Emma Archer 

Greensboro is a city full of flavorful food, lively shops, and a welcoming community, making it the perfect city to explore as the holiday season approaches. Whether you are visiting for the day or are a student at UNC Greensboro looking to get into the holiday spirit, here is how I recommend spending the perfect day in the city. 

My favorite thing to do in any new area, especially during the holidays, is to visit local cafes. My top choice is always Tate Street Coffee House. Since 1993, it has been providing students with a relaxing place to study. The atmosphere is perfect; with calm music and beautiful artwork, it is the perfect place for a hot cup of coffee to warm up from the chilly weather. Their seasonal fall menu features baked apple lattes, pumpkin spice lattes, apple chai, and more. Tate Street Coffee House is my preferred way to start the day, but if you want to try something else, my other favorites include Northern Roots Coffeehouse, Mood Up Coffee, and Chandler’s.  

After grabbing coffee, head to the Weatherspoon Art Museum, which is located on UNC Greensboro’s campus, within walking distance of Tate Street. Since 1941, the museum has featured modern and contemporary art that is definitely worth seeing. If you are interested in exploring more of UNC Greensboro’s campus, take a stroll through Foust Park where you will find beautiful autumn-colored trees, stop by the Jackson Library, and experience the active energy of Moran Commons. 

If you didn’t grab food from Tate Street Coffee House, there are plenty of options in town. Tex and Shirley’s Family Restaurant is a budget-friendly brunch spot that has some of my favorite pancakes around. During the fall months you will find a delicious seasonal menu. The Sage Mule is a little pricier, but worth every cent. I always go for the Breakfast Burrito Bowl. If you are looking for something more casual, check out Slices Pizza by Tony where you will find authentic NY pizza and a menu full of variety. 

After lunch, head Downtown to find unique shops of all kinds to begin your holiday shopping early. Scuppernong Books, an independent bookstore that opened in 2013, is always my first stop. Here you can find a welcoming atmosphere and a book for everyone. If you are interested in vintage shops, Design Archives Emporium features vendors selling vintage and handmade items and has been voted the best vintage store in the area. Your next stop is Vintage to Vogue Boutique, which is a consignment store that sells a handful of whimsical pieces and was voted the Best Consignment Shop in the Triad. Both will provide you with one-of-a-kind treasures, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. If you’re a cat lover, Crooked Tail Cat Cafe—home to adoptable cats—is right nearby on South Elm Street. If you are interested in music, stop by Hippo Records on Spring Garden Street where you will find new and used records and CDs for an affordable price. If you are visiting in December, check out Downtown Greensboro’s Festival of Lights on December 5^th and the Holiday Parade on December 6^th. 

When you are ready for dinner, I recommend visiting one of the many restaurants in the area. Located right across from Design Archives Emporium is Natty Greene’s — one of the most popular restaurants around. Natty Greene’s has a large menu full of delicious food and it is always lively during Greensboro’s many events. Another great choice is Hops Burger Bar, where you will find one of the best burgers in the city. There are two locations: Spring Garden Street and Lawndale Drive. If you’d rather find somewhere closer to UNC Greensboro’s campus, Crazy Mexico, located on Tate Street, is an excellent choice.  

To end your day on a sweet note, head to Yum Yum Better Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Their homemade ice cream has been a staple in Greensboro’s community since the 1920’s, and their whole menu is very budget friendly. When the weather is nice, I love to sit at the outdoor picnic tables where you are likely to see families and students enjoying their ice cream with smiles on their faces.  

Exploring both new and familiar places with an open mind is essential for personal growth, and finding time to enjoy the holiday season between work and school is key to getting through the busy semester — even if you are simply trying the seasonal menu of your favorite coffee shop. While I have focused on only a small selection of Greensboro’s best spots, there are so many other hidden gems within the community that are worth visiting, especially during November and December. I hope this guide has gotten you into the holiday spirit and inspired you to learn more about a new city or even begin a deeper exploration of what is waiting for you outside of campus.