I know what you’re thinking. North Carolina? Gross! All that state has is farms! Why would I want to go there? It’s okay. I said the same thing growing up here. I used to hate it because I thought it was boring and there was nothing to do; I wanted to live in a big city like Los Angeles or Chicago, but after visiting those cities and seeing how different they are from Greensboro, I grew to love the city. Greensboro is a hidden gem. Most people don’t know realize how great it really is until they come here. But, before you up and come here to “get away,” let me tell you what Greensboro has to offer.
Living here for sixteen years, I’ve learned everything there is to know about the city; all of its nooks and crannies. So, if I was a Greensboro tour guide, I would take my tourists is downtown because it has the most interesting sites to see. Downtown Greensboro is rustic and historical in a modern kind of way. I’d take them to the International Civil Rights Museum first. This is where the Greensboro Sit-in took place and it’s been turned into a historical site. It’s tucked away in between the skyscrapers and not many people know about it, but they definitely should. Starting off the tour with a little piece of history sets the stage for a perfect day. Next, since we’d already be downtown, I take them a street over to the Carolina Theater for a performance. The theater has some amazing architecture and fantastic performances are put on here year-round.
By now, my tourists should be hungry so I’d take them to my favorite downtown restaurant: Natty Green’s! Natty Green’s started out as just a brewery but started serving American cuisine about ten years ago. They have some of the best hamburgers I’ve ever had and that’s saying something because I’ve had my fair share of hamburger throughout the United States. Natty Green’s has gated outdoor seating which is perfect for more sightseeing. You can even bring your dog! How cool is that?
After this once in a lifetime lunch, my tourists and I would head a few blocks up to Cheesecakes by Alex. Yes, CHEESECAKE! With over 20 different flavors of cheesecake, from bananas foster to crème brulee, you can’t go wrong here. Alex, the owner, is one of the nicest people I have ever met and I’m disappointed whenever I drop in there he isn’t working. Not only does Cheesecakes by Alex have cheesecake, but ice cream, delicious coffee, and baked goods to die for (including a triple fudge brownie that will be the death of me!).
We’d wrap up the day by doing some shopping at Just Be (a cute boutique across the street from Natty Green’s), Farmer’s Wife Antiques, Mary’s Jewelry Box for the ladies, Design Archives Vintage and Handmade Emporium, and of course, the Greensboro Historical Museum Shop for some souvenirs. I hope my tourists will love Greensboro as much as I do and make the decision to come back, because there’s a lot more to see!
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