Even the most dedicated homebody might have a hard time staying in for more than a day or two in Greensboro. North Carolina's third largest city doesn't quite have the national recognition of Charlotte or Raleigh, but it's no less exciting than its larger counterparts. As a result, late nights at the ballet, festivals, and local wineries, especially in the warmer months, are inevitable in this lively town. Rather than worrying about your home while you're gone, invest in an ADT monitored security system to give yourself some extra peace of mind.

Once you do, get back to enjoying the best cultural and natural attractions Greensboro has to offer. Spend date nights at the symphony, rainy weekend days seeing history at the International Civil Rights Museum, and sunny Saturdays getting introduced to Greensboro's horticultural side at the Greensboro Arboretum. Local trails at the Bog Garden celebrate the lush, watery topography of central North Carolina, with elevated boardwalks to keep runners and walkers busy in all but the hottest months.

When summer heat feels oppressive, you have your choice of three local lakes in which to escape. Swim, fish, and boat the heat right out of your system, and once you have, head back into Greensboro for some legendary Southern barbeque to close out the day.