Higher education
Tip your cap (and gown) to Bennett College, Elon University School of Law, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, N.C. A&T State University, and UNC Greensboro.

Publications
With the number of local publications on the rise, freedom of speech is alive and well.

Weatherspoon Art Museum
Weatherspoon is a hidden campus gem that reads like the best of big-city art museums. With nearly 6,000 works of art in the permanent collection — plus 20 exhibitions each year — this museum is all about art education for the Triad. The best part? It’s free. Corner of Spring Garden and Tate streets; 336-334-5770; weatherspoon.uncg.edu.

Joseph S. Koury Convention Center
With more than 1,000 rooms, the towering Koury Convention Center is said to be the largest convention hotel between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. 3121 High Point Rd.

Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
Founded in 1987 in Revolution Mill, The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship is a private nonprofit corporation that aims to enhance economic development by helping to train successful business owners. Fostering this kind of growth is how local economies like ours survive and thrive in the age of global business. 336-379-5001; nussbaumcfe.com .
PieWorks
“Pizza by design” at PieWorks means you get a great pizza pie, with all the flair your heart desires. The restaurant’s culinary approach to pizza means diners can choose from a staggering array of sauces, vegetables, spices, cheeses, and meats — al-ligator, anyone? Or if you like, select one of their specialty pies: from Classic or Southwestern to Garden or Seafood. 3700 Lawndale Dr.; 336-282-9003; pieworks.com .

HEAT Bus
Get on the bus! Greensboro-area college students can give their feet a rest and take advantage of Higher Education Area Transit, part of the Greensboro Transit Authority. The HEAT bus provides transportation throughout the city, running seven routes to local colleges and other locations. Anyone in town can enjoy a ride, and students of participating schools ride for free. 336-335-6499; rideheat.com .

Center City Park
Located in the heart of our wonderfully walkable downtown, Center City Park was designed to be a gathering place for the city’s residents and visitors. Incorporating themes of openness, as well as the work of local artists, the park actually functions as a series of outdoor rooms. 200 N. Elm St.; center citypark.org .

Close-knit neighborhoods
Whether you’re from Westerwood, Adams Farm, Glenwood, or anywhere in between — home is truly where the heart is in Greensboro.

African American Atelier
From its annual exhibits that feature more than 50 artists a year to youth programs that brighten the lives of children, the Atel-ier’s studio and galleries add rich diversity to the community. 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro Cultural Center; 336-333-6885; african americanatelier.org .

Climate
The average yearly high is about 69 degrees, the average yearly low is about 48, and if you ever find yourself whining about the humidity, just check out what it’s doing in Buffalo.

4th of July
The city explodes every Independence Day with a host of parades, events, and fireworks displays. Thousands take in the annual pops concert and fireworks spectacular at Grimsley High School. But after a full day of roaming the Fun Fourth Street Festival in downtown Greensboro, a more low-key way to see the show is on a blanket or lounge chair in Lake Daniel Park. From there, you can relax with a beverage and watch the fireworks burst over the treetops.


Jim Melvin
Perhaps a Greensboro icon, Jim Melvin is the city’s longest-tenured mayor, taking office in 1971 and departing in 1981. And if that isn’t enough to prove he loves this city, Melvin remained involved in Greensboro’s growth as the steward of The Bryan Foundation. Melvin is still a catalyst, urging city leaders when necessary and championing projects that keep Greensboro moving forward.

New York Pizza
New York taste in a familiar place — it’s New York Pizza, pal. Whaddaya expect?
337 Tate St.; 336-272-8953

The Walker Avenue Hot Dog Man
Problem: It’s 1 a.m. on a Sunday and you’re stranded outside The Blind Tiger.
To make matters worse, you’re starving. But have no fear, the Walker Avenue Hot Dog Man is near. No one seems to know who he is, where he comes from, or what he does when day breaks. But rest assured — in Greensboro’s darkest hour of hunger, he becomes our unquestioned hero.

Greensboro Symphony
Orchestra — What’s Dima doing? That’s been the question for clas-sical music aficionados since 2003 when Russian-born violinist and conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky came to the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra as its music director. Whatever he puts on the program — a debut work or a familiar concerto — audience members are guar-anteed his robust direction from the podium. 200 N. Davie St.; 336-335-5456, greensborosymphony.org .

High-school rivalries
Whether it’s Grimsley versus Page, or Northwest versus Western, some of the state’s fiercest rivalries take root in Guilford County.

Animal Discovery Zoological Park
Are there tigers in the Triad? Absolutely! 4301 Lawndale Dr.; 336-288-3769; natsci.org .

Carolina Dynamo
Despite its global popularity, soccer is still a grass-roots sport in America. That fact hits home at Carolina Dynamo games, where devoted fans gather to watch Greensboro’s entry in the United Soccer League Premier Development League. As the Dynamo’s team of elite amateur players competes on the field, children play their own sandlot games behind Macpherson Sta-dium. They’ve got next. Bryan Park, 6105 Townsend Rd., Brown Summit; 336-316-1266; carolinadynamo.com .

Art stop
Opportunities abound to sample the eclectic Gate City art scene: from UNC Greensboro’s Weatherspoon Art Museum to Greensboro Cultural Center’s many galleries, and the plethora of art-themed shops in between.

Greensboro Grasshopper fans may find themselves sitting at NewBridge Bank Park before a game, listening to public addressman Jim Scott crack jokes and give shout-outs while reciting the pre-game announcements. Then, they may notice he’s sitting right next to them. Scott enjoys interacting with the crowd while he works, which makes catching a game at the stadium even more enjoyable.
Just Be
When you’re in need of an original present, Just Be is the place to go. Park near the corner and follow the bubbles inside, past the inviting windows. You’ll find an eclectic assortment of goodies to please the person who has everything, including hand-made jewelry, felt dolls, decorative art pieces, original books, and cards. You can even take classes where featured artists help you make your own creations. 352 S. Elm St.; 336-274-2212.

Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe
Summer just isn’t summer without a visit to Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe. With 36 rides and attractions, it’s the biggest water park in the Carolinas. 3910 S. Holden Rd.; 336- 852-9721; emeraldpointe.com .


Big business
Lincoln Financial, Volvo Trucks, RF Micro Devices, VF Corporation, and other major players in the business world could be based anywhere, but they have their headquarters here. Why? Greensboro’s central location on the East Coast makes it easy for execu-tives to get anywhere they need to go. A healthy community of entrepreneurs means innovation is always happening here. And their employees love the local lifestyle.

Orson Scott Card
Greensboro author Orson Scott Card may be best known for his science-fiction thriller Ender’s Game and its sequel Speaker for the Dead, which won the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards. But Card’s literary legacy spans many other forms and subjects, includ-ing Biblical novels, fantasies, and books on the craft of writing itself. hatrack.com .

Blandwood
One of Greensboro’s oldest standing structures, Blandwood dates back to the late 1790s. The beautifully restored building is atop a sweeping drive near downtown, and its red roof and warm yellow walls mark the American debut of the Italianate Tuscan villa. 447 W. Washington St.; 336-272-5003; blandwood.org .

Beds at O. Henry Hotel
Everything about the O. Henry Hotel exudes sophisticated relaxation, particularly the beds. Named for O. Henry’s most famous short story, the Magi Bed features bedding designed specifically by the hotel and includes a plush mattress and four downlike pillows. These luxurious fixtures are wrapped in Italian-woven sheets made of Egyptian cotton. 624 Green Valley Rd.; 336-854-2000; ohenryhotel.com .

Bert’s Seafood Grille
Enjoy fresh entrees from the sea, and a patio worth staying for dessert. 4608 W. Market St.; 336-854-2314; bertssea-food.com .

Cheese danish from Spring Garden Bakery
Who knew that enlightenment came in the form of a pastry? Baked fresh every day, this rich slice of heaven is worth getting up early for. 1932 Spring Garden St.; 336-272-8199.

Yum Yum Better Ice Cream
For more than 100 years, Yum Yum Better Ice Cream — known as Yum Yum’s — has been Greensboro’s go-to spot for a sunny day treat. The ice cream is homemade and hand-scooped onto tower-ing cones that require some fast licking on a warm day. The aroma of steamed hot dogs wafts through the air. Ordering can be intimi-dating to novices, but pros know to just step up to the counter, wait for a server, and stay put. 1219 Spring Garden St.; 336-272-8284.

Jack Murphy
While his supporting cast may have changed, Jack Murphy remains a voice synonymous with Greensboro. Catch the Murphy in the Morning show from 5:30 to 10 a.m. on 107.5 WKZL.

Cheesecakes by Alex
Talk about tempting.Chocolate Brownie Turtle, Crème Brulee, Pumpkin, White Chocolate Raz, Chocolate Bing. ’Nuff said. 315 S. Elm St., 336-273-0970; cheesecakes byalex.com .

The Secret Tearoom
Filled with Southern charm — and a mouthwatering menu — The Secret Tearoom breaks us out of our sweet-ice-tea box. Pass the clotted cream, please. 412 State St.; 336-691-9820.
Guilford College
Tucked off Friendly Road — a street whose name symbolizes the longstanding relationship between town and gown — Guil-ford College offers serene scholarship within the city’s limits.

Revolution Mill Studios
While still preserving its storied history, Revolution Mill Studios’ renovations make it the posh new place to work, play, and — soon — live. revolutionmill studios.com .

Saigon Cuisine Restaurant
The award-winning Saigon restaurant offers a range of Vietnamese-influenced meals in a charming atmosphere. An added bonus is “Ducky,” the owner/host who not only entertains young customers but can be heard singing a passing tune every now and then. 4205 High Point Rd.; 336-294-9286.

The Arboretum
Always a beautiful place to walk or rollerblade, the Greensboro Arboretum offers 17 acres of gardens, fountains, and paths to en-joy. The park also hosts several annual celebrations, including Art in the Park, Summer Solstice Festival, and Candlefest. greensborobeautiful.org/Arboretum.htm.

Celebration Station
If there was ever a heaven-on-earth for children, Celebration Station might be it. Bumper boats, go karts, and the best mini-golf course in town make it the perfect place for both the young and young at heart. 4315 Big Tree Way; 336-316-0606; celebration-station.com .

Wyndham Championship
Formerly the Greater Greensboro Open, the Triad’s most prestigious annual golf event has attracted some of the greatest golfers in history. This year’s tournament is August 11 to 17. wyndhamchampionship.com .

Jim Schlosser
Jim Schlosser is Greensboro’s storyteller. He was a reporter for the Greensboro News & Record for 41 years, but he was fa-mous for his well-researched columns on the city’s history. His magic was teaching us the historic significance of something — a building or a sign — we see every day but never really paid attention to before. He’s now writing a book about Greensboro history titled And the Beat Goes On.

Jay’s Deli
Sometimes all you need is a basket of onion rings. Sweet, crisp circles of onion surrounded by crunchy, light batter dipped into the tasty perfection that can only be ketchup. If a basket of rings will cure what ails you, look no further than Jay’s Deli. The servers are quirky and the food is old school. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — just pull up a chair and start eating. 630 Friendly Center Rd.; 336-292-0741.

Livestock Players
If you want to know what Greensboro young people are up to, be sure to check out a production by the Livestock Players. This youth theater began putting on shows more than 35 years ago in a barn (hence the name) in order to provide acting and back-stage opportunities to teenagers. Livestock is now a part of The Drama Center, which is a division of Greensboro Parks and Rec-reation. Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St.; 336-373-2728.

Wayfinding signs
Look closely. Built by folks at Lyndon Street Artworks, these downtown directional signs are works of art.

Location
The beach: 3.5 hours. The mountains: 1.5 hours. Greensboro: The place to be.

Minority Business Incubator
Entrepreneurs like brothers Sterling and Styles Freeman can find stellar business support from the new Minority Business Incuba-tor. 1325 S. Eugene St.

Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art
It’s a venue that lets parents and kids to satisfy their artistic cravings. The Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art contains thou-sands of feet of gallery space displaying annual exhibits of contemporary art and fine crafts created in North Carolina. Then there’s ArtQuest, where kids can go nuts in the painting studio, sculpture studio, and various interactive exhibits. 200 N. Davie St.; 336-333-7460; greenhillcenter.org.

The Press
A victory for vino lovers, The Press, a wine café, offers an impressively diverse wine list and clientele. 301 Martin Luther King Blvd., 336-333-3190.

February One Monument
Located on the campus of N.C. A&T State University, this statue pays tribute to the four freshmen known as the “Greensboro Four” who orchestrated the famous Woolworth’s sit-in.

Architectural Salvage of Greensboro
When any old structure in Greensboro faces the wrecking ball, Architectural Salvage swoops in to claim the significant pieces for resale in its store, which is itself an architectural gem. People then come from all over the state to sift through rooms full of old banisters, bathtubs, mirrors, and other pre-owned items awaiting a new life in another home. 300 Bellemeade St.; 336-389-9118.

First Presbyterian Church Cemetery
With gravestones dating back to 1831, the cemetery is the resting place for a number of noteworthy figures, including John Motley Morehead. Although First Presbyterian relocated in the 1920s, it still owns and maintains the grounds, which are just outside of the Greensboro Historical Museum. 130 Summit Ave.; greensborohistory.org .

Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library
This library branch has it all inside a lush 98-acre park. Walk in the woods with your dog, attend a monthly nature workshop, curl up with a book by the fireplace, or just enjoy the breeze on the screened porch. Who knew reading could be so fun? 1420 Price Park Rd.; 336-373-2923.