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

Say what you need about Asheville, however there is not any 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 growth given the pure catastrophe in 2024, that does not imply you need to sleep on North Carolina’s third-largest metropolis, which has one way or the other slipped via the cracks behind Charlotte, the Outer Banks, and aforementioned Asheville.

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

Though one other under-hyped metropolis is maybe 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 price range, so we’re joyful 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.

Discover Down-Harm Charm & Hallowed History

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

Downtown’s skyline is probably not 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 Mom 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 Living overvalued 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 may should activate Siri and inform her to take notes. There’s no scarcity of superior museums and landmarks speckled round city.

For pattern measurement, you need 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 getting old like wonderful 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, akin to Stokedale, Winston-Salem, and Lexington, amongst others.

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

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 typically.

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

“The Green City”

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

One of the preferred locations to go to is Greensboro Arboretum, a 17-acre botanical backyard to get pleasure from 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 uninterested in chain lodges?

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

Southern Living really helpful Historic Magnolia House, a neighborhood staple with a laundry listing of well-known friends, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you may assume to your self “what a wonderful stay”.

*pats self on again*

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.