Points of Interest between Asheboro, North Carolina to Spruce Pine, North Carolina

picture of Asheboro, North Carolina

The Ultimate Road Trip: The Top Places to See When Driving from Asheboro to Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Road trips are a timeless way to explore new places and catch up with old friends. Whether you have a day or a week, a road trip is an excellent opportunity to create new memories and discover new places that may have been lurking right under your nose. For North Carolinians or anyone who loves to explore, driving from Asheboro to Spruce Pine is a perfect road trip plan. The journey from Asheboro to Spruce Pine, North Carolina is about 130 miles and takes around 3 hours by car. Throughout the journey, you will witness some of the state's most romantic and hidden driving routes that are unique in their way. Below are some of the top places to see when driving from Asheboro, North Carolina, to Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

The Top Places to See When Driving from Asheboro, North Carolina, to Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Lexington BBQ in Lexington

Before leaving Asheboro, make a stop at the Lexington BBQ in Lexington, NC, better known as "BBQ Capital of the world." Lexington BBQ is a foodie's heaven and an excellent place to start your road trip. It's a hallowed ground where the locals have been cooking barbecue for over 70 years. As you drive by, you'll notice the restaurant's iconic neon sign that reads "Lexington BBQ" and a vintage exterior that ensures visitors get a whiff of the smoke and meat. The smoky atmosphere, combined with the restaurant's laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, will make you feel right at home. You can try their Lexington-style barbecue, which is pulled pork with ketchup-based sauce or opt for some classic southern dishes like fried catfish and hush puppies.

The Uwharrie National Forest

The Uwharrie National Forest is a 50,000-acre forest in North Carolina that offers a scenic drive alongside its expansive greenery and beautiful scenery. It's home to some of the best outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, and off-road biking trails. The forest houses the Eldorado Outpost, a unique timber and stone building built-in 1929, which serves as a visitor center and souvenir shop. As you drive through the forest's winding roads, you'll notice the exquisite trails enveloping the pines and hardwood trees and the flourishing ecosystems that are home to wild turkeys, deer, and rabbits. The forest's vastness and natural beauty characteristics make the Uwharrie National Forest the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Sweetheart Gallery is an old-fashioned artisan gallery featuring upscale pottery, jewelry, and gifts galore in Old Fort, NC. The gallery is housed in a building that once served as a train station during the 1800s. Today, visitors can see the building's preserved beauty and history while browsing the gallery's unique collections. The gallery features eclectic pottery works that can rival any art museum, including items sculpted and hand-formed into cups, plates, and vases. Sweetheart Gallery is not just a place to buy souvenirs and gifts; it's also an excellent place to learn more about North Carolina's art, culture and history.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell State Park is a majestic place with an altitude of 6,684 feet and located in the Pisgah National Forest. The park features the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell. Visitors can reach the mountaintop via a winding road that affords a birds-eye view of the surrounding forests and mountains' rolling hills. The top is a bit chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket, even during summer. The park offers some fantastic picnic areas, picnic tables, and lookout towers that visitors can use to enjoy the panoramic and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Emerald Village in Little Switzerland

The Emerald Village in Little Switzerland is a true hidden gem that many visitors overlook. It's home to real gemstone mines, and it's a stunning experience to mine your gems. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and learn about the mine's history. The guide will teach you how to mine gemstones in the underground tunnels and how to identify precious minerals. Once you're done underground, grab a bucket and start unearthing an array of minerals, including garnets and emeralds, to take home as a unique souvenir.

Conclusion

Traveling from Asheboro to Spruce Pine is an experience that is not to be missed. The journey is a fantastic opportunity to discover new places, explore new culture, and witness some of the best-hidden gems that North Carolina has to offer. From the elegant Uwharrie National Forest to the emerald mines of Little Switzerland, there is no shortage of things to see and do in North Carolina. So, the next time you're planning a road trip, forget the GPS, grab a map and explore the beauty that lies within Asheboro and Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Happy travels!