On June 28, the Fellows hit Downtown GSO for a Night on the Downtown, sponsored by Downtown Greensboro! During the inaugural program in 2016, we learned that many Fellows know their college bubble really well but do not necessarily know Downtown Greensboro all that well. In an effort to expose the Fellows to Downtown GSO, we split the Fellows into five smaller groups to explore the following areas with tour guides and an Action Greensboro staff member:
1. Downtown Greenway Tour by LimeBike
Guide: Madeline (Matti) Carey, Greensboro Parks & Recreation &UNCG Alum
This group rode LimeBikes from Union Square Campus to the Morehead Foundry on the Downtown Greenway. They learned about the construction and the design of the 4-mile loop around the city, which is full of public art and connects residential, restaurants and breweries! Then, they made a stop for dinner at Revolution Burger before riding back to Union Square!
2. Elm Street Tour
Guide: Beth Mannella, Fellows Program Director (lives on Elm Street!)
This group of college students (and a few recent college grads) strolled the main corridor of Downtown Greensboro. They learned more about Triad Stage, clubs, retail, residential, sweet treats, bars and restaurants, and even toured one of the downtown apartment buildings! Then, the Fellows enjoyed a classy dinner on Elm Street at 1618 Downtown.
3. Innovation District Tour
Guides: Sara Pilling (HQ Greensboro) & Joe Rotondi (The Forge), UNCG Alums
This group had a great time exploring HQ Greensboro and The Forge with their expert tour guides. After watching one of The Forge members showcase 3D printing, they walked into the South Side for a delicious dinner at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles.
4. Cultural District Tour
Guide: Jenna Lacey, Greensboro Downtown Parks & UNCG Alum
This group of Fellows explored the heart of the Downtown Cultural District. Anchored by Center City Park and LeBauer Park, the district includes the Greensboro Cultural Center, home of Greenhill Art Gallery, the African American Atelier, Center for Visual Artists and the Van Dyke Dance Performance Space, Greensboro Public Library, Greensboro Children’s Museum, History Museum and the future home of the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The group finished the tour with dinner at Ghassan’s and Noma Food & Co (their choice)! *Ice cream from the park kiosks was enjoyed by all.
5. Lo-Fi Neighborhood Tour
Guides: Julia Roach (Downtown Greensboro Inc) & Carlee Dempsey (Natty Greene’s)
Lo-Fi, or Lower Fisher Park, is the northern anchor to Downtown Greensboro. This group of Fellows learned about how Lo-Fi is home for many young professionals to live, work and play. They learned about the nearby apartment complexes, the Greensboro Grasshoppers stadium, the northern section of the Downtown Greenway, Joymongers, Preyer Brewing Company, and walked through Deep Roots Market. Then, they completed the tour with dinner at Crafted – the Art of Street Food!
Thanks again to Downtown Greensboro for sponsoring the Night on the Downtown event!
