Greensboro Daily Photo

Really, Really Free Summer; Imagine the Possibilities!

We want to encourage you to have a "really, really free" summer. There is so much to do in Greensboro and the surrounding area that doesn't cost anything. One example is the Puzzle Place at 695 Percy Street. We love to borrow a puzzle and return it once we've put it together. The two puzzles on the ground that were ones that were being donated on the day we were there. You don't have to give one to get one, but it is nice to do so to keep the supply from being depleted. Also, there are free little libraries all over the city. Then, there is MUSEP, the Sunday concerts in the local parks (see HERE). Barber Park and Keely Park have spray grounds. If you are willing to drive about a half hour north of Greensboro, you can swim or play in the river at Madison River Park (see HERE). This upcoming Saturday, in Winston-Salem at 239 W. Acadia Avenue, they are having a "Really, Really Free Market."  You can take items there for people to take for free. You can take items for free, even if you don't bring anything. 

The Weatherspoon Art Museum on UNCG's campus is free, as is the Greensboro History Museum. The Greensboro libraries have programs for free. The options are many. We challenge you to find free things to do, in town or nearby. Even better, what if you did some kind of "free" pop-up in your neighborhood? Do you have a neighborhood group on Facebook? If not, start one. challenge your neighbors to offer things to each other, before sending them to second-hand stores. Make a difference by reducing your carbon footprint and save money while you are at it. If you are in a position to do so, use the money you save to help others. Being part of a caring, giving, and generous community is the best feeling of all.

Happy Monday!

James Dodson: The Road that Made America

On Thursday night, Jim Dodson spoke at the Greensboro History Museum to a full house. The event served as a local launch for his book, "The Road that Made America." The book is an epic account of the eight-hundred-mile long wagon road from Philadelphia to Georgia. We haven't had time to read our copy yet, but we're thinking it  will remind us a little bit of Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" and a little bit of Charles Kuralt's "On the Road" series. 

Jim was the first editor of the O. Henry Magazine and it launched 14 years ago in the Greensboro History Museum, so it was fitting for Jim to talk about his latest book in the same space. We hope you will stop by today for the Flashback 1970's event that begins at 11:00 am. Parking near 130 Summit Avenue and the event is free.  Greensboro played a significant role in the history of the Great Wagon Road (that made America), and you can see plenty related to that era, including a stage coach, if you stop by the museum. The more you dig into the history of Greensboro and the United States, when told by a master storyteller like  Jim Dodson, the more you will want to learn. The Greensboro History Museum is a great resource.

Happy Saturday!

Greensboro History Museum: Flashback 1970s Event

While milling about town this week, taking photos of Greensboro to share with you, we stopped by the Greensboro History Museum. We were reminded that tomorrow (July 12, 2025), the museum will have a super fun, nostalgic event celebrating the 1970s. However, before digressing, let us stick to the photo at hand.  Here we see a piece of furniture and memorabilia from the Clegg Hotel and restaurant. It fits with our initiative to feature more downtown history with our readers. 

William Francis Clegg moved to Greensboro from near Pittsboro, launching a cigar factory on South Elm Street, across from the train depot. He began selling coffee and sandwiches to people traveling by train. This small start up led to the creation of  a hotel and restaurant. An old postcard of the lobby shows large armchairs. We're betting men sat around smoking cigars and discussing business, politics, and life in general. Online, a New Year's Day menu from 1903. What an interesting piece of history and culture. You should be able to open it in the "menu" link. However, here are a few features. To drink: Moore Springs water, Buffalo Creek water, Harris Lithia water, Buchanan well water, White Stone ginger ale, ping pong lemonade with peppermint stick, coffee, tea, buttermilk, and chocolate. The protein menu was very different from what you would likely find today: Chowder of clams, baked shad, smoked ham, same old 'possum, Reedy Fork duck, broiled doe chops, ribs of beef, green goose, and roast wild turkey. What would you have chosen?

Going to the Greensboro History Museum is such a fun way to learn about local history. It is free, so you could take a little one and when they had reached their limit, you could exit and head to the public library or the children's museum, just around the corner.  If you want to learn about the 1970s, stop by The Flashback 1970's event (see here) tomorrow from 11:00 am- 4:30 p.m. There will be vintage autos, fashion, a fashion show, hands-on activities, a bake-off, talks, a costume contest, and more. To be sure, the event will be cool, groovy with a little flower power thrown in. Look for Mr. Clegg while you are there!

Happy Friday!

 

Elks Pool Swimmers Ready for City Meet 2025

Greensboro has two Elks Lodge Locations. One is at 2201 W Cornwallis Drive (#602, photographed above)  and the other is in Kings Forest in East Greensboro at 2008 Phillips Avenue.  Lodge #602 was established in 1901. Based on  four virtues, Charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity,  the Elks focus on community involvement and charitable activities. The lodge on Cornwalis has three pools and is one of twenty teams in the Greensboro Community Swim Association.  When the photo was taken yesterday afternoon, the Elks swim team was either finished practicing for the day or set to arrive later that afternoon. 

While the summer dual meets are over, 2025 City Meet begins today, at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC). If you want to see an example of how Greensboro comes together to celebrate community, head to the GAC and cheer on these young swimmers. Good luck to all the teams. May each member of the Elks Stampede team swim their personal best and bring back some great stories to share at their home pool. Let's hope the weather holds out.

Happy Thursday!

Summer Travel Through PTI Airport

Before we start today's post, we hope everyone is OK after all of the rain and flooding in the Central North Carolina. Also, if you are seeing pop up ads embedded in Greensboro Daily Photo, we apologize. We are working to try to figure out how to get rid of them. Now, on to today's post.

While Greensboro is a great place for staycations, summer travel elsewhere can be memorable, too.  The Fourth of July is one of the most traveled weekends of summer. In Greensboro, we are about half way between the mountains and the coast and the options are many. For air travel, options are limitless. The above photo was taken during a recent approach into Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI).  In the air, it is fun to keep looking out the window, until something recognizable comes into view. Here, just behind the plane's wing,  is a clear view of Embassy Suites at I-40. 

We try to use PTI, as opposed to driving to Raleigh or Charlotte. Our local airport is small, but efficient. Lines and crowds are rarely an issue. Chances are, you will you will see someone you know and people don't dread giving you a ride.  Over the past two years, flight options at PTI have increased, as has passenger usage. In reading this article, we also learned that in 2024, PTI had more than 300 international flights on corporate and private jet charters. International travel requires U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. While this won't be happening for the general public at PTI this summer, perhaps it is on the horizon.

Have a great rest of July with these extra hours of daylight!

Time for Recreation on Lake Brandt, Higgins, and Townsend

 

The above photo features a view we had last summer kayaking on Lake Brandt. It reminded us that we need to get out for some water time this summer. Greensboro has three lakes, north of the city; Lake Brandt, Lake Townsend, and Lake Higgins. It is possible to kayak on all three; and,  few times a year, night kayaking is offered (see schedule HERE). Whether you go out by day or night, kayaking on the lakes is great exercise and great fun.

Lake Brandt is a municipal reservoir that was originally built in 1925. It ws expanded in 1958.Lake Higgins was constructed in 1956, and Lake Townsend in 1969. Randleman Lake is the newest lake. While it was conceptualized and initiated in the 1930s, it was not completed until 2004 and officially opened for public recreation in 2010. See HERE for more information on Randleman Lake and Marina.  

See you on the water!

The Month of July Is Upon Us!

Can you believe June has come and gone and  July is upon us? The above photo is from an event at the Greensboro History Museum, earlier in the year. Visiting the history museum always makes us feel patriotic and proud to call Greensboro home. While the museum will be closed on the Fourth of July, you could plan to visit on Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm this week.  Here is a list of their current and upcoming events. Have a look, there are some good ones.

As you plan your week, please note that Fun Fourth will be held downtown along Elm Street from 1:00- 6:00 pm.  From food trucks to performers to vendors, there will be something for everyone. The more you dress up to celebrate, the more fun your photos will be. The Fun Run will kick off at 8:00 am with events ranging from a One-Mile Fun Run to a 10K.  For those of you who are fireworks chasers, please note that there will be fireworks on Thursday, July 3rd in Gibsonville at Northeast Park (see details HERE). Then, on Friday the 4th, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Beach Music Festival in the Greensboro Grasshoppers stadium, formally called First National Bank Field. At the end of the concert and at dark, fireworks will be launched from the stadium. Here is a list of fireworks scheduled in the surrounding area.

Please note: We will return soon to the tour along the blocks of Elm Street. However, we thought it would be appropriate to kick off the first day of the month with a little red, white, and blue. 

Happy July!

Symphony Rehearsal Hall on the Corner of Elm and Friendly

 The above photo of a cellist playing a solo piece was taken at the rehearsal hall of the Greensboro Symphony, specifically, the  Marilyn and Dean Greene Rehearsal Hall. After the Junior League's Bargain Box thrift store relocated to Mill Street, the space at the corner of Friendly Avenue and Elm Street had been empty for nearly a decade. Now, it has been brought back life, adding yet another free, slice-of-culture opportunity to the community.  Now, across from Center City Park, it is possible to watch and hear the symphony performing.

According to the history on their website, the roots of the symphony date back to the 1920s when musicians from Woman's College (now UNCG) banded together under the direction of the Dean of Music Henry Fuchs.*  However, the rehearsal window is fairly new and we have taken advantage of several musical offerings here. The music is always very enjoyable. If we had one wish for this initiative, it would be for durning a rehearsal, to have signage featuring details of the performer, especially the name of musician(s). On the eve of the Festival of Lights in December, there was music with dancing from the Nutcracker. Perhaps, when the space is schedule to be used, more information is available on their Facebook page so we can make sure to schedule another visit.

Happy last day of June.

*reference and more information HERE.

Susan Sassmann, Community Member Extraordinaire

Today, we're featuring this photo of Susan Sassmann to remind all of us that Saturday, June 21, 2025, is the 21st year of the Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival. It began in 2025, and initially held in Greensboro's Bicentennial Garden. The event pre-dated the naming of the garden The Tanger Center Bicentennial Garden. Originally, the event was to be a one year happening, but people loved it so much, it has become an annual event for Greensboro, timed to happen as close to the Summer Solstice as possible. Approximently 5,000 attend the event annually to enjoy the many performances, events, food trucks and vendors. This is a place to don your best fairy wings and sparkle as magically as you can. See here for all the details from vendors to bands & schedule. And yes, the giant, Paper Hand Puppets out of Saxapahaw will he there and the evening will end with a fire show. A $10 entry fee helps pay for the event as well as the performers.

The extraordinary Sue Sassmann moved to Greensboro from Toronto in 1987 to attend college where she majored in fashion design. She has done so much in her time in Greensboro, including co-founding the Women's Resource Center in the mid 1990s. Now "retired", Sue will be seen in full fairy regalia floating from venue to venue and booth to booth to make sure everyone is having a fabulous time at the festival. Sue is one of those people who just keeps making an impact and giving back to community. If you see her on Saturday, be sure to thank her.

Happy Friday!

Artichoke Thistle @ Old Greensborough

Today, we're headed back to Old Greensborough for a look at one of the plants currently in bloom around the parking lot. If  the "Seek" app (which is part of iNaturalist)  is correct, this is an artichoke thistle. Wikipedia  indicates the plant is very hardy, can survive drought conditions and , with a little bit of work, parts are edible.* If you saw Monday's post of the Old Greensborough building, you will see that the plantings surrounding the parking lot are beautiful. This photo was taken on the north side of the parking lot.

The Old Greensborough building at the corner of Elm Street and 620 W. Gate City Boulevard has three floors of businesses. To enter the building, it is necessary to have an ID. So, we asked three different groups of people leaving the building about the maintenance of this little, urban wildlife habitat in the heart of the city and every single group had a similar response. This is not a direct quote, but an aggregated response. "I don't know her name, but it is one woman. We used to see her out there with a wheelbarrow working a lot. But, the plants are pretty well established and they come back every year; so, we don't see her as often." We are determined, by the end of the summer, to see "the one lady", to at least find out her name and whether she is part of  and formal garden organization like Master Gardeners or Greensboro Beautiful. We'd love to interview her and give her the recognition she deserves..  

*Learn more about the artichoke thistle HERE.

Happy Wednesday!

Old Greensborough

What did we do upon learning it would be thirty minutes until we were seated for Sunday morning brunch at Chez Genese? We walked all along the south 600 block of Elm Street, of course. The above photo features the Old Greensborough Gateway Center- built in 1919 and housing the Blue Bell Factory. Today, the renovated building functions as an entrepreneurial co-working space (reference and more information HERE). Renovations happened over five years ago, between 2017-2019.  Most noticeable to us on the exterior was the new entrance (just barely visible in the middle of the right margin of this photo) to increase accessibility for all. Also noteworthy is the fact that every bit of the property, not covered with asphalt, sidewalk, or the building itself, has been artfully landscaped. The property is certified wildlife habitat by the national wildlife federation.  It has earned that designation because it provides food, water, cover, and places for wildlife to raise young. 

In walking the property, and using the iNaturalist and SEEK apps, we identified many plants. First, where is just about every color echinacea (cone flower) possible; figs; the American century plant; eastern redbud tree;  floating marsh pennywart; lambs ear, deodar cedar; artichoke thistle;  and, the potentially invasive, border privet. Likely, there are more plants; we stopped researching when our table at Chez Genese was ready. However, the lesson learned is that even tight, urban spaces can become certified as wildlife habitat. There are signs on the lot reminding people to respect the garden, which means touch and take nothing. Of course, the only thing we took were photos, oh,  and the inspiration to help create wildlife habitat anywhere we can. 

Happy Monday!

 

Center for New North Carolinians: Night of Unity

Last night, the Center for New North Carolinians (CNNC) held a fundraiser and community building event they called Beyond Barriers: A Night of Unity. It was an opportunity to invite the community in to learn more about the organization and to celebrate all the fine work it does for the community. Dr. Raleigh Bailey, Founder and Director Emeritus of the CNNC, was the keynote speaker. Additionally, two guests of honor spoke, and the Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz performed. Their performance is what is featured in the above photo. 

The CNNC was established in 2001 to support immigrant and refugee outreach, and has been a part of the UNC Greensboro campus since its inception. Last night's  event was held in the Alumni House on the UNCG Campus in the Oakley Family Reception Room. Approximately 85 people were in attendance. Let's hope this gala becomes an annual event. It was an example of the strength the immigrant population has brought to the Greensboro community. It was also a fine example of a community based project, made possible by the hard work of  faculty and staff members at UNCG. The initiative conceptualized and brought to fruition under the leadership of Chancellor Pat Sullivan.

Happy Thursday!

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

Sometimes on our strolls up and down Elm Street, we see people hard at work. Such was the case the other day at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Wandering past the south 100 block of Elm, we noticed this man washing windows. This scene looks so different from the street-level view where the bright red sign with the bold gold letters that reads F.W. WOOLWORTH dominates the view. The upper half of the building has a muted teal and ivory glow, a little more like something from a Martha Stewart Living magazine.

If you are local, you likely know that this is  the location of the original lunch counter where the Greensboro (NC A&T) Four famously sat on February 1, 1960. To protest segregation, they demanded to be served a cup of coffee. Portions of the original lunch counter are also displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Contrary to recent press, the lunch counter section continues to be on display in D.C.  As for Greensboro, we can't imagine the lunch counter seats ever not being on display. Meanwhile, this lone gentleman continues his job of getting those second floor windows to sparkle so that the museum will be beautiful from top to the basement- where the lunch counter remains on view.

If you need ideas for summer staycation activities and places to take out-of-town guests, visiting the International Civil Rights Center and Museum is a good one. Oh, and be sure to notice those clean windows.

Happy Tuesday!

 

WQFS @ Guilford College

WQFS 90.9  the radio station at Guilford College in Greensboro. Typical of college radiation stations, WQFS provides a wide range of programming and music genres. Serving not just Guilford College but also the Piedmont region of North Carolina, WQFS is a student-run radio station made up of college and community DJs. For those who don't live nearby, the station is also streamed on the internet via Tunein. We stumbled upon a program in progress when we were touring an art exhibit at Founder's Hall on campus. We're not sure who the DJ was that day, but it was apparent she was enjoying herself and receptive to our spontaneous photo shoot. 

Greensboro College is a local treasure. It was founded in 1837 by the Religions Society of Friends (Quakers). Until the the 1920s, the college was largely isolated, west of Greensboro.  However, once the old trail to the college became Friendly Road, Guilford College became firmly linked to Greensboro. Guilford College adds so much to the Greensboro area. Truly, it is a local treasure, as is WQFS. As a local community member, you can even present a program on the station. Whether through education or the airwaves, Guilford College and WQFS continue to enrich Greensboro with opportunities for connection, creativity, and community.

Let's all Head Downtown Greensboro

Last night was First Friday and the above photo features the masks that are on display at Green Hill as part of the display of Papperhand Puppet of Saxapahaw. Notice these masks are floor-to-ceiling large! At last night's First Friday, a few blocks of South Elm Street were blocked off so that pedestrians could take to the streets. The blocks will remain blocked off until Sunday. Be mindful of the block closures if you are driving downtown. Even better, head downtown and take advantage of the enhanced walkability. Also, remember that the Bellemeade Parking Deck is being demolished. It is located at the corner of North Elm Street and Bellemeade, just across from Tanger Center. The free Hopper Trolley will be out to help pedestrians navigate downtown. Look for signage that address route detours.

Also downtown is the 10th annual Wheels on the Greenway.  From 9am-1pm, more than 30 community partners will be making this community event great. Head downtown to the corner of Murrow Boulevard and Lindsay Street with your bike, roller skates, foot pedal power, etc. to enjoy this event. Greensboro makes a real effort to build community, get people downtown and using community resources. The best way to show appreciation is to participate. 

See you downtown! Happy Saturday!

Japanese Maple Tree Seeds

As we walked around our yard yesterday, we noticed that the seed pods are starting to form on our Japanese maple. We couldn't remember what we called them in childhood. They are formally called samaras, but we called them helicopters and whirlybirds. That was some good, old, pre-Internet fun. While they are forming now, they won't likely fall until late summer or early fall. These papery seed pods hold seeds which we only recently learned are edible. Right now, they are too small, but if we remember, we will try some this fall.

Japanese maples grow well in Greensboro, as long as the soil is well drained and at least slightly acidic. It might be possible to get Japanese maples from the Greensboro Cooperative Extension Center (3309 Burlington Road). It may also be possible to purchase them from the NC Master Gardeners Association.  The Greensboro Cooperative Extension Center offers many special events. We have always enjoyed the ones we've attended. To see the calendar of events and their other resources, see HERE. With the cooler weather we've had, you still have time to plant.

Happy Monday!

Meeting Place Is a Great Meeting Place along the Greensboro Greenway

Meeting Place is a piece of public artwork on the greenway, downtown, at the corner of West Smith Street and Prescott Street. The shape evokes the form of the tents used in the Revolutionary War. The ceiling is stainless wheel, with letters cut in the font of Nathaneal Greene's handwriting. Notice that the words are legible on the ground when the sun is shining. We featured this area of the greenway yesterday; however, in researching today's post, we learned that 19 different fruit trees and other edibles are planted here.

This artwork and resting space was conceptualized and designed by the husband and wife team, Mags Harries and Lajos Heder. The couple is from Massachusetts and they have created 30 works of public art. Read more about their artwork HERE.  See  HERE to learn more about other points on the greenway in Greensboro, including public artwork along the way. We have some great public art in Greensboro

Happy Wednesday!

City of Greensboro Orchard

Greensboro is so lucky to have a public orchard on the greenway at the corner of West Smith Street and Prescott Street, between the western edge of town and the Westerwood neighborhood. On Sunday, in conjunction with the City of Greensboro, the Greensboro Permaculture Guild held an informational session in the first public orchard in Greensboro. Above, guild member and horticultural specialist , Aubrey Cupit shares his expertise with a group. The event was free and open to the public. Aubrey explained how agricultural ecosystems can be sustainable and self-sufficient when people work with nature as opposed to against it. In the session, we learned that a grass mowed lawn with a tree stuck here and there is not a sustainable ecosystem.

In the above photo, you can see that multiple fruit trees have been planted, in what is now a healthy and productive orchard. Fruit trees that do well in Greensboro are plum, cherry, paw paw, persimmons, and figs. If we remember correctly, all of those fruit trees are planted in this space along the greenway. Fostering biodiversity in public spaces and setting up private permaculture spaces is an idea that is gaining traction in Greensboro. If you are interested, go to the Greensboro Permaculture Guild's website, or follow them on Facebook. They do meaningful, community-based activities. As an example, their members have been working to help this orchard thrive. It is a great group of people with a wealth of knowledge, committed to earth care, people care, and fair share!

Happy Tuesday!

Betty and Benjamin Cone Jr. ALCOVE GALLERY

What a treat to see the amazing Betty Cone at GreenHill this past Friday night. It was extra special to have a chance to talk to her right under the sign to the  ALCOVE GALLERY, named for Betty and her late husband, Ben. The two of them have done so much for the local community. In 1999, the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro established the "Betty Cone Medal of the Arts Award." In 1999, the Greensboro News and Record published an article about Betty, calling her "The Problem Solver for 30 Years." Fast forward to today and it's been over 50 years of civic engagement and brainstorming initiatives and solutions for the good of the city- almost since the day she arrived in Greensboro in 1969.  In the News & Record, she is quoted as being like the computers she used to program, "a storehouse of information and a capacity for detail."

Greensboro doesn't see as much of Betty these days, as you may already know, the Cones have a blueberry farm in eastern North Carolina, Cone's Folly. Their yield is about 10 pounds of berries per bush (and they have lost of bushes). In North Carolina, peak season is May and June. Likely, Betty will be in Pender County involved with getting the blueberries harvested. We are lucky to get her back in Greensboro when we can. She continues to inspire so many of us.

Happy Tuesday!

The L. Richardson Preyer Jr. Building

The L. Richardson Preyer Jr. Federal Building and Courthouse, also used to be a post office until the late 1980s.  It is located downtown on the northeast corner of the Eugene and Market Street intersection. Completed in 1933, the building was constructed in the Art Deco style as a result of the 1926 Public Building Act .*  It also has classical and futuristic elements. Notice the long windows and verticality of the building. L. Richardson Preyer, Jr. was a U.S. Representative and District Judge. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no rain in the forecast until Sunday afternoon, so you should have some time this weekend to get out and explore the beautiful buildings of downtown Greensboro. On another note, if you love history, Preservation Greensboro will have a tour of historic homes and gardens of Irving Park on May 17th and 18th. That would be a fabulous opportunity to learn more about one of Greensboro's oldest neighborhoods. (see HERE).

*If you love learning the history of buildings, read more HERE.

The Yellow Door House

Located at 1504 Lovett Street, the Yellow Door House is a community resource for the Glenwood Community. According to their website, The Yellow Door House "seeks to be a catalyst for Jesus-centered development in the areas of Education, Healthy Living, Economic Opportunities, and Spiritual Information. They offer worship nights, a women's clergy retreat, and there are ways to partner.

The Yellow Door House is committed to revitalizing the Glenwood neighborhood.  If we understand correctly, Yellow Door endeavors to educate young and old alike in Glenwood. They also offer neighbors economic opportunities, healthy lifestyles within a spiritual framework. They are located right across from HOPE Academy and we're betting they have great involvement there. If you drive by, the yellow is very noticeable and perfect for spring.

Happy Sunday!

Downtown Greenway

Do you use the Downtown Greenway? It has been in the making since the early 2000's and has now become a reality. As the weather warms, it will be such a lovely resource for Greensboro. The above sign on the trail is just off of North Murrow Boulevard near Summit Avenue.  This multi-use, paved trail is four miles long and, as you can see from the above sign, this leg of the greenway has a lot to offer. We've gotten some great books from the Free Little Library. The greenway circles around the city, through neighborhoods, and has public art installed along the way. It is a collaborative project and labor of love between private and public organizations. Here is a link to their website, where you can learn of upcoming events, see a map, read the newsletter, see photos of the special features, and more.

One of our favorite, upcoming events will happen on Saturday, May 10th.  Greensboro will host the 10th annual Wheels on the Greenway from 9am-1pm. Vehicles of all sorts will be encouraged to participate, and it is especially geared to children. Hope to see you then.

Happy Tuesday!

Piedmont Triad International Airport

Greensboro's Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), is referred to at an international airport because it has the infrastructure to handle international travel (customs and immigration capabilities). However, PTI is primarily a domestic airport and, to the best of our knowledge, there are is no international flying out of PTI.  Air Force One, the Boeing VC-25 aircraft  that transports the President of the United States, uses PTI for training, referred to as touch-and-go exercises. The proximity to Washington, D.C. and lack of air congestion, make PTI (with it's unique 3-letter code, GSO)  an ideal spot for these training maneuvers. 

Above, the photo features two boys, playing in a water fountain on the ground level of PTI while their family was securing a rental car. They look like they are almost alone in the airport. Actually, behind them, there was a nice little crowd at the car rental counters. For those few minutes, while their parents were securing a car, the brothers were playing, talking, and imagining in the fountain, as if they had the airport to themselves. Travel can be so good for children. It expands horizons, nurtures dreams, and creates a confidence in venturing out in the world and learning about other cultures and ways of living. Who knows, some day, perhaps these little guys will grow up to fly passengers in and out of Greensboro, or spend the afternoon doing touch-and-go training on Air Force One.

As for us, we love to travel and see the world, but are always Grateful to return to Greensboro.

Happy Saturday!

Sherwin Williams

Today's photo features the Sherwin Williams paint center in the Dunleath neighborhood of east Greensboro and on Summit Avenue. We went into the store on a silly quest, to find out what color "Sherwin Williams" blue is. Nobody seemed to know, but we were pretty proud of our ability to come close to uncovering the color. We're pretty sure it is hyper blue. At any rate, just stopping by the store got us thinking about the company's purchasing of the Desoto Paint Plant on Howard Street- just off of Spring Garden Street. The Desoto Plant had been operating since 1959, after taking over Carolina Paint and Varnish (established in 1948), a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck, and Company. If we're going the math correctly, it looks like Sherwin-Williams has been manufacturing paint in Greensboro since 2001.* There is also a plant on Stagecoach Trail.

It is interesting to learn about the manufacturing that is taking place in Greensboro and in North Carolina. Wondering if you buy S-W paint in Greensboro if it is made locally. Also wondering who names the pint colors. They seem to change a lot. The paint stores in Greensboro seem to be good at getting people who are great at mixing and offering suggestions (when asked).

 

*See news and record article here.

Farmers Market & International Women's Day

Today is farmers market day in Greensboro. The most widely known markets are the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville; the Corner Market on West Market; and the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge Road. All three are great and have a very different character. The above photo was at the Yanceyville market recently. Shoppers were heading back to their cars on a rainy day. It is supposed to be sunny all day today, so you shouldn't need an umbrella. There will be lots of women selling their produce, food, and arts and crafts. Stop by and have a chat with the vendors- especially since they'll be working on International Women's Day! 

Have a great Saturday! It is almost spring.

General Green Council Scout Reservation

The General Greene Scout Reservation was chartered in Brown Summit in 1953 and, as best we can tell, continued through 1994.  For those who are interested, the General Greene Council and Camps Weans and Nikwasi has a Facebook group, open to the public. According to Wikipedia, in 1992, the General Greene Council merged with the Uwharrie Council from the North State Council. The above mug was given to a unit leader in 1969. Land in Browns Summit is being developed for housing and does not have the rural feel that it did back when the scout reservation was located in the ares.

Coming home and researching the history, we wish we'd purchased this mug; however, one can't own everything. At any rate, we captured the photo and have the memory. Now, we're sharing the memory with you. What memorabilia do you have to represent the region's past?  Do you have a memory to share with us?

Happy Tuesday!

MJ Broadway Play at Tanger Center

Yesterday,  was the closing day for "MJ" the Broadway play about the life of singer, dancer, and entertainer Michael Jackson. This jukebox musical follows his career and personal struggles from Gary, Indiana to international stardom. The music, acting, scenery and lighting were superb. It helped us understand why it is so expensive to stage a play.  "MJ" attracted large audiences and the demographic seemed to be younger than many. Michael Jackson has already been gone for 16 years, and his music dates back 40 years ago; however his impact on music, performing, and pop culture will be around forever.

The above photo features a matinee crowd this weekend during intermission. The lobby of the Tanger Center is a generous space with ample lighting, especially by day. As you can see, people were milling about, socializing, having their photo taken with one of the banners from the show, and, of course catching up on a little screen time. Also, people were in line to get drinks and to use the bathroom. Next time we are at Tanger, we are going to count bathroom stalls in the women's room. We think they actually have more stalls than Buc-ee's! Tanger opened nearly four years ago in 2021. We overheard someone saying she couldn't imagine Greensboro without Tanger. 

We read a BBC article this weekend about a Chinese village making a QR code out of trees so that people flying over can scan the image and learn about the village. (See HERE). We had this thought for Tanger guests to get in formation to create a QR code to advertise Tanger Center. We're thinking the QR photo could be taken from the balcony here and put on posters for fun. If they do it, you heard it first on Greensboro Daily Photo. 

Happy Monday!

Consider Taking a Class at Reconsidered Goods

Today's photo features K.D., Education and Community Outreach Associate at Reconsidered Goods. Reconsidered Goods (RG) is a creative reuse store, a sort of thrift shop for artists. They accept donations of almost anything that could  be used for a creative purpose, everything from scraps of fabric, to partial bottles of acrylic paint to broken necklaces with beads that could become a bracelet or new necklace with the imagination of an artist or crafter. The end goal is to keep as much as possible out of landfills.*  This past Sunday, K.D. (photographed above) co-lead a workshop with education team member Brianna (not photographed). The workshop involved creating patchwork quilted tote bags inspired by the Gee's Bend Quilters of Alabama. Here, K.D. is helping finish my bag as I decided to incorporate a double, interior pocket and K.D. helped make sure that the handles didn't sew through the pockets. Her patience, great smile,  and teaching style are to be commended. In the end, everyone went home with a unique, quilted bag.

K.D. was born and raised in Greensboro. After graduating from Page High School, she went on to earn a BFA from UNCG in sculpture and ceramics. She has always loved art and remembers learning to sew sitting on her mom's lap when she was a young child. She has worked at Reconsidered Goods for a year and a half and is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at RG.  This upcoming weekend, RG is offering a two day sewing class. They will have machines, expertise, fabric, thread, scissors, pins, literally everything you need to learn to sew. It is such a fun environment to learn in. Our cohort joked that at one point, it felt a little like Project Runway with all of us trying to finish up our projects. One workshop participant drove all the way from Charlotte because they don't have a store comparable to RG. Here  is the bag I made, with a little help from K.D.

* They have a list of items they will and won't accept. For example, they will only accept clothing if it is vintage or a costume.

Cultural Arts Center

Last night, the Greensboro Cultural  Center on Davie Street downtown was a hotbed of activity on First Friday. Galleries and hallways were filled with performing and visual arts. The above photo features the Greensboro Grow Residency Room in the center. Currently in residence is musician Jackie Spade and the room was hopping. Greensboro Grow residencies are available from one to four weeks and, once accepted, use of the space if free to the performing or visual artist. It can be considered an incubator space, or a place to interact and get feedback and publicity for one's craft. 

We serendipitously stumbled on Jackie Spade's performance last night. Sometimes, we research First Friday events and other times, we like just to see what we can see and learn as we go. Thanks to YES! Weekly, we learned that Jackies's Greensboro Grow residency was centered around his new album "Ugly Rose" and the immersive experience is entitled, "Ugly Rose: An Immersive Experience."  The themes of the experience, through the music, were beauty, pain, and personal growth.  If you want to see it for yourself, Jackie's residency continues for two more days. (Read YES! Weekly article here). We are so appreciative of local journalism and want to hold on to every opportunity to learn about local events. So thank you, Yes! Weekly. And, thank you to the City of Greensboro for making Grow Greensboro and Creative Greensboro possible. When these artistic initiatives are brought to the community, people come together and learn about each other and have fun. February's First Friday was so much fun and did not cost a dime!  We wonder what March 7th will bring.

Happy Saturday!

Brooks Global Studies Elementary School

The New Brooks Global Elementary School opened this month at 400 Ashland Avenue. The Brooks Pandas have relocated from Westover Terrace beside Grimsley and are enjoying their brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. To help orient you, the school's backyard neighbor is the Greensboro Arboretum and the other side is a block off of Walker Avenue, leading to West Market Street. The K-5 school is a 3-story building and 80,000 sq. ft. This lovely classroom is an example of the lighting, furniture, and interior decor. With global studies as the theme, you can bet geography skills feature prominently. The desks have maps on them and the tent cards have names of continents. If you notice, the desks are on wheels, providing so many options to classroom configurations- from small groups, to rows, to a paideia circle. The chairs don't have wheels and, if you have ever taught in an elementary school classroom, you might understand why!

The new school is on a rather small lot- seven acres- however, there is a playground and space for children to play and explore. How wonderful to see this taxpayer money put to such good use. Once you see these new schools in Greensboro, you realize the educational opportunities they provide. The lottery for rising Kindergarten students, Fall 2025, has passed; however if you are interested, you can always submit an application for Fall 2026. The program is so strong and teachers so talented, even in the old facility, space filled quickly.

Nature Promotes Healing

Nature Promotes Healing is a circular sign in the Garden at Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital. In the background, to the left of the path is a stone that reads, Healing Gardners Fund in Loving Memory of Irene "Cissy" Hall, Richard D. Hall, Jr. and family. In 2014, her family donated at the Gold Level Sponsorship  in her memory to the Cone Health Center for Children.  She died in 2013 after a seven year battle with cancer. According to her obituary, she and her husband resided in Greensboro and Highlands, NC.

The garden, and the stone dedicated to Mrs. Hall, remind us of the beauty people can create for others, even in times of adversity and sadness. If you haven't been to the garden in front of the Cone Health Cancer, it is a lovely place to walk in every season. The Healing Garden is open year round from dawn to dusk. There is signage to help you appreciate what you are viewing. There are Wetland and Meditation Gardens and well-cleared path to traverse them.  The Healing Garden is especially to walk with a friend who may need a little extra comforting. Before you know it, the gardens will begin displaying blooms and brighter colors. 

Have a happy Tuesday and be sure to read the signage and take in the artwork if you get by the Healing Garden. 

Sayaka Matsouka & Triad City Beat

Featured today is Sayaka Matsouka, managing editor and writer extraordinaire for Triad City Beat (TCB). For the past decade, she has covered current events and timely topics, making TCB a prime example of investigative community journalism. Sayaka is particularly skilled at crafting compelling ledes that draw readers in. Here is a link to the newspaper, where you can explore the newspaper and find articles by Sayaka.

As with most community newspapers, TCB faces the challenges of rising print costs and meeting budget demands. However, Sayaka assures us that regardless of what the future holds for TCB or for community journalism in general, she will continue to report on local issues and tell the stories that matter to the community.

Sayaka, the daughter of first-generation Japanese immigrants, grew up in Greensboro. She attended Summerfield Elementary, Kernodle Middle, Northwest High School, and UNCG. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, practicing yoga, and playing tennis and video games. True to her nature, Sayaka was at a community event the day we captured this photo. Triad City Beat had a table at "Point of Contact," an inauguration-day event focused on community resources held at Scuppernong Books.  As the photo shows, Sayaka’s smile radiates, and her passion for community journalism is clear.

Print Media

Life is about change. January is a time when we often strive for change. We only need to look at the parking lots in front of the local gyms to see January is a time when people aspire to make lifestyle changes. One change that has been inching our way since the personal computer is the diminishing of print media. For old timers, seeing these boxes by the side of the road are a point of affection and nostalgia. To the younger generation, print media can seem like unnecessary clutter.

We are so fond of the O. Henry Magazine and cannot wait for a copy to be published every month. It is a great way to keep up with items of local interest and to rest one's eyes from the computer screen. Their print features and photos are fabulous.  The Carolina Peacemaker has been Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967. For a dollar, you can have a copy of this weekly paper with items of interest to the community at large, but with special focus on the African American community, a community.  With a staff of ten and a weekly circulation between 9,000 and 10,000, they do so much to keep the community informed. And every event we go to photograph in Greensboro, one of the Peacemaker's photographers, either Ivan Saul Cutler or Kevin Dorsey is there with their cameras and big lenses. The "Marry Me" magazine to the right is new to us (but then we've long been married). If you want any of these publications, head to the corner of McGee and South Elm Street. To orient to the location, that is the iconic Bennett College water tower in the distance. The "O. Henry" and "Marry Me" are free. Have four quarters handy if you want one of the Carolina Peacemakers. You owe it to yourself to give it a try. 

Happy Wednesday!

Peck Elementary

Peck Elementary School is scheduled to open today. The original Clara J. Peck Elementary School has roots that date back to 1929. Ms. Peck was Greensboro's first public health nurse. The building was erected on a 37 acre lot. The old building still stands in front of the above state-of-the art K-8 school in the Glenwood neighborhood at the corner of Lovett and Florida Streets. The theme of the school is expeditionary learning which focuses on team groupings and learning that is interactive and collaborative.  Reading about the educational model is well worth your while (see HERE). 

The above photo only captures a snippet of the building that looks more like a community college campus than a K-8 public school.  The school is made possible by the bonds passed in Guilford County in 2020 and 2022. See HERE to get a better view of the school as a whole and hear from a teacher who is moved to tears talking about transitioning from the old to new facility and all it will mean to the students who attend.

Happy Monday and Happy First Day in the New School to all of the children who are scheduled to transition to the new facility.

Top Photos of 2024

Happy New Year!

In the City Daily Photo Community, we have the January 1st tradition of selecting the best photo of the year. We picked the one of  the Grimsley High School football team heading to Chapel Hill to play in the final 4A football championship.*  The Grimsley team won; they are state champions! This giant win represents the true spirit of community. Grimsley students had a dream, worked will together, and had great coaching. Between talent, discipline, and believing in themselves, they brought home the trophy. Parents and teachers alike accommodated  their schedules to allow this to happen. Players focused in a driven way that will take them far in life and the cheerleaders were there every step of the way, energizing the crowd. Community is comprised of people, places, and events. While Grimsley is only one of 30 high schools in the county, it is an example of the wonderful things happening in the Guilford County Public Schools. Grimsley was originally established in 1899 as Greensboro High School (see original post HERE).

In our annual reviews, we also like to share notable posts for each month. Greensboro has seen lots of change in 2024. This was the year we lost an outstanding public servant, Yvonne Johnson.  There were many construction projects underway. The Northern Lights also came to town. The News & Record building came tumbling down, signaling the end of our once prominent community newspaper. Here is a summary from the City of Greensboro of past projects and what's ahead. And now, our picks. Click on the month to follow the link for the event.

December-- Sad, but notable was the loss of Yvonne Johnson. Her service was held in Pfeiffer Chapel on the campus of Bennett College. Her casket was transported there in a horse-drawn carriage. Many family and community members shared their memories of one of Greensboro's greatest public servants. She was future oriented, yet with that old-school commitment to being ethical, fair, hardworking, and kind.

November--  We loved seeing the She Care Wellness Pods at Bennett College, constructed to help foster and maintain positive mental health in the community. Funding was made possible by Kate Spade New York and Tara P. Henson's Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. They are placed on campuses, and communities that provide evidence they can sustain the project.

October-- The Westerwood Chili Cook-off. Greensboro has many neighborhoods that work hard to build community; Westerwood is one such neighborhood. Every October, they have a fundraiser and chili contest. They have a string band that plays throughout the event. People bring lawn chairs, yard games, dogs, and friends and spend the afternoon in fellowship with neighbors and friends. While the event is intended for Westerwood residents, we've never seen anyone turned away.

September-- In September, the 10th annual folk festival came to town. Greensboro is so lucky to have been selected for this great weekend of music. This year, the majority of the music, venues, tents, food trucks, and vendors were held between LeBauer Park and The Gaylon Depot, with Church Street being a hub of activity. The sponsors work hard to keep the event free. 

August-- The Mojud Lofts are located in what was once the Rolane Hosiery Mill. For years, the building was empty and deteriorating. Now, it has been brought back to life and added energy to a part of town that has tremendous potential- just beyond UNCG to the east and Lindley Park to the north, 

July-- The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department does so much for the city.  They make a concerted effort to create fun things to do and places to enjoy while keeping prices reasonable, and often free. Every summer, we participate in one of the the night kayak adventures. When we went in July, all kayaks were rented, an indication that the event is popular.

June-- Summer Solstice Festival. 2024 was the 20th festival with over 5,000 people attending. Held in the Arboretum, it truly brings people together. From early afternoon to the fire show finale, the event is non-stop fun.

May-- Can you believe the Northern Lights came to town? Seeing them has been on our bucket list and to think they were visible in Greensboro is something we will always remember.  May also saw the dismantling of the News & Record building which was nothing more than a sign of the times; indeed, to quote Bob Dylan, The Times They Are a Changin. 

April-- Judy Woodruff, part of the Guilford College, Bryan Speaker Series. Since 1996, Guilford College has hosted the Bryan Speaker Series. The event format is an intimate community conversation. It is another opportunity for an Institution of Higher Education, business, and community members to come together. Guilford College is working hard to see how they can remain viable and relevant as the interests and actions of this younger generation shift. If you have a chance to support the college in any way, their roots date back to the early 1800s, making it the first college in Guilford County.

March-- Spring in Greensboro is nothing short of spectacular. From the humblest of neighborhoods to the fancy homes, dogwoods abound. 

February-- The Corner Farmer's Market has become a Saturday morning must for many people. St. Andrews Episcopal Church welcomes the market onto their parking lot, another fine example of people, businesses, and an organization coming together for the good of the community. We finally got to talk to Kathy Newsome who works tirelessly to see that everything goes well, keeping vendors and customers happy.

January-- Tanger Center is a breathtaking community resource. No longer do we need to head to Charlotte, Raleigh, or Durham to see nationally and internationally renowned performances. Greensboro has its own  state-of-the-art facility. It even has more bathrooms than Buc-kees (if you know you know).

And that, dear readers, is a recap of some of the people, places, events, and nature in Greensboro. Thank you for continuing on this journey with us. Check back tomorrow as we begin Year 17 of this daily photo site.

Happy New Year!

Noon Year's Eve at the Greensboro Children's Museum

Above is a photo of the entrance to the  Miriam P. Brenner Greensboro Children's Museum. It was well attended yesterday, but we mainly went to learn more about today's Noon Year's Eve event. This spectacular event, held today from 10:00 am- 12:30 pm is a grand way for children to celebrate the new year early by counting down to noon! There will be family-friendly crafts, music, and a balloon and confetti drop. The 12 noon toast will be apple juice. What a memory maker for children and to give them an idea of how adults celebrate the holiday. As a society, we tend to demand everything immediately. Learning to anticipate and wait, and that sometimes the anticipation is as fun as the actual event, is a great life lesson for people of all ages. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.*

Help your little ones be present in the moment and take them to the Noon Year's Eve event. The Children's Museum is located on Church Street, across from the Central Branch of the Greensboro Library. As for what adults in Greensboro will be up to, well, the sky's the limit. This is a big night for restaurants, bars, and other venues. Many of us will be maintaining the tradition of ringing in the new year at home, watching the ball drop in Times Square. Whatever you do, Happy New Year!  We're thinking somewhere downtown, or nearby, should have a Noon Year's Eve celebration for adults: Tanger Center, The History Museum; The Weatherspoon Art Museum; The Train Depot...

Stop by tomorrow for our 2024 year in review post and on January 2nd for the start of Year 17 on Greensboro Daily Photo!

*if you can't make this event, the Jerry Hyman Day of Community Service and Accessibility is January 2nd, 2025 with $2 admission all day. 

Greensboro's Adopt-A-Street Program

Have you ever notices the Adopt-A-Street signs around town? Are you part of an organization that has adopted a street? In Greensboro, the Parks & Recreation Department oversees the Adopt-A-Street program. This is a two year agreement for groups to clean their street four times a year and to report the clean up activity to the city. Trash bags and gloves are provided. Neon vests and trash grabbers are also available- unless they all happen to be checked out. There are guidelines for where and how to leave the bags of collected trash, but the program is a very relaxed one that brings great joy to the neighborhoods, businesses, and houses along the way.

For Greensboro Daily Photo, we urban-walk a lot and stumbled on the above sign when leaving Greene Street and turning right on Spring Garden (between Gateway Plaza and the railroad tracks). We were intrigued to see Spring Garden is sponsored by THE UNO CLUB. Could that possibly be Mattel's game of UNO?  As it turns out, UNCG, indeed, has an Uno Club. When classes are in session, the club meets to play UNO for about an hour a week,  as a way to relax and enjoy a little friendly competition. We're guessing the street cleaning is a way for university students to also get to know and give back to the community where they study. Spring Garden Street is five miles long. beginning in the 300 block of South Elm Street downtown and continuing to Market Street, after which point it becomes Muirs Chapel. Conveniently, the adopted street of the UNO CLUB runs through the UNCG campus. We tried to find a master list of all streets being sponsored and their sponsors. So far, no luck.

There are so many volunteer opportunities with the City of Greensboro. See HERE if you are looking to share your time and talents with our community. That would make a great New Year's resolution.

Happy Monday!

Santa at the Greensboro Curb Market

Merry Christmas 2024! Santa came a little early to the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceville Street. He was in the cafe section reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas. The above couple had a child on their lap who delighted in hearing the story. For those who celebrate Christmas, we hope it is everything you are hoping it would be. For those readers who don't, we hope you are enjoying family and friends today, as most stores are closed. Perhaps we all have an opportunity to spend a little more time with family and friends. 

Things are pretty quiet today. A Google search didn't yield any conclusive results for places serving free meals today. We sure hope there is a way for the housing insecure to receive a warm meal and a cup of coffee today. Technically, today is the first day of Christmas, which will conclude on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Public school children in Guilford County will return on January 6th, Three Kings Day. If you have school children in your life. Today is the day to start celebrating the 12 days of Christmas. Let's all see what fun we can have and what good we can do for the Greensboro community. Meanwhile, Santa at the Book Nook may still be out delivering gifts. Be patient!

Happy Wednesday!

Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

There will only be one more Greensboro Farmers Curb Market before Christmas. If you need last minute gifts, flowers, or food, the farmers market on Yanceyville is a wonderful option. As you can see from the above photo, the poinsettias  they had last week were looking lovely. The market will be open from 8:00- 12:00 noon on Saturday.

The market was founded by the City of Greensboro in 1874, making it 150 years young. It has been rather crowded lately, which is good for business. 

Happy Thursday!

33 & Elm Coffee Shop

33 & Elm Coffee Shop is located at the rear of the Industries for the Blind building on West Gate City Boulevard at Tate Street. The above photo only features a portion of the shop. It is clean, friendly, inviting, and the coffee products are very good. The staff is very nice also. Can you guess how the shop gets its name? Well, The Industries for the Blind opened 91 years ago in 1933. The original location was on Elm Street; hence, 33 & Elm. The actual Industries for the Blind in Greensboro manufactures, assembles, and distributes product in an effort to eliminate barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired. There is also a National Industries of the Blind. 

The coffee shop is located in an area that is really taking off. Oden Brewing is close. UNCG has built across the street and is putting a community based art space on the other side of Tate Street at West Gate City. The coffee shop also serves the Glenwood neighborhood. The shop will continue to grow and grow. Manager George Hoyt is such a warm and welcoming person and will remember you once you've visited a time or two. If you have a little extra time over the end of December, or you have out of town guests, consider taking them here. Oh, and if you go today, it is 1/2-price, specialty-drink Wednesday.  If you happen to be the customer behind us in line when we are there today, we'll treat you to a specialty coffee! Let's fill this space with love... and customers!

Happy Wednesday!