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Seagrove Pottery | The North Carolina Pottery Trail

Nestled in the countryside of North Carolina you’ll find the largest concentration of working potters in the United States. The tiny town of Seagrove, only 0.7 square miles with a population of 228, boasts the big title of handmade pottery capital of the United States. Seagrove pottery is known around the world and a must for any art aficionados.  

Along with a few neighboring towns, within a 20-mile radius, you’ll find about 100 pottery shops; 70 of which are open to the public. The shops offer a range of pottery, from functional everyday use to sculptural, folk art, historical forms, and even face jugs. Many of the North Carolina potters can be found along the nearly thirty-mile span along Highway 705. 

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McKay Pottery in Seagrove, North Carolina

Seagrove is located in Randolph County, North Carolina, and just about an hour from the NASCAR World of Cabarrus County and 3 hours from Asheville .

Seagrove is famous for its pottery that dates back to the 18th century and before the American Revolution. This part of North Carolina has near-perfect clay for pottery that is also famous for the red hue that has been nicknamed “Seagrove red”.

Many of the first Seagrove potters were Scots-Irish immigrants. At that time most of the pottery produced was functional, glazed earthenware. Today the potters are considered artists and expert craftsmen. You’ll find every kind of pottery you can imagine and here are a few of my favorite pottery shops in the handmade pottery capital.

Pottery in North Carolina

Seagrove, North Carolina refers to a region with one of the United States’ largest communities of potters. Pottery in North Carolina dates back to the late 1700s, when Colonial potters began to make earthenware goods including jugs, crocks, pots and storage jars from the local red clay.

Seagrove Pottery

Seagrove, which is located in Randolph County, North Carolina, is famous for its pottery that dates back to the 18th century and before the American Revolution. This part of North Carolina has near-perfect clay for pottery that is also famous for the red hue that has been nicknamed “Seagrove red”.

Many of the first Seagrove potters were Scots-Irish immigrants. At that time most of the pottery produced was functional, glazed earthenware. Today the potters are considered artists and expert craftsmen. You’ll find different styles of pottery and below I am sharing a few of my favorite pottery shops from the handmade pottery capital.

Face Jugs are a big part of the Seagrove pottery history and tradition, and collectors come from around the globe to see potters like fifth-generation potter Sid Luck and other local craftspeople making these in person.

For over 35 years Seagrove has hosted the annual Seagrove Pottery Festival, held the weekend before Thanksgiving and featuring local potters. The largest pottery community in the U.S. comes together with traditional craftspeople in celebration of Seagrove potters for this special event to sell their wares during the two-day festival.

Original Owen’s Pottery

Owens Pottery, Seagrove, North Carolina

The first stop on a Seagrove pottery tour should be Original Owens Pottery. Founded in 1895, is the oldest pottery shop in the state with six generations who have worked the wheel creating pottery. Today, it’s operated by Boyd Owens, who continues the long tradition of Owens family potters spanning three centuries. The pottery continues to produce traditional dinnerware, and the famous Owens red glaze pottery “finish” are the signature pieces.

The signature red was created in 1945 and the clay comes from two feet under the soil. Going through 1,000 pounds of local clay a week and creating 300 pieces a day, Boyd estimates that there are four more years that they will have the special clay to create their red glaze.

Owens Pottery, Seagrove, North Carolina

Owen’s Original is a must-stop, not merely because the Owens family is one of the older pottery making families in this area, but because the shop is filled with beautiful functional pottery, a collection of vintage bicycles from the 1940’s-1960’s and to watch Boyd Owens at the pottery wheel as he shares his stories of Seagrove and the world of pottery.

Owen’s is one of the most famous North Carolina potters and pottery shops with it’s classic red clay pottery. 

Eck McCanless Pottery

Eck McCanless Pottery in Seagrove, North Carolina

Another shop where you can catch the artist at work is Eck McCanless Pottery . Eck is a second generation Seagrove potter who focuses on Agateware pieces.

His approach to pottery celebrates the clay itself and manipulation by the potter’s hands. His process includes turning four different colors of clay together on the wheel, then skillfully controlling the clay so that the pattern becomes a featured aspect of the piece. Eck creates pottery with these mixed colors of clay to create beautifully complex pieces that are truly one of a kind Seagrove North Carolina pottery. 

McKay Pottery

McKay Pottery in Seagrove, North Carolina

I had never seen a face jug before visiting Ryan at  McKay Pottery . The tradition of pottery with faces dates back to Egyptian and Mesopotamian times and face jugs trace back to the United States and the African slaves who worked on American plantations.

What I was told was slaves were not given or could afford tombstones, so they would make a jug that was as scary looking as possible. Then, if in one year, the jug was not broken, it would mean the loved one was going to heaven. They have evolved into a form of art and are still quite common in North Carolina for many uses today. To learn more about the history, check out this video . 

Ryan offers a unique twist on the Face Jug and offers customized creations using photos to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of pottery.

Great White Oak Gallery

Great White Oak Gallery in seagrove, north carolina

Benjamin & Bonnie Burns of Great White Oak Gallery  create   pottery that is influenced by Oriental masters. Their pieces feature glazes and techniques of the East specializing in Ox Blood and focusing on combinations of blues and greens. They also create hand-decorated specialty items in porcelain, white stoneware, and tiles hand-painted with exquisite wildlife and floral motifs. This unique place showcases their master potter work in a gallery setting.

Latham’s Pottery

Lathams Pottery in seagrove, north carolina

Bruce & Janice Latham’s pottery is mostly utilitarian, offering pieces such as coffee mugs, pie plates, large vases, dinnerware, honey jars, candle cups of many styles, lotion bottles, toothbrush holders, canister sets, large and small casseroles, and a lot more. Their specialty is a hand-turned basket with hand-made flowers on top and both sides. They have a great gift shop where you can purchase all their pottery creations. 

North Carolina Pottery Center

The NC Pottery Center is the best place to start a visit to the Seagrove area. At the center, you can pick up a Seagrove pottery map, learn about the history of the pottery in the area as well as any current special events.

The Seagrove Area Potters Association is another great resource when visiting this area. They are dedicated to promoting the local pottery community that works and resides in Seagrove. They are located at 413 E Main St. in Seagrove.

Seagrove Pottery FAQ

How many potters are in Seagrove?

There are now more than 100 potters to visit in the Seagrove area. NC potteries in Seagrove offer a wide selection of unique, custom, handmade pieces.

Why is there so much pottery in Seagrove NC?

Seagrove, North Carolina is known for its handcrafted pottery that reflects traditions that started here more than 200 years ago. In 1920, a Raleigh businesswoman named Juliana Busbee helped revive the pottery art form by hiring locals to supply her establishment with handcrafted wares. 

Location of Seagrove

Seagrove is located just 15 minutes south of Asheboro, approximately 40 miles northwest of Pinehurst and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Chapel Hill, in central North Carolina.

Map of Seagrove Potters

The North Carolina pottery highway also known as North Carolina Highway 705 is considered Pottery Highway or Pottery Road due to the large number of potters in and surrounding Seagrove.The below Seagrove pottery map gives a general overview of the pottery locations. 

map of seagrove potters

WHEN TO VISIT Seagrove, North Carolina

The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons; from March through May or from September through November, when it is less crowded and hotels are less expensive.

If you enjoyed this article about Seagrove, North Carolina, you’ll also love Raleigh: A Museum Mecca .

Traveling To North Carolina Soon? Here are a few tips:

How to get there:  Seagrove is located in Randolph County, North Carolina, in the south-central part of the U.S. The closest airport is Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) and it’s a 1 hour and 25-minute drive to Seagrove from the airport. Google Flights is my favorite for checking for the best airfare. It searches all flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).

Where to stay:  When I visited, I stayed at the Hampton Inn of  Asheboro . The hotel is just 15 miles from Seagrove where you will find these amazing pottery shops. There are also  two historic B&B’s in Seagrove;   

What to pack:  The temperatures each season vary greatly. In winter you’ll see occasional snow with low’s in January of 29 °F and a high of 52 °F. I visited in August and the high was 94 ° F and low 62 °F . You’ll also find rain in the summer months. I was very happy I brought along a travel umbrella , as we had several days with spurts of rain. If you are visiting in Winter, you’ll want to bring fleece lined leggings , a light down jacket , warm socks (I love Ice Breaker ), a waterproof outer layer and rain jacke t, and some hiking boots (I love Keen ).

  • Make sure to check out Fodor’s The Carolinas & Georgia Travel Guide

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While I was an invited guest of  Randolph County Tourism Board , this is a totally independent and honest review based on my experience.  A special thanks to  Randolph County Tourism Board who showed me the very best of the county. Another thank you to Travel Media Showcase (TMS)! Thanks to TMS, I got to experience the fascinating pottery culture of Seagrove, North Carolina. 

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

14 Comments

Wow, I never knew this place existed! My husband is really into pottery, so we will have to try to make it there someday. That signature red glaze is incredible – such a rich color!

Oh this is so nice and a unique experience. I visited a pottery shop in the Philippines, but only watched the workers. We’re thinking of visiting North Carolina this summer. Will add this to the list. Maybe my teenagers would enjoy it!

So much love and respect for those who make pottery, I aspire to learn someday! What a lovely and informative article about special places. Thank you!

I never knew there was so much awesome pottery in North Carolina! The red stuff is really cool, and these artists seem to have some really unique work. Browsing art studios is one of our favorite pastimes, so we’ll definitely have to check this place out next time we’re in NC! Thanks for sharing, Alexa!

I only have 14 states left to have visited all 50 and North Carolina is one of them. Now there is another reason to go.

Wow, this post just brought me to a magical place! Pottery is definitely the perfect mix between art and necessity! Would love to visit this place if I’m in the area!

I love these artist communities. It’s such a great way to experience both community and art in an easy package. I love that work too. Very beautiful paint jobs.

I think my favorite is the McKay Pottery. Those faces are hilarious. I would love to put some out for Halloween.

Wow, those are gorgeous! I love handmade art, they are so unique and different!

What an amazing find! I had no idea that there is a Pottery Train in North Carolina. I would love to explore all of the pottery in Seagrove! Their art always amazes me how good they make things and the detail in their pottery is truly amazing. I love the faces made at McKay!

REALLY great info! I have several friends who love pottery! Will share your post with them!!!

Thanks Mary! It’s truly a wonderful place to dive deep into pottery culture!

Thanks for the very informative article! We have traveled the NC Pottery Trail in the past and continue to return to it, each time we are visiting the area. There are many, many more potters! King Pottery is one of my favorites, as is Nimble Hill. Such a pleasing, God given talent, to be a potter…

I’d love to head back and visit more of the pottery studios. Such a wonderful place to explore. The history is so fascinating as well!

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2023 Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Tour

November 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Save the date! The Celebration of Seagrove Potters 16th Annual Festival will take place in the historic Luck’s Cannery in addition to a Studio Tour.  The event will be held Saturday, November 18th through Sunday, November 19th, 2023.  Early bird shopping will be planned for Saturday morning.  The Saturday show is from 9am to 5pm with demonstrations, and auction pieces available for bidding.  The Sunday show hours will be from 10am to 4pm.  This is an all-indoor event and promises to be a lot of fun!

A Studio Tour in the Seagrove Area will also take place, giving visitors a chance to see new work created for this special weekend.

More information will be provided later for a special pottery auction held online and at the Luck’s Cannery.

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seagrove pottery tour

Discover a Pottery Paradise in Seagrove

A part of Seagrove’s allure lies in its history and high concentration of potters, while the other part lies in the experience itself.

Quite simply, Seagrove and the uniquely named hamlets that surround it in rural Randolph County are the perfect place for anyone interested in pottery.

Far from being a mere collection of shops, Seagrove actually refers to a region of artisans that has made the area one of the nation’s largest communities of potters. Part of Seagrove’s allure lies in its singular history and high concentration of potters. The other part, especially for the uninitiated, lies in the experience itself.

The area’s famous future may have been preordained in the late 1700s, when Colonial potters began to fashion earthenware goods – including jugs, crocks, pots and storage jars – from the local red clay. But technology played its trump card with the rise of the American glass industry during the century that followed. By about 1900, pottery in the area and elsewhere had almost vanished.

Then, in 1920, a Raleigh eccentric named Juliana Busbee helped revive the art form by hiring locals to supply her establishment with handcrafted wares. Extinction was averted and a surge in demand in recent decades has brought the total number of resident craftspeople to more than 100.

Seagrove's signature event – the annual Seagrove Pottery Festival , held the weekend before Thanksgiving – has been a staple for more than 35 years. The largest pottery community in the U.S. comes together with traditional craftspeople to sell their wares during the two-day festival. And for the past decade, the Celebration of Seagrove Potters also takes place that weekend, including a Friday night gala. Then just as the weather warms, the Spring Pottery Tour , in mid-April, features more than 50 local potters hosting special events, offering studio tours, demonstrations and selling their pottery.

No matter when you visit, there's a broad sampling of works representing the majority of the artisans in the surrounding region at the Interstate 73/74 Visitors Center – Northbound, just 1 mile south of Seagrove. This is both useful and important since, after a quick perusal of the map available at the visitors center, it quickly becomes apparent that visiting all 90-plus shops and studios is a futile endeavor.

Perhaps the best place for you to start is at the North Carolina Pottery Center  in Seagrove. Here, you can get a quick education in the roots of the craft from interpretive displays, which are both permanent and temporary.

Though it’s natural to begin in the town, make sure your route takes you into the surrounding countryside, where hamlets with names such as Erect and Whynot await your visit. Potters of national and international renown, who trace their craft bloodlines back through as many as nine generations, inhabit these unlikely places, where ricks of wood are often the telltale sign of the family kiln.

Doing research online, too, can help you have a more focused experience. However, potters are experimenters by definition, so it’s best to bring an open mind into each studio.

North Carolina pottery is both a constantly evolving and highly varied organism. It includes traditional jugs with human features, which gave the name “Jugtown” to the area, a tremendous variety of functional items, and artistic works.

If you’re staying overnight, Seagrove does feature an inn:  The Duck Smith House Bed & Breakfast . In addition, nearby Asheboro , home of the North Carolina Zoo , houses a wide range of accommodations and a variety of restaurants. Seagrove is about 15 miles south of Asheboro, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 220 and North Carolina Highway 705.

Ends: 6/15/2024

2024 Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes, 3 days of open-air shopping in durham, charlotte & asheville, furniture shop and restaurant hop in high point, shop local and bring home keepsakes from your travels.

Explore Unique Works and Pottery Traditions at the Country's Largest Pottery Community; Seagrove, NC

Often referred to as the pottery capital, Seagrove, North Carolina is known for its handcrafted pottery that reflect traditions that started here more than 200 years ago.

“Seagrove is a mecca visited by potters from across the country,” says David Fernandez, Seagrove mayor and potter at Seagrove Stoneware Pottery. “Some of them, like myself, have stayed.

The tradition and the availability of materials attract the potters. Customers realize that in one location, they can find virtually anything made out of pottery.”

Attracted to the area for its abundance of diverse, high-quality local clay, the first Seagrove potters created redware and later forged salt-glazed stoneware. Over the years, as the pottery town grew, new and different styles of pottery emerged.

Today, the diverse community is home to 80 working potters who continue the tradition of their families, some for nine generations.

Pottery Tour

More than 50 shops, galleries, and studios dot the scenic countryside along Hwy. 705, also known as the Pottery Highway. Whether you are a first-time visitor, serious buyer, or casual collector, you are sure to find a one-of-a-kind treasure. From art pieces to large-scale works, there are a variety of styles represented, including raku, crystalline, stoneware, salt-glaze, wood, and kiln-fired pieces.Most shops are opened year-round. You can take a self-guided tour from shop to shop to browse collections and watch potters working at the wheel, glazing, and creating. Here are a few places not to miss.

Luck’s Ware

Face Jugs are a big part of the area’s history and tradition, and collectors come from around the globe for one created by Seagrove’s most iconic potters, Sid Luck, a fifth-generation potter. From mixing the clay to the finished piece, visitors can also experience the ancient art of wheel-thrown pottery. More info, www.lucksware.com. McKay Pottery. For more a whimsical style of Face Jugs, check out the works from up-and-coming potter Ryan McKay. More info, www.discoverseagrove.com/potters/ryan-mckay.

Seagrove Stoneware Pottery 

Visit potters David Fernandez, the Mayor of Seagrove, for works at Seagrove Stoneware Pottery, and wife Alexa, for modern kitchenware creations at Moddware Pottery. More info, www.seagrovestoneware.com .

Ben Owen Pottery 

Like his master potter grandfather, Ben Owen’s pottery reflects a foundation in traditional designs alongside Asian influences. His work can be found in many museums nationwide, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Smithsonian Museum of Art. More info, www.benowenpottery.com .

Owens Original Pottery

Founded in 1895 by J.H. Owens, Owens Original Pottery is the oldest pottery shop in North Carolina. Owens was the first potter to make pottery for Jugtown Pottery. His original 126-year-old shop is located behind the studio, owned by sixth-generation potter Boyd Owens. More info, www.facebook.com/OwensPottery .

The North Carolina Pottery Center

North Carolina Pottery Center showcases permanent and rotating exhibits of pottery, artifacts, and photographs tracing North Carolina’s pottery history. More info, www.ncpotterycenter.org.For a pottery map and more information, visit www.discoverseagrove.com .

Seagrove Woodfire N.C. Weekend Pottery Tour June 5-6, 2021

Learn more about the Seagrove pottery tradition and craft of wood-fire kilns during this free event. More information, www.seagrovewoodfire.com/new-events .

Seagrove Potters Tea August 21, 2021

Meet potters, enjoy small bites at this fun-filled progressive tea party highlighting tea-themed pottery and serving pieces. More information, www.teawithseagrovepotters.webstarts.com .

North Carolina Pottery Festival & Celebration of Seagrove Potters November 20 – 21, 2021

Pottery studios, galleries, potters, and artists come together for two events on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The weekend events feature more than 80 area potters and traditional artisans that make Seagrove’s colonial cottage industry one of the largest in the country. More information, www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/calendar/ .

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4911 Busbee Rd. Seagrove, NC 27341 USA

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Studio Touya is a handmade pottery studio located in Seagrove NC where Hitomi and Takuro Shibata set up studio and built Japanese style wood kiln. Our focus is to make simple& functional pottery by using local wild clay and wood firing technique. We named our pottery as "Touya" when we started our small pottery studio in Shigaraki, Japan, and it literary means "pottery house" in Japanese which we really like.

Studio Touya

Studio Touya Web Top.jpg

Hitomi and Takuro Shibata are potters from Shigaraki, Japan, and set up STUDIO TOUYA in Seagrove, NC, USA.

We make handmade pottery and sculptural work with using natural material, wild clays, and wood firing techniques.

Our pottery gallery is remaining closed to the public through out this winter.

Touya UPCOMIng News and events

seagrove pottery tour

Workshop, Lecture and Exhibition at Longwood University Farmville, Virginia, Feb 8th to 9th, 2024

Exhibition Opening Reception and Artist Talk at Bedford Gallery Open to Public: Feb 9th 3:30pm

A Wild Clay Pottery Workshop

Sugar maples center for creative arts, maplecrest, ny.

June 21 - June 25, 2024

More Info: https://sugarmaples.coursestorm.com/course/from-nature-to-art-a-wild-clay-pottery-workshop

Exploring Forms: Hand-Building Workshop

Andersonranch art center, snowmass village, co.

July 15 - 26, 2024

More info: https://www.andersonranch.org/workshops/workshop/exploring-forms-hand-building-c0708-24/

Book Release: Wild Clay, Creating ceramics and glazes from natural and found resources, Written by Matt Levy, Hitomi and Takuro Shibata, published by Bloomsbury Publishing and herbert press

seagrove pottery tour

Takuro and Hitomi have written our first book “Wild Clay”, with co-author, Matt Levy, and it’s released on Oct 25th, 2022.

This is our wild clay story and our journey from Japan to US, and from the past to today.

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/wild-clay-9781789940923/

Special thanks to our dear friends: Josh DeWeese, Dean Adams, John Neely, Randy Edmonson, Bruce Gholson, Ed Henneke, Nancy Gottovi, Mark Zellers and Kate Oggel for their big support. And many thanks to our pottery friends in US and overseas for telling wonderful clay stories for this book. Cover photo: NC wild raw clays by Takuro Shibata

seagrove pottery tour

ZOOM Gallery Talk Shigaraki: Contemporary Artists on an Ancient Tradition, Recorded February 23, 2023

Hosted by Joan B Mirviss LTD

Produced and edited by Bonnie B Lee, Joan B Mirviss LTD.

https://youtu.be/ygpirecncs8

PANELISTS: PETER CALLAS, artist based in New Jersey, US. HITOMI and TAKURO SHIBATA, artists based in North Carolina, US. OTANI SHIRO, artist based in Shigaraki, Japan. NATSU OYOBE, Curator of Asian Art, University of Michigan Museum of Art, MI with LOUISE CORT, Curator Emerita of Ceramics, Freer Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Moderated by JOAN MIRVISS

Studio Talk 2022: Process and Perspectives in Clay 2022

Ceramics monthly and pottery making illustrated.

seagrove pottery tour

Article: Telling Unique Stories by Hitomi Shibata

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/ceramics-monthly-issue/Studio-Talk-Process-and-Perspectives-in-Clay-22

Past Event:

Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Studio Tour, Nov 18 & Nov 19, 2023

Residency Program, Japanese Studies at Carleton College Ceramics Studio, Northfield, MN, Oct 16 - 29, 2023

Northern Clay Center, American Pottery Festival, Minneapolis, MN, Sep 7 - 10, 2023

Clay AKAR, Yunomi Invitational, Online, Friday, August 4th, 2023

Seagrove Wood Fired Studio Tour, Seagrove, NC, June 3&4,  2023

Exhibition: “Collaboration in Craft”, Green Hill Center for NC Art, Greensboro, NC, Mar 11 - Jun 24, 2023

Penland School of Craft, CLAY ” Making and Place” April 30 – May 5, 2023

Celebration of Seagrove Potters Spring Studio Tour, Seagrove, NC, April 14th to 16th, 2023

Schaller Gallery: Studio Touya pottery Show, April 4th, 2023

Webinar: “ Shigaraki” Contemporary Artists on an Ancient Tradition, Hosted by Joan B Mirviss LTD , February 23, 2023

Instagram Hitomi Shibata @studiotouya

seagrove pottery tour

Instagram Takuro Shibata @takuroshibataceramics

seagrove pottery tour

EventCrazy.com

Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Driving Tour

Sat, nov 18, 2023, sun, nov 19, 2023.

The Celebration of Seagrove Potters 16th Annual Festival will take place in the historic Luck’s Cannery in addition to a Studio Tour. The event will be held Saturday, November 18th through Sunday, November 19th, 2023. Early bird shopping will be held 8-9am Saturday morning. The Saturday show is from 9am to 5pm with demonstrations, and special auction pieces available for bidding. The Sunday show hours will be from 10am to 4pm. This is an all indoor event and promises to be a lot of fun! Tickets will be available for the Early Bird shopping event online, and at the door $25. General admission to the Luck’s Cannery event is $8. A Studio Tour of 29 pottery shops in the Seagrove Area will also take place, giving visitors a chance to see new work created for this special weekend. Pickup an Area Map and Event brochure at your first stop. The Studio Tour is Free and open to the public. Visit the event page for a list of all the participating shops and event details (including our online and in-person auction! https://discoverseagrove.com/events/2023-celebration-of-seagrove-potters-fall-festival-and-tour/ Seagrove, NC was voted America’s #1 Town for Craft Lovers. With 200+ years of pottery tradition, come discover for yourself what makes this a special place to visit. Observe demonstrations of wheel throwing, and visit kiln openings and much more. The potters are willing to share behind the scenes activities, so you can join in the fun! Located in the central piedmont of North Carolina where more than 100 ceramic artists call this tourist destination home. Experience Seagrove’s pottery tradition on a self-guided tour of over 50 working studios in the Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States. Visitors can shop galleries from the town’s center, extending to a 20-mile radius along the scenic NC Pottery Highway. Tour individual shops to experience Seagrove’s tradition, meet the potters and discover the limitless talent that thrives within this creative community. Plan to spend the day or weekend, we guarantee you’ll want to come back.

Historic Luck's Cannery

Seagrove , nc.

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6th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Tour 2023

November 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

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2024 Events

Summertime tea.

Discover your favorite tea pitcher by taking a journey through Seagrove.  Enjoy a tea tasting experience at Blue Hen Pottery, Dean and Martin, Eck McCanless, From the Ground Up, Red Hare Pottery and Thomas Pottery.

Southern Tradition has always been iced tea.  Featured pottery for this event is pitchers and tumblers. Teapots and tea bowls will also be available.

Each shop will have homemade treats and samples from The Table, Seagrove Cafe and  tea samples from Carriage House Tea. 

an experience you'll remember.

Come spend the day with us., with seagrove potters, springtime tea.

Discover your favorite teapot on a driving tour through Seagrove.  Enjoy a tea tasting experience as you shop hop within 5 miles along NC Pottery Highway. 

Enjoy a hot cup of tea at this Spring event.  Featured pottery for this event is teapots and cups. Enjoy tea tasting experience at Blue Hen Pottery, Dean and Martin, Eck McCanless, From the Ground Up, Red Hare Pottery and Thomas Pottery.

Each shop will have homemade treats and samples from The Table, Seagrove Cafe and tea samples from Carriage House Tea.

Tea with Seagrove Potters SEAGROVE, NC — It's the perfect day to have tea! This is a self-driving tour through Seagrove.  Within 5 miles along NC Pottery Highway you can shop hop to have Tea with Seagrove Potters. Depending on which direction you arrive to Seagrove, From the Ground Up Pottery or Blue Hen Pottery will most likely be your first participating shop. Other participants include Dean & Martin Pottery, Eck McCanless Pottery, Red Hare Pottery and Thomas Pottery. Visitors are invited to sample teas and fresh baked goodies. Each shop will feature select pottery items for the tea connoisseur, to bake, brew, cook, serve and decorate plus much, much more. Shops are located along Pottery Highway NC 705 and adjacent roads. Maps and information will be available at each shop. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event is free and no ticket is required.  Enjoy a leisurly day, there is no special order or time you should arrive. On-Line shopping links for participating potters can be found on the Shops Page .

Most shops are handicap accessible and can accommodate a small bus or van.

Find a place to stay for the weekend. Click this link: Visit the Heart of North Carolina

More information call Bobbie at (336) 879-4145 or any participating shop.

Ten years ago, six Seagrove pottery shops came together to put on an event that they hoped would bring people to Seagrove for a flavor-filled day of shopping and fun. They partnered with Carriage House Tea of Asheboro and later with The Table also of Asheboro. The new Seagrove Cafe, located at the traffic light in Seagrove, is now a partner, as well.  To mark the occasion, each shop will be offering free gifts with the first 20 customers who make a purchase, and a tin of Carriage House Tea to be given away as a door prize. Drawings for the door prizes will be held after the event, and the winner will be notified.

Celebrating, 10th year anniversary.

Southern Living

The Best Things To Do In Seagrove, North Carolina

See why 100 artisans call Seagrove, North Carolina, home.

The tiny town of Seagrove, North Carolina, has just 236 residents, but its contributions stretch well beyond that number. The town has a storied history of pottery, and Seagrove pottery is found in some of the world's greatest museums and art collections. Today, visitors can experience the artistry firsthand in studios all over town. Beyond its pottery riches, the town offers a quaint weekend escape too. Whether you're headed to Seagrove to scope out your next clay piece or you're in need of a small-town escape, here is the best of what Seagrove and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Pottery History

Large deposits of natural clay make the soil in Seagrove particularly ideal for turning pots. The area's indigenous peoples and early farmers utilized the soil and local timber to create vessels for daily life and trade. In the early 20th century, Jacques and Julianna Busbee, fellow artists and pottery enthusiasts, began marketing Seagrove as a potter’s paradise, encouraging pottery admirers to turn to North Carolina to grow their collections. The duo went on to open Jugtown Pottery and later, an outpost of their original shop in Manhattan. James Owen was the Busbees' first pottery hire, and some of his descendants, such as Ben Owen , are still working potters in Seagrove. Now, Seagrove pottery has become a must-have for collectors. 

When to Visit

The best time to visit Seagrove is Wednesday through Saturday when the town comes alive. During these days, the town hums with visitors. There are also several annual events that draw crowds. The Celebration of Seagrove Potters Festival is held each November. During the festival, there are pottery demonstrations, silent auctions, and of course, plenty of pieces available for sale. In the spring, the Spring Studio Tour and Kiln Opening is when potters debut their latest collections.

Around 50 pottery shops, studios, and galleries are open to the public. Walk through the history of Seagrove at the North Carolina Pottery Center . Here, permanent exhibits explain how pottery has served the community from indigenous makers to today. While at the museum, pick up a map that marks every studio in the area. Several pieces from various studios and galleries are on display to help you decide where you'd like to spend more time shopping and exploring.

At Eck McCanless , you’ll find hand-thrown agateware in vibrant colors. McCanless is a lifelong second-generation Seagrove potter. Nearby, The Triangle Studio showcases works by founder and owner Kate Waltman as well as other female artists. Johnston works primarily in large scale, layering and carving intricate designs as she goes. Husband and wife duo David Fernandez and Alexa Modderno create and sell their wares at Seagrove Stoneware Pottery . Additionally, Modderno runs a local inn via AirBnB, and Fernandez is the town’s mayor.

In addition to pottery, other area highlights include the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame , the North Carolina Zoo , and golfing in Pinehurst .

Where to Stay

Book a room at Seagrove Stoneware Inn to stay in the heart of Seagrove and within walking distance of many in-town studios and galleries. The inn has just two rooms, both with private baths, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in charm. In nearby Asheboro, there are plenty of points hotels as well as 32 quaint Getaway Cabins inviting you to lean into nature and disconnect from everyday stressors.

Pinehurst and Southern Pines are a short 40-minute drive and offer a variety of lodging. Tanglewood Farm Bed & Breakfast in Southern Pines is situated on a 10-acre working horse farm and has three private apartments with full kitchens for guests. They even have stabling for equestrians traveling with their horses. In addition to horse neighs, you'll awake to roosters crowing and chickens wandering through the pastures too. In Pinehurst, there's the stately and luxurious Carolina Hotel . Dubbed the "Queen of the South," The Carolina Hotel has 230 rooms and suites. The recently revamped outdoor terraces complete with firepits is a cozy place to sip morning coffee or evening cocktails.

Where to Eat

If there's one place you can't miss in Seagrove, it's The General, the town's wine bar. Aptly named, The General is housed in Seagrove's circa 1910 former general store. Today, it's owned by David Fernandez, the town mayor and potter from Seagrove Stoneware Pottery. A Jack of all trades, Fernandez delivers a robust menu featuring a selection of Old and New World wines as well as several beers on tap. Bottles of wine are chilled in buckets handmade by Fernandez himself, and the restaurant regularly hosts potluck suppers for residents and visitors alike. Nearby, Cagle's Diner is a family-owned meat and three, but we have it on good authority their hotdogs and hamburgers are some of the best around too. Their signature Carolina Burger is a crowd favorite. It's topped with chili and coleslaw, so it's a bit messy but well worth the indulgence.

The Table , a breakfast and lunch spot in neighboring Asheboro, is a delightful spot to start the day. Owner and operator Dustie Gregson leads an all-female leadership team including Chef Deanna Clement who is an Asheboro native and head baker Kristiana Van Eyk. The restaurant is housed in a restored 1925 office building. There's also Magnolia 23 , a family-owned establishment serving a menu packed with soul food.

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Read the original article on Southern Living .

Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau

  • Seagrove NC

Welcome to Seagrove Pottery

(336) 873-7280

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A Diverse Community of 80 Potters Living & Working in Seagrove, North Carolina

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Seagrove Studios

Listing the member studios of the Seagrove Area Potters Association.

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Keith Martindale Pottery

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Studio Touya

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Pottery by Frank Neef

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Carolina Crockery-Hatfield Pottery

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David Stuempfle Pottery

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Triple C Pottery

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Kovack Pottery

Sunflower, Rabbit and Dogwood Vase

Thomas Pottery

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Michele Hastings & Jeff Brown Pottery

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From the Ground Up

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Old Gap Pottery

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Redhare Pottery

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Chad Brown Pottery

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Seagrove Creations

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Turn and Burn Pottery

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McNeill’s Pottery

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Westmoore Pottery

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Donna’s Pottery Haven

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Williams Pottery

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Luck’s Ware

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Chris Luther Pottery

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Latham’s Pottery

Zehmer pottery.

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Blue Hen Pottery

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Donna Craven Pottery

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Crystal King Pottery

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DirtWorks Pottery

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Macon A Mess Pottery

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Potts Pottery

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Nicholas Havner Pottery

Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly Pottery

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Whynot Pottery & Acacia Art Tile

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Windsong Pottery

Seagrove pottery.

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Ben Owen Pottery, Inc.

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Pottery Road Studio

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Chrisco Pottery

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Uwharrie Crystalline Pottery

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The Triangle Studio

Cat viera pottery.

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Eck McCanless Pottery

Bluestone pottery.

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Teague’s Frogtown Pottery

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Bulldog Pottery

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Dean and Martin Pottery

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Seagrove Stoneware

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O’Quinn Pottery

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JLK Jewelry at Jugtown

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Village Pottery Marketplace of Seagrove

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Seagrove Art Pottery

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Jugtown Pottery

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Wyndham Brooke Haven Pottery

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Tom Gray Pottery

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Hickory Hill Pottery

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Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery

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Ray Pottery

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Fiva McCanless Pottery

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  1. Whynot Pottery Blog: Seagrove Spring Pottery Tour, April 21st & 22nd 2018

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  2. Discover a Pottery Paradise in Seagrove, N.C.

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  3. The Seagrove Pottery Experience

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  4. Whynot Pottery Blog: Seagrove Spring Pottery Tour, April 21st & 22nd 2018

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COMMENTS

  1. Seagrove Potters

    Enjoy your day on a self guided driving tour down some of North Carolina's scenic byways. Within a 20 mile radius there are over 50 pottery shops to visit. ... Seagrove offers a range of pottery, from functional everyday use, contemporary, sculptural, folk art, to historical forms from the past. Make plans to spend a day or two to discover ...

  2. 16th Annual Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour

    Website (336) 517-7272 Directions. Map. Seagrove Potters' annual celebration offers the chance to visit studios, meet potters, and expand your pottery collection. This special event is a self-guided tour of individual pottery galleries, studios, and workshops in the Handmade Pottery Capital of the USA. Seagrove's title of #1 Town in America ...

  3. 13th Annual Spring Studio Tour and Kiln Opening

    Seagrove Potters 13 th Annual Studio Tour and Kiln Opening: April 16-18, 2021. Visit studios, meet potters, and expand your pottery collection. Online shopping will be available with some studios as well. Additional details coming soon. Experience the pottery tradition in Seagrove, NC, The Pottery Capital of the USA.

  4. Seagrove Pottery (50 Amazing Studios in 1 Weekend Getaway)

    However, nestled 15 minutes from Asheboro is the quiet, amazing small town of Seagrove. With a population of just over 200 and at least 100 potters living and working there, Seagrove NC absolutely earns its nickname as the capital of handmade pottery in North Carolina. More than 50 studios and stores operate in the area, with a strong community ...

  5. Seagrove Pottery

    The first stop on a Seagrove pottery tour should be Original Owens Pottery. Founded in 1895, is the oldest pottery shop in the state with six generations who have worked the wheel creating pottery. Today, it's operated by Boyd Owens, who continues the long tradition of Owens family potters spanning three centuries.

  6. 2023 Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Tour

    November 19, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Save the date! The Celebration of Seagrove Potters 16th Annual Festival will take place in the historic Luck's Cannery in addition to a Studio Tour. The event will be held Saturday, November 18th through Sunday, November 19th, 2023. Early bird shopping will be planned for Saturday morning.

  7. Celebration of Seagrove Potters

    Celebration of Seagrove Potters, Seagrove, North Carolina. 9,550 likes · 234 talking about this · 438 were here. Celebration of Seagrove Pottery November Pottery Show, and Celebration of Spring Kiln...

  8. 17th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival & Studio Tour

    Seagrove November 23-24, 2024Additional Dates. Website 336-517-7272 Directions. Map. The 17th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters celebrates exclusively Seagrove made pottery. The event will include an indoor show at Historic Luck's Cannery held in conjunction with a self-driving pottery studio tour of the Seagrove area.

  9. Discover a Pottery Paradise in Seagrove, N.C.

    And for the past decade, the Celebration of Seagrove Potters also takes place that weekend, including a Friday night gala. Then just as the weather warms, the Spring Pottery Tour, in mid-April, features more than 50 local potters hosting special events, offering studio tours, demonstrations and selling their pottery.

  10. Seagrove, North Carolina is the country's largest pottery community

    Seagrove Woodfire N.C. Weekend Pottery Tour June 5-6, 2021. Learn more about the Seagrove pottery tradition and craft of wood-fire kilns during this free event. More information, ...

  11. SEAGROVE: North Carolina Pottery Artists' Tour

    Departure from convenient Triangle location. Artists studios & shops, Three artist's studio/workshop tours. Time to shop included. Delicious Gourmet Lunch is included. Please inform TRT of any dietary restriction. Per guest price is $114. Contact us for further details at (919) 371.2653.

  12. Studio Touya

    Studio Touya is a handmade pottery studio located in Seagrove NC where Hitomi and Takuro Shibata set up studio and built Japanese style wood kiln. Our focus is to make simple& functional pottery by using local wild clay and wood firing technique. ... Celebration of Seagrove Potters Spring Studio Tour, Seagrove, NC, April 14th to 16th, 2023 ...

  13. Celebration of Spring Potters Tour

    Celebration of Seagrove Potters (Main Event) January 18, 2024. Read More...

  14. Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Driving Tour

    A Studio Tour of 29 pottery shops in the Seagrove Area will also take place, giving visitors a chance to see new work created for this special weekend. Pickup an Area Map and Event brochure at your first stop. ... Experience Seagrove's pottery tradition on a self-guided tour of over 50 working studios in the Handmade Pottery Capital of the ...

  15. Barry and Susan Smith, of Smith...

    The 14th Annual Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour takes place on the weekend of April 22, 23 and 24, 2022, from 10 am to 5 pm. This free self-guided tour of individual pottery galleries and studios, and is in the Handmade Pottery Capital of the USA. Seagrove's title of #1 Town in America for Craft Lovers makes this event even more extraordinary.

  16. Seagrove Pottery

    Seagrove Pottery, Seagrove, North Carolina. 3,249 likes · 13 talking about this · 188 were here. Seagrove Pottery is an outstanding gallery of handcrafted North Carolina pottery and crafts.

  17. 6th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Tour 2023

    6th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Tour 2023. November 18th & 19th, 2023. Save the date! The Celebration of Seagrove Potters 16th Annual Festival will take place in the historic Luck's Cannery in addition to a Studio Tour. 8am Early Bird 9am-5pm Saturday * 10am-4pm Sunday. Early bird shopping is planned for Saturday ...

  18. Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour Sign Up

    A Diverse Community of 80 Potters Living & Working in Seagrove, North Carolina. ... Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour 2023 Sign Up. Validate Email. Event Title and Name of Studio. Event Start Date. Event End Date. Event Hours. About Event. Visual Text. Event Gallery. Add to gallery

  19. Home [www.teawithseagrovepotters.com]

    Discover your favorite teapot by taking a journey through Seagrove. Enjoy a tea tasting experience at Blue Hen Pottery, 247 West Main Street, Seagrove NC 336-653-9551 www.bluehenpottery.com Eck McCanless, 6077 Old US Hwy 220, Seagrove, NC 336-873-7412 www.eckmccanless.web.com Dean & Martin Pottery, 7739 Nathan Lane, Seagrove, NC 336-879-0683 www.deanandmartinpottery.com From the Ground Up, 172 ...

  20. The Best Things To Do In Seagrove, North Carolina

    The tiny town of Seagrove, North Carolina, has just 236 residents, but its contributions stretch well beyond that number. The town has a storied history of pottery, and Seagrove pottery is found ...

  21. Seagrove Pottery

    Seagrove Pottery is the largest gallery of Seagrove Potters, located in the Heart of Seagrove NC. Shop online or in person in Seagrove NC and in Cary, NC

  22. Studios

    Listing the member studios of the Seagrove Area Potters Association. View in Alphabetical Order. View Potters. Donna Craven Pottery Johnston & Gentithes Art Pottery Fiva McCanless Pottery ... Seagrove Pottery Michele Hastings & Jeff Brown Pottery Keith Martindale Pottery Seagrove Art Pottery Whynot Pottery & Acacia Art Tile ...