Embrace Fall in Randolph County: Family Fun Awaits!
Make Your Way to Asheboro, Randleman, Seagrove, And Points Between
From scenic orchards to immersive zoo experiences, fall in the Heart of NC in Randolph County offers a little something for every family. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are four must-visit daytime spots that showcase the best of what this charming area has to offer in the fall season.
Sponsored by Randolph County Tourism
Corn maze at Kersey Valley Maize Adventures | Archdale
There’s no better time to than autumn to check Kersey Valley Attractions off your day trip bucket list. Tickets to the Kersey Valley Maize Adventures include access to gem mining, wagon rides, ziplines, and bungee trampolines. Conquer the climbing rock wall, wander through the treehouse village, and go full speed on pedal carts — every year brings new activities. After finding your perfect gourd in the pumpkin patch, end your visit with fresh apple cider donuts pulled straight from the oven.
Millstone Creek Orchards
Our next stop for fall in the heart of NC provides even more fun to sink your teeth into. Millstone Creek Orchards is a delightful experience, especially during harvest season. In addition to picking your own apples, pumpkins, and pecans, you can observe apple cider pressing demonstrations, barn quilt painting classes, and catch-and-release fishing sessions.
NC Zoo
No trip to Randolph County would be complete without a visit to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. Spread over 2,805 acres, the zoo offers an incredible variety of habitats and experiences – certainly enough to take up an entire day on your trip to Randolph County. From the Watani Grasslands in Africa to the North American Arctic, the zoo’s immersive habitats allow you to explore the world’s wildlife without leaving the Tar Heel state.
Plan your fall in the heart of NC visit around the annual BOO at the NC Zoo, taking place from 9 AM to 3 PM on October 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th this year. Go trick-or-treating throughout the African continent immersive habitats and enter your kids in the costume contest at the Africa Amphitheatre – admission is only $10 for non-members!
Deep River State Trail
Travel to Randleman’s Deep River State Trail for a majestic fall foliage hike. Walkers, anglers, and picnickers can explore the graveled riverfront pathways, bridges, and paddling access points. The hike is a perfect opportunity to experience solitude or down-time between more thrilling activities.
Selections from Crystal King Pottery on the Potters' Pumpkin Patch Trail | Seagrove
Halloween Happenings and Adult Fun in Randolph County
Seagrove Pottery
Seagrove – known as the Pottery Capital of the World – hosts the annual Potters’ Pumpkin Patch Trail during Saturdays in October. Stop by Thomas Pottery, Blue Hen Pottery, Seagrove Stoneware, and more to peruse a wide selection of ceramic pumpkins, autumn-scented candles, and festive decor that would make Pottery Barn blush.
Archdale and Kersey Valley
Return to Archdale at dusk to experience NC’s ultimate Halloween destination of 40+ years: Kersey Valley SpookyWoods. When we last spoke with owner Tony Wohlgemuth in springtime, he narrated the wild saga of constructing a blood-curdling tram ride through horrifying farm scenes in fall in the heart of NC. His newest haunted attraction – “No Vacancy” – is set to open in late September. Enjoy a spooky DJ set, cocktails at the Endora’s Brew pub, and electrifying Midway amusements.
Asheboro Ghost Walk
For haunted excursions that are as informative as they are entertaining, book a Historic Downtown Asheboro Ghost Walk (Tuesdays from October 1-22) or GhostRide (October 29). The guided tour weaves tales of local legends and ghostly encounters, and for a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Ghost Ride trolley tour. The stories are fascinating without being too frightening, making it a highlight for families with older kids who love a good ghost story.
Halloween not your favorite holiday? Find a more subdued evening at The Liberty Showcase Theater, a historic venue offering live country, bluegrass, and Indie rock music on Saturdays. Book one of six indoor golf simulator bays in advance at Holly Ridge Golf Links and enjoy cold beers, delicious bar food, and live music.
Hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven apple cider donuts; cider-pressing demonstration at Millstone Creek Orchards | Ramseur
A Fall Food Tour of Randolph County
Chat & Chew Cafe
Get ready for a day of Randolph County adventures when you order a pumpkin coffee flight or caramel apple dumpling macchiato at the Chat & Chew Cafe. No one will judge you if you feel compelled to purchase a variety of pastries to “take home” – the home-made pumpkin crunch cake, pretzel scones, and generously-topped caramel apples are impossible to resist!
Apple Cider Donuts and Hand-Dipped Ice Cream
Millstone Creek Orchards – one of the few licensed non-pasteurized cider mills remaining in NC – is a must-visit destination on your fall food tour of Randolph County. Savor apple cider donuts and pumpkin rolls from Granny’s Kitchen, and slurp down the signature apple cider ice cream float from Sweet Retreat Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Shop.
As of August 24, visitors can nosh on kielbasa pretzel skewers and sign up for paint and sip classes at The Cider House, Millstone Creek’s newest addition. For a romantic foodie date, book a luxury picnic package, which includes a scenic hayride, table games, and add-ons like apple cider slushies and provisions from the next destination on our list.
Pumpkin-spice chocolate chip cheesecake at Black Lantern | Asheboro
Black Lantern Team Room
The Black Lantern Tea Room & Bakery – Choose from 35+ varieties of tea paired with to-die-for pastries. We’re taking home a canister each of apple cinnamon, creme brulee, and pumpkin spice tea. Our #1 draft picks for the perfect fall flight include the Brabant Belgian caramel quadrupel, the Pumpkin Belgian ale, and the Festbier German-style Oktoberfest lager at Four Saints Brewing Company.
The Table and The Flying Pig
The Table – How about a foodie version of “This or That?” Do you prefer a caramel apple or pumpkin spice latte? Salted caramel apple cake or pumpkin oatmeal bake? Maple custard pie or pumpkin chocolate chip muffins? Everyone’s a winner in this game! Seat yourself and hold on tight at The Flying Pig, where the pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin bourbon milkshake are poised to give your tastebuds the ride of a lifetime. You won't forget these flavors from your fall in the heart of NC visit.
Tacos and Whiskey
Good news, outdoor patio seekers! We found the best cocktails for fall in the heart of NC at Taco Loco. Sip a spiced apple margarita, tamarind/apple soda, or pumpkin martini at this beloved cantina. Let the whiskey-based cocktails at Leo’s Whiskey Bar send you into a peaceful slumber after a day of thrill-seeking and foodie indulgence. We’re still having sweet dreams about the Apple Butter Me Up, made with Jack Daniels, apple butter, ginger ale and cinnamon.
Meet Richard Petty at the NASCAR Day Festival | Randleman
Stay in Randolph County During These Fall in the Heart of NC Festivals
You know you’ve found yourself in a hidden gem small town when there’s a giant community event nearly every weekend! Here are some of the fall in the heart of NC festivals we’re most looking forward to this autumn.
Liberty Antiques Festival
When: September 27-28, 8 AM to 4 PM
Where: Pike Family Farm, Staley, NC
Details: Dig through the past to find today's treasures amongst 18th to 20th-century furniture, accessories, pottery, glass, clocks, dolls, toys, folk art, and more Americana-themed treasures.
Learn more about the Liberty Antiques Festival and other great antique-hunting destinations in NC and SC
American Craft Week
When: October 5-13, 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: Various galleries, NC-705, Seagrove, NC
Details: Go behind the scenes on a self-guided tour of 50+ working studios in the Handmade Pottery Capital of the U.S. Observe demonstrations of wheel throwing, and visit kiln openings and much more.
Learn more about American Craft Week and another great arts destination in the Carolinas
NASCAR Day Festival
When: October 5, 9 AM to 6 PM
Where: Commerce Square, Randleman, NC
Details: Nosh on delicious BBQ, purchase handmade crafts, peruse racing memorabilia, and compete in the Corn Hole Championship. Three stages of entertainment will keep the energy high while Richard Petty signs autographs from 4-5 PM.
Learn more about the NASCAR Day Festival
Bush Hill Hometown Jamboree
When: October 12, 12-6 PM
Where: 101 Bonnie Place, Archdale, NC
Details: A family-fun tradition for 38 years, every fall in the heart of NC – enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, stilt walkers, face painting, caricatures, a hot dog eating contest, and more!
Learn more about the Bush Hill Hometown Jamboree
Decorative pieces from Thomas Pottery’s Festival of Leaves | Seagrove
Festival of Leaves
When: October 19, 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: Thomas Pottery, Seagrove, NC
Details: Stop by for gift-giving ideas and or a few pieces of bakeware to prepare for fall baking. Enjoy fall decorations, tour the studio, and shop while enjoying refreshments in a relaxing and festive atmosphere.
Learn more about the Festival of Leaves in Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of North Carolina.
No matter your fall in the heart of NC itinerary, Randolph County offers a spread of charming accommodations for all types of travelers. For a unique experience, the Seagrove Stoneware Inn is an ideal base for exploring local pottery shops and studios. Owned and operated by local potters, this Seagrove B&B offers beautifully appointed rooms with handcrafted pottery touches.
If you’re seeking a rustic fall in the heart of NC retreat, Asheboro Getaway Cabins provide the perfect escape into nature. These cabins offer a peaceful woodsy setting with modern amenities. With hiking trails, the NC Zoo, and outdoor activities nearby, it’s a nature and animal lover’s paradise.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Campground Resort in Asheboro is a fall family adventure in its own right. Offering everything from tent camping to cozy cabins, this campground is packed with activities, including a BoulderDash inflatable obstacle course.
