Eastside Park - Greensboro, NC

Greensboro's roots run deep, dating back to 1808. The city was a key area for growth in the antebellum south. Five colleges opened in Greensboro between 1830 and 1891, including the historically-black institutions of Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University. This expansion in education led to an expansion in culture and diversity. By 1940, the population reached 60,000 residents. Woolworths in downtown Greensboro made national news when local African-American college students refused to leave their seats at the segregated lunch counter. Today, it houses the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

The Greensboro Historical Museum also celebrates the city's history. Each February, it features the local contributions of African-Americans and women, complete with costumed interpreters and live musicians. The area's art scene shines at the Greenhill Gallery, where visual art is displayed. The Gallery boasts sales of over 9,000 pieces of art from local artists.

Living in outer downtown Greensboro exposes you to an abundance of cuisine options. Bring the whole family out for a kid-friendly meal, or opt for the type of romantic dining experience that only requires two.

Owners of The Worx describe this eatery as a family-friendly establishment, where "bistro meets pub." Locals show up early for the inviting entrées on their brunch menu, such as the Nutella banana crepes or the crab and goat cheese frittata. The lunch menu holds its own as well, with many popular vegetarian options. The wild mushroom veggie burger gives you the satisfaction of a hearty burger with none of the guilt.

Table 16 brings a fine dining experience to downtown Greensboro, offering what the owners refer to as "globally influenced new world cuisine." Cater to your adventurous side with Semolina Oysters, complemented by caramelized okra and andouille sausage. The trigger fish is served with black turtle beans and cauliflower florets in a yellow coconut curry sauce. Top off your meal with a German chocolate upside-down cake, complete with a drizzle of caramel and berries.

The Greensboro Transit Authority operates several routes through the outer downtown area. Riders find bus stops conveniently located throughout the community. A major bus depot is located downtown, providing convenient access to any of the system's routes. You may find it challenging to hail a cab downtown, but you can always call ahead to schedule a convenient pick-up. If you choose to drive your own car, remember that parking can prove challenging. Use one of the paid city parking decks or try your luck at metered street parking. Though Uber operates in North Carolina, Greensboro has yet to catch on.

The sidewalks of downtown Greensboro encourage walking. Signals keep you safe while crossing the street and an abundance of streetlights illuminate walkways at night. Downtown Greensboro welcomes bicyclists with designated bike lanes and strict biker safety regulations. The city even provides an Urban Area Bike map to advise cyclists about the safest areas for riding.

Living in downtown Greensboro puts you in close proximity to several free city parks. Fisher Park places a winding stream right in the middle of downtown. Let the kids burn off some steam at the playground or burn off your own calories on the walking trail. Bingham Park covers almost 12 acres of land. The practice softball field provides the perfect spot for outdoor games. The City of Greensboro maintains three locations where your dog can run free, including the Bark Park. All other city parks require you to keep a leash on your four-legged friends.

Living in outer downtown Greensboro costs less than living in other areas of the locality. A one-bedroom residence generally averages about $640 per month, while an outer downtown one-bedroom averages $375 a month.

To figure out how much a gallon of gas sets you back, look at the national average because Greensboro's gas prices are comparable. Getting from your home to the center of the city costs you nothing but the steps it takes to walk out of your outer downtown front door. Save up your pennies for a cold glass of beer, which sets you back about $6 at the local pubs.

Downtown Greensboro features a vibrant collection of small shops and boutiques to meet your shopping needs. With more than 70 merchants to choose from, you may walk away with anything from handmade furniture to antique musical instruments.

Located in the heart of downtown, Design Archives sells unique gift items. The specialty shop opened in 2001 and its owner ensures that every piece of merchandise is either handmade or vintage. Treasure hunters love the surprises inside and they show their appreciation by voting for Design Archives as the best vintage and gift shop. Open seven days a week, the owners guarantee that a trip inside will make you happy.

Gate City Yarn highlights an unexpected specialty. This fiber arts shop provides knitters with an extensive collection of yarns from local and international suppliers. The company also inspires a sense of community with knitting classes. Imagine yourself, after a long day of work, sitting by their fireplace while you knit a beautiful scarf in a truly relaxing environment.

Lowes Foods keeps Greensboro residents fed, but the outer downtown area is home to several small corner stores as well. The Greensbroro Farmers Market runs through the summer months, featuring locally-grown produce and hand-crafted items.