The Scenic NC-42 Route That Leads To 6 Interesting Stops From Food To A Historic Park And A Thrift Store
When your inner explorer calls out for a scenic country road trip, the primarily rural North Carolina Highway 42 is the way to go. Beginning at Interstates 73 and 74, and U.S. Highway 220 in Asheboro, this off-the-grid route runs southeast toward Sanford, connecting several cities and towns along the way throughout the central and eastern parts of the state, ending for us in Wilson. This 122-mile road trip takes about three hours, one way, beginning with a yummy breakfast in Asheboro. And if you feel the desire, take some side trips along the way. Let’s get started.
Follow the map to explore some interesting destinations.
Start with breakfast, which begins here every morning at 6 a.m. except on Sundays, in this kid-friendly restaurant.
42 Diner, 191 NC-42, Asheboro, NC 27203, USA
Walk off some of those calories and take the approximately 45-minute drive to this rustic park. It features an authentic reproduction of the mill, completed in 1979. The original one was built in 1850 and washed away in a flood in 1928.
Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330, USA
The land, buildings, and other historic structures were donated to the park in 2000, including this 140-foot, very cool covered bridge.
Visitors are welcome to explore the interesting items every day from sunup to sundown.
Just south of Raleigh, the family-owned business provides only the freshest homegrown seasonal produce and delicious ice cream.
Porter Farms & Nursery Farm Market, 3525 NC-42, Willow Spring, NC 27592, USA
Do some shopping for fresh fruits, herbs, veggies, and plants.
About 20 minutes away, peruse the aisles in this awesome thrift store.
Collected Treasures, 5533 NC-42, Garner, NC 27529, USA
Every day new inventory is displayed.
Which is the best scent for you?
It's time for lunch, and right down the road is soon to be your favorite Italian restaurant.
Divano's Pizzeria, 5131 NC-42 # 200, Garner, NC 27529, USA
It comes with a side salad.
This chicken parmesan stromboli with a crunchy crust is scrumptious.
And if you couldn't find what you were looking for at Porter Farms and Nursery, give this market a try.
One of these homemade and hearty chicken pot pies should do the trick.
Deans Farm Market, 7732 4231, 4231 NC-42, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
If you would like to continue your journey, take NC-42 until it ends. The road continues from Wilson for a couple more hours until reaching NC-45 in Colerain where the highway ends. And if you’re up for more, check out seven more road trips in North Carolina.
Address: 42 Diner, 191 NC-42, Asheboro, NC 27203, USA
Address: Porter Farms & Nursery Farm Market, 3525 NC-42, Willow Spring, NC 27592, USA
Address: Deans Farm Market, 7732 4231, 4231 NC-42, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Address: Divano's Pizzeria, 5131 NC-42 # 200, Garner, NC 27529, USA
Address: Collected Treasures, 5533 NC-42, Garner, NC 27529, USA
Address: Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330, USA
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