High Point has one of the most specific identities of any city in North Carolina. It is the furniture capital of the world. Twice a year the entire city transforms when the High Point Market brings 75,000 people from over 100 countries. But there is more to High Point than furniture. John Coltrane grew up here. The downtown has a growing restaurant scene. And the parks and lakes surrounding the city are some of the best in the Piedmont.
The High Point Market
The High Point Market is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. About 75,000 people from over 100 countries come to town in April and October to see new collections from roughly 2,000 exhibitors. The showrooms fill over 11 million square feet of space across approximately 180 buildings throughout the city. The market is a trade event open to industry professionals rather than the general public. But the energy it brings to the city is real. Hotels fill up, restaurants are packed, and downtown comes alive in a way that is unlike any other time of year.
Landmarks and Museums
World's Largest Chest of Drawers
You will find this at 508 N Hamilton St. It was built in 1926 as a promotion for the furniture industry. The building is paneled in luxury wood veneers on the inside. It was originally about 32 feet tall and was later expanded to 38 feet. It is exactly what it sounds like and worth seeing in person.
High Point Museum
Located at 1859 E Lexington Ave, the High Point Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is free. The museum covers the history of High Point from its founding through the rise of the furniture industry. Note: the separate Furniture Discovery Center is currently closed.
Angela Peterson Doll and Miniature Museum
This museum is located at 101 W Green Dr and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. It holds a collection of over 2,700 dolls from around the world and has been operating since 2008.
High Point Theatre
Located at 220 E Commerce Ave, this is the city's performing arts center with regular shows year round. The box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 PM.
John Coltrane
John Coltrane, one of the most important jazz musicians in American history, grew up in High Point. He was born in Hamlet, NC in 1926 but his family moved to High Point when he was three months old. He spent his first 17 years here and attended William Penn High School. An eight foot bronze statue of Coltrane stands at Coltrane Plaza at the corner of Commerce Avenue and South Hamilton Street. It was dedicated in 2006. Every September, the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival is held at Oak Hollow Festival Park.
Parks and Lakes
High Point City Lake Park
Located at 602 W Main St in Jamestown, this park sits on a 540 acre lake with boating, fishing, and swimming. The Aquatic Center (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) has a splash pad, 50 meter pool, lazy river, and water slides. There is also a miniature train, carousel, mini golf, and pontoon boat lake tours. The park is open 7 days a week.
Oak Hollow Festival Park
Located at 1841 Eastchester Dr, this is an 800 acre lake surrounded by a 1,500 acre park complex. Admission and parking are free. The park is open sunrise to sunset. You will find scenic picnic spots with lake views, playgrounds, and it serves as the host site for the Coltrane Jazz Festival and Fourth of July events.
Where to Eat
- Earl's Landing at 400 W English Rd. Upscale fine dining with craft cocktails. Sunday brunch from 11 AM to 2:30 PM, dinner Monday through Saturday.
- Sumela Restaurant at 805 N Main St. Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 9 PM.
- Cristina Gray's Restaurant and Bar at 1108 N Main St. New American and Italian food in the historic JH Adams Inn.
- Stock and Grain Assembly at 275 N Elm St. A food hall with multiple vendors under one roof.
Getting Here
High Point sits between Winston Salem and Greensboro on I 85. It is the westernmost of the three main Triad cities. Downtown parking is free most of the time and the city is compact enough to cover most of it in a few hours.
High Point is a city where you understand North Carolina a little better after you have been. The furniture industry shaped this part of the state in ways that are still visible everywhere you look. But it is the Coltrane connection, the parks, and the growing downtown that make it worth more than a drive through.