Some sights to see in downtown High Point
With the addition of the sit-in monument on Wrenn Street, it occurs to me you could put together an enjoyable little walking tour of downtown High Point.
Don't laugh. For High Point, this is a novel idea. I hope the Convention & Visitors Bureau might run with it.
High Point has assembled enough attractions that, combined with the architectural appeal of several furniture showroom buildings, it's worth the leisurely hour or so it would take to cover a few blocks, lingering at points of interest.
All the better if some of the showrooms might open their doors at designated times.
Start with the John Coltrane statue near City Hall at S. Hamilton and Commerce.
Stroll past the dazzling Showplace on Commerce between Hamilton and Wrenn.
Then stop and sit at the February 11, 1960 sit-in monument at the back of the Hotel High Point on Wrenn. Go early in the day when the bronze engraving blazes in the morning sun.
Continue north to the end of the block at Broad Street and turn left. You'll see the restored "doughboy" statue commemorating the city's World War I veterans, plus memorials for other veterans erected by the city and the Alexander Martin Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. It would be nice to add a statue of High Point native Gen. Maxwell Thurman, who led the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.
Just across Main Street is the historic rail depot, beautifully restored. I'd like to see a coffee shop or cafe in there someday. Out front is a historic marker noting this is the spot where the railroad intersected the Plank Road in 1859, giving birth to the city of High Point. This is illustrated in a statue of a Plank Road workman.
The old Center Theater on Main Street, where Elvis once performed, is now a snazzy showroom. You can see more distinctive showroom buildings a block west on Elm: the Natuzzi "ship"; Market Square, a complex built around a refurbished furniture factory; and the Commerce & Design building.
Finally, you can finish the tour with a stop at the Doll & Miniature Museum at Main and West Green.
Look, downtown isn't going to draw big crowds except during furniture market. But if you're attending a program at High Point Theatre, or having dinner at Noble's, or you're just looking for something to do for an hour or so, think about a little sightseeing stroll in downtown High Point.
You'll discover there are a few sights to see.
Addendum: I just found this site with terrific photos of downtown High Point.
Comments (7)
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This is where you want to put the In/Out Burger, not out on 68.
Also the In/Out concept could tie in nicely with a center city A Clockwork Orange theme.
Posted on February 16, 2009 9:53 AM
It is always a good thing to get the community involved in your business. Even if you are not in the most desirable part of the area, you can still advertise and make it so people will be interested in being patrons at your establishment.
Posted on February 16, 2009 5:55 PM
The High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau (HPCVB) is very proud that High Point now has the sit-in monument as a tribute to the Feb. 11th event and the strong leadership of High Point's African American community. The new monument will be added to HPCVB's website and collateral materials. Currently, HPCVB offers a complimentary booklet called "High Point's Hidden Treasurers". It contains a self guided tour of points of interest. It is divided into nine regions and most of them can toured on foot. HPCVB also produces a second booklet, "Things To Do In High Point". HPCVB produces the two booklets in-house so information can be updated more frequently and as a complement to the High Point Visitors Guide. Both booklets can be obtained on request. For more information, go to www.highpoint.org. You will be surprised at what you can discover in your own back yard!
Posted on February 16, 2009 7:31 PM
Thanks, Melody.
Posted on February 16, 2009 7:59 PM
Doug, did you see about the owner of the first US Islamic TV station in Buffalo NY decapped his wife.
Hitherto he had been touting his station as an attempt to combat "Muslim stereotypes."
Posted on February 17, 2009 10:19 AM
He definitely should have opted for divorce.
Posted on February 17, 2009 10:36 AM
Well I think I'm going to cut off a head.
Well I think I'm gonna cut off a head.
Over you. over you...
I want you to, to understand me.
My beliefs and my values
don't have to be so strange to you.
Gonna cut off a head, over you.
Gonna cut off a head, try it too
Cut off a head, day or night, Night or day.
Allright. Lose your fright.
Posted on February 17, 2009 11:57 AM