When you think of the US, you often think of famous cities such as New York and Hollywood. But the US is vast. Here are the five awesome day trips worth driving for while venturing around North Carolina.
Mount Airy & Pilot Mountain, Mount Airy, NC
If you’ve ever heard of the Andy Griffith show, then chances are you’ve heard of Mayberry and Mount Airy. Mount Airy is the town that Mayberry was fashioned after. The town is also where Andy Griffith grew up, and it contains perhaps the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. It is also home to more than 24 wineries. Nearby, you will also find Pilot Mountain, which is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains. Admission to Pilot Mountain is free, with an elevation of nearly 2,500 feet. Other fun things to do in Mount Airy include: squad car tours, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, Mayberry Mules & Wagon rides, Mount Airy bike Rentals, ziplines and canopy tours, motorcycle rides and history museums.
Asheboro Zoo, Asheboro, NC
With around 500 acres of zoo exhibits, Asheboro Zoo is North Carolina’s premier zoo where children and adults can come face to face with animals, learn about wildlife from different continents and also take in the picturesque scenery of the Uwharrie Mountains nearby. Children under 2 years of age are admitted for free, while other admission prices range up to $14. The zoo can be a good place to visit on a date.
North Carolina Aviation Museum, Asheboro, NC
Located in Asheboro, you could make this day trip part of the zoo trip, listed above. Initially opened in 1994 by local Asheboro businessman and aviation enthusiast, Jim Peddycord, the North Carolina Aviation Museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of aviation awareness. Guided and non-guided tours are available throughout the year to people of all ages. Admission ranges up to $8 for adults, while kids under the age of 5 are admitted for free.
Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly, NC and Country Doctor Museum, Bailey, NC
Founded in 1983 by a group of local families who took pride in their past and wanted to preserve part of Eastern North Carolina’s rich history, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum features a turn-of-the-century homestead, including a restored house and detached kitchen, smokehouse, log tobacco barn and outhouse. Admission ranges up to $8 for adults, while kids under the age of 2 can get in for free. This day trip out to the Tobacco Farm Life Museum wouldn’t be complete without stopping in at the Country Doctor Museum, located in Bailey, NC and established in 1967. There, the 45-60 minute guided tours run every hour, on the hour. Visitors can expect to learn about the history of rural health care in the United States. It should be noted that the Country Doctor Museum is the oldest museum in the United States, dedicated to the history of America’s rural health care. Admission ranges up to $5 for adults.