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 in style mountain getaway had its hidden gem membership revoked years in the past.

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

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

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

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

Uncover Down-Hurt Appeal & Hallowed Historical past

Regardless of being ‘North’, you are still within the South — and you understand 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 might not be something to shake a stick at, however floor stage you may discover cozy cafes as your pleasant morning caffeine sellers, lush, inexperienced city parks, quite a few Mother n’ Pop eateries, and a number of 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 Residing puffed up Crafted – The Art of the Taco as downtown’s must-eat restaurant regardless of being nowhere close to the border.

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

As for historical past, you may must activate Siri and inform her to take notes. There is not 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 need to skip a photo-op exterior the Carolina Theater both. This historic efficiency middle dates again practically a century, although it’s growing older like superb 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, similar to Stokedale, Winston-Salem, and Lexington, amongst others.

Southern Residing did not contact on wine of their Greensboro function, nevertheless it’s probably the most underrated facets of visiting the realm.

You will not discover vineyards within the metropolis limits such as you would in Napa, nevertheless it’s an ideal gateway to see a extremely ignored component of North Carolina basically.

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

“The Inexperienced Metropolis”

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

Probably the most in style locations to go to is Greensboro Arboretum, a 17-acre botanical backyard to take pleasure in seasonal blooms.

Related to the Arboretum is the Bathroom 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 inns?

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

Southern Residing advisable Historic Magnolia Home, a group staple with a laundry record of well-known friends, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you understand you may suppose to your self “what an exquisite keep”.

*pats self on again*

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