Leah and I moved to Greensboro, NC in April of 2017. Last week I mentioned a few notable things in the Piedmont Triad area (of which Greensboro is a part), but now seems like a good time to detail the city… in greater detail. We moved here because of Leah’s job, and so far I think the city’s the perfect place to start as a married couple. “But wait, do you just have Greensboro Goggles?” you might ask. “Where would be a bad place to start out?” you might demand. Well to answer those questions, “No,” and Oregon would be a bad place to start—it’s too rainy. Boston too—it’s too cold. Now with that out of the way and moving on…

Besides being home to America’s first Civil Rights lunch counter protest (which is now an excellent museum), as well as Vick’s VapoRub and the author of Ender’s Game, Greensboro is also home of O. Henry, Loretta Lynch, and Ken Jeong (from The Hangover). Wrangler Jeans are headquartered here, and Greensboro has hosted the International Folk Festival the last few years. Leah and I went to it before things got cold, and not only did we see a lot of artists playing guitar, mandolin, and banjo (and washboard), but there were groups from Europe and Africa and electronica—whatever was considered “folk” where folk were from.

There are a number of minor league sports teams in the city, like the Greensboro Grasshoppers. They’re a baseball team, and those of us in the know call them “the Hoppers.” The game we went to only cost seven dollars. The seating was great, and food and drinks were also amazingly affordable. In many ways I think this is a good metaphor for Greensboro; the city is large enough to have everything you need, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the rent is priced perfectly. Finally, on the subject of sports, the Wyndham Golf Championship is here. This interests my dad greatly.

The only thing I don’t understand is the insane number of indoor trampolines parks I’ve encountered—I swear there’s one on every corner. But moving on, this is the most “South” I’ve ever lived. I tell relatives back in Oregon though that it feels more like “South-lite.” To my ear some people have accents, but a many don’t. People rave about barbeque a lot, but it’s deserved. Really all of the food’s great, and downtown has a place that does Southern tacos. I never knew my life was missing tacos with macaroni and pulled pork until I ate there. People are friendly, and I hear “blessings” often, but no fake “oh bless your heart,” and so far I like the weather.

I’m not sure how long Leah and I will stay, but at least a few years. We need to return to the Carolina Theatre, and to finally make it to the very well-reviewed Greensboro Science Center. Both facets, and on Elm Street they do free concerts and street fairs in the spring and summer. Additionally, there seems to be almost as many pet emporiums and dog spas and parks around here as there are indoor trampoline parks. I have a feeling in the next year or two those things will take on new importance in our lives. So we might have to stay (but only if future dogs are allowed to jump on the trampolines with us).

–Jeff and Leah