Greensboro Daily Photo

Topgolf Greensboro

Topgolf Greensboro opened Friday, September 13, 2004. It is their fourth facility in North Carolina. Topgolf bills itself as an entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range. Food and drink are available and they encourage parties and events. As seen in the above photo, players hit from a covered area into an open green. If we counted correctly, there are 64 climate-controlled bays. People at all skill levels can play and the high-tech balls score themselves. Prices range from $28- $56 per hour per bay, depending on time and day of the week. Each bay can accommodate up to six players.  Tuesday is half-price day!

The venue is highly visible from I-40 between Guilford College and Bridford Parkway.  As we left Topgolf yesterday, we gained considerable patience waiting to turn left out of the parking lot onto Guilford College Road. We got a chuckle getting on I-40 east and noticing that exit 218-A leads to Pinehurst, making it possible to practice at Topgolf in the morning and head to Pinehurst for an afternoon tee time. Indeed, North Carolina ia a paradise for golfers. Topgolf should do well here.

Happy Monday- and start planning your 6-some for half-price Tuesday tomorrow.

Summer Fun at Friendly Center

Today, we're sharing another scene from Friendly Center. The photo was taken at dusk, between Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Harris Teeter. While it is hard to see people, there were actually several people hanging out there. Barely visible are two people playing corn hole. Just beyond the low wall by the left-most column, several teens (or young adults) were sitting picnic-style and engaged in meaningful conversation. We were struck by the fact that they seemed to be enjoying each other, as opposed to using their phones.

It is nice to find safe spaces for fellowship and good, clean fun. This little spot in Friendly Center appears to be just such space. "New" Friendly Center has been around since 2006. They are already undergoing some work with cones and tape on the side not too far from the above scene. Can you believe it has been 18 years? Let's hope Friendly Center remains vibrant and a place people feel comfortable. So far, so good!

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Night Kickball League for Beginners

When some people hear the words "fall ball", the first thing they think of is baseball. However, kickball is gaining in popularity. The sportl was invented in the United States in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the beginning of the 20th century. It was conceptualized as a safe way to teach children the basics of baseball.*  The above photo features a kickball game in progress at Carolyn Allen Park at 2610 Drawbridge Parkway, near Kernodle Middle School and Well-Spring Retirement Community. It is the co-ed, Monday league for beginners. The league is one of the many programs of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation. In addition to the beginners program,  there are Tuesday and Wednesday competitive recreational, kickball leagues. 

While we were watching, the black team, Burn Beasts, were competing against the red team, Wasted Potential. Almost all of the team names are equally clever: Natural Born Kickers, Justice Served, Brady Bunch, Attractive Nuisance, and more. Players must be at least 18 years of age and follow rules of good sportsmanship. Participants looked like they were having fun and coaches were helping newer players learn their positions. Kickball has six basic skills: Kicking, throwing, catching, fielding, pitching, and running. Greensboro is so lucky to have a great network of parks and a Parks & Recreation Department that designs programs, like kickball, to bring people together. Head up to Carolyn Allen Park on Monday evening if you want to learn more. The site supervisor was a big help to us!

Happy Tuesday!

* read about the history of kickball HERE.

Eugene Street

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

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

Happy Thursday!

UNCG Women's Basketball

Yesterday was Education Day for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans. Local K-12 schools were invited to attend a game of the UNCG Women’s Basketball team. The game was played in Fleming gym against Radford University of Virginia.  The UNCG Spartans won the game with a final score of 72-54. At the conclusion of the game, the UNCG players and cheerleaders came into the stands to “high five” students, creating great memories for the young learners.

If you notice the gold "G" on the opposing team's side of the gym, it represents the "G" in UNCG. There are 17 institutions in the UNC system and UNCG has branded itself as "The G".  For sure, if you like college basketball, you have plenty of options to see the sport played in Greensboro. Let's hope all universities, near and far, reach out to the community and invite children to see a game. You never know when dreams begin and when they become reality.

The UNCG Women's Basketball team has their next game on Saturday, November 19th at 2:00 pm. also in Fleming Gym. If you can, please support them.

Happy Thursday!

 

Pickleball 101

Have you had a chance to play pickle ball yet? It is a sport that is sweeping the nation. It has been rising in popularity since it was first invented in the mid 1960s in Washington State. For the last two years, it was named the fastest growing sport in the United States.*  Pickleball has become quite popular in Greensboro, too. It is really popular in the Bryan and Spears YMCA; the Greensboro Sportsplex; Bur-Mil Park; Smith Senior Center; and, Proelific Park to name a few places. The above photo features pickleball in full swing at Hamilton Lakes this past weekend. The courts there are nice and players extremely friendly. They are happy to teach new players the rules, the moves, and to get them into games as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, this past Saturday, they offered a clinic for beginners, thirty minutes before matches started up. At the Hamilton Lakes open-club event this past weekend, pickleball was combined with an old-time, string band jam, and a potluck. Pickleball, music, socializing, and food. Could there be a more winning combination? Other than a little fall wind, the weather was perfect!

Happy Tuesday! Please remember to vote.

*read more here.

Fall Football

Watching high school football in the fall is so much fun. Above is a photo of the junior varsity game at Southern High School with Eastern High School. The crowd was small, but the air was perfect for watching football with friends. Eastern did really well and won the game, but both teams gained great experience. If you did not get out last night, consider attending a varsity game tonight. If you plan ahead, you can make sure to dress in the color you will be cheering on. It costs $7 for an adult to enter- unless you  are a GCS employee and have your school ID, you can get in free.

Happy Friday! Let us know what you are us to this weekend.

Boxcar Bar + Arcade Downtown on W. Lewis Street

The Boxcar Bar + Arcade was on the front end of making the  Elm/Lewis Street area a destination for in Downtown Greensboro fun and game entertainment. It opened on January 26, 2017, making it their 5th year of operation. The above photo features an interior view, located at 120 West Lewis Street. Since Boxcar is a bar, one must be 21 to enter. Even though it is for adults, it is a place where adults don't have to grow up. Look at how much fun those men are riding the virtual road on their motorcycles. It is quite a gaming experience with lots of visual stimulation. 

Boxcar has a boxcar off of the front, where you can order food. Also, there are times when live entertainment takes place on the front porch. When you've had enough arcading, you can walk around the corner to hang out at Elsewhere. They always have something engaging to do, see, and learn; or, you can head to Bourbon Bowl to bowl.  As for us, we're waiting for a turn on those motorcycles! Happy Thursday!

Hello Summer... Let's Swim!

Hello Summer! Recently, we were at Lindley Pool having nostalgia for the Greensboro Community Swim Association and all the years the summer meets for the city were held at Lindley Pool in Lindley Park. It was fun having the meets outdoors and the park was great entertainment for siblings who weren't swimming and during those long waits between events- which can seem like a lifetime to the 8 and under swimmers. However, not the meet is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) and it is going on today and tomorrow. There will be at least 20 swim clubs and about 2,000 swimmers between the ages of 5-18. If you go to the CSA website, you can monitor the results as they are reported.

GAC opened Summer 2011 and for the past 11 years, the facility has provided Greensboro with state-of-the art pools bringing many national events to the area. As a matter of fact, in two weeks, the YMCA long-course nationals will be held at the GAC, but for the next two days, those lanes belong to the children of Greensboro who competed in dual meets for their home swim clubs. Some children swim year-round, some just swim in the summer. Regardless of one's level, fun will be had by all. In the meantime, for those who aren't swimming in City Meet and who aren't interested in the meet of the summer, Lindley Pool is open and ready to welcome you with open arms!

Happy Friday!

 

Golf in the Heart of Irving Park

Spring is the time for being outdoors and for outdoor sports. The people of Greensboro love golf and there are many courses in the area; at all price points. The above photo was taken at the Greensboro Country Club in Irving Park yesterday. However, given the black and white photo and the golfers using pull carts, the scene could have as easily been from the early 20th century as it is the 21st. Irving Park is one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods yet is is easily accessible. One can meander through the rolling hills of the neighborhood on foot or drive along in a car. It is so lovely this time of year with the manicured lawns and the spring flowering plants and trees. 

If you drive along Country Club Drive, you will notice that work is being done at the Greensboro Country Club (GCC). Summer 2020, GCC passed a 19.1 million dollar renovation plan. They are revamping the pool, restaurants, fitness center, and youth activities facility. They are getting two additional pools and recreational facilities.* The finished product promises to be a state-of-the-art facility rivaling any country club in the southeast.  While all of the upgrades in amenities will be appealing, there is something charming about the timeless look of the golf course itself.

Happy Wednesday!

*read more about the renovation, HERE.

The Sandlot

Saturday was such a glorious day in Greensboro. The weather felt like spring and there was every excuse to get outside. We went to the arts and crafts market at Odom Brewing. That was very nice, and we bought some jewelry from two local high school students who had a table there. As we walked around we noticed these elementary school aged children playing on the lot adjacent to Odom. While the parents were sitting at picnic tables keeping an eye on their children, the little ones played ball and were having a blast. The whole scene evoked memories of the way things used to be, back in the dark ages before cell phones, iPads, and video games. They were having a blast. The definition of a sandlot is "a piece of unoccupied land used by children for games." So, if you have children, go to Odom Brewing on West Gate City Boulevard and encourage the kids to play in the sandlot.

We're not sure how close to Odom the venue will extend, but the Tate + Gate: Hotspot for Innovation will be in this area. While it won't be a sandlot, any place that fosters innovation, art, and creativity will be a good thing. But for now, we're simply going to enjoy seeing children play in that inhibited, not-a-care-in-the-world way that only children can play!

Happy Monday!

Golfing As Self-care

What do you do for self care? Golfing is a great way to get outside without having to leave town. The above photo is of the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club at Carlson Farms. It is such a lovely course, and it is so easy to photograph as it is visible from the surrounding roads, Francisco Drive, Tory Hill, Hedrick Drive, Carlson Dairy, Jessup Grove, and, Horse Pen Creek. This course, built in 1963, provides members with an opportunity to play gold, year-round. This course gets a five-out-of-five for being in excellent condition. Indeed, it is a pretty course that stretches over 7300 yards through the community, which is over 400 yards a hole.

Even if you don't have a membership to this specific course, there are plenty of options in Greensboro. Consider playing golf at Bur-Mil Park, just down the road from here. If you don't play golf, consider walking or biking along the greenway and trails. It should be sunny all day today, with temperatures ranging from 28º- getting up to 52º at 2:00 pm. It will be a lovely day to do something out of doors! See you on the trail, or somewhere along the way. Self-care matters!

Happy Saturday!

Burbon Bowl Fun

The Burbon Bown opened earlier this summer and it has so much character. The above photo features the 6-lane bowling alley in the back of the building. The outdoor seating covers a city lot! There is an extensive bar and also seating for meals. It is possible to order snacks in the bowling area and there are comfortable couches to sit on while waiting for others to take their turn. This venue fits with the changing profile of the South 500 and 600 block of Elm Street. There is a game arcade, several new restaurants, and lots of retail space for rent at 616 South Elm Street. 

One of the goals for the property that now houses the Burbon Bowl at 531 South Elm Street was to find a business that would attract college students to downtown. Bowling might be just the trick! The crowd last night was older than college, but then college students are just getting back to town and seem so excited to actually be back on campus that they are probably content to hang around the dorm and student union. Not to fear, they'll soon venture out to South Elm. Look at how cute those bowling balls are. They look like pool balls. Another cute feature, the bathroom doors look like office doors taken from an old high school. You have two options "Mr. Mill's class Room 34, or Mrs. Bell's class Room 22!

Southern Conference Softball Championship 2021

The Southern Conference Softball Championship continues today and tomorrow, hosted by UNCG. The above photo, taken yesterday during game 1, features the softball field on the northwest corner of the UNCG campus. * The stadium was built in 2006 on the site of the old softball stadium and this beautiful facility has hosted the Southern Conference Championship every other year since 2014. It also hosted in 2007 and in 2013.

At 12:30 pm today, #1 UNCG will play #2 Western Carolina in Game 4 of the tournament.  Game 5 will be held at 3:00pm with #4 Mercer playing the Game 4 loser. Game 6 will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday with a match up between the Game 4 and 5 winners. If necessary, there will be a Game 6. The Chattanooga team earned the 2019 championship title. Chattanooga lost to Mercer in Game 3 today.

If you love softball or have a child who plays, you should consider attending a game here some year. However, at present, it looks like it is "pass list only", as UNCG is still taking every precaution in these Covid times. Last year the championship was cancelled altogether, so players are super happy to be back out on the fields and looked so ready to play as they filed into the stadium yesterday in their uniforms and representing their universities.

This is the 100th year of the Southern Conference. Let's hope the Spartans take all!  See the conference website here.

Happy Fourth of July 2020

The above photo was taken at the golf course at the Greensboro Country Club at their farm course. The land the course is built on was once part of the Carlson Farm and is now a golf course. Many people will be playing golf today. Last year on the Fourth of July, it seemed as if almost everyone in Greensboro was downtown for Fun Fourth. There was so much to do downtown, especially on Elm Street. Jack and Liz Grimes were even performing weddings.

This year, plans will need to be very different as so much has been cancelled. it will be up to individuals to make their own fun. But we can! Hopefully, you can have a picnic and spend time with those in your household. There are also options for getting out of doors. Golf is a great outdoor option, and Greensboro has plenty of courses, public and private.

So, Happy Fourth of July! Let us know how you spent it.

Mahjong in the Afternoon

Imagine how fun it would be to meet up with friends and play Mahjong in the afternoon. The above photo shows two groups playing at Delicious Bakery on Lawndale. Mahong is a tile-based game, originating in China. At first, it seems complicated; however, once you get to know the pieces and how to play, it is easy enough to socialize and enjoy while you play. Plus, if you meet somewhere like Delicious Bakery, you can play while drinking fresh coffee and eating tasty and visually appealing desserts. Delicious Bakery first opened in Greensboro, in a tiny location on Battleground Avenue across from Lowe's Home Improvement Store. While they have doubled their space, their commitment to good desserts and building community has not changed.

Happy Saturday, and don't wait for someone to ask you to join some kind of group game, organize it yourself and do the inviting. Also, the more you get out and enjoy Greensboro (or your own city, if from elsewhere), the more you will serendipitously stumble upon groups of people engaging in fine fellowship and making memories with each other. At the very least, dash out and get a cinnamon roll or floral cupcake!

Oh, Playgrounds!

Over the past several years, Greensboro has been getting more public space, including play spaces. LeBauer Park is one example. There is so much to do there: Fountains, ping pong, climbing spaces, and more. Gateway Gardens is another public space that families adore.

The above photo is one of the playground spaces at the Greensboro Arboretum, on the West Market Street side of the park. The equipment is plastic with no sharp edges and the mulch bed is thick. This playground is part of the 17 acre space that you can use for walking and picnicking. It is open daily and is free! If you like parks, try it out this weekend.

Golf Course Maintenance

Golf course maintenance is big business in Greensboro because we have so many public and private courses in the area. From the Wyndham Championship, which is a professional tournament on the PGA tour, to high school matches to people out on putting greens, all levels of golf are available in Greensboro. The above photo shows someone smoothing out the sand on one of the sand trap features at the Farm Course of the Greensboro Country Club. This course is located at Carlson Dairy Road. This course has Zeon zoysiagrass which tends to be a little hardier than Bermudagrass.*

As feasible, the bulk of the work on a course is done early in the morning and in the evening, before and after the groups are playing. For people who like to work out of doors, this job can be very rewarding. In addition to working on the grass, greens, and rough areas, the ponds and lakes need attention, too. For higher levels of expertise, many golf associations have agronomist superintendents. If you play golf, know that there are plenty of people working to keep the courses in the best shape possible. Some years, cold and heat are responsible for damage. So far, this year in Greensboro, rain has been a challenge!

* reference and golf-industry article about Greensboro courses, here, if you are interested.

Jake's Billiards

Happy Friday! Do you have any plans for today or this evening? One option is to eat and play pool at Jake's Billiards. Jake's has had several names and locations, but has been firmly established at the Spring Garden Street location since 2002. Jessie and Josh Kirkman have owned it since 2004. They have been working hard to build clientele from all walks of life, people who consider Jake's their go-to place for high quality, affordable food. They also have tv's for sports aficionados and 12 pool tables for players from beginners, to experts, to people who play daily. 

In the above photo, you see a cue ball in motion. Last Saturday, this table of players had just finished watching college basketball and decided to play a few rounds of pool. If you want more information about Jake's, Billy Eye wrote a great article about the establishment in the February edition of O. Henry Magazine. If you go to Jake's, may you play your best game this weekend, whether you are stripes or solids!

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

The above photo features a teacher from Claxton Elementary (left) and one from Lindley Elementary(right) . They both agreed to compete in a "turkey trot" by dressing in turkey suits, dribbling down the court, making a layup shot and dribbling back to the starting point; all while their students were cheering them on. This fun rivalry transpired during the UNCG women's basketball game on Friday. As memory serves, Team Lindley won. 

The photo reminds us that, on Thanksgiving, enjoying each other's company is a big part of the holiday. Let us all give thanks for our GCS teachers who will do just about anything for their students, including dressing is giant turkey suits and waddling down a basketball court. Let us give thanks for our time with family and friends, and the food on our tables.

Happy Thanksgiving!

60th Year of Greensboro's City Swim Meet

Today is the kick off day for City Meet, the 60th year of the grande finale event of Greensboro's Community Swim Association. The event is held at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) and is free and open to the public. With over 2,000 swimmers, competing over three days, from all the swim clubs in Greensboro, the event will be fun, lively, and crowded. All children are able to compete during this event. While Day 1 of the three day event is for the less competitive swimmers, it gives all swimmers a chance to participate in this community-building event. Day 2 & 3 are for the swimmers trying to break records, become golden swimmers (first in all of their individual events), and for swim clubs trying to capture the win.

Above all, summer swim with CSA of Greensboro is a time to build community and make great summer memories. There will be a parade with teams decked out in their respective colors, with swimmers and coaches taking their team's theme to new extremes. The Friendly Frogs will be in pink and green with their favorite amphibian featured prominently. The Hamilton Lakes Hornets will be buzzing up a storm. Lake Jeanette Lightning will be bolting through the pool. (You get the picture). Stop by if you can and experience some good ole Greensboro tradition. Here's to another 60 years of City Meet!

Air Fun Trampoline Park

Greensboro Daily Photo is part of the City Daily Photo Community, which started about 15 years ago with Paris Daily Photo. Each first of the month, there is a theme and city daily photo blogs worldwide participate in the theme. This month's theme is "Laugh!" which made us realize, at GDP, that we can be pretty serious. Finding a "Laugh!" photo was a far stretch. Finally, a photo from a couple of months ago surfaced: Air Fun Trampoline Park (AFTP).

AFTP is located in Golden Gate Plaza and, if you have ever taken children to a trampoline park, you are sure to have heard lots of laughter. Kids and adults alike bounce and play and giggle and just have unbridled fun. If you haven't been lately, trampolining has evolved.* There is over 30,000 square ft. of fun and hours and hours of laughter. Happy First of May!

*Learn more about AFTP, here.

See the gallery of other participating CDP photographers, here.

NCAA Fever in Greensboro

NCAA fever and games are in full swing and North Carolinians are glued to the TV. Even though Duke is the only remaining North Carolina team, Greensboro cares about basketball. The above photo was taken at Rody's, a locally-owned restaurant and sports bar. Screens throughout the restaurant were sharing several games at a time.

Rody's is located at the corner of Battleground Avenue and Horse Pen Creek Road. It was packed last night while the basketball games were on. By the end of the weekend, we will know if Duke advances to the final four. Then, before you know it, it will be time for football season, and then basketball season again.

Happy Saturday and, stay safe, if the weather turns bad.

First Friday in November

It is the weekend; specifically, the first Friday in November. That means time for gallery hopping downtown. A new art gallery has opened at the corner of West Washington Street and South Elm in the building that formerly housed "Glitters." Featured above, it is called Hilary Clement and Friends Pop-up Gallery. Hilary, who has a studio at 205 Collaborative on Lyndon Street, opened this gallery featuring her own paintings and the artwork of many great local artists. If the November/December pop-up is well received, the gallery may elect to stay in this location. Since it is First Friday, you will have an opportunity to stop in and enjoy the artwork. All was quiet when we photographed late last night. It should be busy today. Rumor has it that since the carpet was removed, it no longer smells like patchouli incense.

Another downtown event, a few blocks northeast, from 6:00- 9:00 pm, you can see the "Day of the Dead" altar exhibit in the Central Library and performances in nearby LeBauer Park. Casa Azul works hard to prepare the "Día de Muertos" event. The weather should perfect for walking, shopping, enjoying art, admiring Day of the Dead altars, and making new friends.  Here's to enjoying a night out on the town, our town!

Geeksboro: Hollywood East

No, this photo wasn't taken in Hollywood, but at Geeksboro where, on Friday nights, a bit of reality is suspended and people gather to play all kinds of board games, card games, and good old-fashioned video games. Were the cast of Big Bang Theory to come to Greensboro, this is the first place they would want to stop and they would feel right at home here. Geeksboro is one of those coffee shops that thrives because it has something for everybody. Currently, they are in the process of of hosting a Wes Anderson Film Festival. The last movie in the series will be shown on Sunday night. It will either be Moonrise Kingdom or Grand Budapest Hotel, depending on what attendees vote for. 

Geeksboro is located in Irving Park Plaza down from a comic book store and above an improv theatre. Many great restaurants are in the plaza, and stopping by Geeksboro for a cup of coffee after dinner is a great way to add interest to an evening. Also, they  have original art on the wall. It is a great place to go whether you are alone or with friends. For sure, there is always something to see and someone to talk to. If you listen to the social chit chat around you, after a while you will be convinced you are among Penny, Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Amy and the gang. Brush up on Battlestar Galactica, Dr. Who, Star Trek, The Hulk, and Halo, and whether Sheldon is there or not, you will have so much fun!

Below, was our vantage point last night.  

And the Fog Rolled In

Greensboro was spared the high winds and strong rains from Hurricane Harvey and Irma.  We did receive rain, and yesterday afternoon, the fog rolled in. The above photo features the fog hovering over the Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course. This 18-hole, private course has been open since 1963. The total yardage for the course is 7,302 yards, close to a mile and a half long, and making it the longest golf course in Guilford County. While private golf courses do not want people walking on them who are not golfing, usually, they are appointed in a way that it is easy to map out a walking course in the neighborhood near them. Just looking at the above course makes our pedometer add steps.

The above scenery is reminiscent of an English moor, with low growing vegetation and grasslands. The fog softens the horizon and it almost feels like you can reach out and touch it. With the fog came warmer temperatures last night. Greensboro was in the high 60's yesterday and it is supposed to get close to 80º today. If you do monitor the steps you take, today is a good day to walk. With Greensboro's beautiful scenery, walking is a restorative activity. Come walk with us!

Grimsley Cornhole

Consignment stores can be interesting windows into a community. The above photo shows an item that was getting quite a lot of attention at the Red Collection Consignment Store on Mill Street. It was a cornhole game with Grimsley High School and its mascot, The Whirlie, on it. Cornhole, a raised-platform lawn game, dates back to 1883, and has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is especially popular at tailgate parties. There are even national championships, covered on ESPN. Most boards have some kind of decoration, often celebrating university or national sports teams.

Grimsley High School is about a mile from the Red Collection. We overhead a gentleman comment that he was tempted to purchase the board and deliver it to Grimsley. It would be fun for students to play at lunch in the Grove. He said the board reminded him of all the fun he'd had playing cornhole over the years.

Consignment stores are like that; they evoke memories and get you thinking about things you may not have considered for years. They get you talking to people you have never seen before. We're betting the cornhole game is already sold and that it went to a good Whirlie home. It does make you wonder the back story of who sold it, and why. Resale stores evoke many questions. To be sure, they can be fun to peruse and turn us into urban archaeologists.

O is for Outfield

Baseball season is upon us and, in Greensboro, there are opportunities to play and watch baseball at just about every level and for every age group. Pre-collegiate players have opportunties ranging from rec ball to more intense AAU ball. Greensboro is home to the minor league baseball team, the Greensboro Grasshoppers. High Point could also be getting a minor league ball team for their proposed downtown stadium. Also, the local high schools have baseball teams, as do all of the local institutions of higher education. Literally, you can find baseball diamonds in every end of the county. The above photo was taken at an April 8th home game for the UNCG Spartans and features Spartan player Justin Embler (#8) safely sliding into 3rd base. The Spartans won that day against Furman. 

If you are looking for affordable summer fun, baseball game entrance tickets are very reasonably priced. The Grasshoppers have theme days, frequent fireworks displays, and plenty for young children to do if they tire of sitting in their seats. Today is ABC Wednesday and for "O" on our Round 20 Series, "O" is for "outfield."  To all the left, center, and right fielders (positions 7, 8, 9 respectively) in the outfield, today, we salute YOU and may all those fly balls land in your glove!

GSO 336

Last night was "Drink & Draw" night at Geeksboro Coffeehouse Cinema on Lawndale Drive in Irving Park. People brought sketch pads, pencils, watercolors, markers, digital drawing pads, and a great amount of imagination. Artists were talking, drawing, and sipping their favorite coffeehouse beverages. The above artist was a talented, friendly,  young man who loves Greensboro enough to sport our 3-letter, airport code, GSO. In the upper right-hand corner of the box on his shirt, Greensboro's 336 area code is printed. The font and graphics evoke the periodic table of chemical elements; precisely the humor found in the Geeksboro crowd. "Drink & Draw" is a night for creative types to be surrounded by equally creative people who appreciate their cultural references and recognize their drawing styles.

Geeksboro, established in 2012, attracts people for fun, wholesome activities like watching old TV shows together, playing board games, knitting, playing video games, and just plain old-fashioned talking. While we may have the technology to do just about anything at home- from shopping to watching movies and learning through Youtube videos- nothing replaces good old face-to-face or shoulder-to-shoulder social interaction; which, at Geeksboro, is available for the price of a cup of coffee... or two!

 

It's Soccer Time!

Fall weekends are time for playing outdoors. Above, families sit on the sidelines in foldable chairs, watching their children playing soccer at the Guilford College fields at New Garden Road. Weekends around Guilford County, it is almost impossible to find an empty field; they are all filled with people practicing or playing sports. It is heartwarming to drive by these fields and see everyone enjoying exercising out of doors. The 1990's saw participation in soccer burgeon in Greensboro. Today, there are all levels of play, available for players of all ages. From organizations like the Y to City Youth Sports to private clubs to school and university programs, soccer is everywhere.

According to the Harris Poll, National League Football is the most popular sport in the United States. And, while soccer might not be number one, it is number one in the hearts of all of those parents sitting there, living in the moment, enjoying their children playing their best. If you love soccer and have coaching talent, imagine yourself in the above photo, mentoring the children of Greensboro, teaching them not only the fundamentals of soccer, but also how to be good of good moral character. Coaches, sponsors, and spectators who are good sports are always appreciated. Happy Friday and happy weekend!

Farmer's Market: Produce, Family Fun, and More!

Yesterday, we brought you peaches, today, we're sharing tomatoes. As you can see, tomatoes come in many different varieties and in just about every color. You really do need to get out to the Piedmont Triad Farmer's Market and see for yourself. This weekend is a good one to attend as there will be a Guilford Local Foods Celebration tomorrow, Saturday, June 25th, 2016 from 10am - 1pm with veggie self portraits and other competitions. 

If you are from the south, you will understand how much people crave those tomato sandwiches. White bread, thick slice of tomato (or two), butter and mayonnaise. Yummy! Tomorrow, there will also be a crawfish boil going on at the market. According to their website, crawfish will be $6 a pound live and $7 per pound cooked with Cajun seasoning. Vendors will be taking cash only with a 5 pound minimum- 25 pound maximum. You could spend a whole day at the market. There will be no shortage of food and fun. Get there early and enjoy!

College Softball Season Winds Down

Last weekend, UNCG girls played Furman in softball. This Southern Conference, Division 1 match up on Saturday found the two teams splitting the double header, but on Sunday, Furman took the series, 2-1. In the above photo, UNCG is up to bat. If you like watching softball, heading over to the UNCG softball field at the corner of Aycock St. and Walker Avenue is well worth your time. The seating is comfortable and you are close to the action. UNCG's final at-home match up will be against Chattanooga on the last weekend in April (see schedule, here). Mark your calendar.

The Spartan softball team is excited to have added Danielle Bieberle as the fifth signing member to their 2016 signing class. Danielle hails from Auburndale, Florida and is described as a "left-handed slapper" who in quick in the outfield. Spring signing is always such a hopeful and happy time, once the signing is done. We are lucky in Greensboro to have so many institutions of higher education. They bring us great sports viewing options and many events are free.  If you ever run in to any of the IHE players or coaches, thank them for their hard work and dedication. Playing on a school sports team is a full time job- and then some.

Outdoor Living

It doesn't get much prettier than Greensboro on a sunny, spring day. The above photo features the Greensboro Country Club, located off Sunset Drive in Irving Park. The day we were there, the water on the golf course was still, reflecting a woman practicing her chipping-- short shot. The main clubhouse, above, was built in 1975, yet the origin of its first golf dates to 1909 in east Greensboro.* The "club" started, at the corner of Summit Avenue and Dewey Street, as a place to practice golf and socialize. It was a "men's club" of sorts, one that didn't have member ship fees.

Indeed, golf has been an important game in Greensboro for over a century. Looking at the above photo, one can see the peaceful aspect of being outdoors, playing golf. Then again, some of the tranquility is lost if you don't make your shot. Happy Friday! May this weekend be restful and energizing.

* read more about the history of the country club, here.

Batter Up

Baseball season is upon us. Now that the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship has concluded, we can all focus our sports watching efforts on baseball. The above photo was taken at UNCG's field on March 22nd, when UNCG was playing Western Carolina. UNCG won!

The above stadium, located at the corner of Kenilworth Street and Walker Avenue was built in 1999 to rave reviews and is rated as one of the top small venues for Division 1 baseball. In 2006, a new scoreboard/videoboard was installed, making it fun to watch the stats and replays roll by. The stadium seats approximately 3,500 spectators. If you want to see for yourself, come out tonight as they have a home game against Wake Forest. If you can't get there this evening, here is the schedule for the rest of the season. In addition to the UNCG Spartans, there are always the Greensboro Grasshoppers, The Guilford College Quakers, The Greensboro College Pride, and the North Carolina A&T Aggies who would love your support. For the pre-collegiate options, there is AAU baseball,  high school teams, middle school teams, and Little League-- plenty of local options. Greensboro has no shortage of great baseball. Batter up!

 

Triad Rowing Event

This past Saturday, the High Point Rowing Club hosted the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival at Oak Hollow Lake. Twelve clubs participated, totalling 84 entries from sculling (single person boat) to eight person crews were held. The above photo features the main shelter where the timing committee maintained race statistics. Just beyond the shelter, the giant duck served as a point of reference for the launch area. The duck was a great way for participants to remember the High Point race. Since the High Point Rowing Club owns the duck, it is likely that they will use it often and rowers from elsewhere will remind each other, "you know, the place we rowed that had the giant yellow duck."

Since this is the only community rowing team in the area, Greensboro students and adult, master-rowers head down Highway 68 and West Wendover every afternoon to partake in this great sport. While High Point Rowing Club takes their rowing seriously, it is nice to know that they have a little sense of humor, as evidenced by the rubber duck. You may recall that the rubber duckie song was made ever so popular in the 1970's on Sesame Street. Wonder if anyone left the regatta on Saturday singing, "Rubber duckie, you're the one, you make rowing lots of fun.....".

Summer Is Winding Down

The Greensboro Grasshoppers, just like many residents, won't be in town this weekend. They're playing in Kannapolis, which should bring in the crowds since Kannapolis is such a busy area. However, the above photo evokes the feeling of getting out and doing things together. If you are in town, consider heading to one of the community parks or pools for the last hurrah of summer. As for the Grasshoppers.........

In the overall standings for the South Atlantic League Northern , the Grasshoppers are second only to the Hagerstown Suns in terms of number of wins (41 Wins for Greensboro and 42 for Hagerstown). Since the Grasshoppers have 9 more wins than the Kannapolis Intimidators, they should have a pretty good weekend of baseball. And, the playoffs start next week. Together, Labor Day and the end of Grasshopper baseball really signal summer's coming to a screeching halt. So, wherever you may be this weekend, have fun-  like you know that college football and pumpkin spice latte season are nipping at your heels!

Wyndham Championship 2014

The Wyndham Champion was held this past week, August 11-17th,  at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. Camilo Villegas won today by a stroke* and a score of 263, the second best score of all time. In 2011 and in 2014, Webb Simpson and Sergio Garcia, respectively, scored 262.

This week's tournament was the 75th anniversary of the Wyndham Championship. The very first tournament, won by Sam Snead, was played at both Starmount Forest and Sedgefield CC. When this PGA event was founded in 1938, it was known as the Greater Greensboro Open. While the event has moved around some, Including thirty years at Forest Oaks,  it has always been held in the Greensboro area.

The above photo is of a 1974 souvenir Kentuky bourbon whiskey bottle, featuring the state of North Carolina as well as the course at Sedgefield. In 1974, Bob Charles won with a score of 270. Something tells us the original cork had a golf ball on top. While the bottle has been empty for forty years, it is a great memory of Greensboro's rich PGA history. Even though the PGA tournament has left the area, we've got a lot more golf weather left for all of the area's beautiful courses.

*results here.

Lemonade Highway

Summer is about to come to a screeching halt for families with children in school. Today is a glorious Friday and many people will be driving in and out of Greensboro. Some people will be lucky enough to head to the beach or mountains; others, will be returning from trips. I-40 and I-85 are always busy on weekends in the summer.

Today's photos were taken when we were on the road returning to Greensboro this past Sunday. The giant, roving lemon reminded us of all the road games we used to play back in the day before in-car movies, texting capability, video games and all of those other digital distractions. Do you remember trying to find license plates from as many states as possible? A-Z towns? Well, the mobile lemonade stand perked us up and put everyone in a super cheerful mood.  If you are traveling this weekend, please be careful and, if there are others in the car, consider playing some "old school" games. Finally, a friend of ours said that if this vehicle ever breaks down, they'll need some lemon-aid!

Happy Fourth of July 2014

Happy Fourth of July. The above photo features fireworks in Newbridge Park at a Grasshoppers baseball game. You might want to consider heading to the game and seeing the fireworks tonight, too. Nothing says Americana like baseball and fireworks on the Fourth of July. It is so fun to see the expressions on the children's faces when the fireworks sparkle, sizzle, and spout bursts of color before their eyes. Summer magic!

 

 

Y is for YOUTH

Greensboro is a great place to raise children. As an example, in the above photo, we see an unidentified girl being taught to double-Dutch jumprope by two festival-goers. Double-Dutch jumproping requires a lot of coordination. There are special rhymes that are often chanted while people are jumping. During the Summer Solstice Festival, adults were working hard to teach children to double Dutch jumprope.In 2009, Double Dutch became a varsity sport in New York City public high schools.* Maybe the trend will spread to Greensboro. If so, the above solstice rope turners would be great for getting the young kids trained. They were so patient.

Greensboro also has great places to take kids. In addition to events and festivals like the solstice event, Greensboro has  many great venues: the Children's Museum, the Science Center, the Children's Theatre, ArtQuest, the city libraries, and so much more. The more effort a community puts into its youth, the more prepared they will be to run the community in adulthood.  Today is ABC Wednesday and Y is for Youth.

 * reference.