Presently, Interstate 73 highway (I-73) stretches over 99.43 miles of North Carolina, connecting Stokesdale, NC in the north to Rockingham, NC in the south.

I-73 meanders through North Carolina, creating a north-south pathway. Its accelerated connection and gorgeous views make it a reliable passageway for commuters and road-trippers alike.

Ready to pack up your

road trip essentials

? We’ve compiled the guide to help you plan your route with recommendations, tips, and tricks aplenty.

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How to lower your North Carolina car insurance costs

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What is an interstate highway?

An interstate highway is just as it sounds: a highway that runs in-between states. Interstate highways are built to unite different business hubs across the country, easing the transportation of people, ideas, and goods.

What about the numbers? A number is assigned to each interstate to help with identification.

Each interstate highway is given a one or two-digit number. Interstates that run north to south are assigned odd numbers, while those running east to west get even numbers. And if you want to know which interstates are most important, look out for the ones ending in zero or five.

What states does I-73 run through?

Currently, I-73 only runs through the state of North Carolina. But wait… didn’t we just learn that interstate highways run between states?

Yep! Interstate highways are intended to run between states. But building infrastructure takes time. Once completed, I-73 is intended to cross several states, beginning in Michigan and terminating in South Carolina.

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Major interchanges on I-73

I-73 may not get you out of North Carolina, but it’s a great way to get around the state. I-73 connects you with many major connections and interchanges. Keep your eyes peeled for these exits as you drive:

US-220 in Stokesdale, NC

NC-68 in

Greensboro

, NC

I-840 in Greensboro, NC

I-40 in Greensboro, NC

US-421 in Greensboro, NC

US-70 in Greensboro, NC

I-85 in Greensboro, NC

US-220 in Greensboro, NC

I-74 in

Randleman

, NC

US-64 in

Asheboro

, NC

NC-27 in

Biscoe

, NC

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Best places to eat along I-73

While driving down I-73, you’re bound to get the munchies. Fast food is an easy fix, but you can get that anywhere. Why not mix it up and stop by a local establishment instead? Here are a few of our recommendations to get you started:

Rio Grande Kitchen & Cantina

(Oak Ridge and Greensboro, NC): This Mexican cantina brings you dishes grounded in tradition with a contemporary twist, and always made with the freshest ingredients.

Oak Ridge Diner

(Oak Ridge, NC): Diners are one of the best road stops. They have something for everyone. This community favorite serves a great veggie burger and crabcake sandwich, in addition to classic diner favorites. Don’t forget to order a slice of their homemade pie!

The Green Bean Restaurant

(Greensboro, NC): Stop by the Greensboro Green Bean for cozy coffee shop treats. This shop makes a solid brew and makes their food with fresh ingredients from local farms.

Scrambled

(Greensboro, NC): Scrambled took home Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2021 for good reason. This diner is rooted in Greensboro, located in the city’s historic downtown, and cheffing up its menu items with only the freshest ingredients from local farmers. Be sure to check out their Blue Plate Specials.

Sticks & Stones

(Greensboro, NC): Pizza time! This clay oven pizzeria offers a variety of distinctive slices. Try A Kiss Before I Go, topped with fried eggplant, mushrooms, mozzarella, caramelized garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. All ingredients support local agriculture.

The Table Farm Bakery

(Asheboro, NC): This cozy bakery works with its community, partnering with various non-profit initiatives in town. Stop for fresh homemade baked goods, snacks, and pantry items to share.

Magnolia 23

(Asheboro, NC): Cooking up American classics, Magnolia 23 is a local haunt. Be sure to check its daily menu for new items.

Pro Tip Before you hit the road though, be sure to give the restaurant a call. You’ll want to make sure they’re open when you arrive!

What is there to do on I-73?

What isn’t there to do along I-73? Each hamlet, town, and city is ripe with stories and experiences to share. Keep an open mind and you really can’t go wrong.

Need a few destinations to get your route started? Here are a few you may want to check out:

Stonefield Cellars Winery

in Stokesdale, NC

Aquarium & Sark Lab by Team ECCO

in Hendersonville, NC

Boneyard Archery

in Madison, NC

Rockingham Dragway

in Rockingham, NC

Discovery Place Kids

in Rockingham, NC

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

in Greensboro, NC

Tanger Family Bicentennial Park

in Greensboro, NC

While there are plenty of cool things to do, life can get busy. Sometimes we just have to get to point A and point B. Even if you can’t afford to stop, you’re still bound to soak up some picturesque views.

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