Greensboro Downtown Greenway
The Greensboro Downtown Greenway is a trail for pedestrians and cyclists to loop around the city’s central business dis-trict. Ground is breaking and we’re staying tuned.

Old Town Draught House
Set on Spring Garden in the middle of UNC Greensboro’s campus, Old Town draws its share of college students. But its long list of craft beers also makes it a mecca for aficionados, who go for hard-to-find brews on tap. Even without good beer and attractive coeds, Old Town is worth a visit for its world-class beer-battered chicken fingers. Dunk them in the honey mustard sauce for maximum effect. 1205 Spring Garden St.; 336-379-1140.

Tate Street Festival
Put on by the Tate Street Merchants and the College Hill neighborhood, the Tate Street Festival is a biannual event happening in the spring and fall. This celebration of music, art, and food is a wonderful opportunity to shop for unique items, grab a bite to eat, and revel in the sights and sounds of this great quaint neighborhood.

Loco for Coco Gourmet Chocolates
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this bon-bon boutique. 1420-D Westover Terrace; 336-333-0029; locoforcocochocolate.com .

Greensboro — Tree City USA
“Green” is the operative word in Greensboro, which strives to keep the city’s tree canopy lush and growing. Greensboro is one of more than 3,000 Tree City USA communities across the country recognized for urban and community forestry programs. Greensboro Beautiful Inc. also sponsors special city-enhancement projects, which help us all breathe a little bit easier. greensborobeautiful.org/treeplantings.htm.

Sandra Hughes
The longtime Greensboro resident has been a familiar face in the Triad for more than three decades at WFMY News 2.

Nathanael Greene
No birthday for Greensboro would be complete without recognizing its namesake, General Nathanael Greene. Born in Rhode Island, Greene served nobly throughout the Revolutionary War, and was a highly trusted aide to General Washington. He ultimately took charge of the Southern Campaign, leading American Troops over Lord Cornwallis and the British Army at Guilford Courthouse on March 15, 1781.

Salsa at Mexico
When it comes to chips and salsa, nobody tops Mexico (the restaurant, that is). The salsa is smooth, with just enough spice to warrant a margarita and call it a meal. 1007 Battleground Ave., 336-333-2514; 4207 High Point Rd., 336-856-0171; 4800 W. Market St., 336-292-6044.

Gyros at Jack’s Corner Mediterranean Deli
As UNC Greensboro students and faculty move on to other opportunities in other places, Jack’s is sure to be one of the local institutions they miss most. More specifically, they miss the gyros, which are big enough to keep cash-strapped students full for most of the day, and good enough to keep them coming back when they get jobs. 1601 Spring Garden St.; 336-370-4400.

Tranquilities
Next time you need a fun and distinctive gift, check out Tranquilities. The eclectic little shop, located in an old filling-station building, offers such finds as jewelry, lotions, and even pet products. While your friends will eagerly await their next present from you, you might find yourself unwilling to part with your purchase. 901 S. Chapman St.; 336-373-8993.

John Isner
At 6-foot-9, John Isner is literally one of the biggest athletes to come from the Gate City. The former Page High tennis star is said to have one of the most-feared serves in all the world. Behind his powerful serve, the 23-year-old Isner has made a dramatic jump in world rankings, recently earning a spot in the top 100.

Benjamin Parkway in fall
Maybe it’s the curve of the road; maybe it’s the speed limit; maybe it’s the brilliant colors of the leaves. Whatever the reason, an autumn drive down Benjamin Parkway makes you feel as if you’re winding down a majestic mountain road. It’s not the Blue Ridge Parkway — but it can seem pretty close.

90.9 FM WQFS radio at Guilford College
Ranked as one of the top-ten college stations by the Princeton Review, this station is the cure for commercial radio blues. 17714 Founders Hall, 5800 W. Friendly Ave.; 336-316-2444; guilford.edu/wqfs/index.htm.

Walkway of History
Sidewalk markers account for six chapters in local African-American history — from the first fugitive slave on the Under-ground Railroad through the first African-American State Supreme Court Justice. Begin at February One Place.

Ginger cookies at Simple Kneads
Simple Kneads regulars go on and on about Bill Snyder’s artisanal breads, and rightfully so. But they’re missing out if they don’t try his ginger cookies. You don’t bite into them. They’re so tender your teeth just sink in. Morsels of crystallized ginger offer a pleasant zing to the taste buds, and even the outer edges of the cookie stay moist. 227 S. Elm St.; 336-370-4446.

Networking is the name of the game for these young professionals. synerg.org .

Fincastle’s Diner
There’s just something so nostalgically appealing about a traditional-style diner, and Fincastle’s fits the bill perfectly. You can’t go wrong with the burger, or a homemade milkshake. And if you’re with a group, don’t miss the Pilot Pickles, which come in a plenty-to-share basket. 215 S. Elm St.; 336-272-8968; incastles.com

Corner of Walker and Elam
Lindley Park residents are one lucky bunch. They are within walking distance to the only place in Greensboro where you can find beer, live music, laundry, foosball, food, groceries, patios, and late night hot dogs cooked to order. Lucky for us, this neighborhood hot spot is most welcoming.

Fred Chappell
Our state’s literary heritage would be lacking were it not for Fred Chappell. The former North Carolina Poet Laureate has authored more than 30 books of poetry, fiction, and essays. Chappell was also a professor emeritus at UNC Greens-boro, where he served 40 years in the English Department.

Sunday Mornings at Tate Street Coffee
If enjoying your coffee and bagel while listening to live music is wrong, who wants to be right? Tate Street Coffee is the perfect Sunday morning spot. For extra enjoyment, get there early and grab the coveted table in the front window. 334 Tate St.; 336-275-2754.

Bingo Night at Ham’s
As the Ham’s restaurant empire multiplies across the state, it’s good to know we have the original, right off Friendly Ave-nue. And for parents, it’s also good to know that on Mondays, kids eat for a dollar and are entertained all night with game after game of bingo. It’s one of the few times you’ll ever see a room full of kids staying quiet and still during a meal. 201 N. Smyres Place; 336-272-6721; hamsrestaurants.com .

Quaintance-Weaver
It’s attention to detail — every detail — for which Quaintance-Weaver’s chain of restaurants and hotels are known. 336-370-0966; qwrh.com.

Giacomo’s Italian Market
Appealing both for its Old World flair and extensive offerings, Giacomo’s homemade salami is a bestseller, as are Italian staples like fresh bread, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil. Stop by at lunchtime for an Italian sub and end your meal with a tasty ricotta cheese-filled cannoli. 4705 High Point Rd., 336-547-2888; 2109 New Gar-den Rd., 336-282-2855.

The Volunteer Center
If you’ve got a cause you care about, The Volunteer Center can make you a match. Feral cats? Check. Muscular dystrophy? Absolutely. Students of English as a Second Language? Oui. Greensboro’s army of volun-teers also put their feet to the street each year in The Human Race 5K Walk and Run. Groups too small to organize their own event can join as partners, sharing a small portion of their pledges in exchange for a big payoff in exposure and mo-tivation. 1500 Yanceyville St.; 336-373-1633; volunteergso.org.

Golf courses
Life is pretty good for a golfer in Greensboro. There are 15 courses in the city, plenty of good weather, and lots and lots of fellow enthusiasts ready to hit the links.

Tobacco USA
A visit to Tobacco USA can make even a regular Hamburger Helper user feel like a gourmet chef. There’s the big selec-tion of high-end kitchen gadgets and cookware that’s fun to explore and fiddle with. There are the jars of coffee beans that lend an intoxicating perfume to the place. And there are all the little snacks that are almost impossible to leave be-hind when you’re done looking around. 3900 W. Market St.; 336-292-5130; tobaccousa.net.

Pancakes at Tex & Shirley’s
If you flip for pancakes, Tex & Shirley’s is the place for you. Get the buttermilk pancakes with butter and maple syrup, or go crazy with any number of toppings. The best thing about these pancakes is that they are available all day, which is perfect for late risers who appreciate what home cooking should be. 706 Pembroke Rd. at Friendly Shopping Center; 336-299-9315.

Dolley Madison
Dolley Madison was born in the Quaker community of New Garden in 1768. She was the wife of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison, and she certainly did her hometown proud in Washington. Dolley was a popular first lady who rescued a number of paintings, papers, and other treasures from the White House before it was burned by the British army during the War of 1812.

The Red Collection
Sometimes you can find just what you’re looking for at The Red Collection consignment shop. Other times, you can go simply for the hunt through the labyrinth of treasures. 810 Merritt Dr.; 336-632-0091.

Backed by the support of her “MiniVan Mafia,” Lisa Dames is determined to make a big mark on country music. lisadames.com .

Piedmont Land Conservancy
The next time you’re reading a book in Price Park or taking a stroll along the Lake Brandt greenway, take a moment to thank the Piedmont Land Conservancy for making our city so beautiful. PLC is a nonprofit grass-roots land trust committed to protecting natural and scenic woodlands, meadows, farms, and other green places. 336-691-0088; piedmontland.org.

Elm Street Architecture
Old, high-character buildings that made up the downtowns of every American city at the turn of the 20th century are often sacrificial lambs for progress. But in Greensboro, these historic buildings have helped fuel revitalization. Bruce Cantrell, John Lomax, and other local visionaries have helped preserve the historic buildings along South Elm. Now, visitors from all over marvel at our unique collection of rustic commercial architecture. Jealous, Charlotte?

The Women’s Hospital
As the state’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to women, The Women’s Hospital of Greensboro is a haven for pregnant women and their newborns. The facilities and staff are there to meet the needs of women at every stage in their lives, but offer a particularly special place for new mothers. 801 Green Valley Rd.; 336-832-6500.

Mug Night at Corner Bar
Drinkers be warned: If you step your way into Corner Bar on Tuesday nights, you’ll likely stumble your way out. For a $5 cover charge, bar-goers can bring a “mug” of their choice and get it refilled all night long for a buck. Bring a sippy cup, bring a blender, as long as it’s smaller than 32 oz., it’s fair game. Cheers! 1700 Spring Garden St.; 336-272-5559.

Tumblebees Ultimate Gym
Keeping kids pleased and parents relieved since 1986. 6904 Downwind Rd.; 336-665-0662; tumblebees.com .

The View on Elm
If you don’t go to this fun shop for the glasses that are too cool for, well, just about anywhere — then go for the art or the great jewelry. Owner Becky Causey has put together a unique blend of eyewear and eye-candy that shares a sense of style and an understanding of design. 327 S. Elm St.; 336-274-1278; theviewonelm.com .

Neill McNeill
The consummate anchor, Neill McNeill arrived at WGHP straight out of college in 1983, and has been breaking news in the Triad ever since.

Piedmont Dragway
Feeding the area’s need for speed for more than four decades. 6750 Holts Store Rd.; 336-449-7411; piedmontdrag-way.com .

U.S. Sushi
It’s all about the Bento Box and green tea at this Japanese joint know for fast service. 619 Friendly Center Rd.; 336-854-7854; us-sushi.com .

Mega Builders
Who says big business doesn’t have a heart? Mega Builders LLC keeps community involvement a core business value. megabuildersllc.com .


The Flat Iron
Like the famous Flat Iron building in New York City, The Flat Iron bar and grill in Greensboro occupies an odd, triangular lot in town. But what devotees love about it is the classic bar atmosphere. It has no pretense. It is the place to go to listen to local performers while enjoying an honest domestic beer. 221 Summit Ave.; 336-272-7774.

The Cone Family
Moses Herman Cone, Caesar Cone, and other members of the Cone family helped make Greensboro a world center for textile manufacturing for most of the 20th century. Their philanthropic endeavors live on. From its beginnings in 1911 as a trust established by Bertha Lindau Cone, Moses Cone Health System has grown into one of the premier health-care institutions in the state.

The Extra Ingredient
Indulge your inner foodie with all the wonders to be found at The Extra Ingredient. From a plethora of utensils to yummy sauces and dip mixes, this kitchen store is a true destination for anyone who loves to cook and eat. Gourmet brides and grooms can even register to deck their dining tables and stock their dream kitchens. 801 Friendly Center Rd.; 336-299-9767; extraingredient.com .

Restaurateur Ben Roberts
When something is right, you know it. That’s what Ben Roberts, owner of Undercurrent on Battleground Avenue and Table 16 on Elm Street, says he believes about his journey to becoming part of the Greensboro culinary scene. Roberts put his business and culinary training to work while trusting his heart to offer diners something special. undercurrentrestaurant.com and table16restaurant.com .

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Greensboro is a quiet community that can get loud about injustice. In the civil-rights era, four area students were heard across the country for their groundbreaking sit-in. Today, citizens from throughout the community participate in an annual peace march on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The walk starts at the MLK statue downtown and ends at Greensboro Col-lege’s Hannah Brown Finch Memorial Chapel with a nondenominational reflection service. gborocollege.edu.

Bel Canto Company
Celebrating its 25th year, Bel Canto Company is a local musical treasure. This professional choral ensemble’s 28 singers boast an impressive list of personal credits, and the choir itself has performed at festivals throughout the Southeast as well as on National Public Radio’s Performance Today. belcantocompany.com .

Cook Out
Whether it is 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., you’re sure to see plenty of cars at Cook Out — and for good reason. The Greensboro-based chain makes hamburgers that taste like they just came off of the grill. And don’t forget about its legen-dary milkshakes — all 40 of them.

Arizona Pete’s
A little country, a little rock ’n’ roll, and a whole lot of fun! 2900-A Patterson St.; 336-632-9889; arizonapetes.com/Arizona.

The Greek Festival
Expect to see traffic at Friendly and Westridge slow to a crawl around mid-September as people eagerly wait to turn into the Greek Orthodox Church for the annual Greek Festival. From gyros and loukoumathies (deep-fried batter dipped in honey) to souvlaki and baklava, the food is delicious and is only topped by the church’s youth performing traditional dances. It truly is fun for all ages. Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Rd.; 336-292-8013; dormitionofthetheotokos.org .

Maxie B’s
Cake or yogurt: That’s the question when you enter Maxie B’s. From her brave yogurt shop beginnings, owner Robin Davis has transformed Maxie B’s into a cake-making emporium with a loyal fan base. 2403 Battleground Ave.; 336-288-9811; maxieb.com .

Taylor Theatre
Get up close and personal in this 490-seat proscenium-style stage. 450 Tate St.; 336-334-4849; uncg.edu/the/season.html .

Festival of Lights
As cities grow, the feeling of community spirit can become over-whelmed by progress. The Festival of Lights, an annual holiday celebration held on the streets of downtown, proves that the city’s small-town soul is still intact. As people gather to enjoy carolers, window decorations, crafts, and performances at the Carolina Theatre, it’s easy to feel the camaraderie. 336-274-4595.