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 well-liked mountain getaway had its hidden gem membership revoked years in the past.

While Asheville might undoubtedly profit from a brand new tourism increase given the pure catastrophe in 2024, that does not imply it’s best to sleep on North Carolina’s third-largest metropolis, which has someway slipped by way of 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”.

Though 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 finances, so we’re pleased to introduce North Carolina’s subsequent large factor: the colourful metropolis of Greensboro, tucked away within the scenic Piedmont Triad with its personal airport (GSO) to attenuate journey time.

Discover Down-Harm Charm & Hallowed History

Despite 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 will not be something to shake a stick at, however floor degree you will discover cozy cafes as your pleasant morning caffeine sellers, lush, inexperienced city parks, quite a few Mom n’ Pop eateries, and a few of 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 Living overrated Crafted – The Art of the Taco as downtown’s must-eat restaurant regardless of being nowhere close to the border.

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

As for historical past, you will must activate Siri and inform her to take notes. There’s no scarcity of superior museums and landmarks speckled round city.

For pattern measurement, it’s 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 heart dates again practically a century, although it’s ageing like tremendous wine.

Speaking Of Wine…

While 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, reminiscent of Stokedale, Winston-Salem, and Lexington, amongst others.

Southern Living did not contact on wine of their Greensboro characteristic, but it surely’s one of the vital underrated facets of visiting the realm.

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

Though native favourite Rioja Wine Bar in Greensboro is a superb place to begin.

“The Green City”

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

One of the most well-liked locations to go to is Greensboro Arboretum, a 17-acre botanical backyard to take pleasure in seasonal blooms.

Connected to the Arboretum is the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park, a lesser-known slice of serenity amongst pure wetlands boasting an array of wildlife.

Where To Stay & How To Get Here

Anyone else bored with chain lodges?

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

Southern Living advisable Historic Magnolia House, a group staple with a laundry checklist of well-known visitors, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you recognize you will suppose to your self “what a wonderful stay”.

*pats self on again*

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