Do you have a flair for creativity? Have folks called you dramatic on more than one occasion? Do you consider yourself fairly “crafty”? Then, you should definitely pay Sanford and Lee County a visit this fall. Here are nine reasons why.
Arts
One Concert / One Depot, Oct.21
Bluegrass music is alive, well and thriving in Sanford, NC. With weekly jams, headliner concerts and special events happening on the regular, it’s easy to see that bluegrass and music in general is something our area is really into. There’s also plenty of homegrown talent here picking and scratching to entertain you with their toe-tapping melodies and harmonies.
One special event worth planning a trip for is One Concert/One Depot, a fundraiser to benefit the restoration of The Depot in downtown Sanford. Grab tickets to enjoy a three-course seated picnic in Depot Park before jamming out to the Bluegrass/Americana band Nu Blu. Festivities kick off at 6pm on Thursday, Oct. 21.
Sanford Brush & Palette Club Show, Oct. 16 – 23
Founded in 1964, the Sanford Brush & Palette Club (SBPC) is committed to advancing art of all kinds in Sanford and Lee County. The club has provided scholarships, curated and sponsored art shows and recognized many of the areas most dedicated and accomplished artists.
One of SBPC’s most popular events is their annual art show. This year marks their 56th show and will display approximately 1000 works while also providing show attendees opportunities to meet and greet the artists. Make plans now for this free, family-friendly event that’s open to the public.
Temple Theatre
With humble beginnings as a Vaudeville house in 1925, Temple Theatre stands today as a monument to Sanford’s impressive artistic footprint. The theatre offers those who enjoy performance art the chance to experience professional, high-quality productions year-round. It’s also the site of numerous youth learning and performance opportunities as well as myriad of special events. Visit Temple Theatre’s calendar for a full slate of fall shows and be sure to snag a front-row seat to witness dazzling talent and spectacle.
Mural Arts Trail
Take a stroll through the streets of downtown Sanford and beyond to enjoy our Mural Art Trail – a public arts initiative that promotes the city’s rich history and values. With 12 works currently on display, the trail features everything from a tribute to Sanford Spinners baseball fame to a larger-than-life, interactive butterfly wing mural. Make a day of it to hit every stop on the list and be sure to return often to see how this project evolves and expands.
Crafts
Artisan Market/Fair – Nov. 13
The Sanford Farmers’ Market is always a happening spot to drop by on a Saturday. You may however want to make extra special plans for Nov. 13. That’s when the market offers up a dash of holiday cheer with the Artisan Holiday Market. Visitors will get the chance to browse local crafts, jewelry and decorations absolutely guaranteed to kick holiday shopping into high gear. Look for the market setup in the parking lot directly across from Yarborough’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Antique Trail
There’s no better time to go antiquing than in the fall. Lucky for you, Sanford has its very own antique trail with seven unique stops. Shop everything from furniture to fine china that’s aged to perfection and is simply delightful. Best of all, you can discover some really fantastic homemade crafts and décor along the way that will add that special something to your personal space.
Unique Craft Shopping
For unique and crafty gifts, there are a few places conveniently located in downtown Sanford that you should check out. Swing by Karma Boutique & Coffee Bar for hand-crafted items like candles, wax melts, soaps and more. Be sure to grab a cup of a coffee as well while you shop. From there, head over to Southern Charm on Wicker Street for lovingly designed jewelry, fall décor and fashion. If you’re into mall shopping (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), check out the Shops of Steele Street. Here you’ll find several different art and craft stores selling slightly quirky, but incredibly charming gifts.
Boo & Brew + Beer Trail
What craft itinerary would be complete without including craft beer? Sanford is home to a handful of breweries turning out everything from intriguing IPAs to stellar stouts. To get a true taste of the scene, we recommend hitting the beer trail that includes places like Camelback Brewing, Hugger Mugger Brewing and Wild Dogs Brewing.
Or better yet, make your tour spooky by taking part in the Boo & Brew Ghost Tour. Part audio tour, part pub crawl and all kinds of fun, this tour hits all the major breweries in town and adds in a few restaurants for good measure. Plus, there’s the spine-tingling tale of Jinx of The Egypt Coal Mine plucked straight out of Sanford’s history as a mining town. The tour is happening throughout October and certainly makes for a very “hoppy” Halloween.
