The City of Asheboro North Carolina

Zoo City’s Got Range: Elephants, Craft Beer, and Friday Night Football

There’s something special about driving into Asheboro – like you’ve just stepped into real-life Friday Night Lights. This quintessential Southern city is the kind of place where neighbors wave from their front porch, where the local coffee shop knows your order, and where “come as you are” is a way of life.
Located in the heart of North Carolina, just about halfway between Raleigh and Charlotte, the City of Asheboro is only a short drive into Greensboro or High Point. It’s easy to get to from I-74 or Highway 220 and perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip.
Recognized in 2016 as an All-America City by the National Civic League, Asheboro combines a cozy hometown spirit with lots of exciting things to see and do. What began as a 50-acre tract of land in the 1780s is now a thriving community of 25,000 residents, and a mecca for small business owners.

Annual Asheboro Fall Festival in Downtown Asheboro

A Downtown That's Come Alive

Stroll around Sunset Avenue and Fayetteville Street on any given weekend and you'll see a picture-perfect depiction of revitalized. Asheboro’s downtown retail district is thriving with locally owned restaurants, breweries, bakeries, and shops. Sunset Avenue's recognition as a “Great Main Street” by Great Places in North Carolina is completely deserved. Need a guide? Download our handy Downtown Asheboro Walking Map!

For daytime eats, pop into The Table for a farm-to-table brunch that will make you dance in your seat (yes, seriously). More in the mood for fried chicken (or catfish!)? Check out Magnolia 23, voted Best Place to Eat in NC by Parade Magazine. Craving something different? Find authentic Mexican flavors at Taco Loco Cantina, or freshly made sandwiches and soups at Blakes Half Baked.

Or, for your evening out, try traditional Italian cuisine at Positano Italian Restaurant (have you seen the tiramisu?!). Hamilton's Steakhouse will make a regular Tuesday night feel like a special occasion, and the folks at Full Moon Oyster Bar will shuck fresh oysters tableside. If you’re looking for a funky take on bar eats, try the Pig Squealing Nachos at The Flying Pig Food & Spirits.

Even after all that food, you might find yourself saying “I need a little something sweet.” Central Bakery and Nannie Mae's are beloved local institutions that’ll bring back memories of your nana’s kitchen. Or head over to The Black Lantern Tea Room & Bakery for custom tea blends and amazing desserts.

Craft brews more your style? Four Saints Brewing Company, voted 10th Best Brewery in NC by Southern Living, is beer made by beer lovers. Or head to Lumina Wine & Beer for Sunday Funday and live music. They’ll have a seat waiting for you. Find a cozy film noir atmosphere and craft cocktails at The Pharmacy.

Working off all those calories is pretty easy, too. Meander through local shops to find art, home décor, and gifts. You’ll find artwork from local talent at the Morings Art Center & Randolph Arts Guild Shop and Brightside Gallery. And don’t miss spending an hour (or three) at the Collector's Antique Mall. Trust us, it’ll bring back memories you’d long forgotten.

Bicentennial Park, right in the heart of downtown, hosts everything from summer concert series to seasonal festivals. Bring a blanket, grab some takeout, and just relax.

THINGS TO DO IN ASHEBORO

North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens

American Classic Motorcycle Museum

North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame

Bicentennial Park

McCrary Park

Tot Hill Farm Golf Club

Asheboro Country Club

Zoo City Social District

Cone Health Zoo City Sportsplex

Did You Know?

Asheboro was the inspiration for Nicholas Sparks’ recent novel, Counting Miracles. Learn more about how the author built his story around the “perfect setting” of Asheboro.

Beyond Downtown: Adventures Await

Also known as “Zoo City,” Asheboro is home to the North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The North Carolina Zoo is committed to protecting wildlife and wild places with one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. Spend a day with elephants, gorillas, polar bear and butterflies. You can even camp out overnight with the North Carolina Zoo’s Snorin’ Safaris. Season passes mean you can visit anytime, and there are plenty of seasonal events to keep you coming back! Plus, opening soon, a 12.5-acre Asia expansion will feature endangered species like tigers, Komodo dragons, and Visayan warty pigs that you won’t want to miss!

All you wild hogs out there will love the American Classic Motorcycle Museum, home to one of the nation’s largest private collections of Harley Davidson® motorcycles. Military history buffs shouldn’t miss the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, where North Carolina’s rich aviation legacy comes to life with artifacts dating back to WWI.

Nature calling? The Uwharrie National Forest is right here… with hiking trails, camping, and the kind of quiet you can't find in the city. And don’t miss the historic Pisgah Covered Bridge for the perfect Insta opp.

For you sports enthusiasts, the Cone Health Zoo City Sportsplex should be on your list. With 80 acres of beach volleyball courts, pickleball courts, an inclusive playground, walking trails, and more, the newly opened Sportsplex is a must-visit locale!

LIVE AND WORK IN ASHEBORO

City incorporated in 1796

Population: Approx 25,000

Median income: $51,500

Median home price: $172,000

Average commute time: 20 minutes

Asheboro City Schools:
5 elementary schools
2 middle schools
1 high school

Randolph County Community College

Randolph County Economic Development Corporation

NC Works

Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce

Did You Know?

Randolph County is the #1 producer of beef cattle in the state of NC. Learn more about Randolph County’s thriving agriculture industry at the Randolph County Agricultural Center.

Community and Team Spirit

On Friday nights in fall, the football stadium lights go up at Asheboro High School, and the community comes together to watch their Blue Comets. Parents, students, and folks who graduated decades ago bleed royal blue and white. It’s small-town America come to life.

In spring and summer, catch the Asheboro ZooKeepers at McCrary Park for affordable, family-friendly collegiate-level baseball. Golf enthusiasts can challenge themselves at premier courses like the fully restored Tot Hill Farm Golf Club or the newly redesigned Asheboro Country Club.

The Feeling of Home

What makes Asheboro special is more than the attractions or the downtown rebirth. It’s the feeling that you’re welcome from day one. Strangers become new friends, just like that. Homes with a nice-sized yard are affordable, and the commute is easy.

Three major airports are not too far away, and there are plenty of accommodation options from Choice, IHG, Marriott and Hilton properties, plus a new boutique hotel coming to downtown Asheboro in 2026. Or, if you’re looking for unique camp-style overnight experiences, check out Postcard Cabins or Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park^TM Campground.

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a weekend getaway, searching for your next adventure, or wondering if it’s time for a change of pace. Asheboro invites you to come as you are. Come on over, pull up a chair, and stay awhile.