Explore Seagrove: The Pottery Capital of the US

Seagrove, North Carolina, known as the Pottery Capital of the United States, has around 80 working potters at any one time with around 50 shops, studios and galleries open to the public. Some are ninth generation potters while others have relocated from across the United States. Even the mayor of Seagrove is a potter!

Seagrove is located 1.5 hours north of Charlotte and west of Raleigh, and an easy 20-minute interstate drive to Asheboro. Most pottery shops are open Thursday through Friday. These days of the week offer the easiest access for the public and the best chance to drop in on a workshop to see the pottery process by the artist. 

A perfect start to the Seagrove Pottery community begins with a visit to The North Carolina Pottery Center, a museum and exhibit hall that showcases the history and pottery from across North Carolina. Don’t forget to grab an area Seagrove Pottery Map at the I-73/I-74 Visitor Center, the North Carolina Pottery Center or one of the pottery shops to plan the best route.

To see a collection of pottery and the creative artists behind the work in a potter’s market setting, consider attending the Seagrove Pottery Festival, traditionally held the weekend before Thanksgiving each year. The increased popularity of this art form has created an opportunity for the community to expand to two locations for the best visitor experience. The Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival is held at Seagrove Elementary School and hosts potters and craftsman from across North Carolina and Seagrove. The Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival & Studio Tour will allow visitors to experience an indoor show at Luck’s Cannery and a self-guided driving studio tour.

While in Seagrove, refuel by exploring local eats like The General Wine & Brew, a bar owned by potters and known for its trademark glass bar that showcases the family’s collection of political, humorous, and historic buttons. The Fresh Cuts Butcher and Seafood Market is the place to grab sandwiches, pimento cheese, chicken salad and NC-made pickles for a picnic on a pottery shop’s front steps. Seagrove Cafe also offers coffee and tea, specialty beverages, house-made pastries, and ready-made sandwiches, salads, and sides.

Plan a long weekend or a week getaway to the Heart of North Carolina by reserving a cozy home away from home at the two bed and breakfast inns in Seagrove Duck Smith House Bed & Breakfast or The Seagrove Stoneware Inn, a potter-owned AirBnb. Other options include a variety of hotels that are just 20 minutes away in Asheboro.

For more travel inspiration and planning tips, visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com.

Keep reading

Partnered

Partnered

Meet Michael Sibert: 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador

Chef Michael Sibert’s humble beginnings have helped him create engaging and experimental dishes for his South Carolina community.

At the Table

10 Thanksgiving Sides To Steal The Show

We all know the sides are secretly the main characters at Thanksgiving. Go timeless or dare to challenge tradition with our top 10 sides.

Cookbook Club

Eric Cook on Why His Grandmother’s Cookbooks Are the Best

The Local Palate sits down with Eric Cook to discuss home-cooked meals, his inspiration, and his favorite types of cookbooks.