North Carolinians are known for their creativity, whether that be evidenced through their catchy mountain music or the flavor profiles of traditional Southern dishes. However, in the community of Seagrove in Randolph County, potters are making use of the land to bring their craft to the world, and many of them come from a lineage of potters before them.
The town of around 350 residents, dubbed the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” lies 40 minutes south of Greensboro and 90 minutes away from both Raleigh and Charlotte. This proximity brings visitors from all over the globe to scour galleries and attend seasonal events in search of hand-thrown wares.
If your pottery experience is limited to traditional mugs and bowls, which are a perfect introduction, get ready to have your mind opened up to a world of craftsmanship and camaraderie like no other—all in the little town of Seagrove.
Pottery History in Seagrove
Why Seagrove? The earth itself has an abundance of pot-worthy clay, which attracted early settlers and has continued to sustain generations of potters. That fact, coupled with the vision of the Busbees, who were responsible for the area’s revival in the early 1900s, keeps generational potters there, along with attracting those newer to working with clay.
Although heading straight to the various shops is tempting, the best way to begin your journey is to stop by The North Carolina Pottery Center. There, you can learn about Seagrove’s pottery history, wander through the latest exhibit, and—perhaps, most importantly— pick up a map to guide you through over 50 workshops and galleries within a 20-mile radius. The path is anchored by a central road, NC 705, otherwise known as Pottery Highway.
One of the perks of traveling along this route is that many of the stores are also studios, so you’ll likely find a potter working on their latest piece. As you traverse from store to store, you’ll find a broad range of styles, and whether you’re simply there to look or find something collectable, most potters are delighted to chat with you about their craft.
Guide to Shopping Pottery in Seagrove
To find unique pottery to take home, here's where to go based on what you're looking for.
For most folks, a handmade mug with a handle that “just feels right” is their first introduction to the world of pottery, and several artisans choose to concentrate mainly on wares used for baking and serving. Alexa Modderno of Seagrove Stoneware thrives on this style of wheel-turned work to create a consistent line of dinnerware and other practical items like angled kitchen utensil holders. The work of her husband, David Fernandez, is a bit more decorative, and his background in art and math shows through in the patterns his collectors have dubbed “quietly beautiful.”
Not only does the Original Owens Pottery offer essential items like soup mugs and batter bowls, but it’s also the oldest continuously operating pottery shop in North Carolina. Many of the wares showcase a beautiful, rich red tone, which is a secret family glaze. Tempting pieces, such as decorated children’s sets, pie plates, and baking dishes, also line the shop’s shelves.
In the center of town, near Seagrove’s only stoplight, you’ll find Turn and Burn Pottery, which puts its own spin on pieces with functionality. As you enter the store, you may find the owner, Deborah Garner, molding faces onto mugs. There is also a large selection of vases and urns, highlighting unique textures made from placing horsehair or feathers on hot pottery to leave their mark.
Jugtown Pottery is like a step back in time, and it’s no wonder, as it was founded by the Busbees in 1922. Although there is some modernization of the process, natural clay is drying outdoors, and human-powered kick wheels turn inside 18th-century buildings. Not only will you find heritage shapes, such as candlesticks, jugs, and butter crocks, but many feature unique glazes fired in a semi-underground kiln.
Ben Owen III is carrying on generations of tradition for his family, who have been Seagrove staples since the late 1700s. Owen, who owns Ben Owen Pottery, has put his own spin on the trade he learned from his grandfather. Although many of his pieces include traditional elements, many bear influences from his time in Asia, Europe, and Persia. His large-scale jars and urns are the most impressive due to their stately size.
Another worthy stop is From the Ground Up, where you’ll hear the soothing sound of hand-thrown wind chimes, as Lily, the resident cat, greets you. The rural property is just as lovely as the wood-fired wares inside. From gorgeous tumblers and lidded teapots to famed Soul Pots—meant to absorb and release positive energy—you can check gifts off your list, whether they be for yourself or a treasured friend.
Sure, you could use one of Frank Neef’s crystalline pieces as they were intended, as he makes vases and candleholders, but it’s perfectly acceptable for his artwork to never hold a flower or candle, as they’re gorgeous on their own. Much of his delicate porcelain features seaglass tones and intricate, cutout designs. However, the pièce de résistance is the crystalline pattern, which is due to zinc-infused glazes and holding the firing at a specific temperature so the crystals can grow.
If you’re into performance art (or not), be sure to stop by Eck McCanless Pottery. While his specialty is agateware, which involves carving into a multi-colored piece to reveal layers of clay, this musician and songwriter also enjoys the showmanship of demonstrating his craft. The storefront features cups, vases, and jewelry using the agateware technique, and you’ll also find quirky pieces by his sister, Fiva McCanless, stocked on the shelves—prepare to chuckle.
For stunning florals and creative designs, consider adding two perfect stops to your route. Dean and Martin Pottery features two artists, one of whom adds patterned transfers to pieces, while the other focuses on more natural colors to add visual interest. The duo at Bulldog Pottery also plays with pattern to personalize their stunning collection of decorative, functional wares.
A step into Crystal King Pottery opens up a whole world of imaginative designs to add to your home. You could walk in and immediately fall in love with a seasonal pumpkin adorned with florals, chuckle at a quirky folk art face jug, or spot one of her decorative sculpted animals. Although it may prove difficult to settle on which of her designs you love best, rest assured that King’s pieces get their panache from hand-sculpted clay.
Although jugs, canisters, and vases may border on the utilitarian, once you walk into The Triangle Studio and view Kate Waltman’s trade, you’ll realize that her work is anything but mundane. Inspired by museum collections and Art Deco design, the geometry and exactness of bold shapes in earthy tones are captivating. Waltman hand-carves each of her patterns and uses slip and ash glaze to add contrasting tones.
To infuse a space with lots of color, head to Seagrove Art Pottery, where you can peruse a house brimming with eclecticness. Although a sea of pottery decorated with multiple colors, figures, and cutout motifs can seem overwhelming at first, you can find the perfect item for a stark bookshelf by singling out a piece that speaks to you. The husband and wife team at the helm aims to foster joy, drawing inspiration from their experiences in Korea and Florida.
Located just a few minutes outside of Seagrove is the North Carolina Zoo, which is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, where animals have plenty of room to roam. While on site, adjust your path to coordinate with feeding times and notice the many art installations, many of which look like real animals, so be on the lookout.
Whether you are an avid orchid enthusiast or just want to go somewhere peaceful, a stop by Seagrove Orchids is a must. It’s only open on Friday and Saturday, so plan accordingly. No matter what time of year you go, there’s always something in bloom. Select your favorite varietal, pick up specially mixed soil, or learn more about these lovely plants.
About 15 minutes from Seagrove lies the heart of Asheboro, where there are several antique shops and malls filled with vintage goods. Of special note is the multi-vendor store, Collector’s Antique Mall, and Minkology, which has a mix of vintage household goods alongside new clothing and gifting items.
For a taste of serenity, stop by the Carolina Bronze Sculpture Garden, where you can take a walk around the pond and view art ranging from realistic-looking animals to abstract works. The pieces are on the property of Carolina Bronze Sculpture, where you can take a tour and see the process of fabricating large-scale statues.
When in Rome—well, Seagrove—it’s only natural to be clay-curious, so get your hands dirty by spending time at the wheel. The North Carolina Pottery Center periodically offers workshops, or you can request a private session with potter Cat Viera. In season, you can also take classes to test your hand-building skills by making a face jug or decorating a festive pumpkin with Crystal King.
Where To Eat and Drink
Located at the corner of Seagrove’s only stoplight, the Seagrove Cafe is an ideal way to begin the day—their cinnamon rolls are sheer perfection. Another breakfast option includes The Table, a lovely, brightly lit space that offers everything from specialty coffees to creative gourmet sandwiches in nearby Asheboro. Also, try the specialty teas and freshly baked treats at The Black Lantern, which has a quirky dark academia theme and is open through the early dinner hour.
When dinner time strikes and you crave authentic Southern cuisine, head to Magnolia 23, but be warned—you’ll want to arrive early as their specials sell out quickly. Try the fried chicken or the catfish, and you can’t go wrong with any of the famous sides. Brewskie’s is a nearby staple that is open from early morning through late night bites, and Cagle’s Diner is known for their hospitality and comfort-style food.
The rural beer and wine scene is also thriving thanks to The General Wine and Brew. This hub for connection and conversation is owned by a potter, who also happens to be the mayor, and his wife. If cocktails are more your style, drive a few minutes to Asheboro, where you can grab a delicious house-made margarita at Taco Loco Cantina, or head across the street to Leo’s Whiskey Bar, where you can sip a classic Old Fashioned or select a seasonal cocktail.
Where To Stay
To be in the middle of it all—or as central as you can get in a rural area—book the Seagrove Stoneware Inn, which is a quaint Airbnb owned by potters and filled with lovely examples of locally thrown wares. If you genuinely want to get away from it all, book your stay at Postcard Cabins. These carefully appointed tiny homes have everything you need, including a firepit, Adirondack chairs, and a large picture window to view your little corner of the woods.