Kristi Benedict – Page 2

//What’s Going On? February 4, 2021//

Local arts! Local history! Local Food!
Plus flowers, lunchboxes, and Valentine’s Day is coming!

// The Good News //

The city of Greensboro has a vibrant public art scene and it’s only getting better. Murals and various art installations have been popping up at parks, on shops & buildings, and along the newly completed sections of the greenway. This kaleidoscopic paisley bridge mural at Morehead Park off of Spring Garden St. is one of the more recent to pop up, painted by local artist Darlene McClinton and her Creative Minds Team.

// Did You Know? //

Dr. George Simkins Jr. brought about the desegregation of Greensboro’s Gillespie Golf Course and Moses Cone Hospital, integrated Wachovia Bank’s hiring practices, and much more? It is through his efforts that discrimination is prohibited in publicly owned places in the United States. This statue of Dr. Simkins is on the grounds of the old Guilford County Courthouse (near the statue that looks like Darth Vader’s helmet, both can be seen from Market St.)

The Greensboro History Museum will be discussing his legacy and the effort to film a documentary about his life this Friday, February 5th, from noon to 12:30, during their History Lunch Break series.

// Local Flavor //

The Historic Magnolia Manor is offering Shoebox lunches every Thursday-Saturday from 11am-3pm for pickup or delivery. Check out their menu, with a side of history about why Black travelers would carry “shoebox” lunches during the Jim Crow era. We’re going to order the Magnolia’s Chicken & Bombay Toast with a side of …ooh, um, gosh, we can’t decide!

// Spaces //

It’s tough to decide which makes you happier, the space behind The Tiny Greenhouse with this cheerful (and appropriate) mural, or the inside (definitely the inside!) – with it’s vast collection of tiny houseplants clad in adorable clay and fabric pots, art supplies and gifts. Either way, both are worth a visit!

// Things to Do //

Need an idea for a fun activity for Valentine’s Day? The Greensboro Parks and Rec is offering a Valentine’s Day “Date Night Kit” with craft, chocolate treat to make and conversation game starters for you and your love to enjoy. Reserve your kit online for $20 and pick it up on Feb 12th at your nearest rec center.

// Parting Shot //

@coolgreensboro

Know something interesting about Greensboro that we should share? Email us here.

//Let’s Take A Hike! January 28, 2021//

Lots of new trails coming!
Plus local chocolate bars, a free concert, and a Master Plan!

// The Good News //

Friend’s Home has donated over six and a half acres of their property to connect and enhance their campus trails to the Bicentennial Greenway. This grows our already extensive trail network – Greensboro has almost 100 miles of trails and greenways, with more planned!

Greensboro’s Plan2Play Parks and Rec Master Plan is quite extensive and works to connect eleven greenways and trail systems throughout the city? The Master Plan also has a cool history of our city’s growth, parks, and economy. Definitely worth a quick flip through!

// Local Flavor //

Valentine’s Day is approaching and we’ll make it easy for you – get your loved one (or yourself!) a chocolate bar (or two!) from Joyland Provisions. This company roasts their cocoa beans and pours their bars right here in Greensboro! We usually get our bars at the Greensboro Farmer’s Curb Market, but you can also find them at Scuppernong, Design Archives & online.

// Things To Do //

We’ve always wanted to experience UNCG School of Music’s Collage performance, and this year they are making it easy to watch from the comfort of your home! Just like the name implies, there will be a variety of musical performances that are sure to delight any music lover. Hit the trails during the day on Saturday and then sit back and enjoy this musical performance as a great way to end your day. They will be live streaming this Saturday night, January 30th at 7:30pm. Donations will be accepted and will go towards scholarships for their music students.

// Spaces //

This is one of our favorite spaces and we visit it often since the mural changes every once in a while. Painted by muralist Gina Elizabeth Franco, this one was up this spring, there’s a new one up now. You can visit it behind Savor The Moment Bakery on Davie St. in downtown Greensboro.

// Parting Shot //

@coolgreensboro

Thank you for reading, we hope you like it. If you do, sign up here to get our weekly newsletter! Know something interesting about Greensboro that we should share? Email us here.

//What’cha Cravin’? January 21, 2021//

Is it tacos? It’s tacos, right?
Plus exciting new developments, our very own YouTube star, and sunsets!

// The Good News //

Downtown is growing, but there’s still tons of potential. This is a photo of downtown Greensboro from the front entrance of the J. Douglas Galyon train depot. The lot across the street and adjacent buildings (including the former News & Record offices) is a huge piece of land. Imagine tourists getting off the train and walking out of the station doors and seeing…??? What would you like to see in this space to lure visitors to Greensboro?

// Local Flavor //

Everyday is Taco Tuesday for us! So today we sampled the Big Tacos at Taco In The Box. Drive thru only, head to 3204 E. Bessemer Ave and grab a three-pack. We loved how they grilled the cheese on homemade tortillas. Try the pork Big Tacos with a side of green sauce.

// Did You Know? //

Greensboro has a famous YouTuber? PeterDraws (aka Peter Deligdisch) has almost 1 million subscribers to his channel where he records himself drawing these beautifully intricate pen-and-ink fantasies, speeds it up, and adds commentary over it. You’ll be mesmerized by his talent, soothed by his meditation-worthy voice, and laugh at his dry rumination on whatever he’s thinking about that day, which is sometimes… leggings?

// Spaces //

This week it’s… O-U-T-E-R S-P-A-C-E
Last week we took our telescope and headed to the top floor of one of Greensboro’s parking decks to catch the rare conjunction of the planetary trio Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury. Though we weren’t able to see all three planets, we still enjoyed a beautiful sunset and camaraderie with other planet watchers atop the parking deck. Here are some other cool space and sky events happening in 2021.

// Progress Report //

This may not look like much, but it is a very exciting development! It’s the site of the old USPS sorting facility on the corner of E. Market St. and S. Dudley St. catty-corner to the NCA&T campus. They’re moving dirt, and it’s soon to become Bailey Village at New Downtown East, a multi-use project including shops and apartments, connecting NCA&T to downtown! Interesting history about the restoration of the East Market Street corridor here.

// Parting Shot //

//What’s Cookin’? January 14, 2021//

And the answer is… bananas. Plus new businesses, hot drinks, outdoor spaces & Project Slugger !

Hello, Greensboro!

// The Good News //

Downtown Greensboro is anticipating six (SIX!!!) new businesses opening up soon, and they all sound delicious. Here’s the list:
Bourbon Bowl (531 S. Elm St.)
Lewis & Elm wine bar (600 S. Elm Street)
Radici (214 S Elm St.)
Seafood Destiny (106 Barnhardt St.)
Savor the Moment Bakery (124 N Davie St.)
One Thirteen Brewhouse + Rooftop Bar (113 N Greene St.)
And open now:
Oh Goodness Bakery (631-A S. Elm St. *Shown above!)
Luxe Soulfood and Cocktails (403 N. Elm St.)
and…

// Local Flavor //

Cookie’s Café is now open serving coffee, tea, mochas and snacks outside the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, on the corner of Elm Street and February One. Go say hello to Cookie and get a “Judy’s Hug” – a cup of hot Russian Tea – perfect on a cold winter’s day!

// Did You Know? //

The term “banana republic” was coined by Greensboro’s own O. Henry? After “borrowing” money from the bank he worked at to pay for his wife’s medical bills, he hid out in Honduras. While there, he watched as corrupt government officials taxed the bananas exported by American companies, pocketing the cash, and then ended up deposed by coups backed by those same corporate interests. That sparked the idea for a term that’s stuck. Bananas, right?

// Spaces //

This week’s space is the outdoors. Greensboro has a great system of nature trails, and the west entrance of Laurel Bluffs enchants you with a stroll through this bamboo forest! Located on the right just past the entrance to Lake Brandt Marina if you’re coming from downtown. Click the link for more info on this and our city’s other great hiking trails!

// Progress Report //

The building at First National Bank Field, home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, is now open for use. Businesses have started moving in to the “Project Slugger” building along with an FNB branch on the first floor with available corner retail space. This office building is the latest change to Greensboro’s cityscape. The newly completed city parking deck to the left will service demand from the building and an anticipated hotel.

// Parting Shot //

We’re going to miss the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade this year! Our favorite part every year is experiencing the High School marching bands. If you’d like some ideas on how to spend this National Day of Service, check out The Volunteer Center of the Triad.