ASHEBORO, NC – It’s that time of year again and many of us are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone. No matter who is on your holiday list, you can find unique, hand-crafted gift ideas that will be cherished for years to come. From the perfect coffee mug or beer stein for Dad, large art pottery pieces for Mom, to one-of-a-kind piggy banks for the youngsters, you will be amazed at just what the Seagrove, the pottery capital of the U.S., has to offer. 

With more than 60 shops to choose from that are open to the traveling public, you are sure to find a piece that makes an ideal gift for the holiday season. Whether you are looking for traditional or contemporary styles, functional or decorative pieces, you can spend your day visiting individual shops and discover your own favorites.   

The weekend before Thanksgiving, the Seagrove Area Potters Association will host its 8th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters. This event will feature 55 shops under one roof at the Historic Luck's Cannery located just one mile south of I-73/74 in Seagrove. Friday, November 20, 2015, night kicks off the event with a gala offering early shopping, a catered reception, and live music. The event also features its popular one-of-a-kind collaboration auction. Offering pieces created by artists that do not normally work together, this is one of the highlights of the evening. Gala tickets are $45 in advance. The show continues open to the general public on Saturday, November 21st from 9am-5pm and Sunday, November 22nd from 10 am - 4 pm. Celebration admission is $5, and parking is free. 

The 34th Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival, held on the same weekend of November 21st & 22nd from 9 am - 5 pm, will feature traditional crafts people, potters market, auction of signed and dated pottery, demonstrations, and food vendors. Festival admission is $5, and parking is free. 

Many of the area pottery shops also offer special holiday kiln openings from Thanksgiving weekend until just before Christmas. Openings are listed on our website, and you will find several every weekend in December. 

Stretching through three counties, the Seagrove area is packed with many beautiful things to see. Rather than spend your time fighting crowds at the mall, spend a day rambling down old country roads and take your pick of some of the best pottery in the country nestled in the hamlet known as Seagrove. 

A visit to www.HeartofNorthCarolina.com can help you in planning your trip to the area. Many of the potteries have a listing and link to their own pages; and the site also includes a downloadable area map and area visitors guide. For more information, contact our Visitor Services Coordinator by email to visitorinfo@HeartofNorthCarolina.com, or toll-free phone at 800-626-2672. 

The Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Randolph County Tourism Development Authority, representing Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, and Trinity; and operates solely on occupancy taxes generated by overnight guests in Randolph County. For additional information, call (336) 626-0364 or go to HeartofNorthCarolina.com.

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