The Triad of North Carolina has deep roots in manufacturing, especially in home furnishings and textiles. Greensboro and neighboring High Point have charming downtowns worth exploring. This guide doesn’t include the third city of the Triad, Winston-Salem, which has its own guide.
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Greensboro
The area now known as Greensboro was inhabited by Indigenous people before the arrival of Europeans, including Quakers. The city’s name comes from Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero. It was the site of a battle where the Americans suffered major losses. The Civil Rights Movement shaped the future of the city, as did the rise of textile mills and industry.
What to Do in Greensboro
Elsewhere Museum– Originally a thrift store, an arts organization has saved all of the items to be repurposed as a continuous installation. Artists come from all over the world to create something from what already exists. 606 South Elm Street
Fainting Goat Spirits– This downtown Greensboro distillery crafts gin, whiskey, gin, and vodka from North Carolina’s best grains. Visitors can tour the facility and sample the spirits on their own or in cocktails in the tasting room. 115 West Lewis Street
GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art– The non-collecting arts organization focuses on the work of contemporary visual artists from North Carolina. Exhibits change frequently, so you never know what you might see. 200 North Davie Street
Greensboro History Museum– Set in a large former church and Confederate hospital, the sprawling museum has exhibits from Native American inhabitance to the present. The Dolley Madison dresses are of special note. 130 Summit Avenue
Greensboro Science Center– Families love this accredited aquarium, zoo, and museum, home to tigers, hippos, and flamingos. There’s also a ropes course, a large-scale theater, and a carousel. 4301 Lawndale Drive
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park– The National Park Service-affiliated site is home to the Revolutionary War battleground. There are miles of trails and a self-guided cell phone tour. 2332 New Garden Road
International Civil Rights Center and Museum– History was made in this former Woolworths, which has the original lunch counter where local students engaged in a months-long sit-in. The museum has additional exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement. 134 South Elm Street
Where to Eat in Greensboro
1618 West Seafood Grille– This popular restaurant has two locations in town. The menu highlights include the seared ahi tuna and fried calamari, along with wine and craft cocktails. 1618 West Friendly Avenue, (336) 235-0898
Chez Genese– The downtown restaurant is a local favorite and hires people with disabilities. The menu is French-inspired, including the Provencal salad, quiche, and crepes. 616 South Elm Street, (336) 663-7399
Gia– Chow down on Italian tapas, including Sicilian flatbreads, pasta, and seafood. 1941 New Garden Road, Suite 208, (336) 907-7536
Machete– Named one of the best restaurants in America, the James Beard-nominated Machete puts a creative spin on American dishes like octopus with dashi and wagyu beef. 600 C Battleground Avenue, (336) 265-8859
Print Works Bistro– Located inside the Proximity Hotel, the restaurant actually predates it, attracting locals for dinner and drinks, including seared flounder and an extensive wine list. 702 Green Valley Road, (336) 379-0699
The Sage Mule– The local brunch spot has all-day breakfast, massive biscuits, and sandwiches. 608 Battleground Avenue, (336) 501-0193
Union Coffee– The trendy third-wave coffee shop sells everything you need to get through the day, like coffee drinks. 216 West Friendly Avenue, (336) 676-6222
Where to Stay in Greensboro
Double Oaks Bed & Breakfast– This cozy bed and breakfast has daily breakfast, a balcony to relax on, and an on-site bar. 204 North Mendenhall Street
Grandover Resort Golf and Spa– The sprawling resort outside of the city has two 18-hole golf courses, a top-notch spa, a fitness center, a free airport shuttle, four tennis courts, and on-site dining. 1000 Club Road
The Groome Inn- The family-friendly inn has ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, and daily breakfast. 4719 Groometown Road
Historic Magnolia House– The Green Book-era hotel now operates as a bed and breakfast and restaurant. It hosted the likes of Tina Turner and Jackie Robinson. 442 Gorrell Street
Hotel Denim– Taking its name from the product produced in town, this modern hotel has free parking, a business center, and free WiFi. 1517 Westover Terrace
Marriott Greensboro Downtown– The large downtown hotel is popular with meetings and events and has an on-site restaurant and fitness center. 304 North Greene Street
O. Henry Hotel– Named for the writer from Greensboro, the stylish hotel has a fitness center, restaurant, and afternoon tea. 624 Green Valley Road
Proximity Hotel– The LEED certified platinum and four-diamond award-winning hotel has features like a popular restaurant, solar panels on the roof, and in-room coffee makers. Read our review here. 704 Green Valley Road
High Point
The city of High Point gets its name from being the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad. Quakers and German immigrants settled in the late 1700s. The first furniture factory opened in 1889 and is responsible for growing the industry that makes High Point the Furniture Capital of the World. There’s a seasonal furniture market that brings in buyers from around the globe.
What to Do in High Point
Breweries– Between Greensboro and High Point, there are some craft breweries to visit, including Oden, Brown Truck, and Paddled South.
High Point Market– If you can get a pass, this is the best place for furniture shopping. There are also restaurants and cafes inside the market. 164 South Main Street
High Point Museum– Learn about the area’s history from the manufacturing industry to music legend John Coltrane. 1859 East Lexington Avenue
High Point Rockers– The city has its own minor league baseball team, which plays throughout the spring and summer. Don’t miss the mascot! 303 Gatewood Avenue
Piedmont Environmental Center- This nature center focuses on the ecology of the area and has nature trails connecting to the High Point and Bicentennial greenways. 1220 Penny Road
World’s Largest Chest of Drawers- This quirky attraction honors the legacy of the furniture capital. At 32 feet tall, it’s the perfect spot for a selfie. 508 North Hamilton Street
Where to Eat in High Point
98 Asian– The Asian fusion restaurant has influences from Thailand and Cambodia with dishes like tom yum soup, spring rolls, and panang curry. 1800 North Main Street, Suite 106, (336) 887-3388
83 Custom Coffee- This lovely coffee shop is the perfect spot for a latte and pastry, set in a historic building.1212 N. Main Street, (336) 906-4106
The Biscuit Factory– Start your day off right with a heaping biscuit and fries from this dine-and-drive-through eatery. 2103 Kirkwood Street, (336) 869-7217
Granny’s Donuts– Grab a donut or kruller from this old school bakery in High Point. Your favorite flavors are all available, including chocolate-glazed. 1701 North Main Street, (336) 885-9595
High Point Bagels– A Long Island native brought his bagel-making experience to this restaurant. They’re made fresh daily and include bagel sandwiches and spreads. 1228 Eastchester Drive, (336)-875-5050
Magnolia Blue– Open for dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a full bar. 1807 North Main Street, (336) 885-2583
Sweet Old Bill’s– The casual restaurant has traditional barbecue with southern sides, along with burgers, craft beer, and delicious desserts like locally made cheesecake. 1232 North Main Street, (336) 807-1476
Where to Stay in High Point
Courtyard by Marriott High Point– The full-service hotel has perks like free wifi, a restaurant, and laundry facilities. 1000 Mall Loop Road
JH Adams Inn– The Wyndham-affiliated historic inn is in the heart of downtown. Guests can enjoy rooms with balconies, bathtubs, and free WiFi. 1108 North Main Street
Seven Oaks Inn Bed and Breakfast– The charming inn has amenities that include bathrobes, daily breakfast, and a stunning garden. 833 Old Mill Road
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