2026 Travel Guide focuses on ‘family experiences’

ASHEBORO — “Family experiences in the Heart of North Carolina” is the theme of the 2026 Official Travel Guide for Randolph County.

Melody Varner, tourism marketing coordinator of the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority, presented the Travel Guide to the TDA Board of Directors on Jan. 21. 

She told them, “This theme is inspired by the abundance of memorable activities available to both locals and visitors. … We are a family-friendly, affordable leisure market with plentiful green space. Our unique attractions and experiences are designed to create lasting family memories and traditions.”

In keeping with the theme, the cover features a montage of photos showing a variety of activities available in Randolph County, from bull riding at the Davis Rodeo Ranch to pottery in Seagrove to experiencing the revitalized Liberty downtown.

Varner said the Travel Guide integrated the marketing plan by hosting seven families at selected attractions and events throughout the county. “In developing the schedule, we prioritized coverage in all municipalities,” she said.

The foldout Travel Guide introduces the tourist to Randolph County attractions through the seasons of the year. 

Varner explained: “Many families plan their trips and activities based on the seasons. Basing the 2026 Randolph County Travel Guide on a seasonal structure perfectly complements our theme of memorable family experiences and maximizes the appeal of our natural beauty and green spaces. This approach allows us to showcase the full flexibility of our attractions — from year-round museums to major seasonal events, thereby encouraging visitors to return throughout the year.”

The Travel Guide opens to a page titled Spring has Sprung, then to Summer Fun for All, Fall Foliage & Festivals and then to Winter Wonders. Finally, the end page reminds travelers of our Year-Round Experiences.

Flip to the bottom half of the Travel Guide and you’ll find the welcome to Randolph County letter by County Manager Zeb Holder. Then there are pages to Seasons in the Heart, Dining in the Heart and Your Perfect Sip.

Turning the Travel Guide over reveals a large map of the county with numbers at the various attractions. Beside the map is a list describing what’s at each number on the map. The numbers are color-coded according to Arts & Entertainment, Attractions & Museums, Breweries, Wineries & Spirits, Golf, Indoor Recreation, Outdoor Fun & Trails, Sports & Racing, and Accommodations, from hotels to bed & breakfasts/inns to campgrounds & cabins. 

And there’s a smaller map showing how to locate Seagrove potteries. On the left side of the back side is a list of events and festivals happening each month.

Throughout the Travel Guide are photos of the seven families enjoying a host of activities around the county. 

“You will also see the recognition for America 250 in our guide through the cover and the coloring throughout,” Varner said. “This design honors the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence in 2026.”

Varner said that 75,000 Travel Guides will be printed and will be available at the TDA office at 500 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, at the two I-73/74 Visitor Centers south of Seagrove, and at state welcome centers, hotels, campgrounds, attractions, municipality offices and more locations throughout the region.

She gave credit to TDA staff members Doyle Craven and Wes Alexander as well as Richard Schoenberger of Manor House Creative for their work on the 2026 Travel Guide.