Greensboro Daily Photo

Swan Song for Winterfest 2012

Piedmont Winterfest 2012 officially closed yesterday. The above ice-skating rink will be drained and, hopefully, like Frosty the Snowman, come to life again next year. The postcard-perfect, Winterfest was a successful, public-private partnership involving many local entities*. It was located in Festival Park on Davie Street near the Greensboro Central Library. We're not sure how the unseasonably warm weather impacted attendance; however, on the days we visited, there were many skaters.  Yesterday, many children were out trying their hardest to master skating. One of the most determined children was a little boy who was out there all afternoon. You can see him in the middle of the rink, next to the girl with blue pants. We're hoping next year's rink can be even bigger.

If you still want to ice skate in Greensboro, you can head to the Ice House off of West Wendover Avenue. They were one of the sponsors of this event and will be more than happy to see you on their home turf...ice. Skating is great exercise. Happy last-Monday-in-January, dear readers.

*read more here.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

When the winter weather is nice in Greensboro, nothing beats heading to one of our parks or the greenway for a bike ride. Here we are at the entrance of Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. The signage marks the 2 1/4 mile bike trail, clearly.  

Next month will be time for the reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. We recommend riding the trails this month to learn the lay of the land, so that on reenactment weekend, you will be able to move from point A to point B efficiently. Greensboro has many active cycling groups, check with one of the bike shops if you want to find a group of cyclists at your level. Have a great weekend everyone. Hope to see you out on the trail. 

To Pilot Mountain and Beyond

From First Friday downtown to the Fall Festival at Bur-Mil Park on Saturday to Sunday's Italian Festival in Festival Park, Greensboro is packed with things to do this weekend. However, the mountains are also calling. From now until the end of October, it is possible to see peak leaves somewhere in North Carolina. You just have to find the right elevation.

The above photo of the iconic Pilot Mountain, just north of Winston-Salem, was taken last year later in the season. Pilot Mountain is a geological landmark that rises 1,400 above sea level and is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. If you like the outdoors, Pilot Mountain is non-stop fun. Nearby Mt. Airy was the inspiration for Sheriff Andy Griffith's TV show about Mayberry. It is a quintessential small North Carolina town of yesteryear with 21st century updates.

Consider making a day trip from Greensboro to the mountains soon as this year is supposed to be good for fall foliage. We hope that you have a wonderful weekend; you are healthy and happy and, at some point, you visit Pilot Mountain, Mt. Airy, and beyond. (We're sharing this post with Skywatch Friday).

Hearty Orange Tree in the Arboretum at Lindley Park

After all the research we did for yesterday's post on John Van Lindley, we're not quite ready to drop the topic. By chance, on Sunday, we were sitting on a bench at the Arboretum in Lindley Park listening to Scotty Walker's band. Looking up, we noticed these spikey/thorny branches above us. Intrigued that some of the branches had leaves and others did not, we leaned over to see what kind of tree we were near. According to the sign, this is a hearty orange tree. How fitting that an orange tree is growing on land that formerly belonged to John Van Lindley who was an expert with fruit trees. The branch of botany that studies and cultivates fruit trees is pomology. Lindley was an expert pomologist. 

Down the road from Lindley Park is the Pomona Park neighborhood of Greensboro where Lindley had Pomona Nurseries and where his business, The Pomona Terra Cotta Works was located. In the same neighborhood, at the end of the 19th century, the Pomona Cotton Mill opened. In 1905, Pomona Baptist Church was built and soon thereafter, the nearby Pomona Cemetery opened.  Since Pomona is the ancient Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, we're thinking Lindley had his hand in getting all of these places named "Pomona."

Today, Pomona Drive has no houses and its surrounding area is gray.... full of businesses and industry. (See here for a photo).  We are especially thankful that Mr. Lindley left so much green space for us to enjoy today. We are thankful that organizations like Greensboro Beautiful and our master gardeners work so hard at planting and keeping things green. For a very long time, we hope to enjoy tranquil vantage points like the one in the photo. We suspect Lindley would be pleased upon seeing this orange tree thriving in a place for all to enjoy.

The Great Orator......

This young boy was entertaining himself on a stump in Westerwood Park as his dad played basketball just to the right of this photo. The little boy was so focused, as if he were practicing his student council speech. Eloquence in public speaking is part gift, part learned. Additionally, success of a public speaker is partially attributed to the effect of dialect on the ear of the listeners. We didn't hear what this young boy was saying but his every gesture and action made us want to take pause and listen. Unfortunately, we were just passing by; saw, but did not hear. It is amazing how much fun he was having climbing and jumping from that stump. It looked like a scene out of The Giving Tree. This tree continues giving enjoyment, even when it is nothing more than a stump.

Weekends, Westerwood Park is busy, non stop, with groups playing pick up games of basketball while joggers and bikers pass by. Parks are good not only for for physical health but also mental health! They are great for the imagination!  "Joggers, bikers, hoop-shooters lend me your ears...."

Summer is Winding Down

For the children of Guilford County, summer is quickly winding down. Classes begin on Thursday, August 25th and from that point on, it will be 180 days of academic rigor. We've already had our tax free weekend for buying back-to-school clothes and other necessities. Children are trying hard to save their shoes and new outfits for those first days. Students are scrambling to finish their summer reading lists. If you have European History this fall, you are learning that Portugal is next to Spain is next to France is next to Germany is next to Poland... the Genesis of map skills. We encourage all to take a few days and commit to some unadulterated summer fun. Follow the lead of the children above and hula hoop, twirl ribbons, and run aimlessly squealing in delight. 

The above photo was taken back at the Summer Solstice Event in the Greensboro Arboretum. Before you know it, this very spot will be hosting girl scouts setting up for their December Candlefest. Enjoy what is left of summer. You won't regret it! If you have suggestions for family fun in Greensboro over the next couple of weeks, leave your ideas in the comment section.

Labyrinth Walking in Center City

The children walking the labyrinth were just precious. The little child in the forecround was as diligent and determined as the older children. The young boy in the orange shirt, near the center, walked the labyrinth many times and ran through it a few. Previously, we featured the labyrinth at Holy Trinity Church (here). Labyrinth facilitator, Vicki Longhofer Copeland was instrumental in getting the above temporary labyrinth installed in Center City Park. The paper stars were completed by children and were tied to the labyrinth, vesting more people in the project.

A labyrinth has a single, non-branching path to the center. Enter. Walk. Pause. Stop. Reflect. Walk. Arrive at the center. Turn around. Repeat the process. Return to the beginning. A labyrinth is a microcosm of life's path, reminding walkers that some facets of walking through life are shared with others although, ultimately, each life is a unique journey. Labyrinths are starting to be more common in the Greensboro area. The cancer centers at High Point Regional Hospital and the one at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro have labyrinths on their outdoor grounds. In addition to Holy Trinity Episcopal in Greensboro and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem have a labyrinth. If you have never seen/walked a labyrinth before, the one at Holy Trinity, located at 607 North Greene Street, on the street-side of the church and pretty much always available. Or, as we see from Vicki's example, you could make one yourself!

Let the Show Begin

Laurencio Carlos Ruiz, visiting artist/puppeteer at Elsewhere Artists Collaborative, unleashed these paper balloons on the lawn at Center City Park in front of the Davie Street Cultural Arts Center. If you look above the rightmost balloon, you can see the roof of the Cultural Arts Center peeking out. Part of July's First Friday activities, the balloons were located on the very spot where many of the Fun Fourth festivities will take place over the next three days. One person commented that they looked like something out of a Roald Dahl novel. A Kindergarten teacher said they reminded her of colored pencils. At any rate, children and adults alike enjoyed running between the balloons, peeking inside them, letting their imaginations run wild around them, and having their photo taken with the festive display. Let this be another example of why one should never sit home alone on First Friday with so much happening in downtown Greensboro.

Same goes for Fun Fourth, this community celebration that has been taking place in Greensboro since 1975, is another opportunity to get out and enjoy downtown. The event schedule can be found at the previous link here.

Summer Solstice 2011

Greensboro couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to kick off the summer (and to celebrate Father's Day) than the Summer Solstice Festival 2011, held yesterday at the Greensboro Arboretum. Fun was had by all at this intergenerational event. From toddlers to great-grandmothers, people donned brightly colored clothing, fairy wings, tulle, and glitter and hula-hooped the hours away. We don't have the attendance figures, but we're guessing that this year's event was the largest yet. The weather was perfect and adults, children, and pets were on their best behavior. Hats off to Greensboro for another safe, FREE event in a public space. 

We're gearing up for Greensboro's next big event, Fun Fourth, which will be held downtown and will culminate with the Fourth of July fireworks display at the Coliseum. Time to hang up the tie-dye and to bring out the red, white, and blue attire. As seen in the photo above, dressing for the events adds so much to the ambiance.

Camberly's Garden

Today's post takes us to Camberly's Garden at the Tanger Bicentennial Garden off Hobbs and Holden Roads. The above photo is fairly indicative of what you will see in Camberly's Garden-- foilage, sculptures, and flowers; beauty all around. If you spend time in this tranquil place, you start to feel the energy and emotion of this memorial garden dedicated to Camberly Holliday, daughter of former Mayor Keith Holliday and his wife Cindy.

Camberly died unexpectedly in 2002 of a brain aneurysm. Camberly was one of those young women who had a full, well-rounded life: music, dancing, Girl Scouts, academics; she loved and brought joy to her family, friends, church, and community every day of her fourteen short years on earth. We are so grateful that Greensboro has this garden where we can go to reflect, hope, and dream. With each wilting flower or new bud, Camberly's Garden reminds us that life is precious, yet fleeting.

This is our post for Skywatch Friday.

Greensboro Summer Solstice 2011

This Sunday is not only Fathers Day, it is also Summer Solstice Day at the Greensboro Arboretum (at Market Street near Lindley Park). While the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere officially begins on June 21st at 1:16 pm EDT, all of Greensboro comes out to celebrate on Sunday the 19th when families and venders are more able to get away from their weekday work commitments. We're slipping in this photo from last year just to generate a little excitement and to start planning our attire. It will be hard to beat last year's "best of show."

Don your floral headband, brightest tie dye, fairy wings, glitter, face paint, diaphanous skirts with leggings and spend the afternoon among performers and vendors. There will be people strolling in costume as well as children with their faces painted and pets all gussied up. You will have more fun if you dress for the event. There will be performers of all genres and the grande finale will be a fire show at 9:00 pm. Our community puts a lot of time and effort into this event. Please come out and support our community on the longest day of the year.

What is unique about this photo?

 

Well....we see four right hands (including the one in the tapestry) and no left hands.

 

Summer Fun in the Water Mister

Spraying water screams summer fun more than about anything else; whether you are at a water park or just a park with a water element. Above, we feature the water mister at The Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden last weekend. Children gleefully ran through the water-- usually more than once-- on the extremely hot day. Today is the first day of summer vacation for public school children. Many students have headed to the beach with their families, a North Carolina tradition. (We have great beaches). However, for those of us who can't get away, a water park or garden hose will be just fine.

We love the way the triangular shape of the young boy's folded balloon mimics that of the above structure's frame.  Finally, that little reflection on the ground qualifies us to participate in James' Weekend Reflections!

Red Hat Ladies & Accordion Man

We think these are Red Hat Ladies posing with Accordionist Bill Schwartz at the Parisian Promenade. According to their website, the Red Hat Society is "a global society of women that supports and encourages women in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness." Well, their mission about sums up the good time that was had at Sunday's Parisian Promenade. The Parisian Promenade in Bicentennial Gardens is a little like the Easter Parade in NYC. Part of the entertainment hinges on the promenaders dressing up, bringing their parasols and their pooches. The accordionist, strolled tirelessly, serenading the promenaders. 

Accordions are popular in European folk music, especially the Lawrence-Welk-style polkas. In the USA, they are gaining in popularity, especially with the rise in interest in Cajun music. Mr. Schwartz plays more in the soulful, French tradition. We are still smiling from the fun in the park at this free event. Let's hope the funding is available to sponsor it again next year. We're sharing this post with Ruby Tuesday where the color red is the catalyst for a virtual promenade!

Gone Golfing

Greensboro is a big golfing town and here you can see we've "gone golfing." Actually, this is the driving range at Bur-Mil park. It is open to the public and mighty fun and affordable. These men were having a blast while their children practiced at the putting green and, in at least one case, the wife was looking on. In the 1930's Greensboro launched its first PGA-sanctioned tournament and golf has become entrenched in our local culture. Public and private courses abound in our city. The News & Record has assembled a great history of golf in Greensboro (here).

This is our contribution to Skywatch Friday-- a place to enjoy the sky fifty-two weeks a year.

Mother's Day 2011

Today is Mother's Day; hopefully, you are celebrating the day with your mother-- either in person or in spirit. The above photo of a mother and her children was taken at the Revolutionary War reenactment in Country Park this past March. The mom walks with her sons tethered to her side. (During the colonial era, little boys wore loose gowns until they were potty trained). Leading the way, her daughter walks confidently a few paces ahead. The picture represents motherhood at its best-- a rewarding, uphill, hike, enjoying your little miracles of life every step of the way. 

In honor of all the moms out there, we'd like to share a few Sacred Sunday quotes:

Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living ~~Genesis 3:20

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all of my life. ~~Abraham Lincoln

If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been. ~~Robert Brault.

I miss thee, my Mother. Thy image is still the deepest impressed on my heart. ~~Eliza Cook

                                                                                                                        (more quotes here).

Learning to Golf-- and MORE-- at Bur-Mil Park

Fore!!! Greensboro is a great golfing city and we have several affordable options open to the public. Bur-Mil Park is one such option. The young guy in this photo was practicing his putting this past Sunday with his dad and big brother. All were concentrating on perfecting their game at Bur-Mil, located at 5384 Owl's Roost Road in Northwest Greensboro. The 9-hole golf course opened in 1914, almost 100 years ago! Originally, Bur-Mil Park was owned by Burlington Industries and used as their employee club.  Guilford County purchased the 250-acre park for 4.5 million dollars in 1989. In addition to golfing, Bur-Mil has a clubhouse for meetings and events; eight picnic shelters; a family aquatic center; a wildlife education center; summer camps; tennis courts & lessons; hiking and biking trails; access to the city's greenway, and a lake with fishing.

Burlington Industries has been through many changes since being incorporated in 1923. Gone are the days of the corporate office on Friendly Avenue with employees heading to Bur-Mil on the weekends (read the history of Burlington Industries here). However, private industry's loss has been the public's gain. If you are local, please make an effort to visit Bur-Mil. We especially recommend the educational programs facilitated by the Frank Sharp Jr. Wildlife Education Center.

Gateway Gardens: Oh Butterfly

 "Butterflies are self-propelled flowers." R.H. Heinlein

"Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and pleases wherever it goes."   Unknown

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Anderson

Today, we offer our final view of Gateway Gardens, one of four butterflies hovering high above the ground. In addition to the trees, many of the pieces of artwork are intended to provide shade for visitors. Each butterfly is 4' tall by 6' wide and extends 12' from the ground, attached by a round, steel tubing arm. The coloring comes from acrylic and polycarbonate. See sculptor Erik Beerbower's 2004 drawing of the four butterflies here. The drawing helps you conceptualize how the quartet looks installed in Gateway Gardens. In 2009, we featured Erik's butterflies BEFORE they took flight (here), when they were still back at Erik's Lyndon Street studio. In case you're wondering, all four of the butterfly sculptures have been sold/sponsored at the $50,000 level; so that naming opportunity has been missed. However, many others are still available through Gateway Gardens' main website under donors and opportunities. If you want to see drawings of the rest of the sculptures, enjoy them here.

Let's hope that some of our friends from around the world who visit today through Skywatch Friday or the City Daily Photo community will actually have a chance to visit Greensboro's Gateway Gardens in person. If you author one of the world's city daily photo sites, we'll make every effort to provide you with a personal tour. Just don't all (+/-) 1,500 of you come at once.... or do!

Fruit Seats at Gateway Gardens

Take a seat; rest a while; enjoy the fruits of your labor. For local school children and their families, it is spring break week! Parks are such great public spaces to enjoy on a nice day. Here we see seating at Gateway Gardens that will surely put a smile on your face as you sit back and admire the rest of the garden. The fruit seats are the artwork of local Greensboro artists Ernest and Lois Rich. They also developed many of the other pieces for the park. 

We featured Gateway Gardens on Monday (here) but are showing you a another image because we're so thrilled to have this community resource. Let's hope the people of Greensboro will do as much as they can to support Greensboro Beautiful and Parks and Recreation in their vision for the park. As one example, the visitors' center is not yet built which makes educational outreach, storage, and bathroom breaks a challenge! If you want to see a list of all the artwork as well as the opportunities to donate, look here. Last time we checked, only one of the three fruit/vegetable seats had been "sold." Purchasing a personalized 4x8 inch brick paver ($100), is another way to lend your name to this piece of Greensboro history here. We don't usually solicit; however, when it is for our city, we can't resist!

Don't you expect to see James from Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach to walk by at any minute?

Start your day at Gateway Gardens and then head over to UNCG for their Sustainable Earth Day Celebration from 10:30- 4:00 pm at College Avenue and Faust Park.

After the Storm in North Carolina

This weekend, North Carolina experienced its worst storm system in two decades: High winds, and excessive rain, too fast, were the main culprits. For the most part, Greensboro was spared; however, throughout North Carolina, 22 people are dead, 100 injured, and 800 homes need repairing (read WFMY story here). This photo was taken on Saturday at Latham Park and Wendover, just after the waters receded. Earlier, Latham Park was flooded. As bottles, cans, logs, yard debris, and other random items floated by, birds were flying low, from branch to branch, enjoying the fresh air and warm sun. Birds are a symbol of the soul, "flying free of the earth-bound body and seeking the heavens" (reference here), 

This week, as we reflect on the spirit of God's passing over homes during the Jewish Passover and on Jesus' ascending to heaven during Easter, birds hover, swoop, and soar, reminding us there is beauty and hope in a new beginning. Please hold in your hearts those who have lost loved ones and homes this week.

Gateway Gardens and University Research Park

After nearly a decade in the planning, Gateway Gardens is a reality. It is located on 11 acres of land between East Lee and Florida Streets adjacent to Barber Park.  Greensboro Beautiful, the non-profit that brought Greensboro the Bog and Bicentennial Gardens and the Arboretum, brings us Gateway Gardens. They do so, in collaboration with Greensboro's Parks and Recreation Department, as well as with the help of many private citizens. The above entrance from the parking lot is a mere prelude to the colorful, child-friendly space that blends local artwork, especially sculpture, with beautiful flora and walking trails. There is an outdoor classroom as well an many places to sit along the way. We will feature other views on Greensboro Daily Photo this week.

If you look closely at the building in the center of this photo, you will see yet another exciting venture for Greensboro. NCA&T and UNCG, the two North Carolina state universities located in Greensboro, have entered into a joint venture to build Gateway University Research Park. Anticipated to open later this year, the 64 million dollar facility will house the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, one of North Carolina's most exciting 21st century initiatives. For sure, the school will attract students from around the world who are interested in pursuing Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in the nanotechnology fields. In the meantime, with the Gateway Gardens, Gateway University Research Park and Barber Park, East Greensboro will be quite an amazing GATEWAY to the Gate City. If you have about 9 minutes, we highly recommend you watch the video clip put together about the Gateway Gardens project (read/view here). If you are interested in the Gateway Research Park, read/view here. 

Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden

Today we stretch Greensboro's borders a little bit and head a few miles northwest to Kernersville to the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. The site preparation for the garden, at 315 N. Main Street, has been a work in progress since 2005. The charming, horticultural delight recently opened with great fanfare. If this past Sunday was any indication, the botanical garden will be a dynamic hub of activity where people come to learn, see, and connect to the world of plants and flowers. The board is comprised of local volunteers and business owners, two of whom are members of the Ciener family. Locals will identify the Ciener family name with the Ford dealership in Kernersville. Mr. Ciener died in 1998.

The photo above shows the masterful layout of the pattern garden with plenty of space for visitors to get close to the plants and vantage points to stand back and admire it from afar. Not seen in the photo are the education center and the greenhouse. If you need inspiration for your yard or photography, driving to Kernersville would be well worth your while. After spending the day here, we left with the conclusion that floral prints are the new camouflage.

By the Shores of Lake Euphemia

Yeserday, we featured the Morton House in Hamilton Lakes. If you stand in their back yard and look southeast across Lake Euphemia, you will be looking at this structure. It is located in the common area of Hamilton Lakes where residents stroll and interact. From above, the rock and mortar structure has the appearance of an amphitheater.  Surely, little children are convinced that trolls and fairies live in the grotto and, it must be an amazing place for teenagers to socialize. We'd love to know who built the stone structure AND who named the lake after the Great Martyr Euphemia (read about her here).

If you are local, you might be interested in knowing that "Hamilton Lakes is a large  neighborhood park with over 60 acres of recreational opportunities. The natural wooded area is filled with trails, and has a stream and a playground on the northern end of the park" (GSO Parks & Rec). Bird watchers love this area year-round as it is reputed to have a wide variety of birds from Eastern Screech Owls to Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers. According to Denise Burnette of the Carolina Bird Club, spring is a great time to view neo-tropical migratory birds at Hamilton Lakes. Denise has written an informative article about the birding highlights of Hamilton Lakes (here).  

By the Shores of Lake Euphemia..........

 

Nathanael Greene Rides Again

Our city's namesake Nathanael Greene is assembling his troops at the round-a-bout downtown on McGee Street. In less than 24 hours, the 230th reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse will be in full swing. For one brief weekend, General Greene will step off his pedestal and come to life. In the American Revolutionary War, Greene was a major general for the Continental Army. The big battle in our area happened on March 15, 1781. Although Cornwallis beat Greene at the battle, it was a turning point in the war. Presently, the battlefield is soaked; however, Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be sunny. Let's hope so because wet wool is neither comfortable nor aromatic! If you are local, you have a great opportunity to interact with history! If you are driving down Battleground and hear gun shots, don't panic!

In the meantime, we're sharing this photo with Skywatch Friday.

Battle of Guilford Courthouse This Weekend

This weekend, Guilford County will be reliving the late 18th century and the Revolutionary War. Reenactors will be pouring into Greensboro right and left for the Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. If you are anywhere near Old Battleground or New Garden Road at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, you can be part of the 230th anniversary weekend. Already, the Revolutionary War Lecture Series is in full swing. Tonight at 7pm Historian Randell Jones will present "Before they Were Heroes at King's Mountain" at the park's visitor center. Call 336-288-1776 (like that catchy phone number???) to ensure there will be a seat for you. Same time/same place on Friday, you can attend "Old Ninety-Six, Crossroads and Revolution."

The schedule for this weekend is filled with camp activities, battles, crafts, music, guided walking tours, lectures, performances and demonstrations. So much to do here; so much to photograph. Call ahead as events might be cancelled or relocated due to weather. The above photo is from last year and the haze is smoke from a nearby battle that was in process. Below, check out the 1:30 video clip.  

Nathanael Greene Rides Again

The Nathanael Greene bronze statue at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park soars a majestic 27 feet above the earth. The monument depicts Greene, a Revolutionary War hero and our town's namesake. The statue, unveiled in 1915, was purchased with $30,000 appropriated by the U.S. Congress after local residents failed to raise sufficient funds.  The sculptor of the equestrian portion of the statue was Francis H. Packer (see reference below*).

Here we see the bronze horseman on a warm winter day this week. The early blossoms of spring were trying to decide if they dare open against the backdrop of the warm, blue, cloudless sky-- our contribution to Skywatch Friday. If you are local, mark your calendars for the 230th Battle of Guilford Courthouse Anniversary and Reenactment, March 12-13, 2011. Rain or shine, it will be a weekend of free entertainment and a great way to learn about history by reliving it! Photo opportunities abound. Here's one of reenacting troops we took last year and one of colonial musicians here.

*Historical information found in Gayle Hicks Fripp's book "Greensboro-- Images of America" Arcadia Publishing, p. 10.

Revolution Park

The sun rises over the three-acre Revolution Park at 2200 Yanceyville Street, at the beginning of Cornwallis Drive. If this softball field could talk, it would recount many fun times. For decades, workers from Revolution MIll, just down the street, came for picnics with their families and played ball from dawn to dusk. Workers at Revolution Mill were a close community; living, working, enjoying recreation, socializing, and attending school and church all within a few miles of the mill. Owners saw to it that their workers' children had access to a sound education and to family-friendly recreation. 

The park is a still-active city facility and, while textile looms were silenced in 1982, in 2003, the mill was purchased and renovated for office space. Preserving the integrity of the buildings, the $40 million dollar renovation has resulted in nearly 100 businesses opening within the structure. The owners endeavor to make the new facility the heart of the community. Many families on Maple, Cypress, Walnut, Fairview and surrounding streets have memories of Revolution Mill and Park that are as strong as the sun reflecting and refracting in this photo. When the weather warms, families will be filling up the field and the bleachers.

This post will be shared with Skywatch Friday.

Festival of LIghts

Greensboro was aglow last night with families out celebrating First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Thousands of people came out to listen to music, shop, skate, perform, and spend time with family and friends. Here we see children enjoying the fake snow piped through Center City Park while parents and grandparents scrambled to take pictures of their little ones. 

Today will be another day packed with family fun in Greensboro. If you get up early enough, you can land a good spot along the parade route (Greene to Market to Church Streets). The Girl Scouts will set up Candlefest in the Arboretum and many businesses will have open houses today. Let us know how you spent the day. Regardless of what you do, save some time for family and friends.

"S" is for Skating in Downtown Greensboro

As of last week, we've got our own little Rockefeller Center, or so it seems with a 40x85' skating rink in downtown Greensboro! This photo was taken Saturday afternoon when young and old alike were out having a blast on our temporary rink. The ice rink is set up between Cafe Europa, The Cultural Arts Center, and the amphitheater in Festival Park on Davie Street.  Having opened November 17th, it is the kick off event for Greensboro's Downtown in December and Piedmont Winterfest 2010. The rink will remain in place until January 22nd. If, like us, you are not in Paris or NYC for winter break, please make an effort to visit downtown Greensboro in December. Between First Friday (12/3), the rink, the shops,the performances, the restaurants, etc., the city has made a real effort to provide fun, family friendly activities for December.

Today is ABC Wednesday and "S" is for SKATING, with or without SNOW!!!!

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is not in Greensboro; however, it is only a 45 minute drive north and makes a great day trip! Located in the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock comes by its name honestly. After hiking mostly uphill for a mile, you look up and see large rock formations--- hanging. Then, you walk about 3/10ths of a mile up behind the the rocks to heights of around 2,000 feet. If you aren't expecting this altitude, Hanging Rock seems as if you are standing on the highest spot on earth-- high enough for us! As you can see in the photo, the people in the distance are sitting on peaks of bare rocks and sheer cliffs. Established in 1936, Hanging Rock is a part of North Carolina's natural heritage and we are very proud of this state park. The park includes waterfalls, caves, ridges, 18 miles of trails and more over 6,457 acres. If you want more information, we like this link (see here). 

Happy Friday! This is our contribution to Sky Watch Friday.

Name that Berry

Last week, we were hiking the rail trail just north of Bur-Mil Park and stumbled upon these ripe berries. This photo is straight from the camera with no adjustments. We were in awe of the pink casings that released the red berries; however, have no idea what kind of berries these are. If you know, please post the answer in the comment below. Likely, they are poisonous!

We took so many photos on the rail trail. It is such a wonderful community resource for Greensboro and Guilford County. On the weekends, families, couples, cyclists, and walkers (with and without canine companions) can be seen taking advantage of our greenway. Bur-mil Park is located on Highway 220 (Battleground Avenue) about a mile north of the Horse Pen Creek Road intersection. According to its website, Bur-mil was established in 1989 when Guilford County purchased this 250-acre recreation facility from Burlington Industries. Gone are the Greensboro days when companies like Jefferson, Pilot, and Burlington Industries had their own recreation areas. It is always nice when all or part of the acerage, like Bur-mil, becomes available to the public. This photo is for our friends at Ruby Tuesday.

Fishing at Country Park

Country Park is located behind the Natural Science Center and at the back end of the parking lot with Spencer Love Tennis Courts. Established in 1934, Country Park is the first park in Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. Here, we see a family fishing in one of two fishing lakes found on the park's property. Many special events take place in this park. We love to attend Pow-Wow  there in the fall. This year, Pow-Wow will be help September 17-19. The event is a photographer's dream come true! If you are local and are looking for some green space, picnic shelter, place to walk your dog, etc, Country Park is wonderful. We featured another monochrome in this park last March (here).

The trees reflecting in the water leave a white space that looks like our neighboring state to the north, Virginia. It is as if the people are sitting on the VA/NC line! We're sharing this with Weekend Reflection and Weekend in Black and White.

 

Third Friday @ Center City Park

Today's post was taken at Center City Park last weekend at the Third Friday event. Each month, a different organization sponsors a family-friendly movie. June's movie was The Secret Garden, sponsored by the Children's Museum. (If you are interested in the July-October offerings, check here. On that same calendar, you can find the exercise/fitness offerings on Mondays from 6:30- 7:30 at the fountain. Next up on Monday is Tai Chi). 

We are so fortunate to have a park downtown for people to enjoy. Families brought snacks, yard toys, and blankets and camped out on the lawn until the movie started. If a vendor is looking for a good business, a hula hoop cart near the hot dog stand would probably generate a lot of money.Greensboro has an unbelievable selection of free events on the calendar this summer. Spend summer outdoors. Makes these events part of your family tradition.

For this photo, we were using a wide angle lens. The buildings appear to be leaning into each other because of the camera. However, we really liked this photo because it situates the event DOWNTOWN. 

 

Summer Solstice Event at Arboretum

The Summer Solstice Celebration in the Greensboro Arboretum takes place tomorrow from 3-9pm. The family friendly celebration will have something for everybody. Some years it rains; some years the sun is brutal; EVERY year everyone has fun. Rain or shine, the more outlandish your outfit-- garland, tulle, flowers, and wands-- the more you will fit in. Consider bringing dad out to hear the good music, get a massage, listen to some ringing bowls, be transported back to his teen years, and watch the fire ceremony at 9pm. Above is a picture from last year and if you click through you will see our post from last year. This free event is an example of why Greensboro is such a great city. Events like this have plenty of great items for purchase; yet, if you are on a tight budget or have downsized, you can come out and feel equally welcome. You can bet we'll be there, camera in hand! Come feel the positive energy!

 

Center City Park

This photo shows the best of Greensboro: Families enjoying an afternoon in the park with perfect weather and great entertainment. This scene, with the giant pottery vessels and the Cultural Arts Center in the background, is found at Center City Park. The 1.9 acre park, located in the center of the city, opened in 2006 and took four years to construct.

As stated on their website, "Center City Park is to serve as a central gathering place for Greensboro's residents and visitors in a setting that is both relaxed and lively." Relaxed and lively describes Center City Park perfectly! Whether events are planned or impromptu, weekends are fun and safe here! To us, this unaltered photo looks like a painting.

 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Today is Cinco de Mayo, the day commemorating Mexico's defeat over the French Army in 1862. Contrary to popular belief, today is not Mexico's Independence Day (which is September 16th).  It is a day to celebrate one's Mexican heritage-- a day of ethnic and cultural pride. Cinco de Mayo is as popular outside of Mexico as within. It is our understanding that today is not even a day off of work in Mexico, except, perhaps in Puebla, the state where the battle took place.

The above photo was taken in Greensboro's Center City Park at the Día de los Niños Festival this past weekend. The festival, held on the first Saturday in May, is not a Cinco de Mayo Festival, per se, but it sure is a good way to celebrate reading, children, and one's heritage. The dancers in the photo above were waiting for their turn to perform. Twirling the circle skirts is an art passed down from one generation to another. Watch this 2 1/2 minute video of the baile folklorico Jalisco if you want an idea of how this Greensboro group looked in motion.

For ABC Wednesday, "P" is for Performance. We were going to feature "P" is for prom as this is prom season. Stop back tomorrow if you want to see a photo from the Grimaley High School Prom, including the girl with the dress made entirely of Starburst candy wrappers.

 

...In with the New.... Newbridge Bank Park

Yesterday, we featured War Memorial Stadium, Greensboro's premiere stadium for 79 years. However, since 2005, Newbridge Bank Park has been Greensboro's destination for baseball. The new stadium has contributed significantly to the rebirth of downtown. From baseball games to fireworks displays to scout camp outs to evenings on the playground just inside the gate, Newbridge Bank Park is fun, fun, fun. 

Take me out to the ball game in the new ballpark; but, find a way to keep our vintage gem, War Memorial. To follow up with questions yesterday, World War Memorial Stadium was so named because it was dedicated on the eighth anniversary of Armistice Day (November 11, 1926). See more pictures here.

For the ABC Wednesday crowd, N is for Newbridge and NEW ball park!

 

Tails to Trails Dog Walk

 Girl Scout Troop 40172 is hosting "Tail to Trails" May 1 at Price Park in Greensboro as part of a Silver Award project. The event, near Kathleen Clay Edwards Library and Jefferson Elementary School, benefits the Guilford County Animal Shelter. Dog owners may bring their leashed dogs, walk the trails at Price Park, and support a worthy cause.  In addition to walking you dog, you can learn more about foster care for dogs and cats that aren't ready for adoption. These girl scouts have worked hard on this service-learning event and could really use our support!

Check in for the event on Saturday, May 1st is from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Prize drawings will be at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $13 before April 15 and $15 after April 15. Walkers should bring donations such as food, treats, toys, blankets and pillows for the shelter. The first 100 participants will receive a "Tails to Trails" T-shirt, doggy goodie bag and doggy bandana.  For information, to register, or to offer a donation, contact the troop leader: Mary Ann Wettach, (336) 547-8522 or mwettach@bellsouth.net.  

We're sharing this irresistible photo of Greensboro Pomeranian Bijou with our friends at camera critters.  Fortunately Bijou knows nothing about animal foster care; however, we bet she's giving a four-paws endorsement for this event!

 

It Takes a Village to Reenact a Battle

Those of you just joining us today, we're posting highlights of the Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse held this weekend in Greensboro. Here we see some of the continental reenacters who were camping out at Country Park. Participants slept in small white tents. The morning of the battle, participants got up, fed their children and horses and ate around campfires before putting on uniforms and preparing for battle. Here one of the battalion leaders was briefing some of his troops as mother and child meandered about. Wonder what the little boy is thinking about his 18th century surroundings? When it comes time for him to do a school project on the Revolutionary War, he should be set. We'd love to see HIS show and tell!

If you want to know more about the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, see our photo yesterday and visit the links from Ed Cone's blog. With his link to a You Tube video, he really gives you a sense of the day! Here's to sharing with our Ruby Tuesday friends!

 

Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Court House

On this day, 229 years ago, in 1781, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought in Greensboro, NC. While the British won the battle under General Cornwalis, the Americans, under General Nathaniel Greene, significantly weakened the British forces. The most famous quote from the battle by Cornwalis was, "I never saw such fighting since God made me. The Americans fought like demons." Great Britain had 93 killed and 413 wounded. The United States had 79 killed and 185 wounded.

This weekend over 400 Revolutionary War reenactors came from all over the country to participate. In addition to the actual reenactments of the battle, they had many interpretive programs teaching onlookers about the ways of life in 18th century America. From cooking to music and dancing and military life, the historical presentations was lively, engaging, and accurate. Reenacters slept in small white tents in the area of Guilford Court House National Military Park. 

When we visited early Sunday morning, we expected to see people who were frustrated and wet from the downpour this weekend. On the contrary, reenacters and interpreters were dressed, sloshing around in the mud, preparing for the day with a smile on their face. Miraculously, their small white tents seemed dry. Above we see the "red coats" preparing to march. If you missed the event this year, book mark it for next year as it is well worth attending-- and free.

 

David Caldwell Park

David Caldwell Historic Park is located on the grounds of the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden between Hobbs and Holden Roads. According to the park's website, "(t)he Reverend Dr. David Caldwell (1725-1874) was a Presbyterian minister, a self-trained physician, and an early educator in colonial North Carolina. At this site in 1767, he opened an academy for young men. The academy produced five state governors!" 

The interpretive center, shown above, was dedicated April 20, 2007. The center is dynamic, offering several programs for people of all ages. It is believed that the property may be a wealth of history waiting to be unearthed. If you look to the right, you can see a couple out walking the trails and enjoying the warm, fall day under the sapphire blue sky.