Need to tap into those inner photography skills and refresh your Instagram page? Look no further than Sanford, NC, a picturesque town that has countless “Instagrammable” spots to boost your loyal following. From its Southern charm and impressive, natural landscapes to its quirky downtown hotspots and beautiful art, Sanford will surprise you with its many hidden gems. So, grab your camera or your phone and a friend and get ready to see Sanford through a new lens.
To start, take a walk through history and snap some artsy pictures along Sanford’s mural trail. It’s worth spending the time admiring the 10 impressive murals that reveal Sanford’s pride in its history and its community. These diverse murals represent everything from fun topics, such as the Sanford Spinners baseball team and Fairview Dairy (the first 3-D mural in NC!) to more serious topics, such as the “Off to War” World War II Tribute and Visionary Builders, a tribute to Sanford’s early African-American leaders. Use this handy mural map to make sure you don’t miss a single one of these amazing and unique murals.
We all know Instagramming your food and drinks is a fad and one that the many exceptional restaurants of downtown Sanford can lend to! For an adorable black-and-white front porch shot, grab a cup of afternoon tea at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House and be enthralled by its historic charm and scrumptious, Southern cuisine. Or, make your followers jealous by spending an evening underground at The Chocolate Cellar, where delectable bonbons and truffles abound.
Enjoy a rich stout, fruity sour or something in between at Hugger Mugger Brewing Company. The intense colors of their beer perfectly topped with foam and resting in their classy pint glasses are just begging to be captured sitting on a wooden table or with their eclectic art tapestries in the background. Don’t forget to tag them on Instagram (@huggermuggerbrewing) for a possible shout-out! Or head over to another local brewery, Camelback Brewing Company where the friendly staff, fun atmosphere and incredible beer create a perfect scenario for using that portrait mode! Lastly, there’s no filter needed for that juicy burger that tastes as good as it looks at Fairview Dairy Bar, an old-fashioned diner serving up Southern food and dessert at its finest.
For some of Sanford’s more naturally scenic areas, make your way to the White Pines Nature Preserve or San Lee Park, both of which boast incredible views, wooded trails, and even a gorgeous lake at White Pines—perfect for that sunset panoramic. Swing by a few of Sanford’s most distinctive spots, including Ole Gilliam Mill Park, the Historic Railroad House with its old steam engine, or Deep River Camelback Truss Bridge. Whether or not golf is a hobby of yours, Quail Ridge and Tobacco Road are two golf courses known for their breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see, as well as their superior greens. Whether it’s the trees blooming in spring and summer, leaves changing in the fall, or the serene, majestic beauty of a wintry day, Sanford maintains its natural beauty year-round.
When it comes to picture-perfect spots in Sanford, this list is just the first page of your photo album. So, unleash your imagination as you continue along your Sanford journey – and don’t forget to hashtag #VisitSanfordNC on all your posts so we can see the Instagrammable spots you found!
