
Magnolia 23 founder Don Simmons (Photo courtesy Heart of NC Tourism)
Downtown Asheboro’s bakeries, tea shops, and restaurants are buzzing with culinary delights.
For many, traveling to the heart of North Carolina means only seeing the elephants and polar bears at the North Carolina Zoo. Skipping Asheboro’s charming and walkable downtown is a mistake: You’ll miss out on the locally-owned restaurants and shops, many in repurposed historic buildings from the early 20th century. Whatever you do, you’ll want to make dining in Asheboro’s most charming downtown restaurants and cafes a part of your day out with your friends.
Bold Coffee Co.
103 N Fayetteville St.
Wake up with coffee roasted by Three Ships Coffee Roasters in Virginia Beach. Positive signs, like “Do Good Recklessly,” hanging throughout the shop set the tone for your day.

(Photo via Bold Coffee Co. on Facebook, Rob Redding Photo)
Magnolia 23
23 S. Fayetteville St.
Chicken and dumplings, beef stew and pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes will knock your Southern socks off at this family-run restaurant. Don’t leave without dessert: fried apple pie, pumpkin spice cake, and persimmon pudding, and choices change daily.
The Taco Loco
138 Sunset Ave.
Customers rave about authentic Mexican food and excellent service at this corner restaurant in downtown Asheboro. Enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and quesabirria make the menu, always written on the back wall. Enjoy a craft cocktail with your meal. Watch social media to see when the mariachi band is playing.
Nanny Mae’s Cafe
108 Sunset Ave.
Macarons, pretzels, pies, and cinnamon rolls fill the shelves of this shop. Everything is homemade each morning, including the candied jalapeno pimento cheese in danishes and as a dip for pretzels.
READ MORE: New to NC? Here Are 9 Travel-Worthy Destinations to Visit in Your First Year
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