On February 1, 1960, four Black college students approached the lunch counter at Greensboro's F. W. Woolworth department store and requested service. When they were refused, they staged a sit-in, which resulted in the counter's desegregation five months later. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is named after this courageous act in the name of civil rights. The counter, which has been preserved and is still in its original location, is one of 13 permanent exhibitions at the 35,000-square-foot museum.

Recent visitors say that, while the museum's content is emotionally charged and at times heartbreaking, the experience is worthwhile. A guided tour of the museum brings these important stories to life; a 75-minute staff-led tour costs $25, but a filmed and seated version is also available for $15. (students receive a discounted rate). Tours require reservations, but walk-ins are welcome at the museum. On Sundays, the International Civil Rights Center and Museum is closed.

Address: 134 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401

Where else can you find an aquarium, a zoo, a 3D theater, a museum, and ropes course all in the same location? The Greensboro Science Center is the correct answer. With blue frogs and golden monkeys, this science-based complex is a wonderland for animal and nature lovers. Admission to the museum, zoo, and aquarium costs less than $20, and previous visitors report that the museum has activities for people of all ages.

Visitors can purchase tickets to SKYWILD, a treetop adventure park that encourages participants aged 8 and up to mimic the motions of various animals on a suspended ropes course, for a particularly thrilling experience. If your family is looking for a more gentle activity, the beautiful Greensboro carousel is located on the grounds. In addition to the traditional horses, the carousel includes animals that are associated with North Carolina.

Address: 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455

Prepare to time travel through Greensboro's Antique Market Place's winding halls of vintage finds. This antique mall is 45,000 square feet in size and has more than 170 stalls stocked with merchandise. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market attracts regulars as well as out-of-towners looking for one-of-a-kind items Monday through Saturday (reduced hours on Sunday).

Did you want to buy a neon jukebox or a 19th-century baby carriage? What about salt and pepper shakers made of crystal? It's all here, and a slew of vendors handpick the most interesting items to entice collectors and passersby alike. You're bound to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir, but some visitors complain that the prices are sometimes higher than expected.

Address: 6428 Burnt Poplar Road, Greensboro, NC 27409

The 250-acre Bur-Mil Park is located on Greensboro's Lake Brandt. Golfers will appreciate the nine-hole, par-3 course. There are also tennis courts, cycling trails, and picnic areas where you can take advantage of North Carolina's pleasant weather. The Frank Sharpe Jr. Wildlife Education Center hosts programs and exhibits about local resources and wildlife.

A playground is located at the park's southern end, and a pier is located at the park's northeastern tip. It's a nice place to stretch your legs by the lake or take the dog for a walk. Every October, the park hosts a fall festival complete with hayrides set against a picturesque backdrop of changing leaves. Bur-Mil Park is located 9 miles north of Greensboro.

Address: 5834 Bur-Mill Club Road, Greensboro, NC 27410

Living Museum, on the other hand, is a three-story former thrift store that bills itself as a collaborative learning laboratory. The eccentric space is filled with memorabilia and hosts artists in residence. The majority of the items are from Sylvia Gray's personal collection, which she accumulated over 58 years while running the thrift store from the 1970s until her death in 1997.

The space is certainly unusual, with some visitors comparing it to hoarding, while others say they felt nostalgically connected to the items, which include vintage toys and dolls. Each year, more than 50 projects, primarily eclectic art exhibits, are hosted, so check the calendar before you go. Private tours can be arranged, but general admission is covered by a $5 suggested donation.

Address: 606 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27406

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States eastern seaboard. Sports fans can find an exhibit dedicated to athletes and coaches from the conference's 70-year history at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex's special events center. Greensboro is known as "Tournament Town", and the Hall of Champions demonstrates why, with artifacts and photos from ACC sporting events.

The hall, which is open to the public Thursday through Saturday and is about a mile from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, has no admission fee. The Coliseum hosts stadium concerts and performances on a regular basis, ranging from Iron Maiden to Olympic figure skating; check the schedule to see what's on when you're in town.

Address: 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27403

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse took place in what is now modern-day Greensboro more than 240 years ago, and it contributed to British forces abandoning North Carolina. "The events at Guilford Courthouse influenced the outcome of the American Revolution", according to the National Park Service.

Visitors and history buffs who visit the site express gratitude for the designated cultural landscape, which with 29 gravesites and monuments helps us understand the battle tactics of the American forces and the human toll of war. The 250-acre park contains an important piece of American history as well as a small number of natural attractions. The majority of the park is forested, with a variety of oak trees, and walking trails wind through the park and surrounding areas.

Address: 2332 New Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27410

Strike gold with the family at a bowling alley that is locally owned and operated. Bourbon Bowl was born in June 2021 from a junkyard and gas station and is now a part of downtown Greensboro's revitalization. The property has six bowling lanes that can be rented by the hour and provide an interesting ambiance by preserving much of the building's original, industrial vibe.

When you're not bowling, the outdoor lounge is a great place to eat or drink, with an impressive fire and water feature that runs the length of the patio. The menus at Bourbon Bowl include small bites (ideal for bowling) and American dishes, as well as extensive beer, wine, and cocktail lists.

Address: 531 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27406

Print Works Bistro, which sits in the upper echelon of Greensboro restaurants and has received rave reviews from recent visitors, is well worth a meal. The Proximity Hotel's on-site restaurant, Print Works Bistro, has more personality than you might expect. Book a brunch, which is available all week and comes highly recommended by previous customers, and pair duck confit hash with a house-made cinnamon bun or a warm, cream-filled beignet.

Any meal can be enjoyed on the terrace, which is shaded by elegant starch-white umbrellas and overlooks a creek. Food is sourced locally, and environmental practices are prioritized; Print Works and the Proximity Hotel were the first in the United States to receive LEED Platinum, the highest rating awarded by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, for their environmentally conscious operations. They are also one of the country's few employee-owned restaurants and hotels.

Address: 702 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408

Greensboro, like the rest of North Carolina, takes its barbecue seriously. Follow your nose — or the critical consensus — to some of the city's smokiest, sauciest joints. Stamey's Barbecue is a favorite among locals, who rave about chopped pork and hush puppies. Stamey's Barbecue was established in 1930 and now has two locations in the city, including a drive-thru where you can get some fresh barbecue to go. Country Barbecue is famous for its ribs, but customers also enjoy the sides of red slaw and giant biscuits.

Mac's Speed Shop has a few locations, but its Greensboro fans rave about the creatively presented barbecue with banging burnt ends and sweet tea. Whatever you choose, make sure to ask locals about the differences between Lexington-style and Eastern-style barbecue; yes, even within the world of North Carolina barbecue, there are differences.

Address: 1218 Battleground Ave., Greensboro, NC 27408

These two parks are located in downtown Greensboro and offer excellent green space for both visitors and locals. There are numerous walking paths in Center City Park, as well as fountains that represent regional geographic features and a bandshell for live performances. LeBauer Park, located just around the corner from Center City Park, is especially accommodating for those with sensory sensitivities.

Peacehaven Sensory Space, located within LeBauer Park, features a sculptural wall designed for anyone suffering from sensory processing disorders. In addition, LeBauer Park has a playground, interactive fountains, two cafes, and a 17,000-square-foot lawn for outdoor events. LeBauer Park also has a 1-acre ornamental garden, and from May to September, children can cool off at the LeBauer Park Splash Pad.

Address: 200 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

The Greensboro Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of North Carolina's Piedmont region, particularly Greensboro and Guilford County, as well as to celebrating the city's local heritage and culture. The museum houses a variety of exhibitions and displays that document the lives of people who played important roles in the city's history, ranging from Quakers and Scots-Irish to Native Americans.

The museum, which is more than 17,000 square feet in size, also provides educational opportunities for adults and students to learn more about Guilford County's Civil War participation, the roots of the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of textile manufacturing in the South.

Incorporate a lesson in local history at the Greensboro History Museum, an accredited Smithsonian affiliate that highlights the impact of time on the Greensboro community. Exhibits honoring first lady Dolley Madison, the wife of President James Madison, and other historical figures will appeal to history buffs. Meanwhile, children will enjoy the immersive and interactive exhibit Gate City, which provides a firsthand account of life in Greensboro in the early twentieth century.

Address: 130 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27401