Greensboro Daily Photo

Festival of Lights, Let the Season Begin!

The Festival of Lights last night was extremely well attended. The two downtown City of Greensboro Parks (Center City and LeBauer) were stuffed with vendors, performers, food trucks, and the many festival going people of Greensboro. A good time was had by all. The above photo features the lighting of the Holiday tree in Center City Park, just before 7:00 p.m. last night.Can you see all of the phones positioned to get a photo of the lighting? 

After the lighting of the tree, people lingered in the parks, went to the Cultural Arts Center, and/or strolled along Elm Street. There are so many shows and events today, it should be easy to find something to do. The holiday parade starts at 12 noon today. Additionally, you can find plenty of opportunities to have fun downtown, and beyond! Remember to shop local.

If you want to see some other activities, there are so many options today. Let us know what you find. 

Happy Thanksgiving 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's photo features a home on 150 in Summerfield, just across the street From Toscana Trace and near Highway 220. The people in this home celebrate every season with a decoration at  the road. Their old oak tree has a hole in it and the owners filled it with rounds of wood and a wee leprechaun. They have pumpkins, bales of hay, leaves, flowers, and scarecrows. Even their mailbox (to the right of the right side of the photo) is decorated. This 3 acre lot has a long, country driveway that extends a long way from Highway 150 and the house is hidden from the road. The house, built in 1980, is absolutely beautiful.

Many people in Greensboro and Guilford County decorate for the fall and for Thanksgiving Once we get through Thanksgiving, it is predicted that people will really be celebrating for Christmas this year. Let us know if you have a "spirit house" that goes all out for decorating near you, and, we will make every effort to get out and photograph it!

 

First Santa Sighting of 2021!

Golden Antiques, on 220 North at Highway 150, held their Mistletoe Market this past weekend and shoppers were out in droves. If their long checkout lines were any indication, people are making a lot of effort to shop early and local this year. The Santa at Golden Antiques was the first one we saw out this season. Indeed, Santa, or at least Santa's helpers are out even before Thanksgiving. Several other stores are stocked for holiday shopping. 

Downtown Greensboro Inc. has announced that the Festival of Lights will be held downtown on Friday, December 3rd with the tree lighting in Center City Park and other events up and down Elm Street. The Greensboro Holiday Parade will be on Saturday, December 4th. In addition to the usual floats, bands, and dance/cheer squads, there will be some giant balloons, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade style. So get out your planner as the December dance card is filling! How do you stay informed about upcoming events? We're finding that it is harder and harder to know about events before they happen. If you have suggestions, please let us know.

(By the way, we are happy to report that Santa has lost a little bit of weight and looking in good health).

Learning about Day of the Dead at MCUNCG

Dr. Janis L. Antonek, photographed above, is standing beside the Day of the Dead altar she constructed with help from her students and in collaboration with local artist Beka Butts. The exhibit is installed at the Middle College at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (MCUNCG). It is displayed in the hallway for all students to enjoy, not just those taking Spanish this semester. The papel picado/cut paper, the lettering, and the tissue paper flowers were all made by students at the school. The goal of the project is to make it possible for students to make Mexican art and to learn about the practices, products, and perspectives centered around Mexican culture. Even though the theme of MCUNCG is health and life sciences, there are many students at the school who enjoy art. This project is an opportunity to incorporate visual art into the Spanish language curriculum.

The Endowment Grant Committee of the North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation awarded Dr. Antonek a 2021 MAXINE AND DON McCALL ENDOWMENT GRANT for Gifted Education or Fine Arts. Dr. Antonek was delighted to receive the grant because it is making it possible to collaborate with local artists, to purchase supplies, and to let students make art. Dr. Antonek says the students really seem to be enjoying learning about Mexican art and culture.

(photo credit T. Hefner).

Halloween 2021, on Walker Avenue

Sunset Hills may have the reputation for the most collective Christmas spirit with those round light balls in the trees. However, Lindley Park went all out last night creating a pretty fabulous Halloween. Some streets in the neighborhood were closed to vehicle traffic. There were children galore out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Walker Avenue, between Elam and Wendover Avenue was really alive. Specifically, 2406 Walker Avenue was especially celebratory. They had a Karaoke robot dancer and lazer light show. On the left, what looks like flames is light and a smoke machine. Children and adults alike were mesmerized. The family in this small house on Walker, built in 1925- almost 100 years ag0- really knows how to bring the neighborhood alive.

We hope schools, families, and teachers alike all have grace today. Between the NCA&T Homecoming this past weekend and all of the Halloween events, there will be a lot of tired people today. But, whenever it is possible to safely celebrate together, being a little tired the next day, is a small price to pay. Last night, we officially said goodbye to October. Hello November, we are ready for you, from Walker Avenure and beyond!

Dia De los Muertos

Today's photo features one of the altars from the 2020 Casa Azul Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos exhibit. It was set up in the Center for Visual Artists at the Greensboro Cultural Center at 200 North Davie Street. Last year, with more stringent COVID restrictions, families brought in pre-made altar boxes. This exhibit features photos of the deceased and the Virgin of Guadalupe, an apparition of the Virgin Mary in Mexico in 1531.

The Day of the Dead holiday starts tomorrow, as does the 2021 Día de Muertos Offend Exhibition in the Center for Visual Artists (see HERE). Opening night hours, November 1st, will be from 5-8pm. Tuesday will be extended hours from 12 noon - 8pm. The event is free and open to the public and will be shown until November 13th. If you and your family celebrate Day of the Dead, you will already know about the holiday. If not, The holiday is a time to honor ancestors and loved ones that have gone to the spirit world. The movies "The Book of Life" and "Coco" are related to the holiday. Also, you can learn about it from the exhibit and Casa Azul volunteers. 

Halloween, Yes She's on her Way!

Halloween is over two weeks away, but decoration is well underway in Greensboro. The above scene was found on Scott Avenue in Lindley Park- and every indication is that they aren't done yet! Can you imagine being a child and happening upon this scene? Would you have the nerve to walk past or walk up to the door to trick-or-treat? This is only one side of the yard. We may have to stop by for another photo of the other side! By the way, do you see the face in the upper window? Or, are you still trying to get past the doll in the cage? She is pretty creepy. There is a monster up the street, even bigger than the skeleton and it moves!

Since it is the weekend, if you want a little spooky fun, walk around your neighborhood and see what what decorations are out there. If you love spooky, the City of Greensboro is hosting a Fright Night Halloween Walk in Country Park tonight from 5:30- 7:30. By 7:00, it will be almost completely dark. You may want to go a little earlier. It is presented by the Greensboro Jaycees (details here). Happy Friday.

Greensboro Bound Virtual

Yesterday, on GDP, we celebrated Greensboro's public library system. Today's photo is the window of Scupperonong Books, advertising the Greensboro Bound Virtual Literary Festival begins tomorrow; another example of literary goodness in our community. Greensboro Bound is billed as a festival for "readers, writers, students, academics, and volunteers who are passionate about books, writing, and reading". It is a non-profit organization established in 2017 (reference and more information). The festival is the brainchild of  Steve Colyer and Scuppernong Books owners. The annual festival has hosted many writers, many of whom are known internationally. 

Here is a link to see the list of events and RSVP to attend virtually. Many of the topics are timely and something for everybody across genres from young adult fiction to short stories, poems, cookbooks, crime writing, and more. When community partners, businesses, writers, and volunteers come together, in an event celebrating reading and writing, everyone benefits and the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts! Drop into a session and enjoy!

ORMA Tower

ORMA, Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road (Highway 150)  is located northwest of Greensboro.  It was established in 1850s, before the Civil War, and the buildings and property encompass 38 acres. The school has evolved over the years (read more here), both in curriculum and student population and in the feeling of remoteness. At one time, there was no commercial development around the academy, mostly just a few houses and woods. Today, cadets are within walking distance of a convenience store, Wendy's, a grocery store, McDonald's, and more. Also, many community ball teams play on the ORMA fields. 

The above photo shows the ORMA sign getting painted. It was fascinating to see what may have been the world's largest stencils put in place. The red letters are a bright and bold standout, just west of the chapel and old well. Since 1983, the whole compound, including 21 buildings and "one contributing structure"  have been on the National Register of historic places. We're wondering if that  contributing structure would that be this tower or the old well. ORMA has been a Guilford County resource for 170 years. Let's hope they are thinking ahead for their bicentennial! In the meantime, we need to get back to check on the finished paint job. It is so fun to drive around Greensboro (and the county) and see how everyone is spring cleaning and sprucing up their properties.

Happy Monday!

Chalk Walk 2021

Last weekend, on Sunday, March 14th, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Chalk Walk event in the Greensboro Arboretum. There were 33 participants. The above photo features the winning entry for the 18+age  category. The koi pond was drawn by Lauren Ward, a Guilford County Schools art teacher. How wonderful that the artist behind this beautiful drawing shares her talent with the children of Greensboro.

This scene is also an example of how Greensboro has gotten really creative about having events. The Chalk Walk got people out in a socially distanced way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. People walked through the exhibit and a few runners were seen along the way. With or without special events, The Greensboro Arboretum is a very special space in our community. Trees and plants have labels on them, so you can learn as you go. The day we visited, shadows added a lot of intrigue to the adventure. Happy Wednesday! 

Going Mod On Cannon Road

Exploring Greensboro for the purpose of finding things to share with you is so much fun. Realizing we had never been on Cannon Road, we drove down it this past weekend. The above recently renovated home at 703 Cannon Road is right on the corner of Muir's Chapel. It sold on March 12th at over a 200% gain over the purchase price last year.* How wonderful that this 2 bedroom one bathroom house, built in 1953, added so much value with just the right amount of TLC. It is as if we've got our own little HGTV episode right here in Greensboro. It will be fun to watch the other properties on this street.

One of the biggest surprises while exploring Cannon Road it that it comes out on Friendly Avenue at the back entrance to Guilford College and on the western edge of Hamilton Lakes. Keep your eye out for this mid-century modern beauty, with the spring green grass and the bright red accent door,  when northbound on Muirs Chapel. Happy Tuesday!

*According to Zillow data,  3/22/21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE!

In Greensboro, we love to celebrate birthdays. Yesterday, our dear friend, Jane Mitchell celebrated a birthday and our mutual friend Alice Hill had the yard sign installed through Triad Yard Cards   (see also here). The day was sunny in Sunset Hills and those colorful signs simply popped, bringing so much joy to all who were celebrating with Jane. Mrs. GDP actually got to be in the photo because "Doc" from the locally-owned Fordham Cleaners happened to be dropping off dry cleaning in the neighborhood and took the photo for us. Serendipitously, it was also Doc's birthday! That was such a fun little moment of joy. The other ladies in the photo were dropping off flowers, balloons, and goodies from the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for key women educators. From left to right: Janis, Alice, Myra, Jane, Sheila, and Elaine.

Jane has been a dedicated supporter of Greensboro Daily Photo from the beginning. She often gives suggestions and even helps us arrange meetings with people to feature. Every single person in the photo can tell you how Jane has touched their life, and these are just a few of Jane's many, many friends. In these pandemic times, when we have all had to be socially distanced for so long, it feels good to be vaccinated and cautiously finding ways to celebrate each other. The yard-card birthday greeting was absolutely the icing on the cake. May we all find ways to bring each other joy- whether it is a birthday or not!

Church Street Parking Deck

Today's photo of the Church Street Parking Deck is more on the artsy side. We took it a few weeks ago when we were on site taking photos of the murals in the stairwell. As we were leaving, this scene caught our eye. It looks so beautiful with the brick glowing pink, and the turquoise hues here and there. This deck between the City Library, the Cultural Arts Center, the Children's Museum, LeBauer Park and more. The deck has 417 spaces and is very reasonably priced. The first hour is free and after that, the rate is $1 an hour with a maximum $10 a day. It looks so different when full, but, empty, it is hauntingly beautiful. 

We tried to establish the date the deck was build and couldn't find the information information online. If you know, please let us know in the comment box. The murals in the stairwell were painted  in 2008, so the deck is over 13 years old. Happy Monday, and, for downtown's sake, may the deck be fuller than it is here. The lighting is perfect, however, if you are looking for somewhere for a photo shoot!

Hamburger Square: What a Great Backdrop

Hamburger Square, at the end of the 300 block of South Elm Street, is where many community events take place. There have always been businesses here, especially sandwich shops. In the time of WWII, soldiers gathered here to travel by train. Currently Natty Greene's, Just Be, and Little Brother Brewing surround the square. The Southeast corner, just below the railroad tracks, doesn't have a business; it has some green space. The above photo is of Natty Greene's in December.

In January of 2019, an article in the News & Record stated that The Christman Company, located nearby in the former Cascade Saloon, donated $50,000 to help rejuvenate this area* It looks like at least some of the work has been done. To be sure the overpass got painted. Next time we're downtown, we'll look more closely to note changes. In addition to sprucing up the area, one of the goals is to make it more pedestrian friendly. Today is Friday; weather permitting, it could be a day to explore the Hamburger Square area.

One of the perks of taking lots of photos of Greensboro is that we have plenty to choose from for Zoom backdrops. We are currently using the above photo and the "zoomer" (person), is nestled snugly in the middle with the blue sky overhead and the lights in the background. Doing something silly, like trying to find a good Zoom background adds a little levity to the day. We've even had a request for a photo with trains as a Greensboro-themed background. Well see if we can take one this weekend for our science-teacher friend. Enjoy your weekend!

• read the article, here. 
• more information about Hamburger square from the 1940's, here. 

Tinsel Town

Yesterday was the last day for Tinsel Town in LeBauer Park. The display featured 50 trees decorated by community organizations. Visitors voted for their favorite trees through each tree's unique QR code. The top five winning trees will receive $500 to donate to the non-profit of their choice. Tinsel town was presented by Kontoon (Wrangler), The Fresh Market, and First Bank. The event was free and open to the public. Sunday was a sunny day and several people were out admiring the display. 

The Tinsel Town event was a creative way to involve community in a fundraiser, to get people out, and to give people something to do. Also, it was conducive to social distancing.  To our knowledge, this was the first year for Tinsel Town. It will be fun to see which trees won. The Page Pirates had a double-wide tree filled from bottom to top with pirate paraphernalia. Hopefully the winners will be announced in the newspaper and the event will be held again next year. There are only three more days until New Year's Eve, but, let's not rush things. Enjoy the whole week.

 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Today's photo was taken at the iconic Santa in front of Friendly Center. We stopped to get a feature for GDP when the above couple, Lorrie and John, her husband of 30 years, were approaching the Santa. As it turns out, Lorrie and her three brothers grew up on Onslow Avenue, just a few blocks from Friendly Center. Seeing the larger-than-life, fiberglass Santa was one of their annual Christmas rituals. One year, when Lorrie came home for winter break during college, Santa was not on display. He was out out for repairs. Lorrie wrote a letter to the newspaper expressing her disappointment. Lorrie's 3rd brother died last December and her parents are also deceased; so now that it is just Lorrie and John, visiting Santa together as part of their holiday tradition.  

We took a photo of the happy couple so that they could have it as a 2020 memory. We got permission to use their photo to feature today. Through GDP, we meet so many wonderful people like Lorrie and John. The serendipity of the chance encounter with other people who love the city as much as we do is heartwarming.

Lorrie pointed out that Santa got a maintenance overhaul this year. We have local sculptor, Jim Gallucci to thank for sprucing up Santa and replacing the box that makes it possible for Santa to wave.* Here is a photo from 2018. See if you notice any differences. Lorrie noticed them right away. May she and John have many years of continued visits, and may we all find simple traditions that fill us with love for each other and with our great city.

* read about the repairs in the News & Record, here.

Christmas in Sunset Hills

Photographing the light-ball decorations in Sunset Hills is very hard to do. The above photo doesn't begin to capture the magic. However, it does provide a little of the feeling of the neighborhood. The tradition of hurling the lighted balls as high as possible into the mature trees began in 1996, outside the house of Jonathan and Annie Smith on Madison Avenue. What started as a few decorations in one yard grew to over 10,000 decorations, strewn throughout the whole neighborhood. As a matter of fact, the tradition is so important, if someone can't get their decorations in place, neighbors will come to the rescue and help.

As the tradition took hold, one neighbor suggested collecting food for a local food bank; another neighbor suggested a race to benefit the food bank. While the race is off this year, due to COVID, residents of Sunset Hills have continued to decorate because people can experience the joy of the lights without having to get out of their vehicles. Here is a News & Record article from a few years ago. One one of the longest nights of the year, tonight would be a perfect time to drive along Ridgeway Drive, Madison Avenue, Greenway, and the other streets of Sunset Hills. You will not be disappointed. They make Greensboro proud!

Downtown First Saturday

The above photo of Hamburger Square in downtown Greensboro was part of the Downtown in December, "Light the Night" event. It is the city's effort to provide a little fun and joy for the community, while remaining Covid-safe. As you can see from the above photo, there weren't many people downtown, but those who were there seemed to be having a very nice time. Behind the inflatables is the fabulous, local gift store, Just Be. Beside Just Be are a couple of restaurants that are reasonably priced and fast at takeout. If you do head downtown, business owners are very mindful of taking precautions to help keep you safe.

Here is a link to all of the events happening in downtown Greensboro in December. If you are leaving the house this weekend, this list will give you some options. Happy Wednesday!

Along Spring Garden Street

Have you been to Spring Garden Street lately? About a mile west of UNCG? This area is simply magical this time of year. The small, locally owned businesses have owners that are dedicated to bringing you wonderful goodness. At the far end of this plaza is Spring Garden Bakery. Its history of baked-from-scratch goodness dates back to 1980; the current owners have had it since 2001 (read a great article for more information, here). Moonbird Soulful Living is next with all things for the home and body that have some spiritual or heartfelt meaning. They have recently started carrying plants which are good for both the heart and soul! Thistle and Broom is the next shop (in the foreground on the left in the photo). They have home decor items that bring a special coziness to your home. Not in the photo, but first in the trio of home decor and  is Adelaide's Vintage Home and Garden. Her shop used to be in the above strip, but moved 1/2 a block west. The entire cozy home is Adelaide's shop- including the yard and porch.

These small businesses really depend on local shoppers to keep their brick and mortar stores viable. With so many "one of a kinds" you just never know what goodness you will find in these shops. With this winter nights, if you get there right as they are closing, you you will see these stores at the most magical time. Lights make the interiors glow. You see end-of-the-day shoppers, bakers getting ready for the next day, shopkeepers tidying things up before closing.

If they ever see us with foldable chairs set up across the street just watching, it will be because we want to see the beauty of people moving among the warm, low-light fixtures on these cold winter nights!. By the way, all of this goodness is just around the corner from the "Santa of Chapman Street House." May we all find some beauty in these dark days of winter. Happy Monday! 

Holiday Lawn Ornaments

Today's photo is a lawn on Hobbs Road. Inflatable lawn ornaments have taken Greensboro by storm. People have realized that these decorations are so much easier to store in the off season. They look so forlorn when they are collapsed; however, when they are up, they brighten up the muted landscape on a dull almost-winter day. The school-bus yellow car in the driveway in a happy exclamation mark at the end of the cheerful display. If this scene were a sentence, it would read, The soldier stood at attention as Santa and Frosty looked on!

Greensboro's beautiful Sunset Hills neighborhood gets a lot of attention this time of year. Those chicken wire balls with lights, hurled high in the trees, is a sight to behold. However, as you can see, other neighborhoods have plenty of holiday scenery. Happy Thursday.

Halloween 2020... Year 33 on Deep Green

Paul Stutts of 3415 Deep Green Drive, off of Westridge, has been decorating for Halloween for 33 years now. This past Saturday was no different. Yet again, he filled his yard with lights, inflatables, statues, and more. Superheroes were featured prominently, as was Dracula and the Headless Horseman. The driveway, however, was the main attraction for the young ones as that is where his young adult daughter sat, masked to be COVID safe, waiting for the little ones to walk up for candy.  Here is an article from 2014 where people sent photos of their spooky Halloween decor to the News & Record newspaper. Of course Paul sent in a photo of his home (see the article, here). It is so nice to see people put forth so much effort to bring joy to others and thirty-three years is quite a streak. When asked where he stores the Halloween decor during the off season, his response was, "Everywhere."

Most people reported participation being down this year with very few children going out to trick-or-treat. However, the spirit remains alive and well on Deep Green in Greensboro. Happy Monday and, for those who celebrate, it is the last day of Day of the Dead. Tomorrow, we will feature the altars assembled and on display thanks to Casa Azul.

Got, Skeletons?

Most neighborhoods have a household that is passionate about holidays. Often, that household has a personal favorite: the Christmas inflatable yard, the Easter yard, even the Fourth of July neighborhood. The above household at 10 Snowgoose Cove at Lake Jeanette is one such house. They are driveway to rooftop crazy about Halloween, with quite a skeleton theme. This mid-1990's home inTurnstone Village, Lake Jeannette's first neighborhood, always goes all out for Halloween. The yard looks amazing by day. We're betting it is awesome by night. We're also betting they will give away good candy for trick-or-treaters. 

Also, notice those beautiful pumpkins and mums, they are selling out quickly. Procrastinate no longer! Last we checked, Fresh Market still had pumpkins, but Mt. Pisgah UMC on Pisgah Church Road had already sold out for the season. As for 10 Snowgoose, they didn't procrastinate!

Artisans Mercantile

The Artisans Mercantile by Sweet Tea Studio hopes to open in October. They will have 40 vendors in a store that will be brimming with things for the home and a place to gather. The store located at the corner of Golden Gate Drive and State Street. You may remember the Saltbox, formerly in this location. The Saltbox was Greensboro's "go to place" for artists' trunk shows, amazing fall candles, hand-crafted lighting, folk art, and so much more. It closed in 2012, after being in business for 38 years. Next, a dance studio moved in to this space. Now, the building will go back to being more like the Saltbox, a shopping destination with ample parking behind it. 

State Street is a Greensboro Street with the feel of a quiet North Carolina beach community: cozy shops, not much traffic, and very walkable. Eclectic by Nature, Vida Pour Tea, and Yamamoto Jewelry are a few of the businesses that have believed in State Street for a very long time. Many new businesses have opened over the last few years. Hopefully, Artisans Mercantile will be part of the reinvigoration of this part of town and will be around for a very long time. It is always nice to see new life breathed into a building.

Hotel DENIM, Formerly Battleground Inn

The Hotel DENIM is the new kid in town. Located at 1517 Westover Terrace in Midtown, the Hotel DENIM is a trendy, upscale hotel that is replacing the Battleground Inn. The above photo was taken yesterday morning when it looked like they were still putting the finishing touches on it. Online booking indicates rooms are sold out this weekend, so, either people who have known about it are already staying there, or they aren't quite ready, so rooms aren't available. If you search online you will see that the decor is bright and cheerful, with a nod to Greensboro's history- especially the Cone family and textile industry. There are 48 rooms with interior-corridor access, a bar and cafe. It is located near all of the Irving Park Plaza restaurants and bars. IHOP and Outback Steakhouse are within walking distance. Hotel DENIM is part of the CN Hotel Group.

The front looks so bright and fresh. It is always fun to try something new and having a hotel on in the Battleground Avenue/Westover Terrace area sure looks convenient. Oh, and wear your best denim if you make a reservation!

El Camino @ The Antique Market Place

The Antique Market Place on Burnt Poplar Road was to hold a "Cruise-In" of vintage cars this past Saturday. Due to inclement weather, it was postponed until the next day. However, on Saturday, there was one car that showed up in all its glory. It was a Carolina-blue, Chevy El Camino. The El Camino was introduced in the Chevrolet line in 1959 and produced from 1959-1960 and 1964-1987. This car-truck hybrid looked spectacular with the brick and glass building as a background.

Tha Antique Market Place is a 45,000 sq. ft. facility with over 170 booths. It is one of those "little bit of everything" antique malls. When they hold special events, it is fun to see people both indoors and outdoors enjoying themselves, and reliving a little nostalgia brought about by viewing items from grandma's era. As for the above El Camino, it is very practical for hauling treasures. This particular one is about as close to Carolina blue as a vehicle gets. Happy Thursday!

Happy 50th Birthday, Jane

Happy 50th birthday, Jane. We have no idea who Jane is, but we do know that someone in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Greensboro. As we were driving through Kirkwood last week, just down the street from Independence Drive, this message was spray painted on the street. 

Kirkwood is a Greensboro neighborhood, nestled between Lawndale Drive, Cone Boulevard, and Cornwallis Drive. It came into being in the 1920s, but really got built up in 1946, just after WWII when soldiers were returning to Greensboro and starting families. In that year, 140 homes were built by contractors who had built barracks in North Carolina, using techniques of mass production that they had used in building the military buildings. If you want to read more about this neighborly neighborhood, read this article we used as a reference from the News & Record. After reading Andrew Barrow's 2015 article about Kirkwood, you will understand completely how it is that Jane's birthday is celebrated even in the streets!

Happy belated birthday, Jane and hopefully you are not shy about sharing your age with everyone.  May the next decade be the best one ever! We'll stop by in 2030 for your 60th!

Cozy Little House On Bruce Street

Bruce Street is a tiny, mixed-use street off of Spring Garden, just east of Elam, where the house featured today is located. This two bedroom one bath home, built in 1925 has probably been student rental since it was last purchased in 2002. We're featuring it today, because it reminds us of what people do to make a house a home. Especially during these times when everyone is spending so much more time at home, it is important to have a place that makes you feel cozy.

Imagine everything students have been going through, needing to do all coursework online and not being able to go to campus. A big part of the college experience is the very act of spending time on campus. The prayer flags and the swinging, nest chair say a lot about the people in this home. Especially, given the way the trees are dappled with sunlight, the yard gives the feeling of a remove haven; when, in reality, it is less than a mile from campus. Happy Monday! Here's to us all finding our happy spot!

Got Cake?

The Class of 2020, throughout Greensboro, their parents, teachers, and administrators have done a beautiful job of helping their respective graduates feel special and celebrate their graduation, in spite of being in the middle of a pandemic. Today's photo features the cooler at Delicious, the bakery located at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Lawndale.It is filled with lots of special cakes.

The cake in the middle is for a Western Guilford High graduate, the graduation cake to the left is for an individual student. Cakes always have a way of making people feel special and the ones at Delicious are especially tasty. His bakery was homegrown in Greensboro. Remember back in 2010, when it was just getting started and located on Battleground Avenue? (see here). Now, 10 years later, it has moved to a larger location and appears to be thriving. When it is safe for them to allow people to eat in, and for the ladies to resume their mahjong games, business will be truly great. In the meantime, they'll simply continue to have your DELICIOUS orders ready when you get there!

Businesses Reopening, Cautiously

Slowly, businesses in the Greensboro and Piedmont area are reopening. The above photo features the June barn sale at Chartreuse in Thomasville. Formerly, Chartreuse was on Merritt Drive (see, here for a post from 2011). For the past several years, they have been relocated to Thomasville. They hold a sale, one weekend a month, out of their barns at 326 Litwin Drive. Several vendors sell and entrance to the public is free. Usually, they offer drinks and a snack, but to honor COVID restrictions, they didn't put the out this weekend. Shoppers were strongly urged to wear masks, and most complied. If you love barn sales, head to Thomasville and spend some time milling around the barns filled with creative crafts and antiques.

Chartreuse has had a pretty difficult year as artist/ designer Duane Franks died last April. In March, Paula Lynam co-owner with business and life partner Steve, passed in March. Paula was a founding member of Grace Community Church in Greensboro and had a way of making everyone feel as if they had known her forever. So, be safe, be kind, and spend a little time supporting a local business. On Saturday, Chartreuse will have a food truck and live music. That, dear readers, is starting to feel a little like old times.

Floral Installation at Cone Health

Floral designer Lewis Miller has taken NYC by storm with his flash floral installations!*  As you can see in the above photo, Greensboro received its own impromptu, floral installation this past week. Tonya Anderson, owner and passionate designer at ABBA Designs, created the above installation. She said, after seeing Miller's creations, she knew she wanted to design one for Greensboro. Tonya made the arrangement to thank healthcare workers and to simply spark joy during this difficult time. Truly, the act was one of generosity and giving back to the community as Tonya didn't even put up signage to show that the flowers were from her shop.  ABBA is that beautiful little shop, a sort of oasis in the 700 block of Eugene street, not too far from Deep Roots Market.

Together with her assistant, Carrie Little, the duo worked their design magic. They spread 300 roses- that's 25 dozen- around the Cone Health sign at Wesley Long, on the Friendly Avenue side. If you see Tanya or Carrie, be sure to thank them for their generosity. If you need someone to design flowers for a special event, give them a call. See other examples of the ABBA aesthetic, here. Stop back tomorrow, and we'll feature Tonya herself, as seen via our Zoom call! Unfortunately, the installation is no longer there, but the memory will stay with us for a very long time.

 

*see here for some of Miller's floral installations.

 

Congratulations 2020 Graduates!

Our 2020 graduates are having a year to remember. Living in quarantine is especially hard for high school seniors who were not able to have prom, an awards ceremony, or graduation ceremony. In North Carolina, colleges also finished spring semester remotely. One way to compensate is that schools are providing families with yard cards to recognize their graduates. The above yard in northwest Greensboro has two graduates. Andrew is graduating from Wesleyan Christian Academy, a private K-12 school in High Point. Elizabeth is graduating from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Congratulations to the two of you.

This year will be one to look back on,  and surely, something good will come from your sacrifices. Maybe this situation will help you define your career path. To all of our graduates, and others who are celebrating milestones in quarantine, in Greensboro and beyond, congratulations. If you know someone with a senior or see one of these cards in a yard, perhaps you can find some special gesture to help the graduates feel special. Happy Friday, dear readers!

La Catrina Mural, In the Round, on Cone Boulevard

This mural of La Catrina is painted on the building that formerly housed Hamm's Restaurant on Cone Boulevard. It brightens up a spot that has been empty for several years now. If you ever drive past the back side of Page High School, you have probably seen it. The artist, Raman Bhardwaj moved from India to Greensboro in 2018 and his artwork has been gaining considerable recognition. In 2019, Bhardwaj was one of five Triad artists selected to have his art featured on highway billboards for a year.*

Bhardwaj is very talented in many different mediums of art and is especially adept at using spray paint and painting fast. In his two short years here, in Greensboro, he has painted about two dozen murals. Much of his art incorporates images, styles, and themes of Indian art and culture. Culture and mythology are big themes in Bhardwaj's art. Making meaningful art is important to him. Read more about his artistic journey in this Triad City Beat article.

A big thank you to our friend Rosario Fama Hankins whose photo of this mural prompted us to take a picture of it, en route to the grocery store!

*Read Raman Bhardwaj's artistic statement and see more of his work, here.

GREENSBORO STRONG

GREENSBORO STRONG! As we've been quarantined for over a month and non-essential businesses have been closed, it is so refreshing to drive by Friendly Center and see the GREENSBORO STRONG sign. Hopefully the Friendly Center businesses will make it through this difficult time. The essential businesses in the center seem to be staying relatively busy. Harris Teeter and Whole Foods keep locals supplied with food. Gate City Pharmacy, located in Friendly Center, will bring your prescription out to the car if you call ahead and make arrangements.

With Moses Cone just a block east, we are all reminded why we are staying home. In the meantime, driving from one essential chore to the next have a peek at what your friends, neighbors, and favorite businesses are doing to remain GREENSBORO STRONG. We're betting this sign was brought to us by TRIAD YARD CARDS, a local business started by a Grimsley High School Student. What a fabulous idea, to greet people with a custom message! Seeing GREENSBORO STRONG is just what the doctor ordered!

 

Mystery of the Purloined Mug...

Good morning, Greensboro! Are you walking more during this time of distancing? We sure are! On a walk yesterday evening, we spotted this mug discretely placed on the ground, beside a tree on the edge of a golf course in northwest Greensboro. The whole story about how it got here is a curious mystery. 

In a way, these times we are living through are like something of a previous century when people found ways to entertain themselves without leaving home. Sure, we have the internet and social media now. Yes, in an odd way, we can sit around and ponder things that might never be given a second thought when we are home less. To be sure, we're going to follow the mystery of the blue and white porcelain mug. It is in perfect condition. Does someone drink from it daily? Did someone forget it when they were doing yard work nearby? Did someone leave it simply to make us curious? I it a purloined mug? So many questions and so much imagination during this time of quarantine.

Another View from Lewiston Road: A Country Mailbox

Remember those country mailboxes where the owners of the property took great care to decorate their mailboxes? The above mailbox was seen on Lewiston Road (not too far from the little green house and the property with the tire-on-a-post. It shows a charming tradition from yesteryear. People took great care to ensure that the mailbox reflected the personality of the people within. A fish mailbox, where the mail person has to open the mouth of the widemouth bass to insert the mail, provides evidence that a fisherman lives on the property.

Today's mailbox features purple and yellow flowers with monarch butterflies landing on them. Have you ever noticed in nature that usually where there are purple wildflowers, yellow wildflowers are nearby? Purple and yellow are complementary/opposite colors. Even in the wild, opposites attract. Likely, the person who painted this mailbox has observed the behavior of flowers and butterflies in nature. And, this custom mailbox on Lewiston Road makes it easy for visitors to know which house they are looking for. "Just turn off when you see the black mailbox with flowers and butterflies painted on it."

How do you describe your own abode to visitors?

Moravian Star on Main in Kernersville

The Moravian Star is an iconic symbol of Christmas in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. With Old Salem located just west of Greensboro, in Winston-Salem, the area had a large population of Moravians. The Moravian star is an illuminated star-shaped lantern, usually with 26 sharp points. Born out of a geometry lesson, the star is said to have originated in Germany in the 1830s. 

The above photo shows the Moravian star, shining brightly on the building at the corner of North Main and Mountain Street in Kernersville. If you live in Greensboro, you likely know about the beauty of the decorations in the Sunset Hills neighborhood. Equally beautiful, in a calm, almost palate-cleansing are the white blinky lights along main street in Kernersville, this Moravian star, and the luminaries and white lights down by Kerner's Folly. 

If you can make the drive when rush hour is over, and Main Street is still, the ride through Kernersville is magical. As a grand finale, you can continue on through Highway 150 through Oak Ridge, taking the "back way" home to Greensboro, and be transported from the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Happy Monday!

Away in a Manger

Centenary United Methodist Church in Greensboro is located on Friendly Avenue, very near Friendly Center. Every year, they display their nativity scene for all to enjoy. The display is on the edge of Sunset Hills neighborhood and visible if you are driving towards Friendly Avenue on Ridgeway.

The scene marks the wise men's arrival to the manger bringing gifts, on Epiphany, January 6th. If you are Catholic, and especially from the Spanish speaking world, the nativity scene is very special to the little ones. Children are much more likely to receive gifts on January 6th rather than on Christmas Day. If you want to start another gift-giving tradition in your community, in early January (Old Christmas) you can leave shoes filled with hay for the camels out to be replaced with treats once the camels have gone. 

The Greenhouse Effect

Every evening, as we head up Josephine Boyd street, we've noticed a purple glow coming from West Market Street. Last night, we drove to the intersection of Westover Terrace and West Street to see a house that is beautifully decorated not only in the front, but also on the side and in the back. The big surprise is that, right here, just about a mile and a half west of downtown, is a beautiful greenhouse with several plants thriving within. Not only are there purple grow lights inside, there are also Christmas lights on the outside. How inspiring to care so much about your plants that you maintain a greenhouse for them and you decorate it for Christmas.

As you are headed to Sunset Hills to see the light display, be on the lookout for this beautifully decorated property.

The Chandler Suite

One of the added perks of attending the arts and crafts show at the Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast this past weekend was getting to tour the property itself. One of the artists encouraged us to tour the third floor and today's photo features the Chandler Suite on the top floor. According to the B&Bs website, the Chandler is named for the first car owned by the Martin family, the original owners of the home- a 1917 Chandler.

The suite is actually half of the living space on the top floor of the property. It is open, airy, and has a luxurious, 21st-century bathroom. The Westerwood, named for the neighborhood, is right across the hall. The open space in the middle houses the artist in residence.

Double Oaks is a fine example of how young entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into reality and loving the life they are living. If you have friends or family coming to town, consider booking them a room at Double Oaks. If you aren't afraid of stairs, the Chandler is well worth the climb! Happy Wednesday!

All is Bright

Today, we take you to the corner of Elam and Walker Avenue in Lindley Park to share a view of the community tree was recently decorated to bring joy to all who wander by. The tree sits where the corner market every Saturday. The lighting was so beautiful yesterday and perfect for sitting on that bench around the tree chatting with friends. 

This tree reminds us that you don't need a lot of money to decorate a tree. A paper chain and pom pons make a festive option. Indeed, all is bright at the corner of Elam and Walker. Happy Tuesday!