Greensboro, North Carolina, is a thriving, economic city that has been a vibrant area since the late 19th century. Apart from the famous Piedmont Triad, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point are known for their booming textile, furniture and manufacturing industries. However, in the past few decades, Greensboro has grown more into an educational and environmentally friendly area. Meanwhile, downtown Greensboro is constantly growing and attracting new people.
If you find yourself in the area there are many things you can do. From restaurants to theatres, museums, and the center city park, there is plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of our favorite places to visit and things to do.
Restaurants In Greensboro
No matter what you are in the mood for downtown Greensboro has a restaurant to fit your needs. From pizza to tacos you are sure to find what you are looking for. Many of the restaurants are in close proximity to shops and other activities you may be visiting. If you’re a local you may even find a new restaurant to try out.
Cafe Europa
An all American restaurant that is close to the Art Collective and the park, while being just two blocks away from the center of town. This versatile spot is great for brunch or dinner before a night out on the town. Their wonderful cocktails and interesting cuisine always bring guests back. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating while eating their seafood special of the day.
Lindley Park Filling Station
This European based restaurant is perfect for those who are looking for some of the classics. Enjoy “The Mayflower” or a grilled portabella mushroom with provolone. The service and food are claimed to be consistently excellent. It is a casual and friendly dining experience that serves a wide variety of food offering unusual flavor combinations.
1618 Downtown
This downtown restaurant provides casual space for family, friends and business associates to gather over a meal or cocktails from dinner to late night. The free, easy parking nearby is a huge plus for this crowd favorite restaurant. Their cocktails are creative and delicious while the food offers classics with an interesting twist.
Print Works Bistro
Located adjacent to the Proximity Hotel, this restaurant features classical and modern versions of French bistro dishes created with locally sourced food. There are more than 75 wines by the glass to choose from the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. You can experience an energetic bar with live music every Wednesday and even a pop-up dance club on the first Friday of every month.
Cugino Forno Pizzeria
Claimed to be the most affordable trip your taste buds will ever take to Italy to experience true, authentic Italian food. Cugino Forno stays true to tradition, their Pizza Naploentan is as genuine as it gets. The cheese they use is Mozzarella di Bufala made early in the week and flown to them from a small town in Campania. This is what pizza is supposed to taste like.
Things To Do In Downtown Greensboro
While Downtown Greensboro has a great nightlife scene, it has many other family-oriented places to visit and things to do as well. Being the third-largest city in North Carolina, Greensboro offers vacationers a choice of museums, gardens, and attractions.
Greensboro Science Center
Offering 3 very popular attractions, the center is the perfect place for children, and adults. Enjoy the aquarium, museum, and zoo all in one place. The Science Center is one of the most visited attractions in the area. The aquarium is the only inland aquarium in North Carolina. The Animal Discovery Zoological Park is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians like tigers, monkeys, crocodiles, and tortoises. They are also home to the rare red panda. While the zoo and aquarium bring many smiles to faces because who doesn’t like to see cute animals, the museum has several first-class exhibits and displays. Displays including T-Rex models and a Herpetarium with live snakes.
Greensboro Historical Museum
If you’re a family or person who loves history or museums, you will have to check out the Greensboro Historical Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Piedmont Triad area. It shines a light on the history of Greensboro and Guilford County as it celebrates its local heritage and culture. The museum is over 17k square feet and is home to people who played an important role in the history of the city, such as the Quakers and Scots-Irish to the Native Americans.
The Greensboro Arboretum
This public garden that houses over 14 different plant collections features local and foreign flora varieties. The garden is over 17 acres and includes a variety of flowers depending on the season. You can enjoy the garden while also being within the presences of the structural feature of the Tanger Family Wedding Gazebo and the Elena Marzulla Bridge. The Elena Marzulla Bridge is a 23-foot tall trio of oversized chimes that offers a panoramic view for the gardens. The garden is opened year-round and is a free attraction. Our favorite time to go is during the spring to view the spring gardens.
Pig Pounder Brewery
This local microbrewery specializing in the brewing of authentic British beers is a favorite local venue. They include varieties like a classic Milk Stout, Extra Special Bitter, an English Dark Mild. You can attend a guided tour around the brewery and learn about the history of the brews. You are welcome to taste some of the breweries’ best products in the state-of-the-art tasting room.
Whether you are brought to the city for a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum, or for a business matter, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. The city of Greensboro is constantly growing and currently the home of many historic landmarks. If you have extra time we also love visiting the International Civil Rights Center and the Greensboro Children’s Museum. If you’re visiting the area try out some of our recommendations and tell us what you think. Safe travels and hope to see you soon.