Greensboro Daily Photo

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.

October Full Moon

Today's  full moon in October is named for the pre-winter hunting season. It is often known as the Hunter's Full Moon. Travel, Dying Grass, and Sanguine Moon are other names. The term Hunter's Moon is so named because it coincides with hunting season for some wild game. Even the animals being hunted seem to know it is about to get cold. The above photo was taken in Northwest Greensboro. On this day of rest, Sabbath for Christians, what can be more spiritual than a full moon on a clear night, so bright, no flashlight is needed. Last night was clear, so the the moon reflected sunlight to the extent that a shadow was cast.

Last night, even the owls were howling, the air was crisp, and the sky was so clear, the stars were visible. Night skies like what we saw in Greensboro last night are so special. If you get a chance, peek out tonight and let us know what you see.

Happy Sunday!

West Market Street UMC

Please allow us to post one more photo of the North Carolina Folk Festival from last weekend. The above photo features the West Market Street UMC, located at the corner of West Market Street and John Wesley Way. This church is over 175 years old and has about 2,000 members. When many congregants of various church are opting for suburban mega-sites, West Market Street is holding steady as a dynamic, well-attended church downtown. The Old Courthouse Stage is placed in front of the church and the Lawn Stage is just down the street. We're wondering if the church has considered doing something like a Sunday sing on the stage outside their front door. They do sell parking spaces for the day at the festival, as a fundraiser. However, it seems like they would be ripe to be involved in other ways. The building is just so beautiful and the congregation is so inviting. Maybe we'll try to attend next year during the festival. It looks so beautiful at night. This would be a perfect opportunity to turn on some of the lights to let those stained glass windows glow with all of their glory. 

If you are interested in West Market UMC, HERE is a link to their website. They offer something for everybody from young to old and for those who like traditional services to those who like something more contemporary. Have a great Sunday and please stop back by tomorrow... and every day!

Folk Festival 2022

The North Carolina State Folk Festival is upon us. How wonderful that Greensboro has earned the honor of having the festival here. Let's all head downtown and support these musicians. So many different genres of music and ethnicities of people will be represented. There is something for everybody. Tonight is the 7th annual pre-festival concert,  Songs of Hope and Justice, in the Van Dyke Performances Space at 200 North Davie Street. HERE is a link to learn more about the concert and to purchase tickets. You can also access the festival lineup, performance schedule, and festival map from that same link.

Much consideration has gone into ensure the pedestrian footprint is safe and walkable. The northernmost street is Bellemeade, extending south to Market and Washington Streets. Church and Eugene Streets are the east/west boundaries. You might want to bring a water bottle and a lightweight folding chair. The North Carolina makers marketplace will be at the crossroads of Elm Street and Friendly Avenue. The above photo was taken last year at the Old Courthouse Stage on Market Street and it will be in about the same position this year.

We sure hope to see you downtown. Donate and make purchases if you are able. And remember, clapping and other signs of appreciation bring performers and volunteers so much joy. 

Happy Thursday! Happy weekend of music!

 

Guilford College In Summer: Brimming with Music!

Guilford College was founded in 1837 by the Quakers. Guilford College is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college, and we are very lucky to have in Greensboro. Summers, the campus looks very different from the academic year. If there would be one word to define summers on campus, it would be music. Especially in July, Guilford College is brimming with music. Last night, another fabulous Eastern Music Festival (EMF) concert was performed in Dana Auditorium. Before the concert, Maestro Peter Perret provided insights into what to look for and anticipate during the evening concert featuring five student-conductors in training. The concert had nice attendance and the audience and student-performers alike seemed pleased with the concert. We sure enjoyed it! The above photo features musicians heading back to their dorms after performing; they were walking and enjoying each others' company. Circling them was a young doe who perhaps was startled as the performers walked through the courtyard.

Sunday, Guilford College will host Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP). And, about where you see students walking, from 6:00 pm- 7:30pm, the MUSEP concert will take place. However, if you come early, you can enjoy a picnic on the lawn with friends or new friends that are easily made at a MUSEP concert. There will be a couple of food trucks, if you don't have a chance to pack something. The band will be "The Beauty Operators." The concert is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Here is the line up for the rest of the MUSEP summer in case you haven't seen it yet. As for EMF, here is their schedule. Thank you Guilford College for inviting the community in for all of these music events, and, thank you for hosting them. Being known for great music events is a good thing! Hopefully, the EMF students will be able to enjoy the MUSEP concert.

Happy Saturday!

Night Kayaking at Lake Brandt

Last night, from 8:00- 10:00 pm, Lake Brandt held extended hours for night kayaking. You had the option to bring your own kayak, rent a solo, or rent a double kayak. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation staff are very good about helping participants get their equipment in and out of the water, whether you bring your own or rent. During the night events in the summer, you ride out as the sun is setting and ride back at dark. While the above photo is blurry, you get the idea of how it looked and felt out on the water last night. The water was calm and so peaceful. Most people participated with a friend or two. Some kayakers met new friends while out on the water. Everyone was very friendly. While the Parks and Rec. staff are also on the water for your safety, the expectation is that you can function independently on the water; there is no "guided tour". However, if you just pay attention to where you are headed and the location of the dock, the adventure is pretty straightforward. 

There cannot possibly be a better way to end a summer evening than to be on the water watching the birds and fish settle in for the night. Here is the link to the website with the information about our three lakes, Higgins, Brandt, Townsend. You can find information about rentals and the schedules for when the lakes are open. As we were leaving, the staff member who helped us carry our kayak to the car encouraged us to some out to lake Higgins next Wednesday for night kayaking. If you like to avoid the sun's strong rays, night kayaking is for you.

Happy Friday!

Post Tanger & Walking Around Downtown

The above photo features an unidentified couple leaving the Tanger Center on the evening that Rita Moreno spoke as part of the Guilford College Bryan series. They are walking on the southeast corner of the Tanger complex headed toward LeBauer Park. You can see the blue and pink Echelman sculpture hovering above the park. And, on that particular evening, there were still lots of people out in the park. This part of north Greensboro, around Tanger and the center city parks,  has been transformed. We predict there will be even more changes; perhaps food trucks and more late evening food options, especially for after events at Tanger. 

As for tonight, it has been said Thursday is the new Friday. If you want to get a jumpstart on the weekend, head downtown tonight for a meal or a beverage with a special person in your life. Another option will be to go hear Kendra Adachi speak about her book "The Lazy Genius Kitchen" at Scuppernong Books from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. It is kind of special having a New York Times bestselling author right here in Greensboro. If you want to get ready for the event, listen to Adachi's Lazy Genius podcast or website. Her book is available at Scuppernong and Just Be, where you can also get earrings made by Kendra's mom! Maybe we'll wear a pair tonight and see if she notices. Maybe she'll wear a pair and we will notice. 

Happy Thursday! Happy almost holiday weekend!

Revolution Mill on a Clear, Spring Night

Revolution Mill, the historic cotton mill complex on Yanceyville Road, is so beautiful at night. The above photo was taken at the entrance beside Cugino Forno Pizzeria, a pizzeria that was recently rated one of the top 100 in the world. It is the closest pizza to pizza in Italy that we have tasted in the United States. Eating pizza in the mill hall is do much fun. The long picnic tables are conducive to sharing with customers you don't know initially, but have the chance to leave as friends.

The two smoke stacks in the background tower high above the mill and the lighting at night is dramatic. In the foreground it the water tower that was formerly painted red. Now white, it stands out so much more. The textile mill, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is a multi-use complex today with everything from apartments to office space to restaurants to event space to more. Every time we go there, we see something new. The whole building takes on a different character by day and by night; both equally dramatic!

Happy Wednesday, a good day to go explore Revolution Mill.

North End of Downtown

This photo was taken on Friday night at 6:48 just off of Elm Street behind Perry's Exxon Station. Also, on the right is the Greensboro Music Company, established 1993. The Greensboro Music Company, buys, sells, and repairs instruments. It is also possible to take lessons there. We like the face that this part of town has so many one story buildings.  Something about this twilight sky, the blue above and the brown, cream, and white at the bottom of the frame just captivates us. We used to not like cars in photos, but for street scenes, they help identify the decade a photo was taken.

This is the Greene and Smith Streets area of town. The image is so serene and the streets look desolate, only because this is not a very busy part of town at night. We wish this end of town had a name. Northend? Northside? NOFA (North of Friendly)? NOTA (North of Tanger).

Have a Happy Thursday! Have you made plans for this weekend?

Star Magnolia; Spring in Greensboro is Spectacular

Happy Monday! We were downtown for First Friday this past Friday and had to stop and admire this tree in front of the Cultural Arts Center (CAC) on Davie Street. We think it is a star magnolia and it looked absolutely beautiful at dusk. The CAC was pretty quiet during First Friday. Green Hill has an exhibit with water as a theme, appropriately entitled H2O, but, it didn't open until Saturday.  The Center for Visual Artists (CVA) was open and we got to see some interesting art there in an exhibit called "The Eve Gene" with all of the art in some way tied to felinity and womanhood, in honor of Women's History Month (see Yes Weekly article). Even on a quiet night, the CAC is a great place to stop and refuel at Café Europa and to see a little art before heading to the events at the city parks and then heading downtown.

The above tree should still be in bloom. If you get a chance head to the north end of town and explore all of the great resources there, from the CVA to the Greensboro Central Library to the parks, the History Museum, the Children's Museum and more. More places tend to be open on Tuesday than Monday; however, the above beautiful scene is there waiting for you. Also, this week is a good one to explore Greensboro as most of the institutions of higher education are on spring break and traffic is lighter.

 

Happy Monday!

Night Sky over Greensboro in March

Happy March! Today's photo of the twilight sky is from one more walk around the golf course at Carlson Dairy. It was taken at about 7:00 p.m., evidence that the days are getting a little longer. On March 13th, the clock moves forward an hour, plus the days keep getting longer. March will show spring breaks at the local colleges and universities. Also, the spring equinox is on March 20th. Here is the planting calendar for Greensboro; yes, it is time to start seedlings and time to get the cold weather crops in the ground. 

We love the way the lights at the parking lot at the Greensboro Country Club cast a golden glow on the trees. This time next month, there will be leaves on these trees. For now, the bare branches add to the drama of the scene. We're not sure what all the white dots in the sky are, but at least a few are stars. Last night was a very clear night.

Here's to a great week and a great month for everyone. If you live along Horse Pen Creek Road, here's to making great progress on road construction. 

First Moravian Church

Today's photo is of the First Moravian Church of Greensboro, located at 304 South Elam Avenue. The photo was taken at the intersection of Elam and Sylvan Road. It looks so serene against the backdrop of the sky at dusk. Efforts to start a Moravian church in Greensboro date back to the early 20th century with meetings on East Lee Street (now Gate City Boulevard). However, the above land on Elam was purchased in 1937 and a temporary "hut" was built and used until 1949, when the above building was built and dedicated on April 3rd.*  Read the words below, copied from their website, about what all the church offers to the community. This is quite an impressive list for a relatively small congregation.

    "Although First Moravian Church is relatively small in size, our congregation is home to two adult choirs, children's ensembles, handbells, a brass band, a contemporary praise and worship band, and other musical groups. Our local outreach ministries include preparing and serving meals for the Greensboro Urban Ministry Night Shelter, delivering Mobile Meals, food collection for One Step Further Food Bank, supporting families at Pathways Center (transitional housing), sponsoring relocated refugees through NC African Services Coalition, and partnering with Mustard Seed Community Health Clinic. We provide meeting space for Narcotics Anonymous and Oxford House, and send work teams and monetary support to provide relief during national disasters. Additionally, we participate in the greater outreach and mission activities of the Moravian Church, Southern Province."**

For a long time after taking this photo on Friday, we sat in the car just admiring this view. It could have only been more perfect had one of their choirs been singing "Silent Night." As we approach the longest night of the year this Tuesday, it is helpful to embrace the darkest and find the beauty therein.

 

* More information, here.  ** quote taken from this page.

Chevron Shadow on House on Tory Hill Drive at Twilight

The above photo is of a house on Tory Hill Drive in northwest Greensboro. The red brick house was built in 1985 and painted  white sometime thereafter. It is built on about 3/4 acres with a lot of wooded land behind it. This house looks so absolutely beautiful at dusk, when the sun has set, but it is still light enough to discern details. This colonial style is so popular around Greensboro.This house has five windows on the second floor and four and a door on the bottom, with an added wing on each side. That orange door looks especially beautiful with the floodlights pointing in its direction. That inverted chevron shadow above the door is the icing on the cake. Sometimes homes that go unnoticed by day absolutely come to life at night.

Is there a house in your neighborhood that is even more spectacular at night? As you can see from above, a ittle lighting and a touch of color really help. Happy Saturday! May it be filled with adventure and with noticing special things in Greensboro.

It Feels Like Broadway...

The Broadway play Wicked began its run in Greensboro at the Tanger Center and it is glorious. Last night, in spite of a slight drizzle, people dashed to their seats to see the production. One thing greeters and ushers could not emphasize enough was to allow yourself plenty of time to get there and get seated. You owe it to yourself to arrive early enough to take in this beautiful experience. This 3,023 seat state-of-the-art facility had its long overdue opening, September 2021. And, there is no looking back. Greensboro is so lucky to have a performing arts center of this magnitude downtown. No longer do we have to go elsewhere to see fabulous, professional performances. According to their website, it is anticipated that The Tanger Center will host about 150 events a year. On average, that's about one performance every two and a half days. 

Not only will Broadway plays be performed at Tanger, the Bryan Series from Guilford College and the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra will perform here. Let's all do what we can to support the arts. If, financially, you are in a position to do so, purchase an extra ticket and invite someone who is not in a position to purchase one. Everyone who is interested deserves an opportunity to go in and see this Greensboro treasure. Truly, The Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is something fabulous for our community.  Happy Saturday!

First Friday in October

The above photo was taken on Wednesday evening around 7:30 , after the presentation at GeenHill, which is located in the Cultural Arts Center in the foreground. The photo was taken from the top level of the Church Street Parking Deck at 215 North Church Street. This 417 space is a great place to park for downtown events, especially on the north end or when visiting the two city parks. It is also a great place for a panoramic view. The JP/LFP building is peeking out behind the Self-Help building. Tonight would be a good evening for you to head to town to see Greensboro at night. It is First Friday and many stores, galleries, restaurants, and other venues will be open. To name a few, the First Friday Drum Circle will be in Center City Park from 6:30- 9:00 pm.  On down Elm Street, South End Brewing will be sponsoring an Octoberfest. From 7:00- 9:00 pm, Signal Fire Band will be playing Reggae Rock on Battleground Avenue at Smith and Lindsay Streets. Jamaica Coast Catering and Pig Pounder Brewery will be on site for food and libations.

All may be still in the above photo, but fast forward to this evening and downtown will be vibrant and teeming with people. The weather should be nice- no rain and between the high 60s and low 70s. Hope to see you downtown soon! Happy First Friday, the first day of October and the first day of the 4th quarter of 2021. 

Governmental Plaza

Today's photo is of Governmental Plaza, the Green Street side. The above complex was begun in the late 1960s and completed in 1972. The architect was Eduardo Catalano of Cambridge, Massachusetts. At one time, Catalano served as head of the Department of Architecture at NC State University (see more information here). The style is known as brutalist modern architecture. Hallmarks of this style are blocky, geometric shapes and extensive use of poured concrete. This complex is very different from most of the architecture in downtown Greensboro. 

Night can be such a magical time. Darkness has a way of bringing into focus that which is right in front of us, or whatever has the most light. The Governmental Plaza looks especially striking at night. The white concrete seems to glow. By day, the plaza has a very different characteristic, also beautiful. The plaza grounds have a nice balance of indoor space and open space outside. Citizens have been known to peacefully assemble here. Some people may not be keen on brutalist architecture, but it is very characteristic of the era in which it was built, Besides, somehow it exudes "seriousness";  not unreasonable for a complex where many serious actions are taken, meetings are held, and decisions are made. Happy Thursday. See you on the plaza?

Bringing Closure to the Folk Festival 2021

And so another North Carolina Folk Festival is in the books. It was such a lovely weekend to have a festival. The footprint for the festival was smaller this year than it had been in previous years; however, there were many great options on the different stages and it was very easy to walk from one stage to the next. If you are willing to walk, the parking lot set up on the southwest corner of Gate City Boulevard and South Elm Street, is a great option. It is free and it is far enough away from downtown events that you don't get stuck in traffic. The above photo shows the crowd at the Old Courthouse Stage on West Market Street. The prominent, iconic Lincoln Financial building, with the time, temperature, and multicolored lights served as a beacon, guiding us to two of the stages. There was another stage at Greene and Commerce, and then another at LeBauer Park. On Saturday, the 9/11 ceremony took place on a stage at the corner of MLK Drive and South Elm Street. There were also performances on that stage. 

Greensboro is so lucky to host the North Carolina Folk Festival and we cannot take that responsibility lightly. We all need to do our best to promote it and get the word out to all corners of North Carolina, and beyond. Noticeably absent this year was the parking lot behind the News & Record Building. It is a little sad to know that the paper is no longer published in Greensboro and the presses are silent. Regardless, for three days and two nights, all of the Folk Festival staff, city employees, volunteers, musicians, Greensboro merchants, venders, and attendees brought to life, a very special event. Indeed, it was magical. A heartfelt thank you to all involved. And if you missed it, mark your calendar for next year.  It looks like the dates will be September 16-18, 2022. If that is incorrect, please let us know.

Echelman Fiber Sculpture

The above fiber sculpture, "Where We Met" is the work of artist Janet Echelman. It is installed over LeBauer Park and feels a little like a roof, giving a sense of being enclosed, yet in an open space at the same time. The diaphanous netting takes on a delicate translucent glow, suspended not-so-high above the park. It looks especially dramatic at night. The above netting, the original installment is slated to change Spring 2022. The new net will have some of the same colors, but Echelman will incorporate more of the blues that are associated with denim- Greensboro's iconic fabric.

When the above Echelman piece was installed in 2016, it had more yellows in it. The netting has faded over time, which is part of the reason that it is on a five-year-plan to be replaced. If you get a chance, head down to LeBauer this evening. And if not this evening for the free movie in the park, be sure to stop by during the (also free)  2021 North Carolina Folk Festival, which will be September 10th-12th throughout downtown Greensboro. Also, Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc.  will take the Echelman piece down for the winter; although the fibers are strong, the whole structure benefits from being indoors during inclement weather. 

We'd like to extend a special thanks to Amanda Mill, Director of Programs and Marketing for the Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc.  for telling us about the upcoming changes in the Echelman installation. Also, our apologies to Amanda for not getting her name right in yesterday's post. Thankfully, a loyal reader caught the mistake and we were able to correct it before the end of the day. This mom and pop blog appreciates our editors-at-large, all volunteers!

Amanda Miller

Last Friday night, at the free movie night in LeBauer Park, we met up with Amanda Miller, Director of Programs & Marketing for Greensboro Downtown Parks. Amanda was making sure everything was running smoothly in the park and monitoring the lightning situation the next county over. In addition to LeBauer Park, Center City Park is also under her perview. Allison is originally from Richmond, Virginia, but fell in love with the Piedmont while attending undergraduate school at Salem College. Her M.Ed is from Leslie University in Boston. She majored in Community arts with emphasis on Multicultural Education. That sounds like the perfect preparation for working with city parks in a community as diverse as Greensboro.

Greensboro Downtown Parks Inc. (GDPI), is a non-profit that focuses on managing our two downtown parks, including rentals and programming. See here for a list of features and amenities, and hours of operation. See here for the extensive calendar of events. Something is happening every day in our downtown parks andAllison said this past summer was the busiest ever. People have really responded for opportunities to have fun and be entertained outside. Perhaps because it was threatening to rain, last Friday's movie night was the sparsest attendance of the summer, but there was still a healthy crowd. This Friday's UNCG Spartan Cinema at LeBauer will be "Wonder Woman". Seating starts at 5:00 pm and the movie starts at dusk. If you go to the movie, and see Amanda there, know that she, too, is a wonder woman, working tirelessly day and night ensuring the downtown parks are the best they can be for our community!

Happy Thursday (which, they say, is the new Friday)! See you downtown!

(Sorry Amanda, I've updated the post and corrected your name. Sorry- I need an editor!!!).

MLK + Elm

Yesterday, we featured Tate + Gate; today, we feature MLK + Elm. This photo was taken during First Friday this past weekend. It is so fun to walk downtown and it is so easy to find inspiration for things to photograph. This photo was take at twilight, while there was still a little blue left in the sky. The ambient lighting and the red car on the right made the September 11th sculpture stand out. Local sculptor Jim Gallucci collected 16 tons of Steele from the Twin Towers rubble to use in sculpting, some of which is seen in the above sculpture. He got the last permit issued to visit the scrapyards. His credentials as a sculptor working in metal surely helped gain entrance. The above sculpture was installed on South Elm Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in 2017 after traveling to several places around the United States.

If you get a chance, head downtown and have a look at it. If you teach school, you may want to take some photos to share with students. The base is shaped like the Pentagon and the gate you see in the middle is held together by two steel beams from the World Trade Center. Jim put so much thought into the sculpture as well as much symbolism, Here is a good reference from the News and Record to learn more. Today's photo is a little effort to make art to showcase Jim Gallucci's art. Greensboro is so lucky to have Jim, a sculptor who is not only talented but also  connected to history and current events. His sculptures have so much meaning.

Have a great Tuesday!

Twilight on West Gate City

Just about everything is beautiful in the right light, especially twilight. Desolate street scenes can evoke a feeling of melancholy and nostalgia for busier times. From another perspective, there is a comfortable feeling that everyone is home after a long day of work. The above photo of West Gate City Boulevard was taken last night just before 6:30  with a cell phone while heading west after sunset. All was quiet on this part of West Gate City.  To the left, you see the new Kaplan Center for Wellness, a facility that belongs to UNCG. Since 2916, this building has been a beacon of fitness and wellness loved by all who use it. The photo has a time-worn look, and were it not for the glass-walled recreation center, it would look like it had been taken a few decades ago. Two thousand fifteen was the year Lee Street was renamed Gate City Boulevard and when the effort to rebrand and rejuvenate this part of town began. UNCG has been a big part of the transformation of the 1300 block of Gate City Boulevard.

 Gate City Boulevard runs for 6 1/2 miles from Four Seasons Town Center all the way out to Interstate 85 in the east. Here is a Business NC article posted in 2019 outlining many of the changes and initiatives. There have been so many changes over the past decade. We need to get busy photographing more of them. In addition to the contributions of the IHEs, the Coliseum area has had many improvements and the Natatorium is a beauty. Also, great progress is being made on the Blue Bell Jeans Factory at the corner of South Elm Street and Gate City Boulevard. When educational institutions, city government, and the private sector work together, great things can happen. Keep your eye on this part of town as it will continue to grow. We will try to bring the new additions to you through Greensboro Daily Photo. Happy Saturday! You know we're  out on the beat!

Reflecting on Friendly Center at Twilight

The above photo was taken in the newer section of Friendly Center, last night at twilight. A lot of stores close at 6:00 pm on Sunday, so at the time this photo was taken, the shopping center was fairly empty. This is the view behind Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, which happens to stay open until 9pm on Sundays. The original part of Friendly Center opened in 1957 and this new section above in 2006. Can you believe it has already been 15 years? It seems like just yesterday when a loud "boom" was heard throughout Greensboro, from the razing of the Burlington Industries building on this lot.  If you read about Friendly Center on Wikipedia, it mentions the "inward" orientation of the center, which is  naturally conducive to helping shoppers feel more together. Both the new and old parts have a seating/gathering area, which is part of the reason it considered an "outdoor lifestyle center".* So, when we see teens hanging out on the grassy area above, we all need to remind ourselves they have a right to hand out at an outdoor lifestyle center!

The most recent addition to the newer part of Friendly Center is Hawthorne at Friendly, where you can choose one of sixteen floor plans in this upscale living community. If you lived there and worked from home, you really could do just about everything without needing personal transportation. Twilight is such a magical time, especially with nice lighting as seen above. Just think, if you lived at Hawthorne, you could head over now and see if Greensboro's Ben and Jerry's store sells the flavor called "Netflix & Chilll'd (peanut butter ice cream, sweet and salty pretzel swirls & fudge brownies). Whether you live at Friendly or anywhere else in the community, it is nice to know we have access to these pop culture tie-in creations right here in Greensboro. Happy Monday!

*see Wikipedia (visited 1/24/2021) Friendly Center

Beautiful Star

Tonight is the night that Jupiter and Saturn should align in a way to create a "beautiful star". Together, they will reflect light in a way that has not been seen for centuries. It might be partly sunny in Greensboro. However, maybe we will get lucky and be able to view this phenomenon just after sunset and in the southwest sky. In the above cell photo from last week, you can see the moon to the left and the tiny speck between the trees is Jupiter up front and Saturn, faintly visible behind it. If you look to the horizon, you can see that that the horizon still had a little glow from the recently setting sun.

Tonight, the moon will be a first quarter moon. If you know of a "best viewing spot", please let us know. There will also be 5-10 shooting stars per hour, if visibility is on our side.

Night will come in Greensboro a little after 5pm. See you outside!

JOY at Mount Pisgah UMC

Approaching the winter solstice it seems appropriate to share a night scene for our Sunday church shot today. This is Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church. We have featured it a lot, but is is so visible and centrally located at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and Battleground Avenue. This view is from the CVS pharmacy across the street. The JOY sign, lighting, and the electric marquee command attention. The ray of green light shining down must be from the street light.

Today is the last Sunday before Christmas. However, many churches, including Mt. Pisgah. On December 21st on Facebook Live, they will have a Longest Night Service. At 4:30 and 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve, they will have services. The early one will be outside and on Facebook Live and the later one outdoors. This year there are so many options to enjoy church services remotely for Christmas, from Greensboro to Vatican City and beyond.

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! 

Christmas Tree Lots Beginning To Fill!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at this Christmas tree lot, located in the Harris Teeter plaza at the corner of New Garden Road at Bryan Boulevard. This Christmas tree lot is starting to get its shipments of Frazier firs. Bryan Wagoner's sells at this lot. His family, the Wagoner family, has been associated with selling Christmas trees since the 1940s, when the first lot was established as part of 4-H project. Today, some of the lots are owned by Bruce and Bryan Wagoner. The above lot is Bryan's. When Fred and Dot retired, they sold their business to Bradley Lowe who grew up working for them. He purchased the right to continue to use the Wagoner name.   Here is an interesting article about the Wagoner family and their Christmas tree businesses in Greensboro.

So many people are decorating for Christmas early this year; partly because they are spending more time at home and partly because 2020 has been so difficult, and they are ready for the joy that holiday decorating brings. While most lots are open from 9am to 9pm, something about getting the tree at night and celebrating with a cup of hot chocolate is a bit magical. Soon, the above lot will be full and, then, when you blink, it will be empty again. If you like a live tree, 2020 is the year to shop early. It might be something fun to do on Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day Eve whether you are in Greensboro or elsewhere!

Night Shopping... and Reflecting at the Village at North Elm

Last night, North Elm Village at the corner of Pisgah Church Road and North Elm Street was busy and the parking lot was pretty full. Perhaps people were happy to no longer have to hunker down after the winds from Hurricane Zeta passed through. The Village, people were dining and shopping. With Halloween this weekend, a lot of candy was being sold at Harris Teeter. Also, Thursday is senior citizen discount day at HT; that could have had people out shopping. The moon in the eastern sky, as seen above, was close to being full and was shining brightly last night. It looked like another street light in the parking lot.

Many trees fell throughout Greensboro yesterday and, according to WFMY News 2, at 2pm yesterday, there were 39,000 houses without power. If you were one of those homes, we hope your power is back on. We hope you weathered the storm with no damage and are ready to enjoy the weekend, and the full moon on Halloween. The next one won't happen until 2039! 

The Bodega on Greene!

Greensboro has a bodega. Is you have grown up in New York City, you quite possibly had your favorite bodega. Bodegas are small grocery stores, often in neighborhoods with lots of Spanish speakers. Kids grow up with the bodega owners looking out for them. Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton Fame) has a new movie, "In the Heights" in which bodega culture is featured. Greensboro's bodega is located on Greene Street, just across from the Carolina Theatre and squarely between the Biltmore Hotel on Washington St. and the Hampton Inn on McGee Street. This idea of the bodega is to have food, snacks, and unanticipated items that people might need before seeing a performance or while staying in a hotel-- aspirin, needle and thread, breath mints- at very reasonable prices.

Todd Olson and Daniel Leonard, both entrepreneurs and owners of other food and drink businesses, opened the Bodega on February 19th, just before COVID hit. They had to close until July, but are open again. They are in the process of opening a sandwich shop inside the bodega. They already have an outdoor seating area, just waiting for performances to get in full swing at the Carolina Theatre so they can fill their seating area with theatre-going guests. They will even dim the lights for those who rush over during intermission so that customers can get back to the performance on time. If you are downtown, stop in and say hello to Todd and Daniel. If they don't have your go-to item, chances are, they'll start stocking it. Just need a quick cup of coffee with a little personal interaction, this long/skinny store is your place on South Greene!

Elm Street at Phase 3

Last night, North Carolina officially entered in Phase 3 with the COVID restrictions. Restrictions have been relaxed and the streets, stores, restaurants, and bars, were busier last night than they have been a long time. Largely, people were still cautious, wearing masks and being mindful of social distance. The lime scooters were being right and left with people cruising through town on them in clusters.

The above photo features South Elm Street at McGee Street yesterday as night was settling in. If you look closely, you can see a TV on upstairs at Natty Greene's Brewing Company downtown. The blue car is a Papa John's Pizza vehicle out on delivery. Even though you don't see people in the photo, they were there. Before we know it, those leaves will change to fall colors and then drop to the ground. For this weekend, they are still bright green and look beautiful against the backdrop of the sapphire blue sky. Happy Saturday!

Night Sky Over Greensboro

By day and by night, the sky has been so beautiful in Greensboro this past week. The above photo was taken in northwest Greensboro about 8:30, just as it was about dark. You can see that stars are starting to appear. Stars are even more visible with less light pollution as of late. The mature trees on the above lot are representative of so many properties in Greensboro. 

Tonight is First Friday in downtown Greensboro. While we can't stroll the streets for ourselves, businesses are getting creative about ways to deliver to homes. And, not just restaurants are delivering. If you have a go-to downtown store, it is worth calling and seeing if they can bring something fun to you. Remember to support local businesses. Remember to admire our beautiful city- even at night!

North Battleground at Night

It has been a rainy week in Greensboro; warm, but rainy. Today, it should be in the 60s, wet and unseasonably warm for February. The above photo was taken last night in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart on North Battleground. That area of town has been developed extensively over the last few years, including the widening of the road and the opening of the 840 loop in this area. It is nice to see a little bit of nature that persists in the area. Actually, the webbing in the trees is kudzu, that will be back in all of its glory this Sumer. For now, it creates an eerie scene, like something out of a mystery movie. The backdrop of light is the neighboring strip mall. Nature has a way of keeping us healthy and adding so much beauty to our lives; even if it is nothing more than a neglected strip between two shopping destinations. Happy Thursday.

Downtown Nightscape

Downtown Greensboro is so beautiful at night. The above photo  was taken at  McGee  Street, looking north  in the direction of the  Jefferson Standard/Pilot building,  now known as Lincoln Financial  Group. The lights on the  patio  of M'Coul's Public  House, were you  can get a  delicious  meal  any night of the week. The shepherd's pie is especially tasty on a cold  winter night.  Likely, you will want to eat  inside.  However,  be sure  to  take time  to admire the beauty  of Greensboro's most  iconic building,  still, ever-faithfully blinking  the time and temperature,  for all  to  see. 

M'Coul's has been a downtown Greensboro institution since 2001  and the Jefferson Standard building was constructed in  1923, but the part you  see was constructed in  1990. Consider taking a mid-week  break and heading downtown to admire the beauty of our city first-hand. Happy Wednesday!

Sunset Over I-40

Last night's sunset wasn't particularly spectacular; however, from this vantage point  over I-40 it looked  mesmerizing. The photo was taken at the edge of the parking  lot of the Antique Marketplace on  Burnt Poplar Road. As you can see,  Burnt Poplar isn't a particularly busy road,  yet nothing  separates it from  I-40 but  a  single line of  concrete barriers. You  can sit there and  watch  the sun set to the west as commuters scurry  home.

When you are not actually in the  frenzy of rush hour traffic, watching it can be somewhat soothing.  While the billboards are hard  to read, the golden arches  loom large, as  if watching over  the  steady stream of commuters. We think we'll sit here for while  looking at  this  photo, the twilight zone.

Night Sky

Once we  accept the darkness  of winter  and the long  nights, they can actually take on a beautiful aura. Winter nights  are cozy when spent  in  the warmth of family and friends. The above photo features a recent night  sky over  South Holden  Road.  In the upper right hand corner, you can see  a crescent moon with a planet shining  brightly above it.  

Tonight is Saturday night and Greensboro will have plenty of options for entertainment. One  fun  event will be the live music of  Jakobs Ferry  Stragglers at Little Brother Brewing downtown Greensboro- at the corner of McGee and  South Elm. This  group hails  from West Virginia,Pennsylvania, and Maryland and, if you like spending time downtown as  well  as live music, this is a great option. Besides,  while last night  was  a full moon, if it is not too cloudy tonight, you should  be  able to enjoy  your  evening dancing by  the light of the almost-full  moon!  Happy Saturday!

The Best of 2019: Picture Perfect Night in Downtown Greensboro

 

Happy New Year! January 1st is the day the City Daily Photo community encourages participants to select their best photo from 2019. For Greensboro, we've selected this scene from LeBauer Park. The photo says so much about our city. The art overhead really helps define the space. Below, you see people from all neighborhoods coming together to watch a move on the big screen. This move was made possible through collaboration with UNCG. Greensboro has so many free events available to the community; events and public spaces contribute to the strength of a city.

As we look back over the year on Greensboro Daily Photo, we are reminded of all of the beautiful houses, the natural beauty of the city, the buildings and businesses, the educational institutions, the art, the weather and so much more. Even with 365 photos and paragraphs, we only begin to scratch the surface of all that is good in our city. In the end, it is the people who make Greensboro such a great place to live. Below, we've linked to twelve photos that are especially memorable. If you have time, please click through and have a visit. Thank you for reading and following GDP. Happy New Year. Here's to a great year to you, personally and to Greensboro as well!

January: The Ice Storm Cometh

February: The NC A&T Four

March: Firefighters from Station 21 

April: World Irish Dance Championship

May: Evening in LeBauer Park 

June: Summer Solstice Festival

July: Preservation Greensboro Tour of Lindley Park

August: MUSEP Free Concerts in the Parks

September: North Carolina Folk Festival

October: Reconsidered Goods Event Space

November: Kathy Clark and the Really, Really Free Market

December: The Running of the Balls

Merry Christmas 2019

All is calm on Greene Street today. However, on Friday night, after the move White Christmas played at the Carolina Theatre, you could feel the lively energy of downtown Greensboro this time of year. In the theatre, people were experiencing a movie they have likely seen many times before. In the adjacent parking deck, clothing and meals were being served to those in need. It is a good time of year for those more fortunate to remember those who are less fortunate. Greensboro is a town of giving, especially around the holidays. Let's hope the food, clothing, school supplies, financial support, and acts of kindness continue throughout the year.

The Carolina Theatre is so beautiful when it is lit up at night. It is equally beautiful inside. While the Carolina Theatre is closed today, you could go to a movie with your family, perhaps bowling, perhaps you could just spend the day with people you love and plan for making days merry and bright, for as many as feasible in our great community! As for the Carolina Theatre, tomorrow, Super Yamba and Friends will be performing their afro-beat dance music on December 26th starting at 9:30 pm.

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.