Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Rug Shopping

Although we mentioned New River Artisans in another post, we thought we'd clue you in on just how great this resource is for designers in the know. Pearson displays many of their rugs in the showroom during High Point Market. Each rug is custom, sold only to the trade and they even have a line designed by Tobi Farley.

What is now a world-class rug manufacturing company began as just a small mill founded by the Satterwhite family in North Carolina’s New River Valley in 1981. They are known for skillfully crafting hand-tufted wool rugs, have "earned recognition for being the first to develop basketweave loop pile construction, first to bring historic Aubusson patterns into needlepoint constructions, and for being a versatile and responsive design partner."

Though they offer the finest authentic, traditional constructions, this company is very focused on contemporary design and strives to deliver the best possible product to designers and their clientele. Each rug is still crafted in the mountains of North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. If you haven't yet discovered this vendor, it's time you made an introduction. They are located above the Pearson showroom at 200 North Hamilton, Suite 301.

Here are a few installation shots we love...


This scene actually features our 568 Perching chair over a Da Silva Bruhns rug in a Utah installation. Interior design by 2 Design.


How gorgeous is this? Custom "1913" rug. Design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design.


The "Detour" rug. Interior design by Schelfe & Associates, Inc. Interior Design.

We love having New River Artisans as a design partner. Their gorgeous floor coverings really help our vignettes shine in photos and in our shorooms. When you're in the Hamilton Wrenn District, be sure to swing their showroom by to see more of their marvelous creations on display.

Insider's Guide to Market: What to Do Sunday Night

Every Sunday during High Point Market the Hamilton Wrenn Design District creates a festive evening of refreshments and Southern Hospitality. Known as "Sunday Uptown" Different stations are set up serving quick bites and sparkling cocktails.

While you mingle, be sure to take a little stroll around the area. All of the showrooms in the district stay open until at least 7:00 that night so you can shop happily while enjoying your glass of bubbly. Sounds great to me. Swing by after things have wrapped up at the Rizzoli book signing. It's sure to be a fabulous time!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot to Buy Asprin & Q-Tips

Judging by the weight of your luggage, you've packed everything imaginable in your bags. At some point, however, you're likely to need to pop into a pharmacy to buy bandages, Q-tips or some other toiletry. We suggest a privately owned drug store named McClarty Drug located on Main Street. Perfect for anything you might have forgotten or simply need to replenish. Open Sat til 2:00.

Really feeling ill? Head straight to the mobile medical bus parked outside of Showplace behind the Best Western on Wrenn.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Get Your News Fix

High Point may not have corner news stands peppering the streets like NYC, but there happens to be a great news stand on Main Street. It's the ideal place to get your WSJ, NYT, WWD or Textile News so you can keep up on the world outside of Market.

Parker News is on Main just down from the IHFC building. Trust us, this little spot offers one of the best design sections you've seen in a while. Be sure to bring a tote for lugging your mags back to the hotel.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for a Taste of the South

It's nothing fancy, but the Parson's Table is known for serving up savory southern dishes to hungry Market goers. This hidden gem is only open for lunch and only during High Point Market. Parson's Table is operated in the basement of the First United Methodist on Main Street in High Point, right behind the Baker Showroom.

All proceeds go to organizations such as Child Enrichment, the Open Door Shelter, Appalachia Service Project, ARC of High Point and Community Care. So you can feel good about your contribution to good causes while digging into a good meal. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a great bowl of chili, a pimento cheese sandwich or a chicken salad. Don't be surprised when you run into people you know. For a well-kept secret the Parson's Table is surprisingly popular!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Live Patio Music

If you're in High Point over the weekend, don't miss the chance to dine on one of the city's best patios. Southern Roots offers incredible crab cakes in a lively outdoor patio environment, complete with wood burning fireplace. While there's plenty of intimate seating indoors, the patio is very popular during Market due to the terrific weather of the Carolinas.

Expect it to be busy throughout the week and on weekends expect an even larger crowd. Aside form the terrific food and impressive wine list, Friday and Saturday evenings the draw is due to the live music on the patio. This spot is a Market favorite for a reason.

True to their name, this establishment does serve up dishes with ample Southern flair. Okra pizza, po boy sandwiches and catfish make appearances on the menu alongside expected fare such as Caesar salads and seared scallops. And grits. Let's not forget grits! They too are on the menu for you to enjoy. Arrive hungry and expect to linger until closing.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot For a Quick Mani/Pedi

No time for full day at a swanky resort spa? We've all been there. Days at Market are long and busy. Sometimes a quick polish change or emergency mani/pedi are all you need and truly all the itinerary allows.

We suggest you run to About Face Day Spa on Main Street. After your top coat dries hop across the street to the JH Adams Inn and have a glass of bubbly in their cozy Hamptons bar. With champagne in hand and a fresh coat of paint on your digits you might just find yourself grinning ear to ear at your new lease on fabulous life. Salud!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Rush Dry Cleaning

Overstuffed luggage and an equally bloated itinerary can wreak havoc on even a seasoned traveler's wardrobe. A number of times I've found myself in need of a repaired hem or emergency dry cleaning. But where do you go during Market?

For a quick press or a repaired zipper, head to Shores Fine Dry Cleaning. They have locations in High Point, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. This is no ordinary dry cleaner. They specialize in caring for fine garments, including providing extra care when handling leathers & suede. Each item receives individual attention and must pass at least six inspections before being returned to you.

While they could very well clean your draperies, polish your silver, preserve your wedding dress and restore your vintage couture garments, it's unlikely you've brought any of those things with you to Market. (If you have, we might need to schedule a packing intervention. You've got issues that need to be addressed.)

What Shores can do for you is offer the very best in dry cleaning and wet cleaning technologies. Combine that with 63 years of experience, proven stain removing techniques, and good old fashioned hand finishing expertise and you have a winning combination. You'll be back on the street perfectly pressed and ready to meet the world in no time.

Insider tip: Ugg lover? They have specialists on staff trained to clean your boots. Fly home in comfort with your freshly cleaned boots.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Champagne Brunch

Skipped breakfast? Fuel up in style in the Hamilton Wrenn district. Every Saturday through Tuesday of Market there is a complimentary champagne brunch in front of the 200 building and the 320 building. Great coffee, a morning mimosa, and a quick nosh. We believe this is the best way to start the day. Now that's something we can all raise our glasses to celebrate!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Spa Pampering

Several of my Twitter friends have asked where to grab a solid mani/pedi during Market. Ask and ye shall receive... our suggestion is to go all out and squeeze in a few additional hours of relaxation. The Spa at Grandover is a world-class day spa offering an extensive menu of pampering services. My suggestion? Book yourself an Ultra Radiance Facial

"...elegant, fresh and refined, this treatment will deeply cleanse, fully exfoliate and wholly hydrate the skin. Powerful herbal antioxidants and natural nutrients combine to correct skin texture and tone. A luscious, relaxing facial with lasting results to visibly brighten the skin..."

How's that for a moment of zen in the midst of Market madness? Follow up with a fresh mani/pedi and you're more than ready to introduce yourself to the gorgeous Mary McDonald all the other big names at that evening's event.

Grandover is located in Greensboro and is a highly acclaimed golf resort. While it may seem utterly decadent and unrealistically indulgent to carve out time for spa session, let me remind you that you'll be slammed at the office once you return from High Point.

Market is intense, and returning home to your family, clients and business with fresh ideas and new product information means you'll be even busier. Enjoy the few days away from those responsibilities and squeeze in some "you" time during the trip. Think of it as your style-setting duty to look and feel your very best.

Insider tip: book your services now as the Spa at Grandover does tend to book open spots weeks in advance. Download the full menu of services here.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Shoe Shopping

Shoe shopping At Market? You bet your sweet pedicure it's true.  Eager shoe shoppers will delight in the surprisingly good selection of DVF, Tory Burch, Jack Rodgers, Kate Spade and Michael Kors options available at Monkees of Irving Park. Heels, boots, flats, party shoes... they have it all.

But what's a great shoe shopping experience without a new dress and a few new accessories? Expect to find terrific labels like White and Warren, Yoana Baraschi, Shoshanna and Cynthia Steffe tucked along the pretty racks along the walls.

We like the chic factor at this great little Greensboro boutique. You'll appreciate the fashion savvy staff and carefully chosen selection of goods. Be sure to tell owner Michael that Jennifer from Pearson sent you!

Where to find it: Located at 1951 Battleground Avenue, Suite F, Greensboro, NC 27408. Phone: 336.540.1951

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Catch the Game

Unfortunately this might be a must for your group so you might as well enjoy it in style. We suggest catching the game at The Bar at the Green Valley Grill in the O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro. This gorgeous restaurant features a dark masculine interior, comfortable over-sized booths and a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Expect great food, perfect drinks, and a huge tv hung above the bar that will most certainly be broadcasting a football, baseball or soccer game at all times.

Not a fan of sports? Doesn't matter, you'll have a tremendous time people watching and enjoying the terrific food at this busy hotel bar. Start with the Fennel Crusted Mahi Mahi served with blistered tomato ragoût and preserved lemon basil oil over mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable.If you still have room, ask for the Apple Crostata, rustic tart filled with Granny Smith and Gala apples, served with buttermilk ice cream and warm caramel sauce.

While there, take note of their extensive wine list. Each item on the menu (including dessert) comes complete with wine pairing suggestions. They also offer a guilt-free section of the menu for those seeking lighter fare.

Green Valley Grill is located at 622 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408. For reservations, call 336.854.2015.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place Grab a Quick Lunch

The clock has struck noon (or maybe even later) and you still haven't stopped for lunch. As regulars know, a "fast bite" at High Point is hard to come by. Typically you can forget it if you want an "experience" as much as you need a real meal. This year, that's about to change...

The Dog House (which has traditionally closed at Market) is going to be open this year! A High Point Tradition, The Dog House is located on Main Street a block behind the Baker showroom. The nearby campus calls it the city's best kept secret.

This 80 year old establishment is nothing fancy, it's like stepping back in time to simpler days. The diner sells hot dogs, hamburgers and the best French fries you have ever eaten. This is perfect comfort food and ideal for cooler fall weather. (Watching your girlish figure? There are a few salads and sandwiches on the menu too.)

Be forewarned: There are only two seating options at the Dog House: the counter, which has 11 stools, or one of the seven booths dedicated to the seven original ACC teams. This means there is always a line , but the waitresses really know how to keep it moving.

Insider tips:

• Sit at the old fashioned soda counter on the barstools for a real "experience" while you eat. You'll be able to chat with the waitresses and see all the action up close.
• It takes about five minutes to get food from the minute it is ordered.
• You need to eat fast to accommodate the growing line.
• $4 is about the most you'll spend on any item on the menu.
• Bring cash. The Dog House doesn't accept credit cards.

668 N Main St High Point, NC 27260
phone: 336.886.4953

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Score a Party Dress

It happened. You received your invite to the Arch Digest party at Market. Hoooray! As anyone knows, the place to be is wherever Margaret Russell is. End of story. So all that may be good news, but what on earth are you going to wear? After all you're likely to be rubbing elbows with Suzanne Kasler, Mary McDonald and Thomas O'Brien. You need to show your incredible sense of style yet still be able to say "Oh, this old thing?" when someone comments on your new frock. In a word: it must look effortless.

Fortunately, two surefire options await you. Rebecca & Co offers runway fresh looks from some of my absolute favorite brands: Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Milly and others. Trust me, you'll be able to pull together a look very easily in this fabulous little Greensboro boutique. Located at: 1721 Huntington Road, Greensboro, NC 27408-7223. Call ahead at 336.574.3626 for specific hours and more details.

If you're a little more avant-garde, you may be interested in perusing lesser known labels like MK2K, Tocca and Dolan. If this is you, trot your hipster self over the Rebecca & Co's sister store, Perch. This newer boutique is located in the Shops at Friendly Center and will not disappoint. Perch can be found at 3326 W Friendly Avenue, Suite 114 in Greenboro, NC. Phone them at 336.292.2455.

At each of these shops you will find everything you need to play your own Rachel Zoe. Bracelets, necklaces, clutches, scarves... you name it, they offer a stylish version of the everything you need. Just remember to cut the tags off before you leave the hotel. Wouldn't want to kill the effect of that fab new ensemble.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for An Elegant Dinner

In search of a sophisticated location for an upscale client dinner? We suggest Undercurrent in Greensboro. Nothing compares to this elegant establishment for it's great food served in a classic setting.

Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30-2:00. Dinner, Monday through Wednesday 5:30-9:00, Thursday through Saturday 5:30-9:30. Normally they are closed on Sundays, but during Market they open their doors seven days a week to accommodate demand.

Reservations are suggested but not required.(Although if you're trying to impress a client, we highly suggest you place the call and have the table secured ahead of time.) Feel free to gaze at the menu ahead of time to see what delicious options await you.

Located at 327 Battleground Avenue in Downtown Greensboro, NC 27401. 336.370.1266

And... good luck with that client dinner!

 

 

Insider's Guide to Market: Pest Place to Enjoy a Glass of Wine

Looking to escape for a few hours and enjoy a glass of red? Slip into a cushy seat at 1618 Wine Lounge. This quiet little spot in Greensboro just opened, but has already won Irving Park residents over with their extensive wine list and cool, hip décor.

1618 is tucked into a sophisticated urban setting and offers comfortable seating for intimate discussions over a bottle of wine. Not an oenophile? Fear not, their bartenders are happy to create the cocktail of your choice or offer you a glimpse of their diverse beer selection.

The best part? No one from Market will be there. You and your friends can get away from it all, spend an evening in a plush environment and forget all about tomorrow's jammed itinerary.

Located at 1742-105 battleground ave, Greensboro, NC 27408. Open until midnight.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Morning Coffee

Ahhh, coffee. Can't live without it. Especially at High Point Market. After a few days, those late nights begin catch up with you. That's after you've recovered from jet lag. Who am I kidding... High Point Market runs on quality coffee and adrenaline. So where will you get your morning cuppa?

While we do looooove our Starbucks, we have to admit that it's a mad house in the mornings at Market. Everyone heads there in their zombie state. And no one reading this guide wants to follow the crowds. our insider's tip? Get yourslef to the southeast corner of Lexington and Westchester to local favorite DeBeen Espresso.

This cozy little cafe is celebrating 14 years of steaming hot caffeinated goodness. And did we mention free Wifi? Yes, you'll be able to blog and Pinterest your little heart out while you sip your morning triple skinny cappuccino.

While you're there, check out the local art on display and pay homage to their framed award for being "High Point's Most Established Coffee House". Star-who?

Located:709 W. Lexington Avenue, High Point, NC 27262

Hours:
Mon: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sun: 7:30 am - 7:00 pm

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Eat Sushi

That's right. Sushi. If you're like me, I'm a bit of a sushi snob. I actually prefer sashimi, which is less forgiving that sushi rolls. Ingredients must be fresh, fresh, fresh. Amazingly, Greensboro has an incredible sushi restaurant tucked right by the UNCG campus on Tate Street. Sushi Republic.

Our European fabric vendors say it is in their top 5 favorite restaurants in the world, and they have circumnavigated the globe many times. Expect funky minimalist décor and a relaxed vibe (no doubt, thanks to the proximity to the university). Their sushi and sake will knock your socks off.

Favor a sweet tooth? Lucky you. They even have dessert. {Insider's Tip: Word is, their Cherry tempura bomb ice cream dish is not be missed!}

So leave your inhibitions at the door, pick up your chopsticks and dig in to Greensboro's absolute best sushi. But maybe go easy on the sakei. You're not in college anymore, remember?

{Images of Shrimp tempura roll & Cherry Bomb via Sweet Eats.}

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Way to Get Around Market

For all my worldly knowledge, I still managed to take a pair of shoes (fabulous shoes, mind you) that might as well have been torture devices wrapped around my feet. I was in the Hamilton Wrenn district having a grand time, chatting it up, popping into chic little showrooms and enjoying the sunny, cool weather when suddenly my feet had just had it. Thinking I might just die of self-induced pain in the name of fashion, I stopped for just a moment on the sidewalk. As if a gift from God, suddenly a man commanding a little bike rickshaw appeared asking if I'd like a ride. Gee..... don't mind if I do!

One moment I'm wincing in pain, pondering my commitment to heels, the next I'm being whisked along in style. Yes... the pedicab is THE WAY TO GET AROUND at High Point. I can't stress this enough. The drivers (peddlers?) are all fun, engaging and filled with information. It's not just a way to get from point A to point B. It's an experience. Trust me, people you pass trudging up the sidewalks will look at you in wonder and awe. It's a very attention getting sight.

The trick is... where do you find them? Lucky you... I"m about to tell you. Surya. That's right. Surya. Maker of those gorgeous rugs you need to go see anyway. These fabulous little man-powered cabs are sponsored by Surya Rugs.

The pedicabs (basically giant tricycles that a driver pedals while you recline in the comfortable back seat like royalty) are parked outside of Showplace and will take you to all the High Point showrooms. Yes, you read that right. All of them!

If you can’t find one there – stop in at the Surya Rug showroom at Showplace, Showroom 3233, shop for some amazing rugs, and have the kind people at Surya walkie talkie one to come meet you.

By the time I arrived wherever I was going I was happy, renewed and incredibly grateful. So be sure to keep your eyes out for these terrific little pedicabs or (if you're smart) head right to Surya and let them handle it for you. You and your feet will be glad you did!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Fix a Broken Heel

Hopefully you know better than to try to "break in" your new Alexander McQueen armadillo 10" heels while trolling the streets of High Point. If not (or if you're just determined that fashion has a place and that place is anywhere your pretty little self decides to go) file this info in your Blackberry or iPhone for safe keeping:

Economy Shoe Shop, High Point
512 W English Rd
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 882-6015

Whether you snapped your heel elbowing your way to Margaret Russell's side (ahem) at the Architectural Digest soiree or simply need to replace your laces... this is the place. And while fashion does indeed matter, from experience I can tell you that new shoes are not the way to go during High Point Market. Bring your favorite (read: broken-in) heels or shoes, as you'll be walking... and walking... and walking... and... you get my point. Hobbling around and asking for bandages? Not chic.

Although... I do have a secret resource to pass along soon for those (like me) who just can't leave the towering stilts at home. Stay tuned for more tips.

Featured: Versace Pin-heeled nappa leather ankle boots (fab!) and Lanvin Oxford Leather Brogues