Whether you have a friend visiting from out of town or are just bored of sitting around and doing the same thing every weekend, it’s helpful to have a few options in mind for outings. With the Greensboro Grasshoppers’ season opener more than a month away and my pool still iced over, here are some things you may want to consider in the coming weeks.
The Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC-Greensboro
Corner of Spring Garden and Tate St.
COST: Free
HOURS: Tues Wed Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
There are a handful of museums in Greensboro that are well worth checking out, including the Greensboro Historical Museum and the just-opened International Civil Rights Center & Museum.
The Weatherspoon Art Museum is currently featuring an exhibition of work by Leonardo Drew. Born in Florida in 1961, Drew was only 13 when he had his first solo exhibition. Using a variety of media and materials, his artwork simultaneously portrays feelings of emptiness and fullness through a strong use of space.
Other exhibitions in the museum are just as appealing. One entitled “Identity and Social Protest: American Art 1960-Present,” features work by famous artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Andy Goldsworthy.
Downstairs, part of the permanent collection, titled “Odd Bodies,” is currently on display. Check out the “breathing boy” and other artistic interpretations of the human body in this section, and bring your friends because museum entry is free!
Red Oak Brewery Tour
Exit 138 on 40-East, roughly 30 minutes from campus.
COST: $5/person
HOURS: Every Friday at 3 p.m. Try to arrive at 2:45 p.m.
“An honest brew makes its own friends,” reads a sign in the entrance to the brewery. You must be 21+ to tour Red Oak Brewery, but if you aren’t yet, this is undoubtedly something to look forward to.
Brew master Chris Buckley led our recent tour, explaining every step of the production process and answering any questions. After the tour, participants are invited to try the three varieties of Bavarian-style lagers the brewery makes, including Red Oak, Hummin’ Bird, and Battlefield Bock.
Each beer comes with its own distinct taste, but Red Oak accounts for 90 percent of their current sales. On the way out, everyone is given a complimentary pint glass, and you can buy growlers (a half-gallon jug) or 12-packs if you’re interested.
Red Oak began as a brewpub across the street from Guilford College, and grew until their beer was being served in over 500 locations. Almost two and a half years ago, the owners commissioned the facility at its current location.
Red Oak Brewery does not use chemical preservatives or artificial carbonation, and are very proud of their commitment to high-quality, traditional Bavarian lagers. Employing 20 people in total, they sell and distribute the beer themselves rather than relying on larger distributors owned by their competition.
For more information about the brewing process, or to see their new electronic bottling machine (it can fill 150 bottles per minute), you’ll have to go on the tour yourself.
Skateland USA West
200 Stage Coach Trail
COST: $6 ($4 for a session and $2 for skate rentals)/ person
HOURS: Mon Tues Thurs 6:30-9 p.m.; Mon 3-5 p.m.; Sat Sun 1:30-4:30 p.m. (other times increase the cost)
Skateland USA West is very close to Guilford’s campus, which is surprising, considering how few students have heard of it. You’ll still want a car to get there, though there are some students who wouldn’t sweat the bike ride.
Whether you prefer rollerblading, roller-skating, or have no experience in either, Skateland USA is a great destination to exercise or enjoy a lighthearted afternoon with friends.
There are a number of cheap and unusual food options – chips, cookies, and pickles all sell for $1. If you have a little more cash ($2-$3) you can buy cotton candy, grilled cheese, sno kones, pizza, a hot dog, or a cheeseburger.
Skateland USA offers 13 arcade games, including Pac Man, Jambo Safari, and Die Hard. Even more exciting, however, are the beginners’ skating classes offered every Saturday.
Tony Smith has coached at Skateland USA for 10 years, helping everyone from the “Tiny Tots” to the senior citizen “Grand Esquires” improve their skills.
“It’s probably the hardest sport I’ve done,” Smith said, who has played basketball, baseball, and football. “It’s kind of got that NASCAR feel to it.