This is a guest post courtesy of Our State Magazine. View the original story here.
What We Love About High Point
Welcome to High Point! For one week each spring and fall, 75,000 trendsetters from the far corners of the globe fly to this Home Furnishings Capital of the World™. Here, showroom after showroom flaunts the latest home decor styles and products. But here’s the thing about High Point: That metropolis energy continues to buzz long after marketgoers pack their bags. Throughout the year on any given night, the Social Districts — part of the city’s larger Catalyst and Uptowne districts — invite locals and visitors to grab a drink and explore. The food hall Stock + Grain Assembly satisfies every craving. And just next door, the Rockers put on a show at Truist Point Stadium. As the first city on the East Coast to earn the distinction of a Certified Autism Destination, High Point’s welcome is warm and inclusive. Come, make yourself at home, and experience all of this Piedmont town’s allure.
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Explore Certified Autism Destination Hotspots
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum: On the corner of Qubein Avenue and Hamilton Street, it’s impossible to miss the commanding new children’s museum. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two floors shine light on kids learning through play. A STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) area includes a LEGO space and robotics exhibits. Little children splash in the Water Works’ tanks, and the curious at heart explore secret passages, find clues, and discover ancient Mayan relics.
Q’s Corner: “Inclusion’s no illusion,” claims this indoor play gym for children and parents of all ability levels. Unlike many social gathering spaces, where handicap accessibility was considered as an afterthought, Q’s Corner was thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and security for parents and caregivers looking for a sensory-based gym. Calming, empowering, stimulating, and life-changing: The facility incorporates swings, trampolines, slides, motion play equipment, and a large ball pit area. There’s also a state-of-the-art multisensory room that invites free exploration.
High Point Arts Council: Housed in the historic freight train depot, Centennial Station Arts Center is your hub for entertainment. Check their Calendar of Events for upcoming shows, like the Songwriters Circle, a constructive workshop for all types of musicians.
Distractions Art Studio: This is not your run-of-the-mill paint-your-own pottery studio. At Distractions, you can choose from ceramics, canvas painting, and board painting. If you’re visiting with a group, everybody is welcome to pick their own project — and bring their own snacks.
Where to Gather
Festive Events: As the temperatures drop and the holidays approach, ring in the festivities during the last weekend in November. On Saturday, gather at The Plaza beside Stock + Grain Assembly Food Hall to see the grand illumination of the 44-foot-tall Christmas tree and a spectacular fireworks display. Then, come Sunday, don your red-and-green attire and watch the High Point Holiday Festival Parade make its way up Main Street. Step into the magic of the season at Winter Glow at The Point, a dazzling holiday light show at Truist Point Stadium. During the holiday season, the stadium sparkles with festive displays, cozy domes, and themed events the whole family can enjoy.
Congdon Yards: “Built by and for the people of our community,” this downtown hub for entrepreneurs is filled with local innovators and companies prototyping new ideas with world-class equipment. The masterminds behind Congdon Yards also refer to it as High Point’s living room because its Courtyard hosts community events — anybody is invited to stop by Lil’s Coffee Bar for a quick pick-me-up or lunch.
COHAB SPACE: Home to a city of makers, High Point’s COHAB SPACE was originally conceived as a bridge between the local community and the global design industry — complete with art and design firms and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and local businesses. The thoughtfully designed space is now a center for creativity and events, and COHAB’s outdoor venue is the perfect place for listening to live music. Check their events calendar for an up-to-date lineup of genres ranging from bluegrass to jazz to blues.
Where to Catch Live Music
Stock + Grain Assembly: Yes, this popular High Point gathering space just beyond the outfields of Truist Point Stadium is a food hall, with a variety of restaurants and two bars (sushi, burgers and hot dogs, brisket — you name it). But it’s also an events space. Every week, Ziggy’s two stages — the indoor Bevelry Bar and the outdoor Cahoots Bar, with a view of the Rockers and Carolina Core FC — host a wide variety of musicians.
Plank Street Tavern: Also close to Truist Point Stadium, this locals’ favorite bar on Church Street stays true to its mantra, “where good times and good friends meet.” Between Open Mic Night, Karaoke Night, and listening to live music as you lounge on the outdoor deck, there’s never a dull moment.
Where to Eat
Biscuit Factory: Soft, fluffy, flaky, buttery — if you like to start your day with a homemade biscuit, you can’t go wrong with any order at this biscuit paradise. Balance a salty country ham biscuit with an iced sweet tea. (Lunch tip: The Biscuit Factory serves great sandwiches, too, and the regulars swear by the fries.)
Sweet Old Bill’s: This is your destination when you’re craving barbecue or a burger cooked to perfection. But may we also draw your attention to the 15-item sides menu? These delicacies change with the season, but if it’s available, be sure to ask for the tomato pie.
Giannos: For more than 20 years, Giannos has been High Point locals’ go-to Italian restaurant. If you can’t decide between the wood-fired pizzas or fresh pastas, go with the special. Who could resist combinations like those found in the Chicken Absolut — Parmesan-crusted chicken served over cheese ravioli, and topped with a vodka sauce of Sundried tomatoes, baby arugula, and fresh basil?
Magnolia Blue and Blue Water Grille: If you’re dining in High Point at a restaurant with “blue” in the name, you know it’s going to be good. Two of our favorites are Magnolia Blue, serving innovative takes on classics like shrimp and grits and pot roast, and Blue Water Grille, a fine-dining experience where the entrées are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their extensive wine list, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pairing.
98 Asian Bistro: Make a reservation at this Thai bistro, where owners Tu and Todd Sen draw on the freshest locally grown ingredients for dishes featuring a fusion of Thai, Cambodian, and Laotian cuisine. 98 Asian Bistro embodies the couple’s heritage and travels, and their gracious hospitality makes dining a delight.
Dog House: If you were around, say, 80 years ago, you can attest that this classic High Point establishment continues to be just as satisfying as it was back in 1942 when it first opened. Ask for a hot dog all the way — with mustard, chili, and onion.
Where to Sip
A Special Blend: This coffee shop is a must for all beverage enthusiasts. Beyond your classic espresso drinks, you can also sip matcha, tea, and Italian sodas as well as fruity smoothies and decadent milkshakes. Beyond serving drinks and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, A Special Blend provides meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities to adults with intellectual and/or development disabilities.
Nomad Wine Works: What once was a furniture showroom is now an urban winery and tap room. Even if you’re not an oenophile, Nomad has plenty of options. Try the beer, cider, or even local beer on tap, and take it with you while you wander — it’s part of the Catalyst Social District. Check their Facebook page for food truck schedules.
Brown Truck Brewery: When this small Main Street craft brewery entered its beer in the Great American Beer Festival in 2016, it took home three medals — and won the Very Small Brewery and Brewer of the Year awards. If you visit on a weekend, look forward to live music and food trucks.
Where to Shop for Furniture & Decor
Furnitureland South: Known for its expansive showrooms totaling more than 1 million square feet, the world’s largest furniture store is, of course, located in the Home Furnishings Capital of the World. If you love exploring on your own, you’ll be entertained for hours. But if you feel overwhelmed by the options, a team of interior decor experts can help you plan your space — at no additional cost. And while we’re on the subject of world-class distinctions: The World’s Largest Highboy Dresser is located right out front of one of the buildings.
Capa: When it comes to home furnishings, if you can dream it, you can find it here. Peruse everything from decorative pillows to teak root furniture to bronze statues and sculptures. Since 1982, Capa has been a go-to shop for wholesale and trade, but it’s open for retail, too.
Braxton Culler: What started as a focus on lightweight wicker and rattan has now grown beyond furnishings for the patio and outdoors to furnishings for the entire house. Peruse more than 400,000 square feet of space filled with American-made pieces.
Feeling overwhelmed by furniture shopping options? Check out High Point’s Complimentary Concierge Service, which will help you narrow and customize your search.
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