Visit Sanford

03/20/2025

⏳Now and Then

Then-🏪 Arthur Homer McIver (1898-1975) was a successful 20th century Sanford businessman. McIver and Doyle McFarland opened Mack's 5, 10, & 25 Cent Store in Sanford in 1923 (1st photo). By 1925, they had opened another store in Dillon, SC and by 1937 the chain operated over a dozen stores in North and South Carolina. Later they became knows as Maxway.

Now-♟️Raven Forge Games is a truly awesome space to play tabletop games. The staff is friendly and they offer a wide variety of games and products to purchase as well as events.

Historic photos from "The History of Architecture of Lee County North Carolina by Daniel Pezzoni"

Send us your next Now and Then request!
Raven Forge Games

03/20/2025

Don’t forget to book your rooms for:
April 22-27–Southern Side x Side
May 9-11-Strawberry Jammin’
May 23-25-Carolina Indie Fest
And, always spring golf and spring weddings!
See you in Sanford!

Winter has officially checked out, and spring is settling into its stay! ☀️🌿 Book your getaway and soak up the sunshine, blooming views, and warm breezes on our patio.

03/19/2025

💍Central Carolina Weddings invites you to book their April 6 Tour of Venues event today! The opportunity to see multiple venues, and great vendors, is FREE, but reservations are required! https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bz1TWpCmn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/18/2025

It’s GAME NIGHT in Downtown Sanford this Thursday!
Bring your Family Feud Five and Come On Down!!

🚨🎲 GAME NIGHT ALERT! 🎲🚨

Mark your calendars for March’s 3rd Thursday: Downtown Game Night! 🏙️ ✨ Get ready for an evening fun and friendly competition all over downtown!

🎯 Giant Jenga, Co****le, Checkers, Catan, and more! Whether you’re a casual player or a board game master, we’ve got something for you! Check out this map for all our participating Game Night shops!

🍽️ Grab dinner, shop late, and make it a night to remember! Our downtown restaurants and shops are rolling out the welcome mat - so grab a bite downtown, bring your game face and let’s play!

📍 THIS Thursday, March 20 | 5-7 PM | Downtown Sanford
Tag your game squad and meet us there! 🎉♟️

Come Connect with us!
City of Sanford, NC Visit Sanford Pies Pizza The Fairview Dairy Bar The Flame Steakhouse MonkeyKat Books Mine and Yours NC Wild Dogs Brewing Beech & Boon Sips And Sequels Junk N Java La Dolce Vita Pizzeria Vinous Wine Bar Books at a Steal The Smoke and Barrel High Cotton Couture Added Accents Refined Designs Home & Boutique Raven Forge Games With Love Boutique Local Joe's Tap & Grill Hugger Mugger Brewing Wana Navu Kava Bar Sanford Saladang Thai Kitchen 2nd Glances Libations 139 Rogue Toys Sanford NC. Yarborough's Homemade Ice Cream

03/18/2025

Love to play Co****le? Love festivals? Join in all the fun at the Broadway Our Way Festival on April 19!

🌽 Co****le Crew! 🌽 Feeling lucky today?! Get ready to toss some bags! We're hosting a co****le tournament as part of the Broadway Our Way Festival on April 19 on Main Street in Broadway, NC. Grab a partner and show off your skills! Sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQuDsezdT/

Let's get this party started!
****leTournament ****le

03/16/2025

--Sanford, NC: Sunday Morning Sit Down Read 🗞️

💍From finding the right dress to booking the picture-perfect venue, your wedding should be everything you imagine and more. Here are nine ways you can plan an “I do” that’s beyond compare right here in Sanford and Lee County.

Join our Wedding Venue Tour to explore stunning locations and meet top vendors, helping you plan the perfect day with expert guidance! The event is free but reservations are required. Please visit Central Carolina Weddings & Events to secure your tickets.

If authentic experiences served with southern hospitality are on your “to-do” list, Sanford is the place to be.


Daniel's Ridge Wild Rock Farm The Farm on Cotton Oakland Farm Magnolia Cottage Venue of Bell Ridge Farm Carolina Trace Country Club Circle M City Sugarneck Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center

Attend the Carolina Classic Wedding Showcase. Find picture-perfect wedding venues from country clubs to intimate venues to breathtaking settings.

03/14/2025

Mark your calendar for April 19 and plan to visit the Town of Broadway!

There was a song about a Water Tower Town...
You found us!!

This year's Broadway Our Way festival, celebrating small town hospitality, charm and fun, runs 10 AM-5 PM on April 19 and features an International Food Truck Rodeo, Easter Egg Hunts, 115 Vendors, live music all day, co****le, pickleball, Classic cars, an expanded kids zone and all the fun!!
Make plans to attend!! Need more information? Call the Visit Sanford Welcome Center at 919-718-4659.

03/13/2025

⏳Now and Then

Then ➡️The Endor Iron Furnace was an iron furnace that operated from 1861–1864 and again from 1870–1871, near Cumnock, Lee County, North Carolina. It was constructed between 1862 and 1864 to take advantage of the iron deposits along the Deep River. The Furnace measures approximately 32 feet square at the base and rises to a height of about 35 feet. During the American Civil War, the furnace produced pig iron for the Confederate Army. This structure is one of the oldest and most significant structures in Lee County.

Now ➡️ The furnace and a 426-acre surrounding property were transferred to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources with the assistance of Triangle Land Conservancy. The site will be developed as a nature preserve and park, and the furnace may be eventually restored.

Historic photos from "The History of Architecture of Lee County North Carolina by Daniel Pezzoni".

Send us your next Now and Then request!

03/13/2025

Race in Rockingham and Stay in Sanford.
Welcome, race fans!!

Get your Track Enterprises (NASCAR) Tickets and Event Information from Tixr.

03/13/2025

We are dreaming about ballpark days at the Lee County Athletic Complex. Thank you, Sanford Contractors, Inc. for sharing!

03/10/2025

Brews & News ☕ 📰 03.10.25

📍Coal Miners Diner

Come Connect with us
🔗 downtownsanford.com
🔗 visitsanfordnc.com

03/09/2025

--Sanford, NC: Sunday Morning Sit Down Read 🗞️

🍽️ Are you someone who loves great food? And by love, we mean the planning-entire-trips-around-awesome-restaurants type of love? If so, this list of the top foodie picks in Downtown Sanford is right up your alley. Let the craving and trip planning commence!

If authentic experiences served with southern hospitality are on your “to-do” list, Sanford is the place to be.

https://visitsanfordnc.com/savor-top-foodie-picks-in-downtown-sanford/


Mrs. Lacy's Magnolia House The Flame Steakhouse Kathy's Java Express The Fairview Dairy Bar Fresh Choice Cafe Big T's Restaurant Millie's Mama Bakes Hugger Mugger Brewing Sandra’s Bakery-Sanford, NC Local Joe's Tap & Grill Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi La Dolce Vita Pizzeria Wild Dogs Brewing Libations 139 Mrs. Wengers

Plan a trip to enjoy these foodie picks in Downtown Sanford! A wide range of culinary delights are waiting for to indulge and delight your tastebuds.

03/08/2025

See you in Broadway!

03/07/2025

To***co Road Golf Club has been nominated by USA TODAY 10Best as a top public course in America.
We need your votes!
Vote once per day until March 24th.✔️ Once you click the link, select the Best Public Golf Course category.
Share and Tag Visit Sanford and be entered to win a To***co Road merchandise basket!✨

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-public-golf-couse-2025/
City of Sanford, NC Downtown Sanford, Inc. Lee County Government Town of Broadway Visit Sanford Welcome Center Visit North Carolina

From golf resorts and destinations to restaurants and public courses, where are the best places to enjoy all that the sport has to offer?

03/07/2025

What are we talking about tomorrow?!
New spring styles, fairy hair, 71 degrees, book signings, handmade jewelry, giveaways, Broadway caps and shirts, stuffed milkshakes, margaritas, bridal wear, Carolina burgers, what’s poppin’ — all at SPRING ON MAIN