Insider's Guide to Market: Navigating Hamilton Wrenn

You've been inside the glorious IHFC for so many hours you've lost track of time. Spend too much time indoors at Market and it begins to feel a bit like Vegas. No sign of daylight, a labyrinth of hallways and showrooms, shiny pretty things tempting your wallet and your willpower... we get it. That is, after all, the Market experience. Without a clock in sight it's easy to lose track of time. If you're not careful you could be indoors from dusk til dawn. The easy cure? Step outside and meander to the Hamilton Wrenn Design District.

What makes this area so special? Sunlight, tony little curbside art galleries & antique shops, fresh air, live jazz bands setting the stage for the evening's events, trees blowing in the cool Carolina breeze and some of Market's very best boutiques & showrooms. Honestly, it's my favorite place to linger during Market.

Walk with me as I show you my favorite stops and few hidden gems...

First stop, Pearson. Come sit in our gorgeous showroom at 200 North Hamilton and see our latest offerings as well as the antiques and unusual finds we've sourced from around the globe since April Market. There are always several one-of-a-kind items on the floor and these go very quickly once the international buyers come to place orders. If you see something you like, move quickly!

After you have perused Pearson’s new offerings, head out the front door and downstairs directly under our showroom. Our neighbor Jonathan Charles has expanded their showroom to encompass the area right underneath us. Shop their beautiful casegoods, as well as sister companies Wildwood for amazing lamps and Chelsea House for gorgeous artwork and table top. Then relax at their brand new English styled pub. (Look closely and you'll see a few Pearson pieces in there too!).

Next stop, New River Artisans. This is one of Tobi Farley’s favorite rug sources and it's located right above our showroom. New River Artisans creates one of a kind hand made rugs for the design trade, and just like Pearson, they LOVE color. Classic Fretwork looks take on a new life when rendered in turquoises and emeralds. Chippendale patterns are reinterpreted in soft grays. A small, family run company, everything is woven here in North Carolina. You might even see a few of these rugs scattered in Pearson this season!

One of our favorite places to stop in at Market is Mottahedeh. Not only do they have to die for china settings, white porcelain classic oriental figures (LOVE!) and gorgeous oriental ginger jars, but did you know they have a back room packed with seconds and discontinued items? There are tons of bargains and steals to be had in the back room, including full china sets for dinner parties and upcoming holidays. (Think holiday presents and hostess presents.)

Trust us, there are stacks and stacks of treasures! You'll never go away empty handed. They take cash or credit, and will help you find that last missing desert plate or demitasse cup to complete your collection. 200 North Hamilton St N court Suite 131, right behind Pearson on the corner.

Working up an appetite? While the area isn't known for it's restaurants, if it's early enough in the day you do have a few options. Exclusively for High Point Market, Honey Baked Ham opens a restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the 200 building (right above the Pearson showroom). They offer a variety of lunch items such as sandwiches and salads and are open every day of Market just in case the urge hits.
 
For something different, head over to the 320/330 building above our sister company Hickory Chair.  There the Spring Garden Bakery offers some great options for breakfast and lunch, and they always have yummy coffee (essential!). In addition to their usual bakery fare, they add wraps and sandwiches to the menu during Market. This is fabulous for a quick nibble. Get them while you can, as these limited offerings go quickly!

These are but a few of the things to do in this area. See the full listing of showrooms as well as the map to navigate your way. We look forward to seeing you! Stay tuned for our next post that tells you to be here in Hamilton Wrenn on Sunday night. Expect cocktails and quick bites to be on hand!