Going to Greensboro, N.C., for the Friars game? Here's where to eat and what to do

Making it into the NCAA Tournament with a No. 11 seed, the Friars will start their tournament run on Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina, at 7:10 p.m. facing the sixth-seeded Kentucky Wildcats.

The matchup sets up a bit of a road trip for Providence fans who want to see the Friars on the court.

If you're planning (or even thinking about) making the trek and want to know what there is to do in the Gate City, we have you covered with some recommendations on how to spend your time there. We have restaurant recommendations, including two dinner spots within a walkable distance of Greensboro Coliseum.

After all, an evening basketball game leaves plenty of time for exploring.

How to get to Greensboro, N.C. from Providence

If you’re traveling by car, it’s an 11-hour or so road trip down 1-95 from Providence to Greensboro, North Carolina.

If a minimum of 11 hours in a car doesn’t sound feasible, the best choice is likely to catch a flight from T.F. Green Internation Airport in Providence to the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is just outside of Greensboro, North Carolina. The cheapest flight on Kayak.com for a Thursday to Saturday round trip was $237 for an economy seat with American Airlines. If you expect the Friars to make it to the second round and want to extend the trip to Monday the cheapest flight will run $315.

Places in RI to watch the game:Here are 14 fan-favorite sports bars to watch the Friars' basketball games this March

Where to eat in Greensboro, N.C.

If you’re looking to get dinner near the Greensboro Coliseum the night of the game, consider going to either Hops Burger Bar on Spring Garden Street or Stamey’s Barbecue on Gate City Boulevard. Both local restaurants are within walking distance.

At Hops, expect high-quality burgers and sandwiches. At Stamey’s, take advantage of being in the South to get some true “Lexington-style” barbecue.

What to know:No. 11 Providence Friars to meet No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats Friday in Greensboro, N.C.

For a breakfast or brunch option the next day (depending on how late you wake up – cheering can take a lot out of you), consider Scrambled Southern Diner, which is right near Hops on Spring Garden Street and will keep you in the area near the arena that you’re now a little familiar with, or you could head downtown to The Sage Mule, 608 Battleground Ave.

At Scrambled, you can order Southern classics like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits, in addition to classic breakfast offerings. They serve breakfast all day. At The Sage Mule, their biscuits are highly regarded, but there’s a lot to tempt you on the menu.

While you’re out exploring if you’re looking for some lunch and dinner options in downtown, consider Crafted the Art of the Taco, 220 South Elm St. for gourmet tacos; Southend Brewing Co, 117B W Lewis St, if you want to check out the brewery scene; or Bourbon Bowl, 531 South Elm St., for a dinner experience that also includes bowling.

What to do in Greensboro, N.C.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum: Home of the famous Woolworth Sit-In, the museum, 134 South Elm St., is a must-visit spot to see where the Greensboro Four refused to move from their seat at the counter.

Explore the downtown: Reopening for the season on Saturday, March 18, check out Elsewhere, a living museum and artist residency for a unique experience. If you like cats, there’s the Crooked Tail Cat Café, 604 South Elm St. There are plenty of cute little shops to pop into.

Take a walk: If you’re looking for a chance to stretch your legs, pick one of the trails in Bur-Mil park and enjoy a hike by the lake. The Owl’s Roost trail is a favorite and about 5 miles long, and if you want something a little shorter try the Big Loop trail.

Diane Fuhrer, a USA Today Network employee who lives in the Greensboro area, contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: NCAA Tournament Greensboro N.C.: What to do, eat if visiting for game