Greensboro Daily Photo

Magnolia Time in Greensboro

Today, we got our first magnolia bloom of the season in our Greensboro yard. Our tree is  a southern magnolia (magnolia grandiflora). It is a mature tree, over 2 1/2 stories high and at least 50 years old. They can live from 80- 120 years, so hopefully, it will be around for a while.

The Southern Magnolia is native to North Carolina, and it is known for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy leaves. The magnolia is an ancient genus. Magnolias have been around prior to the evolution of bees, so they are actually pollinated by beetles. If you have a large magnolia tree, you may notice more beetles in your yard, on your porch and even in your house. We're going to head around town this week and see where else the magnolias are blooming.

Rachel's Rose Cottage

Yesterday, we had a chance to spend time on the Guilford College Campus. Students are wrapping us the academic year and the ever-popular, 3-week session is underway.  These 3-week spring sessions are a chance for students to have focused learning experiences that aren't necessarily linked to their major. These 3-week, special sessions have been very popular with students. Some courses are held on campus and there have been some in places like Disney and Mexico.* The short-courses began in 2019, in the same year Rachel's Rose Cottage coffee shop opened.

The coffee shop was named for Rachel Barlow Taylor, a Guilford College student and former home economics teacher. Her grandson, Guilford College Trustee Fred Taylor provided the philanthropic support to convert the building to a coffee shop.**  Rachel's Cottage is so lovely and the roses are currently in full bloom. We can't wait to go back when it is open to have a cup of coffee. This building has been repurposed many times. It started out as a coal-fired power plant, was converted as the student affairs building, housed a language lab, became a storage building, was converted to a  multi-faith, campus ministry building, and, now, it is a coffee shop. Rachel's Cottage is absolutely breathtaking in its current iteration.

Happy Thursday!

• *read more about the sessions, here.
• ** reverence and more information, HERE.

Robin Egg, Babies are Hatching!

Out walking about his weekend, we saw this robin's egg shell. Just look at that lovely blue. Robin eggs incubate in 12-14 days. Hopefully, the baby birds lived. We try to provide a habitat full of berries and a natural setting where they can build their nests.

American robins can be found in North Carolina year-round and winter over here. It is not uncommon for winter roosts to number in the thousands.   They have adapted to a variety of habitats, but in the winter, are more abundant near the coast than in Greensboro. They do like all the berries found locally. 

Robins can have two to three broods a year. If we are lucky, we can go back and find more babies. It is always fun to look.

Happy Wednesday!

Inside the Old Mill of Guilford on Highway 68 in Oak Ridge

Yesterday, we took you to the outside of the Old Mill of Guilford. Today, we're inside with Amy Klug. She and her husband Darrell have been running the mill since 2008. Over the last 16 years, they have helped the business grow, especially the online sales. Their online business soared during COVID and now, they have online sales, in house sales, and sales to retail establishments and also a table at the Yanceyville Curb Market. We saw Amy on Sunday afternoon; proof positive that a miller's work is never done. 

Amy and Darrell are selling the mill. They are ready for someone else to come in with new ideas and new energy. They acknowledge that the community has been extremely supportive. Historically, mills were gathering places where farmers gathered and talked while their grain was being ground.  The Klugs realize the importance of keeping this business strong, especially in light of the fact that it is one of the oldest grist mills in the USA. The Old Mill of Guilford  was a mill before America was a country. We are grateful for the Old Mill of Guilford and for all of the people from owners, volunteers, and customers who make this mill running smoothly. We hope their products are available for a very, very long time!

Happy Tuesday!

Old Mill of Guilford

Sunday afternoon drives are so fun around Greensboro. You can drive in any direction and see something special. We headed up Highway 68 north, just before Oak Ridge and stopped in to the Old Mill of Guilford. This grist mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you are local, you are likely as proud of the Old Mill as we are. It was established in 1767 and is one of the oldest continuously operating grist mills in America. The fact that the old techniques for grinding grains are as relevant today as they were 250+ years ago is nothing short of amazing.

 It is such a peaceful, step-back-in-time place to visit. And, best of all, you can purchase all of their products in the mill store on site or on line. They have over 50 products. The rice we purchased yesterday, sourced from Oriental, NC, was absolutely fabulous! Next, we're going to try the buckwheat pancake mix from there.

Happy Monday!

 

Browns Summit Methodist Church

It has been a while since we've spent much time in the northeastern end of Guilford County. This past week, we drove up to Rockingham County and, on the way home, we got off the highway to drive through Browns Summit and take the back roads back to Greensboro. The town Browns Summit gets its name from the Civil War era when the Richmond/Danville Railway Line was built through John Brown's farm in the area. Likely, the methodist church grew  and established members around the railway. 

The church's official address is 4426 E NC Highway 150, Browns Summit, NC. It is located just west of the Browns Summit Middle School, a school for academically gifted students. The church has the main building with the sanctuary and then an addition on to the right. Since the last time we drove past the church, a Dollar General popped up (see the sign peeking through on the left).  Just to the west of the church are plowed fields. To be sure, this is an area of Guilford County that is undergoing lots of change. We hope to get back to explore some more.

Happy Sunday!

Let's all Head Downtown Greensboro

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

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

See you downtown! Happy Saturday!

Spring Garden Road Construction

Today, we're featuring another photo of the view of the street and greenway work at Spring Garden Street. It gives. you a better view of the off South Spring Street rramp that is closed from South Edgeworth to Spring Garden Street. And, the pipes under the bridge are ones that will be buried in the area to control water flow. It is anticipated that this ramp will be closed until May 31st. The roadwork began April 1st, making it a two month project.

You can still use the street and the detour through College Hill is minimally disruptive. If you notice the bike lane, it is a nice part of town for riding a bike on the road, and the greenway is nearby. Today is a good day to ride a bike in Greensboro. The weekend looks a little rainy.

If you like keeping up with city news, here is a website you will enjoy.  

Happy Friday!

HPU Baseball @ UNCG!

The High Point University (HPU) Panther Baseball Team came to UNCG last night all suited up and ready to play baseball. There was a rain delay, and then the game was cancelled in anticipation of more rain. We saw them as they were reloading the bus to head back to campus. Fortunately, the university is just down the road.  HPU has had a baseball team since 1933, but they have only been Division 1 since 1999. Founded in 1924, High Point College became High Point University in 1991. Since Dr. Quebein became the president in January 2005, HPU has grown in size, and number of professional programs. Though  extensive marketing and branding with a focus on positive messaging and visual style, their aesthetic is modern and polished. 

On the back left side of the bus is the message, "The Premier Life Skills University." The back end of the bus has written  on it, "Choose to Be Extraordinary!".  As we spoke briefly to  a member of the team, we were impressed with their politeness. It seemed more than an effort to maintain a polished image; it seemed like a mindset. If you want to see them play, their next home game is May 9th. UNCG's next home game is against the Citadel, tomorrow (May 2nd) at 4:00 p.m., if you want a chance to see them play. 

Happy Thursday! Happy May 1st!

Greenway Spring Garden

Here was yesterday's view of Spring Garden Street at the Downtown Greenway below South Edgeworth Street. They are working on the exit ramp from downtown to Spring Garden Street, putting in storm drain pipes and the path for the greenway to continue. This area is known as The Morehead Park Trailhead, and the exact location is 475 Spring Garden Street. This little park is put to good use during the summer. We've been to yoga classes and to bike meet ups there. The painted, cement substructure below the highway- framing the photo above- is very attractive and makes a great backdrop for photos.

This part of the greenway is  near the former Morehead Foundry that, unfortunately, is still empty. That building is such a great location with ample parking. It would be nice to see it in use again. When on site yesterday, we forgot to ask how long it will take for the project to be completed; but, it looks like it might be a while. For sure, it will be worth it.

Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe tomorrow is MAY????!!!!

Blackberries Blooming in Greensboro!

Give us one more day to feature the flora of Greensboro. Above, you see a photo of our blackberry plants in our yard. They are in full bloom. And, if the deer don't get to them first, we should have a good crop of fruit this year. A hearty, mature plant can yield as much as ten pounds of fruit.  We have a wild, volunteer variety, and, if you look closely, you can see thorns here. Our plants are full of thorns. Perhaps that will deter the deer. Have any of you in Greensboro tried using "Irish Spring" to keep the deer away? 

The blossoms look so pretty and, as with all white blooms, they look so pretty even by the light of the moon. If you want to learn more about blackberries in North Carolina, read this page by NC State Extension. They are one of our main "go to" sources for all local flora and fauna information. Remember to plant edibles. As more and more acreage gets clear-cut for housing and retail in Greensboro,  homeowners will play an important role in helping keep the green in Greensboro!

Happy Tuesday!

Japanese Maple Tree Seeds

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

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

Happy Monday!

Our Lady of Grace

This is a sad time for Catholic Christians around the world. Last Sunday was Easter and Pope Francis was celebrating his last Easter on earth. He was special to many for lots of reasons, some of which are the fact that he was the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, and the first to serve while his predecessor was still living. He was an advocate for many of the traditionally marginalized groups. The above photo of the façade of Our Lady of Grace (OLG) church in Greensboro looks so somber with those dark clouds behind it and with no sign of people. What is a church without its members? without its leader? The conclave of cardinals usually convenes within 20 days of the pontiff's death. 

We wish we could be in one of Greensboro's Catholic Churches today to hear  the service. The church will be switching from Easter celebrations to a period of mourning. Perhaps there have already been special masses.  OLD was built in 1952 and it is so lovely inside and out, and it has a very special history. Read here to learn more.

316 South Eugene St.

If online sources are correct, 316 South Eugene Street was built in 1963. It is hard to believe that 62 years ago, it was still possible to build a single story structure in downtown Greensboro. The Brown Law Building is the law office of Attorney Kent Brown and his firm. They specialize in traffic, criminal, and expungement cases. This location is so convenient to the Greensboro court house, the federal building, the police station, jail, and the municipal building. 316 South Eugene is only 1,376 square feet and on a .14 acre lot. The building last sold in 2012 for $179,200.*  

We wish we knew the original purpose of the building  and what each of the four owners have used it for. We wonder is the brick was locally sourced. Old Carolina Brick Company is still going strong in Salisbury, NC.  If you are looking for something to do today, head downtown and find a building or two that intrigue you. It is amazing what you can learn from a simple search.  As for us, we might put it on our list to head to Salisbury and see just what buildings in Greensboro have used bricks from their company.

Happy Saturday!

* information found here.

Azalea Time

Azalea time is quickly moving past peak in Greensboro. However, this city is still displaying the beauty of spring, with all of the fresh greens and varied blossoms. Azaleas are commonly grown in Greensboro and can be planted spring or fall. If you like planting native plants, try the Piedmont azalea, the orange azalea, or the sweet azalea. The orange azalea is known for being easy to grow. Also, the encore azalea is popular because it reblooms. Interestingly, all azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas!

The above azaleas are hovering near a mature tree that is actually on the old Jessup property on Horse Pen Creek Road. This would be a great time to get out and enjoy the beauty of spring, even if you experience a raindrop or two!

Happy Friday!

Westover Terrace at Green Valley Road

Green Valley Road and the Westover Terrace/Battleground Avenue area is changing before our eyes. Most recently, it started with the demolishing of Women's Hospital. This week, another icon in the area is no more. The above pile of debris used to be the Hardee's . The Hardee's at 1501 Westover Terrace opened in 1980 and closed 43 years later,  in 1923. Now, it appears the one acre lot may become a bank. It is a little hard to keep up with all of the growth and change in Greensboro.

We had to chuckle, not being overly impressed with this photo. But, we're telling ourselves that it is in the style of German photographer, Andreas Gursky. In 2011, his photo Rhein II (see HERE) sold for 4.3 million.  We're hoping ours will command a similar price. Hahaha! Seriously though, by the time you blink your eyes, a new building will be in its place.

Happy Thursday!

Dave's Hot Chicken Opening Soon!

All of the finishing touches have been put on Dave's Hot Chicken at 1949 Battleground Avenue.  They are ready to open for business. The official opening will be on Friday, April 25th. However, if you see the doors open today, you just may be able to go in and give it a try.  Word has it they will be doing a soft opening, just to iron the kinks out and to give employees a chance to experience the work flow. There has been a lot of talk and excitement centered around this opening. It will be fun to go in and try the chicken. Will you be ordering, no spice, lite mild, mild, medium, hot, extra hot, or reaper? Do you like krinkle fries and dipping cheese? You can't miss the store on Battleground at Cornwallis. Just look for the bright graffiti and the corrugated/krinkle fry shaped façade. And, then, there are the fire engine red chairs and tables out front.

From the pop up business in a parking lot in California, to a franchise sweeping North America, Dave's is gaining a lot of traction. It will be interesting to see how the Greensboro market will be for them. It is fun to follow a new business and get to know the people involved in bringing it to town. One of the best part is that they moved into an existing building, bringing life to this little corner near Kirkwood and Irving Park. We're betting they sell a few orders to people going to the Greensboro Elks for swim practice and meets this summer. Oh, and for sure we'll head in to admire the artwork of Splatterhaus and 

Happy Wednesday!

Featuring Canada Geese on Earth Day 2025

Happy Earth Day 2025. Earth Day is a fixed date holiday, always April 22. We were out looking around trying to find something to feature and happened upon this family of Canada Geese. They reminded us of the extent to which animals have adapted to co-exist with humans in and around asphalt jungles.

These migratory birds, Canada geese, are found as far north as the Arctic. In Greensboro, they are most likely to be found in Wal-Mart parking lots. They love freshly mowed grass next to a water source,- even retention ponds. Such is the case with the above family. They were grazing on the little patch of grass near a retention pond at the North Battleground Wal-Mart.

North Carolina has both migratory and resident populations of the geese.  It is estimated there are 10-12 thousand in migratory Canada geese and over 100,000 residents. They are a good food source to native predators like foxes and coyotes. The above male goose was pretty aggressive about protecting his hen and their six babies. Traditionally, they lay eggs in March and April and the incubation period lasts 66-30 days. This past week, we have seen them popping up everywhere.

If you get a chance, do something today to celebrate nature and to help it along. Key concepts include, reduce, reuse, recycle, share, protect, plant edibles and native plants. And, don't feed the Canada geese. They know what they need to survive!

Happy 55th Anniversary of Earth Day! Happy 45+ years of resident Canada Geese in Greensboro!

3118 Horse Pen Creek Road

The old Jessup family homeplace at 3118 Horse Pen Creek Road sold in December 2024 for almost 1.5 million dollars. Built in 2015, the home back in the day was a real beauty and was well cared for. However, we're betting that more valuable than the 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house and outbuildings was the 6.38 acre lot. This is prime property in an area  that is quickly being redeveloped.  The home belonged to Kenneth Jessup, Sr. and his wife Margaret. Both Jessups were born in 1927; however, Mr. Jessup died in 2020 and his wife in 2017.  

Mr. Jessup had an HVAC business on Battleground Avenue, Mrs. Jessup was a nurse and accomplished potter. Both had active civic engagement and were devout members of Jessup Grove Baptist Church. They raised their children on Horse Pen Creek and in Jessup Grove Baptist.  Soon, the old home place will be torn down and the new tenants will know nothing of the land's previous history.  

Over the years, the Jessup family's church, Jessup Grove Baptist,  has been sold and renamed several times. For now, there is still a Jessup Grove Road as a reminder of a time when things in a community were often named after people in the community.  The Jessups were a great, civic minded family. Let us all aspire to contribute to family, friends, and community in the way the Jessups did.

Happy Monday!

Easter Sunday 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church

Happy Easter. The church being featured today is Grace Lutheran, located at 1315 East Washington Street. The photo was taken on the property of the L. Richardson Hospital Apartments where Bonbon and McConnell Roads intersect. Grace Lutheran is 128 years old this year. Pastor Warren Lattimore will be conducting Easter services today, one of the most holy days on the Christian calendar. It is also Easter in the Orthodox Christian churches. Due to different calendars, the Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on a different Sunday from Protestants and Easter about every three of four years. 

Grace Lutheran is at least one of six Lutheran Church in the Greensboro area: Christ Lutheran, First Lutheran, Ebenezer Lutheran, Prince of Peace Lutheran, Lutheran Church of Our Father, and Grace Lutheran.

It Is Iris Time in Greensboro.

Easter weekend is upon us. It is time for flowers and floral dresses. We had the best time walking along Walker Avenue, taking the time to notice nature. Guess what? Irises are blooming. We saw these yellow lovelies and also learned that we have a friend who will volunteer to come and help people thin their iris beds; something that should be done every few years. She helps friends for free and since she is the third generation of people in her family to do so. She has agreed to help us in the fall. When she comes, we'll have to feature her on Greensboro Daily Photo. How wonderful life in Greensboro is, especially when it comes to friends helping friends and neighbors helping neighbors. 

Irises don't bloom for long, and each bloom only lasts a day; however, in their prime, they are stunning and the scent is delightful. Here's to everyone having a great weekend. Oh, and at the end of our walk, we landed at Bestway on Walker and found enough goodies to fill Easter baskets for the family. One of the highlights was PARTY CAKE Easter Peeps. Yes, Bestway has party cake flavored peeps. And, by the time you have read this, we just may have busted into the package of peeps.

Happy Saturday!

Along Walker Avenue

Walker Avenue comes by its name honestly as it is a very walkable street. There are sidewalks, it is safe, and you can almost always count on running into someone who will give you a good conversation. Yesterday, we ran into Bradley who lives at 2022 Walker Avenue and was painting a carving he made from a tree that needed to be cut down. He has been teaching himself to carve and, as you can see, is getting quite good at it. The antlered-owl post will hold books for friends and neighbors to trade out and read. To the right of this carving is a squirrel, carved from another tree. On down the road is a bouquet of flowers carved by Bradley. He says he hasn't made a business out of this venture (yet). But has a genuine interest in carving. And, as you can see, he is quite talented at it.

Bradley has lived in this location for about two years. Once you get the carving bug, we imagine it is hard to resist. It will be fun to see what he adds to his yard.  Here's to a great Friday with family and friends. Have a great weekend, everyone. We'll see you in the morning!

 

Softball & Baseball Season

Softball and baseball seasons are upon us. The above photo features a practice session at the softball field at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. There are home games this Friday and Saturday. The Greensboro Grasshoppers are also in town this weekend. Between all of the local colleges and universities and the public school teams, and the rec and AAU teams, there is no shortage of good baseball and softball to be seen in the area. Especially the Grasshoppers do so much to provide entertainment for spectators. Affordable fun can be had by all. 

Passover/Easter weekend is a busy one for Christian families. However, often family comes to town and, if your are looking for something to do as a family, heading out to a ballgame is a great option. Plus, the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend.

Happy Thursday!

See the UNCG softball schedule HERE.  

See the Greensboro Grasshoppers Schedule HERE.

Meeting Place Is a Great Meeting Place along the Greensboro Greenway

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

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

Happy Wednesday!

City of Greensboro Orchard

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

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

Happy Tuesday!

Former Golden Corral on Lawndale

The Golden Corral Buffet and Grill on Lawndale Avenue has been closed for over five years. It seems like more than that, but an article in the Greensboro News and Record on January 3, 2020 states that it closed after being in that location for twenty years. Many of us raised children, going to that venue. We had season-end sports gatherings there. Many church groups and families gathered there on Sundays. Children learned to take it if you touched it; to eat all you want, but to try not to waste; to not put a finger in the chocolate fountain. For two decades, the all-you-can-eat format, encouraged us to eat, and eat, and eat. The food was good and the prices reasonable.  There is still a Golden Corral on West Wendover Avenue, but the Lawndale location was super convenient for those on the east side of town.

Imagine our delight when, on Saturday, we noticed people inside working. Jubilantly, we went bouncing inside inquiring about the future tenant. The answer we got from the people inside, "eye doctors."  They noticed our bubbly excitement change to a sullen expression. We tried to recover by saying something like, "Oh well, we all need good eye care."  

We'll tag this post under "then and now," as it is yet another example of how Greensboro is changing.

Happy Monday!

East Market Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church

The East Market Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located at 1802 East Market Street, is also listed online as the "East Central African Fellowship" Seventh-Day Adventist Church. We drove by on Saturday after shopping at the nearby Greensboro Farmers Market. We needed a post for today and noticed people were headed in for the service. The lead pastor is John Pooler III.  Online, he is listed as a corporate chaplain, having served as chaplain with Tyson Foods and Wilkes Recovery Revolution. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is part of the Protestant branch of Christianity with 19 million members worldwide and a million in the United States. * According to their website, their mission is to be a "community centered church with a Christ centered culture, engrafting the Word of God through faith, family, finance, fitness, and fellowship." 

We were struck by the architecture of the building with its square, warehouse look. Without the small sign on the northwest corner of the building, we never would have guessed the building was a church. We were also struck by the fact that it is surrounded by buildings that are part of NC A&T University, and we are wondering if the building will ever become part of the university's property.

For those who celebrate Passover, Happy Passover; and for those who celebrate Easter, it is Palm Sunday. Next week will be Easter for all Christians, including Orthodox Christians.

Happy Sunday!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

It's Prom Time in Guilford County Schools

Prom season is upon us. Last night, the middle/early colleges in the Guilford County Schools held their prom at the Meridian Convention Center on Meadowview Road, just off of I-40 at Randleman Road. There were between 400-500 students in attendance and fun was had by all. The DJ kept everyone dancing, the food was delicious, and the decorations were just lovely. The theme, "Enchanted", was carried out not only in the decorations, but also in the dresses. Some students had dresses specifically designed to fit the theme. Green was the color of the evening. Students were so well behaved and their teachers, chaperoning, were busy snapping photos of their students. Most high seniors have solidified their post-high school plans by now and are enjoying this last month with each other before they go their respective ways.

When on site- we chose to photograph these shoes, because they made us smile. The senior who was wearing them tossed them off, leaving them between the dance floor and her table. It looks like the brand is "DREAM" and let's hope all of the students are reaching for the stars and all of their dreams are coming true. If you spend any time around high school seniors, you can actually see them growing up before your eyes. If the ones we know is any indication, America will be in good hands. Graduations in Guilford County start as early as the end of May. For now, let's focus on prom and making memories.

Happy Saturday! 

Daves Hot Chicken

DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN is going into the building that formerly housed the "A Cleaner World" dry cleaners at 1951 Battleground Avenue at  West Cornwalis. The franchise is a California concept that started with a pop up restaurant in a Hollywood, CA parking lot in 2017. Fast forward eight years and there are now over 100 locations in four countries. The Greensboro store is the fourth in North Carolina.  Yesterday, we had the good fortune to meet Director of Operations( for the NC locations) Roland (left above) and Nick Smith III (right above) who is co-owner of the North Carolina stores and franchise with his wife, Nicole. DAVE'S plans a soft-opening on Wednesday, April 23rd and a GRAND opening on Friday, April 25th.

We'll feature the artwork soon. It is done by a California artist who is the only artist to decorate the DAVE's  restaurants. The designs are of the graffiti genre, and you cannot miss the store. The artwork draws you in. The artist always incorporates something local into the artwork. For the Greensboro location, it is the word "DAVE'S" , on an interior wall, written to look like the letters are made out of Wrangler denim.

We're sure the chicken will taste great, but equally impressive is the pride, joy, and enthusiasm Roland and the Smiths have for the opportunity to enter the Greensboro market. We found it heartwarming that Dave didn't want to be photographed since his wife Nicole was not on site at the time.  But, we just happened to be driving by when Roland and Dave were available to talk. We look forward to seeing everyone on a future visit. 

Happy Friday!

In Greensboro, Dogwood Season Is Upon Us

If you live in Greensboro, you know that dogwood season is upon us. Spring is such a lovely time of year here. We have to enjoy every day with these beautiful trees as they will only last a couple of weeks. In Greensboro we have a combination of white and pink dogwoods, and Kousa dogwood and native American dogwood. This year, with Easter being on the late end of the season,*  many plants have already started blooming. 

On sunny days, driving around the older, established neighborhoods in the city, the landscaping will take your breath away this time of year. Old Irving Park, Sunset Hills, Westerwood, College Hill, Hamilton Lakes, and Lindley Park are just a few of the areas that are well worth your while to drive through or even take a walk. The Greensboro Arboretum, Tanger Bicentennial Gardens, and Gateway Gardens  are also a great place to admire nature and to take those special prom photos.

 

*based on the way it is calculated, after the first full moon after the spring equinox, the latest Easter can be is April 25th.

Strawberry Breakfast Restaurant

The Strawberry Breakfast House has recently opened at 2915 Battleground Avenue, near Longhorn Steakhouse, Kia, Salvino's and Loaded Grape. It is tucked away in a little plaza, beside Green Joe's Coffee Company, but once people find it, they are quick to return. Strawberry Breakfast is open from 7:00- 3:00 pm and specializes in breakfast foods, although other items, like salads and burgers, are available. This little restaurant is getting quite a reputation for their great breakfasts at reasonable prices. While we ordered eggs, the French toast with maple syrup looked tasty.  The dining room is very open and there is no bar seating for singles. However, they do have  seating for two and tables turn over quickly. We only had to wait about 15 minutes on a busy Saturday morning.

It is nice to this part of town become a little more lively. The parking lot was full on Saturday. Stop by and check it out for yourself.

Happy Wednesday!

Betty and Benjamin Cone Jr. ALCOVE GALLERY

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

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

Happy Tuesday!

World of Paperhand

We could share a photo a day this month of the Paperhand Puppet Exhibition at GreenHill Gallery at 200 N. Davie Street and still not do the exhibit justice. It will be on display until  June 21st. The above photo features one of the installations at the entrance and gives you an idea of the size of these paper and paint works of art. The Paperhand Puppet Intervention opened in 1998 through the hard work and collaboration of Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger. Based in Saxapahaw, the troupe performs around North Carolina. Bread and Puppet Theater in Vermont was the inspiration for Paperhand. Both troupes present social commentary , activist, the natural world, and humanity. 

Paperhand performs outdoors, always mindful of weather as the puppets could be damaged easily. You must see a performance to understand the scope of the undertaking to perform inside these giant puppets. It can take several people working together to move one puppet. Perhaps you have seen them at the Greensboro Summer Solstice event in June. However, it is also a treat to see them on the wall and simply stand and marvel at every last detail. Learn more about them here.

Happy Monday!

West Market Street UMC-a Great Backdrop!

The West Market Street United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in Greensboro. The congregation was established in 1830, only twenty two years after Greensboro became a city. While the above location is not the original, the church is one of the closest to downtown. Yesterday, served as the backdrop for the local "Hands Off" protest. About 2,000 people came to town to exercise their right to protest peacefully. There were people of all ages. Protestors were positioned all along Market Street. It will be interesting to see if the protest is mentioned during the service today.

In the meantime, something that will be mentioned is their upcoming Easter Egg Hunt in Lebauer Park on Saturday, April 12th from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in LeBauer Park. Children can not only hunt eggs, but participate in crafts and have snacks, The church is requisition you bring canned food for their food pantry.  As with yesterday's protest, the egg hunt will be open to everyone!

Happy Sunday!

 

Mr Mullins: Quaker Acres Apiary

Today is Saturday and you will find Mr. Bill Mullins at the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville, across from the old War Memorial Stadium. He will be there selling honey from his hives in the back of his property at Quaker Acres. While many of us this season are suffering through allergies and struggling to keep the pollen off our vehicles, Mr. Mullins is happy, knowing his bees are getting well fed. He says"city bees" make such good honey because of the variety of  plants available to them. 

Mr. Mullins, raised in eastern Kentucky,  has been a lifelong keeper. This interest grew out of observing the bees on his grandmother's property. Mr. Mullins has been  a vendor of honey at the Greensboro Farmers Market for nearly fifty years. He became a vendor back when people sold food and produce at the curb market - literally on the curb- downtown on Commerce Street. 

Mr. Mullins gets great joy out of talking to people at the Saturday market. In our recent conversation, we learned he joined the Air Force at the tail end of WWII. Next, he served  in the Alabama National Guard. By career, and following in his father's footsteps, he started working in the insurance business, which is what ultimately brought him to Greensboro.  While retired from insurance,  Mr. Mullins has no plans to retire from keeping bees. Likely, all the time he spends outside with his bees is what keeps him so happy and healthy. We forgot to ask him what his wife thinks of his lifelong committment to the bees and their hives. We'll save that question for our next visit to the farmers market.

Happy Saturday! 

Mo Green, NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Mo Green was the superintendent for Guilford County Schools from 2008 until he resigned in 2015 to assume the leadership of the  Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem. Currently, Elected in November, and taking the oath of office on January 1st, Mo Green is State Superintendent of Public Instruction. On Tuesday, Superintendent Green held a "Mo Wants to Know" Zoom  session with the North Carolina Association of Educators. He asked for input, joys, concerns, and big ideas. The session was well attended.

According to an NC SDPI, Superintendent Green has a six pillar vision:

Prepare each student for their next phase of life.

Invest in public schools by fully funding public education.

Revere public school educators.

Enhance safe, secure learning environments.

Celebrate the good in public education.*

These are good goals. Let's hope he is in the position and has the resources to do so. To be sure, he values stakeholder input and he is committed to public service.

On another note, remember it is First Friday and downtown Greensboro will be vibrant. Also remember, it is the the opening day of baseball for the Greensboro Grasshoppers. After the game, there will be fireworks. See their schedule HERE.

Happy Friday!

 

*Read more HERE.

 

Old House On Summerfield Road

For those who follow the news, The North Carolina General Assembly de-annexed close to 1,000 acres from the town of Summerfield, which will allow Greensboro to annex land for development. Already in the works, 80 acres will become 268 housing units developed by David Couch. The development will be called Christopher Village.

Recently, we took a drive to Summerfield to see some of the farmland that will become the housing development and to enjoy the beauty of what has historically been farmland. We visited the above property at 7026 Summerfield Road; just under two acres with a house built in 1901 and a few outbuildings. Most recently, it has been a CPA office. However, that shingle has been replaced by a "for sale" sign. Given its close proximity to businesses, we imagine it will become something commercial. For now, we enjoying looking at a little slice of property that harkens back to the beginning of the 20th century.**  The house needs a lot of work, but is is very charming. What do you think it should become?

• Read more about development of land formerly-known-as-Summerfield,  HERE.
• See the listing for the property HERE.

Happy Thursday!

Celebrating Spring through Dance!

Spring has spring and it is so fun to see college students enjoying the outdoor space on campus and we have MANY campuses in Greensboro and throughout Guilford County. The above photo was taken on Walker Avenue at UNCG. We didn't want to interrupt to ask questions while we were on campus, but we're betting students were practicing dances for an upcoming performance. Not only were there dancers, in the foreground, there were drummers.

The UNCG School of Dance, part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts,  is located across the street.  That building opened in 1925 and was originally called The Physical Education Building. At one point, it was The Rosenthal Gymnasium and Rosenthal Annex. Today, the building is part of the Coleman Building. You don't have to be part of a dance team or college program to take your shoes off, feel the earth, and dance to your heart's content. May we all find the joy in connecting with the earth beneath our feet. 

Happy Wednesday! We are honored to be part of your life.

Lady Banks Roses

It is time for our annual photo of Lady Banks roses. The above bush is located at our friend's house in Sunset Hills. We anticipate its blooming with every visit in the spring. It is an heirloom rose that is fairly. hardy and known for being nearly thornless and having hundreds of miniature, buttery yellow blooms. This is the first year we noticed the lovely scent, reminiscent of violets. They love full sun and well-draining soil. It only blooms once in a season, but leaves behind canes of rich green foliage once the blooms are gone.

We may love to look at these roses; however, they are one of many culprits leaving pollen in Greensboro. The count is particularly high now and, if you look at this National Allergy Map, you can see we're in the red. One only needs to look on the cars to see, actually, we're in the yellow. Indeed, car washes are busy now. We hope you aren't too bothered by the pollen and are able to enjoy the abundant beauty around us.

Happy Tuesday! Happy April 1st! 

Chef Julien Vicard

You may recognize Chef Julien Vicard from the Corner Market, the Saturday farmers market in the parking lot of St. Andrew's Church at the corner of West Market Street and Kensington. He starts selling his authentic French bread and pastries at 8:00 am and quickly sells out. Between his former and current business ventures, Chef Julien has been selling at this market for nearly eight years. His love of baking started in France, watching his great grandmother bake. By 18, he began studying professionally. Now, we are lucky to have him in Greensboro bring us European flavor and such healthy ingredients, like flour from France that is gluten free.

As a big of good news,  Chef Julien has recently opened a brick and mortar business at 227B South Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. This spot, tucked in an alleyway has been many bakeries on and off for almost 30 years. Chef Julien helped get most of these bakeries started. For the current iteration, he decided to open a bakery himself. While construction was underway, people started stopping by and Julien  started making samples for them to try. Now, the same people have become loyal customers. Let's hope he is in his downtown location for a very long time. 

Bon lundi!