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Seagrove: a history
Quite simply, Seagrove and the uniquely named hamlets that surround it in rural Randolph County are the perfect places for anyone interested in pottery.
Far from being a mere collection of shops, Seagrove refers to a region of artisans that has made the area one of the nation’s largest communities of potters. Part of Seagrove’s allure lies in its singular history and high concentration of potters. The other part, especially for the uninitiated, lies in the experience itself.
The area’s famous future may have been preordained in the late 1700s, when Colonial potters began to fashion earthenware goods — including jugs, crocks, pots and storage jars — from the local red clay. But technology played its trump card with the rise of the American glass industry during the century that followed. By about 1900, pottery in the area and elsewhere had almost vanished.
Then, in 1920, a Raleigh eccentric named Juliana Busbee helped revive the art form by hiring locals to supply her establishment with handcrafted wares. Extinction was averted and a surge in demand in recent decades has brought the total number of resident craftspeople to more than 100.
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Interstate 73/74 Visitors Center
For a broad sampling of local artistry, stop by the Interstate 73/74 Visitors Center (northbound), just a mile south of town. Here, you’ll find a curated collection of pottery representing many of the area’s artisans, making it an excellent place to get a sense of the styles that interest you most before visiting studios in person.
North Carolina Pottery Center
Begin your journey at the North Carolina Pottery Center, where exhibits provide an introductory look at the region’s pottery heritage and showcase both traditional and contemporary works. This stop offers valuable context before venturing into the countless studios that dot the surrounding countryside.
Seagrove
With more than 90 pottery shops and studios spread across Seagrove and its neighboring hamlets — charmingly named places like Erect and Whynot — you won’t be able to see them all in a single visit. Instead, pick a few based on your interests. Some potters specialize in functional wares, while others focus on whimsical face jugs, elaborate glazes or sculptural designs. Driving through the countryside, keep an eye out for stacks of firewood, often a telltale sign of a traditional wood-fired kiln.
Seagrove Pottery Festivals
Seagrove truly shines in fall and spring, thanks to signature pottery festivals. The Seagrove Pottery Festival, held the weekend before Thanksgiving, gathers the country’s largest community of potters, while the Celebration of Seagrove Potters takes place the same weekend, featuring a Friday night gala and weekend-long exhibitions. If you’re visiting in April, the Spring Pottery Tour offers studio tours, demonstrations and special events at 50-plus local potteries.
Duck Smith House Bed & Breakfast
For an overnight stay, book a room at The Duck Smith House Bed & Breakfast, a cozy inn right in Seagrove. If you prefer more dining and lodging options, Asheboro, just 15 miles north, offers a wide range of accommodations and is home to the North Carolina Zoo.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Interstate 73/74 Visitors Center
Stop 2
North Carolina Pottery Center
Stop 3
Seagrove
Stop 4
Seagrove Pottery Festivals
Stop 5