Walking Wednesdays Tour of College Hill

Tour reservations are required.

College Hill has the distinction of being Greensboro’s best-preserved nineteenth century neighborhood. The narrow streets lined with Queen Anne cottages and charming bungalows are enhanced by offbeat boutiques and eateries that cater to a hipster clientele from nearby colleges. Packed with history and centrally located, College Hill blends quaint architecture with amenities to create one of North Carolina’s most energetic urbane neighborhoods.

The hill and its convenient location proved a popular choice for Greensboro’s Victorian-era middle class who sought to escape the hustle and bustle of the growing town. Initially called Piety Hill and College Hill in the nineteenth century, the area was renamed “West End” after the establishment of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1891. Mixed use development graced the neighborhood with a number of elaborate Queen Anne-style houses built along Walker Avenue, Mendenhall Street, and Morehead Avenue followed by shops, stores, sanctuaries, and services that catered to local needs.

Learn about history, personalities, preservation challenges, and architectural features on an walking tour led by Preservation Greensboro’s executive director Benjamin Briggs. You will gain insights on life in the nineteenth century, and its legacy that is preserved in the porches, gardens, and charm of the neighborhood.

This is our 19th season of walking tours that are FREE to the community (but we hope you will consider joining as a member). Please reserve your place on the walk you want to join by emailing us. This tour begins in front of Coffeology at 423 Tate Street, and will take 60 to 90 minutes. Canceled in case of rain/thunder — updates will be made on our social media. Wear comfortable shoes!