Greensboro Daily Photo

College Hill Sundries

College Hill Sundries is located at 900 Spring Garden Street at South Mendenhall. Most people know the corner establishment from the iconic Pepsi sign painted on the South Mendenhall side. See our post from 2009 (HERE- 14 years ago!!!), and you will see the Pepsi sign. We like this photo from yesterday because it shows what a dynamic place this neighborhood bar is. First, you see the "WILD FREE" hand-painted sign on the wooden, corner door. We believe that that is from the artists' pop up held there yesterday. On the left, you see one of the artists showing his work. Above his head, you see the "bike lane" sign, an important features for a college neighborhood. On the right, is a masseuse giving a massage at the special event. Finally, the sun was very bright yesterday and formed an arc over the middle of the photo. To the very right, you can see someone sitting at the bar. The place was hopping. From patrons to bartenders to vendors, everyone seemed in a cheerful mood. 

It took a little internet sleuthing and a some math to figure out when College Hill Sundries opened as a bar. In a News & Record article from 12/12/2001, we saw a reference to the King family who turned the location from a drugstore to a bar "19 years ago", which, since the article was written in 2001, would mean the bar opened in 1982, making it 41 years old this December! College Hill Sundries had its years as a dive bar with bathrooms that were barely tolerable. As explained in the 2001 article and verified by us yesterday, the bathrooms have been upgraded and  the beer selections modernized. From that same era (2001), the magazine "Men's Journal" listed College Hill  as one of the 50 best bars in America. The only bar in North Carolina to receive recognition in the publication. Oh the things one can happen upon, merely driving around town. 

We hope to see an add for the next pop up. If you are a vendor, you may want to inquire within to see about getting a spot.

Happy Monday!

A Bit of A Nonconventional Church

A church is a public place made available for worship. Today's "church" is a display set up in the middle of the Antique Marketplace on Burnt Poplar Road. Master interior decorator and room stager, Lori Gray, often stages the displays at the entrance of Antique Marketplace. Sometimes she brings in items to use. Other times, she just walks around the antique mall and takes items for sale at the different vendors' booths and assembles them in the middle of the store. The above photo is a scene, a church, she staged recently. The more you look at the display, the more references you will see. A fan on the altar for hot days, before there was air conditioning, shine brightly reflecting the light from the lamps. There are crosses on the doors- probably 20 feet tall.  The trumpets represent the music in church. Ladies Sunday-go-to-church hats are on the chairs beside purses, and a collection plate. In the middle is a painting of the Last Supper. 

This display is so creative. Have you ever seen one quite like it in an antique mall. As we walked the aisles, passing by the display a few times, by the end, we really did want to sit, rest, and have a little silent meditation. A church is a public place made available for worship. So, technically, last Tuesday night, we went to church. However, we need to get back and drop a few dollars in the collection plate. Remember church, synagogue, temple, or mosque is not about the physical space as much as what we do there.

Happy Sunday!

Tribe Thrift at "West End"

Trive Thrift has relocated its store from North Spring Street to 1607A West Friendly Avenue, the part of Friends being rebranded as West End. The Tribe is part thrift, part new, and part hand painted art. In the above photo, you see proprietor, Kandice Russell and her daughter who just happened to be at the store the night we visited. If we did the math correctly, it opened on March 1st. The store is heavily curated by Kandice; you have clothing at all price points and styes. One of the fun features Kandice offers is that you can do a shoppers night with friends. If you bring in 10 friends for a personalized, private after-hours event, you earn $100 in store credit. Kandice provides al the snacks and drinks; you provide the customers. It is a great way to bring your friends together in a cute space outside the home.

Kandice (Russell) is from Greensboro, and attended Grimsley High School. Her store is literally just a few blocks away from her alma mater. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, stop by and visit the Tribe and then have a look around "West End". While you are there, congratulate Kandice for getting the new shop set up. The clothing is really fashionable and at a good price point.

Wylie's Gourmet Cafe and Desserts

West Friendly Avenue, around Tex and Shirley's and Bandito Bodega, is slowly becoming branded as West End. Wylie's Gourmet Cafe and Desserts  is located in that area, and is part of a series of businesses that have opened over the last year or so. Wylie's opened October 1st 2021. Featured in the above photo is Sonya Wylie. She is a fabulous cook who learned from her grandmother and mother. Originally from Salsbury, Sonya has been in Greensboro for over 30 years. Formerly, she was a hair stylist and also had a food truck. However, now, she pours all of her time and love into the restaurant at 1608 West Friendly. 

Especially popular are wings, subs, chicken salad, and pimento cheese sandwiches. The chicken wings are very large and portions are generous. Wylie's is take out only and no beef or pork are served. There is ample parking beside the restaurant. It is always special to support local businesses where owners and regular customers get to know each other rather quickly. A heartfelt thank you to our friend, and loyal reader, Alice Hill, for encouraging us to feature Wylie's. We're confident we'll be back. When we asked Sonya if she knew Alice, she said "Of course we do and we love her."  Local businesses, with the proprietor on site, make a community feel like home.

Happy Wednesday!

M'Coul's Public House

M'Coul's Public House seems to stay busy, especially on weekends. However, as we inch towards St. Patrick's Day a couple of Fridays from now, it will get super busy. Simmone McClinton, founder and owner, opened the establishment at 110 W. McGee Street in 2001. The building is historic and Simmone is committed to maintaining the integrity of the original structure, while adapting and updating whatever is needed to bring the restaurant into the 21st century. The building dates to 1892, and a lot has changed in 131 years.

In 2022, M'Coul's was recognized in the book "Hidden Gems of America: Restaurants" as one of their top pics in North Carolina. The above photo was taken upstairs, one of their  five options for dining. We love the mural and know there has to be a great story behind it. We're not sure, though. Do you know? It captures so perfectly the vibe of M'coul's. When we find out, we'll let you know.

Happy Saturday! Happy exploring!

Ladies Night at Golden Antiques

Last night was ladies night at Golden Antiques. While the 24,000 square foot store, located at 4537 US Highway 220 North, usually closes at 6:00 pm, once every quarter it stays open until 9:00 pm. And, at 6:00, people start piling in for discounts, fellowship, and samples of food. In addition to the regular booths, special displays are set up; as an example, BBQ sauce, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and more. The Sustainably Yours Bus, with lots of items for the house, clothing, and more, was parked outside, as was a food truck. The above photo shows the check-out line in the back middle of the photo. By the time we remembered to take a photo, the line had died down considerably.

Inside, you could tell people were ready for spring and Easter, as Easter decor and all things pastel and garden inspired were flying out the door. It seems like we are all ready to socialize and spend time together again. If you want to attend a Ladies Night, they happen once a quarter, coinciding with each change of seasons. Mark your calendar for the remainder of the year: June 1st, September 7th, and December 7th. In the meantime, the weekend is upon us. May you find something enjoyable to do. There is always plenty to choose from in Greensboro.

Happy Friday!

192 East Lewis St.

Happy March 1st! The above photo was taken on East Lewis Street and the building with the colorful mural is 192 E. Lewis. It is the Dick Broadcasting Building and also home of 107.5 KZL. That is a convenient place for a radio station with all that is happening on South Elm Street these days. Sometimes they have music concerts right here on East Lewis. Just behind the camera is Elm Street and many new entertainment entertainment opportunities with plenty of spirits.

Sometimes, just looking at the sky is enough. You can see where the sunny sky meets the darker clouds. It did rain the day we took this photo. The angle of the sun made the mural on the building stand out. If you like that mural and want to see a close up, see the GDP post here from a couple of years ago. Of course, you could head downtown and see for yourself this building from 1962.

Happy Thursday!

Common Grounds Downtown

Yesterday, after that brief afternoon shower, we had a chance to visit Common Grounds on South Elm Street. We affectionately refer to it as Common Grounds East, as the original location is in Lindley Park at the corner of Elam and Walker. The menu appears to be the same  with iced and hot coffee and smoothies. Their specialty lattes are named after actors, the Bill Murray, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, Charlie Chaplin, and more. They also have pastries and draft beer. They are the last business on South Elm, on the northeast corner of the South Elm/Gate City Boulevard intersection. The parking lot on the corner, the one with the giant globe/orb, is for Common Grounds. 

As the weather warms, you will start seeing people sitting outside in the front of the shop as well as in the charming area in the back. Common Grounds on Elm opened last Friday, February 17th. If you stop by today, wish them a happy, one week anniversary. As you can see from the above photo, there is plenty of room to spread out and get some work done, or, to socialize with friends. In general, Elm Street south of the railroad tracks is being transformed. We'll share other examples, soon.

Happy Friday!

Aldi Grocery on Battleground

Today's photo is of Aldi Grocery Store at 2965 Battleground Avenue. It has been open since September 16, 2021, almost a year and a half. You may remember, before that, this location was an Earth Fare Store. We remember the people who worked at that Earth Fare making a real effort to help customers feel like they were community. The employees were committed helping customers make healthy choices. Before Earth Fare, we seem to remember the location being a Harris Teeter, or was it a Kroger? Between Greensboro and Virginia, those two stores did some swapping so it is hard to remember. This site on "groceteria" explains a lot about Kroger and Harris Teeter in Greensboro.

We took the photo because the first thing that caught our eye as we parked was the beautiful sunset and the fact that it matches the Aldi colors, as well as the slope on the roof! Frequently, there are beautiful sunsets on this part of Battleground Avenue. While shopping, we overheard customers talking about purchases to make and things to eat before Ash Wednesday. If you abstain from something or give up certain foods, especially meat, for Lent, today is the day!  

Happy Ash Wednesday! 

Walkers on Walker in front of Walkers

Yesterday afternoon, the weather was lovely in Greensboro. It felt like a sunny spring day.The above photo was taken on Walker Avenue across the street from Walkers Bar. So, you can say it is a photo of walkers on Walker in front of Walkers. The Lindley Park area is so lively, especially after about 4:00 pm and on the weekend. The corner of Walker and Elam has changed significantly over the decades; however it has always been been dynamic. While the A&P and the drugstore are gone, Bestway is a thriving grocery store and suds and duds has long since replaced the drug store.*

Something about this photo feels like it should be set to music; perhaps something percussive like Henry Mancini's Pink Panther.

Have a great Saturday!

*if you can access the News and Record online, this 2015 article shares a lot about this area.

Build -A-Bear at Friendly Center

It is almost Valentine's Day and Build-A-Bear has so many options. Recently, we were in their "workshop" in Friendly Center and it wasn't so much which plush toy children chose, but what the employees said . They made the event feel so special. The presentation went something like this, "Now, every bear gets one heart, just like you have. Rub its heart to yours and then tap the heart on your forehead, so it can be full of love and as smart as you are." Children were mesmerized.

Build-A-Bear opened in St. Louis, MO, in 1997, with the first store opening in Greensboro at Four Seasons in 2005. The Friendly Center Store opened in 2013. Formerly, it was located where Schiffman's Jewelers is now. It is one of the spaces Schiffman's acquired for their expansion.* Now, Build-A-Bear is located near Toys & Co., the Five Below Store, and Barnes & Noble. That creates quite a little retail corner for families with young children.

As we all work to figure out the new models for brick-and-mortar in a world with competition from the internet, it seems a personal touch- like personally being able to put the heart in your teddy bear-  is precisely what it takes. At any rate, it is fun to walk around and see what and where people are buying this week before Valentine's Day. We're hoping Schiffman's is having brisk sales, too!

Happy Thursday!

*see a former GDP post HERE. 

Piedmont Old Time Society Thursday Jam at The Continental Club

The Continental Club, located at 816 South Elm Street bills itself as "a cool, international social club, for disruptors and innovators." It is located in the building that years ago housed The Farmers' Exchange Store, a precursor to Southern States, where farmers would go to get grain, fertilizer, and other needs for farming. It is the white building on the southwest corner of Elm Street and Gate City Boulevard, the one with DAILY BREAD FLOUR on the back. 

Last night, The Continental Club hosted the open jam of the Piedmont Old Time Society (POTS), where acoustic fiddle and banjo music reigns supreme. POTS had previously held their jams at the Green Bean, but once that venue was no longer available, the group was on hiatus. When they learned the Continental Club would host the jam, they had eighteen people on the first night, playing well into the night. The lighting is absolutely beautiful at the Continental Club once your eyes adjust. However, it is a challenge to get crisp, color-balanced photos. The music sounded great last night. Hopefully, the Continental Club/Piedmont Old Time Society relationship will continue for a very long time and they will have all of their first and third Thursday jams there. The club is currently hosting an art exhibit by Trina Olson; the owner seems very supportive of visual and performing arts.

Happy Friday! May you find lots of great things to do in Greensboro this weekend.

Home of the Future Publix on Mill Street; For Now, Christina's World

This is the lot on Mill Street where the new Publix Grocery Store will be located. We publish photos from Mill Street a lot because something about the way the afternoon sun hits this area, it is so beautiful. If we did a 180º turn, you would see Wendover Avenue. But for now, until the new Publix is built in 2024, this is one of our happy open-space places to catch a view of natural grasses meeting the sky.  Something about the scene reminds us of  "Christina's World," painted by Andrew Wyeth. We can just imagine someone horizontally positioned in the foreground with McKay's Books on the horizon, as opposed to a farmhouse. If you want a glimpse of what the new Publix will look like, see HERE. It will be a three-level grocery store. Do we have any existing grocery stores in Greensboro on more than one level? We can't think of one at the moment. If you can, let us know. In the meantime, a couple of our readers were asking about the location of this store, so we used that as an excuse to run back and get a photo. If you know anyone at McKay's Books, let them know they've lost an "O" and for now, it is McKay's B OKS!

Well, January has slipped away with no snow or freezing rain. What will February bring? Happy February 1st!

 

Jazz Music at the O. Henry Hotel

Thursday, Jazz Night at the O. Henry Hotel is something we should all experience- regularly. If you like jazz music in an Old World, European atmosphere, this event is perfect. You can order tapas, specialty drinks, wine, and beer- or not. The music is so transporting and the staff does a great job of getting people served. This is the way hotel lobbies are meant to be; full of people out to see, and maybe be seen. O. Henry would have approves. In the above photo, Dave Fox is featured on piano, Neill Clegg on flute and saxophone, and Matt Kendrick on double bass. They are regulars at this event, which has been a Greensboro staple since 2015. The singer last night was Holly Hopkins. Holly has performed from Hickory, NC to NYC. We were glad to see her back at Jazz Night..

Last night was cold outside, but warm and cozy inside. Adding to the charm, men were wearing jackets and sweaters, mostly without ties. Women were in long sweaters and slacks; casual and sleek. While the crowd had many older patrons, some younger jazz aficionados were there, too. There were three birthdays; Holly and the band sang and played for them. Jazz night is a lovely way to spend a Thursday evening. Perhaps there is some truth to the saying, Thursday is the new Friday.

Happy Friday!

Weatherspoon: Great Art; Great Coffee

The Weatherspoon Art Gallery seems to be changing before our eyes.  The new director, Juliette Bianco, is working hard to make the Weatherspoon "a core learning resource for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the community" (WAM website, visited 1/24/23).  There are spaces set up specifically for community engagement with self-guided activities and themes coordinated with UNCG courses. As an example, Dr. Richard Hronek (UNCG lecturer of German), holds one meeting a week in the museum where pieces of art are brought into the Dillard Room, specifically related to his classroom assignments.

When we were there yesterday, we noticed the Borough Coffee Cart was inside the museum. You can see it below. Unfortunately, we arrived after the barrista had closed for the day. Now, there are places inside the museum where beverages are allowed. You can see from this second floor view, looking down on the first, a  seating in a space has been created; previously, where only special events were set up. At 4:00 pm on a Tuesday afternoon, the museum was busier than we have seen it in a long time. Also, a new exhibit just opened up "To Serve the People: Prints from Mexico's Taller de Gráfica Popular." That exhibit has generated much interest and is a must to see if you are interested in Mexican culture, printmaking, or the labor movement in North America. Yesterday's crowd was very young. How encouraging to see 20-something students working and enjoying the Weatherspoon. The well-thought-out commitment for community engagement seems to be paying off. Stop by and see for yourself. There is parking in the rear.

Happy Wednesday! It is the last one in January.

706 Green Valley

Driving on Green Valley Road, between Benjamin Parkway and Westover Terrace, have you noticed 706 Green Valley Road? It has an air of mystery to it. The 5-story building, built in 1986 has almost 140,000 square feet of space. There is very little signage surrounding the building. It is one of those places you go when you know you need to be there. Unless things have changed recently, Greensboro Pathology Associates has laboratories there. Pathology labs examine bodily fluids and tissue looking for disease. If it is a forensic pathology lab, they perform autopsies. In 2020 during the Pandemic, Cone Health purchased the building for $18.5 million to optimize their portfolio and to consolidate administration for their  system.* The building is visible from Wendover Avenue, just east of the Proximity Hotel.

This of Greensboro really stands out as a small business park.  Do you know of other business that still have offices here? It will be interesting to see if any changes are made over the next few years. Have you ever had any interactions there? We'd love to photograph it on a day when there is fresh snow.

Happy Tuesday!

 

* Hillary Engle, CoStar Research November 10, 2020

Eugene Street

Have you driven on Eugene Street lately? It has changed so much. This is the part between Friendly Avenue and Smith Street, with the baseball stadium on the left and the Carroll Bellemeade development on North Eugene. It is hard to believe the baseball stadium has been there since 2005. What was originally First Horizon Park is now First National Bank Field. The stadium can accommodate 7,499 guests. The people who live in the apartments on Eugene and Smith Streets can just walk to games. Between the baseball stadium and Tanger Center, options for this part of town have expanded significantly over the last 18 years. 

You can get some great sunsets from the apartments on Eugene. We're betting you can see some great baseball from many of those apartments. The next home game for the Greensboro Grasshoppers will be April 23. It would be well worth your investment in time and money to experience a baseball game. We hope to see you in the stands, or strolling along Elm Street, en route.

Happy Thursday!

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management & Building

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, operated by Bank of America, is located at 800 Green Valley Road at the intersection of Lendew Street. Our State Magazine, and other businesses, are also located in the building. The building is a 5-story, class A office building. It was built in 2001 on a 6.62 acre lot. Already over 20 years old, the building seems to be aging well and is attention catching with all of those glass windows, especially when the sun is setting.

In the area near Green Valley Road between Westover Terrace and Benjamin Parkway , and even down to Friendly Avenue, is a part of town that really feels like an office park. The area is only about 10 miles from the airport. It looks like there is a good view from the top. Maybe we can try to  get up there. Have you been up on the 5th floor? That reminds us, we still haven't given up on the dream of getting to the top of the Lincoln Financial Group building. That has to be a great view! Maybe 2023 will be the year.

Happy Friday 13th! If you are working, at 800 Green Valley or elsewhere, we hope you have a three-day weekend.

Fern + Amelia and Elan Design Source

Today's photo features two businesses at 1615 West Friendly Avenue, Fern + Amelia and Elan Design Source. Both are owned and operated by Angie Besecker. Angie grew up in Greensboro, graduating from Ragsdale High School and UNCG. She is a talented designer who sells handmade customizable fabric and makes furniture in-house. She is conscious of reducing her store's carbon footprint and sources as much as possible in North Carolina. On the homewares/antiques side of the store (Fern + Amelia), she sells items that are fair trade and ethically sourced. At UNCG, she earned a degree in business, focusing on marketing; however, her love of design moved her in the direction of making furniture in-house, fitting the precise needs of the client and their living space. 

These businesses on West Friendly has been open for about 18 months. They are located is in the building next to Bandito Burrito, in a spot where Madison Avenue once extended, before Josephine Boyd Street was constructed-  ending Madison Avenue at Smyres Place. Angie pointed out some of the new businesses around hers. A small boutique, Tribe Thrift, will be opening soon. Directly across the street is Wylie's Gourmet Cafe and Desserts. Angie recommends their pimento cheese sandwiches. She is so encouraged about the growth in the area and mentioned there is talk of branding the area, from 1618 West Seafood Grill to the plaza where her store is located, as West End. If you know Winston-Salem's West End, you will get a feel for what is emerging in this part of town. It is encouraging to see new businesses there and inspiring to talk to an entrepreneur like Angie. 

Happy Wednesday!

The Day the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Came to Greensboro

The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was first launched in 1936. We don't know how many times it has been to Greensboro, but it was here during the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd. In 1988, a fleet of 6 began making their way across the United States. They are 23-feet of advertisement and fun. People love getting their photo taken with them. If you want to know when it will be back in Greensboro, you can track it HERE. Greensboro isn't currently up on the map; however, you can even invite them to an event. We're guessing someone involved in organizing the Festival of Lights invited them.

In the above photo, this giant, plastic, bundle of joy was parked in the 500 block of South Elm Street, right across from the Community Theatre of Greensboro. They are often looking for enthusiastic people with great driving records to join the driving team. It would be so fun to have someone from Greensboro driving the Weinermobile! 

Happy Wednesday! After today, there are three more days until we close out 2022. Looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring our way. It is time to sit down and prepare a "Best of 2022" post for you. Also, we need to plan out a month-by-month activity spreadsheet to try to find 365 people, places, and events to share on Greensboro Daily Photo. Year 14 is going to be a good one!

245 East Friendly Avenue

245 East Friendly Avenue is a commercial building downtown, near the Greensboro Central Library. The building is two-story, 34,200 square feet, and built in 1924. The facade says Fruit and Produce and must have been a market in earlier years. Now, it is full of offices and, according to the sign in the window, will soon have a coffee and wine lounge. The sign in the Church Street window says Melrose Coffee Greensboro. It will be a California-inspired establishment serving coffee and wine. Perhaps you remember several years ago when there was a coffee shop in the library. It is nice to see Greensboro expanding and this part of town, east of Elm, getting a coffee shop. 

Happy Monday! We are about to start the week between Hanukah/Christmas and New Year. Temperatures will be inching up this week. We'll report back when Melrose opens. In the meantime, we're going to work on learning more about the history of this building. What do you remember?

Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum

If you want to help the children in your life burn some energy and excitement, now that they are out of school on break, consider taking them to the Brenner Children's Museum downtown on Church Street. It is located directly across from the downtown branch of the public library. The museum will be closed from December 24th- 26 so, today and tomorrow are perfect days. Earlier this year, it was announced that the museum would be named in honor of Myriam P. Brenner, given the $1.25 million dollar donation to the museum from Frank and Nancy Brenner. The name change was effective July 1922. Mrs. Brenner, from Charleston, SC, moved to Winston Salem when she married Abe Brenner in 1947. During her lifetime, Mrs. Brenner was generous volunteering her time and donating money to worthy causes.* She would be honored to know her family donated to the children's museum on her behalf. Modeling philanthropy for the younger generations was important to her.

The above photo, taken at night, does not capture the vibrancy of the museum. However, it does show you the signage with the name change out front. It also shows and the extent to which the exterior has been added to and upgraded. Children have so much fun climbing around outside, weather permitting. When we see a photo like the one above, it reminds of an Edward Hopper painting. He was known for creating  "subdued drama out of commonplace subjects 'layered with a poetic meaning', inviting narrative interpretations" (Wikipedia, Hopper, visited 21 Dec. 2022). Seeing the museum at night evokes that mood for us. It also reminds us that, in Greensboro, the winter solstice is behind us and the hours and minutes of darkness have begun to wane.

Happy day-after-winter-solstice! How will you spend your extra second of daylight?

* read more on Mrs. Brenner  here.

ReVISION Vintage: Brittany and Lavender

Brittany and Lavender, along with a third partner Katie (not in photo), own ReVision Vintage at 313 East Market Street, right across the street from the wedding venue, Cadillac Service Garage. TheReVision Vintage building, built in 1928, houses home goods, clothing, and jewelry. It is so wonderful to meet young people who work so hard to keep clothing and home goods out of landfills, and enjoying every minute of helping customers. They love learning the history and provenance of the items they sell. They also have very good intuition about what individual customers might like. We found a perfect-condition,  sequined holiday top, perfect for outings at the Tanger Center this time of year. We also got a pair of 2 1/2" fuzzy, teddy bear earrings that Lavender made. They are available in brown, white, tan, and pink, adding just the right punch to a holiday outfit. For all who snag a pair of teddy bear earrings ($12), let's take pictures of their holiday adventures and share back with the store. 

In addition to running this fun, ground-level vintage store, today, from 11-4, Lavender will host an estate sale above the store, in apartment B. Apparently, people wait in line clamoring to get in to these estate sales as the inventory is always fabulous. Our suggestion is to attend the estate sale, then stop by the shop, and last but not least, head next door to visit Mr. Mitchell, who has been selling hats and other goods at Mitchell's Clothing and Accessories in this same spot in east Greensboro since 1937.  How's that for provenance and supporting local businesses? Shopping downtown, in east Greensboro, is regaining traction!

Happy Saturday!

107.5 on the Run

Downtown is so lovely this time of year and it is so fun to have these serendipitous experiences, like seeing a 107.5 car when you least expect it. We pulled up beside it at the corner of Friendly Avenue and Davie Street. The vehicle was so brilliantly decorated and the driver was really paying attention to the road. We love how the brightly wrapped sedan looks against the green windows of the Cultural Arts Center. Peeking out on the left is the Festival of Lights holiday tree in Center City Park.

The car advertises Jared and Katie. Jared Pike and Katie Tesh have been bringing Greensboro the morning show since 2012. Their morning show is so popular. If you haven't listened, tune in to hear this iconic radio couple. You never know what you are going to see when you drive around downtown. If you notice in the window is an advertisement for the Winter Show at the Green Hill Gallery in the Cultural Arts Center. The current exhibit is well worth your time!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Christmas Tree Time

This past weekend, the Christmas tree lots in and around Greensboro were busy, busy, busy. The Christmas tree lot at Sunnyside Farms in Summerfield is so photogenic. The tree lot to the left is on the property of the Greensboro Performing Arts at 7200 Summerfield Road. The building was formerly a church, but has been repurposed as a performing arts center. There is the main building in front and a second building directly behind it. They offer classes for children, teens, and adults. 

In the parking lot is a coffee shop. Families can dance and after class, get coffee and hot chocolate from the Jumping Bean coffee trailer,  and finally walk over to select a tree. According to their Facebook page, Sunnyside Farms is owned by the Woyahn family. They bring in their fraizers from Ashe County. This is year 20 for their family business. Many families have annual traditions centered around getting Christmas trees. With those sunny skies and no sign of snow, it is hard to believe Christmas will be here in three Saturdays. 

Happy Monday!

Farmers Market, Plus Small Business Saturday

The above photo features the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceville Street. It was taken a few weeks ago and we had a ball buying a few of every single apple Leonard Orchards brought to the farmers market. We went home and rated them from favorite (honey crisp) to least favorite (Granny Smith) and everything in-between! We hope they are still there today and we have another chance to purchase apples! We hope to stop by and visit our friend Annette and buy another pair of earrings; and then over to purchase some handmade paper journals from our friend Suzanne. 

Remember, today is Small Business Saturday when we are all encouraged to buy from local businesses. It doesn't get much more local than a local farmers market! Of course there are downtown shops, State Street shops, and local shops throughout Greensboro. Nothing beats building a relationship with a local proprietor. It is the Cheers-bar phenomenon of the local business community. Became a repeat customer and they will know your name! Here is a photo of Kathryn at Just Be. She works tirelessly to bring local and fair trade to her shop in the 300 block of South Elm Street. Her nearby neighbor, Design Archives, is a collection of small businesses under one roof. Here is a photo of Design Archives from when we featured it ten years ago. 

Black Friday, Greensboro Style!

If you celebrate Christmas, want to get a jumpstart on your shopping, and love crowds, today is your day to shop! Fox 8 published a list of when local shops and and retail centers open (see HERE). The above photo is the window display at Anthropologie in Friendly Center. They always have creative artists designing their window fronts and displays inside. Friendly Center opened in August of 1957 and has probably been entertaining Black Friday crowds in its 65 year history. While you are at Friendly Center, you can swing by the Sunset Hills neighborhood and check on the progress of the Christmas lights high in the trees. 

If you want to try to do something different, the Greensboro Badminton Club meets from 1:30- 3:30 at Leonard Recreation Center today. Players are really nice and welcoming. You may need to bring your own racket, though. Another option is to visit the Greensboro Science Center; however, it closes at 4:00 pm because they are in their Winter Wonderlights Season. To experience that great new Greensboro tradition, you will likely have to pre-purchase tickets. Perhaps best Greensboro tradition of all, is the Really, Really Free Market in Glenwood, where people bring items to give away. There is no limit and there is no requirement to donate to receive. This is a great way for people in need to pick up nice items for the family. Yet, even those who don't need, but want, are welcome, too. It is located at 1417 Glenwood Avenue at the corner of Florida Street. It is a great opportunity to donate items if you want to simplify your life a little.

Happy Black Friday! If you are a local retailer, may your sales be brisk and good luck on Small Business Saturday, tomorrow.

NCA&T Homecoming

(Working with typepad to get photos to post. Sorry for the glitch. I'm hoping 5,000 photos aren't gone). This is homecoming week for North Carolina A&T State University. It has been dubbed the Greatest Homecoming on Earth and it is easy to see why. People come from all over the United States to celebrate their university with other graduates. Greensboro is crowded, in a good way. Hotels are booked, restaurants are full, many establishments have parking-lot, standing-room-only space; indeed, the festivities have begun.

The above event was taking place on Friday night at 816 South Elm Street, at the old flour mill downtown, either at the Continental Club or Vault 816, or both! People were waiting patiently in line, talking to friends who were already inside, taking selfies, and talking to people around them. When you graduate from the same university, especially one that you love, there is a camaraderie and a bond that lasts a lifetime. We didn't stick around long, as we were just passing by, but we bet if we were there long enough, we would heard a wave of "Aggie Pride" chants. Here's to good fun and a great day of football and fellowship.

Happy Saturday!

Old Mill of Guilford

Today's photo is an exterior view of the Old Mill of Guilford on Highway 68. It is a fabulous piece of local history to visit year-round, but especially on a warm, fall day. We had out of town guests visiting and the first things they want to do when visiting Greensboro is eat barbecue and head to the Old Mill to purchase grits and meal for making cornbread. (yellow and white for both). They crave this little taste of home. One of the guests is a welder and he struck up a conversation with Amy, one of the owners. She explained that the 24-foot wheel no longer provides power because there are so many holes is the pipe, the water can't build up enough pressure to turn the wheel. We learned it would take anywhere from $75,000 to $300,000 to repair it, depending on whether the repair was a liner sleeve or replacement pipe. Our guest happened to be a welder and would love to be involved in the restoration, if only he lived closer. He was surprised at the thinness of the gauge of the current pipe and would want to opt for a thicker gauge.

On Monday, we shared a wish for someone to deliver a giant moving skeleton to the owner of the Halloween house at 2304 Gracewood Drive. Today, we're wishing someone would spearhead the replacement of the pipe at 1340 NC-68. When you see projects get done, like the Ai Church down the road, you realize the impact restoration has on the beauty of a community. The mill dates back to 1767, over 40 years before Greensboro was a city. You would think, as a community (a county, a state), we could make restoration happen.* Maybe we should start an "invest in our community" page on Greensboro Daily Photo. Surely, replacing the pipe at the Old Mill, so they don't have to resort to grinding grain electrically, would be something special for our community! As you can see, welders, the welding is a straight line, until you reach that bend at the top.

Happy Wednesday!

* read more about the mill, here.

FLAT IRON

The FLAT IRON at 221 Summit Avenue downtown Greensboro is located in a building that was constructed for A.W. Kaplan in 1922. It is located at the convergence of Summit Avenue and Lindsay Street. Originally, it was a four-unit apartment building. Charles Hartman was the architect. He had recently arrived in Greensboro from New York City, which explains the NYC vibe.* It was built 100 years after its NYC counterpart.** The FLAT IRON is known for creative shows and original music. 

This photo was taken on Thursday night when the Tanger Center was filled with people waiting to hear Venus Williams speak. Also, the LeBauer Park food stations were going open. However, just a block away, the FLAT IRON was open, a little island of music and tradition. Dusty Keene refurbished and reopened what formerly had a reputation of being a "dive bar." Stop by, listen to some great music, and play a round of pool. It is part of downtown north Greensboro (NOGSOO) fun! We're wondering if that sporty red car was headed there!

Happy Saturday!

*reference = pocketsights.com

** see another article here.

Fall Stroll Along Elm Street

What do you do to relax? We love to stroll along Elm Street. We love to check in on a few businesses, see what conversations we can engage in, and engage in some serendipitous fun. Yesterday afternoon was an especially great time to be walking around. The air was crisp; sweater weather. Just Be has a fresh shipment of fair trade mittens and headbands. Design Archives has vintage sweaters and flannel out; Scuppernong has great books suggested. Jerusalem Market on Elm has great middle eastern food. These are only a few of the great stops downtown. Most of all, we love walking out of a store and, the very second before the eyes adjust, holding up the camera and snapping a photo. This is the shot we got yesterday in the south 300 block at Hamburger Square.

Downtown has some nice trees that are still holding on to their leaves. Have a stoll and see what you can uncover. Take a few photos for a memory. Have a great Thursday.

Old Mill of Guilford

We went to the Old Mill of Guilford to purchase corn meal this past weekend and took a great photo of the exterior. However, the photo is almost exactly of one we took in 2020 (see HERE). Therefore, we decided to share one of the interior details. Above, is one of the rack of stamps used to label bags of ground grains. You can read some of the stamps, cornmeal and sweet potato pancake to name a couple. The mill has been a Greensboro institution since the 1700s. We are so lucky that this grist mill is still around and still grinding grains the old fashioned way, with stone and water. How nostalgic to be using rubber stamps in this era where so much is digital.

One thing that has changed from the last time we purchased cornmeal from there is that there is no longer a plastic interior bag.- one less piece of waste! The people who wait on you are still friendly and efficient. We forgot to ask, but we're hoping they are using Gate City Rubber Stamp Company, located at 316 South Greene Street, for their stamps. Yelp dates this stamp company back to 1956, a mere infant as far as the Old Mill is concerned, but the match of old stamps and an old mill is a great combination. We're thinking a trip to the stamp store is in order. More sleuthing is in order.

Happy Tuesday!

Suds and Duds

Suds and Duds, located at the corner of Walker Avenue and Elam, has been a Greensboro institution since 1980. The building formerly housed a drug store, Elam Drug Store, until Bill Wardle bought it and converted it into a coin-operated laundry mat and bar. Monday-Friday, the laundry mat opens at 2pm; Saturday and Sunday at noon. Closing time ranges from 10pm on Sunday to midnight and 2:00 am on other nights; perfect hours for college students. If you want something to drink, they have a bar inside. If you want something to eat, there are plenty of options around while the clothes are in the washing machine or dryer. To play a game of pool or darts, the bartender can help you get set up.

As we were leaving this weekend, the two women in the above photo were walking by. They may have been part of the religious group on the corner. The clothing of the women lend a stark contrast to the outfits of the Halloween characters trapped in the Suds & Duds window. Yet, the ladies'  blue and green outfits match the window decoration backdrop, as well as the blue car in the green grass. This was a fun scene, we happened upon by chance. Lindley Park is a perfect place to walk on a warm fall day. You never know what will catch your eye. Also, it is one of those neighborhoods that goes all out for Halloween. Even the laundry mat decorates!

Happy Monday!

The Fresh Market Reminds Us It Is Pumpkin and Mum Time!

It is pumpkin and mum season. The above photo features some of the fall options available at The Fresh Market. The Fresh Market has been helping us herald in the seasons since Ray and Beverly Berry founded it in Greensboro in 1982. If you've been inside, you will notice their efforts to make the market feel open just like a European market. The first store opened on Lawndale Drive. The above store is located on New Garden Road in the same plaza where Target is located. Today, there are 160 locations in 22 states, with the original blueprint of a butcher shop and flower shop inside.* In May of 2022, the Winston Salem Journal wrote an article on the $676 million dollar offer of the South American retailer Cencosud made for 67% ownership of the company. Regardless of changes, let's hope the corporate headquarters remains in Greensboro.

If you are out today, don't forget to purchase your pumpkins and mums. It is only 16 more days until Halloween. If you don't get by The Fresh Market, there should be plenty of churches selling pumpkins by now. We're headed out to have a look! Have a great weekend!

 

*reference and read more about their history HERE.

Berico formerly Berry Coal Company

Berico has been a Greensboro business for nearly 100 years. Owned by the Berry family, originally, the business was on West Lee Street, which is now Gate City Boulevard. Next, they moved to Bragg Street, and they have been on East Bessemer Avenue since 1950. They have a large heating and air business. However, what got us to the store was the fact that they recertify propane tanks. At the front of the parking lot, they have this vintage coal truck from their original location. How fun to see what vehicles used to look like, but also to see the old address and to see a four digit phone number. There is so much history in that vehicle. As the need for coal fell out of fashion, Berry Coal became Berico.

Berico has a nice "about us" page on their website where there is also a 30 second YouTube video. It would be so wonderful if all businesses documented and shared their history, especially the local ones. So much changes and documentation matters. If you are out on East Bessemer stop by and checkout this little piece of history. Earlier in the year, they were even giving out calendars!

Happy Thursday!

Brad Caviness

Last night during First Friday in downtown Greensboro Brad Caviness was working diligently on one of the jars he and his brother, Bryan, create together. The two have been working on this specific sculpture for three month. Brad made the jar, Bryan carved the temple and pillars, Brad is working on the details of filing down the columns. Just look at his focus and the placement of his hands. The piece is backlit, making the inside of the jar glow and the temple stand out. The Caviness brothers are inspired by archaeology, especially historic structures from great civilizations. Part of the jar is chipped away because this structure has suffered destruction. It was a temple in Palmyra, Syria, destroyed by the Islamic State in 2015. How wonderful these structures live on in the work of Brad and Bryan.

This dynamic sibling duo is represented in Greensboro by Ambleside Gallery.  Gallery owner, Jackson Mayshark, saw the talent of these two sculptors and knew their sculptures would be a good fit for the art and artists he represents at the gallery. Ambleside is located at 528 South Elm Street. This is the first time we noticed Brad working on a piece in the window of Ambleside. How wonderful to have had the opportunity to watch him work. This is an example of the serendipity of what you will see when walking the length of Elm Street- especially on First Friday. If you want to get lost in the ancient ruins of Brad & Bryan online, head to bcclayart.com and have a look; in person, to Ambleside. We're betting you'll be wowed!

Happy Monday, dear readers.

Downtown Decorations

It is beginning to look a lot like Halloween in downtown Greensboro. Especially from the 500 block of South Elm Street  to Bain Street, downtown is very colorful. The above window is the decoration of Terra Blue, a store that sells spiritual gifts, beads and findings, bath salts, coffee, and more. Allen and Sarah McDavid opened a shop in 1999 in a neighborhood and then moved to the above location downtown. Their shop, over 20 years old, is in a building that used to be shared with the Browsery, in the building owned by Ben Matthews.* Terra Blue was very creative during the Pandemic, setting up shop outside in the entranceway of the store. Now, they have in inventory in both sides of the building and their window displays just keep getting better and better.

Last night was First Friday, the weather was nice and there were plenty of galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants open for everyone's enjoyment. The cultural arts center featured an art exhibit. The downtown parks had people in them; in Center City Park for the Drum Circle and LeBauer Park for Salsa dancing. The moon was not quite full, but it was bright, illuminating everything in its path. The serendipity of strolling on Elm Street on a night with so many places open is delightful. As we were taking this picture, a boy about 4 years walked by and started talking to us. His mom reminded him that he just can't talk to even?ryone. Persistend, he asked "Who are you?" What would you say if a four year old stranger asked you that question. Then, we stopped to watch Brian Caviness sculpting at Ambleside Gallery and then headed back up the other side of the street. The evening was very relaxing!

Happy Saturday! Head out and make some memories.

 

* read Yes Weekly article about Ben and the Browsery, here.

Kelly McGough

Last night, at Hops Burger Bar on Lawndale, we met up with Kelly McGough (Grimsley, Class of 1976). Kelly was back in town clearing out a storage unit, the last of the Greensboro goods, now that his mom lives with him in Boston, MA. The McGough family moved to Greensboro in 1969, setting up house on Redwine Drive. As of 2021, after 52 years, none of Kelly's family resides in Greensboro and it has been a long time since Kelly has lived here. After high school, he went to UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in geography. While he loved his major, Kelly has made a career in a very different field. He sells financial software to venture capital and private equity firms.

Let's hope we can entice Kelly to continue to come to town once in a while. He loves playing golf, road trips,  and driving around seeing all of his former haunts and catching up on how Greensboro has changed. If you know Kelly, invite him down for a round of golf. Last month, Kelly became a grandfather. Congratulations, Kelly, you will make a fabulous grandpa. We're betting Kelly has a plan to nudge his grandson in the direction of UNC Chapel Hill. Here's to his new venture as a grandpa and his keeping old friends- like us!

Perry Calhoun Sr. and Jr. at The Shoe Market

The above photo features Perry Calhoun and his son, Perry, Jr.  at The Shoe Market at 4624  West Market Street. We had a chance to talk to them yesterday during the annual Labor Day sale. With the rain and the cooler temperature yesterday, Labor Day, indeed, felt like the end of summer. While the rain may have kept some home, The Shoe Market was busy and Mr. Calhoun (Senior) had nothing but great things to say about his sales staff as they masterfully helped customers. Three of his employees left their positions as traveling reps for the opportunity to work at The Shoe Market. One employee, who used to sell cars, is now happily selling shoes because the income potential is impressive. Some of the sales staff have been with the store for over twenty years.  This independent shoe store consistently gets rated in the top three in the industry, based on ratings by secret shoppers, whom Mr. Perry, Sr.  has yet to catch. He credits his high industry ratings to the sales staff. It is nice to go to a retail store where the sales staff really know the product.  The high quality shoes they carry is also a plus. As an example, Mr. Perry mentioned the SAS brand. Made in San Antonio, SAS has 88 sizes for women and 116 sizes for men. From slim to narrow,  medium to wide, double wide, and triple wide, you can get the exact size to fit your foot.

Mr. Perry, Sr. majored in business at the University of Alabama, worked elsewhere and came to Greensboro in 1992 to open The Shoe Market. His son, Perry, Jr. was first in the U.S.Army, and then attended school in New York to learn make orthotics, and is now working alongside his dad. They have built quite a business out of helping people stand, walk, and run in comfort. If you have been in Greensboro for a while, you know about the Greensboro tassel loafer and HERE is a 1996 article from the Greensboro News & Record about the great length Mr. Perry, Sr. went to to replicate the shoe when the Nettleton Shoe Company went out of business. Next time we're in the store, we going to check and see if they still sell that loafer, and maybe even buy a pair!

Happy Tuesday! 

Spring Garden Bakery- Fabulous Third Space

Third spaces, those spaces where we sometimes seek refuge, serve as a great option when a little break is needed from home and work. Spring Garden Bakery, on Spring Garden Street is one such space. The other day, we walked in through the back door and just loved the ambience in this view. The muted colors; two people talking; and, in person, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. We have been eating their granola bars for twenty years now.