Downtown Greensboro is the economic and cultural heart of the city. In addition to more than 1,000 retail shops and service businesses, Downtown also provides a wide range of museums, educational, and cultural offerings. Specific sites and attractions in Downtown Greensboro include the following:

Blandwood Mansion and Carriage House: This beautifully restored mansion and grounds was once home of former North Carolina Governor John Motley Morehead. Originally a clapboard farmhouse, the structure was altered in 1844 to an Italianate style. Designed by renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis, the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operated as a house museum. Tours are available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. The museum is located at 447 West Washington Street and a small admission fee is charged. For more information: (336) 272-5003. Website:www.blandwood.org

Carolina Model Railroaders: Vist new location at 234-B West Washington in downtown Greensboro in the REA building inside the Depot.  Carolina Model Railroaders is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of model railroading as a hobby.  Membership is open with regular business meetings held on the third Thursday of every month.  Open Thursday nights 7-9pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 2-5pm.  Please visit this site monthly for regular updates or contact Buck Lineberry at 336-215-1388

Carolina Theatre: Constructed in 1927, the Carolina Theatre is a handsome facility that is used for plays, concerts, and classic films. The theatre was recently restored and is used by the community throughout the entire year. In 2003, the Carolina Theatre celebrated its 75th anniversary. For information about upcoming shows: (336) 333-2605. Website:www.carolinatheatre.com

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in promoting the areas business community and enhancing quality of life for local residents. Staff of the Chamber of Commerce will work with entrepreneurs, small businesses and large companies to promote healthy growth, develop community leadership, start new business, and facilitate investment and economic growth in the area. The Chamber of Commerce is located at 342 North Elm Street and open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information: (336) 275-8675. Web site: www.greensborochamber.com

Greensboro Childrens Museum: This exciting facility features colorful exhibits and programs that are of interest to both children and adults. Housed in the former Gate City Chrylser Plymouth Building at 220 North Church Street, the Childrens Museum host hands-on displays that encourage learning and entertainment. The museum also has exhibits on the environment, health and medicine, transportation, and a resource room for parents and teachers. Please call (336)574-2898 for additional information and donation information. Website:www.gcmuseum.com

Greensboro Cultural Center: This facility is home to art galleries, interactive exhibits, and 25 visual and performing arts organizations. The main floor has studios and galleries that feature exhibits of local, regional, and national artists. The upper floors of the building are used for classrooms, rehearsal halls, and administrative space. Galleries in the Cultural Arts Center are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Web site: http://www.uacgreensboro.org/

Greensboro Historical Museum: Learn Greensboros role in American history with exhibits on early settlement, military historic, and transportation. This museum also features photographs depicting Greensboros past as well as information on famous Greensboro natives like news reporter Edward R. Murrow and author O. Henry. The museum is located at 130 Summit Avenue and open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information: (336) 373-2043. Web site: www.greensborohistory.org

Greensboro Public Library - Central Branch: Located at 219 North Church Street across from the Greensboro Childrens Museum, the central branch of the Public Library is an great resource for nearby residences, businesses, students, and visitors. The central branch of the public library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The branch is also open on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more information: (336) 373-2474.

Greensboro Visitors Center: Need information about activities, parks, golf, dining, or shopping in Greensboro and Guilford County? The Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 317 South Greene Street and is a great source for obtaining news about local and regional activities and attractions. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday from and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Visitors Center is also open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information: (336) 274-2282. Web site: www.visitgreensboronc.com

Historical Markers: Several events of regional and national importance have occurred in Downtown Greensboro. Historical markers are scattered throughout the area to commemorate these events. Civil Rights Leaders: A plaque and bronzed footprints of the lunch counter protest leaders. Located at 132 South Elm Street. Civil War Hospital Site: Building used as a hospital during the civil war. Located at 130 Summit Avenue. Edgeworth Womens Seminary: Higher education school for females. Located near the corner of West Market and Edgeworth Streets. Guilford County Health Department: First in North Carolina. Located at the corner of Market and Eugene Streets. Lunch Counter Sit-In: Civil rights protest. Located at 121 North Elm Street. North Carolina Railroad: State operated railroad system. Located in the 300 block of South Elm Street. O. Henry: Famous author. Located at 426 West Market Street Vicks VapoRub: Invented in Greensboro. Located at 121 North Elm Street. Walkway of History: Chronicles local African-American history ranging from the Underground Railroad through the first African-American state Supreme Court Justice. Located at the corner of South Elm Street and February One Place.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum: A defining moment in the civil rights struggle was a sit-in protest of the Woolworth Store lunch counter that refused to serve African-Americans. Lead by college students, this non-violent protest helped launch the civil rights movement that culminated with the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This museum will be located in the former Woolworth's building at 132 South Elm Street and will feature artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia depicting the lunch counter sit-in as well as the civil rights movement. www.sitinmovement.org.

O. Henry Statue: This public sculpture is located in the plaza of the First Union Tower complex. O. Henry is a famous American author and the pen name for William Sydney Porter, who was born and educated in Greensboro. The bronzed, life-sized statue depicts O. Henry, his beloved dog, and on open book representing his short stories. Located on Bellmeade Street, between North Greene and North Elm Streets.

Old Greensborough Neighborhood: This Downtown commercial and residential area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features restored buildings with retail, office, restaurant, and residential uses. Take a self-guided walking tour of this distinctive neighborhood and visit the unique shops that make-up this fascinating area. The historic district is centered along South Elm Street, from Market to Lee Streets.

Outdoor Sculpture Garden: The Cultural Arts Center at the corner of Friendly Avenue and Davie Street hosts the sculpture garden. Featuring a range of styles and artists, the sculpture garden provides a unique, outdoor setting for public art. The outdoor displays are changed annually.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Greensboro:  Experience the heritage of Greensboro on MP3 players while enjoying downtown restaurants and shops between sites. Most sites are located on Elm Street from Market to Lee Streets. The full tour lasts 90 minutes and is available for a charge of $5.00 at 2 new locations: The Greensboro Central Library Gift Shop at 219 North Church Street, (Hours are 9 to 9 Mon-Fri; 9-6 Sat; 2-6 Sun). Also at Carolina Theatre Box Office, 310 South Greene Street, ( Hours are 12 noon to 5:30, Mon-Fri). Family rates discounted. For additional information, call Charleen Fischer at 336-274-4511.