Greensboro Daily Photo

Glenwood Barrber Shop

In preparing this post for today and researching this "barrber" shop, we realized that we actually featured it seven years ago. It is located in the Glenwood neighborhood at 1106 Glenwood Avenue. The owner is William L Byers, Jr. and, in true barber fashion, he cuts, styles, shaves, and provides facial treatments.While the above discounted prices haven't changed, the facade has changed tremendously (see HERE)! How wonderful that the shop is still in business and that they are able to offer discounts to seniors, children, and college students.

The more things change in Greensboro, the nicer it is that some things stay the same. There are stylists, salons, and old-school, traditionally for men/by men barber shops. The above is, indeed, a barber shop. Glenwood Barrber Shop is celebrating its 15th year this year. To be sure, they've seen some changes in their neighborhood- hinting at gentrification. The barber shop  open today at 9:00 am if you need a haircut. They have a Facebook page if you want to get to know the barbers and their humor. Here's to the next 15 years fellows

Happy Wednesday!

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church: West Market Street View

Our Lady of Grace (OLG)  is a Roman Catholic Church in the Sunset Hills neighborhood of Greensboro. According to their website, they are a welcoming community that helps members have a close relationship with Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and charitable service. Located at 2203 West Market Street, the church is highly visible from the road.  The church was erected as a memorial to Ethel Clay Price by her husband. She was a devout Catholic. This year is the 70th anniversary of the Parrish.

The architecture of the church resembles Our Lady of Refuge in Brooklyn, New York. There is a really nice Wikipedia entry about the church (see HERE). The above photo shows people hurrying to get to the service. How nice there is a sidewalk in front of the church. OLG is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Well, it is Labor Day weekend and there will be plenty to do in Greensboro However, many will be leaving town; the mountains and the ocean may be calling you. The above photo was taken on the Urban Loop, heading toward the airport and Bryan Boulevard. This 39.5 mile highway surround Greensboro and gives us a way to get from Point A to B without start and stop, city traffic. Mostly, the loop is in the city limits.

Be careful when on the road or heading to the airport.  Hurricane Idalia should no longer be a threat but did result in some cancelled flights. The FAA says this is predicted to be the third busiest holiday for air travel to date this year. As for those of us staying in Greensboro, today is First Friday so downtown will be booming. The farmers markets will be well stocked.  Monday morning is a big Labor Day bike ride leaving from Oden Brewing. However, do pace yourself this weekend because next weekend Greensboro hosts the North Carolina Folk Festival, where there will be a variety of music genres. Something for everybody.

Happy September!

Keeping Greensboro Green

The other day, en route to photograph Irving Park Elementary School for its 100th Anniversary, we stopped upon seeing this brick wall at the corner Cornwallis Drive and Hamilton Road. It may be a little hard to tell, but the owners of this property actually had the bricklayers leave a space for the roots of this mature tree. What a "go green" practice!

Greensboro is known for its greenery, coming by its name honestly. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to help keep Greensboro green. As our community continues to grow, we may need to get a bit stingy with our green acreage. In the meantime, all of us can be like the owners of the property above. It is possible for trees to co-exist with city lots. It does take a little planning.

We hope you have a happy mid-week. Also, if you know the owners of the above lot, thank them for us- or, direct them to this short post!

 

DISCO4ME

So, it is Fun Friday (not to be confused with First Friday) and we went around looking for something fun to post. First, we saw the school bus yellow car and pulled into the above parking lot when. Even better, we drove around to see what kind of car this was (Buick Sentra) and look at this license plate: DISCO4ME. Who is this DISCO4ME person? Surely, they are a lot of fun. Were they really around in the 1970s when disco was all the rage? Truly, this person has a sense of humor to post a bumper sticker saying they brake for flea markets, thrift shops, and stuff left on the curb. I guess it is a good thing their vehicle is bright yellow as they make frequent stops.

Regarding disco dancing in Greensboro, the best we could find is Silent Disco (see HERE) where you wear headphones while you dance. We hope you have a great weekend and we are counting on good weather so that we can get out and take lots of photos and attend the last MUSEP concert of the year! Oh, and, get ready to see lots of school bus yellow starting on Monday.

Happy Friday!

Exterior of Hopper Trolley

After featuring Greensboro's Hopper Trolley yesterday, with the driver, we had a couple of requests to show the exterior of the trolley. So, here you have it. It is well marked and very distinct from the city busses. Of course, this is one of four trolleys and they run up and down Elm Street from 12 noon to 12 pm on Thur-Sat and until 10 pm on Sunday. It is so beautiful inside and out. We especially love the inside. It is clean and spacious. There is a map of Greensboro on the ceiling.

The above trolley was photographed in front of Natty Greene's just as it was turning onto Hamburger Square. Hamburger Square is a really convenient place to catch the Hopper Trolley. Today would be a perfect day to give it a try. If you want to combine a ride with a baseball game, the Grasshoppers* will be home for Thirsty Thursday and the trolley will be running. Mark your calendars. 

Happy Saturday, make it a great one!!!

 

* see schedule HERE.

Black Patriots of Revolution

The above photo features the GTA bus that honors the Black men who fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. These were men who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary Battle in Guilford County. The bus operates across routes citywide. If you want to learn more about the research that went into uncovering the story of the experiences of enslaved and free people of color at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. It is fascinating to learn how people of Greensboro come together to research information and bring history to light. This video is over an hour long and even if you don't watch the video, it is nice to know that information gets archived. So from an idea to the process of researching the Black men who participated to putting this history on a bus for all to see has been a lengthy process that came to fruition this summer. 

If you are looking for something to do as summer wanes, spend some time at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and try to learn more about the people whose names are found on this bus. Happy Tuesday!

Crosswalk Tamra Hunt

Recently, we ran across this crosswalk in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. It is located on Neal Street at the intersection with Haywood, very near Gate City Boulevard. To help you orient to the location, in the upper right hand corner of the photo you can see the UNCG's Kaplan Recreation Center. The artist is Tamra Hunt, who is a Greensboro based artist and member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This crosswalk is part of Creative Greensboro's Neighborhood Art Program. Hunt has spearheaded performance and visual arts programs in the Glenwood neighborhood, helping people learn about indigenous people in the community. 

If. you are interested, read the City of Greensboro's page (HERE)  where Tamra shares the meaning of each piece of the above artwork. If you drive to Glenwood to see this artwork, also drive by the Lonnie Revels Greenway (see HERE) another place of recognition of a member of the Lumbee Tribe.

Love Is All Around

Sometimes, people just put you in a good mood. The above photo was taken a few weeks ago in the 300 block of South Elm Street. To the right, you see members of the Jehovah Witness congregation ready to talk to anyone who wants to learn more about their faith or attend a service in a Kingdom Hall.

To the left a you see a downtown shopper with a canine companion. Just seeing the two of them bouncing up Elm Street, exuding great joy,  put all of us in a great mood. It is a 21st century photo with the optimistic, "feel good" vibe of the Mary Tyler Moore Show from the 1970s. Today is Saturday and we suggest you head downtown on Elm Street, not just to seek joy but to bring some joy to those around you.

Happy Saturday!

Downtown Greensboro: First Friday July 2023

Look how lively Greensboro is in the above photo. It was taken at the South 300 block of Elm Street, actually at Hamburger Square during Fun Fourth. It lets you see that if the Greensboro hosts and advertises an event, the public will attend. It was really hot on the Fourth and just beyond the railroad tracks, a hydrating fire truck from Station 10 was there to the delight of children and canines alike.

First Friday is another great event and local businesses work hard to keep downtown lively and it is today. From 6-9pm tonight, there is a lot to do in the Greensboro Cultural Center on Davie Street. There will be shopping, open galleries, live performances, and more. There is still the program where for each $25 you spend downtown, you enter your receipt into a drawing and have the chance to win $500. The business where you spent the money wins $500 also. We know several businesses that have won. We're still trying for the big win. There is also a Grasshoppers game. How will you spend your day and evening?

Happy Friday!

 

Westover Terrace & Friendly Avenue

 The above photo, taken earlier this week,  is on West Friendly Avenue at Westover Terrace. Much construction in this area took place in the late 1930s and early 1940s and it has continued to evolve over the decades.  This is the part of Greensboro where the cluster of locally owned shops is trying to rebrand as West End. There is a consignment shop, restaurants, a designer and home furnishing store, a sewing shop, and more. If you are looking for stay-cation ideas, and you don't know about "West End", consider having lunch at one of these restaurants and visiting another store or two. Since the weekend is upon us, this would be a good time to do so.

As you can tell, this is a view heading east, into downtown. The sky was looking rather dramatic on the day the photo was taken.  On the horizon, the city's iconic beacon, the Lincoln Financial Group (LFG) building, attracts our attention and always helps us navigate the city. Dare we say, all roads lead to LFG? This photo gives you a good view of the rolling hills around town, proof positive that we are in the Piedmont region, between the mountains and the flatlands at the coast.

Happy Friday!

Heading East on West McGee

This week is already mid-June and Greensboro's Summer Solstice Festival will be in two Saturdays- start planning your costume. The above photo was taken this past Saturday, downtown on West McGee Street, right beside Little Brother Brewing, across from Just Be. We're not sure why so many people landed downtown; perhaps they were parents of students at college orientation. We just enjoyed seeing people walking two-by-two en route to Elm Street. We were also struck by the geometric shapes seen in this view, giving Greensboro a "big city" look.

Speaking of downtown, do you know about the Passport Program? For every $25 you spend in a downtown establishment, you get an entry into the PassPort Program. From now until September 1st, the more you spend, the more entries you have. Each week, one shopper will win $500 and the establishment the item, food, or service was purchased from will win $500. See details here. We've never won, bet we know people who have. The opportunity is real!

Happy Monday!

Yesterday Afternoon, Along Battleground

Yesterday afternoon was a busy one on Battleground Avenue in front of McKays, Ghassans, and all the way down to Kickback Jack's. We're not exactly sure what work was being done, but there were multiple trucks and crews working quickly and efficiently. While the two, rightmost, southbound lanes of traffic were closed, traffic moved rather efficiently. Just beyond the frame of the photo, several workers on the ground were working to ensure their crews were safe and that traffic was flowing smoothly. If you know the nature of the work being done, please let us know. Hopefully, the work was completed yesterday and commutes today will not be affected.

Happy Eid-Al-Fitr to our Muslim friends in Greensboro.

Happy Friday!

Enjoying the Trains on South Elm

Greensboro still remains a great train town. People who live, work, and travel on South Elm Street are keenly aware of how often trains travel through town. Often, train aficionados hang out near the tracks at Hamburger Square, just to admire trains going by. Of course, for impatient pedestrians and drivers, it is possible to go under the tracks at Wast McGee Street. However, there aren't many places where one can get this close to trains and legally cross the tracks in Greensboro. To help orient you to our vantage point, the white water tower in the center of the photo is located by Bennett College.

While the above aren't passenger trains, it is interesting to note that at the peak of passenger travel through Greensboro in the 1940s, more than 40 passenger trains came through the J. Douglas Gaylon Depot on East Washington Street daily. As of 2022, annual station ridership was 114, o46 and annual ticket revenue was over $4,000,000.* Needless to say, rail travel for people and freight remains big business for Greensboro. If you are looking for something to do this summer, consider having an adventure on Amtrak, even if you are only able to arrange a "day-cation."

Happy Monday!

 

* reference and more information.

View From the 300 Block of South Elm Street: Lincoln Financial Group

Yesterday afternoon, the weather was perfect in downtown Greensboro. This view from the 300 block of South Elm Street shows the trees as they are just about to fully leaf out. The billowy, white cloud in the sky was there just before the strong storm hit. The Lincoln Financial Group Building stands tall, reminding us of how iconic it has been to Greensboro's skyline.We love the way the leaves that are starting to bloom dominate the upper foreground of this photo. If you get a chance, head downtown and see all of the beauty that Greensboro has to offer. We still want to call Greensboro's first skyscraper the Jefferson-Pilot building, but Jefferson-Pilot merged with Lincoln Financial Group in 2006. So, after 17 years, we need to refer to the building as LFG. Whatever you call it, the building defines the downtown skyline and makes Greensboro feel like home. The weather should be nice today. Please head downtown and around town to support our local businesses.

Have a great weekend. We hope the storm wasn't too hard on you. Happy Saturday and thank you for reading. 

Guilford Works NC Works NextGen

Yesterday was a sunny, beautiful day downtown. While we were standing on West Washington Street to photograph the building on the southeast corner of West Washington and South Greene Street, a policeman on a bicycle rode by. The police station is just down the street, so, likely, he was heading back to the office. We wanted to photograph the building on the right, because we noticed a new business: Guilford County NCworks Nextgen Young Adult Program. It is a free service serving young adults from ages 16-24 years of age. They can learn about jobs and internships, get training and earn credentials, and get career counseling. Today from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, they are holding a workshop for resume building. During the time time slot, they will have a mobile career center parked at Urban Ministries. It sounds like an opportunity for people to get help and to build hope. The building looks so fabulous and inviting. If you look closely at the windows, you can see the vinyl wrap that adds a pop of color and makes the place stand out. With this signage, 301 South Greene Street is hard to miss.

We hope you enjoy your Thursday and we hope you get a chance to drive around downtown and see what is new since the last time you were there. That is one of our favorite passimtes.

Here is a link to start checking and see if you qualify. For those who are interested, there is also a High Point location at 607Idol Street.

The Guilford College Bryan Series, Ronan Farrow, and an Almost Full Moon

While the full moon is not technically until tomorrow night, it was looking pretty full last night. The April full moon is known as the pink moon because of the pink phlox that blooms this time of year in the eastern United States. This view of downtown, taken from Commerce Place, is the perfect spot to get a good view of the Lincoln Financial Group building. We stumbled on this vantage point by chance as it was a good place to park and walk to the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

Last night was the final lecture of the Guilford College Bryan Series. Accomplished Journalist Ronan Farrow was the guest speaker. By chance, he was speaking to us on the night he was also meeting deadlines to write about yesterday's court appearance of former President Trump.  This case was a topic of conversation, especially at the beginning of Ronan Farrow's presentation. Ronan Farrow also talked about the nature of journalism, the future of journalism, and how journalism has impacted his life, personally. He acknowledged that his world view is reflected in his journalism, but he tries not to polarize readers and to present news objectively. He likes to tell important stories and endeavors to "crisply render a fact pattern". That last quote provides insight into how talented Ronan Farrow is at putting words, phrases, and sentences together in a way that precisely describes a point he is trying to make. At a mere 31 years old, he has accomplished so much: a law degree from Yale, a Ph.D from Oxford University, time as U.S. foreign service junior diplomat, a Pulitzer Prize winner, author, podcaster, journalist, and so much more. Greensboro is  lucky to have access to internationally recognized speakers through the Bryan Series. We are fortunate to have the Tanger Center. It is so special to have lovely nights in early spring, and streets that are walkable, where we can reflect on everything from the beauty of our city and the almost-full moon to the importance of ethical journalism.

Happy Wednesday!

Train on Tracks

Yesterday afternoon, we were fascinated to watch a freight train stopped at South Elm Street for at least an hour. We asked a young man who was waiting and photographing it. He said he had been waiting for 50 minutes and that usually a stopped train indicates another one is on the track. He appeared to be quite a train aficionado. Greensboro is a great city for train lovers. We have both freight and passenger trains. As a matter of fact Greensboro got its nickname, Gate City, for being a gateway rail city. Here is a North Carolina rail map showing which freight and passenger trains travel through Greensboro.  

The above view is of Hamburger Square. Notice how nice the train trestle looks. The green and white paint makes it a stand out. Fortunately, with this underpass, pedestrians and cars can move through Elm Street, instead of having to wait for trains. People who work downtown probably know the train schedule by heart!

Happy Thursday, from the Gate City!

Spring Has Spring on Oak Street

Yesterday, we were out along Oak Street in the Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro. We noticed the bulbs planned at the house on the corner of Oak and McCormick. The flowers are healthy, having  weathered the recent cold weather. Blooming flowers are such a part of Greensboro landscapes in spring. 

The house in the background is a 2 bedroom 1 bath house built in 1915. This 108 year old house on the corner lot has so much yesteryear charm. The porch is inviting, the windows look like the original, and the bulbs are a simple row that look like they could have been there since the beginning. Remember if you get any pots of bulbs you can plant them and keep enjoying their beauty, year after year. This cooler weather we have had in Greensboro is actually good for bulbs. According to Dutch Grown, tulips will last for 1-2 weeks if the weather is between 45-55 degrees. However, if the weather is warmer, they will only last for a few days. We'll stop back and have a look after Friday, when the temperature is expected to be in the 80s. In the meantime, if you want to see them at peak, head over today!

Happy Thursday!

901 Spring Garden Street: High on a Hill in College Hill

901 Spring Garden Street looked absolutely spectacular on Sunday afternoon when the air was cold but the sunshine was glorious. If you have been around for a while, you likely remember the days in the early 1990s when Mary Garvey had her shop here (The Clothesline). Mary had a talent for finding clothing for college students and faculty. You never knew what you would find there, or who you would find shopping there. Next, Adelaide's Vintage was there- with more emphasis on home goods.

Fast forward to now and Vanderveen Photographers have a studio there.  As they say on their website, "Becky and Bert Vanderveen have been together in life and photography since 1999, capturing art, beautiful moments and dynamic events along the way." Both have degrees from UNCG and their studio is only a block from the Weatherspoon Art Gallery. It seems like 901 Spring Garden would be perfect for a studio: good lighting, conveniently located, and off street parking. We hope to get to interview them sometime and to get a peek inside and see exactly how they have transformed the space. Just look at how well appointed that corner view is and how that white brick and fence sparkle of spring's sunshine. Does anyone know the original use of this building, built in 1961?

Happy Wednesday!

Full Moon 0n Westover Terrace

Evenings have been so lovely in Greensboro this week. The above photo was taken when we were in "West End" getting food at Wylie's Gourmet- from their parking lot. As we sat in the car, looking east, we noticed just how lovely the lighting at twilight was. While the moon was full, it doesn't show up very will in the photo. Regardless, it helps illuminate the sky. The cement curb, framing the parking lot, adds contrast and yet another line in the photograph.

Spring has definitely sprung in Greensboro. As you can in the trees on the left, deciduous trees have begun to regain their leaves. While telephone poles detect from photos, sometimes, if you build them into the photo, they can actually enhance a view. They sure did help draw in the eye and focal point in the above photo.

Happy Thursday!

From Beef (Burger) to (Timmy's) Chicken

Ralph Harvis brought Beef Burger to Greensboro in 1971 where it remained open until 2021. The iconic building at 1040 W Gate City Boulevard has remained closed and dormant since Ralph's death in 2021.  On January 26, 2023, WFMY ran a segment, sharing that Beef Burger will become Timmy's Hot Chicken- already a  popular restaurant in Winston-Salem. Not unlike that ever-popular Chick-Fil-A, Timmy's will have a limited, but tasty, menu. Owner Timothy Walker reports that there is much work that needs to be done to bring the venue up to 21st century standards and to pass inspections. He hopes to maintain the feel of the Beef Burger at his chicken restaurant. 

In the photo, you can see UNCG's John Moyer Sink Sr. building with a smokestack right behind the former Beef Burger. However, the railroad tracks- still in use- run between Beef Burger and UNCG.  (800 Oakland Avenue); so, this is a case of close, yet oh so far. At the left, front corner of the building, you can see the dumpster used to clear out items that need replacing. It is expected to open to this summer. To be sure, we'll store this in a before/after file.

See the WFMY News 2 article here.   See an older GDP write up here.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Heavenly Buffaloes

Heavenly Buffaloes is a brick and mortar restaurant at 356 South Elm Street. However, they also have a truck that always catches our attention, especially when we see it parked on W. McGee Street downtown. Heavenly Buffaloes got their start in Durham, NC in 2014, but now also has locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro. They pride themselves on using high quality ingredients, local and for the chicken wings, antibiotic free. They also have vegan (soy nugget) wings, made from a recipe they perfected over a year. They offer many flavors of sauce and levels of heat. 

It is nice to see a local (well, down the road) business doing well and, who knows, they could keep growing and expand to other states, like Biscuitville and Cook Out. Sundays- Tuesdays, HB is only open until 10:00 pm, but other nights until midnight. It is always nice to be able to grab a late night snack. We're always looking for new places to get a quick bite to eat when downtown. 

Happy Thursday! 

Green & West Lindsay Streets

Spring 2023 has sprung early in Greensboro this year. The above photo was taken on Sunday, February 26th at the corner of West Lindsay and North Greene Street. You can see Bradford Pears blossoming on the northwest corner. From this view, with three men crossing the street, the intersection looks vast. Although it isn't so noticeable in the photo, this is a part of town that has changed significantly over the recent years. It is near the greenway; is is near the building where the Smith Street Diner was housed; several new restaurants have opened in this northwest corridor and the cleaners that was on Paisley Street has closed and something new is being built. Of course the Tanger Center for Performing Arts is a great addition to this part of town. Finally, all the new housing options make this a part of town where you can walk to many amenities.

Remaining constant in this area is the trifecta of churches in the area: Trinity Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and  St. Benedict Catholic Church. And thinking of "faith" we want to give a shout out to our faithful reader Ginny S. in Madison, Wisconsin who has no real associations with Greensboro, but reads diligently and sends private comments from time to time. Knowing you all are reading sustains us.

Happy Tuesday! Tomorrow is March 1st!

Christ Is the Way

The "Christ is the Way" or "Jesucristo es el camino" bus belongs to Mr. Sinai Church/"Iglesia Monte Sinai." It is located at 4711-A  West Gate City Boulevard, just south of Groometown Road. It ia a Pentecostal Church. The brick building is a strip mall with another church beside it and some empty store fronts. The bus looks freshly painted with clear lettering.

On the front, the signage above the windshield just says JESUCRISTO. Likely, the bus brings to church for services. They meet on Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am. They also have Tuesday and Thursday services at 7:00 pm. These start up churches often start out in humble spaces and grow into nice, stand-alone buildings. It was a lovely day full of sunshine yesterday and we only noticed the church because of the beautiful, freshly painted church. If you are driving past, it is impossible not to notice it.

Happy Sunday!

1633 Willomore Street

The day we were in Glenwood to see the Tiny Home property, we noticed this property, also on Willomore. It was built in 1901 and doesn't appear to have been sold since 1990, when it sold for $40,000. It is one of those homes that remind one of yesteryear. Time stands still on this 1/3 of an acre. The two bedroom, one bathroom house looks like it has been added on to, on the left. 

The original log home and chinking has been going strong for over 120 years. Of course we have as many questions as answers. We wonder how many owners it has had, what the inside looks like, what changes the owners have seen in the neighborhood over the years. What they love most about it- on and on. Perhaps we should call on them some day, just like people used to do back when it was built. We could knock and see if we could chat on the porch for a spell. Taking a plate of warm cookies might do the trick. 

What will you be doing this weekend?  Happy Friday!

 

Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church

Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church is located at 3100 Creek Ridge Road, at the intersection with Four Seasons Boulevard. It is between Four Seasons Mall and Sedgefield, on the eastern edge of the Lamrocton neighborhood in Greensboro. Did you even know of this neighborhood? We didn't! It is amazing what one can learn from a good map.* If our source is correct, Lamrocton  is a diverse neighborhood of Danish, Sub-Saharan African, and Vietnamese residents. It also reports having many college students and same-sex couples. 

We drove past Mt. Tabor UMC serendipitously when we took exit 218A instead of B in south Greensboro. While the church doesn't appear to have a website, they do have a Facebook page. According to the cornerstone, the church was rebuilt by Rev. P.I. Wells in 1953, but is doesn't say when the original church was built. There is a fellowship building attached to the side of the church. It was added on in 1965. The church participates in community events like Crop Hunger Walk, and they also host their own events, like fish fries.  Behind the church is a cemetery. In Christian tradition, Mt. Tabor is the site of the transfiguration of Jesus. 

We hope Rev. Carson and his congregation have a great service today and that your Sunday is everything you hoped it would be.

 

*read more about Lamrocton, here. 

Winter Trees

Today's photo comes from our adventure exploring the eastern end of the county; the place where you are on a country road exploring and not sure if you are in Whitsett, Gibsonville, or even across the Alamance County line into Elon. The outbuilding above is one of about nine on a property at the corner of Frieden Church Road and Sweeetgum Road. Every one of the outbuildings is old, but has signs of being loved. Above, you see a cross and an American flag. In one, there are life-size pigs, maybe made of plaster or plastic. Beside another, there is a vintage truck. The two bedroom one bath house, built in 1930, is on 9.3 acres of property. This family has a little slice of paradise. As land gets sold off around them, we hope they hold on and keep all of their mature trees. One of our regular, long-time readers commented how much she likes trees in winter. We do, too!  These trees, in their dormant state and towering over the outbuilding with the hand-hewn logs, are breathtaking. The winter, low to the horizon sun, adds so much to the shading of the trees.

Happy Tuesday! Are you ready for February tomorrow?

 

On North Battleground and Around the City

The above photo was taken on North Battleground, near British Woods, on a day that had been rainy, but then the sun came out. Those puffy white clouds look glorious against the blue sky and the winter trees. It shows you that there are still patches of Battleground with trees. However, the profile of this section is about to change; as it is near where the High Ground Project will be build, but maybe we can keep some of the greenery. This is very close to where the urban loop I-840 crosses Battleground. The signage has been changed to I-840 already now that the highway is completely open. It makes getting to Kernersville, Winston, McLeansville and Burlington much easier. Actually, it makes getting in to south Greensboro easier too. It will be interesting to see if that traffic is a little lighter now on the south side of town.

We need to get out an photograph this area more. The area between Westridge and I-840 in now six lanes wide. Change is everywhere. There is construction across from Applebee's. Also, for those of you who remember Laddies and Dukes Irish Pub, something is under construction in that area. It is so hard to remember what used to be on a lot, once something new is built. Please take pictures!

We hope you are getting ready for the weekend and we're betting a lot of you are planning urban loop rides. It would be informative, too, to drive from North Battleground at the urban loop through town to the south side to see just how much has changed. Take a senior citizen with your to hear the "I remember when" stories.

Honk if you love exploring. Happy Thursday!

Ebenezer Baptist in the Yarn Bombed Yard

The Glenwood neighborhood of Greensboro is so full of creative people. If you live in Glenwood, likely, you have seen the Ebenezer Baptist Church bus parked in the yard that is yarn bombed in memory of Joseph. Joseph died on December 12, 2012 and thirteen years later, the yarn bombing continues to grow. This tree trunk in the photo is one of many trees in the yard filled with color. The day we were there, birds and squirrels were romping around on the yarn- probably helping keep it bug free. 

Ebenezer Baptist is located at 2700 West Vandalia Road. In 14 years of Sundays with spiritual posts on Greensboro Daily Photo (which would be over 700) , it appears we haven't featured Ebenezer Baptist yet! Oh well, that is the kind of carrot dangling that keeps us traipsing Greensboro, ever in search of new people and places. According to their website, the church is committed to helping people experience a life connected to Christ. They believe in evangelism, fellowship, and Christian family relationships. If you are interested, they have 8:45 am and 10:45 am in-person services. Their 10:00 am service is online. 

The next time we are at the corner of Hertford and Lexington in Glenwood, especially if we see someone in the yard, we're going to stop by and learn about Joseph and his relationship to the people in the house. We will also ask if the driver of the Ebenezer bus is the person yarn bombing. Well, we hope you have a happy Sunday and that you have people in your life who love you as much as this resident loved Joseph. The whole scene reminded us of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"-  Glenwood style.

Highway 61 in Eastern Guilford County

On our jaunt through through east Greensboro and eastern Guilford County last weekend, we spent some time on Highway 61. The above photo was taken on the section between Burlington Road (east Wenedover, Highway 70) and I 40. The photo was taken in front of a road with a few houses on it. The lots were large and the construction appeared to be new. Due to recent rains, this area looked like it had recently filled with water. With the sun low to the horizon and the shadows long, the scenery was beautiful. It reminded us of a bald cypress swamp. We were struck by how clean the water was. The bed of leaves added texture to the edge of the water. 

If you are ever looking for a Sunday drive, Highway 61 extends from Highway 150 up near Browns Summit, through Whitsett, down below I-40 to Highway 62. There are homes all along the way and the road has gotten busier over the last decade. It is the main north-south highway in eastern Guilford County. It is considered a farm to market highway, historically connecting farmers to nearby markets. It was established in 1930. The internet can be such a wonderful thing. There is a Wikipedia entry for Highway 61. It is short, but it provides provenance for the road (see HERE). It would be special if people who lived along the road and who knew the history of the area would add to the entry. 

Happy Friday, explore day! Where should we go next?

Eugene Street

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

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

Happy Thursday!

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management & Building

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, operated by Bank of America, is located at 800 Green Valley Road at the intersection of Lendew Street. Our State Magazine, and other businesses, are also located in the building. The building is a 5-story, class A office building. It was built in 2001 on a 6.62 acre lot. Already over 20 years old, the building seems to be aging well and is attention catching with all of those glass windows, especially when the sun is setting.

In the area near Green Valley Road between Westover Terrace and Benjamin Parkway , and even down to Friendly Avenue, is a part of town that really feels like an office park. The area is only about 10 miles from the airport. It looks like there is a good view from the top. Maybe we can try to  get up there. Have you been up on the 5th floor? That reminds us, we still haven't given up on the dream of getting to the top of the Lincoln Financial Group building. That has to be a great view! Maybe 2023 will be the year.

Happy Friday 13th! If you are working, at 800 Green Valley or elsewhere, we hope you have a three-day weekend.

Lovely Green Home at 806 Fairmont Street

The Westerwood subdivision of Greensboro dates to 1919. This 2-story, green beauty, built in 1925, is located at 806 Fairmont Street. This vibrant house is inspiring us feature a Greensboro home in each of the the rainbow colors. While not in rainbow order, the first up is GREEN. This 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home recently sold in 2020. The home was renovated and painted before it sold, and it almost sparkles in the sunlight. The yard is rather small, but well cared for; look at that mortarless, dry stone wall and inviting front porch.  This home is characteristic of Westerwood: Curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appea

Westerwood is a neighborhood conducive to walking  and is known for its mature trees.  Westerwood residents are community-minded.  Another special feature of the neighborhood is the they have maintained records regarding its history. In October, Westerwood holds an art walk, Art & Sole,  where artists open their studios or porches to people. COVID cancelled it for a while. Let's hope the event is back up and running this fall. There are so many artists in Westerwood!

Happy Tuesday! Please recommend a red, orange, yellow, blue, or purple house for us to photograph. 

Bicycling in Greensboro

With New Year's resolutions, the local gyms have been busy and with the nice weather, people have been out running, walking, and bicycling. Last night, we were enjoying some urban walking downtown and saw many people out on their bicycles. Just after sunset, the weather was warm and damp, but not raining; perfect for being outside. This was one group we noticed coming through Hamburger Square. There were others on bicycles downtown.  If you notice, there was someone in front of Natty Greene's.

As Greensboro gets more bike lanes and greenway miles, the city is becoming more bike friendly; bicycling, as a sport and as  a mode of transportation, appears to be increasing. If you want to learn more about riding, local bike shops are a great place to start. Find a bike shop with the kind of cycling you like to do and start asking questions, keep your gear working well, and find opportunities for group rides. Greensboro has over 90 miles of trails and greenway.  Here is trail and greenway information in Greensboro.  Here is a list of traffic laws applicable to NC bicyclists. 

Happy Wednesday! 

 

 

Christmas Spirit at 1012 Jefferson

If you've driven down Jefferson Road, between Hobbs Road and Friendly Avenue, you've probably noticed there is quite a bit of Christmas spirit there. Christmas inflatables are out in full force, looking especially lovely at night. The above scene is at the corner of Jefferson and Somerset Place, a home that keeps this scene inflated, even during the day. The first thing you notice is the quartet of doggies greeting you with a candy cane. With this cold weather we've been having, we're awfully glad these puppies are not real. Oh, but in the world of Christmas, they are real to all who believe.

The above house was built in 1977 on a half acre lot, and if realtor.com is correct, has had the same owners for the last 21 years. The owners have been bringing the community Christmas cheer for many of those years. With the house set back from the road, there is plenty of room to fill the lawn with decorations. Each year, we've really come to expect seeing a lot of decorations at Jefferson Gardens and Carriage Hills. This are is developing its niche in inflatables, something festive, but different from the round balls of light, up in the trees, so famous in Sunset Hills. Have a great Wednesday. Remember it is the winter solstice. After today, days will start getting longer, with more minutes of light, that is.

Downtown at Holliday Circle

This Friday is  First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Are you ready? Downtown is ready for us. The above photo is the General Nathanael Greene Statue at Holliday Circle- 405 South Greene Street. General Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the person for whom Greensboro is named. The 22' tall bronze statue is on an 10' granite base.  Greensboro artist James Barnhill is the sculptor. It was dedicated on March 28, 2008. It was placed there as part of the Greensboro Bicentennial in that same year. *  Sculptor James Barnhill's work is featured prominently throughout Greensboro. He is a retired faculty member at NCA&T State University.  The round-about, Holliday Circle, is named for Keith A. Holliday who served our mayor from 1999 to 2007. So, this circle holds so much history for our city.

The photo was taken from the west, looking east, towards Hamburger Square. This historic area will be busy this Friday. Here is a list of holiday happenings in Downtown Greensboro. You won't want to miss these events. During COVID,  Downtown Greensboro (#DGSO) a local non-profit did a fabulous job of finding things to engage the community. Some of these events- like Tinsel Town- remain. Friday is on target to be beautiful weather. It is only Tuesday and we can hardly wait!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

Strolling Along Elm Street

Happy day before Thanksgiving. Downtown is starting to feel festive. Shoppers are visiting stores and galleries to find those special gifts. Warm cups of coffee taste so good on these cooler days. The above photo was taken in front of the Green Bean Coffee Shop on the 300 block of South Elm Street. This is such a dynamic part of Elm Street.

In seven days, it will be December. In nine, it will be time for the Festival of Lights. Just like the two identified guys in the photo who were walking at a very brisk pace, it seems like November has flown by. Those of us at Greensboro Daily Photo wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. The public school students of Greensboro have five days home with family. May you savor every moment of your time together.

Happy Wednesday!

The Big White House at 2700 Courtney Lane

This house at 2700 Courtney Lane is located at the corner of Wilton Drive, between New Irving Park and Brookwood Gardens. The three bedroom, three bathroom stick-built house was constructed in 1963 on 1/3 acre. We happened upon it one morning when we were out walking after stopping by the chicken dinner sale at Irving Park UMC. We were struck by how beautiful the house looks against the autumn foliage. The house is just a stone's throw away from Mendenhall Middle School, easy walking distance.

The house happens to be for sale and it is so special to know what a home looks like in the fall. This golden glow is pretty special, even though the leaves are past prime. Greensboro sure has some lovely neighborhoods and homes. Which Greensboro neighborhoods do you enjoy walking in? Today, in Greensboro, the temperature should rise to the mid 50ºs and it should be partly sunny. It just might be a good day to take in a walk.

Happy Wednesday! 

 

View from Hamburger Square

This is the view of West McGee Street from the middle of Hamburger Square- the intersection of McGee with South Elm Street. Just Be Gifts  is to the left, Little Brother Brewing to the right, and Natty Greene's Restaurant just behind us. At the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd, there will be standing-room-only in this square. In the background, center of the photo, you can see Nathanael Greene statue- local artist Jim Barnhill was commissioned to sculpt it. To the right in the background is the newly opened Hampton Inn. We're betting it will sell out for the Festival of Lights/First Friday. Look at how convenient it is to downtown! Although the scene looks empty and gray in today's post, it will be crowded and full of color when everyone is downtown on December 2nd. 

If you have a teen learning to drive, McGee is a good place to practice. As you can see, the lanes are clearly marked, AND, if you look at the diamond-shaped, yellow warning sign on the right, there is a round about. Round-abouts are becoming more popular in Greensboro. It is a good idea to practice navigating them- with or without a novice driver!

Happy Tuesday! A big thank you Katja Brown who alerted us to the fact that today's post hadn't published!