Home to the oldest railroad depot in the state, Thomasville is a historic city located in Davidson County, North Carolina.
It was founded in 1852 and is known for its furniture industry, beautiful parks and gardens, and friendly southern hospitality.
It is thought that Thomasville’s city cemetery is the only one where Confederate and Federal soldiers are interred side by side.
Every September, Thomasville hosts Everybody’s Day, the state’s oldest event; after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Festival’s annual attendance increased from 25,000 to 70,000.
When in Thomasville, you should visit a few downtown stores, go on one of the historical tours, and grab a luscious lunch at a local restaurant.
Live through a part of history and immerse yourself in the city’s culture to discover its grandeur, richness, and one-of-a-kind gems.
Here are the best things to do in Thomasville, North Carolina:
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One of Thomasville’s most famous historic landmarks, The Big Chair is a 30-foot reproduction of a Duncan Phyfe armchair.
It’s perched on West Main Street and signifies the existence of Thomasville as a furniture business hub.
Earning the title of the Most Prominent Chair in the World, The Big Chair gained national attention when vice presidential candidate Lyndon B. Johnson stopped to greet local supporters from atop it during a promotional whistle stop in 1960.
The original Chair, built in 1922, was made of pine and measured 13 feet and six inches tall; the current Chair is now made of steel and concrete and sits on the site of the old Chair.
Over the years, a succession of governors, mayors, and beauty queens have graced its one-foot-square throne.
Located on Colonial Club Drive, Colonial Country Club boasts a breathtaking well-maintained golf course, offering a family fun time.
It’s a challenging course with a USGA rating of 71.5 and a slope of 118.
The course’s Bermuda greens offer a smooth and equal pace for everyone to enjoy.
Colonial Country Club also features clay tennis courts perfect for tennis lovers and a swimming pool to enjoy sunny days.
Summertime excitement awaits you at the country club’s resort-style pool facility, which includes a kids’ pool, a food stand, covered tables, and recliners.
It also offers an exquisite dining experience with delectable dishes.
The city’s old churches that served as temporary hospitals during the Civil War are passed along the Church Walk
You’ll start on Main Street at The Big Chair; you can take snaps there and continue to Salem and Randolph Street, walking toward the railroad tracks.
Stroll around Will Harper Park; once tired, you can feast your eyes on the Mural on the North Wall of 6 Randolph Street.
The mural shows how the people in Thomasville live their lives, with the first street scene depicting what the city looked like in the 1920s, with a furniture store as a highlight.
You can also feast your eyes on the homes of well-known citizens of Thomasville, such as T. Austin Finch’s Home, built in 1921.
On the Church Walk, you’ll also be able to see the rustic house of former state senator J. Walter Lambeth, Jr., built in 1902.
If you are adventurous in terms of trying out different beers, Copper Still Taproom
This bar on Salem Street is cozy and boasts live music, providing a relaxing ambiance while you try out their locally brewed beer.
The bartenders are knowledgeable, so you can ask for their recommendations.
A karaoke night is held every Friday, and you’re more than welcome to sing your heart out with your friends as you enjoy your drinks.
Copper Still Taproom also creates new brews for seasonal and special occasions, so every visit is always exciting.
Located on East Holly Grove Road, Thomasville Hughes Park offers a spacious and well-maintained playground for kids.
The park features two 200-foot softball and baseball fields that can give hours of fun for sports enthusiast kids.
You can use the 300-foot baseball field for more space.
If you get hungry, there are concession stands where you can get some much-needed refreshments.
You can stroll around Hughes Park while watching players for cardio exercise while enjoying the scenery.
A whole day is not enough when you visit the Thomasville Emporium, with three floors of 18,000 square feet of shopping space for antiques, gifts, and home decor.
You’ll find an extensive collection of vintage Pyrex, estate jewelry, pottery, and fine china.
The emporium has a wide range of furniture from different periods and styles that would fit your taste and budget.
You can also explore their eclectic gifts, including rare paintings, beach boards, eccentric wall decors, and cast iron pieces.
Superhero enthusiasts will have a blast at the superhero section of the Thomasville Emporium, ranging from Marvel to GI Joe and Star Wars.
There’s something for everyone at the Thomasville Emporium on Commerce Street.
Nestled on Franklin Drive, Sunset Stable offers horseback riding lessons for beginners and those who want to improve their skills.
You’ll be under the guidance of their knowledgeable and patient instructors, so you can be confident that you are in good hands.
The stables also offer evening lessons and boast a lit arena for night riding.
Take a trail ride around the scenic property and enjoy the fresh air while bonding with nature.
Summers at Sunset Stables are especially enjoyable for children as they do not only get to learn how to ride horses, but they can also get to know the stable’s animals.
Situated along South Urban Street, Fat Daddy Farms is committed to providing the freshest produce possible.
They use sustainable farming practices to grow fresh produce, including beets, carrots, zucchini, and peppers of all kinds.
Fat Daddy Farms is proud of the relationships it built, particularly with The Father’s Store House, a local food pantry.
The farm has also established the Mercy Gardens, a non-profit organization that provides fresh produce to those in need.
You can visit and marvel at the animals, as the farm is home to 75 goats and at least 40 chickens.
Fat Daddy Farms is also home to Elli, Bo, and Jake—three farm dogs that serve as loyal protectors of the farm.
Twelve West Main is a convenient location from any part of Piedmont, and there is ample space for you to celebrate with your friends and family.
Located on West Main Street, this exquisite venue provides space for bridal showers, receptions, and wedding ceremonies.
The property boasts five venues that can accommodate up to 500 people.
Twelve West Main also has an events management team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This event venue is perfect for celebrating your love and creating lasting memories with your friends and family.
Winding Creek Golf Course is the perfect place to improve your golf game or enjoy a round with friends.
The course is located on Winding Creek Road and offers 18 holes of championship golf, boasting a 126-slope rating.
It offers a breathtaking nature view, with holes in old-growth forests.
Facilities include a driving range for practicing your swing and dual fairways, perfect for those who want to improve their skills.
If you get tired, you can hang out at Winding Creek Golf Course’s Grill, which offers a full menu and bar.
There’s also an on-site pro shop where you can find all the latest golf equipment and apparel.
Triangle Fitness is the perfect place to get in shape and blast while doing it.
The fitness center on Randolph Street offers various fitness classes and customizable packages to tailor your workout to your specific goals.
It boasts a variety of machine weights, cardio equipment, and Olympic benches.
In addition to working out, you can also enjoy a healthy meal at the on-site cafe.
Triangle Fitness offers services that include access to tanning machines, childcare, and security.
Located on Mendenhall Street, Tom A. Finch Community YMCA offers various activities, from lap swimming to gymnastics and basketballs.
It provides a haven for teenagers to interact with their peers and engage in positive activities.
Using a curriculum based on Aquatics Professional, the center provides swim lessons to different age groups.
There are also adult-centric programs, such as the Red Cross Blood Drive, Ice Cream Social, and volunteering activities.
Through its programs, the Tom A. Finch Community YMCA provides an outlet for people to stay active and involved in the community.
Get a taste of the 1800s by touring the Historic Home Trail in the Salem Street Historic District.
You can start the trail by admiring the J.T. Strickland Home, built in 1887; the Victorian house was built by Dr. Strickland and became the home of the president of a telephone company before housing the J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home.
Next on the list is the unique house of the Reverend John Lewis, which you can quickly identify for its brick chimneys placed on top of the gable ends.
If you want to get to know an older home, visit the Crews Home, built in 1861; its Dutch facade was added in 1921.
The early 1900s brought to Thomasville the Peacock Home, owned by a local physician.
When the home’s construction started in 1906, it was the only home in Davidson County to use such extensive rippled and cut granite.
The round turret with cone-shaped roof, second-level shingle siding, ornamental railing, Bengals windows, and arcaded front porch are notable characteristics that represent the Eclectic Victorian period with elements from the Queen Anne styles.
History buffs will surely enjoy Salem Street Historic District’s Historic Home Trail!
Thomasville has been the home of the Everybody’s Day Festival, celebrated in the city’s downtown area every first Saturday of October.
In addition to approximately 200 arts and crafts merchants, food stalls, and a children’s area with rides, activities, and celebrity appearances, the street festival also has special events and live performances.
The Everybody’s Day Festival also features old-school competitions, such as a Pie-Eating Contest.
The safety of attendees is ensured with the help of the local police and hospital, who are on standby.
With its rich history and diverse offerings, the Everybody’s Day Festival is a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.
You’ll be assured that only certified growers who reside in Davidson County and the neighboring cities are permitted to attend the 100% producers-only Thomasville Farmers Market.
Purchasing directly from the growers implies no intermediary involved, and the food was cultivated locally.
In addition to fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, and plants, you can also find vendors of meats, such as goat, beef jerky, and sausages.
Aside from long-time vendors, the Thomasville Farmers Market continues to attract new growers, so you can expect a variety of goods each time you visit.
The farmers’ market takes place on East Guilford Street.
Thomasville is a must-see place for its historic homes, scenic greenery, and lively festivals.
With something for everyone, the best things to do in Thomasville, North Carolina will surely please visitors of all ages.
If ever you find yourself in North Carolina, add this city to your list of places to see.
You won’t regret it!
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