Greensboro Daily Photo

Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Greensboro Library

The Kathleen Clay Edwards family Branch of the Greensboro Library is located off of Hobbs Road near Jefferson Elementary School. It is, indeed, a place for families to enjoy, as evidenced by the above family having a picnic, waiting for the library to open. Libraries are truly places available to all and where everyone feels welcome. Libraries are so much more than just going to check out a book. They are clean, cheerful, information centers with librarians who are friendly and willing to help with just about any request. They are a community resource and a venue for meetings, story time, musical events, and more.

In the case of the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, Price Park is beside it with walking trails and places to observe nature, especially birds and butterflies. It is also possible to take your glass containers and styrofoam to recycle in the bins provided by the City of Greensboro. In Greensboro, there are seven branch libraries, plus the Central Library. Which branch do you use? The more we use and support our libraries, the more likely they are to have continued funding and the more we become connected to our community.  

Happy Wednesday!

Downtown Greensboro in LeBauer Park

When we have community events in Greensboro, downtown comes alive with people, art, music and things to do. We didn't make it to First Friday last night, but we heard it was great. The Greensboro Cultural Center on Davie Street has exhibits that are still on display, including Casa Azul's  very colorful and thought provoking "Day of the Dead" exhibit. Downtown retail stores have holiday items for sale, with "Just Be" topping the list of Christmas gifts galore. 

The above photo was taken last weekend at LeBauer Park. The Greensboro Youth Council's Goulash was in full swing. The spotted standard poodle, Woody, stole everyone's hearts. He was so sweet and his owner was very kind. Woody was determined to strike up a friendship with the above black lab who is entering on the right of the photo. Downtown Greensboro is very dog friendly for friendly dogs.

The weather should be beautiful today. Head downtown and see what adventures you can have. We've got a lot of catching up to do and cannot wait until the Festival of Lights, held downtown on Friday, December 6th from 5:30- 9:00.

Happy Saturday!

Goulash 2024

Goulash 2024 was a resounding success! Goulash is a Halloween-themed event held annually. The above photo features a scene in LeBauer Park this past Saturday. Children 12 and under dressed up and high school students in the Greensboro Youth Council (GYC) volunteered to help for the day. Actually, they met and planned for the whole school year, and some students have earned 40 service learning hours preparing and volunteering for  this event. The event is a collaboration between GYC and Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. The Greensboro History Museum also has people who dress as historical figures for the event.

This year, there were games, inflatables, a costume contest, free candy, roaming performers, and more. To be sure, fun was had by all. Here we see two volunteers helping Dorothy pick out just the right piece of candy with mom watching on. The event was so well orchestrated and is an example of one of the many, many free community events held in downtown Greensboro. GYC  also runs a Santa's Workshop Toy Drive and there may still be time to get involved. (See HERE). Between Trunk-or-Treats, Goulash, and other community events, costumes get plenty of opportunities to be worn, even for those who don't go door-to-door. And for those of you out tonight, Happy Halloween!

The Annual Westerwood Chili Cook-Off

Yesterday afternoon, the Westerwood neighborhood held their annual Chili Cook-Off in Lake Daniel Park. Neighbors cooked chili in one of the following categories: Mild, Medium, Hot, Vegetarian, and Youth. Those who didn't make chili brought cornbread, dessert, and coleslaw. Strong neighborhood associations help keep neighborhoods nice and property values strong. Westerwood does so much as a community. Recently, they held the Art and Sole Art Sale with Westerwood artists opening their studios to the community at large.

The chili cook off is a chance to bring chairs and tablecloths to the park and spend time with neighbors. All throughout the event, people were playing volleyball in the background and the Westerwood String Band was playing music near the cook-off tables. The band's genre is acoustic, old-time music with Carol Thompson organizing the group. While the group entertained the crowd with their cheerful tunes in the Key of D, Carol danced on her board with cornmeal helps dancers glide across the wood. By 6:00 pm, all were full, the sun was getting low to the horizon, and it was time to head home to get ready for school and work. Every neighborhood would benefit from an event like this one.

Happy Monday!

Tree Down On Bald Eagle Trail at Lake Higgins

After all of the recent rain, we were eager to get outdoors on one of the trails around one of the Greensboro Lakes. We selected the Bald Eagle Trail around Lake Higgins as it has short segments and parking is easy. Here, we were about half way through the hike (between the Lake Higgins Marina and Carlson Dairy Road) when we saw this felled tree. It had been uprooted and knocked down by the high winds and muddy terrain. The base of the hardwood tree was quite large and this usually-fearless terrier was hesitant to jump back down onto the trail. In the background, you see one of the two people out trying to cut the tree so people could walk and bike on the trail.

We could hear the buzzing of the chainsaw near the beginning of the hike. By the time we reached the course, we couldn't even see the person with the saw. At the rate one person can work, it will take a really long time to get this trunk off the trail. However, we sure appreciate his effort. In the meantime, everyone will have to climb up and over. Minor inconveniences like this pale in comparison to what the people of Western North Carolina are experiencing.

Happy Tuesday! Can you believe October is upon us?

NC A& T Drumline

On Tuesday, Justice Henry and Shirley Frye received the key to the city of Greensboro for their lifelong service to our community. It was a lovely service. The atmosphere was even more celebratory having the NC A&T marching band drumline performing.  The NC A&T band was started in 1918 as a small program and the band became an integral part of the music. The percussionists at the University have developed quite a following, as they not only exude a percussive sound, they dance and perform exciting routines.

The band played tirelessly yesterday before the event and long after the event was over. Between the ceremony and the performance of the percussionists, there was a vibrancy in Center City Park. Usually, during the week it is a very quiet place. But Tuesday, the park came alive. It was such a joy to watch and hear the band perform. Their sound carried for several blocks. Perhaps, the wooden shelter in front of the band added to their sound. In case you want to hear them, the band will be playing at the NC A & T home football game against NC Central. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Happy Thursday!

The Frye Family, Exuding Vibrance

Today's joyful photo features Chief Justice and Shirley Frye with their family. Family members gathered in Center City Park yesterday to see  Justice and Mrs. Frye receive the key to the City of Greensboro. The event was even more festive with the NC A&T University drumline performing with their precision playing and marching. Once Mayor Nancy Vaughn gave the Fryes the prestigious award, and other dignitaries were leaving, friends, family, and admirers rushed in for photos. The Fryes were very accommodating, making no effort to rush off as people approached them, reminiscing and taking photos. Center City is the very park where the sculpture of  Justice and Mrs. Frye was unveiled on February 20th. This was the perfect place to bestow the award.  

Justice and Mrs. Frye worked very hard to fight the obstacles of segregation and discrimination while getting educations and beginning their lifelong journey of serving the community.  Justice and Mrs. Frye met on the debate team of NC A&T University in 1950, and for the last 74 years have worked together with utmost professionalism and integrity. Truly, they are role models, inspiring current and future generations. When asked by WFMY-TV Journalist Tanya Rivera what one word she would choose to describe Greensboro, Mrs. Frye responded with the word "vibrance." Not only do we agree with that description of Greensboro, we believe that word describes the Fryes and their family perfectly!

Happy Wednesday!

Downtown, View from the Davie Street Parking Deck

Not being drone photographers, we don't get a photo from above very often. However, in late August, during the Food Truck Fesitival, we walked top the top of the Davie Street Parking Deck and got this photo.  It shows a few of the big buildings downtown. Peeking out in the background is the Lincoln Financial Group Building. In the foreground, on the right, is the Center Pointe Building. To the right is the Renaissance Plaza  Building, and in the middle is 300 North Greene Street. Below, is Friendly Avenue and the greenery is in Center City Park.

Center Pointe was constructed in 1966. It is a 17-story building with 97 condominium units. the 19-story Renaissance Plaza was built in 1990. The landscaping there is beautiful. 300 North Greene Street was built in 1989 and is a 21-story office tower. This north part of Greensboro extending from Tanger Center (established 1921) to First National Bank Baseball Field (established 2005) has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the last couple of decades. If you go downtown for the North Carolina Folk Festival this weekend (and we encourage you to do so), have a look at how the footprint of the city is expanding.

Happy Wednesday! 

Center City Park with the Fryes

Greensboro has two parks downtown: Center City Park (west. 2006)  and LeBauer Park (est 2016). Above is a photo from Center City Park, located at the corner of Friendly, Davie, and Elm. It was taken during the food truck festival. The unidentified couple above were enjoying refreshing fruit juices on this very hot day. They were resting at the statue of  Justice Henry and Shirley T. Frye. Both Fries are impactful community members. Mrs. Frye, ever the dedicated community volunteer, integrated Greensboro segregated YMCAs in the 1970s. Henry Frye was the first African-American chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. 

We sat in Center City Park for a good while watching people at the Frye sculpture and how they interacted with it. Many people had their picture taken beside the Fryes. One young teen stood up on the statue, standing beside them. We had mixed feeling about climbing on the statue, but the pride on his face gave us a spark of hope that he aspires to become the great community member, just like the Fryes. Center City Park, on the day of the food truck festival, was everything a city park should be. People were milling about, resting and enjoying their food; children were playing as parents watched from a distance.  Seeing everyone enjoying the afternoon and interacting would have made the Fryes proud of their community. 

Happy Saturday!

Gillespie Golf Course History & Mural

Yesterday, we had a chance to visit Gillespie Golf Course in Southeast Greensboro, specifically at 306 Florida Street. The course has so much history, we know we can't do it justice in one post. The recently painted mural captures so much of the history of the course.  It is a must-see to learn civil rights history in Greensboro. This 104-acre course opened in 1941. The 9-hole course was built by Perry Maxwell at a time when only whites could play there.  On December 7, 1955, five years before the Sit-In by the Greensboro Four, six black men teed-up at the course.  These six men were charged with trespassing and spent 15 days in jail. Their act of civil disobedience helped pave the way for integration in the 1960's. The mural and an historic marker honor the men. Greensboro condemned the course and did not open it for seven years.*

Dr. George Simkins Jr. was a local dentist who was instrumental in getting the course integrated and for advancing the causes of social justice and civil rights in Greensboro (and beyond).  In 2018, "Our State Magazine" published a wonderful article about the Gillespie Golf Course and the Greensboro Six (see HERE). The above photo doesn't begin to do the mural justice. Close up, the colors are so vibrant. The mural also lists the name of the Greensboro Six: Dr. George Simkins Jr., Phillip Cooke, Joseph Student, Samuel Murray, Elijah Herring, and Leon Wolfe- the sepia figures on the right side of the mural. Vincent Ballentine of Brooklyn created the mural. It was commissioned by Wyndham Rewards. See the QR code with your iPhone camera to learn even more. about the mural, the history and the upcoming documentary.

 

*reference and more information HERE.

Destination Bike Shop at Barber Park for the Tuesday Night Riders

Happy August 1st everyone! The above photo was taken on Tuesday night with the Tuesday bicycle group that departs from cycles de ORO on Hill Street at 6:30 pm. The Tuesday ride route took us to the Bike Shop at Barber Park in East Greensboro. This is a place where bicycles get donated and volunteers learn to repair them. When they are ready, community agencies come and pick them up to distribute to those who need transportation, usually to work. Just about as fast as they can fix them, agencies request them for their clients. Sheldon Herman (front in blue shirt) is one of the key volunteers. He helps teach people to repair and sees to it that the bikes are given away to people who need them. Also, on Sundays, there is a Bike Library where people visiting Barber Park can borrow a bike and ride it around the park.

This community resource was really good for the riders on the bike tour to see. This is a great repurposing of Greensboro old sewage treatment plant. If you are able to visit Barber Park on a Sunday, you should ask for a tour of the facility. This is such an important and innovative program in Greensboro. Meanwhile, the shop made a good half way point for riders on the 10 mile trek with the added bonus that there was a bathroom. David, who maps the routes (and was inside giving tours as he is very involved in the Bike Shop) took us along McConnel Road and we got to see all of the new houses being built. Riders also appreciated the fact that we didn't have to go on Florida Street, which, from the Bike Shop, is a steady incline for several miles- brutal for a novice cyclist. 

Head to the group bicycle ride that leaves from LeBauer Park at 6:30 pm tonight. Get there early if you want a to purchase a beverage from Lawn Service by Little Brother Brewing, one of the sponsors of the ride. Plus you will need to sigh in. There is a fast group and a slow group. No shame for being in the slow boat group. You just don't have to feel like you are holding anyone up.

Happy Thursday, the first day of August! 6

LeBauer Park Shines at Night!

LeBauer Park is such a community resource in downtown Greensboro. There are people using it, informally and attending scheduled events, on a daily basis. See for yourself on the calendar HERE.  Be sure to head down this Friday for First Friday. First Fridays in the summer in LeBauer Park are simply the best. The Janet Echelman sculpture hovering above the park glows at night when illuminated. We took this photo at about 10:00 pm, Saturday night (after the performance we featured yesterday). It was one of the few times the park was empty. The view was serene.

LeBauer Park, designed by the architect Frank Harmon, is on 4.5 acres and was completed in August 2016. It will serve our community well for decades to come. Starting at 5:00 pm this evening there is an art event, Zumba, and music for a little hump day fun. Remember, Greensboro, the more we use our community resources, the more they will offer. The original plan for the park has come to fruition; that is be a well-used, multi-purpose, urban green space. Indeed, it is.

Happy Wednesday!

MUSEP 2024

Yesterday, Music for Sunday Evening in the Parks (MUSEP) was held in Lindley Park (3300 Starmount Dr.), on the West Market Street side of the Greensboro Arboretum. Music was provided by the salsa group Orquesta Internacional la Clave. This group from Bogota delighted the crowd. 

When we took this photo, only a few couples were dancing, but along the way more people joined in. The music was fabulous and the weather was perfect.  Greensboro is so lucky to have the MUSEP Concert Series. It is free, open to the public, and you can buy food from the food trucks, or you can bring your own food. Some people set up elaborate picnics; some rely on the food trucks. Some are on picnic blankets: others bring chairs. MUSEP is two hours of music in the backdrop of a Greensboro park with an opportunity to socialize with others in the crowd.

Happy Monday!

The Adventures of Frederick the Duck

Early in July, Frederick the Duck and his partner mysteriously arrived at the Lake Brandt Marina. The hen disappeared after about a week, but Frederick remains and is living his best life. He hovers near the Lake Brandt office. Mallards are monogamous, so we hope he recovers from missing his partner and, with a little luck, finds another one.  He has a duck box and he gets his fill of minnows to eat. There is a sign at the office that requests people leave the door closed so that it will remain cool inside and so that Frederick will remain outside. In spite of his being friendly, we must respect the fact that he is a wild animal and efforts should not be made to make him a pet. However, these ducks do tend to be gregarious and sociable. They are so much fun to watch, and photograph. He is such a beauty.  The next night paddle on Lake Brandt will be August 1st. We look forward to seeing if Frederick is still there.

Happy Thursday!

Night Kayaking

The photo is blurry, but you can get this idea that night kayaking on Lake Brandt is fun! Last night was not very well attended because of the late afternoon storm. However, by the time 8:00 p.m. rolled around, the weather was perfect for being on the lake. Greensboro Parks and Rec. have so many events scheduled to get us outdoors (see here). Learn about night kayaking on Lake Brandt and Higgins (here). At night kayaking (or paddling), participants can get on the water at 8:00 p.m. and must be back on shore by 9:45 p.m.  You can bring your own kayak and launch for $8 or rent and pay from $15- 30 depending on what you use. People are very social. You can come alone, or bring a friend. Some people were in 'paddle quickly" mode; others made the event a leisurely date night with music and food. We saw one couple listening to music and holding hands not too far from the launch area. It was so sweet.

It is the weekend and all the lakes will be open with plenty of options. Get outdoors! Happy Friday!

Yoga on the Greenway

Yesterday, we shared a bicycling group along the Greensboro Greenway. Today, we offer a lovely yoga group that meets under the Greensboro Greenway at Spring Garden Street. The name of the initiative is Tuesdays at the Trailhead in Moorehead Park. The group meets from 6:00- 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays and the opportunity will continue through September 24th. This opportunity is in partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro. All ages and fitness abilities are encouraged to attend! And, in grand Greensboro tradition, the experience is free and open to all. Summers in Greensboro can be so much fun. So, enjoy your mountain and beach adventures, but know there are great adventures waiting for us here in the Gate City! It sure looks like the above yogis and yoginis are having fun!!

Happy Wednesday!

LeBauer Park: Lawn Service Kiosk

Here is another view of LeBauer Park on Thursday evening. This view is at Lawn Service by Little Brother Brewing. It is one of  two permanent kiosks at the park. It features a full-service coffee bar, beer, ciders, wine, and more. Baked goods and ice cream are also available At least in the summer, they are open Monday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. which means people can get their morning coffee and stop by for happy hour after work. They also sponsor the Thursday bike ride and music events. It is a good "third space," that is a place other than home and work to meet up with friends and other people who like to be outdoors.

In the background, you see the 90' sculptural net by Janet Echelman (read more in Our State Magazine HERE). According to this Jeri Rowe, LeBauer Park hosts about 450 public events and 50 concerts.  We imagine that number increases every year. If someone doesn't know where to meet a friend, they can always suggest in the center of the Echelman net, at the sit down bar at Lawn Service, on the bit letters that read LEBAUER PARK to name a few options.

Happy Saturday! Can you believe we're half way through June?

Thursday Evenings in Downtown Greensboro

Thursday evenings in Downtown Greensboro are hopping in the summer. The above photo features two of many events happening in LeBauer Park. The people with their arms up are participating in yoga with Embodhi Yoga Studios hosting their Slow Burn Yoga at 6:00 p.m. The pace is slow and they work on alignment and balance. Closer to the camera is a group of late elementary/early middle school students playing football. Not seen is a group of bicyclists getting ready for their 6:30 community ride. Both food stands in the park were hopping with some people ordering beer and others ice cream cones. There was something for everybody. Just around the block, the Flatiron had live music. 

Mid-town Greensboro, between the parks to about the 300 block of South Elm Street, gets a little quiet; and then, on South Elm, foot traffic picks back up. Last night was a warm summer evening and the sun did not set until 8:38 pm made the evening conducive to spending time outside. There will be plenty to do downtown tonight, and the Juneteenth Food Truck Festival in LeBauer Park will take place from 5:00- 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. Hello summer

Happy Friday!

Red Hat Society at World Promenade

From Paris to the world, the Red Hat Society comes out every year to attend Greensboro Beautiful's promenade . The above photo gives you a good idea of the spirit of the festival this past Sunday. Friend groups came together, likely an annual tradition for many, and people were milling around while groups performed. There were also people who sat attentively, enjoying performances. Sunday, between the visitors, performers, and the grounds themselves, the Tanger Family Bicentennial Gardens were at peak beauty.

Here, on the World Stage, the Travis Williams Group was performing. This quintet is a group of talented musicians with Travis Williams on the oud (yes, that's an instrument); Collin Allured on an array of instruments; Ken Simonds on bass; Kinard Douthit on flute; and Bill Smith on percussion. If you follow the link above, you can see their summer schedule. If you want to learn more about the Red Hat Society, see HERE. It sounds like their mission is to gather for fun and fellowship, which was a perfect reason to attend the World Promenade.

Happy Tuesday!

World Promenade 2024

Greensboro Beautiful's June event, Parisian Promenade has been rebranded as World Promenade. As opposed to only representing Paris, the theme expanded to feature artists and performers throughout the world. The above photo features Amanda Garner, Director of Greensboro Beautiful, who helped with this transition. She oversees other community events for the organization. We photographed her during the event in the vendor booth of the Sustainably Yours Mobile Boutique.* She had stopped by while making her rounds to see if the artists and vendors needed anything.

There were food trucks, artists, performers, and more all throughout The Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The event was planned in conjunction with the City of Greensboro's Parks and Recreation Department. The family friendly event was extended into the upper part of the garden. Gauging attendance and the mood of the attendees, the event was a big success. This is one of many free events available to the public throughout the year in Greensboro. Here is a link to the Greensboro Beautiful website where you can learn about volunteer opportunities and their many events. Greensboro is known for its beautiful landscaping and green spaces, Greensboro Beautiful, mostly manned by volunteers, contributes significantly to this beauty.

Happy Monday! 

*Follow them @sustainablyyours336 on Instagram

The LeBauer Splash Pad

As the weather gets warmer, downtown just seems to come alive. The photo above features the splashed or spray ground in LeBauer Park. It is open from May to September 8am-10pm. Children love romping in the water while parents sit around watching. The children have so much fun. It is also known as the VF Seasonal Plaza fountain. See this list of local splash pads. Perhaps you could set a goal to visit all of them with your children this summer.

These water features are just so fun and a good prelude to a vacation to the beach. For those with children, school will be winding up soon. We'll be on the lookout for some more summer-fun ideas!

Happy Wednesday!

LeBauer Park

Friendswood Park

According to Trust for Public Land, Greensboro has 245 parks and 64% of Greensboro Residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park .* Many of the parks are truly neighborhood parks, often with a playground.  The above park is one such example. It is Friendswood Park, a 1.76 -acre neighborhood park  at 506 Shelby Drive. It is located just east of Guilford College Road and north of Bridford Parkway. Parks like Friendswood is a perfect spot to walk to meet neighbors and get out of the house for a while. There is also a picnic table, which is a great opportunity to build community. 

Just think, you could visit a new park every other day in Greensboro and still not run out of parks. Somehow, we have never driven past this park before. These park-lets are like this, tucked away in neighborhoods. We're headed out to see how many we can find. When we drove by Friendswood yesterday afternoon, it must have been nap time.

Happy Tuesday!

 

*See this map of areas in Greensboro most in need of parks (northeast & southwest).

Kickball in S. Carolyn Allen Park

Spring is the time of year when outdoor sports begin sprouting up everywhere. Karen S. Allen Park and Athletic Complex is one of those spaces. It is located at 3610 Drawbridge Parkway near Wellspring Retirement Community and it is home to many different sports. Carolyn Allen Park is part of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation network. Right now, adult kickball is in full swing. The above photo was taken last night and Tuesday is a night for competitive-recreational kickball, as is Wednesday. Monday is the night for beginner-recreational. The atmosphere is family friendly, as is the kickball program. The teams are also co-ed. 

If you watch one of their kickball games, you will find yourself being transported back to middle school and memories will likely surface. It may even inspire you to want to play kickball. The ages range from 18 to senior citizens. Often, there are people available to help you learn how to get started in the sport. And once you are out on the field, you will start having so much fun, you won't even realizing you are exercising. They'll be out again tonight.

Happy Wednesday!

Robert Linville's PRECISION GOLF SCHOOL

Robert Linville has been a golf instructor for over 35 years. He is nationally recognized and respected as one of the top instructors. As a golfer, his roots run deep in Greensboro. In 1976- 1980, he was an All-American at Guilford College. He co-founded Precision Golf School, with Rodney Morrow, in 1989. At first, it was located in a strip-mall off of Friendly Avenue. The school now has five locations, and the one above is at Bur-Mil Park.* Bur-Mil Park is a great place to learn to golf, not only because of the instruction available there, but also because there is a driving range. They also have an 18-hole golf course.

Mr. Linville was also co-head pro at Forest Oaks Country club and he coached the Greensboro College Pride to much recognition, several seasons as top finishers, and an NCAA Division III Championship in 2000. In the above photo, both the man instructing (facing the camera) and his student were concentrating on the lesson, as we looked on. The view from behind the camera was filled with people hitting buckets of balls practicing their teeing off. Greensboro is a fantastic golf city with green fees at all price points. If you want to get back into golf, Bur-Mil is open to the public and does not disappoint.

Happy Thursday!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

In Greensboro, this is the weekend of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, at least the reenactment. The original battle happened on March 15, 1781, but the above scene is what you will see if you head out this weekend- today or tomorrow. So head out to Country Park and see people reenacting, preparing food, talking about life if the 1800's, taking care of their horses, going down to the river to pray, and doing just about anything period-appropriate that you can imagine To be sure , they will not be using their cell phones, they will be present in the moment Greensboro is so lucky to have an event that attracts people from all over the country to come here and experience what life would have been like almost 250 years ago.

The weather should be nice today, between 50º- 70º and it shouldn't be raining. If you have never seen the reenactment battles, you owe it to yourself to go and do so. Remember, the red coats are the British. 

Happy Saturday!

Vote Early!

Have you voted yet? Early voting seemed to be gaining traction yesterday. The above photo was taken at Lewis Recreation Center at 3110 Forest Lawn Drive. This center is one of Greensboro's ten recreation centers. If you go there to vote in the afternoon, you will see students enjoying the after school program. Early voting can be done anywhere. However, be sure to take a form of identification. You have today and tomorrow to vote early.  We didn't see any candidates out, but we did see lots of signage. We expect we will see the results after voting on Tuesday (3/5). Former President Trump will be in Greensboro tomorrow for a "Get Out the Vote" Rally. President Biden visited in January. 'Tis the season.

Today is also First Friday, so there will be plenty to do downtown.  Here's to a great weekend for all.

Happy Friday!

Justice Henry Frye and Shirley Frye Statue in Center City

This past Tuesday, February 20th, a statue was unveiled in Center City Park in honor of Justice Henry E. Frye and Shirley T. Frye. This inspiring Greensboro couple attended the event with their family, Governor Roy Cooper, Mayor Nancy Vaughn, and other prominent Greensboro citizens. It is so appropriate that both appear on the statue together as they are a team, united in their efforts to serve community and to live meaningful lives. Henry Frye has achieved many firsts in his life, Among them, he was the first African-American chief justice in North Carolina; the first elected to the North Carolina General Assembly; and the first to graduate from the UNC School of Law.  Both graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1953. He and Mrs. Frye have both been involved in a number of civic causes throughout their lives.

The statue was funded by the Bryan Foundation and created by artist/sculptor Maria Kirby Smith. We were told she had the Fryes model several outfits before their settling on the ones in the sculpture above. On Mrs. Frye's left shoulder is a butterfly pin, adding a touch of her personal flair to the piece. We learned that Chief Justice Frye has his own personal style. He can articulately summarize a meeting and do so in rhyme. While we were admiring the statue, the above, unidentified couple came to see it. We love the way their holding hands echoes the Fryes' gesture. Truly, the Fryes are a team.

Happy Saturday!

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought on March 15, 1781, twenty seven years before Greensboro became a city. The battle is known as a victory within a defeat; meaning that, while we lost the battle, we won the war. The battle changed the course of the southern campaign during the Revolutionary War.* The above photo features the path we were walking around the park the other day, as the winter sun was setting. Shadows were long and growing and it was easy to reflect on the day and on the history of the park while walking the loop. Here are four suggested, easy-moderate hikes within the park. The actual park is only 250 acres. It was established in 1917 and was actually the first Revolutionary War Site designated by the U.S. government (read here).

Walkers can go along and visit monuments and even stop into the visitors center to see exhibits and learn from a park ranger. You can make your jaunt in the park an opportunity to learn some history, or you can simply walk and relax. The park is well used by walkers, joggers, and people with dogs. This year, on March 16-17, it will be brimming with living history reenacts who will set up in and camp out in the park. This special event is a great opportunity to bring history alive to young and old alike. In the meantime, we're going to keep chasing those spectacular sunsets and hope to see you out on the trail!

Happy Thursday!

*reference and more information.

Hiking and Hammocks Along Lake Higgins

These two hammocks are a bit of a mystery. They were suspended between trees along Lake Higgins last month. According to their website, Guilford County operates and maintaining approximately 1,800 acres of passive parks and over 300 miles of trails. The trails are open to the public for unstructured activities. Passive parks* are open from 8:00 am - dusk, which is about mid-December. Sunset is at 5:06 pm tonight. While Bald Eagle Trail is not listed as one of the passive parks, it is a 7.2 mile out-and-back trail at the edge of the Greensboro city limits and Summerfield. As more and more land gets developed in the area, these areas open to the public are seeing more and more use. We're finding out a little late in the year that 2023 has been advertised as "Year of the Trail" which is a campaign encouraging everyone to get outside. We're betting the owners of the above hammocks is an advocate of getting out and using the trails. Today's temperature should get up to the mid-50s, which is not bad for getting out for a hike. See you on the trails.

Happy Wednesday!

*Read more about passive parks HERE.

Ice Skating in Downtown Greensboro

For ice skating in Greensboro, you have two choices. For outdoor skating, Piedmont Winterfest is your best bet. It is located between LeBauer Park and Center City Park. Skaters of all abilities are welcome. It will be there until December 28th, at which time, just like Frosty the Snowman, it will "melt". An indoor option for skating is the Ice House, located between Bridford Parkway and West Wendover Avenue. The Greensboro Ice House opened in the fall of 1997. It is hard to believe it has been there for 26 years. The Greensboro Ice House does it all, from giving lessons to serving as a venue for birthday parties to having ice for hockey games, figure skating, and more. Historically, Greensboro has been more of a roller skating town than an ice skating one; however, these two venues are a great way to get children acclimated to the sport. As you can see in the above photo, children around our there trying their hardest. See you on the rink!

Happy Friday! 

Center City Tree Lighting 2023

The Festival of Lights was held Friday, December 1st, with the annual tree lighting just before 7:00 pm. In anticipation, people had been milling around downtown, shopping at LeBauer Park, ice skating, spending time in the Cultural Arts Center and listening to live music on Davie Street- which was only open to pedestrian traffic near the park. As the time grew closer for the lighting of the tree, the crowds grew thicker with small children hoisted on parents' shoulders, and cell phones primed for the perfect shot. After the lighting couples captured photos kissing with the tree as a backdrop. Some of this anticipation and joy is captured in the above photo. Always special for us is fitting a little bit of the Lincoln Financial Group building in the scene. 

Check back this week, we'll be featuring lots of around-town, slide-of-life views.  May we all find ways to illuminate these low days of December. Remember, "Nothing can dim the light from within" (Maya Angelou). 

Happy Monday!

Festival of Lights 2023

The Festival of Lights last night in downtown Greensboro did not disappoint. People came out to celebrate in droves and the drizzle did not dampen the festivities. From LeBauer and Center City Park on North Elm to Gate City Boulevard and South Elm, businesses were open and people were strolling along the streets. The above photo features a trio of carolers in LeBauer Park with the Janet Echelman's 95 by 65 foot aerial sculpture as a backdrop.  This is the second iteration of her "Where We Met"  sculpture that continues to light up the night sky over the park.

Last night, there was plenty of entertainment in LeBauer Park, including a holiday market and an ice skating rink. The park remained busy even after the tree lighting took place just before 7:00 pm. Performers entertained everyone until the event drew to a close at 9:00 pm. Here is a link listing many of the performers throughout the night. December, the month with the least amount of daylight in the northern hemisphere, is a time when to work a little harder to bring light into the lives of each other. Last night was just such an event. Will we see you at the parade today?

Happy Saturday!

Greensboro Arboretum

Have you had time to walk through the Greensboro Arboretum lately? Even if there is no big event happening there, the terrain is lovely and the gardens are so well manicured. In addition to sculptures, including a metal bridge, there are 14 separate plant collections within the 17-acre space. It is located in Lindley Park on between Starmount Drive, West Market Street, and Ashland Avenue and  right beside the new Brooks Global Elementary School- under construction by Guilford County Schools. The Arboretum is a popular place for outdoor events.

The Greensboro Arboretum was a joint venture between the Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. It has been open since 1991. It is family friendly and open year round. Every season is delightful and very different. If you want to see fall flowers and grasses, now would be a good time, before Father Frost moves in. It is especially lovely when the skies are blue. Spending time outside is good for the soul and you can walk around here and never have to leave a path- unless you want to!

Happy Wednesday!

Bird and Butterfly Meadow

We hope you enjoyed the week downtown, here,  on Greensboro Daily Photo.

Today, we take you today to the Bird and Butterfly Meadow at Price Park, located off of Hobbs Road between Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition to the peaceful sanctuary for meditation, bird, and butterfly watching, the area also has walking trails to enjoy. The park was built on land that was formerly part of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. Adjacent Jefferson Elementary School is located on 26 acres of the insurance company's former club that they donated for the school; hence the name of the school. On the day we were there, the goldenrods were in full bloom, but butterflies were absent. We suspect they had already migrated south and that the monarchs are actually close to arriving in Mexico. The structure in the center of the photo has information about eco-exploring, how to provide habitat for chimney swifts, monarch migration trails, and more.  If you are looking for a way to get outdoors today that doesn't involve being too isolated or driving great distances, this park at 1420 Price Park Road may be perfect for you- even on a rainy day.

Happy Saturday!

Monday Night Kickball League for Beginners

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

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

Happy Tuesday!

* read about the history of kickball HERE.

Banjo Earth

Last night Banjo Earth was the featured act at MUSEP. The MUSEP concert was held in Keeley Park off of Rankin Mill Road in East Greensboro. It is a lovely venue and the musicianship  was tremendous. Unfortunately, the concert wasn't very well attended. It was such a great opportunity and excuse to explore Keeley Park. See here where we featured Keeley Park in July. It is conveniently located just off the I-840 and 785 bypass.

According to the website of lead singer Andy Eversole, Banjo Earth is a music and video project. Andy travels the earth sharing his music and learning the past and present music of the cultures in which he is immersed. Andy is an Americana, bluegrass, experimental, folk artist from Greensboro. As a band, Banjo Earth is committed to peacemaking. Next up is a journey to Mexico. Hopefully, post-Mexico,  when the group regroups in Greensboro, they will perform for us again. In the meantime, see their past adventures here. We are so lucky to have access to an array of great live music in Greensboro. Next week's free MUSEP concert will be in Barber Park.

Happy Monday!

Ozzie's Ice Cream

(Sorry this is late. We usually publish at 5:30 am. Today, it was set for 5:30 pm)!! Nothing says summer more than ice cream. Last night, we headed to Ozzie's for ice cream and hot dog night. In the beginning (2014), Ozzies was located on Old Battleground at Westridge. Since 2020, has been located down the road at 3712 Old Battleground; about as far as you can go on on Old Battleground before you arrive at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. This location is perfect. There is good car parking and since it backs up to the greenway, it is possible to grab an ice cream after a walk or bike ride. As you can see from the above photo, there is plenty of room for outdoor seating. Most nights, it is full.

Through the summer, Wednesday evenings was a time for hotdogs being grilled outside with live music at Ozzie's. However, the schedule will now change with is a couple of weeks off and then for the hotdog & music nights to resume outdoors on September 1st. Student workers will be going back to school and they will be able to work on Friday nights, but not on Wednesday. The owners, Adam and Betsy Greer are educators themselves. Plus, they have five children of their own, and their own children have developed a great work ethic as a result of working at the store.  Adam and Betsy  got the name for the business on a mission trip in Uganda. There is a diner on the Main Street of Jinja called Ozzie's. They became friends with the owner and the name is a nod to that friendship.

In 2020, Maria Johnson wrote a great article about Ozzie's for O. Henry Magazine.  Happy Thursday. It's a great day for ice cream!