Established by John Warwick Thomas in 1852, Thomasville lies within the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. It was once home to a thriving furniture industry, with the oldest existing factory dating back to 1898. Buildings from the early 20th-century cluster in the Thomasville Downtown Historic District.
Things to do in Thomasville
Thomasville's most famous landmark is the “Big Chair”, a nine-metre-tall replica of an armchair designed by the 19th-century furniture maker Duncan Phyfe. It was constructed from concrete in 1951, replacing an earlier replica made from lumber and Swiss steer hide by the Thomasville Chair Company. Located in the heart of the city, the “Big Chair” celebrates the city’s history as a furniture manufacturing hub.
On the western edge of Thomasville is Lake Thom-A-Lex, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Vessels are available for rent in the adjacent park, where you’ll also find a children’s playground and several picnic shelters. After lunch, you can stretch your legs on one of the short walking trails or cast a fishing line to see what’s biting.
Keen golfers can hit the greens of the Winding Creek Golf Course, which extends through a magnificent tract of old-growth forest to the north of Thomasville. If you want to practise your skills, there is a putting green and a driving range, plus a golfing academy staffed by professionals. You can pick up golfing apparel and accessories at the pro shop before dining on hamburgers at the on-site grill.
Getting around Thomasville
Thomasville is a 30-minute drive from Greensboro and Piedmont Triad International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Thomasville while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.