Counting Miracles in Asheboro
"Asheboro is the perfect setting for Counting Miracles. I hope readers feel inspired to visit and see all that Asheboro has to offer.” –Nicholas Sparks
We couldn't be more excited that author, Nicholas Sparks, has chosen the heart of North Carolina to be the setting for his recent book, Counting Miracles. Take a look down below as we answer some questions regarding the book and its setting, Asheboro and Randolph County.
Does Tanner visit the North Carolina Zoo?
Yes, how can you not visit the largest natural habitat zoo in the world when you come to Asheboro? The North Carolina Zoo brings more than one million visitors to Randolph County every year. The Zoo, devoted to saving species and connecting children and family to the outdoors, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The book specifically calls out the Cypress Swamp and Junction Springs Cafe.
Are there white deer in the Uwharries?
Yes. In early November, 2024, a white deer was spotted roaming Purgatory Mountain on property owned by the North Carolina Zoo. The zoo staff announced the surprising appearance of the white deer just after author Nicholas Sparks wrote the deer into the story of Counting Miracles. In the book, Jasper, one of our favorite characters who lives in the Uwharries, goes on a quest to ensure the white deer’s safety. He sees the white deer as a “sign” for him.
Later, on December 4, 2024, the North Carolina Zoo announced on social media that not one, but TWO white deer have been sighted on their property.
Are the sightings a sign for us in North Carolina? After all, Counting Miracles came out days before Hurricane Helene hit our state. Here, we’re calling the deer a “miracle in the wild."
Nicholas Sparks posted about the deer sighting on social media, too. Click on the image below to comment on his post.
What places does the author mention by name?
Kickback Jack’s (across the street from the Hampton)
Coach’s Neighborhood Grill (a chain started in Asheboro)
Randolph County Library, Asheboro
Bojangles’ (the beloved North Carolina-based chicken chain)
Downtown Asheboro’s boutiques, shops and antique stores are mentioned in the book. Where should I go when I visit?
The book characters wander through our antique and vintage shops and boutiques. Downtown Asheboro offers stops that satisfy a variety of ages and interests. Sunset Avenue beckons if you’re into antiques and curated vintage shops. Stop in at Collector’s Antique Mall, or Flea Marketeers. (Insider tip: If you find something you like, buy it! Items don’t stay here for long.)
Into painting and rehabbing your finds? Head to Minkology across the street to buy gifts, home decor and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®. You can sign up for a painted furniture workshop, too. Enjoy ice cream here from Homeland Creamery.
Antiques and Geeks Collectibles on Sunset is for children and their parents. Our adult visitors scope out the Louis Vuitton vintage purses and bags. Young at heart visitors clamor for Pokemon cards, superhero action figures, comic books and more.
Don’t miss the local artist wares and seasonal exhibition at The Randolph Arts Guild. Women’s boutiques like Little Mustard Seed always have amazing finds. Our downtown culinary scene is worth savoring. Check out our blog post on Downtown Asheboro Dining.
Where’s the “brewpub” mentioned in the book?
Nicholas Sparks indeed mentions a brewery but doesn’t call it by name. Our award-winning, nationally recognized brewery is Four Saints Brewing Company. We know this spot packed by folks chatting and playing board games in the glow of string lights and goodwill would make Tanner Hughes feel mighty welcome. You’ll feel the local vibe, here, too!
The Uwharrie National Forest plays a significant role in the book. Where do I get more information about hiking in The Uwharrie National Forest?
Uwharrie National Forest spans 51,850 acres in Montgomery, Randolph, and Davidson Counties. The Birkhead Wilderness is entirely located in Randolph County and can be accessed by two separate trailheads, Tot Hill Trailhead and Thornburg Trailhead. We teamed up with Piedmont Legacy Trails to promote and produce the Randolph County Trail Guide. It includes guides to Uwharrie trails. Click on the “Uwharrie National Forest Trails” icon or the “Upper Uwharrie Mountain Trails” to find trails of varying difficulty and length.
There’s a cabin on the cover of the book. Any good cabin rentals in your area?
We invite you to check out cabin rentals on VRBO and AirBnB. They can be elusive in search results, as they stay heavily booked.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort Asheboro offers exceptional cabins with fire pits, a big bed on the ground floor for adults, and twin mattresses in the loft for less fussy adults or children. The amenities and activities here might persuade you to never leave the park. You’ll see Boo Boo Bear, Yogi and his friends, too.
Postcard Cabins in Asheboro features tiny houses (not really a cabin); they’re in the woods and come with a fire pit. You can see your neighbor’s fires glowing at night as you make s’mores.
Where else should I go when I visit Asheboro and Randolph County?
You’ve come all this way! Don’t miss the following destinations with national and global followings:
The Petty Museum: The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty, was born in Randleman, N.C. and lives there with his family today. Visit his museum and the Petty's Garage where old family racecars and car performance is enhanced by Petty experts.
Seagrove, N.C.: Visit the working studios and galleries featuring the work of around 100 potters within a 20-mile radius of this charming rural town. Make an appointment to tour the Carolina Bronze Sculpture, globally recognized for casting bronze sculptures of U.S. presidents, historical figures, and more.
