Greensboro
Introduction
Located in Guilford County as its county seat, Greensboro serves as a central hub within the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. You will find yourself in a bustling metropolitan area that sits near the overall center of the state.
Before you go
While you explore this charming southern city, exercise common sense to ensure your safety. Keep your car locked and hide any valuables from view while parked. If you are walking at night, stick to well-lit areas, particularly when navigating the downtown district.
Be mindful of your surroundings when traveling late at night on Gate City Blvd., as this area has seen an increase in crime. While police officers are present and helpful throughout the city, they take their duties seriously. Additionally, you should consider driving through the South and East sides of the city rather than walking if you do not have specific business in those neighborhoods.
Getting there
You can fly into the region at Piedmont Triad International Airport, where you can choose from various rental car companies or take a taxi to your destination. Ride-share services are available for pickup and drop-off at specific doors outside the terminal. If you prefer public transit, a shuttle connects the airport to a regional hub, allowing you to transfer to local buses serving the surrounding area.
For those traveling by rail or road, several options bring you into the heart of the city:
- Amtrak trains provide service from major cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., arriving at The Depot downtown.
- Greyhound offers daily intercity and long-distance bus routes to various destinations in North Carolina and beyond.
- Local PART buses connect you to neighboring cities such as High Point, Winston-Salem, and Durham.
- If you are driving, the city is accessible via several interstate highways and US highways.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using the public bus service provided by the Greensboro Transit Authority, which offers frequent routes throughout the week and on Saturdays. If you are a student, you can ride the HEAT bus system for free by presenting a valid college ID; these routes serve both the campus community and the general public.
For alternative ways to explore, you can use the LimeBike bike-sharing program or choose to travel on foot. You will find that the downtown area and the neighboring College Hill neighborhood are pleasantly walkable.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere. For a taste of local history, stay at The Biltmore Hotel in the downtown area or visit the Dailey Renewal Retreat Inn, a historic bed and breakfast located near UNC-G. If you prefer a more modern experience with sustainable practices like solar-heated water and large windows for natural light, the Proximity Hotel offers high-end accommodations.
For those seeking a luxurious stay, the O.Henry Hotel provides local ownership and amenities such as afternoon tea. Other options include several locations near the airport or in convenient areas of the city, including the Hyatt Place, Homewood Suites, Marriott Courtyard, Microtel Inn, Grandover Resort, Fairfield by Marriott Greensboro Airport, and SpringHill Suites Greensboro Airport.
Food & drink
Explore a diverse culinary landscape that spans from traditional regional staples to international flavors. You can enjoy authentic sit-down Italian at Positano or grab a slice of pizza at Pizzeria L'Italiano in the downtown area. For those seeking global cuisines, Saffron Indian Cuisine offers a daily lunch buffet and notable vegetable samosas, while Sapporo Fantasy provides quality sushi. If you prefer local favorites, Stamey's Barbeque serves traditional barbecue, and Fishbones offers a variety of bar food with outdoor seating. Other options include Vietnamese dishes at Pho Hien Vuong or Saigon, Middle Eastern specialties like falafel and gyros at Ghassan's, and seasonal American fare at Lucky 32 Kitchen and Wine Bar.
The local drink scene offers various atmospheres depending on your preference. You can find a selection of microbrews at Natty Greene's Brewpub or enjoy brick-fired pizza and regional brews at Sticks and Stones. For a more traditional experience, M'coul's Public House provides an Irish atmosphere with numerous beers on tap and a view of the sunset. If you prefer a casual vibe near the university, Old Town Draught House is popular for sandwiches and beer, while Tate Street Coffee serves coffee and hosts jazz shows. For a classic dive-bar experience with local character, Westerwood Tavern features a patio and pool table.
What to see and do
Explore the historic architecture of downtown Greensboro along South Elm Street, where you can admire attractive buildings before they transition into modern high-rises. Visit the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, housed in a historic building where you can see the original lunch counter and stools from the 1960 sit-ins. For a deeper look at local history, the Greensboro History Museum features extensive collections ranging from pre-Columbian times to the present day, including Civil War artifacts and a recreation of turn-of-the-century shops. If you prefer nature and heritage, wander through the rose gardens of Blandwood Mansion or walk through the century-old neighborhood surrounding Fisher Park.
Experience the local culture and outdoors with these activities:
- Visit the Greensboro Science Center to explore interactive exhibits on geology and astronomy, or see animals ranging from reptiles to tigers at the Animal Discovery Zoological Park.
- Catch a game of Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball at First Horizon Park, a modern stadium featuring a family-oriented atmosphere and seating options like grass areas and a large outdoor bar.
- Enjoy the water by heading to Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins, or Lake Townsend for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing.
- Relax in the community urban greenspace of Black Diamond Backyard, which features an orchard and gardens near the downtown area.
- Attend a performance at The Barn Dinner Theatre, recognized as one of the oldest continually-operating dinner theatres in the country.
- Explore the outdoors at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, which offers jogging and bike trails set against a historic Revolutionary War battleground.
Three days in Greensboro
Day one, you can explore the local area and experience the character of the Piedmont Triad. You might spend your time near the historic streets of College Hill or find a place to rest in the heart of the city.
Day two, you can travel through the region toward neighboring cities like High Point, Winston, or Salem. If you choose to venture further, you can look into connections toward Durham or other locations across North Carolina.
Day three, you can plan your departure from the area. You have options for your journey, whether you prefer to ride a LimeBike through the streets or utilize transportation links toward major hubs like New York City or Washington.