THE PENDULUM

THE GRANDE 16 AND CAROUSEL CINEMAS: Any movie not playing in Burlington will likely be showing at one of these two theaters. The Grande at Friendly Center features 16 screens, and the Carousel is the sister site of the new theater at Alamance Crossing. While it shows mainstream titles, it also has a bistro section for foreign, independent and art house films.

P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO: Located at Friendly Center, this sit-down Asian restaurant is a far cry from the typical Chinese take-out joint. The rich Asian cuisine is meant to be shared around the table, and a reservation is essential. Signature dishes include crispy honey chicken, pepper steak and the Great Wall of Chocolate.

YUM YUM'S: This Greensboro landmark has been around for more than 100 years. To this day, it still only serves hotdogs and ice cream. Located on the UNC Greensboro campus, the restaurant is always crowded but the service is fast. Though it may look a bit run-down, its hotdogs and ice cream are regarded by most Greensboro natives as the best in the city.

GREENE STREET CLUB: This little music venue in downtown Greensboro showcases cover bands, touring bands and local bands like Mercy Mercedes. Upcoming shows include Straylight Run and New Found Glory.

THE N CLUB:This music and dance club is one of downtown’s biggest hot spots. Past artists have included Sister Hazel, Elliot Yamin and Edwin McCain. Wednesdays are College Nights and women are admitted for free.

GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX:  The Coliseum is the venue for all the major events in Greensboro, such as concerts, Broadway touring shows, the circus, monster truck rallies and fairs. Upcoming events include Janet Jackson in concert, the Annual Central Carolina Fair, Arenacross and the touring company of “Mamma Mia!”

TRIAD STAGE: Located in the heart of downtown Greensboro, Triad Stage is a non-profit professional theater organization. It features well-known plays like “The Night of the Iguana” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and original works like the Christmas show “Beautiful Star.”

THE CAROLINA THEATER: This historic theater in downtown Greensboro features plays and concerts. The Community Theater of Greensboro’s performances are held here. The theater also periodically screens movie classics from “Casablanca” to “Pulp Fiction.”

LYNDON STREET ARTWORKS: Lyndon Street Artworks isn’t a typical gallery. The hip and laid-back atmosphere has studio space where visitors can see the artists working and a gallery with paintings, sculptures, metal work, stained glass, pottery and jewelry at all price ranges. And if you don’t see something at the price you want, an artist can make something else for you.

NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER: The Natural Science Center offers a closer venue for viewing animals than the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. Its Animal Discovery Zoological Park features tigers, monkeys, reptiles, a petting zoo and more. The center also has constantly changing exhibits and a domed planetarium theater.