Greensboro Daily Photo

Waving Santa Back at Friendly Center

Waving Santa returned to Friendly Center, as he always does, on Black Frida- on the Friendly Avenue side. He has been in place during the Christmas season since 1959. He arrived from Pennsylvania in 1959, two years after Friendly Center opened. This 13' tall piece of nostalgia is one of those things people expect to see in Greensboro over Christmas. Especially now that the Santa of Chapman Street is gone, Waving Santa is one of the symbols of Christmas in Greensboro people seek out year after year.

If you are out with holiday clothing this weekend, perhaps for the Candle Tea at the First Moravian Church or the Festival of Lights this Friday, or the Holiday Parade this Saturday, don your favorite holiday clothing and stop by for a photo. Do be careful, it is in a high vehicle traffic area. The traffic safety personnel are out directing traffic in Friendly Center, so be careful and respect their signals. It's beginning to feel a lot like December.

Happy Thursday- the last day of November!

 

Carriage House Antiques at Golden Gate Shopping Center

We happened to be in the neighborhood around Golden Gate Shopping Center recently and had the chance to stop into Carriage House Antiques. The plaza is conveniently located between the Irving Park neighborhood and Revolution Mill. Golden Gate opened in 1961, four years after Friendly Center, and has seen many changes over the years. Carriage House Antiques has been a go-to place in that part of town for high-end antiques and original works of art. It is clean, well organized, with a helpful staff. The merchandise changes frequently and it is fun to go in and see what is new. They also have a little bit of jewelry and a lot of small decorative objects. 

The potted geraniums at the door make such a bright and cheerful welcome. They look so healthy and are still blooming in October. You can tell by the conversations happening in the store, it is the kind of place where people get to know each other quickly, as well as check in on each other. Lampshades plus, formerly known as Hyalin Lamps (featured here in 2020) is located inside. So, if you need a lampshade, with expertise in picking it out, this is a great place!

It is the weekend! May it be filled with good food and fellowship, whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere. Happy Friday!

Pumpkin Time in Greensboro

It is pumpkin time in Greensboro. As a matter of fact, they are selling quickly. Most youth organizations at churches are manning pumpkin patches on the front lawn. They are such an iconic sign of fall, and Halloween for those who celebrate. Pumpkins, hay rides, corn maizes, pumpkin spice everything, and spooky woods venues are all throughout the county this time of year.  The above photo was taken at the Fresh Market on Lawndale, after a busy weekend of selling pumpkins. In addition to grocery stores and the pumpkin patch fundraisers, you can find the at Rudd Farm, Garden Valley Farmers Market, McLaurin Farms, Summerfield Farms, to name a few.

Another popular event this time of year is at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro (less than an hour away).  They are hosting "Boo at the Zoo" the next two weekends (see HERE). The Greensboro Science Center will show you "scary" animals, like giant,  hissing cockroaches, and other animals like scorpions that glow under UV light. If you haven't been to the zoo or the science center, this is a great time to go. You won't be disappointed. You also won't be disappointed if you head to Fresh Market, or to one of the church pumpkin patches- especially if you turn the selection into some kind of annual tradition. That reminds us, we still need to get ours!

Happy Monday!

Halloween, First Friday, and Weekend Fun

Yesterday afternoon, we were at Friendly Center and parked beside this wild and crazy jeep. It reminded us that it October is a time for fall fun, and, for many, Halloween is a big part of that fun. This jeep was decorated from top to bottom and from front to back. The North Carolina vanity tag is "ROLL-IT" and the snapchat name is "Mckuntry." We're betting this jeep echos the personality of the driver. The playfulness of the vehicle contrasts greatly with the more formal and elegant Schiffman's/Rolex in the background. 

Today is First Friday and like you will see vehicles like this one strolling up and down Elm Street. To be sure, merchants and restaurants will welcome you! From LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard, downtown Greensboro will be hopping tonight. Hope to see you there!

Happy First Friday!

Flamboyance of Flamingos

A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. A flamboyance of flamingos has landed at 1812 Walker Avenue. Earlier this month (September 4th) flamingos were spotted at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They were about 1,000 miles north of their usual habitat. Well, the above photos are also in an unexpected habitat, in a yard in Sunset Hills. Traditionally, this is a church youth group fundraiser; people install flamingos and you pay to have them removed. If you want to see live flamingos, you don't have to drive far. The Greensboro Science Center maintains a flamboyance of flamingos. They look very healthy and bright pink given their diet of foods containing carotenoid pigment. Here is a photo we took of them a little over a year ago.

As for the house at 1812 Walker Avenue, built in 1927, grabbed our attention as we drove around the corner. Wonder where they will land next.

Happy Tuesday! 

Chalkware Vignette by Lori Gray

Tis fair season. The Central Carolina Fair in Greensboro, a tradition since 1898, closed yesterday. The NC State Fair opens Thursday, October 12th in Raleigh. It will be full of exhibits and carnival rides and games. For years, chalkware was de rigeur at carnivals- from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Before stuffed animals were prizes, chalkware pieces were given to those whose carnival game skills merited a prize. The above collection is on display at Antique Market Place on Burnt Poplar Road. Lori Gray assembled the collection into this wonderful vignette. With the top piece with lights and the drapes, it is as if you are at a carnival and get to select your prize from the lot. However, the collection is being sold together, not piece by piece. 

Lori is a master vignette artist and nostalgia maker. She has a booth at the Antique Market Place and has a way of taking seemingly disparate items and pulling them together into a picture perfect scenes that evoke memories: Being in grandma's kitchen; hanging out in the living room of a dear family friend; sitting in a mod kitchen; preparing for a day of fun and games; and on, and on. We went this weekend just to visit this staging of her chalkware. Some lucky person will leave with a mighty fine collection. There is everything from the original kewpie dolls to Disney figures. We're wondering how many of these were won at the Central Carolina Fair. If you are local, head out and see this collection. The fair may have left town, but the collection is still here! Never again will you see so many pieces of chalkware in one place at one time! 

Happy Monday!

Autumn Will Be Here Before We Know It!

While this was taken on the 4th of July, it is one of our favorite photos of Summer 2023 in Greensboro. It was taken in front of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. The above photo shows people out at a festival enjoying the summer with family and friends. The sun was shining brightly.

We are hearing people saying they wish fall would hurry up and get here. Fall will be here in 33 more days, just over a month. This is the last week of vacation for Guilford County Schools students (on a traditional calendar) as school resumes on Monday, August 28th. After the start of school comes Labor Day, and then the National Folk Festival, and then fall. Let's not rush our days away.

Happy Monday!

Join Junior League of Greensboro

The Junior League of Greensboro (JLG) has been promoting volunteerism and the leadership potential of women in Greensboro for 95 years. According to their website, the JLG was founded on May 26, 1926 when Miss Kathleen Price (later Mrs. Joseph M. Bryan) organized the Junior Charity League with some book club friends and other select young women. In the early years of JLG, the organization worked closely with UNCG which was, at that time, a women's college.*  Over the years, JLG has done so much fundraising to help worthy projects of Greensboro. For example, in the 1970s, they raised money to help restore Blandwood Mansion. Over the years, they have been running the Bargain Box, a thrift store that raises money for their different causes.

The above photo was taken of a lawn of Junior League members who live in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Greensboro. It was taken on Independence Drive during the Fourth of July Festival last week. What a great way to advertise for your organization- with yard signs. Even if you don't live in Greensboro, you may know about Junior League, as there are over 295 Junior Leagues in four countries. Their headquarters is located at 3101 West Friendly Avenue, across from Friendly Center (see HERE).

 

* read the organizations timeline, HERE.

Happy July 4th, 2023

The Fourth of July is a big celebration in Greensboro. The Apple Pie Bicycle ride happens at 7:30 am at Bur-Mil Park today. There is a ride for all levels of strength and endurance. From 1pm-6pm downtown is Fun Fourth. Elm Street is blocked off and there will be plenty to do and see. At least one Uncle Sam will be in attendance. Last Fourth, we spotted two Uncle Sam at Fun Fourth (see HERE). So many businesses were closed yesterday and even more today. Here's to as many people as possible getting a four day weekend.

Regarding the Fourth of July in Greensboro, the most famous neighborhood event  is the Kirkwood Parade. This is the 74th year for Fourth of July fun in this neighborhood just north of downtown and slightly west of Irving Park. From 4:30- 8:30 pm, families will march and drive down Independence Road. Fun like you see above can be had when families and neighborhoods work together, building community and making memories. There is no entry fee and the event is not monetized. It is just a time for families to enjoy each other.

Happy Tuesday, Happy Fourth of July!

Guilford College: Student Humor

Sunday, walking around Guilford College, we stumbled upon their pottery kilns and some recently fired pottery.We got a big chuckle with the lovely pottery bust and the fact that someone snuck a bright red wig on it. We're not sure of the backstory, but so often these lighthearted pranks happen at the end of the semester. By that time, students have gotten to know each well and, in some cases, have built deep friendships. The scene reminds us all to see the humor all around us and to find opportunities to smile. Life can be so serious. Exam time and graduation are big steps in the life of college students. Here's to a great end to the semester for everyone.

Here is the schedule for higher education graduations for the Greensboro area. The graduation for Guilford College is May 13, 9 a.m. on the quadrangle lawn at the college. The keynote speaker will be Mandy Cohen, former secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. That should be an inspirational speech.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Holocaust Monument Dedication

Yesterday ws a very special day. First, it was Yom Hashorah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Second, the Greensboro community installed a monument dedicated to the women and children who endured or perished in the Holocaust. The monument, created by artist Victoria Carlin Milstein features five women; one older, one a child, and three young adults. Originally from New York,  Victoria Carlin Milstein now lives and works in Greensboro. Her studio is located at 517 South Elm Street. The above statue now resides in Carolyn's Garden in LeBauer Park in  honor of Carolyn LeBauer- for whom the park and garden are named. The sculpture is very representative of Carlin Milstein's work, with haunting expressions of Jewish women and children. As Ian McDowell of "Yes Weekly" reminds us, this sculpture, called "She Wouldn't Take Off Her Boots," * is North Carolina's first Holocaust Memorial. The Jewish community has been contributing significantly to the Greensboro community (and North Carolina) since the 1800s and remains flourishing, vibrant, and impactful today. It is due time a monument was installed.

Memorial candles were lit, in remembrance of these 5 in the sculpture and the others who died during the Holocaust. At today's dedication, it was mentioned that over 6,000,000 Jewish people were killed during the Holocaust, roughly the same number residing in the United States today. Mayor Nancy Vaughn dedicated the monument. Victoria and Ron Milstein and Shelly Weiner and Rachel Kizhnerman unveiled the monument. The Multi-Cultural Choir sang "Standing on the Shoulders" a moving song that honors forefathers. As hinted in the above photo, yesterday's crowd was large, but orderly. If you weren't able to attend this special event, you will have plenty of time to head to LeBauer Park and see the monument. You will see a bronze camera pointing at the monument, reminding us that the sculpture was designed from a photo a Nazi photographer took to document the killings. Also, there are QR codes all around the garden where you can hear Holocaust stories from people of Greensboro.

*the title of the sculpture comes from the fact that the older woman in the middle was still wearing her boots, even as the Nazis required the women to disrobe before being shot.

Palm Sunday, Minerva, and Mercy Hill

Today is Palm Sunday; for Christians, the day Christ entered into Jerusalem. It is the first day of Holy Week. So why does the above photo feature the Minerva Statue on the campus * of UNCG? Well, last week, we were walking across campus and noticed the apples are back. As tradition has it, since Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, justice, law, and victory, college students leave an apple, with one bite out,  at her base to bring them luck during exams. However, curiously, we noticed someone was placing Easter eggs at the base, too. We had to investigate.

As it turns out, college students (a few, off on the right edge of the photo, you can see a couple of them) were placing the plastic eggs in highly visible places. Inside was a piece of candy and a note advertising a church service geared towards college students. a service and a late night party at Mercy Hill Church, the northwest campus at 5330 Edgefield Road.  Stuffed in with a wrapped piece of candy, the message read, "Join us as we celebrate Easter with other college students across the Triad! We would love to see you there." The students felt like the Easter egg hunt would be more effective than just having an informational table. Let's hope the effort worked for them and that the students who are looking for Christian fellowship found their way to Mercy Hill. Mercy Hill has 5 campuses in Guilford County and services all this week, including a "Walk through" experience on Good Friday. See their schedule of events for the week HERE. There will be something to do almost every day this week. We're wondering how the students hiding the eggs in plain sight became affiliated with Mercy Hill and whether or not new students attended this week. 

Have a great week, and, if you are looking for a spiritual connection, this is a good week to find it.

Happy Palm Sunday!

* watch this short Youtube video about the Minerva statue. See HERE for the story of the sculptor of the Minerva statue, James Barnhill. 

Elm Street Center: 203 S. Elm Street

Elm Street Center is located at 203 South Elm Street in a building that was constructed in 1949 for the Ellis-Stone Department Store. This was eight years before Friendly Center was built (1957) In the same year, Ellis-Stone sold the store to Talheimber's. Since then, the space has also been an antique mall and an event center- and possibly more. Here is an interior view we featured in 2012, showing that fabulous staircase in the center of the building.

We love the way the red brick building peeks through the brightly colored flags of the Los Chicos Mexican Restaurant across the street at 200 South Elm Street. It is always fun to have cars in a photo. Nothing dates a photo more than cars and fashion! It is supposed to rain today; however, the middle of the week is scheduled to be nice. If you get a chance and need to get some steps in, consider walking Elm Street. From Center City Park at North Elm to the new Common Grounds Coffee Shop at Gate City, the distance is .6 miles. You can walk there and back, enjoying downtown, and pretty effortlessly get in 1.2 miles. If you see us walking along the sidewalk, be sure to say hello!

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!

Magnolia House: Interior View

Magnolia house, located at 422 Gorrell Street, is so important to Greensboro's history. It was built in 1890, but during the height of the Jim Crow era, Magnolia House gained special importance as a Green Book hotel. African Americans could stay here safely; guests would stay and often take a shoebox lunch with them as food on the road could be hard to come by. Today, Magnolia House again has lodgers, prepares meals, and educates groups about the history of the house. The signage throughout tells of prominent African Americans who stayed there, like Ike and Tina Turner and Jackie Robinson.  Magnolia House has special events; you can book weddings, music events, and more. It is quickly becoming a special destination in Greensboro.

The above photo features one of the downstairs rooms. The interior decorating was done by Gina Hicks and Laura Mensch of Vivid Interiors on South Elm Street. *  They brought their special flair while collaborating closely with property manager, Natalie Miller, whose father Samuel Pass owned Magnolia House. Above is an example of way Hicks and Mensch  respected the integrity of the architecture, leaving the fireplace, chair rails, high ceilings, yet brought a very elegant and glamorous look to the rooms. The wallpaper, gold light fixture, and mirror as a show stopping combination. Each of the six bedrooms are uniquely decorated.

The Christmas event at Magnolia House sold out; there doesn't appear to be a New Year's Eve event open to the public. However, check their schedule to see when a room is available and how you can order a shoebox lunch, or schedule a tour. Truly, this is a special piece of Greensboro's history. See more HERE. If you've never seen an exterior view, here is when we featured it in 2021.

Happy Thursday!

 

* read O. Henry Magazine article HERE.

Tinsel Town in the Cultural Arts Center

Have you had a chance to visit Tinsel Town in the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street? The venture was started by #Downtown Greensboro during COVID and in LeBauer Park, as a way to provide festive events for the community, even though people were not gathering indoors. . Different organizations decorate trees, usually in some way to represent their mission or cause. There is a contest and through QR codes, visitors can select their favorite. Now, the display in inside, out of the cold, but the trees are still as fabulous as ever.

Tinsel town is closed through 2/27/22; however will open after the holiday until December 31. You should be able to vote and out of the 50 uniquely decorated trees, the top five vote getters will get $500 awarded to the non-profit of their choice, on their behalf. It is such a wonderful idea and you can learn more about it here. This rounds out our Merry-Philanthropic-Christmas. If you get a chance to visit and feature anything on social media, please tag Greensboro's very special #DGSOTINSELTOWN We with you a Merry Christmas. We are so thankful you are on this photo-a-day journey with us.

 

Christmas Spirit at 1012 Jefferson

If you've driven down Jefferson Road, between Hobbs Road and Friendly Avenue, you've probably noticed there is quite a bit of Christmas spirit there. Christmas inflatables are out in full force, looking especially lovely at night. The above scene is at the corner of Jefferson and Somerset Place, a home that keeps this scene inflated, even during the day. The first thing you notice is the quartet of doggies greeting you with a candy cane. With this cold weather we've been having, we're awfully glad these puppies are not real. Oh, but in the world of Christmas, they are real to all who believe.

The above house was built in 1977 on a half acre lot, and if realtor.com is correct, has had the same owners for the last 21 years. The owners have been bringing the community Christmas cheer for many of those years. With the house set back from the road, there is plenty of room to fill the lawn with decorations. Each year, we've really come to expect seeing a lot of decorations at Jefferson Gardens and Carriage Hills. This are is developing its niche in inflatables, something festive, but different from the round balls of light, up in the trees, so famous in Sunset Hills. Have a great Wednesday. Remember it is the winter solstice. After today, days will start getting longer, with more minutes of light, that is.

Advent 3rd Sunday

Today is the third Sunday of Advent, Mary and Joseph are on their journey, looking for lodging. Themes for church services this week will likely revolve around John the Baptist, angels, joy, and Mary. Above is part of the scene of The Nativity Scene on the front lawn of Greensboro College. The first figures were created in 1936. In 2007, they were vandalized. In 2011, the shepherd was stolen. Fortunately, in 2022, the figures have been  replaced and the display is intact. It is special to see the whole display during the day, and also the lighted scene at night. If it snows this December, that will be the best view of all. The scene will be up at least through December. This tradition that started 86 years ago is pretty special.

If you notice in the back top left corner, the JP/LFG building anchors the photo in Greensboro.

One more week until Christmas. For those celebrating Chanukah (the Feast of Dedication), it starts tomorrow!

Happy Sunday!

JOY... at Mt. Pisgah UMC

This night photo was taken at Mt. Pisgah UMC, at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Battleground Avenue, on the northeast corner of the intersection. Now that we are in the advent season, it is fun to drive around and see how churches are celebrating. The "JOY" sign is highly visible in its prominent position and with the lighting at the church. Not the lighting, but also the services reflect the advent season. Sunday services at Mt. Pisgah are at 8:45 am for outdoor worship, 10:45 for contemporary worship; and 11:00 am for traditional worship. The original congregation and building date back to 1845. The building photographed above was constructed in 1968. At the time this building was constructed 54 years ago, this area north of Greensboro seemed really far from town. While the distance remains the same (4 miles), with so much retail constructed between Mt. Pisgah and downtown, it now feels like an extension of the city. 

From this view, it is hard to believe that Country Park, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Forest Lawn Cemetery, and Love Recreation Center are right in the backyard of Mt. Pisgah. If you get a chance, walk the greenway and you will get a different perspective on this part of town. 

We hope your Sunday is filled with JOY!

Sunset Hills and the Stunning Display of Christmas Lights

Once again, the Sunset Hills neighborhood is aglow under the chicken-wire-covered balls of Christmas lights. The lights are literally shot and hoisted tens of feet into the air. They are very hard to photograph and the warmth of the colorful glow, felt as you walk through the streets, cannot be replicated in a photo. However, the above photo gives you an idea of how they look. Also, you can see an example of the many people who walk the neighborhood on any given night to experience the decorating. The neighborhood gained national attention and was featured on The Today Show because of their creativity in initiating this display. The whole venture started in the home of Jonathan and Anne Smith, whose daughter shared them an outdoor ornament she loved: a chicken wire ball, about the size of a volleyball, laced with Christmas lights. At the time, she was studying at the College of Art and Design at North Carolina State University and knew good design when she saw it. Her dad replicated the design, filling the trees in their yard with the decorations. The idea spread like Christmas cheer in the neighborhood and now, Ridgeway, Greenway, Madison Avenue have participation by at least 3/4 of the houses. Other streets participate as well.

On Saturday, December 10th will be the 11th annual 5K race through the neighborhood, billed as "The Greatest 5k(ish) in the History of the World." Be sure to bring food to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. About 2,000 people walk or run and the donated food and money really helps feed people in need in Greensboro. We are a giving community and this Sunset Hills tradition is one fine example how a small idea can blossom into a community event with a service component. Even more lights have been added around the park this year. You won't want to miss it. If you do go out, remember to dress in festive garb and add some lights. Go with a group and you become part of the decorations!

Happy Tuesday!

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!

Christmas Time in the City

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Downton Greensboro. Last night was the Festival of Lights and there were activities from LeBauer Park to Gate City Boulevard. The above photo was the artificial snow being generated at Hamburger Square. Some children were experiencing "snow" for the first time. This year, a laser light show was added just southeast of the railroad tracks at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Festival of Lights is a special event for Greensboro, because it appeals to people of all ages, perfect for families. 

As we were walking from Spring Street where we parked- quite a long way from Elm, a young girl and her mom asked us for directions. Next thing you know, as we were crossing the street, the girl, about in first grade with a "be kind" backpack, asked if she and her mom could walk with us. Her mom was on the phone trying to figure out where her other relatives were. The girl, Nia, explained that they were trying to find the Disney princesses. She looked up and said, "Elsa's going to be there, but I'm not sure if her sister will be there or not." At that very moment, we were reminded of those magical years of childhood, where children still believe; in humanity, the kindness of strangers, and that  princess are real. That interaction with Nia may just go down as one of our great memories of the 2022 Christmas season. 

Today, St. Andrews Church (2501 W. Market Street)  is holding their Deck the Halls Market from 10am- 3pm. The Holiday Parade downtown starts at noon. The fiberglass at Santa is waving 24/7 now. The nativity scene is back on the lawn of Greensboro College. Tomorrow, the Greensboro Curb Market will have another Made 4 the Holidays craft show. Literally, you could do something seasonal  every hour of the day between now and Christmas.

Happy Saturday!

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.

Dunbar Street Jewelry by Annette

Annette Speaks designs jewelry and sells it at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. Annette paints everything by hand, often from natural items, like cherry pits and pistachio shells. She also uses junk mail, converting it to pulp to form beads. Annette creates pieces that tell a story. On one pair of earrings, the front side is a scene of downtown with houses and the back side is a scene of uptown with apartment buildings- four original paintings on a pair of earrings. Another pair of earrings is a scene of indigenous women, showing their connection to earth. The necklace in front of  Annette, in the above photo, has over 30 faces on the front and 30 on the back. If you wear it, you have over sixty people with you; quite an array of ethnicities, skin colors, and ages. Each of her pieces is unique and truly a work of art. After the last presidential election, Annette mailed a necklace to Vice President Kamala Harris and a member of VP Harris's staff called to learn more about the necklace with special interest in how long it took Annette to make it.

Professionally, Annette worked with senior citizens overseeing their craft making, honing her own artistic skills along the way. This Page High School alum. is one of Greensboro's great urban, folk artists. If you love memorable, wearable art, you are sure to get comments when wearing this jewelry. Annette should be at the market today. If you see her, show her this photo. We don't think we'll get by today. 

Happy Saturday!

'Tis the Season, Indeed!

The above photo was taken at yesterday's "MADE 4 THE HOLIDAYS" Market at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on Yanceyville Street. The weather was cool, but sunny, and the event was well attended. It was so nice to see the market full of artists and crafters; actually, there were also vendors even vendors outside. Vendors able to return inside as renovations are now complete. One part of the renovation was the painting of the braces on the ceiling. The black paint not only looks nice, it is said to be more durable than the finish that had been there previously.

To the left, you see lights for sale at Gardner's Garden, perfect for outdoor, holiday decorating. The people who sell the 3' lighted stars were there (lights are attached to wooden sticks and can be used indoors or outside). The next Made 4 the Holidays event will be Sunday, December 4th from 11:00 am- 4:00 pm. In the meantime, there are shows popping up everywhere, from people's homes to church fellowship halls, to independent stores, to The Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival at the Greensboro Coliseum (November 25-27). There are about 6 weeks until Christmas. Please make every effort to shop local. The artist and crafters yesterday were all talking about how wonderful it felt to be back in person and interacting with their old customers and making new. They are ready for us! Head out and see that renovated farmers market.

Happy Monday!

Day of the Dead

For those who celebrate Day of the Dead, you know that it is today and yesterday. The above photo was taken last night at the Center for Visual Artists in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Casa Azul has put up altars, remembrances for deceased relatives. There are 12 altars in all; at least that's what we think. There was a high school student there counting them for an assignment for Spanish class. Many of the altars, also known as ofrendas, were created by middle and high school students. Casa Azul is a group that supports Latino arts and culture. Every November, they install altars to help celebrate latino cultures and also to educate people about the purpose of the holiday. The movies "Coco" and "The Book of Life" are a great place to start if you want to understand the cultures. Of course, you could also ask someone who celebrates the holiday or your favorite Spanish teacher.

If you are interested in seeing the ofrendas and learning more about them, the display will be up, free, and open to the public now through November 12th. Remember, this Friday is First Friday, a perfect opportunity to see the display. On Friday and Saturday, there will be music in the Van Dyke Performance Space in the Cultural Arts Center. Hope to see you there!

Happy Wednesday!

 

The Good Witch

This past Saturday, Leanne Pizio hosted the "Keep It Local" art show. When Leanne hosts, you know you will have a good time. If you look HERE, you will see her attire as the host of the visual arts and crafts show on her Oak Ridge property. The show was very well attended and the selection of art was amazing. If you missed Leanne's show, there will be several other options to shop locally. A few of the shows we'll be attending include the Mimosa Holiday Home Show at 2103 Mimosa Drive on November 12th; the Made 4 the Holidays show at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville, November 13th; and Whimsical Women at Bailey Park in Winston-Salem on November 19th. If you know of other shows, please let us know and we'll try to advertise it for your and even attend. Also, remember that this Friday is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. 

Happy Tuesday!

Halloween on Deep Green

Deep Green is another one of those streets with lots of Halloween spirit. The street is located between Westwood, North Friendly Acres, and British Woods. It is also on the south east corner of Westminster Gardens Cemetery and Crematory. The above white painted brick house, at 3420, was built in 1975. The current owners have been there about four years and their simple decoration of six witches gathering around a tree is hauntingly realistic. Don't you wonder what they are saying to each other!

Be on the lookout for Trunk-or-Treat events in Greensboro. Unity in Greensboro, at 501 South Mendenhall #302 is having theirs on Sunday (Oct 30) from 5-7pm. Tomorrow night (Wed., Oct. 26) , Elm Street is having an event at 6:00 pm. It is dubbed,  Nightmare-Off-Elm Street at 192 East Lewis Street. It sounds like other establishments will join in the fun. Be careful when you are downtown. It is NCA&T Homecoming week and there is always increased foot and vehicle traffic. Be mindful, especially of pedestrians when downtown- well, anywhere, actually. Meanwhile back at Deep Green, you won't be disappointed if you add to this to your map of Halloween viewing pleasure!

Happy Tuesday!

 

Halloween on Gracewood

Halloween is such a fun, fall holiday for many in Greensboro. It seems like houses either go all out, or skip the holiday entirely. One of the all-in,  spirit houses between Bryan Boulevard, Battleground, Holden, and Westridge is 2304 Gracewood at the corner of Noble. This photo is a tiny fraction of the decoration on that corner lot. The house has so much to display, from tombstones to large figures, to a "do not enter" (but enter)-tent, the owner hires someone to help him set up. It takes hours and hours to stage the display. On Halloween, the house will be even more impressive as there is a fog machine going full blast. It is the kind of display where little ones have to work up their courage to visit- all for the bragging rights for bravery and a piece of candy. The owner estimates he will get about 400 trick or treaters! Do you have a house like this in your neighborhood?

This owner is saving up to get one of those giant skeletons that moves and looks like it is following you. They are from $300- $500, depending on whether you buy them from a store or have to purchase from someone who is reselling. We'd love for someone to purchase one for 2304 Gracewood. Imagine a neighbor who decorates and brings joy to so many. What a tradition! He has lived here for about 30 years and has been decorating for a big part of that time. It all started with a noisemaker, one of those boxes that makes spooky comments as you walk by, and has grown into a grand collection. Stop by this week to get one example of how Greensborians, the ones who go all out, celebrate Halloween!

Happy Monday!

May we all do a little something to bring joy to others, just like the owner of 2304 Gracewood! We are so lucky to live in Greensboro.

Bryan Series 2022-2023: Venus Williams, Season Opener

The Bryan Series held its season opener last night at Tanger Center. The above photo features the Guilford College Jazz Ensemble.e. It was the pre-event music while we were waiting for Venus Williams to come on stage. Tennis star Venus Williams spoke eloquently about her career, the profession of tennis, women in sports, how to achieve your personal and professional goals, and so much more. Keeping with Bryan Series format, Venus was interviewed by Katrina Adams, who was also a professional tennis player. With Adams' expertise in the sport, the interview sounded more like a fireside chat. She knew the right questions to ask and often shared her professional insight. 

One takeaway message from Venus is that "Sports is a tool for life." Her advice for parents whose children want to play tennis professionally is to have a back up plan, work hard, surround yourself with good people and be a good person. A Guilford College student asked who her music influence was and the response was "Tina Turner."  We also learned through the night that Venus loves Karaoke and had a system set up for personal entertainment while on tour. It was so inspirational to hear someone who is so successful to be so grounded and appreciative; even humble. She credits her family, especially her parents, to helping her becoming the person she is today. She credits younger sister Serena as being a role model.

Greensboro is so lucky to have the Bryan Series. If you want to hear good conversation and knowledgeable people sharing their expertise on timely topics, you will want to purchase season tickets to the Bryan Series. It is such a special evening. Thank you Guilford College and all of the sponsors and donors.

Happy Friday, everyone!

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.

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.

Jeansboro Sculpture at LeBauer Park

It is hard to believe this photo was taken less than a month ago, back before this cold snap brought in by Hurricane Ian dropped the temperature to the 50s. The photo shows you the vibrancy of downtown, especially on Davie Street between the two city parks. The artwork is a fiberglass pair of jeans, celebrating Greensboro's rich heritage of making denim and jeans. There was a time when Greensboro made more blue jeans than anywhere else in the world. While that empire has moved overseas, the memories remain. In 2015, the name "Jeansboro" was coined as a nod to that history. We even have a Jeansboro Day.*  

The artist of the above piece is Sage Hanna Betts. There are several of these blue jean sculptures around town, one at PTI airport and another at the Greensboro Science Center.  The 4' tall sculptures were painted by local students and artists. Here is a GPS City map. We haven't tried it, because we have a pretty good idea of what is where in Greensboro; however, if you want to map out a tour, try here. We hope you have a great weekend and your are safe and your home is dry! If we took this photo today, people would be in long sleeves, rain jackets, and jeans. It is time to put the shorts away.

Happy Saturday!

* read more here.

Weatherspoon Art Museum: In Person Events Resume!

Friday, September 9th, the Weatherspoon Art Museum held a gathering open to the public, the first since the pandemic. It was a kick-off event for the exhibit, entitled, "Gilded: Contemporary Artists Explore Value and Worth." The works in this exhibit guild things that don't tend to get gold leaf put on them, case in point the above door. Guilding evokes wealth and we tend to guild things we value most. This exhibit plays with that notion.* The door is just plain white on the back. The title is "Third Ward" (2013) by Radcliffe Bailey (USA, 1968) and was reclaimed from a neighborhood of row houses in Houston's Third Ward predominately occupied by freed slaves.

The weather was lovely the night of the Weatherspoon event. It was wonderful to see people in the courtyard and all throughout the museum. Attendees were giddy, absolutely exuberant about being together in public, something we will never take for granted again. People dressed up with many college students in black dresses. The exhibit attracted a lot of attention, but the opportunity to people watch and to chat with other art lovers was the most special aspect of the evening. The Weatherspoon now has a coffee cart in the courtyard, something we have been encouraging for years. How nice to be able to sit and discuss art, and life, over a cup of coffee and not have to leave the courtyard to do so. 

If you get a chance, head to the "Gilded" exhibit. It will be up until April 8th. Happy Wednesday!

 

*read more here.

3521 Battleground Avenue

Have you ever noticed the house on the west side of Battleground Avenue, between Britishwoods Park and New Garden Road? The above house 3521 Battleground Avenue sits on about 5 acres of property and will be part of the land that Will Stevens and Marty Kotis will develop as part of their High Ground Project. the project, estimated to be 35 million, will be a mixed use facility incorporating shops, restaurants, and lofts and  two five-story multi-family residential buildings constructed into a slope. Here is a link to a digital rendering of the project from Biz Journal. We had always hoped that the Britishwoods Park would be extended as it has a favorite sled riding hill, plus there is a stream and walking near it evokes the feeling of being on a mini-hike in a remote area when really you are on one of the busiest streets in town.

Now that we know that the mixed-use property is moving forward, we are anxious to see how it will look. To be sure, we will miss this little house in the woods and driving past is early morning or late at night, seeing the lights on, and wishing we lived on that five acres. According to Zillow, this is a two-bedroom; two-bathroom house built in 1978. Who would have known that 44 years later, land this far north on Battleground would become mostly retail. At least according to the drawing, it looks like there will be some green space and that the stream will flow above ground. Watch for The High Ground Project to be underway soon!

Happy Monday!

East Cone Boulevard & Damien Mitchell's Mural

This past weekend, we were out driving on East Cone Boulevard and, of course, the murals caught out eye. The above photo was taken at the plaza with a Roses Discount Store, hence the roses on the facade to the left. It is located at 1421 East Cone, near Twain Road and the O. Henry Oaks neighborhood. Also, out this way is Joe Davis Park at 1410 19th Street very near East Cone and Ceasar Street. The mural has lots of hashtag messages and, if the upper left name is correct, the mural is by Damien Mitchell. He has been painting murals for ten years and is based out of New York City. If you notice at the bottom, it is also tagged as a Kotis Street Art mural. If you want to know more about Greensboro's murals, you can find a lot on that link.

Also of interest in the above photo are the newspaper boxes, which makes wonder if they generate any revenue. We also like the way the white sedan is parked there, waiting, all white and unembellished, sharing the center focal point with the bright yellow smiley balloon.

Well, Thursday is the new Friday. May you find something fabulous to do this weekend in Greensboro!

Happy Birthday, Nathanael Greene

Greensboro became a city in 1808 and it was named after Nathanael Greene, who was a general in the Continental Army in the Revolutional War. He was born in 1742 in Potowomut Rhode Island and died in 1786 in Mulberry Grove Georgia, at the age of 43. While he was neither born nor died in Greensboro, he did fight in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on the very spot where the visitor center is located, just off of New Garden Road. The above portrait of General Greene is located in the visitor center. Yesterday was such a busy day in celebration of General Greene's birthday. The events started at 10:00 am with the dedication and firing of a cannon that is so big that they will have to adjust the size of the door of the visitors center to fit it in here!  The birthday celebration ended with a ranger-lead tour at 3:00 pm. 

Since on Sundays, we like to post something spiritual, we asked the ranger if there was anything religious to fit with General Greene and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The ranger thought about it for a while and said, well, the Quakers, who were pacifists and didn't want anything to do with war, helped the wounded from the battle. It didn't matter who the wounded soldiers fought for, many were left behind and the Quakers cared for them. We are left wondering how many of the surviving soldiers decided to make Greensboro their home. We also learned that New Garden Road, that connects the Battlefield to the Friends Meeting, has been called New Garden Road since at least the 1700s. The rangers at the park are so helpful and interested in discussing the history of the area. If you know of anyone who ever has to do a report on the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, send them to the visitors center. The rangers will answer questions or, if they don't know, point you in the direction of the answer. Happy birthday, General Greene. You are gone but not forgotten.

Happy Sunday, everyone! 

Mapping Out Fun Fourth... Beginning at the Biltmore Greensboro Hotel

Last night, all was quiet in downtown Greensboro, on the eve of the Fourth of July. We were walking along Washington Street, in front of the Biltmore Greensboro Hotel. Today, the Biltmore Hotel will be in the middle of all of the Fun Fourth Activities. As of 5:00 am this morning, Elm Street will be blocked off and all cars must be off the street or they will be towed. The Fun Fourth will be fabulous this year. HERE is a list of all the activities for today. It will start with the Freedom Run, the Triad's longest running race tradition. The 10K starts at 7:30 am and the rest of the races at 8:00 am at 211 North Davie Street. If you are not running, you are encouraged to stand along the route and cheer people on (even if you don't know then). Freedom Fest this year is broken off into 4 zones, with activities going from 12noon- 6:00 pm. The zones are primarily from Tanger Center & LeBauer Park in the north to Lewis Street in the south &  between Greene and Davie Streets. The Fun Fourth committee made a real effort to see that each zone has vendors, music, attractions, food, and plenty to do. We are hoping to roller skate in Zone 2.

The Biltmore is between Zone 2 and 3. The simple bunting looks so elegant; it is the kind of decoration that you might have found when the building was constructed in 1895. Looking at the facade of the Biltmore, it is as if one has stepped back in time over 100 years ago. Yet, step into the hotel and everything you need for the 21st century is at your fingertips.*  This is the reason Greensboro is such a great city. We honor the past, especially in architecture; value traditions; and come together to to enjoy each other, on events like Fun Fourth. None of this could be done without a strong business community, good leadership, and a passel of great volunteers. As a grand finale, tonight, there is a Greensboro Grasshoppers game at 6:30 pm and fireworks at First National Bank Field after the game. Regardless of how you spend your time today, have a great day!

* If you follow Greensboro Daily Photo, you already know that we featured the Biltmore 13 years ago, the first year of Greensboro Daily Photo. As you can see from this photo, the awning has changed and the word "Greensboro" has been added to the name, likely to avoid confusion with the Vanderbilt's Biltmore in Asheville. 

LeBauer at Night

LeBauer Park is so lovely any time of day, but night can be especially beautiful with the lighting and the "When We Met" net sculpture by Janet Echeleman. The piece, by the way, was replaced this spring. It has more blue in it than the first one, which is a nod to the denim industry that was once so big in Greensboro.* We were at LeBauer Park on Tuesday, after seeing Rita Moreno at Tanger Center. She was fabulous and the audience was full. It isn't every day you get to see an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), proof positive that Rita Moreno is a performer who can do it all.

If you walk out of the Tanger Center on the east or south side, this is the view of the park that you see. On Tuesday night, the park was very busy. The water sprinkler/fountain for children to play in is back open and many adults sit around the perimeter while their children play joyfully. Even after the performance, at 9:00 pm, several people were in the park. LeBauer is such a wonderful community resource. It is hard to imagine what we did until it opened in 2016. This Saturday, the 36th annual Carolina Blues Festival will be held downtown in LeBauer Park. We hope to see you there!

The park turns six on August 8th. Let's hope they serve cake! 

 

*see the original net sculpture, here.

Hypeclinic Window Scene on Elm Street

Today's window display in Downtown Greensboro is at 300A South Elm Street, where the Glitters novelty/variety store was located for years. Hyperclinic is a "high end, streetwear, vintage" clothing store targeting the young and trendy crowd. They provide tennis shoes, jeans, and t-shirts; with collectible vintage and new t-shirts alike. They have some really fun vintage band t-shirts. Hypeclinic has been open for a year and their inventory evolves to meet the interest and demand of their customer base.

Hypeclinic doesn't appear on the list of participants in the Downtown Eggstravaganza that is taking place in downtown Greensboro today. Remember 21 downtown businesses have banded together to provide a city-wide Easter egg hunt. While Hyperclinic may not be participating in that initiative, as you can see from their merchandise featured above they are Easter-ready with some very special, limited-edition Crocs. If your foot is about a size 12, those Easter Peep™ Crocs are waiting for you. Run, don't walk downtown to get a pair. Imagine wearing them with your Sunday-best, Easter attire. Oh how fun and creative. We're wondering who thought them up and who will end up wearing Peep™ Crocs in Greensboro!

Happy Saturday! Happy Passover!