Purchasing gifts for loved ones can often be a challenge. Consider giving the gift of experiences this upcoming season. We have compiled a perfect list for all ages of experiences that are unique to our area. When you think of a gift you may think about why you’d give someone a gift, it may be to show appreciation for their friendship, it could be an item they need, or it could be an activity that makes them happy. Make memories and by trying something new with your loved ones in the Heart of N.C. from this list of family-friendly adventures.
Family-Fun for all at North Carolina Zoo – Annual Membership
More than 1,800 animals call the North Carolina Zoo home. These wild animals represent two continents, African and North America. The Sonora Desert and the tropical, free-flight Aviary invite you to warm up in their indoor habitats during chilly winter months in North Carolina. At the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, the animals have acres of room to roam, and so do you! With five miles of walking trails inside the park, nature play areas for children, a zoo animal themed carousel, and an expansive collection of art exhibits located throughout the Zoo — make sure you lace up your walking shoes for this adventure. The North Carolina Zoo is open daily, excluding Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. Start new traditions or continue old ones with your loved ones this winter season. North Carolina Zoo memberships are available by visiting NCZoo.com/joinrenew.
Thrill-seeking Fun at Kersey Valley Attractions
Kersey Valley Attractions will satisfy any adrenaline seeker on your gift list this season. Choose one or more experiences found on this 83-acre farm to check out your bucket list. Off-Broadway Entertainment Comes to the Heart of NC
RhinoLeap Productions is a professional theater production company based out of Randolph County since 2015. The production season is filled with comedy, drama, tragedy, documentaries, podcasts, and seasonal entertainment. November kicks off with An Iliad being performed at Four Saints Brewing Company — the only brewery in Randolph County. Off-Broadway entertainment continues at the 1926 restored Historic Sunset Theatre with productions of Driving Miss Daisy and Unnecessary Farce. Production subscriptions include one tickets to each RhinoLeap performance for the 202 –2022. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience these intimate productions by visiting RhinoLeap.com.
Legendary Entertainment at the Liberty Showcase Theater
Live music and world class entertainers perform in an intimate vintage movie theater in the downtown area of Liberty. Established in 1949 as The Curtis Movie Theater, this historic venue now hosts legendary artists from the music industry across several genres including bluegrass, country, and gospel. Theater owners, Dewey and Leslie Brown are also known to entertain their guests with original music written and performed by the couple. Consider the gift of music for your loved one to make memories and check off bucket list items by visiting TheLibertyShowcase.com.
Don’t Forget to Eat
Some of the fondest memories are made around the dining table. Delicious food has a way of bonding people together. Additional highlights of the entertainment and adventures mentioned above include having a meal, or two, among our extensive list of local award-wining dining establishments. From farm-to-table and tastes of comfort to pizzas made in a wood-fired oven or delicious burritos from an authentic taco stand; some of our dining options have been in business for over 75 years. Grab a drink at our brewery, wineries, and tasting room to sample beers and wines made right here in Randolph County.
For even more options of how to give the gift of experiences this season check out HeartofNorthCarolina.com for ideas and how to plan your visit with military discount offers.
The Heart of North Carolina is in the center of North Carolina, an hour and a half drive from Raleigh and Charlotte; and only two hours from Fayetteville, NC. Order a FREE Travel guide and explore the calendar of events at bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar. We look forward to your visit. Share your experience with us #theHeartofNC.
The Randolph County Tourism Development Authority operates the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization for Randolph County. Municipalities represented include Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity.