The International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro is located at the former location of the Woolworth Department Store downtown. It was there that four black students from Greensboro's North Carolina A&T University would organize a "sit-in" in 1960 at the store's whites only lunch counter which would change the course of civil rights in the United States. Now it serves as a museum to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.
Best and Worst Time to go to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
As everything within the museum is indoors, the weather should never be a deterrent from visiting. The best time to go is a free weekend during the summer or holiday season, because schools will be out. It is highly recommended to go early in the day so you can enjoy all of the exhibits the museum has to offer.
Must see/do at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
The highlight of the museum will be "The Lunch Counter Experience," which focuses specifically on the sit-in at Woolworth's in Greensboro. Other exhibits to check out are "The Hall of Shame" focusing on the struggles of Jim Crow laws and "The Politics and Voting Booth" which will show examples of questionnaires for black Americans who had to pass tests to receive the right to vote.
Admission to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
Admission is in the $10 to $20 range for students, seniors and adults. Admission is cheaper for youth 12 and under, and free for those under the age of 5.
Parking and public transportation to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
There will be plenty of parking available throughout downtown Greensboro to visit the museum. Two parking decks are within 1,000 feet of the building and additional pay-for-parking lots are also nearby. The best way to get there is by your vehicle, because none of the city's public transit goes directly to the museum, and public transit can be more expensive than the cheap costs of the parking decks.
Food options near the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
For those wanting to relax, have local beers and enjoy a moderately priced meal, two blocks from the museum on Elm Street is Natty Greene's Pub. For something slightly cheaper, but much more innovative, Crafted: The Art of the Taco provides 10 unique styles of tacos, or you can create your own type of taco.
Local tip for visitors to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum
If you want to participate in the museum tours, you're going to need to make sure you know what hours the museum is open that day. The last tour starts a hour before closing, and depending on the number of people waiting, there are no guarantees you'll get in.
Author's bio: WIl Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.
Located northwest of Downtown Greensboro, the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park pays homage to the war which gave the United States its independence. The results of this battle would lead to more success in the future with the Battle of Yorktown and in turn win the war for the colonists. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park was the first place designated as a national park for the American Revolution by the U.S. Government.
Must see and do at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
While most of your time at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park will take place outdoors, there are plenty of indoor areas to view as well. Beginning outside, the highlight of the park is the statue of Gen. Nathaniel Greene which stands on the park's battleground. Among the many trails the park has to offer there are over 20 additional, but smaller, memorials to see along with the general beauty of the area.
Inside the visitor's center you can learn about the history of the battle and the different tactics used in the fight. Also, some artifacts from the American Revolution are on display inside the building.
Best and worst times to go to Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Summers in the region are mostly hot, while winters range from cool to cold. For those coming from long distances to visit, anytime from March to mid May or early September to early December will be the best times temperature-wise. Don't go during inclement weather, because a vast majority of the park will be unavailable to you.
Admission to Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Admission and parking at the park are free.
Insider tip for Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Looking for an exciting weekend to go? The weekend in March closest to the battle's anniversary (March 15) consists of an reenactment of the battle by the local Guilford Battleground Company.
Author's bio: WIl Petty is a resident of Winston-Salem where he works as a journalist at a regional paper. Wil enjoys spontaneous road trips, and trying the cuisines and craft beers those destinations offer. Follow him on Twitter @WilPetty.
