Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charlotte to Raleigh

Charlotte and Raleigh are two of North Carolina's most vibrant cities, each bustling with culture, history, and delicious Southern cuisine. Taking a road trip between these two cities is a great way to explore the state's hidden gems, and there are many amazing stops on the way that visitors might not expect. It takes about two and a half hours to travel the 170-mile distance between Charlotte and Raleigh, depending on traffic and speed limits. Here’s a list of the top five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Charlotte to Raleigh, with unique attractions, local foods, and beautiful scenery.

High Point, NC – Halfway Point

High Point, North Carolina, is a great halfway point to stop and stretch your legs. This small town is known as the Furniture Capital of the World, thanks to its history of furniture manufacturing since the early 1900s. Visitors can learn about the industry at the High Point Museum, where they have a dedicated exhibit on furniture history from the early 20th century. The museum also features several other exhibits related to the town's history, including the civil rights movement and the pottery industry.

Best food in High Point: No visit to High Point is complete without trying Lexington-style barbecue. Stop at Carter Brothers Barbecue, a local favorite for over 70 years. The restaurant smokes its meat with hickory wood for up to 14 hours, and their pulled pork sandwich is a must-try.

1. Asheboro, NC – North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro is about an hour’s drive from High Point, and it’s home to the North Carolina Zoo. This zoo is one of the largest in the world, with over 2,000 animals and 500 acres of land. Visitors can see African elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees at the “Africa” exhibit, or observe polar bears, seals, and sea lions at the “Arctic” exhibit. It offers several tours designed for different age groups and educations levels.

Best food in Asheboro: For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. Their sizzling fajitas and homemade guacamole are crowd-pleasers.

2. Seagrove, NC – Pottery Galleries

Just a few miles south of Asheboro, visitors will find Seagrove, which is famous for its pottery. The town is home to over 80 potters, making it the largest community of potters in the United States. Visitors can see artists at work and purchase handmade pottery at several galleries throughout town.

Best food in Seagrove: Try the famous Southern-style chicken and dumplings at Seagrove Family Restaurant, a cozy local eatery that's been serving up classic comfort foods since 1989.

3. Wilson, NC – Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

A few miles south of Raleigh is the quaint town of Wilson, which is home to Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. This unique park showcases the work of Vollis Simpson, an artist who creates large, colorful metal sculptures called whirligigs. The park features a collection of 31 whirligigs, some of which are over 50 feet tall. It’s a great place to stop and admire the whimsical artwork, and it’s free to visit.

Best food in Wilson: Head to Parker’s Barbecue for North Carolina-style barbecue. Their BBQ sandwich is topped with a tangy vinegar-based sauce and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw on the side.

4. Zebulon, NC – Carolina Mudcats Baseball Game

Baseball fans will love the opportunity to stop in the town of Zebulon, home of the Carolina Mudcats minor league baseball team. The team plays at a beautiful stadium called Five County Stadium, which seats over 6,500 spectators and offers great views of the surrounding area. Visitors can catch a game during baseball season and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Best food in Zebulon: Fans can enjoy classic stadium food like hot dogs, popcorn, and soft pretzels at the stadium, but for something a little different, head to Los Tres Mexican Restaurant for their famous al pastor tacos.

The road trip from Charlotte to Raleigh is full of surprises and unexpected experiences. From pottery galleries to baseball games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore some of North Carolina’s hidden gems on your next road trip.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, gas up your car, and hit the road to Charlotte. Make sure to utilize our guide so that you can discover North Carolina's enchanting side while traveling!