Greensboro

The Gate City earned its nickname when it became a railway hub in the 1840s, becoming so important in transporting textiles that many of the mills moved to town. Today the textile industry isn't what it used to be, and Greensboro, with the third largest population in the state, has diversified into insurance, banking, and other industries. Commerce aside, the complex history—of soldiers and protestors, of writers and journalists—makes Greensboro an enriching place to visit.

The diversity of Greensboro's museums and historic sites ranges from hands-on children's exhibits to meticulously explained rare collections to open fields where your imagination has to create the scene. The city also has a thriving arts community, with college, community, or professional theater most weekends, as well as small galleries that showcase local and regional artists. With six colleges and universities, Greensboro also plays host to a diverse selection of seminars and lectures by both celebrities and educators.