Sharing a weekend getaway guide to Greensboro, North Carolina, with all the best things to see, do, and eat!
I didn’t mean to take quite so long to visit Greensboro. But when you’re exploring the region one weekend at a time, well, your travels can feel like they move at a glacial pace.
But one thing’s for sure – after a recent visit to Greensboro’s Triad neighbor, I knew I just couldn’t wait any longer to visit this essential North Carolina city.
Portions of this trip were hosted by the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, but as always, all opinions are my own
Since moving to Charlotte, I’ve heard so many things about the arts and culture scene in Greensboro, and even more about the food (which, let’s be honest, is my primary motivation for traveling).
So, Michael and I took one rare free weekend in July to finally cross this destination off our list, and today I’m bringing you my guide to the Piedmont Triad’s largest city. Up first, though, a little history lesson…
ABOUT GREENSBORO
Greensboro’s history is one comprised of resilience, progress, and creativity. From its early days as a center for commerce and transportation to its pivotal role in the civil rights movement, Greensboro’s past has shaped its present identity. Perhaps no moment in Greensboro’s history is more pivotal than the Woolworth’s sit-in, a courageous act of protest in downtown Greensboro in 1960, which marked a turning point in the fight for civil rights. Today, Greensboro’s vibrant arts scene, dynamic neighborhoods, and commitment to social justice honor its past while embracing the innovation needed to sustain itself for the future.
Five things you may not know about Greensboro
- Greensboro is the third largest city by population in North Carolina (after Charlotte and Raleigh).
- The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Saura (or Cheraw) and Keyauwee.
- Greensboro was originally spelled Greensborough, before dropping the extra letters at the end of the 19th century.
- A number of colleges and universities call Greensboro home, such as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bennett College, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Greensboro College.
- The author William Sidney Porter, better known to the world as O. Henry, was born in Greensboro in 1862.
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Though the modes of transportation may have changed since Greensboro earned its nickname of The Gate City, today it continues to welcome visitors with classic Southern hospitality. Here’s how to spend a weekend in this North Carolina city:
THINGS TO DO IN GREENSBORO
Greensboro History Museum
Greensboro History Museum | 130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401
If, like me, you grew up outside of the region and are still catching up on your North Carolina history, the Greensboro History Museum is a great place to begin your weekend in Greensboro. Housed within a historic former church and memorial building, the museum traces the evolution of the city from its early days until now. Visitors travel through the centuries via exhibits, which include artifacts, interactive displays, and more. The museum doesn’t gloss over the rough edges of history, either, honoring the city’s strides and struggles throughout the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll also find an in-depth look at Greensboro’s denim industry and learn how it shaped its present identity. Admission is free, making it an accessible stop for all.
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GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art
GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art | 200 N Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401
You’ll find the GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art within the impressive Greensboro Cultural Center, a hub for celebrating the city’s diverse and vibrant artistry. GreenHill is dedicated to showcasing established and emerging North Carolina artists within its gallery space and shop, in all types of media. Beyond its usual gallery hours, GreenHill hosts a number of events and workshops, taking the concept of art off the walls and inviting everyone to participate. Find information about the current exhibition here, and check out the calendar to see what events may coincide with your visit.
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Crooked Tail Cat Cafe
Crooked Tail Cat Cafe | 604 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406
Even if you’re not looking to take home a Greensboro souvenir that purrs, a visit to Crooked Tail Cat Cafe is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The cat cafe partners with a local rescue to fill its space with sweet, adoptable kitties who are ready to socialize. Reservations are recommended, but you just might luck into a free spot. If so, grab a coffee from the cafe in the back, a toy ribbon or feather, and get ready to play!
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Greensboro Botanical Gardens
Greensboro Botanical Gardens | 1101 Hobbs Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Greensboro’s public gardens span four locations, each with a distinct personality. I had the chance to visit the neighboring Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden and Bog Garden at Benjamin Park during my visit, making it an efficient stop for time-strapped visitors. Park your car at the lot on Hobbs Road, and enjoy a peaceful escape just minutes from the city core. Meander and snap photos or do as many locals were doing and bring a book to simply enjoy time in nature. No matter how you choose to spend your time, admission to Greensboro Botanical Gardens is always free.
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Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park | 2332 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a critical engagement during the Revolutionary War and a pivotal moment in American history. Today’s park covers about 250 acres of the approximate 1,000-acre battlefield and is enjoyed by many Greensburgers* as a place to exercise. But nearly all of the park’s monuments and displays are accessible by car, forming an educational driveable loop conveying the sacrifices made and the strategic maneuvers that unfolded. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park serves as both a living history lesson and a tribute to the courage of those who fought for the principles upon which the United States was founded, and is freely open to all.
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Greensboro Shops + Boutiques
Design Archives Emporium | 342 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Gate City Yarns | 231 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Hudson's Hill | 527 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406 Just Be | 352 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Lee | Wrangler Hometown Studio | 603 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406 Lost Ark Video Games | 1701 Spring Garden St A, Greensboro, NC 27403 Scuppernong Books | 304 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Vintage To Vogue Boutique | 530 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406
Should you catch the shopping bug while in Greensboro, there are a number of shops and boutiques ready with the remedy. Just Be carries a multitude of local souvenirs and gifts, from t-shirts to decor. Vintage shopping seems to be big business in Greensboro, and you could easily spend hours browsing the racks at Design Archives Emporium and Vintage To Vogue Boutique. Fellow crafters will appreciate Gate City Yarns, where attendees of their weekly craft night were having such a ball that I nearly abandoned my evening plans to grab my car knitting and hang out in the shop. Are video games more your thing? Lost Ark Video Games carries an astounding array of games and hard-to-find paraphernalia. But if you prefer to spend your time reading, a visit to Scuppernong Books is a must!
What about jeans? Despite the closure of Cone Denim’s White Oak Mill in 2018, denim is still big business in Greensboro. For classic fits, check out the Lee | Wrangler Hometown Studio, or for modern selvedge denim, stop into Hudson’s Hill.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN GREENSBORO
Food and beverage offerings in Greensboro run the gamut - from hotdogs and beers in the park to the hottest date night spots.
Chez Genèse
Chez Genèse | 616 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406
Chez Genèse is the perfect way to begin your day in Greensboro. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., this charming cafe brings a touch of French elegance and flavor to the streets of downtown Greensboro with a whole lot of heart. With a mission to employ and empower people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Chez Genèse is actively working to foster a stronger sense of community in Greensboro, for everyone. And while that impact alone is enough reason to visit and support, the food is also outstanding. The quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into executing each dish are impossible to miss, from a perfectly crafted croque monsieur (shown here) to the delicate crepes constantly parading their way out of the kitchen. Arrive early, or expect a bit of a wait to be seated (it’ll be worth it!).
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MACHETE
MACHETE | 600 C Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27401
A meal at Greensboro’s MACHETE takes all of your preconceived notions about fine dining and flips them on their head. What began as an in-home supper club is now a James Beard Award nominee, pushing the boundaries of a modern shared small plates menu. Said menu is ever evolving with the seasons, but during our meal featured a bounty of summer produce at its peak (tomato tart, corn ribs, watermelon… my apologies if you’re reading this in the middle of winter!). MACHETE also has one of the best-stocked bars I’ve seen in North Carolina (given our stringent liquor laws, it’s quite a feat), and the cocktail program is just as excellent as the food. Allow ample time for your meal; this is the main event of your night, after all. Reservations are essential, and sharing is a must.
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Scrambled Southern Diner
Scrambled Southern Diner | 2417 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27403
Sure, most large cities have at least some sort of diner culture, but in my opinion, nothing compares to a diner in the South. You’ve got biscuits. You’ve got pimento cheese. You’ve got the very best sausage. You’ve got potatoes in many forms. You maybe, maybe have a fruit cup, but it’s not necessary. Greensboro’s Scrambled Southern Diner bills itself as an eclectic Southern diner, which means it has all those things and more. Weekend brunch is a bit of an event here, with a line that breeds inevitable conversations with strangers. Once you make it to your seat, the world is really your oyster, because all your favorites are here. Stuck and in need of a recommendation? I’d say build your own biscuit sandwich, and Michael would insist that you wait until after 11 a.m. to visit so you can order the Burgatory. Arrive early, and for faster seating, add yourself to the waitlist in advance.
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Parkside Pull-Up
Parkside Pull-Up | 212 N Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Lunching on a budget? Parkside Pull-Up is your spot! This casual walk-up spot transforms a portion of LeBauer Park into a social dining experience where neighbors, families, and friends can gather to enjoy classic fare like hot dogs, burgers, shakes, and more. And despite a meat-heavy menu, plant-based friends aren’t left out here, either – Parkside Pull-Up’s menu includes tasty vegan dogs and dairy-free ice cream, too. Pro-tip: pair your meal with a cold beer from Lawn Service next door.
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Greensboro Coffee Shops
Awoo Coffee | 236 S Elm St F, Greensboro, NC 27401 Borough Coffee at Double Oaks | 204 N Mendenhall St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Northern Roots Coffeehouse | 300 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Thrive Coffee Co. | 515 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406
With so many higher education institutions in Greensboro, it’s no surprise the coffee scene is thriving here. I had the chance to visit four during my weekend in the city, and I think each deserves a spot on your itinerary. For the coworking traveler, Northern Roots Coffeehouse is my top pick – it offers ample seating for getting things done, and a large menu of specialty drinks to keep you going. Awoo Coffee is a newcomer to downtown Greensboro, and while it’s hard not to be charmed by the shop’s mascot, Fyodor, what I enjoyed most is the range of international flavors on the menu. For coffee in an unexpected location, check out Borough Coffee at Double Oaks. Tucked away in a cute B&B in the Westerwood neighborhood, this tiny coffee shop makes a great shakerato for enjoying on the covered porch. Back on Elm Street (essentially the main street of downtown Greensboro), Thrive Coffee Co. is another specialty coffee shop crafting a menu filled with classics and fun concoctions. I skipped over the latte float this time around, and deeply regret it, so be sure to order the special of the week for me, okay?
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Greensboro Bars + Breweries
Boxcar Bar + Arcade | 120 W Lewis St, Greensboro, NC 27406 Hidden Gate Brewing Company | 102 Barnhardt St, Greensboro, NC 27406 Natty Greene's Brewing Company | 345 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401 Neighbors | 507 Simpson St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Thirsty? Good. Greensboro is brimming with bars and breweries ready to quench your thirst. The city may not quite have as many breweries as Charlotte, but there’s certainly no shortage here. Natty Greene’s Brewing Company is the cornerstone of downtown Greensboro’s craft beer scene, serving locals since 2004. In addition to thirteen taps of local beer, you’ll find a menu full of the region’s favorite foods. Just down the street is one of the city’s newest breweries, Hidden Gate Brewing Company, whose mission is to recreate Old World styles as well as modern American styles for today’s beer drinkers. Order a flight for a mix of both!
If atmosphere is your driving motivation for hanging in a bar, you’ll certainly enjoy Neighbors. This bar is bartender-owned and operated, serving up unpretentious cocktails and barbecue in killer digs. My pick? The Pornstar Martini, which comes with a sidecar of Champagne. For those in more of a competitive mood, there’s always Boxcar Bar + Arcade. This arcade bar has a stellar game lineup and is clearly the place to see and be seen on a weekend evening for area twenty- and thirty-somethings. Oh – no need to bring cash, the token machines take credit cards!
WHERE TO STAY IN GREENSBORO
The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel
The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel | 111 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Sure, you could book a familiar chain hotel for your stay in Greensboro, but why not stay somewhere truly local? The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel is downtown’s sole independent boutique hotel, and it has a unique history. Built in 1903, the structure has lived a series of lives, from an office building to a post office annex to apartments to today’s 26-room hotel. It even houses the city’s first electric unmanned elevator, which guests still utilize today.
The rooms are comfortable and the charming decor suits the building’s place in history, but what stands out to me the most after my visit is the commitment to warm and gracious service. From the moment you enter the lobby, it feels a bit like visiting a childhood friend at their family home, pleasant and familiar (the hotel staff’s reputation precedes them – the first thing everyone said after mentioning where we were staying is how friendly the staff is!). This feeling continues through the evening’s complimentary wine reception, where guests can relax in the lobby over a glass of local wine and a curated cheese plate.
Of course, that’s not the only amenity – The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel also offers complimentary continental breakfast, no pet fees (next time we’ll bring Meow!), free parking, in-room mini-fridge, coffee and tea, access to the Kathleen Price Bryan Family YMCA and on-site exercise equipment, guest library, and more.
With so much to offer guests and the perfect location for exploring downtown Greensboro, The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel is the perfect choice for first-time visitors. Don’t miss this central refuge with genuine Southern hospitality.
As for rumors that the hotel is haunted, well, The Biltmore Greensboro Hotel makes this claim on its website (I’ll let you decide whether you want to read between the lines!): “The hotel does not advertise or make any claim to any kind ‘ghost’ or ‘paranormal’ activity at the property. It is the opinion of ownership that these are nothing more than just stories that have been passed down. ‘Ghosts’ are a matter of opinion and belief, and not one that every guest shares…”
WITH MORE TIME IN GREENSBORO
If you’re new around here, I like to keep a running tally of additional places I’d like to visit next time I’m in the area – we can’t always conquer everything in a weekend, you know! With more time in Greensboro, I’m eyeing these additional spots:
More things to do in Greensboro
- Weatherspoon Art Museum | A free art museum on the campus of UNCG
- Greensboro Science Center | A zoo, aquarium, and science center all in one
- The International Civil Rights Center & Museum | The location of the history-making sit-ins is now a museum dedicated to honoring the history and legacy of the civil rights struggle for equality, justice, and human rights
- Carolina Theatre | Greensboro’s original performing arts center features concerts, films, and plays
- Elsewhere Museum | A living museum and artist residency in downtown Greensboro (closed during our visit but has since reopened!)
More places to eat + drink in Greensboro
- Stephanie’s Restaurant | President Obama-approved soul food
- ‘cille & ‘scoe | Fresh and local fare
- Bandito Bodega | Multi-continental fusion
- Print Works Bistro | Dishes inspired by a French bistro
- Blue Denim | Cajun and Creole in the heart of NC
- The Bearded Goat | A “classy dive bar”
- The Borough Market + Bar | A bar and shop in one cute package
As always, if you make it to any of these spots before we do, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!
GREENSBORO TRAVEL TIPS
Greensboro, North Carolina, is easily accessible from most of the Southeastern U.S. by car and rail, and by air from other destinations along the Eastern seaboard (travelers flying from further afield may consider flying into Charlotte or Raleigh and making the short drive in). Once in Greensboro, you can easily spend an entire weekend exploring downtown without a car** thanks to the city’s new fare-free Hopper Trolley. This trolley ambles down Elm Street and nearby avenues every seven minutes, making it a useful tool for navigating the city core.
Michael and I opted to use the trolley during the heat of the day, which reached 95°F during our July visit. Greensboro’s climate is similar to that of other cities in the Southeast, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Weather-wise, given the choice of when to visit, I’d recommend booking your Greensboro trip for April to early June or late August to October, when the days are more comfortable. If not? Well, just pack accordingly.
No matter the temperature, downtown Greensboro is lively at night, partly thanks to the BORO initiative. This social district designation allows residents and visitors to purchase an alcoholic beverage at participating establishments and explore within the boundaries of the district (check out the full restrictions here). Though I’ve heard some reservations from locals in the past about such districts, I can say we didn’t encounter any issues during our visit. In fact, it’s nice to see people out enjoying the local businesses of their city!
*there's no official name for referencing someone from Greensboro, but this one is by far my favorite! **while much of this guide is located downtown, a few stops listed here require traveling via car or rideshare
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING GREENSBORO
If someone plopped you in the middle of Greensboro’s walkable Elm Street filled with local businesses, you might not realize how large the city is (friendly reminder: it’s the third largest city in the state!). But despite having more than a weekend’s worth of activities, it’s still an excellent choice for a quick getaway. A compact downtown studded with unique local businesses, world-class food and drink, and one-of-a-kind cultural activities… what more could you ask for?
Thank you to the team at Visit Greensboro for generously hosting our weekend in The Gate City!
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Questions for you
What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Greensboro?
Have you ever owned any Cone denim?
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