I left home around 645am for a peaceful ride to Asheboro, NC. I was en route to join The Heart of NC for their 2023 See For Yourself Fam Tour. What an eventful day! I'm grateful for the invitation.

1st stop

It started with breakfast & introductions at The North Carolina Zoo's Stedman Education Building. We listened to the director speak about zoo expansions & what's to come. A brief walk through the North America side of the zoo followed. The outside temperature was perfect for it!

In 2026, a new 10-acre Asia Continent will be opening. It's currently under construction. There will be animals like Komodo dragons, tigers, Asian small-clawed otters, king cobras, and more. An overhead tiger walk & a 300-seat indoor Café that overlooks the tiger's habitat will also be included. In no way am I rushing time, but I can't wait to experience this with my daughters! 

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

800-488-0444

https://www.nczoo.org

2nd Stop

Linbrook Heritage Estate. A beautiful, privately-owned home built by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Neal. It's one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. Our tour was led by the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neal.

Linbrook Hall (the estates center) is 36,000 square feet, with four full floors and five event spaces. There are over 60 rooms, with 18th century architectural details throughout the home. I'm always fascinated by architecture & this place did not disappoint.

While many events are already hosted here (weddings, teas, private concerts, formal dinners, etc.), plans are underway to open the doors in new ways. During our tour, we brainstormed & shared a few ideas.

I hope to add an additional visit to my agenda for the year. My girls will love it for sure!

5297 Snyder Country Rd.
Trinity, NC 27370

336-861-6959

https://www.linbrookheritageestate.com

(It's crooked but you still get a glimpse of this enormous space.)

3rd Stop

Holly Ridge Golf Links. Equipped with 6 golf simulators/game facility, a bar & grill, & an 18-hole golf course. I tried an archery game, but it took me a minute to figure out my finger placement (Thanks Crystal!). LOL! I didn't make it to the zombie game, but it's on the next time around. Our visit was a good time.

Holly Ridge also hosted us for lunch with a full taco bar. The food was excellent!

You can book Holly Ridge for weddings, register for their golf academy, and see a listing of all 2023 events on the website.

5507 Snyder Country Rd.
Trinity, NC 27370

336-861-6959

https://hollyridgegolflinks.com/

4th stop

Creekside Park of Archdale. A community park that keeps getting better. There are ball/t-ball fields, two playgrounds, lighted sand volleyball courts, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, a dog park, rental shelters, asphalt walking trails (3 miles), tennis courts, and the list goes on. Those who oversee Creekside clearly take pride in the areas growth. It was nice strolling the grounds & checking out the facility.

214 Park Dr,

Archdale, NC 27263

336-434-7315

https://www.archdale-nc.gov/157/Parks-Recreation

5th stop

Kersey Valley. An adventure park with activities like axe throwing, zip lines, laser tag, and a lot more. I used to visit this place yearly for their Halloween activities (Spooky Woods, Haunted Corn Maze, etc.). Definitely getting back to that! I also did their 14 zip line course for my birthday years ago. I was scared, but it was so much fun.

1615 Kersey Valley Rd

Archdale, NC 27263

336-431-1700

https://www.kerseyvalley.com

I can't thank The Heart of NC enough for including me on this tour. I learned about new locations & connected with many wonderful people!

And for you my dear readers… new content will be coming to the blog & my WRAL page with a broader look at some of the locations mentioned. As a matter of fact, be on the lookout for all kinds of new adventures!

Check out this Instagram reel from the tour!