty of other reasons to plan a visit here. Located in the “heart of North Carolina” with a population of about 28,000, Asheboro feels like a small town, especially its historic downtown district, which was named a North Carolina Main Street Community in 2020. The walkable area is filled with shops and restaurants and serves as a gathering place for city-wide events like outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals.
Asheboro is about an hour away from Durham and 30 minutes outside of Greensboro, making it an easy destination for a weekend getaway or day trip. Follow our guide for the best things to do and prepare to be surprised by this charming city.
Enjoy The Outdoors
Bicentennial Park
Located in downtown Asheboro, this acre of green space is a pleasant space to stroll and picnic, and where many public events are held, like an annual summer concert series.
Lake Lucas Park
Spend some time on the water at a picturesque lake set in a 283-acre park. Fishing fans come here to reel in bass—there is a pier and a bait shop, and jon boats are available to rent. Or if you prefer to paddle around in a canoe or kayak, you can rent both here as well. Off the water, the park has a playground, walking trail, and picnic areas, so you can make a day of it.
Uwharrie National Forest
North Carolina has four national forests, including this protected swath of 51,000 acres. If you’re craving a walk in the woods, there is the 20-mile Uwharrie National Recreation Trail (UNRT), which passes along rivers, streams, ancient rock formations, and the remains of old gold mines. The footpath can be hiked in sections through several access points. If you’d rather explore via a boat, canoe, or jet ski, or just take a dip, check out Baldin Lake. Campgrounds are scattered throughout the forest; many of which have picnic areas, boat ramps, and fishing spots.
Experience The City’s Cultural Side
Sunset Theatre
Sunset Theatre
A local landmark, this historic performing arts space hosts concerts, plays, lectures, and movies. Opened in 1930, it was originally built as a movie house, and showed films until the 1980s. After changing hands a few times, the city of Asheboro bought the theatre 2005 and made extensive improvements and repairs, turning it into the cultural center it is today.
The Randolph Arts Guild
Since 1970, The Randolph Arts Guild has fostered creativity and expression in Asheboro and the surrounding area. The organization’s building, located downtown, is home to exhibition spaces; the Sara Smith Self Gallery, which shows work from local, national, and international visual artists; as well as The Morings Craft Store, where you can buy handmade items by area makers. There are also regular workshops and classes where you can learn a new skill, like making pottery or woodworking.
Must-See Attractions
North Carolina Zoo
Getty Images White Rhinoceroses at the North Carolina Zoo
The state’s official zoo is also the largest natural habitat (wide open spaces) zoo in the world—2,800 acres in total. Wildlife conservation is the focus here, both locally and globally. The Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center rehabilitates native North Carolina animals so they can return to the wild. Many critically endangered animals, like the African pancake tortoise and American red wolves live here to keep their populations growing. You’ll see habitats for North America, Africa, and the desert; gardens; hiking trails; and attractions like a carousel and a ropes course.
North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame
Fans of all things flight-related will love exploring military and civilian aircraft at this 20,000 square foot museum. In addition to planes, you’ll find displays of military vehicles, gear, and memorabilia.
Pisgah Covered Bridge
HeartofNorthCarolina.com
There are only two original covered bridges remaining in North Carolina and one of them is in Asheboro. Designated a historic landmark, the Pisgah Covered Bridge dates back to 1911, when people traveled by horse and wagon. The 54-foot structure was reconstructed (mainly with recovered materials) after it was destroyed by a flood in 2003. You can walk through the bridge and enjoy the peaceful banks of the Little River, which flows beneath it.
Shops Worth A Stop
Antique Stores
If you love unearthing vintage treasures, Asheboro has an array of antique stores and flea markets. Collector’s Antique Mall has about 100 vendors selling everything from furniture to jewelry in a huge downtown space. The three-story Antiques & Geeks Collectibles on Sunset has a little bit of everything with its mix of housewares, trading cards and toys, clothing, and more. Over at Flea Marketeers, you’ll find a wide selection of guitars as well as records, jewelry, and items for the home.
G’s General Goods
Shop for old-timey candy, sodas in glass bottles, local preserves, and more nostalgic finds in this modern-day general store.
Clothing Boutiques
Downtown Asheboro is peppered with independently-owned clothing stores. Poppy and Peony Boutique stocks flowy dresses, graphic t-shirts and caps, jewelry, and more. Little Mustard Seed sells clothing in colorful and fun prints as well as accessories. Refresh Resale is a consignment shop for women, men, and children.
