Randolph County, North Carolina

 On April 20, I visited Randolph County, just a little over an hour from home. I didn't get to see everything I wanted to, but I really enjoyed my visit! It helped that it was a lovely spring day, weather-wise.

Randolph County was formed in 1779, and named for Peyton Randolph, who served as president of the First Continental Congress. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited Siouan Native Americans.

Since it was a beautiful Saturday morning in April, I decided to start my day trip at the North Carolina Zoo in the county seat of Asheboro. I'd been to the NC Zoo before, so I didn't do any research before arriving (other than checking on opening time and looking at the weather forecast). It was fun being spontaneous, but a little more pre-trip research might've been good. I still had a fun time, and would recommend it! It costs $15 to get in (a good deal, in my book), and parking is free. I enjoyed exploring the North America and Africa areas, and look forward to the Asia area opening (ETA 2026). My advice--get there early! I arrived about 10am, and the wait at the Ticket Office was short. On my way out around midday, the line was maybe a football-field long! Whoa! 

I could've spent all day at the North Carolina Zoo, but I wanted to see more of the county! Next on my list was the Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro. It was closed, being Saturday, but it was nice to find. Afterward, I decided to find a local place for lunch. I found a parking spot in downtown Asheboro, and stumbled upon The Flying Pig. I enjoyed a Turkey Reuben sandwich with a side of broccoli slaw before heading on. It was a nice stop, and I'd return!

My next stop was the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove. Seagrove is a quaint small town, known for the many potteries in the area. The two-lane roads in the area are spotted with local potteries, so charming! The North Carolina Pottery Center was an excellent stop, part-visitor-center, part-museum, part-store.

After leaving the Pottery Center, I found a geocache nearby, a fun way to end my day in Randolph County. I gave a nod to the lovely Pisgah Covered Bridge, near Asheboro, one of two remaining covered bridges in the whole state! I didn't visit that day, but George and I had a fun time finding it during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'd recommend checking

it out, if you're in the area!

Famous people from Randolph County include Richard, Lee, Adam and Kyle Petty of NASCAR fame, Braxton Craven (second president of Duke University), and author and current resident Jerry Bledsoe.

The rest of my Randolph County photos are on Flickr, and can be viewed here.