About Town: Greensboro

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It's finally here. The last week of the PGA TOUR Regular Season. So you have one more week to have a relaxing fan weekend before the Playoffs start and things go nuts. Remember how exciting last year was? Hardly time for a massage at the hotel spa when you're watching the final events of the FedExCup unfold.

Lecka/Getty Images

Fan favorite Brandt Snedeker will defend a title for the first time in his PGA TOUR career this week.

HOT HOTELS

O'Henry Hotel
Downtown Marriott
Wyndham Garden Hotel

HUNGRY?

Stamey's BBQ
Natty Green's
Jam's Deli
Ganache Bakery

GET BUSY

Carolina Theatre
Grove Winery
Historic downtown
Old Salem

The PGA TOUR will finish the regular season, as it did last year, in Greensboro, N.C., for the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club. Located in central North Carolina, Greensboro is an easy destination to find and isn't too far from anything. A lot of these recommendations come from my Greensboro-native friend MC, and she's never taken me anywhere boring...

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

Looking for some true Southern Hospitality this week? Look no further than Greensboro's O'Henry Hotel. This locally-owned, four-star boutique hotel really knows how to make you feel welcome. Trust me, I've stayed here. It's only 15 minutes from the tournament, and rates start around $200 a night.

Other options
• For something a little more affordable, book your stay at the three-and-a-half-star Marriott Greensboro Downtown. It's a 20-minute drive from the course, and rates start around $170 a night.
• For an even better rate -- and a nod to the tournament sponsor -- stay at the three-star Wyndham Garden Hotel. Also about 20 minutes from Sedgefield, rates start at just over $100 a night.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

Get ready for some good eats. We don't take dinnertime lightly in the South.

• Stamey's BBQ: North Carolina barbecue is the best there is, plain and simple, and I won't have you saying it's any other way. Not familiar with the Tarheel State's signature dish? Don't fear the vinegar -- it's what makes the meat. So pull up a chair at Stamey's and dive into a big plate of pulled pork. Dubya ate here when he was in town, so I mean, if it's good enough for the president...
• Natty Green's Brewing Co.: If there's something North Carolinians like as much as barbecue, it's probably beer. There are microbreweries all over this state (as evidenced by these Carolina boys spending their summer making a film about it), and Natty Green's is Greensboro's award-winning restaurant and brew pub. Try one (or more) of the specialty beers in the outdoor beer garden, and yes, there's barbecue pork on the menu.
• Jams Deli: A local sandwich, salad and dessert (for your sweet tooth) joint, Jams is an MC favorite. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can dine in or take out. Personally, I like the sound of the fried cheesecake. I told you we don't take dinnertime lightly in the South.
• Ganache Restaurant and Bakery: Another downtown restaurant, Ganache has dinners and desserts to die for. Located on Elm Street, it's far from a nightmare. Southern food with an urban twist, the Ganache menu will have you reaching for your napkin and silverware before you even have a chance to order.

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

Part of the Triad area in North Carolina's Piedmont region, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas, has plenty to keep you occupied when you're not at the golf course.

• The Carolina Theatre: A classic old cinema that shows classic old movies, the Carolina Theatre is in its 81st year of operation. This week playing on the silver screen: Sabrina, Pyscho, A Star is Born, An American Werewolf in London, Any Gun Can Play and The Absent-Minded Professor.
• Grove Winery: We already covered a microbrewery, but if you prefer wine to beer, you're in luck. Grove Winery is on a 44-acre farm just north of the city. Open every day for wine tasting -- or a full glass if you so wish -- there is also live jazz music on the patio this weekend at 6 p.m. on Friday.
• Historic Downtown Greensboro: This turn-of-the-century district of Greensboro is chock-full of local color in its many antique stores, coffee shops, specialty clothing stores, gift shops, art galleries and restauarants. Spend some time walking around under Carolina's summer sun (pile on the sunscreen) in this quaint area of the city.
• Old Salem: Not to be confused with the home of the witch trials, Old Salem is about half an hour west of Greensboro in Winston Salem (another member of the Triad area). This historic region of its mother city houses four museums that document early life in the Southern states, and it also happens to be the home of the Moravian Cookie. If you haven't tried one, make sure you do.

Mobley/PGA TOUR

North Carolina's coast is world famous.

STICKING AROUND?

If you have some time to explore a little more, then you picked a great state to do it in. North Carolina has everything from the mountains to the ocean, and that's exactly what I have in mind for suggestions.

• Asheville: About two-and-a-half hours west of Greensboro, this striking mountain town is a tourist favorite. Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, you'll be impressed. It's one of the most beautiful towns North Carolina has to offer, if not the most.
• Wilmington: If you'd rather hit the beach than the trails, then head about three hours east of Greensboro to the seaside town of Wilmington. A historic beauty itself, Wilmington is also just 10 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, which has all the characteristics of North Carolina's famous beaches.