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

Say what you need about Asheville, however there isn’t any 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 you need 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 shortly 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 all the time on the prowl for lesser-known getaways good for avoiding crowds and stretching your funds, so we’re blissful 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 reduce journey time.

Uncover Down-Hurt Appeal & Hallowed Historical past

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

Downtown’s skyline might not be something to shake a stick at, however floor stage you will 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 will 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.

When you 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 will 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, you need to scope out these 3 top-rated Greensboro museums:

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

Talking Of Wine…

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

Southern Dwelling did not contact on wine of their Greensboro function, nevertheless it’s some of the 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 important gateway to see a extremely neglected component of North Carolina normally.

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

“The Inexperienced Metropolis”

There might not be 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 in style locations to go to is Greensboro Arboretum, a 17-acre botanical backyard to take pleasure in seasonal blooms.

Linked 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 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 beneficial Historic Magnolia Home, a group staple with a laundry listing of well-known company, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you realize you will assume to your self “what an exquisite keep”.

*pats self on again*

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