Greensboro Daily Photo

Porchfest 2022 Culminates at Sternberger Park

Porchfest in the Dunleath neighborhood this past Saturday was a big hit. Having started in 2017, they just celebrated their 6th annual concert filled afternoon. All afternoon, people gathered to play music and to listen to music; porches became venues. Summit Avenue, Park Avenue, Cypress Street, Percy Street (and a few more streets) were filled with great music and fun, neighborhood socializing. The event culminated with people gathering at Sternberger Park at 715 Summit Avenue with a group providing a final concert. It was a fulfilled time with a food truck, people with lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers of food. It was a mini MUSEP concert. The above photo features the group "The Headless Chickens" warming up.

Greensboro neighborhoods are doing a good job of branding their neighborhood with special events. While the Dunleath neighborhood is an amazing place to live and hang out 365 days a year, for one afternoon in June, Dunleath becomes one giant concert. If you did not get to attend this year, mark your calendar for next year. What does/could your neighborhood to give it a special character? Let's all do something to help our respective neighborhoods thrive.

And, hats off to Dunleath where creativity and neighborliness is standard fare!

Kelly L Taylor, Artist of Dramatic Still Life Paintings

This past weekend, Kelly L. Taylor had her art on display at Parisian Promenade at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The sock monkey paintings, above, give you an idea of her aesthetic. Kelly loves painting dramatic still life paintings of vintage toys and "things inherited, found, and compulsively collected. You can buy work that she has already painted, or you can contact her for commissions. Originally from upstate New York, Kelly moved to Greensboro with her kids when her dad relocated here. Kelly has a BFA from Guilford College. If you missed her last Sunday at Bicentennial Garden, sometimes she sets up at the Saturday morning Corner Market in the St. Andrews parking lot on West Market Street. You may find here there.

Also, Kelly's website is paintingpoppy.com. You can also contact here there. Kelly especially loves to paint toys that she has personally collected. Another favorite of hers are the plastic trolls with the long, wild hair and beady eyes. If you have a teddy bear from childhood or something nostalgic, Kelly can render it in paint! Additionally, she is just such a great person to talk to. That is one of the beautiful things about Greensboro; even when people are busy, they seem to find time to talk. As you know, we love Greensboro and one of the reasons it is so special is because of people like Kelly.

One of our favorite paintings by Kelly is "Lucky Doll". Check it out!

Parisian Promenade 2022

The Parisian Promenade 2022 was a big hit this year. It was held yesterday day in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The event was a project  of Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department with support from WFDD Public Radio. From 12-5:00 pm yesterday, the entire park came alive with people strolling through the lovely gardens from event to event. There was singing, face painting, fairy hair, artists, food trucks, demonstrations and other talented performers. One of the highlights was the Poodle (and other dog) Parade. The dog parade was so lovely this year, dogs and their owners and or responsible handlers wrote a few sentences about the canine companion which the MC read as the dogs paraded around the circle. Some dogs walked on their hind legs, some had a cat toy as their favorite toy; for sure, they were all well loved and cared for. Gigi in the above photo was so well behaved and adored her owner. We didn't get to hear who won, but in our hearts, every human and every canine who participated was a winner. 

The pandemic shut down the promenade for a couple of years, but it was back this year and attendance seemed to be higher than ever. There was a shuttle from Signature Place at Friendly Center and the block at Hobbs where the gardens are near the bog garden was closed to vehicles, making it safer for families to get to and from the gardens. Cars on Hobbs were parked almost all the way back to Watauga Drive. The Parisian Promenade is always the first Sunday in June, just about the time school is out for the year. It is one of those Greensboro traditions that heralds the beginning of summer.

Happy Monday! And, for those students who no longer have to set an alarm clock, may your summer be everything you are hoping it will be. 

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!

Dog Meetup at LeBauer Park

This weekend proves to be a hot one, as hot as 90º, with the possibilities of showers- up to 40º. It will be a great weekend for visiting one of Greensboro's parks. The above photo was taken in LeBauer Park. As you can see, a couple of leashed dogs were meeting, for the first time. The encounter was brief and civil, a win/win for a random canine meet up. There is also an enclosed bark park at LeBauer where dogs can enter, unleashed. 

The Greensboro Bound Literary Festival starts today with venues from Scuppernong Books to the History Museum, the Greensboro Cultural Center,  and more.* You owe it to yourself to attend events at this festival. It started in 2017, and continues to grow, with a little interruption thanks to COVID. The folks putting on the festival have worked very hard to bring great authors and, as feasible, make the presentations walkable. The festival will be a lot of fun, even if you have to attend without your fur baby!

Happy Saturday!

 

* See HERE.

LeBauer at Night

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

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

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

 

*see the original net sculpture, here.

The Sundial at the Bicentennial Garden

This photo was taken about a month ago, in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, back when the trees were just starting to wake up from their winter slumber. We visited on a quiet day with hardly and visitors in the park and for some reason, the sundial really stood out. It was given by the Greensboro Council of Garden Clubs in 1981. Sundials have been around since 290 bce. We're wondering how many people ever stop to read them today. The sculptor of the sundial was Ogden Deal (1932- 1985). We're also wondering what inspired him to sculpt a sundial. Mr. Deal founded Ogden Deal Designs in 1956 in McLeansville. Today, his son carries on in his father's business, making signage for corporations and sporting events.

Greensboro sculptor, Jim Gallucci credits Ogden Deal as being "the guy was most responsible for [his] getting established as a metal sculptor in Greensboro" (reference and great information HERE). Jim restored the bison sculptor that Mr. Deal created and  installed at the Greensboro Science Center. It is so fun to learn more about Greensboro's public art and to know we're seeing art by someone whose legacy lives on in, not only in his art, but in his professional relationships. We're off to see if we can track down more of Mr. Deal's sculptures.

Happy Monday!

 

 

(See another piece of Deal's work, HERE.

Bog Garden at Benjamin Park

It has been a while since we visited the Bog Garden and last weekend the weather was absolutely lovely.  The Bog Garden, located at 1101 Hobbs Road,  is a 7-acre natural wetland within a 21 acre natural habitat. The land was donated to the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation department by the Starmount Company in 1987. There is an elevated boardwalk that makes the trail enjoyable in any season. The City of Greensboro and Greensboro Beautiful have made a commitment to keeping out invasive species and to fill the garden with native plants. Promoting a healthy ecosystem, which includes having native plants, is a way to help birds thrive and to increase animal diversity. There are 29 kinds of native trees alone. Dr. Joe Christian, Greensboro physician, was instrumental in establishing the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park. If our tree identification is correct, the photo features the bald cypress trees planted by Dr. Joe. The view is so peaceful; it is hard to believe you are right on the edge of Friendly Shopping Center.

Friday and Easter Sunday look like they will be perfect days for visiting. Today and Saturday could be a little rainy. Truthfully, if you don't mind a little water, the Bog Garden is lovely at any time, and its look changes given the weather conditions. Go have a look! If you have family coming into town this weekend, this is a nice place to take them to enjoy nature.

*Read more about the Bog Garden and Dr. Joe Christian.

Joymongers and the Ambience Downtown Yesterday

Yesterday was a glorious spring day, with the temperature soaring to 80, and downtown was teeming with people excited to be outside. The above photo was taken in front of Joymongers at 576 North Eugene Street at the tiny LoFi Park. This little slice of joy is a favorite of people who like outdoor activities. We're not sure of the name of the woman leading the exercise session here, but it was wonderful. She is the woman with the red balloon was explaining to the group that having something in your hands, regardless of how light, helps engage the core muscles. Participants seemed to be enjoying the session. If you know about this session, please let us know. Obviously, it was planned as people arrived with equipment and wearing exercise clothes.

It was so nice yesterday, people were out running and walking their dogs. The first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day*, so if you were out walking yesterday you participated in this national event. We were walking and, as we were returning, we noticed the Lincoln Financial Group building in the background. It is always fun to feature a slice of what was known as the "JP Building" in our downtown photos.

Happy Thursday!

*if you read this article about National Walking Day, you will learn some really interesting facts like tennis shoes wear out after 500 miles and that people walk 65,000 miles in their lifetime. These aren't Greensboro-specific statistics, but if you walk a lot, you will find them interesting.

Free To Soar

Hallelujah, spring has sprung. This work of art, Free To Soar,"  is installed at the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden at Hobbs Road. The bronze was made in 2000 by Greensboro artist Michiel Van Der Sommen. Yesterday, we took a stroll through the garden and the grounds are definitely showing signs of spring. This is the time of year where the landscape changes almost daily. Yesterday, dogwoods were just starting to bloom and redbud trees had fully budded. Who knows about today. The garden was created in 1976 in honor of the bicentennial of the United States. 

If you want to visit, during the week, the gardens are not nearly as busy as on weekends. While the garden is only 7.5 acres, between the plantings, artwork, bridge, mill, gazebo, and creek, it seems so much bigger. In March and April, the hours are 8am-7pm. Mark your calendar for April 17th for the Parisian Promenade. It will be brimming with people, poodles, and other dogs that like to stroll with their owners.

Happy Friday! It's the weekend; feel free to soar!

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse: The Redcoats Are Coming

After a two year (COVID) hiatus, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, of the American Revolution, was reenacted this past weekend. And let the record show that Saturday was the coldest on record for the event. At the coldest point on Saturday,  temperature of 16 degrees was recorded at the airport. One of the participants told us that the fact that it had rained and the ground was wet really added to the discomfort. Another said that at least he had bragging rights to take back to his friends who elected not to participate this year. Truth be told, war is never "cozy" so those should who came out for the reenactment of a battle that was fought on March 15, 1781 were reminded of just how cold and brutal war can be. In the above photo, the British infantry is getting ready for yesterday's battle.

On a lighter note, as a participant observer, it was fun and educational to walk among campsites and hear all of the educational conversations about weaponry, historical accuracies, clothing details and colonial ways. In the pop up shops, you could buy linen socks, swords, tankards, and other items that would have been used in the late 1700s. While attendance was lighter this year, we noticed considerable intergenerational interaction; the old guard mentoring pre-teens into the colonial ways and the ways of reenactment. Greensboro is lucky to have this opportunity for residents to not only observe, but also participate in living history. We complimented a group in their spread of food and they invited us to partake! 

Happy Monday; happy making memories in Greensboro!

The Day Students from Wilmington Came to Town

Today's photo is not a prize winner, but the story is great. Last night, walking through LeBauer Park en route to First Friday. We noticed a very large group of students running to a briefing with their teachers. They were given some ground rules for the evening and then instructed to head to the LeBauer Park 3-D sign for a group photo. It was a group of middle school, performing arts students from Wilmington. Two busloads of students, teachers, and parent-chaperones, approximately 110 people, came to Greensboro for an educational experience- and what a memorable one. Yesterday, by day, students received instruction from the UNCG School of Music. According to one of the parents, for some, it was their first time on a college campus. In addition to their time at UNG, and in LeBauer Park, they got to see the Lion King at Tanger Center. You could feel the excitement in the group. 

This whole event was significant, because it is proof positive of what a special community resource we have in the Tanger Center. That students would drive from the beach to Greensboro to see a performance is significant. Also, having so many fine institutions of higher education in the area is as added bonus, especially when you can incorporate instruction from professors with seeing a professional performance. We can be so proud Greensboro is able to offer such fine academic and cultural experiences. We can also be proud that schools are willing to drive three hours for a learning tour. The students were very well behaved, at least from our perspective. We don't know who dreamed up the itinerary, but it was brilliant!

Happy Saturday!

Making Memories at LeBauer Park

If you are looking for something to entertain hildren who are home, consider visiting one of Greensboro's parks. LeBauer Park, one of two downtown parks, is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. LeBauer Park has been open for five years now. It opened on August 8, 2016 and we have to wonder what on earth did Greensboro do without it. Even when there aren't special events in the park, families can gather and play ping pong, exercise their dogs, let children play on the playground, and more.

The part featured above in today's photo is the Lincoln Financial Children's Garden. And yes, if you were on one of the top floors of the Lincoln Financial building, you could see this garden they helped fund. The garden has been very well maintained and actually still looks brand new. That rubberized surface makes the garden safe, even for toddling toddlers. As you can see from the above photo, everyone is having fun.

Happy second day of winter!

Center City Park

We find this photo heartwarming. It features a couple of kids heading to join some events in Center City Park, and a few people walking in the background. Seeing the Lincoln Financial Group Building situates the photo in downtown Greensboro. The leaves lingering on the trees place the photo in the late fall season. The decorated tree lets us know it is December.

The simplicity of the photo reminds us of the illustrations of Ezra Jack Keats. You may recall, he wrote "The Snowy Day" and "A Poem for Peter." Keats' illustrations often have a person or two interacting with their environment. His paintings and collages are usually very simple with emphasis on the person. Not long after this photo, a grandma was out with her granddaughter, who was at most 3. The little girl, wearing her Sunday best, was posing in this very spot and then over in front of the trees at Tinsel Town. It reminded us of just what a great place our two downtown parks are for making memories- especially with children. 

Happy Thursday, we just talked ourselves into hoping for a very snowy day!

Tinsel Town in LeBauer Park

 

Last year, during COVID and the winter holidays, Downtown Greensboro, Inc. (DGI ) had to get very creative about providing community events in a way that did not involve masses of people gathering. One of the brainstorms for reimagining holiday festivities was Tinsel Town. Tinsel Town was a big hit last year, and is an even bigger hit this year! This year's offerings have doubled since last year with the final count at 100. That means 100 organizations, groups- public and private- have created a tree, usually themed to represent their organization. The above photo, in LeBauer Park, gives you an example of what you will see when yo ago have a look. The tree in the front is is sponsored by the YMCA of Greensboro. If that tree is one of your favorites, you can use the QR code to vote for it. All of the trees are so unique. If you like trees and creativity, you will love this exhibit. Please vote because there are monetary prizes for the winners.

 

1 aChord Sings at SCRAPFEST

Yesterday, in LeBauer Park, at an event called SCRAPFEST, 1aChord sang a set. 1aChord is a trio that met at UNCG, by chance started singing together and were invited to audition for America's Got Talent early this past summer. They refer to themselves as "church babies" and the first song they sang together at the UNCG cafeteria was by the Clark Sisters, an American Gospel group. After the trio sang that day, the women working in the cafeteria sang their praises and encouraged them to continue singing together. The AGT judges gave them a standing ovation. Their sound is described as contemporary gospel. The three are Christoff Hairston, Julian Kennedy, and Travis Cunningham.* All three are from North Carolina. Cunningham from Raeford; Kennedy from High Point; and Hairston from Greensboro and actually graduated from Weaver Academy. They all credit UNCG and their professors for playing an instrumental role in helping them get where they are today.

SCRAPFEST is an acronym for Sustain, Conserve, Renew, Adapt, and Provide, a festival established to benefit Piedmont Land Conservancy. SCRAPFEST was presented by Little Brother Brewing. Those angelic, heavenly voices- voices that grew out of a lifelong church experience and honed by UNCG- were a little bit of heaven, right there in LeBauer Park. It will be fun to follow their careers. 1aChord is definitely making Greensboro, UNCG, their families, and their respective churches proud.  

*see the article with the America's Got Talent audition here. 

Ode to Kudzu

You know it is late summer in Greensboro when the kudzu plants are in full bloom and some of the pods have gone to seed. They say kudzu is the plant that ate the south as it is especially fond of our climate. In early summer, has tenacious roots and can grow up to a foot a day!  If you visit the Wal-Mart on North Battleground, you can see the kudzu covered trees. Some patches of the trails along Atlantic & Yadkin Greenway at Lake Brandt are covered with kudzu- which is where this photo was taken. At least the blossoms are fragrant, smelling something like wild grapes. We wonder if some civic groups could get volunteers to go out and tackle the kudzu. Or, is it just here to stay? Kudzu takes over vegetation by blocking out light. 

If you want to learn more about kudzu, read here. If you want to see kudzu, head out for a hike. Some people make baskets out of the woody, mature vines; and, some people make jelly out of the flowers. So, if you want to forage for some free food or basket-making material, head to your nearest kudzu patch. Oh, and by the way, there really is at least one ode to kudzu. See here!

Happy Saturday. For those of us who aren't at the beach, in the mountains, at Hoppin' John at Shakori Hills, or Merlefest, let's hit the trails and explore Greensboro!

Labor Day 2021

Happy Labor Day 2016. We hope you are lucky enough to have the day off. The purpose of the holiday is a day to celebrate "the social and economic achievements of American workers." Many Greensboro businesses will be closed, so call before you head out somewhere. Even better, take a day to just spend at home. We plan to take another hike on one of the trails around Greensboro. The above mushrooms were seen recently on the Laurel Bluff Trail. If you like to hike, the Laurel Bluff Trail is very nice because it is for pedestrians only. You won't have to share the trail with bikes. Be careful if you walk it, as there are lots of exposed roots, a couple of trees across the path, and some kudzu to tackle.* The Laurel Bluff Trail is 3.5 miles long and it takes you through woodland along the edge of Reedy Fork Creek from the east end of Lake Brandt to Lake Townsend.

The mushrooms in the center of the photo are about the size of a small adult hand. If you look to the left at the small white circle, that is actually more mushrooms and we're betting they'll be about the size of the ones in the middle of the photo by today. Although mushrooms are fungi, they have more in common with humans than with plants. Their DNA is similar to humans and they can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.** However, please do not harvest the mushrooms. Leave them alone, as the forest needs them. We are so lucky to have a great trail system in Greensboro and it is great to have time to get out and explore them!

* Greensboro Trail System

**reference and more mushroom information, here.

Strolling the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway

Since we featured a bike event yesterday on Greensboro Daily Photo, so, we thought it would be nice to share a photo of bikes out on the trail this past Saturday. The above photo was taken on the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway, near where Lake Higgins and Lake Brandt meet.  We started at Bur-Mil and walked to the Vineyards community at Highway 150 in Summerfield. The trails are open from 8:00 am- sunset and seem to be busiest early morning. We were there mid-day, when the sun was hottest and the trails weren't very busy at that time. As evidenced above, we did see a some cyclists. And look at that dappled light. The trail was so lovely this weekend.

This part of the greenway goes past a kudzu field that has overtaken a lot of the terrain. Currently, the kudzu is in full bloom and quite fragrant. The Greensboro trail system is something to be proud of. Currently, the Piedmont Greenway will connect to the above trail. As a matter of fact, the Piedmont Greenway is a planned, 19-mile trail that will connect Greensboro to Kernersville to Winston-Salem. With all of the bicycle aficionados in the local area, the Piedmont Greenway will be a bit hit. We can't wait! Happy Tuesday! Hope to see you on the trails while the weather is still warm. 

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!!!).

Softball At Revolution Ballfield

Greensboro summers are meant for spending time outside, especially when you get to watch youth sports. The above photo was taken during a softball game last night at Revolution Ballfield. It is located at 2200 Yanceyville Street at Cornwalis Drive, right across from the former Revolution Mill. This park is known for being family oriented, which appeared to be the case last night when people of all ages brought their folding chairs and gathered behind the fence to watch the softball game.

Back when the textile mills were active in Greensboro, whole communities grew up around them. The mills made sure their workers had access to good housing, entertainment, houses of worship, clouting, food,  and recreation. The clothing and chairs may have changed from 100 years ago, but you can be sure that the feeling you get when cheering for the home team hasn't changed a bit. Even if you don't have a child in your life who is playing sports, it is still fun to go and watch. These games are especially fun on nights like last night. The weather was in the 80s, but not sweltering and those beautiful clouds made an amazing backdrop!

Happy Wednesday!

The Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel

The Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel is a beautiful landmark between Country Park and The Greensboro Science Center. Whether you are walking the loop around the park, or visiting the Science Center, the Carousel is the beacon of joy on the hill.  The ride is open year-round and mostly open on the weekend from 10am-5pm. There are discounts for Greensboro Science Center members and a combo ticket option. It has only been open since August 26th, not even a year, but in many ways, it seems as if it has been open for a very long time. 

That beautiful carousel has 56 hand-carved, hand-painted figures. Some people have their favorite figure to ride; others are taking the challenge of riding every single one. The carousel is such a work of art, it is easy to make it a regular destination, especially if you have little ones in your life. This photo reminds us of the Wizard of Oz. Everything is gray-scale until you see the actual structure and then the colors will come alive!

Happy Wednesday!

Battleground Parks District

The Battleground Parks District is in Country Park, just behind the Greensboro Science Center. The park has been really busy lately. The above photo features Pavillion 9 were a family was celebrating a birthday when we visited last weekend. The whole area is comprised of 400 acres with 13 miles of greenway and trails. If you haven't seen the master plan yet, here is a copy and it is worth having a look. Presently, about a half a million people visit the existing parks with plans to grow as more features are added.

If you are out this weekend, and have a chance, walk the loop in Country Park, it has been changing quite a bit. This sign itself has only recently been painted.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Chalk Walk 2021

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

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

Sunny Days

This week has been gloriously sunny in Greensboro. The above photo shows what we do in Greensboro when the sun is out! We head to a spot in nature to sit in the sun and read a good book. The above photo was taken at Peabody Park, a mixed hardwood forest on the north end of UNCG's campus. This 34-acre tract of land is billed as a pleasant retreat for students (faculty and staff, too). The above photo is evidence! The trees on the acreage range from saplings to mature, canopy trees. There are also perennial herbs, a small (small) pond, and two streams on site. 

If you are good at identifying plants and animals, Peabody Park is a great place to explore. It is one of only two known spaces in Guilford County where the horsetail plant if found. Read more about the park, here. Everybody deserves a "go to" place to enjoy nature and to escape the trappings of the digital area. It looks like the above student has, indeed, found just that space! Happy Saturday and, get ready for that time change.

Gillies Monument at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

Today's photo is of the James Gillies Monument at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. It was a beautiful day to walk along Monument Row. The above scene will look completely different when the leaves are back on the trees and the sun can hardly filter through the canopy. Inside the dark diamond of the monument in the above photo is the following inscription: "Light Horse Harry Lee's Bugler-Boy" The monument was erected by the Literary Societies and Alumni of Oak Ridge Institute, May 6th, 1898 to the memory of the Gallant James Gullies who fell under the swords of the Tarleton's Dragoons near Oak Ridge, NC. Gillies dies for his country's freedom on February 12th 1781.

Here is a NCpedia reference and article about the Gillies Monument. This monument is one of several in a row in front of the visitor's center. Yesterday afternoon, the park was very busy. It is a great place to walk, run, and ride bikes. It seems to be returning to its vibrant self after having suffered the loss of many trees during the recent ice storms. Under normal years, we would be participating in the March Reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. However, this year's event is canceled due to COVID-19. In the meantime, please enjoy the park; it is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the beauty of Greensboro- especially when the sun is shining.

Happy Friday!

The Greensboro Greenway: Southeast Portion

Part of the southeast portion of the Greensboro Greenway passes along Bragg Street at Martin Luther King Drive. The above photo shows the asphalt trail that comes up the hill from Morrow Boulevard and crosses over East Gate City Boulevard. The downtown portion of the greenway is a 4-mile, multi-use paved trail. It is the only greenway encircling a city in North Carolina. This beautiful community resource actually connects to 100 miles of existing trails that will only continue to grow. Mr. Mapp's MLK bust (featured Monday) is found along this section of the Greenway. Two additional works of art are here. In the foreground is William Byer's "Reflection Rock" installed in 2019. In the background is the Monument to Dignity and Respect by Vandorn Hinnant. The arm, with a finger pointing to the sky, reads, "Dignity, United We Stand" a message that was heard in the Presidential Inauguration yesterday. Another quote on the Hinnant sculpture reads,  "I've always felt that the place where I live is the place I should improve" Dorothy Brown, Community Leader.

The greenway is a giant effort to unite and improve our community. Here is a detailed map, should you be curious, or even better, interested in exploring the greenway yourself. As you look at the map, you will learn that it was envisioned and inspired by the Greensboro Bicentennial Commission, to be the signature project commemorating Greensboro's 2008 Bicentennial. In 1891, Greensboro became known as the Gate City because so many trains traveled through Greensboro. It was the transportation gateway to the west and south. We're thinking that as of 2021,  Greensboro is on its way to earning another nickname, the Trail City!

Tinsel Town

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

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

 

Mushrooms Galore

Tis the season of abundant mushrooms in Greensboro. With all of the rain lately, mushrooms of every shape and color have been pushing through lawns and forest floors, on logs, at the base of trees and in composting wood.

The above photo was taken along the Bald Eagle trail in northwest Greensboro. The trails have been rather slippery lately. If you are out walking, do be careful.  Please remember to leave the mushrooms undisturbed. The spores grow in the conditions that are perfect for them. One of our readers mentioned that the genetic composition of mushrooms is closer to that of humans than plants. If you have a friend who is a mycologist, they can fill you in on the interesting world of mushrooms.

 It is fun  to lower a cell phone or camera to the forest floor and capture mushroom memories in photos! Happy Thursday!

Ducks At Country Park

There is so much to see at Country Park in Greensboro. The waterfowl have been spectacular this year, from ibis, to heron, to ducks, and geese. The paddleboat fowl in the background are pretty impressive, too. Please remember that you are not to feed the birds in the park, and bread is actually harmful to them.

While the days are still long and the weather warm, be sure to head to Country Park. Parking is very convenient at the Spencer Love Tennis Center off of Pisgah Church Road. It would be a good mid-week activity!

Spring Sports Have Begun

Slowly, end of summer/fall sports are starting to pop up around the city. As seen above, Proelific Park is using their fields for baseball and soccer. Coaches and players are making an effort to avoid physical contact; something that is easier in outdoor sports than indoor sports.Greensboro is a big baseball and soccer town.

Tennis and Golf are also very popular in Greensboro. Golfers have been out enjoying the weather recently and the Wyndham was this past weekend at the Sedgefield Country Club. It was a very tournament this year having been played without spectators. Sports are adjusting and people are getting very creative about having physical activity. In some cases, people are meeting and spewing themselves out in parking lots to get exercise. May we all find that balance of staying safe and healthy and keeping our bodies fit. Remember, downtown is hosting "Chow Downtown" tonight on Elm Street if you want to stroll around downtown and then get a bite to eat. Also remember that our hiking trails and lakes are open for some out of doors activities. Happy Friday; happy weekend!

Country Park in August

Country Park is such a dynamic place to be in August, especially on a sunny day. There are still several hours of daylight in the evening. People from all walks of life are out exercising, maintaining a safe distance, and in their family "bubbles". People are out walking dogs, riding bicycles, running, and exercising. In the background of today's photo, you can see a group lifting weights. In the foreground is one of the many painted turtles along the water's edge. This one is dedicated to Noah Chambers, an 11-year-old who was hit with a car, and died as a result, while trunk-or-treating. Noah's turtle reminds us that life can be fleeting and we need to do the best we can to be kind to each other and appreciate the beauty of life, family, and friendships. Those words will become very important as we get closer to the elections.

It is so to see people enjoying each other and the beauty of nature in Country Park. We didn't see any turtles we were walking the loop, but we did see a lot of birds. Please note that the park asks us not to feed the waterfoul. And remember, wherever you see waterfowl, bread is not good for them. With the abundant rain recently, there seems to be a lot for the birds to eat! Happy Wednesday, dear readers!

Gateway Plaza

Gateway Plaza is a high rise apartment complex at 200 Spring Garden Street at West McGee Street. This housing option must be popular as, according to online sources, no apartments are currently available. You can't beat the address with respect to location, a block away from Hamburger Square! Today's photo is of the park-like seating area nicely hidden outside. It looks so cozy and conducive to having a nice conversation, even a physically-distanced conversation. Just beyond this area is an outdoor pool. 

The 221-unit high rise was built in 1975. The architecture of the building reflects the square, no-frills look of the 1970s. But, the location, the outdoor area, and the reasonable rents make it a very appealing place to live! Regardless of where you live, we hope you have a comfortable place to sit outside!

Leave It To Beavers

In case you wondered, beavers are alive and well in Greensboro. The above photo was taken at Lake Brandt this past weekend, just north of the Strawberry Road entrance to the greenway. Beavers, America's largest rodent, on average weigh 35-40 pounds, but can grow to 70 pounds. Beavers are found throughout North Carolina. They are known to frustrate humans because they can fell a tree in no-time. The above cedar didn't have a chance!

While humans might not want their property flooded or swampy as a result of a beaver dam, the dams can actually help control erosion and sedimentation and provide habitat for wetland wildlife (reference and more information, here). Beavers are highly prized for their pelts, meat, and the castor oil derived from their bodies. As long as they aren't doing any harm, it is best to leave these critters alone.

Heather & Victor: Lock of Love

The bridge on the greenway near Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro is slowly starting to fill with locks of love. People put locks on the chain link fencing. If it is a lock with a key, often, the lock gets thrown into the water. The above lock, a combination Masterlock, was placed there by Heather and Victor. We aren't sure when this tradition began, but we hadn't noticed noticed this tradition prior to COVID-19.

This tradition of placing locks on bridges is also one that is popular in Paris, France. Perhaps the most famous case is Pont des Arts Bridge over the Seine River at the Louvre. The bridge was cleared of locks in 2015, and already, they report having a million locks put back on since then, which equates to 45 tons. The average car weight 2 tons or 4,000 pounds. So, if you are inclined to add a lock to a fence, know that you are contributing to tons of extra weight. Still, it is kind of a sweet thought and it is interesting that it has spread to Greensboro and, the action is not exactly impulsive. It took a lot of pre planning for Heather and Victor to get their lock engraved and leave it above Lake Brandt.

The Greensboro Rotary Carousel Is Almost Ready!

Yesterday, Fox News  shared some fabulous  photos  of  the Rotary Carousel at the Greensboro Science  Center  (see,  here). Their  segment  prompted us to run out and check  on  the progress.  The venue is  stunning with so much thought behind  it. The 56  wooden  and handmade  animals evoke a mash-up  of  Doctor Dolittle, Greensboro's Universities, the endangered species list, the Greensboro Science Center,  and  a whole lot of vision  and generosity on the part of the Greensboro  Rotary Organization. It is so beautiful;  one photo cannot begin to  do  it justice.

The  carousel  is expected to  open  in a few  weeks. It is reported to  have  cost $3  million  dollars, part of the  cost is  attributed to the fact that it is encased  in  a  climate-controlled  glass  structure  that can be  opened when weather permits.  It is the kind of place  where you will probably notice more details every time you visit. Wouldn't is be fun if they had a punch card  and you could keep track  of every animal you had ridden. Are you the kind of person  who would want to ride all 56? 

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

Pedal Boats at Country Park

Country Park has a great assortment of pedal boats. They look so lovely corralled at the launch on the lake just behind the science center. They are open from May through October on weekends and holidays and are available for 30 minute rentals. One to four people can ride in the boat. Imagine the memories that can be made riding around in one of these fiberglass animals. Everyone has a personal favorite. 

Country Park and the Greensboro Science Center are transforming before our eyes. It is so important to have public parks. For-pay activities like pedal boats are OK, provided there are also free activities. At no cost to users, Country Park is a lovely setting for walking a dog, running, enjoying nature, and riding a bike.

The day we were walking by, we felt compelled to burst out in song, "Fiberglass duckie, you're the one, you make pedal boating lots of fun. Fiberglass duckie, we're awfully fond of you!" We'll be back for a ride in May!

Students Celebrating their Korean Heritage in Greensboro

Earlier in the month Art in the Arboretum was held in the Greensboro Arboretum in Lindley Park. The events in the arboretum are always lively and attract a wide variety of people of all ages and of many different ethnic backgrounds. The two young students were strolling back and forth on the promenade, proudly celebrating their Korean heritage. Sometimes it is fun to wear jeans and a t-shirt. Greensboro has, after all, a long history of making blue jeans. However, it is also fun to deviate from this routine of casual clothing and wear clothes that connect us to our family's history. In the teen years, it can be challenging to dare to be yourself. How wonderful that these two students can share their heritage with the Greensboro community.

You will have an opportunity to see people of Greensboro celebrating their Mexican heritage and their deceased loved ones at the upcoming Day of the Dead events, hosted by Casa Azul (see schedule, here). If we had a celebrate-your-heritage day, what would you wear?