Move Over Asheville! Discover North Carolina’s Charming Lesser-Known Hideaway

Say what you need about Asheville, however there is no denying North Carolina’s widespread mountain getaway had its hidden gem membership revoked years in the past.

Whereas Asheville may undoubtedly profit from a brand new tourism increase given the pure catastrophe in 2024, that does not imply it is best to sleep on North Carolina’s third-largest metropolis, which has by some means slipped by the cracks behind Charlotte, the Outer Banks, and aforementioned Asheville.

Throw Cary within the combine and you may rapidly notice there’s a lot to be found within the “Tar Heel State”.

Although one other under-hyped metropolis is probably NC’s best-kept secret, and backed by Southern Living.

We at Travel Off Path are at all times on the prowl for lesser-known getaways good for avoiding crowds and stretching your finances, so we’re comfortable to introduce North Carolina’s subsequent massive factor: the colourful metropolis of Greensboro, tucked away within the scenic Piedmont Triad with its personal airport (GSO) to reduce journey time.

Uncover Down-Hurt Allure & Hallowed Historical past

Regardless of being ‘North’, you are still within the South — and you recognize what meaning. Southern hospitality is an actual factor and you may really feel it on this metropolis of 302,000 residents with a small city environment.

Downtown’s skyline is probably not something to shake a stick at, however floor degree you may discover cozy cafes as your pleasant morning caffeine sellers, lush, inexperienced city parks, quite a few Mother n’ Pop eateries, and among the state’s most intriguing museums to deep dive into the previous.

With few towering high-rises, you may be captivated by the rows of brick-stacked buildings and classic character.

Southern Dwelling overestimated Crafted – The Art of the Taco as downtown’s must-eat restaurant regardless of being nowhere close to the border.

Should you ask me, I am salivating over the menu of Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, which undoubtedly feels extra apropos for North Carolina delicacies.

As for historical past, you may must activate Siri and inform her to take notes. There isn’t any scarcity of superior museums and landmarks speckled round city.

For pattern dimension, it is best to scope out these 3 top-rated Greensboro museums:

You will not wish to skip a photo-op exterior the Carolina Theater both. This historic efficiency middle dates again almost a century, although it’s getting older like effective wine.

Talking Of Wine…

Whereas Greensboro is not particularly a wine vacation spot in its personal proper, being a proud cardholder of the gorgeous Piedmont area, you are near an abundance of underrated wine cities, corresponding to Stokedale, Winston-Salem, and Lexington, amongst others.

Southern Dwelling did not contact on wine of their Greensboro function, but it surely’s one of the crucial underrated features of visiting the world.

You will not discover vineyards within the metropolis limits such as you would in Napa, but it surely’s an excellent gateway to see a extremely missed ingredient of North Carolina on the whole.

Although native favourite Rioja Wine Bar in Greensboro is a good start line.

“The Inexperienced Metropolis”

There is probably not vineyards within the metropolis limits, however immaculate surroundings abounds. Dubbed “The Inexperienced Metropolis”, Greensboro actually lives as much as the title with gorgeous parks and greenbelts, scenic hikes, and sizable lakes for fishing, kayaking, and boating.

One of the vital widespread locations to go to is Greensboro Arboretum, a 17-acre botanical backyard to get pleasure from seasonal blooms.

Related to the Arboretum is the Lavatory Backyard at Benjamin Park, a lesser-known slice of serenity amongst pure wetlands boasting an array of wildlife.

The place To Keep & How To Get Right here

Anybody else uninterested in chain motels?

Typically it is good to place your factors apart and guide a traditional keep in an old-timey inn or mattress and breakfast.

Southern Dwelling really helpful Historic Magnolia Home, a neighborhood staple with a laundry listing of well-known friends, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you recognize you may suppose to your self “what a beautiful keep”.

*pats self on again*

Getting right here is simply so simple as discovering a snug keep. GSO serves main hubs corresponding to Newark, Chicago, Dallas, and even welcomes finances airways Allegiant and Breeze from secondary airports.