High Point Market Secrets from Native Rick Scott, Gabby NC, SC Sales Representative.
Secrets to dine, shop, park, and best hotels.
For such a small southern city, High Point can come across as a massive maze of showrooms with no real rhyme or reason. The market (#HPmkt) has grown from its humble roots as the Southern Furniture Market in 1909 at approximately 250,000 square feet of the Main Building, to boasting over 10 million square feet throughout downtown and beyond. Just figuring out where to start can be a daunting task. There are new buildings such as Showplace and old buildings like the original Main building, The beautiful art deco Radio Building is a great visit and the Center Theater, an actual theater, where I grew up watching such classic ‘70s movies as Benjie, Star Wars, and Superman. There are repurposed factories like Market Square and some buildings without windows. There is even a building built to look like a ship. I have often described downtown High Point as the Galapagos Islands of architecture. It makes for a truly unique buying experience that cannot be replicated anywhere. And with proper planning and a little tread wear on your shoes, you can get where you need to be, even if you can’t possibly see it all. With that said, here are a few of my insider tips for navigating the market.
Downtown High Point
Best Places to Stay for High Point Market
Finding a place to stay can be tricky. In the early years and still widely used today, is the use of locals’ homes. The wonderful people of High Point having been opening their homes to the furniture industry for years. While this may not suit your needs (most of these rentals require a minimum number of nights) it may be worth your time and money to find others within the industry to time share on a home rental. Get together with others in your design network to share nights over the course of the week. Most homes are within 10 miles of downtown, and it can be less expensive than a hotel room. For more information visit highpointmarketrentals.com or 1stchoiceihfmhomes.com. But if a hotel room is what you need, it’s no secret that the High Point Plaza Hotel (formerly the Radisson Hotel) is the most convenient. Located on Main Street right in the middle of the market, surprisingly you can actually get a room on short notice by staying in contact with them. Cancellations are common, so there is always a good chance that there is availability. But branching out to Greensboro, Winston Salem, Burlington, and Salisbury are all great options.
Parking in High Point
The Market Authority has made it a lot easier to park and ride into the market from satellite lots across the city. The shuttles run very efficiently. But if you want to park downtown, there are many privately operated parking lots ranging from $10-$20 per day. If you prefer to Uber, you can find a large local parking lot and Uber in and out for the day as well.
Best Places to Eat in High Point
Dining options have gotten much better over the years in High Point, thanks to the efforts of chef and owner Paul Riggan and his wife Katie of the Blue Group. The additions of the Blue Water Grille, Blue Rock Pizza & Tap, and LuLu & Blu have given market goers a needed variety of great food. From Blue Water’s fantastic seafood menu, to Blue Rock’s creative pizza offerings and LuLu & Blu’s slant on classic Italian dishes, there is sure to be something for every taste and budget. Reservations are recommended for Blue Water and LuLu & Blu, as all of these places fill up early after the market day ends. Other great options in High Point include Emerywood Fine Foods and Real Creations, Inc.
In Greensboro there are many more options than High Point. Some of my favorites are 1618 Seafood Grille and its sister operations 1618 Wine Lounge and 1618 Downtown. You may have seen their food truck set up in High Point during market. While 1618 Seafood Grille is the flagship of the group and can be very hard to secure reservations, the others are more casual and less trafficked by the market crowd. Other outstanding options are Printworks Bistro inside the Proximity Hotel, Undercurrent, and Café Europa.
While all of these places have lively bars, Blue Bourbon Jack’s in High Point (yes, part of the Blue Group) is the place to go for live music, pool, and extended market people watching. But be warned, it has cost many a weary market goer the day after! And Tipsey’s on Westchester Drive also has an active bar scene. It is not very big, but there are plenty of tables outside, and they have a really good burger as well.
The High Point Market offers buyers from all over the world the finest selection of home furnishings in the industry. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the industry, there is always something new and exciting to invigorate the creative process. You are always welcome at the Gabby showroom for more hidden gems and insider tips!
Contact Rick Scott ricks@gabbyhome.com to become a reseller of Gabby furniture and lighting in North Carolina or South Carolina. To find your Sales Representative click here.
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