Seagrove, NC, consists of around 80 working potters, all with unique pottery styles and techniques. While visiting, I was blown away by the potters’ humility and the pride they take in their work. A day trip to Seagrove, NC, makes for a fun activity that highlights the uniqueness of North Carolina.
Listed below is how I would spend a perfect day in Seagrove and some tips on how to plan out which potters to visit in the area. If you are looking for a more in depth guide on the NC Pottery Highway and Seagrove in general, check out my Locals’ Tips on First Timers Visiting Seagrove.
Common Questions About Seagrove, NC
What is the famous pottery town in NC?
The famous pottery town is Seagrove, NC . Due to the railroad, Seagrove in the early 1900s provided an outlet for local potters to distribute their pieces and allow visitors to come into the area.
Where is the pottery capital of the US?
The pottery capital of the United States in located in Seagrove NC. There is no where else in the country where you can find such a concentrated amount of potters with generational connections.
Basics
Lodging
Lodging in Seagrove is very limited. If you are looking for a greater variety of accommodation options, then I would look into staying in Asheboro, which is 15 minutes away. Even though accommodations are limited, there are a couple of unique bed and breakfast options in Seagrove:
Seagrove History
Native Americans were the first to find the clay deposits in Seagrove, but it wasn’t until the 1700s that immigration to Seagrove emphasized the value of local clay. Seagrove can thank the railroad industry for the accessibility and awareness of NC pottery.
Plan Your Day Trip to Seagrove, NC
North Carolina Pottery Center
Visiting the pottery center will help you get a lay of the land, where local pottery experts can provide you with a map and more knowledge about choosing potters that pique your interest.
Note: With there being roughly 80 potters in the area, it is impossible to visit every shop. Having a map and planning your trip beforehand is necessary so you can maximize your trip.
Within the pottery center, there is a pottery museum that showcases the work of local potters and highlights the history of Seagrove, NC.
Museum Admission
- Adults: $2.50
- Ages 13-18: $1
Go Check Out Seagrove Potters!
With over 80 Seagrove, NC pottery shops, you need to hit the ground running to maximize your trip. Mary Farrell at Westmoore Pottery provides a great tip for first timers: get a map and keep a record of the shops you’ve visited. You will have to make a habit of visiting Seagrove to fully experience all the potters and find your favorites.
If this is your first visit to Seagrove, then I suggest choosing potters from various categories. This way, you can get a wide range of styles, and it will help define your future visits.
Discover Seagrove has a great resource with all the potters listed with a brief description. Use the summary to help you understand what piques your interest.
Key Areas in Seagrove
I know, I know, I just told you to take the map and practically run with what interests you, but I do want to provide a little more guidance that will help you understand the importance of pottery in North Carolina.
Listed below are some of the generational potters who have ancestors from the late 1800s and early 1900s who were digging clay and creating pottery pieces. I urge you to visit a couple of their shops and hear their story. It is so important to keep the tradition alive and hear the stories that have been passed down.
Generational Potters
What adds to the charm of Seagrove is the generational potters. There is such a connectiveness to ancestors who have been working on the same craft in the same area for multiple generations. My tip is to find a generational potter and listen. They have so much knowledge, so many stories to tell.
10th Generation
6th Generation
- Boyd Owens (Original Owens Pottery)
- Ben Owen III (Ben Owen Pottery)
5th Generation
4th Generation
- Chris Luther
- Vernon Owens (Jugtown Pottery)
Busbee Road
A day trip to Seagrove, NC, is not complete without visiting potters on Busbee Road. Busbee Road is home to several generational potters and the infamous Jugtown Pottery. Be sure to choose a few potters on this road to learn more about the history of Seagrove and this historical pottery area.
Seagrove, NC Food and Drink
Seagrove Cafe
This is a cute coffee shop with grab-and-go meals and delicious cinnamon rolls! We thought this was a perfect lunch spot as we wanted a quick bite before checking out other NC potters.
The General Wine and Brew
This is such a cute little wine shop that is in downtown Seagrove. The mayor actually owns the shop, and it is a perfect place to end your day in Seagrove with a nice glass of wine or a craft beer.
Make a Weekend Out Of It!
The NC Pottery Highway is such a fun day trip in North Carolina. Consider visiting Southern Pines, Pinehurst, or Aberdeen to explore 3 quaint downtowns all within 15 minutes of each other!
Let’s Connect!
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Thank You
Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about the Seagrove, NC, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
Interested in Other Travel Locations?
The are so many beautiful destinations in NC that I’ve dedicated a whole page to North Carolina Travel. Check out our state’s amazing scenery, cities, and local charm.
Click below to see my articles on places in the following destinations:
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Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Seagrove, North Carolina, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
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