Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cary, NC to Concord, NC

Have you been planning a road trip from Cary, North Carolina to Concord, North Carolina? While the distance between the two cities is only about 140 miles, there are multiple opportunities to explore and make memories en route. The travel time of around two and a half hours can easily be extended for an unforgettable road trip experience. In this article, you'll discover five unexpected places to stop on your drive and create some unforgettable memories.

1. Harrington Village, Pinewood Forge & North Carolina Zoo - Asheboro

Asheboro is a serene city situated in the heart of North Carolina. While the North Carolina Zoo here is the main attraction, there are two other places that are worth visiting, Harrington Village and Pinewood Forge. Harrington Village is a community with historic buildings and local artisans showcasing their creativity. Pinewood Forge is a blacksmith studio owned by Nathan Robertson, where you can see his extraordinary metal-working skills. And yes, don't miss the opportunity to see fascinating wild animals at the North Carolina Zoo.

Favorite Food: The Diner at the Zoo serves great food throughout the day with sandwiches, salads, and burgers that will satisfy any appetite.

2. Lexington, the Barbecue Capital of the World

If you're a big fan of barbecue, you can't miss a stop at the Barbecue Capital of the World, Lexington. This little town on your way has a rich barbecue history, and the locals will be happy to share stories about their town. Lexington-style barbecue is a unique style that uses pork shoulder, vinegar-based red sauce, and coleslaw on the side. Experience the tastiest treat by making a stop here.

Favorite Food: Bar-B-Q Center and Smiley's Lexington Barbecue are two of the oldest and most popular restaurants in town.

3. Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour - Greensboro (Halfway Point)

As a halfway point between Cary and Concord, Greensboro is a great place to stop and delve into some local history. With the help of Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour, uncover the mysteries of Greensboro, which has many tales of Civil War and Revolutionary War heroics, ghosts, and witches. With the guide's detailed narration, Greensboro's history comes to life.

Favorite Food: Fat Dog's Grille and Pub serves an excellent range of craft beers, burgers, sandwiches, and wings.

4. Korner's Folly - Kernersville

The Korner's Folly in Kernersville is a unique and bizarre stop that you won't want to miss. It's a house of many doors, steep staircases, and narrow hallways that lead to numerous bedrooms. The Folly was built by an architect named Jule Korner, and at the time, it was considered a work of art. It has 22 rooms, an impressive fireplace, and a ballroom on the top floor.

Favorite Food: Giadas Trattoria offers the best Italian-style pizza, pasta, and salads.

5. Uwharrie National Forest - Troy

The Uwharrie National Forest in Troy is a natural delight with picturesque surroundings. The Forest is filled with streams, rivers, waterfalls, hiking trails, biking paths, and campgrounds, making it a perfect stop to unwind and recharge during your road trip. Additionally, you can enjoy wildlife, bird watching, and some fantastic scenery to make your visit even more special.

Favorite Food: The Lunch Box Cafe serves fresh and homemade food like salads, sandwiches, burgers, and hand-dipped shakes.

Conclusion

When going from Cary to Concord, you may not have expected to find so many gems on your way. The journey can be as exciting as the destination with the right stops. The five unexpected places listed above provide some memorable experiences that vary from natural sight-seeing to weirder oddities. With this variety, there's no need to embark on a cross-country adventure to take a good road trip; these five stops will provide enough fun, entertainment, and memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, take a road trip, and discover how much fun you can have between two cities.