A visit to North Carolina needs to include a stop in High Point, known for its furniture designers and wineries. Located in the state’s foothills in the Piedmont Triad, it offers outdoor pursuits, museums and theaters, vineyards and unique shopping opportunities. Whether you live there, or you visit, there are a plethora of things to do in High Point. Start discovering them with this list.
About High Point
About 104,000 people call the city of High Point home. The city spreads out over four counties, so do not worry if you cross a county line while driving between attractions. You are not lost. You’re in the only city or town in North Carolina that spills over into four counties. Now, if you find yourself in a county other than Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford or Randolph, stop and ask for directions. The city spans 55 square miles, offering much to seem and do.
Although it is the state’s ninth largest city, it earned the nickname “North Carolina’s International City” by hosting the semi-annual High Point Furniture Market, an international event that brings about 100,000 furniture buyers and exhibitors from around the globe.
You may be familiar with one of the area’s best known topographical features without realizing it. The famed Cape Fear, the namesake of the film, is east of High Point. The Yadkin–Pee Dee watershed is to its west. If you dare, watch the terrifying re-make of “Cape Fear,” starring Robert DeNiro and Juliette Lewis, while staying on a houseboat in the area. It’s guaranteed to deliver double the chills.
Outdoor Pursuits
North Carolina has many sunny days and moderate weather. Make the most of a beautiful day by exploring what the outdoors of High Point.
All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm
The All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm involves visitors in its opening skit, making it an ideal choice for those who want an interactive outdoor experience. The butterfly farm educates visitors on the Monarch butterfly – it’s life cycle, eggs, transformation through the caterpillar stage and chrysalis. You’ll see adult monarchs in the flight house. The farm also teaches you to grow a host and cultivate nectar plants to attract butterflies to your home or school. It’s located at 7850 Clinard Farms Rd. B, High Point, NC 27265.
High Point City Lake Park
High Point City Lake Park features three major rides that accommodate both adults and children: a merry go round, a miniature train and an excursion boat. You can also enjoy boating, fishing and 18-hole miniature golf course, plus picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 600 people. It’s located at 602 W. Main St., Jamestown, NC 27282, just outside of High Point.
Kersey Valley Outdoor Games
Kersey Valley offers you a corn maze, jumping pillows and a room escape game. Around the Halloween holiday escape the fierce monsters at its famed Spookywoods Haunted Attraction. Taste its homemade fudge and kettle corn year around. It’s located at 1615 Kersey Valley Rd., Archdale, NC 27263.
Indoor Pursuits
Sometimes, it rains in NC. Sometimes, you just want something to do inside. High Point offers plenty of things to do inside, too.
High Point Theater
Take the family or friends to the High Point Theater for a play or to attend the Miss NC USA Pageant. If you live in the community, get involved with a production or in its dramatic arts education. It’s located at 220 E Commerce Ave. High Point, NC 27260.
Museum of Old Domestic Life
The Museum of Old Domestic Life provides visitors with a view of 19th century life. It furniture and essential items come from Quaker families who inhabited Guilford and Randolph counties during the 1800s. You can view books, clothing, cooking utensils, furniture, cooking, books, saddles and tools. Learn how the Quakers made cloth, shoes, cooked and farmed. It’s located at 555 E. Springfield Rd., High Point, NC 27262.
Theater Art Galleries
Visit the Theater Art Galleries (TAG) experimental and traditional visual art exhibitions. The attraction includes three art galleries. Each offers annual exhibits with both solo and group shows. TAG also offers summer art camps lasting one week, plus weekend and holiday workshops. All of its events are open to the public. It’s located at 220 E Commerce Ave., High Point, NC 27260.
High Point Museum
The High Point Museum covers many aspects of North Carolina history including High Point’s history, Native American history, the Quakers and the furniture industry. The museum’s Furniture Heritage Exhibit focuses on the history of furniture manufacturing in North Carolina. The Meredith’s Miniatures exhibit features furniture miniatures that feature intricate detail. While it is open to the public, tours must be made by reservation a minimum of three weeks in advance. Contact the museum’s education curator to schedule it. It’s located at 1859 E Lexington Ave., High Point, NC 27262.
Bernice Bienstock Furniture Library
Those with a love of interior design can enthrall themselves for hours perusing the more than 5,000 books on furniture and design. With volumes as old as a 1640 publication, furniture history and design buffs can find inspiration or reference materials. It’s located at 1009 N Main St., High Point, NC 27262.
Sechrest Gallery
The High Point University Darrell E. Sechrest Art Gallery offers a range of rotating exhibits representing local artists and educational exhibits. Exhibiting artists generally offer a talk in conjunction with the gallery’s exhibit of their work. Each exhibit and speech is open to the public. It’s located at One University Parkway, High Point, NC 27268.
Furniture Shopping
The city of High Point has been so ensconced in the furniture design and manufacturing business for so long that to miss its many shops would make for an incomplete trip. Whether you shop Main St. or veer off onto Elm or Green Drive, you will find a plethora of possibilities. Find traditional hickory furnishings for which the area is known or modern pieces. Set aside at least a day for this.
Just for Funny and Laughs
Every state has that one awesome, random sight to see. Commonly, it is the “world’s largest” something. NC is no different.
World’s Largest Chest of Drawers
The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers provides a sight that represents High Point’s thriving furniture industry. Its place in that industry earned it the title “Furniture Capital of the World.” Sure, you’d need a ladder to put away your clothes in its top drawers but think of the nifty Instagram selfie you can snap standing next to a 36-foot tall chest of drawers. The two long socks hang its drawer knobs represent its hosiery industry. It’s located at 508 N Hamilton St., High Point, NC 27262.
The Big Duncan Phyfe Chair
Zip over to nearby Thomasville to sit in the Big Duncan Phyfe Chair. It’s another monument to the area’s oldest industry – furniture. It sits in a downtown park and entertains visitors just by looking cool. It’s located at 401 E Main St. & Salem St., Thomasville, NC 27360.
Of course, stop to eat here and there. This area of NC offers tasty bar-be-que and fresh water fish. Eat a “fish camp” while in town. You can catch it, then have it cooked for you or just order off the menu. Lay your head at an area hotel or bed and breakfast. You need a good night’s sleep with so many things to do in High Point.