The Unassuming Town Of Greensboro, North Carolina, Is One Of America's Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway
By Carolyn Harmon|Updated on December 13, 2023(Originally published December 15, 2022)
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
As the third-most populous city in North Carolina, the unassuming town of Greensboro is packed full of fun to meet the demands of its approximately 298,000 residents and numerous visitors. So, if you’re looking for “small towns near me,” Greensboro can’t be beat! As one of America’s best weekend getaways, this interesting town offers historic sites, museums, beautiful lakes, shopping, and restaurants. No wonder demand for Vrbo’s private vacation homes in this unconventional destination has increased. Book a place and see for yourself why Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of America’s best hidden gems for a weekend getaway. And it’s certainly one of the best small towns in North Carolina.
A 1907 postcard of Greensboro shows the activity and progress made on South Elm Street. Way back then, people were motivated to build up this cool town.
Following are nine reasons to visit the lovely and enchanting town of Greensboro, for one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina. And one of the most incredible NC small towns.
In case you are wondering, the name Greensboro honors Gen. Nathanael Greene, who on March 15, 1781, led American forces in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Guilford Court House. It is proudly displayed at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
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The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is a place to thoroughly explore American history through the struggle for justice and equality by way of 13 galleries offering artifacts, vivid photography, video reenactments, and interactive exhibits.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum, 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
Guests can witness the restored lunch counter in its original location where the Greensboro sit-in, a civil rights protest that started in 1960, took place. Young African-American college students staged a sit-in, refusing to leave after they were denied service. This action started the sit-in movement that spread to other towns throughout the South. Learn more about the International Civil Rights Center & Museum on the official website.
3. Culture
Carolina Theatre, 310 S Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA
Once considered the finest theater between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta,
the Carolina Theatre, opened in 1927 on Halloween night as a 2,200-seat vaudeville theater, where crowds are still seduced by the shimmering crystal chandeliers, ornate architecture and design details, classical statues, and marbled columns. Schedule reservations for an upcoming show.
We prefer the shawarma plate served with a choice of grilled meat, grilled onions, peppers, and tomatoes, all served over rice with fresh salad and warm pitas.
Sarah's Kabob Shop, 5340 W Market St, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA
Any of the menu choices including cheeseburgers, mozzarella sticks, and chicken and steak kebabs are deliciously created with fresh ingredients. Find out more about this incredible restaurant on the Sarah's Kabob Shop Facebook page.
Next, breathe some fresh air and take the 20-minute drive to the Piedmont Trail, rated as an easy 5.7-mile out-and-back trail. One of the big payoffs along the way is Lake Brandt, which offers free beauty any time of the year.
The Greensboro Science Center has some of these gorgeous, critically endangered Sumatran tigers, with only about 400 left in the wild. Learn about how to save wildlife, and explore the aquarium and the museum. Also, check out the upcoming events and other experiences.
Take a look at this video of the Greensboro Science Center by @ncweekend:
8. Shopping
Friendly Center, 3110 Kathleen Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408, USA
One popular place to shop is the Friendly Center, an open-air mall where you can browse locally-owned stores and national chains to find the best deals. This is another place to find great restaurants.
Are you ready for a road trip to one of the best weekend getaways in America? And while you’re in Greensboro, North Carolina, another natural space to visit is the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park.
