BY JENNIFER AXNESS
Welcome to Holly Springs! Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont, this charming town has ranked among the top places to live nationwide for years, and consistently earned recognition as one of the safest, most family-friendly towns in the state.
Boasting a mild climate, thriving economy and top-notch educational system, the town offers residents an unparalleled living experience. At least, many people seem to think so, because Holly Springs is one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina.
Here are a few ideas for the first things to do after moving to Holly Springs to get to know your new hometown.
Something for Every Taste Bud
Your palate will appreciate the wide variety of restaurants, breweries, pubs and eateries that make up the town’s eclectic dining scene, reflecting the diverse backgrounds, tastes and preferences of its residents. Here are some examples of the variety of excellent dining experiences you might enjoy in your new home.
Experience an explosion of international flavors at Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi, including flavorful Thai dishes, Japanese specialties and other fresh offerings enjoyed in a relaxed, contemporary setting. For a more intimate dining experience, head to the enchanting Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where you can savor delectable small plates and cocktails—traditional or spirit-free—in the inviting ambience of a refined indoor dining space or a cozy outdoor seating area with a breathtaking birds-eye views of Holly Springs’ Main Street. And family-owned Smashed – Burgers & Cocktails offers a full menu of temptingly creative craft cocktails, appetizers, sides, and seared burgers with irresistible names such as the Mac ‘N’ Smashed and Bourbon BBQ Smashed.
Find Peace in Nature
Scenic Bass Lake Park, one of the town’s most cherished treasures, inspires residents to take full advantage of the area’s mild climate and verdant surroundings year-round. Whether you’re seeking a family picnic, a leisurely stroll through serene woodlands along the lake’s 2-mile loop or a peaceful afternoon of fishing from the dock (the lake is regularly stocked with catfish during the warmer months), Bass Lake provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor enjoyment.
Bikers, hikers and dog walkers can also stroll the paved Carl Dean Greenway to the neighboring Jefferson L. Sugg Farm, which offers amenities such as a disc golf course, playgrounds, green spaces and an off-leash dog park, or to Parrish Womble Park, where families enjoy access to athletic fields, tennis courts and additional recreational amenities. For many, the town’s greenway system is its most valued asset.
Connect with the Community
Enjoy a sunny Saturday morning at the Holly Springs Farmers Market, where over 30 vendors offer an abundance of locally grown produce, artisanal crafts and homemade delicacies. Located adjacent to the Holly Springs Cultural Center, this vibrant market is a cherished gathering place that showcases the town’s agricultural heritage and exudes its warm community spirit. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
The farmers market isn’t the only thing happening at the Holly Springs Cultural Center this summer. The second Friday of each month this summer you can take your beach chair or blanket and unwind at Holly Springs’ 2024 concert series, Summer at the Springs, featuring family-friendly music, a night market, and local beer and food trucks on the lawn outside the Cultural Center. You can also enjoy free movie nights for the kids here most Thursdays throughout the summer season.
Explore Opportunities to Support Neighbors
Volunteering for community events or charitable groups is another wonderful way to get involved in your new hometown. The staff at the Holly Springs Food Cupboard is entirely volunteer, with ongoing opportunities for those interested in providing food assistance to local families. If nature is your passion, the town’s Parks & Recreation Department offers volunteer opportunities to assist at special events, participate in days of service or coach youth athletics. Other local nonprofits such as the Holly Springs Rotary and Kiwanis clubs are great places to carry out service projects that benefit the local community.
As you settle into life in Holly Springs, take the time to explore all that your new hometown has to offer. As you discover new favorite spots and enjoy fresh experiences, you’ll discover a wealth of opportunities to make connections here. Welcome home to Holly Springs, where every day brings new adventures.
Where to Go to Cool Off in Holly Springs
By Mike Rumble
FRESH. Local Ice Cream
Walking into the Holly Springs location of FRESH. Local Ice Cream is like walking into a big country kitchen. Twenty different flavors of ice cream are featured, and it can be hard to choose just one! The NY Strawberry Cheesecake, for example, does in fact taste like a slice of cheesecake. Milkshakes and a deluxe brownie sundae are also available. And for your canine friend, FRESH even offers a pup-safe “doggie sundae.”
205 S. Main Street, Holly Springs
Mama Bird’s Ice Cream
Mama Bird’s is passionate about the ice cream they make, and that commitment is reflected in their rotating array of imaginative flavors. While they do offer traditional flavors, their creativity is on display with their more adventurous ones, such as Cranberry Orange, Arnold Palmer Sorbet and Magically Delicious, which has Lucky Charms marshmallows in it. Need something for your favorite four-legged friend? Pick up a “pup cup” from the freezer case on your way out.
304 N. Main Street, Holly Springs
JT’s Creamery
JT’s Creamery has been a fixture in downtown Holly Springs since 2001. It offers 24 dairy ice cream flavors, seven dairy-free flavors made with coconut milk, and five kinds of sundaes. Can’t decide which flavor is your favorite? Try an ice cream flight–a tray containing your choice of a scoop of six different ice cream flavors. It comes garnished with waffle cone chips on the side for dipping.
300 S. Main Street, Suite 112, Holly Springs
The Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex
If you want to enjoy high-action fun while avoiding the heat, try out the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex. This huge indoor-outdoor BMX, mountain biking and skateboarding training facility offers action and adventure for the whole family. Founded in 2014 by Daniel Dhers, a professional BMX biker, this facility offers classes, camps and riding terrain for everyone from beginners to professionals.
171 Tradition Trail, Suite 301, Holly Springs
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