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In the heart of Greensboro, creativity thrives. Downtown Greensboro is a vibrant hub for makers, artists, and innovators who bring unique ideas to life. Whether you are looking to explore galleries, participate in workshops, or purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, Downtown Greensboro offers a multitude of creative experiences.
As Downtown Greensboro has grown to be a hub for creativity and artisans, it has welcomed diverse and dynamic individuals to its creative scene. And thanks to these artistic souls, our downtown has become a creative scene that entices residents and visitors with its blend of tradition and innovation.
Take an hour or a day and immerse yourself in the many creative endeavors Downtown Greensboro has to offer — from crafting your own artistic masterpiece, to creating a custom scent, to fostering your best physical and mental self — there are so many ways to express yourself and learn something new in the Gate City!
Forge Greensboro
219 West Lewis Street
www.forgegreensboro.org
The Forge Greensboro is a community makerspace that offers not only the tools and equipment to create just about anything under the rainbow but also the mentors and classes to guide you in your quest for artistic expression. As Executive Director Tiffany Jacobs explains, “If you can dream it, you can probably make it at the Forge.”
With a membership model like a gym, The Forge feels like a summer camp for adults, providing spaces for soft arts like textiles, 3D printing, electronics and robotics, pottery and ceramics, and a hard space that includes full metal and woodworking shops. Classes are open to non-members, and scholarships and subsidized memberships are available to students and others. “We want everyone to have access,” Jacobs shares. “We don’t want money to be a barrier, because we believe The Forge will open people’s lives up.”
Unique opportunities include a female-only welding class, raku pottery firing, and a knife forging class — all of which fulfill The Forge’s goal of being a haven for inventors, students, entrepreneurs, artisans, trade professionals, tinkerers, and hobbyists.
LUXE Fragrance Bar
219 Southside Square
luxefragrancebar.com
Looking for a one-of-a-kind fragrance and custom skincare boutique? Downtown Greensboro has you covered. LUXE Fragrance Bar lets you choose any fragrance from their fragrance bar and infuse it in a range of natural body butters, lotions, oils, and organic body washes. The shop provides a healthier skincare alternative thanks to its use of natural ingredients. Owner Jazz Whitaker says that her shop is often referred to as one of downtown’s hidden gems. “It’s one of those places that’s a well-kept secret among those in the know. Our standard service is designed to indulge our clients with self-care and the ‘LUXE LIFE EXPERIENCE.’”
LUXE’s Fragrance Parties provide a DIY experience where you can enjoy the unique process of creating your own signature scent. You will be guided through the art of layering and exploration to discover your preferred fragrance palette, all in a luxurious location bound to inspire you to enjoy some decadent self-care.
Moore Music Company
615 West Market Street
www.mooremusiccompany.com
For 85 years, Moore Music Company has been fostering musical talent and learning throughout Greensboro. The downtown stalwart changed hands seven years ago, but current owner Al Stephens has continued the shop’s mission to grow music education in the community. “Our belief is that everyone who walks in is on their own journey to learn music regardless of age, and we are here to help them,” Stephens shares.
Families of middle schoolers around Greensboro know the shop for its instrument rentals for students in band or orchestra, but the shop also offers sheet music, repairs, and music lessons. “We have about 300 students a week taking music lessons,” Stephens says.
But the shop also wants to encourage people of all ages. To that end, Moore Music offers a free ukulele class on the first Saturday of the month. Open to anyone, Stephens says no instrument is needed and that thanks to only having four strings, the ukulele is fairly easy for people to pick up. “We have classes and then a jam session, and typically 30 to 35 people attend.” It fits into what Stephens sees as the shop’s work “to help people find their voice.”
Sonder Mind and Body
515 South Elm Street
www.sondermindandbody.com
Looking for a place to relieve stress and feel rejuvenated? Sonder Mind and Body is a modern wellness center offering meditation pods, sensory deprivation flotation tanks, and an infrared sauna with chromotherapy. Recognizing the benefits of Western medicine and the wisdom of Eastern healing, Sonder aims to provide a science-backed ecosystem for wellness.
Choose from the float room or pod and discover the range of health benefits this treatment offers, from personal development to physical performance and well-being. The sauna experience happens in a private cabin suite, which includes a private shower for a full-body, therapeutic experience. Adding chromotherapy, or color light therapy, helps restore balance. The therapeutic applications of light and color are being investigated for their therapeutic value for various conditions—from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders.
GreenHill Center for NC Art
200 North Davie Street
www.greenhillnc.org
Engaging a broad community of artists, adults, and children through dynamic exhibitions and educational programs, GreenHill provides a platform for exploration and investment in art. It is the only non-collecting organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and advocating contemporary visual art and the artists of North Carolina. The Center’s mission is to promote the visual art and artists of North Carolina by engaging a broad community through exhibitions and educational programs.
First Fridays offer a free way for the community to engage with local art, whether listening to live music in the gallery, watching a dance performance, or creating your next masterpiece in the studios. GreenHill offers a wide range of exhibitions, giving artists opportunities at every stage in their careers, while ArtQuest aims to help children and families immerse themselves in art and creativity.
If you prefer to buy art rather than create it, GreenHill’s shop offers a wide range of artisanal and artistic pieces, including beautiful artwork, cards, prints, skincare, and more.
Lark Fitness
225 Summit Avenue
www.larkfitnessco.com
Lark Fitness’s goal is to educate clients so they don’t need private personal training services anymore. As Owner Beth Hansen explains, “What sets us apart is our goal is to educate you and put us out of the job.” Lark’s four-stage process begins with a phone consultation and then a deep dive in person. Next, there are many assessments to create a movement plan that addresses specific needs. Hansen says, “Movement is the means by which we empower people.”
As for being a part of Downtown Greensboro’s creative scene, that’s a no-brainer for Hansen. “Greensboro is my hometown. I choose to live here, and I’m intentional about being a part of the community.”
Rock’s Bar and Hair Shop
526 South Elm Street
www.rocksbarandhairshop.com
Downton Greensboro’s only masculine-focused grooming lounge and bar, Rock’s Bar and Hair Shop, serves up a full range of personal care services, including precision haircuts, shaves, beard and mustache care, and the best in barber products, all in an inclusive environment. The only thing missing is a cold beer while you are being pampered — no, wait, Rock’s has that covered as well with its craft beer bar.
Indulge in a cut, have your beard trimmed or sculpted, or even enjoy a hot shave. There’s no reason the ladies should have the market cornered on self-care. And now downtown has a place for dudes to kick back and freshen up their look in style.
No matter where you turn, there’s a vibrant and diverse artisanal landscape waiting for you in Downtown Greensboro. From places to express yourself, learn, or simply relax, exploring the unique businesses and experiences that Downtown Greensboro offers promises to be a day well spent. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of creativity that awaits you. Come and discover the magic of Downtown Greensboro!
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