Sanford's economy also benefits from its rich clay soil infused with sand, a unique Piedmont soil composition ideal for brick production. The town is named for C.O. Sanford, a railroad civil engineer who was instrumental in bringing rail lines to the area, enabling Sanford to transport these bricks across the nation, and earning it the title, “Brick Capital of the USA.” You can learn more about this heritage at Sanford's Railroad House Museum, a charming historic Gothic Revival cottage built in 1872.
Sanford, North Carolina, is home to Central Carolina Community College, and there are more than 20 higher education institutes within a 60-mile radius, including seminaries, public and private universities, colleges, and technical institutes. Sanford is within an afternoon's drive of NC State University, Duke University, Elon College, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and more. Sanford is also close to Fayetteville's military bases, including the U.S. Army Advanced Special Operations Training Center, the U.S. Army Reserve, and Pope Army Airfield.
You can't leave Sanford, North Carolina, without some Southern fare. Stop by Monifa's Southern Food or Biscuitville for a casual bite, or for a more upscale experience, check out Mrs. Lacy's Magnolia House or The Steele Pig. Bay Breeze Seafood of Sanford is another local favorite for its classic Southern catfish fry.
Whether you're in Sanford on a business trip, visiting loved ones at the army base, or checking out the nearby universities and colleges, Sanford's small-town charm, historic districts, greenways and trails, and family-friendly atmosphere is worth exploring.
When should you visit Sanford, NC?
Sanford enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. It's chilly in winter and hot and humid in the summer. The region doesn't experience a lot of snowfall, though, so you can spend time on Sanford's greenway trails at Kiwanis Family Park nearly year-round. San-Lee Park is another favorite spot in the area for mountain biking and hiking.
If you like golf, the area's rolling hillsides offer a rousing challenge any time of year, but each June, the stakes get higher as golfers face off in the Brick Capital Classic. This amateur golf tournament has taken place in Sanford for more than 40 years, welcoming golfers of all abilities and ages to compete.
Sanford also hosts several family-friendly events each year, including the much-anticipated Family Day at the Raleigh Executive Jetport. This airport typically welcomes hobby executives, business people, and hobbyists in their corporate jets heading to Raleigh, Carey, Chapel Hill, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park. However, once a year, Family Day at the jetport draws in thousands of people for an aviation festival, held on the first Saturday in October. Children love the free plane rides, flyovers, and historic aircraft on display, as well as delicious festival food.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sanford, NC:
Sanford by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Sanford, NC. You can use these line graphs to determine the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Sanford for your upcoming travels.
Where are the top luxury hotels around Sanford, North Carolina?
4 Star Average Prices: $179.50
For a truly intimate, luxury hotel experience near Sanford, check into the exclusive Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant. This property in Pittsboro, North Carolina, offers 14 luxurious suites decorated in a homey yet luxurious style. Mantelpieces, lush upholstery, haute artwork, and subtle touches of gilding make guests feel like they are staying in a contemporary Southern plantation resort.
The intimate scale of the property, paired with its spa and hairdressing services, bar, and upscale restaurant, make the Fearrington House Inn an ideal romantic getaway to celebrate an anniversary or special occasion, like Valentine's Day. It's also a fun girl's spa weekend getaway. The beautiful grounds, full of trees, flowers, and an elegant white arbor, make the perfect setting for a romantic country wedding.
What are the most affordable Hello ,otels in Sanford, NC?
3 Star Average Prices: $107.08
Days Inn by Wyndham Sanford offers an excellent value that will also meet all your needs during your stay. Your affordable hotel rate includes a free daily continental breakfast, plus access to a seasonal outdoor pool. It's the perfect place to sit in a lounge-chair reading your complimentary copy of USA Today and watching the kids splash out their energy before heading into the room for a good night's sleep in your choice of a king bed or two double beds. The Days Inn by Wyndham Sanford is also RV- and truck-friendly, making it an ideal stopover for a short stay during your road trip.