The High Point Visitor's Center will be closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th due to the holidays. Our staff will be working remotely Monday, December 28th-Friday, January 1st. Please reach out to us via e-mail if you need anything. We hope you all have a safe and happy holidays!

-- Melody Burnett, Nancy Bowmen, Janet Siler, Christina Payne and Kellie Sanders

Triad Food & Beverage Coalition is assisting local, state and federal leaders with assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the regional food and beverage community. They plan to leverage aggregated data collected to recommend public policy that can effectively help small businesses respond and recover from the pandemic.

The Traveler Sentiment Survey, a U.S. National sample of 1,000 adults 18+, concluded that 72% of travelers planning to travel in the next six months will change their travel plans due to coronavirus. While some travelers are just reducing plans, changing their destination to one they can drive to as opposed to fly, or changing their trip from international to domestic, others are completely cancelling their trip.

The Lights-On COVID Recovery Loan is a new economic program designed to support small to mid-sized businesses in the NC Triad area whose revenue has been impacted by the pandemic. The program, sponsored by the Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation, offers interest-free, 5-year, non-forgivable loans, with emphasis on downtown and agricultural businesses that can provide proof of hardship. Eligible businesses can apply to borrow from $2,500 to $50,000 through a streamlined process online. Funds are intended for use as working capital to help with rent, utilities and payroll and more during shutdown and reopening. Owners are encouraged to learn more and submit an application.

The DRIVE High Point Foundation announced the new cycle of Destination Development Grants for 2021. Impactful requests may include funding for signature, first time, or multi-day events; capital enhancements (renovation or additions) that create more visitor activity and an enhanced visitor experience; public art projects that create visitor engagement; and projects that create an opportunity to attract specific groups or mass visitors to High Point. Applications are now open and due by February 15, 2021.

The Guilford Merchants Association has generously provided a lighted sleigh and holiday display in front of the High Point Public Library. The sleigh is made for people to climb in and makes a great photo opportunity for the holidays! The sleigh will be available until January 2. Residents are asked to post their photos with the hashtag #selfiesleighGMA and GMA will share them.

A complete listing on all things happening in the High Point-Jamestown area, including the Uptowne Holiday Season, can be found by clicking on the photo below. Search by category to find special offers, entertainment, virtual experiences, and more!