Why You Should Visit Sanford, NC – Just a Stone’s Throw from the Triangle Region
Just south of the Triangle, Sanford is a charming town brimming with eclectic fare, Southern hospitality and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Take a short drive from Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill and dig into the town’s remarkable history and vibrant downtown district. Below, we’ve outlined must-visit spots and annual events to help you plan your trip to Sanford.
Must-Visit Spots in Sanford
Outdoor Adventures
Sanford is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayak launches on the Deep River and mountain bike trails at San-Lee Park offer plenty of adventure for thrill seekers. Golfers can tee off at storied golf courses, while shooting enthusiasts can participate in the largest Side by Side Shotgun competition and exhibition in the world at Deep River Sporting Clays.
Culinary Delights
Sanford’s culinary scene is a clash of cuisines waiting to be explored. Follow the Barbecue Trail and Taco Trail to experience local flavors, and don’t miss Yarborough’s Ice Cream, where the same family has been making ice cream on site for three generations. Three local breweries showcase unique brews with rotating taps, and Fonda Lupita, recognized as one of the 8 Best New Restaurants in America, is a must-visit for its delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Arts and Culture
Sanford values the arts, and the Public Art Mural Trail has gained much attention in recent years. Boasting “Fairview Dairy,” the first 3-D mural in North Carolina (located at Yarborough’s Ice Cream), most of the trail’s artwork pays homage to Sanford’s history. The 15-mural trail is walkable and self-guided through the Otocast app. The first mural, “Sanford Spinners,” pays homage to the past baseball farm leagues in Lee County.
Today’s Sanford Spinners is a college Old North State league team that plays at Tramway Park. The team is well-supported by the community and offers a delightful experience with theme nights, a ball-retrieval pup, and food truck alley. Trail maps are also available at the Visit Sanford Welcome Center.
Add to that Temple Theatre, a historic downtown theater featuring a signature season of fantastic performances each year, a strong pottery history plus a new art gallery, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to explore Sanford’s creativity.
Visit Sanford Welcome Center
The Visit Sanford Welcome Center, opened in April 2023, offers a variety of brochures and maps, along with expert advice for your trip. Located at 229 Carthage St., the welcome center staff has a wealth of area knowledge and pro tips, making it the perfect starting point for your visit. While you’re there, you can also pick up some souvenirs to take home.
Annual Events That Bring Sanford to Life
Sanford hosts a variety of annual events that cater to all interests and ages. Here are some highlights that you won’t want to miss:
Broadway Our Way | Third Saturday in April
Springtime in Sanford is synonymous with the Broadway Our Way Festival. This lively event brings the community together with food and craft vendors, classic car displays, and activities for kids of all ages. The festival is packed with live entertainment throughout the day, culminating in “Jammin’ On Main,” a street dance featuring a signature regional band. It’s a celebration of spring that you won’t want to miss!
Strawberry Jammin’ | Second Saturday in May
If you love strawberries, Strawberry Jammin’ is the festival for you. Held at the Sanford Farmers’ Market and Downtown Sanford, this event is a celebration of all things strawberry. Browse vendor booths for fresh produce, jellies, jams, and more. Downtown Sanford’s restaurants, breweries and stores join in the fun with strawberry-themed dishes, drinks and deals. With street vendors, live music and delicious treats, this festival is a “berry” sweet experience!
Sanford StreetFest and Fireworks | Second Saturday in October
October brings one of Sanford’s biggest events: the Sanford StreetFest and Fireworks. This lively festival attracts visitors from near and far. Enjoy live music and creative performances, sample food and drink from various trucks and explore the artisan market for local treasures. At the end of the day, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky.
Boo and Brew | Last Two Weekends in October
Downtown Sanford gets spooky with the Boo & Brew Ghost Tour in October. This self-guided audio tour takes you to popular shops, restaurants and bars throughout downtown. Enjoy great drinks, delicious nibbles, superb entertainment, and plenty of chills and thrills. It’s a hauntingly good time that’s perfect for brave pub crawlers and lovers of the paranormal. This spooky season, look out for new events including a cocktail crawl, culinary tour and Halloween-themed special events throughout town.
Sanford Train and Tree Lighting | Sunday after Thanksgiving
Kick off the holiday season with the Sanford Train and Tree Lighting. Join Santa as he illuminates the downtown sky and kicks off a night full of family-friendly activities. Enjoy face painting, craft making, sledding and more. Warm up with hot cocoa and a bite to eat while singing along to Christmas classics performed by local Sanford groups. And yes, they do light up a train at the old Depot!
Check out our events calendar for more fun things to do in and around the NC Triangle!
