Athenaeum
After forming at an eighth-grade dance, the Greensboro-based band Athenaeum rode its catchy hit What I Didn’t Know to semi-stardom in 1998. The band has since toured the coun-try, broken up, reformed, and is now set to be a big part of this year’s bicentennial celebration.

So much art, so little time!
More than 40 artists claim studio space at this unique gallery three blocks east of Elm Street. The brainchild of sculptor Erik Beerbower, Lyndon Street Artworks opened nearly five years ago and offers art-lovers a feast of color and texture in its Artworks Collective Gallery. 205 S. Lyndon St.; lyndonstreet.com .

The Nest at Chakras Spa
If relaxing under the skilled hands of Chakras’ staff for your facial, massage, or body treatment isn’t enough, spa visitors can also enjoy the privilege of unwinding in the Nest. This generously sized window seat overlooks Elm Street and cocoons you in cushioned comfort. Hanging panels separate you from the spa area and allow you a few more minutes to sit back, relax, and prepare to re-enter the world. If only you didn’t have to. 229 S. Elm St.; 336-272-0862; chakrasspa.com .

Greensboro Jaycees
The leaders of tomorrow and today. jaycee.org .

Friendly Center
Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, this 75-acre shopper’s bonanza is home to a range of retail stores, as well as a host of specialty shops and restaurants. Take a stroll, shop, or grab a bite to eat, and don’t forget about Friendly Center’s many outdoor events. friendlycenter.com .

UNC Greensboro Campus
Stately brick buildings and old-growth trees add to the tidy beauty of the campus’s landscaped grounds. It’s peaceful and soothing, like a late-afternoon nap after class.

J. Spencer Love Tennis Center
This tennis hub is a popular perk of Jaycee Park. greensboro-nc.gov/leisure.

48-Hour Film Project
Making a movie in 48 hours may not be the best way, but it sure makes for a challenging and fun two days. Grab a team of your own, or simply catch all the flicks the weekend after the event. 48hourfilm.com/greensboro.

Jerusalem Market
It starts when you open the door of Jerusalem Market: An unbeatable aroma wafts over you, guiding you through this quaint Middle-Eastern deli. The sandwiches are as great as the ingredients the market sells. You have to try the falafel, the baba ganoush, the feta — OK, you have to try it all. 5002 High Point Rd.; 336-547-0220.

Ellenburg & Shaffer Glass Art Studio
The most original way to add light and color to your surroundings: Purchase a piece of work from Ellenburg & Shaffer Glass Art Studio or its adjacent Pluto Gallery. 344 S. Elm St.; 336-271-2811; plutogallery.com or ellenburgandshaffer.com .

Saffron Indian Cuisine
From the mango ceiling to the white tablecloths, Saffron Indian Cuisine isn’t your typical curry house, and ambience isn’t all this restaurant offers. A fresh, varied, and smartly priced lunch buffet of curries, soups, basmati rice, buttery naan, and roast chicken is the ideal sustenance for catching up with a friend or carving out time with a loved one. 1500 Mill St.; 336-574-3300; saffronindiancuisine.com .

Red Oak’s Battlefield Bock
Red Oak’s Battlefield Bock is a dark lager that tastes more like a sweet stout. Made with chocolate malted barley from Bavaria and aged at least 85 days, it goes down smooth like a good beer should. 5804 Hunt Club Rd.; 336-547-8277; redoakbrewery.com .

Farmer’s Wife
Where antiques and flowers go hand and hand. 339 S. Davie St.; 336-274-7920.

ACC Tournament
Passion, pride, and pain — just a few of the countless emotions on display at college basketball’s most prestigious tournament. Thanks to the Greensboro Coliseum, which frequently hosts the men’s and women’s competitions, we often see this emotion first-hand. theacc.com .

Polecat Creek
Award-winning root duo Kari Sickenberger and Laurelyn Dossett, joined by top-talent Natalya Weinstein and Riley Baugus, have garnered quite a hometown following for their whole-hearted performances. polecatcreek.net.

Morning commute
Face it. You’re never that late for anything here. And if you are, it’s your fault. Stop hitting the snooze button.

Going Green
Greensboro’s latest plans, policies, and Proximity make the city a statewide leader in the effort to be more environmentally friendly. Catch the bug. proximityhotel.com.

Broach Theatre
For more than 20 years the not-for-profit Broach Theatre Company has put on quality shows in an intimate setting, The high caliber of Broach plays is no secret — the group was awarded the Berilla Kerr Award for Outstanding Contribution to Contem-porary American Theatre in 2000. There’s not a bad seat in this house, but be sure to make reservations because the shows often sell out. 520 S. Elm St.; 336-378-9300; broachtheatre.org .

Milton Kern
Maybe he didn’t get the mayor nod, but that doesn’t make Milton Kern any less significant. The 63-year-old investor/developer extraordinaire has had an instrumental hand in the rebirth of downtown Greensboro.

Grandover Resort
With its world-class golf, soothing spas, and endless amenities, this five-star, 1,500-acre resort is the grandaddy of them all. 1000 Club Rd.; 336-294-1800; grandoverresort.com .

Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith hung the first balls of light in Greensboro from his trees on Ridgeway Drive, and he has since helped teach hundreds of area residents how to do the same. Now, the constellation of lights all along Ridgeway makes the street a popular destination every holiday season.

City lights
OK, we may not be New York City … but we’re still not complaining.

Bur-Mil Park
Take your workout from the treadmill to the trails of Bur-Mil. The park offers more than four miles of woodland trails, ideal for walkers and bikers alike. Tennis courts, a driving range, picnic shelters, wildlife education, and a family-friendly aquatic center offer visitors a mini-vacation in their own backyard. 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd.; 336-373-3800.

Natty Greene’s Pub and Brewing Co.’s Sideways Dip
Natty’s may be the home of some well-made local beer, but the food deserves some mighty praise as well. A particular favorite is the Sideways Dip. Composed of crabmeat and Parmesan in a creamy fusion of deliciousness, the dip will leave you asking for more crackers or pita. Don’t be surprised if you have to fight the urge to lick the bowl clean — it’s that good. 345 S. Elm St.; 336-274-1373; bigdraft.com .

Free stuff
Wallet looking a bit bare? No need to worry! There’s a host of fun things to do in Greensboro even when you are short on the green. Take a moment to explore all of our city’s parades, festivals, museums, and parks — most of which won’t cost you a dime. You’ll come away richer for it.

Hamburger Square
The area near the railroad tracks on South Elm got its name from the hamburger joints that once occupied the buildings at all four corners of the Elm and McGee intersection. For old time’s sake, you can enjoy a good burger in the “square” at Natty Greene’s. But generally Hamburger Square is another great place to go, hang out, and soak up the city’s ambiance.

Eddie Pope
The former Southwest Guilford standout has become an enduring force in U.S. soccer, appearing on three USA World Cup teams.

Greensboro Grasshoppers
Since moving into NewBridge Bank Park in 2005, the Greensboro Grasshoppers minor-league baseball team has increased attendance every year. And why not? Parents can let their kids blow off steam in the fully protected playground, while child-free fans can relax with an ice-cold beer at the Go Triad GrandStand outdoor sports bar. And, in case anyone is interested, there is a baseball game to watch too. 408 Bellemeade St.; 336-268-BALL (2255); gsohoppers.com .

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
More than a place to jog or bike, Guilford Courthouse National Mili-tary Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers a trip back in time to the Revolutionary War battle that became a highlight of the war’s Southern campaign. Take a self-guided tour through the quiet park, making sure to stop by the larger-than-life monument to American commander Nathanael Greene. Each March, you can delve deeper into the past by attending anniversary celebrations, which include a memorable battle re-enactment. Just watch out for those pesky Redcoats! 2332 New Garden Rd.; 336-288-1776; nps.gov/guco.

S.H. Kress & Co. Building
Samuel Kress may have been the Sam Walton of his day, building a five-and-dime empire, the S.H. Kress & Co., in the early 1900s. But the man loved architecture and viewed his art deco stores as gifts to the host communities. Greensboro’s is no exception, with its distinct terra-cotta façade and Kress coat of arms incorporating a tobacco-leaf motif.

John Hart
Greensboro author John Hart has written that his “only real dream has been to write well and to be published well.” He’s done both, and readers are reaping the benefits. His first novel, The King of Lies, spent many weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List, and he followed it up with 2007’s impressive Down River. johnhartfiction.com

Foreign Cars Italia
Since moving to its spacious dealership four years ago and adding Maserati to its portfolio of high-end auto makers, Foreign Cars Italia is every bit the toy store for adults. Customers go to ogle Aston Martins, Porsches, and Ferraris, a virtual all-star lineup of Europe’s finest. And because they pay a premium for their cars, they get attentive service for free.

Barn Dinner Theatre
Talk about true “dinner-tainment.” Established in 1962, Barn Dinner Theatre has the distinction of being the oldest continual-operating dinner theater in the country. And after taking in one of its incredible shows, or having a plate of its legendary halibut, you’ll see why. 120 Stage Coach Trail; 336-292-2211; barndinner.com .

M’Couls Public House
Any meal is better out in the fresh air, and M’Couls proves the point with its Sunday brunch. Settle in on the patio, sip on a spicy Bloody Mary or a tangy Mimosa, and watch Greensboro go by. Diners can opt for a traditional British breakfast of eggs, potatoes, fried tomato, and a banger with a side of baked beans. Or, choose shrimp and grits for a hearty accompaniment to your Sunday paper. 110 W. McGee St.; 336-378-0204; mcoulspub.com .

The Carolina Theatre
The Carolina Theatre hosts internationally known performers and local thespians in its historic space, but one of the best tradi-tions is its series of classic movies. Sure, it doesn’t have cupholders or lounge seats, but the theatre boasts all the necessary cinema elements: boxes of popcorn, plenty of elbow room, and a huge screen on which Harrison Ford’s fedora-framed face has never looked so handsome. 310 S. Greene St.; 336-333-2605; carolina theatre.com .

Empire Room
It’s hard to believe the Empire Room was once the home of IRS offices. What a waste. But now anyone invited to a wedding or corporate event there can enjoy the balconies overlooking South Elm and all the breathtaking renovations, including tall arches, French doors, columns, and other architectural nods to the Empire period. Plus, there’s enough room for 1,000 of your closest friends.

Green Valley Grill
If you’re in the mood for a restaurant where the atmosphere is as special as the cuisine, Green Valley is the place to go. High ceilings, a huge mural framed by an ornate archway, and soft lighting contribute to the space’s ambience and make visitors feel like they’ve left North Carolina for a European venue. 622 Green Valley Rd.; 336-854-2015; greenvalleygrill.com .

Greensboro Running Club
Thirty years after three devoted joggers began the Greensboro Running Club, more than 300 members now strap on their sneakers for the love of the run.

Born William Sydney Porter, Greensboro native O. Henry penned many notable stories under his pseudonym.

Greensboro Ice House
Hit the ice year-round. 6119 Landmark Center Blvd.; 3a36-852-1515; ice houserinks.com .

The Idiot Box
A place for quips and kicks. 203 S. Elm St.; 336-274-2699; idiotboxers.com .

BEERUN
5-mile run + loads of beer = a Spring fundraiser benefitting the Special Olympics. oldtownbeerun.com .

High-school marching bands
Marching to the beat of their own drummers.

Triad Youth Jazz Society
The lessons are large for young members of this group, who learn life skills in addition to music mastery. 336-965-1548; triad youthjazzsociety.com.

Electronic Parking Meters
No change, no problem! New parking meters accept coins, cash, and even credit cards. The parking stations are at the Elm/Greene and Elm/McGee parking lots.

Local diversity
Greensboro: Adopting culture and breaking stereotypes since 1808.

Two Guys Named Chris
Mornings shouldn’t be this fun. After an admitted rough start in 1999, Rock 92’s Two Guys Named Chris show has hit its stride, blending Chris Demm’s clever insight and Chris Kelly’s irreverent humor. Catch them weekdays from 5 a.m. to noon.

Lake Brandt
Rent a canoe, rowboat, or kayak for less than $20 and float out on the water for the ultimate in peace and solitude. Or, wet your line for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. You won’t believe that you’re fewer than 20 minutes from downtown.

Mack and Mack
A local clothier known for classic styles, comfortable simplicity, and personal attention, Mack and Mack produces garments on-premise to supply its local retail showroom and more than 65 boutiques across the country. Designs include executive elegance, resort-wear, and special occasions. Browse “sale alley” for deep end-of-month discounts. 220 S. Elm St.; 336-275-6225; mackandmack clothing.com .

Action Greensboro
Dedicated to the development of a vibrant city, Action Greensboro is quite possibly the biggest cheerleader for this area.