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.
This off-the-grid route takes you from Asheboro to Wilson, North Carolina, with a few stops in between.
Google Maps Follow the map to explore some interesting destinations.
- 42 Diner, Asheboro
42 Diner/Facebook 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
The Manager’s Special looks good with two fluffy hotcakes, two eggs cooked your favorite way, sausage or bacon, and coffee or juice.
42 Diner/Facebook
- Ole Gilliam Mill Park, Sanford
Ole Gilliam Mill Park/Facebook 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
- Porter Farms and Nursery, Willow Spring
Porter Farms and Nursery/Facebook 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
- Collected Treasures, Garner
Collected Treasures/Facebook About 20 minutes away, peruse the aisles in this awesome thrift store. Collected Treasures, 5533 NC-42, Garner, NC 27529, USA
- Divano’s Pizzeria, Garner
Divano’s Pizzeria on 40/42/Facebook 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
The simple, spicy pepperoni pizza is always a great idea, especially for two or three.
Divano’s Pizzeria on 40/42/Facebook
- Deans Farm Market, Wilson
Deans Farm Market/Facebook And if you couldn’t find what you were looking for at Porter Farms and Nursery, give this market a try.
You never know who you might run into come spring as the coolers are always stocked with fresh goodies.
Deans Farm Market/Facebook
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.
Google Maps
Follow the map to explore some interesting destinations.
42 Diner/Facebook
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
Ole Gilliam Mill Park/Facebook
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
Porter Farms and Nursery/Facebook
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
Collected Treasures/Facebook
About 20 minutes away, peruse the aisles in this awesome thrift store.
Collected Treasures, 5533 NC-42, Garner, NC 27529, USA
Divano’s Pizzeria on 40/42/Facebook
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
Deans Farm Market/Facebook
And if you couldn’t find what you were looking for at Porter Farms and Nursery, give this market a try.
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