Greensboro...

 A Visitor's Guide
 
Our beginning                                           
 

The fabric of Greensboro is woven in tradition, charm, diversity and perseverance.  Chartered in 1808, the city was named after the Revolutionary War hero of The Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Nathanael Greene.  Later when the city became an important rail center, it was dubbed the "Gate City".  This is still true today with the convergence of the interstate highways I-40 and I-85 that run through the city.

As the city expanded from it core, lovely neighborhoods emerged.  Although several deteriorated, many such as Aycock, Fisher Park, and Westerwood, remain as highly desirable places to live.  Irving Park, another of the city's older sections, has retained it stately charm with lush landscaping and many antebellum mansions.

Education

Since early in its beginning, higher education has been a part of the city's strength.  Three of today's private colleges...Bennett, Greensboro and Guilford...were established in the 1800's.  In additional we have two public universityies of the 16 

school university system...North Carolina A & T State University and the University Of North Carolina At Greensboro.  The opportunity to obtain a PhD in many disciplines is available.  Although we frequently think of our colleges and universities as institutions for obtaining a degree, ours are equally important for providing enrichment programs to the community through their concerts, lectures and continuing education outside the framework of a degree program. For many families considering the area, the quality of the public schools is very much a part of their relocation decision.  We are fortunate to have detail information on the 116 campus Guilford County system with an enrollment  of approximately 70,000 students available through www.gcsus.com.  In addition to public system, we have many private schools including Greensboro Day School, Canterbury School, Our Lady of Grace, Vandalia Christian Academy, American Hebrew Academy and Oak Ridge Military Academy among others. A complete listing is available upon request. 
 

Quality of Life

In addition to excellent programs provided by the colleges and universities, Greensboro is fortunate to have a remarkable United Arts Council.  This organization supplies basic operating grants to 15 funding-affiliated organizations including the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Triad Stage and the Center for Visual Artists.  The organization also provides grants to public schools and individual artists. The Cultural Arts Center in downtown Greensboro host special programs and art galleries including the not to be missed Guilford Native American Art Gallery.

The word "museum" runs the gammet in interest.  For the little ones don´t miss our Children´s Museum.  Also for the young, or young at heart, visit the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  For an enjoyable overview of our earlier history, visit the Greensboro Historical Museum and for information about the sit-ins of the 1960´s, visit the International CivilRights Museum.                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Enjoy the great outdoors at one of the 170 area parks and gardens covering more than 3,500 acres. Our  Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department provides recreational activities for the public including fishing, sailing and boating at the three water supply reservoirs. These Watershed Parks have 36 miles of nature trails where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Another favorite spot is Country Park  with fishing lake, picnics facilities, 7.5 miles of trails and the Bark Park...our great off leash dog park!  
Located in the same area is the Natural Science Center, a great experience for inquisitive minds!  The Bog Garden, the beautiful 17 acre Greensboro Arboretum and the Bicentennial Garden, all located near the center of the city, provide opportunities for a leisure stroll while enjoying the variety of plants. 

In 2006 Center City Park was opened in the center of downtown on 2.2 acres. This lovely area with fountain, seating, walkways and lawn is designed for relaxing breaks, concerts and other activities.  Only a short distance away is the new First Horizon Park (now renamed  Newbridge Bank Park) where the Greensboro Grasshoppers, a Class A farm club for the Florida Marlins play. .                                                                            

 

The activity calendar for the recently renovated 23,000 seat Greensboro Coliseum is filled with activities. Watch your favorite ACC basketball team, visit a car show, a boat show, the annual Craftsman´s Classic, the spring home and garden show in the huge exhibition hall or take in a concert in the War Memorial auditorium. A calendar of events for the coliseum can be found at greensborocoliseum.com/calendar.

Shopping

If you enjoy shopping you will love Greensboro!  From the national franchises to the unique boutique, the shopping opportunities are endless. Greensboro has two major shopping centers.  Friendly Center located on the west side off Friendly Avenue and Green Valley Road has approximately 100 stores in the main center plus an additional 30 shops and restaurants in the new Village section. The new section includes shops such as Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor and REI. The Grande Movie Complex is also located in the center. Our other major center is a three level Four Seasons Town Centre located off I 40 and High Point Road. This is an enclosed mall which sports approximately 200 stores and eating establishments including Dillards, Williams-Sonoma, J Crew, and J.C. Penney.  Not into major shopping centers? Fear not, you will find a wide selection of small shopping areas and tucked away boutiques including several charming new shopping Villages.

Dining

With more than 300 restaurants, your dining selection is endless ranging from southern specialists to exotic ethnic and from the very casual to the very elegant atmosphere.  Some of our home grown eateries include Jay´s deli, Lox, Stock & Bagel, Café Carolina & Bakery to Gate City Chop House, Lucky 32, Bert´s Seafood, Bistro Sofia and Marisol.  John Batchelor, who writes the dining guide for Go Triad keeps us up to date rating his latest dining experiences.

Medical

State of the art medical services are minutes away with three major hospitals in the immediate area, specialty and outpatient clinics and over 400 physicians, surgeons and specialists.  In addition we have three nationally rated medical university centers within a one hour drive.

Places of worship

One would have difficulty finding a religious group that is not represented in our area. Regardless of your beliefs, you are likely to find a place of worship ready to welcome visitors and new members. The Deep River Friends Meeting House founded in 1754 is one of the oldest in the area.

Cooperation between faiths has long existed in Greensboro. The stately First Presbyterian Church (pictured) has the Star of David etched in a glass pane facing the old Temple Emanuel synagogue across the street.  The Presbyterians loaned the synagogue money toward construction in 1924 and the synagogue later helped the Presbyterians retire their debt.

Golf and sports

For Greensboro residents to enjoy playing an excellent golf course there is no need for a trip to the sandhills or the beach.  The 36 hole Reese Jones designed, public course has been called the crown jewel of Greensboro.  Other area courses are Oak Hollow in High Point and Tanglewood in Clmmons.  In addition we have a number of membership courses of which Grandover (pictured), Sedgefield, Starmount, Greensboro Country Club, The Cardinal and Stoney Creek are among the better known.

Area attractions

If you are in the mood for a day trip, let you interest be your guide!. Consider pottery shopping in Seagrove or the outstanding North Carolinas zoo in Asheboro which is home to more than 1000 animals (www.nczoo.org) or taking in a race at Lowe´s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, or a visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville .If you are looking for an overnite get away, the mountains are about a two hour drive and the ocean about three-four hours.

Economy and employment

Just as in our early history 200 years age, location is still a prime factor in our growth.  Located in an area of mild weather, scenic rolling topography and approximately half way between the north-south sector of the country, Greensboro has become the focus of companies relocating or expanding. Included in the list is FedX which will be opening their regional hub in 2009, Honda Jet, Polo, VF and the expansion of our local success story, RF Micro Devices among others.
 
Looking forward

Civic leaders see growth in the next ten years equal to what we have experienced in the last 30.  Considering that we have lost many manufacturing jobs, that is pretty exciting.  Our state in now ranked third as a retirement destination and Greensboro is certainly attractive for retirees.  If the good life means favorable weather, excellent transportation access, outstanding medical facilities and a full calendar of quality cultural events, this is the place.

You are invited to a beautiful, dynamic city of pleasant communities and friendly people...a place you want to call home.

 

                                                                 

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Contact us for your next home!
                    Gwen Strange, CRB, CRS, GRI                            Minshall Strater, CRS, MBA
                    Fine Homes Specialist                                                 Broker
                    336-339-2540                                                              336-402-1983