A Little About Greensboro, NC

Named to CNN’s List of Cities in the American South that Know How to Charm, Greensboro has embraced its location at the heart of the Old North State. Located in the center of North Carolina, Greensboro is home to seven colleges and universities, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and the nationally recognized Greensboro Aquatic Center.

History

The City of Greensboro is named for the Revolutionary War Major General Nathanael Greene. Major General Greene led Continental Forces at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The Battle is most known for dealing such severe losses to Lord Cornwallis and the British Forces that Cornwallis faced ultimate defeat at the Battle of Yorktown.

Greensboro’s rich history of advocacy is most known by the famed February 1, 1960 Woolworth Sit-Ins. Four students from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) led the first sit-in at the Woolworth chain. This led to sit-ins nationwide forcing the chain to desegregate their lunch counters and sparking change. Though Greensboro has a rich history in advocacy, we also have had our share of challenges. To read more about the history of the city, visit the UNCG Libraries Archives Greensboro History Collection.

Things to do while you’re here… come early, stay late:

  • Hike at the Battlefield at Guilford Courthouse: Part of the National Parks System, this massive park features two Visitor Centers and walking/hiking trails. Free to the public.
  • Learn at the Greensboro Natural Science Center and SciAquarium: Featuring an aquarium, museum, and zoo, the Greensboro Science Center is a must-see stop for your inner scientist. Average cost $12-14 per a person.
  • Dunk at the ACC Hall of Champions: Greensboro is home to the Atlantic Coast Conference and the ACC Hall of Champions. The Hall features exhibits and displays to excite any basketball lover. Free to the public.
  • Splash at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark: The largest water park in the Carolinas and featuring one of four Tsunami-size wave pools in the United States, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is great for kids of all ages. Average cost $20-40 per a person.
  • Shop and dine at the Friendly Center: The Friendly Center features the some of the best shopping in Greensboro with a variety of restaurants and easily walkable space. Cost varies.
  • Stroll through LeBauer Park: Located in the heart of downtown Greensboro just steps from the Marriott, something is always happening at LeBauer Park. Free to the public.
  • Blossom at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden: This 7.5 acre garden features large annual plantings and bronze sculptures that are sure to captivate all. Free to the public. 
  • Be amazed by the Weatherspoon Art Museum: Located on the UNC-Greensboro’s campus, the Weatherspoon Art Museum offers a look at national and international modern art with an array of exhibits. Free to the public.
  • Take in a show at Triad Stage: Award-winning theater in the heart of Greensboro. Just minutes walk from the Marriott, see one of a kind shows. Cost varies.

Excursions to consider during the week:

  • These one-of-a-kind tours will take you through the history and talent of food and craft beer in the Piedmont Triad area.
    • Go on a Tap Hoppers Tours: This 3+ hour tour of the areas breweries, including the famous Natty Greene’s (named for Nathanael Greene). Average cost is $50 per a person.
    • Go on a The Taste of Carolina Tour of Greensboro: This tour gives you an advanced look at the growing foodie scene within the city, including favorites like Dame’s Chicken and Waffles and Crafted The Art of the Taco. Average cost is $60 per a person.
  • Take in a Greensboro Grasshopper Baseball ballgame: Enjoy a little minor league baseball on a sweet summer night. Once called the Greensboro Hornets, the Greensboro minor league team was home to Derek Jeter. Home games are scheduled for Sunday (28 July) and Monday (29 July) against the Kannapolis Intimidators (named for Kannapolis’ own Dale Earnhardt, Sr).  Average cost $10-15 per a person.
  • Visit the Boxcar Bar and Arcade: Revisit your youth while enjoying craft beer and delicious food. This fun space offers classic and modern arcade games walking distance from the Marriott Hotel. Cost varies.
  • Check out Round1: Find something for everyone nestled in the Four Season Town Center. Round1 features bowling, billiards, and arcades with shopping just steps away. Cost varies.

Just a drive away…

  • Take in the view at the NC Zoo (distance about 40 minutes by car): The largest habitual zoo in North America is right here in the Piedmont. Featuring animals from North America and Africa, the Zoo is an all day experience for any animal lover. Average cost $15 per person.
  • Get your thrills at Charlotte Motor Speedway (about an hour and fifteen minutes by car): Built in the 1960s, Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the most prestigious tracks on the NASCAR circuit. With Charlotte being home to almost all of the NASCAR race teams, fans can experience the sights and sounds of NASCAR all at the track. The track features behind the scenes tours, over the wall thrills, and excursions to race shops. Cost varies.
  • Or race history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame (about an hour and a half by car): Located in the heart of Charlotte, this Hall of Fame is a thrill. Featuring state-of-the-art simulators, hands-on pit crew experiences, and the hallowed cars from Glory Road, the Hall of Fame is sure to excite any car enthusiast, history buff, or sports fan. If you are a fan of Lightning McQueen, this is a can’t miss stop! Average cost is $18-$50 per a person.
  • Fly high at Carowinds (about an hour and half by car): One of the Paramount theme parks, Carowinds is an action packed rollercoaster heaven. Featuring the Intimidator, a 232 feet high coaster named for Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Average cost $30 per a person.
  • Be mesmerized by the Biltmore (about three hours by car):  The largest privately-owned estate in the United States, the Biltmore is a breathtaking walk into the past. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt at the turn of the 20th century, Biltmore features luscious gardens, delicious dining, and picturesque views. Average cost $70 per an adult, children under 17 are typically free during summer months.