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 increase given the pure catastrophe in 2024, that does not imply you need 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”.

Although 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 excellent for avoiding crowds and stretching your finances, 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 attenuate journey time.

Uncover Down-Hurt Appeal & Hallowed Historical past

Regardless of being ‘North’, you are still within the South — and 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 ambiance.

Downtown’s skyline will not be 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 a few 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 Dwelling overrated 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 may must activate Siri and inform her to take notes. There is no 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 wish to skip a photo-op exterior the Carolina Theater both. This historic efficiency heart dates again almost a century, although it’s growing older like advantageous 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, resembling Stokedale, Winston-Salem, and Lexington, amongst others.

Southern Dwelling did not contact on wine of their Greensboro characteristic, however it’s some of the underrated facets of visiting the world.

You will not discover vineyards within the metropolis limits such as you would in Napa, however it’s an excellent gateway to see a extremely missed component of North Carolina normally.

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

“The Inexperienced Metropolis”

There will not be vineyards within the metropolis limits, however immaculate surroundings abounds. Dubbed “The Inexperienced Metropolis”, Greensboro actually lives as much as the title with beautiful 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 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 bored with chain resorts?

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 advisable Historic Magnolia Home, a neighborhood staple with a laundry record of well-known visitors, together with Jackie Robinson and Louie Armstrong, so you may suppose to your self “what a beautiful keep”.

*pats self on again*

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

Sam Sears

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