BACKGROUND
The High Point International Home Furnishings Market has been going strong since its inception in 1902, when 10 local industrialists kicked in $1,000 each to get the thing off the ground. The market solidified in 1909 and boomed in the years before and after World War II, and now most of downtown High Point is devoted to the biannual event. One-hundred eightyeight buildings are devoted to market, with more than 12 million square feet of floor space. The market attracts about 85,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors from more than 110 countries. It is a big deal for the industry, and also for the region. The economic impact on High Point and its neighboring Triad cities was measured at $1.2 billion annually, contributing more than 13,000 jobs. On behalf on the entire Triad, we thank you for coming.
LOCALS
While it’s true that most of the year downtown High Point never looks like it does during Furniture Market, it’s equally true that local residents come out for the event. They staff the showrooms, hire on temporarily in restaurants and hotels, rent their homes to visiting executives and venture out to schmooze and be seen during the city’s busiest weeks. Plus there is that small army of workers who toil all year long to make the Furniture Market what it is. Let ’em know if you think they’re doing a great job.
LANDMARKS
High Point is the furniture capital of the world, as evidenced by the giant chest of drawers at 508 N. Hamilton St. The socks, we feel, are a nice touch. But High Point is also the home of a castle where you can pan for gold (Castle McCulloch; www.castlemcculloch.com), a doll museum with a big Barbie collection (High Point Doll & Miniature Museum; 101 W. Green Drive; www.dollandminiaturemuseum.org), a statue of its favorite son John Coltrane (Commerce Avenue and Hamilton Street) and an accredited university with a laundry service and free ice cream (High Point University; www.highpoint.edu). Learn about more to do and see at the High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau (www. highpointmarket.org).
EAT (READERS’ CHOICE)
There is lots of good eating of every kind in High Point, but we’ll give you the benefit of our readers’ knowledge and list the restaurants named Best of High Point in our annual Readers’ Survey: Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery; 914 Mall Loop Road; 336.882.4677; www.libertysteakhouseandbrewery. com — great homemade brews and steaks with a lot of other touches. US Sushi; 2531 Eastchester Drive; 336.841.5858; www.us-sushi.com — US Sushi took honors in our Best Sushi Restaurant category, and it’s a favorite of YES! Weekly staffers. Carter Brothers Barbecue; 2305 N. Main St.; 336.869.9948; www.carterbrothersbbq.com — the Carter Brothers have been expanding for years, but your interests will best be served at the Main Street location, where some of the best barbecue in the state gets slung.
DRINK
Veterans of Furniture Market likely already have their favorite haunts; certainly Triangle Billiards (1310 N. Main St.; 336.885.5229) has been pouring for the Market faithful for more than 20 years. And Finley’s (1614 N. Main St.; 336.883.411) sits in a location long favored by those who have grown weary from looking at showrooms all day. But also consider the Claddagh (130 E. Parris Ave.; 336.841.0521; www.thecladdaghrestaurant), High Point’s only true Irish pub.
COMPANIONSHIP
It’s a not-so-well-kept secret that professional escorts come to High Point during Furniture Market. If you’re into that kind of thing, we recommend hanging around a hotel bar during cocktail hour with your eyes and ears (and wallets) open. If you just like to look, the area’s finest gentlemen’s clubs should have representatives handing out flyers near Market Square every day of the event. And if you’re gay, you should know that a lot of our boys have been waiting for you fellows to come in since the last Market ended in the spring.
MUSIC
Yes, John Coltrane was from High Point, as was Fantasia Barrino from “American Idol.” And while this is no Memphis, music is a part of the landscape here, particularly during Furniture Market when some big names can get lured in off the road. Past performers include Aaron Neville, Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton and Blood, Sweat and Tears. This fall’s acts include Gavin DeGraw, Cowboy Mouth and Simply Irresistible, featuring drummer P-Nut Johnson. Or you can just head over to Gary Redd’s club, the Red Lion (2107 Kirkwood St.; 336.889.6679) to hear some homegrown blues.
A FEW PERSONAL FAVORITES
If I were in High Point for just a few days, I would be sure to eat at the Grateful Bread (1506 N. Main St.; 336.884.4424; www.gratefulbreadbaking.com), which for my money is the best soup-and-sandwich place in the state of North Carolina, with a menu based on local and sustainable sources that begs to be explored. Great coffee, too. I like the High Point Museum (1859 E. Lexington Ave.; www.highpoint museum.org) because they cook chickens over an open fire and have live blacksmithing. And the Piedmont Environmental Center (1220 Penny Road; 336.883.8531; www.piedmontenvironmental.com) boasts 76 acres of hiking trails in a nature preserve on High Point Lake.
OUTLYING AREAS
High Point sits just between Greensboro and Winston-Salem, with both downtown districts within about 20 miles. Each has its own culture, nightlife, dining options, artistic endeavors and individual charms. Plus there’s free parking at night.
THAT OTHER MARKET
We’ll thank you not to mention that other furniture market while you’re here, the one started by those cheap-suited hustlers out in Las Vegas. We’re the real Furniture Market, with 100 years in the business. The Market is important to High Point in a way it will never be to Vegas. Plus, you have to admit you’ll get more stuff done here than in a place where the blackjack tables are open all night.
