Laughter and squeals of delight sing out on surround sound at Q’s Corner, an indoor gym on High Point’s Main Street. Here, the equipment is next-level. A toddler bumps giddily down a roller slide; a teen bops a ball suspended from a spinning tower; a 7-year-old braces himself inside a rotating rainbow roller and erupts into laughter when gravity gets the best of him.
When Candace Hayes, a mother of four, first came up with the idea for Q’s Corner, she was searching for a fun play space that met all her children’s needs. Typical bounce gyms weren’t cutting it for her oldest, Quintin, who is on the autism spectrum and would often leave feeling overstimulated and dysregulated.
Hayes embarked on a five-year journey to create a place where everyone could play. “We want inclusion for all children, not just kids on the spectrum,” Hayes says.
Q’s Corner is a dream come true, and in High Point, it’s in good company. Known as The Home Furnishings Capital of the World, this Piedmont town is more than a furniture mecca; it’s also a destination for families who want to get up off the sofa and explore — and the first Certified Autism Destination on the East Coast. Read on for a round-up of cultural, culinary, and glee-inspiring destinations fit for the whole family.
Although you may know High Point as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” we also pride ourselves on our rich history, multitude of family-friendly experiences, and vibrant food & drink culture.
Kids can ride the carousel at Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
Children will never guess that they’re learning as they splash in the water-play exhibit, scale the indoor “Courage Climber,” and join in a variety of other interactive exhibits at High Point’s expansive and award-winning Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum. Two of its play areas — “Ginormous” and “Kids Point” — have a distinct Furniture Capital flair.
“Ginormous,” designed to look like a child’s oversized bedroom, was inspired by the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers on Hamilton Street, just a few minutes’ drive from the museum. In this unique playroom, children can slide into a laundry basket, climb into dresser drawers, and play with the shadows under the bed.
“Kids Point” is a child-size town, including kid favorites like a market, restaurant, and fire truck. But it also has a few special High Point touches: the Furniture Design Studio, where kids can create their own designs with technology and textiles, and the Speed ’n Shop, where they can work on a race car as part of a pit crew.
Rich with options for top-notch food and drink, each of High Point’s authentic local restaurants has a unique style and flavor.
Try 98 Asian Bistro for flavorful, authentic Thai food. Dig into warming curries and saucy, stir-fried noodles, and don’t forget to pair it with a cocktail that complements the bright flavors in the food.
Blue Water Grille offers a lovely mid-century vibe, and their menu features steak and seafood. The elegant Magnolia Blue serves versions of hearty Southern staples like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles. The Italian-inspired dishes at Lulu and Blu include staples like chicken parmesan, plus other dishes that swing Southern, like their butternut squash ravioli.
For a more casual place to hang out, drop by Blue Rock Pizza & Tap. The funky restaurant is a great place to grab a craft beer from their ever-changing menu; adventurous eaters can try one of their specialty pizzas with rock-inspired names, like Stairway to Freebird or Harvest Moon.
Located within the JH Adams Inn, Cristina Gray’s offers a focused menu with Italian flair, plus a number of weekly specials from agnolotti to étouffée.
Over at Congdon Yards, the vibrant social district is a hotspot for residents and visitors. A rising star among High Point’s culinary scene is Earl’s Landing, an upscale space that specializes in cooked-to-order steaks and pasta, plus imaginative starters that could easily be your whole meal.
Take a float down the Lazy River at City Lake Park. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
At City Lake Park, located at the southern end of High Point’s City Lake, energetic children climb ladders, swing from monkey bars, and crawl through tunnels. Nearby, families ride the carousel and play miniature golf.
At the park’s aquatic center, you can cool off in the recently renovated pool, complete with a waterslide, splash pad, and more. If you’re looking for additional water recreation, take advantage of the park’s kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and paddleboards, all available for rent. You can even borrow a rod for the kids and teach them how to fish.
Cheer on the Carolina Core FC Foxes in their inaugural season. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
Embrace the thrill of the game by spending an evening downtown at Truist Point Stadium. If peanuts and Cracker Jacks are calling your name, bring a glove and cap and come see the city’s own professional baseball team, the High Point Rockers. For soccer fans, Truist Point is also home to the Triad’s very own Carolina Core FC team. On game day, head to the stadium to watch thousands of energetic fans, dressed in their foxy finest, as they stream into the park to cheer on the Foxes.
Come hungry to Stock + Grain Assembly, a food hall with a variety of vendors. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
Stock + Grain Assembly is a food hall that features two bars and nine independently-owned restaurants and take-out counters ranging from sushi to slow-cooked brisket.
It’s just a short walk from Truist Point Stadium and Blessing Park, making it an ideal destination before a Rockers or Carolina Core FC game. Head for Cahoots’ patio and enjoy a pint of craft beer as you join others in getting into the home team spirit.
The Art Gallery, on the first floor of The Factory at Congdon Yards, is known for its visual arts exhibits. The acclaimed gallery also offers self-directed, walk-in art activities for children.
Order a loaded dog at The Dog House, a High Point institution. photograph by Anagram Photo
Slide into a booth at The Dog House and order a hot dog. Make it loaded if you want mustard, slaw, chili, and onions. Since 1942, this cash-only establishment has been the go-to spot for dogs and conversation in High Point.
Another long-time favorite, Kepley’s Barbeque, has served up eastern-style barbecue since 1948. (For folks new to the state, eastern-style ’cue features a thin, vinegar-based sauce.) Don’t leave without getting a piece of cobbler — choose from peach, blackberry, or cherry.
See incredible musicians play live at The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival over Labor Day weekend. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
When daytime begins to fade, head to Oak Hollow Festival Park, one of the best places in town to catch a brilliant sunset. The park’s North Overlook has impressive views of the water, plus a playground and picnic areas.
Oak Hollow Festival Park also serves as a lakeside venue, hosting events and festivals like High Point’s Uncle Sam Jam on July 4th. Fireworks cap off this evening of food, live music, and children’s games.
Each Labor Day weekend, The Coltrane Youth Workshop Band kicks off the The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, a celebration of the legend who grew up and learned to play saxophone in the city. Top musicians fill the park with jazz riffs and bluesy chords throughout the two-day event.
Satisfy a barbecue craving at Sweet Old Bill’s. Photography courtesy of VISIT HIGH POINT
What better way to end your busy visit than at the award-winning Brown Truck Brewery? Take a moment to slow down and sip a pint of their No. 50 Brown Ale on the patio. Some nights you can listen to live music and other nights you can buy dinner from a food truck or grab food from Sweet Old Bill’s next door. But every evening, you can gather round the fire pit and recount your family’s adventures in High Point.
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