This is a classic, well-known view of downtown Greensboro in July. The photo was taken from the South 300 block, near Hamburger Square. The flags let us know it is July. The flower baskets confirm it is summer. The Jefferson Standard, Jefferson Pilot, ...
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Downtown Greensboro in July


This is a classic, well-known view of downtown Greensboro in July. The photo was taken from the South 300 block, near Hamburger Square. The flags let us know it is July. The flower baskets confirm it is summer. The Jefferson Standard, Jefferson Pilot, Lincoln Financial Group building firmly anchors the photo in downtown Greensboro.

The fact that, late afternoon, the streets were fairly empty speaks to the fact that the "J" months are the most challenging for the retail world. Plus, many of the downtown businesses  become more lively as night approaches. Likely, the crowds will be back on First Friday, August 1st, in two weeks. There are so many places to linger downtown. All of the coffee shops are conducive to reading, socializing, and working on laptops while sipping creative hot and cold drinks.  Scuppernong is a great place to purchase a book and sit around and read it. There are new and used books, and the employees will help you find a book that perfectly suits your taste. See you downtown this weekend. Look for us reading local author James Dodson's latest book, "The Road that America Made." We can't wait to earn more about the role Greensboro and the Quakers played and how they are featured in the book.

Happy Friday!

 

      

Chandlers Coffee Shop & Jazz on Wednesday


Last night, the weather was perfect to head downtown and listen to music. Chandlers, located at 341 South Elm Street, had the perfect live music event. Wednesdays is jazz night. The music playing when we were there was the Gate City Trio. Those of us who were there really enjoyed the music. From 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., they offer wine by the glass at half price. Indeed, it was a great community event that brought people in from all over.  Those who wanted to focus on the music sat up front. Those who wanted to socialize, with music in the background, sat just beyond the bar.

If you are a jazz aficionado, Thursdays is jazz night at the O. Henry Hotel on Green Valley Road, from 6:00- 9:00 p.m.. Tonight, Emmy award winning jazz and R&B singer Alyson Williams will be there. Greensboro is so lucky to have so much live music.

Happy Thursday (they say it is the new Friday)!

      

In Greensboro, Deer Are Abundant This Year!


Now is a perfect time for deer to be born, because there is plenty of vegetation and they will be mature by winter. In the above photo, taken in Northwest Greensboro, you see a mother with a young fawn. If you look closely to the left-- and just to the right of the tree, you can see the other twin. It is estimated that there are a million in North Carolina, and there is no shortage of them in Greensboro. They are indigenous to the USA.

The urban population of deer has grown due to limited hunting access and habitat loss. According to ncwildlife.gov, in 2024-2025,  2,151 deer were harvested in North Carolina. The highest number-- 5,364--  was harvest in neighboring Randolph County. Many people love eating venison. Deer are knowing for their speed and keen senses, especially hearing and smelling. They are herbivores and will eat about anything green. They also like acorns, berries, nuts, mushrooms, and agricultural crops. They can easily jump over a 5' fence.  They are creatures of habit and love to have their fawn in the same secluded area they did the previous area. In Greensboro, they appear to be happy. For fun, count how many you see in a day!

Happy Wednesday!

      

Stormy Weather in July



Greensboro is experiencing above average rainfall this summer. While June was drier than normal with only .92 inches of rain, or 22% of the normal amount. This summer, July is seeing above average rain with almost 10 inches so far, which is more than double the average rainfall for the month (see graphs HERE).  This is what the stormy weather looked like last evening as it was rolling into northwest Greensboro near Carlson Dairy, Pleasant Ridge, and Horse Pen Creek. It is always beautiful when the blue sky tries to hold its ground. If the weather forecast is correct, keep your umbrellas handy as there will be daily rain for at least the next week. 

If the weather holds out, you can participate in free outdoor fitness at the Morehead Trailhead Park at 475 Spring Garden Street near downtown. Of course the parks and trails are open for spending time outdoors.

Happy Tuesday!

 

      

Really, Really Free Summer; Imagine the Possibilities!

We want to encourage you to have a "really, really free" summer. There is so much to do in Greensboro and the surrounding area that doesn't cost anything. One example is the Puzzle Place at 695 Percy Street. We love to borrow a puzzle and return it once we've put it together. The two puzzles on the ground that were ones that were being donated on the day we were there. You don't have to give one to get one, but it is nice to do so to keep the supply from being depleted. Also, there are free little libraries all over the city. Then, there is MUSEP, the Sunday concerts in the local parks (see HERE). Barber Park and Keely Park have spray grounds. If you are willing to drive about a half hour north of Greensboro, you can swim or play in the river at Madison River Park (see HERE). This upcoming Saturday, in Winston-Salem at 239 W. Acadia Avenue, they are having a "Really, Really Free Market."  You can take items there for people to take for free. You can take items for free, even if you don't bring anything. 

The Weatherspoon Art Museum on UNCG's campus is free, as is the Greensboro History Museum. The Greensboro libraries have programs for free. The options are many. We challenge you to find free things to do, in town or nearby. Even better, what if you did some kind of "free" pop-up in your neighborhood? Do you have a neighborhood group on Facebook? If not, start one. challenge your neighbors to offer things to each other, before sending them to second-hand stores. Make a difference by reducing your carbon footprint and save money while you are at it. If you are in a position to do so, use the money you save to help others. Being part of a caring, giving, and generous community is the best feeling of all.

Happy Monday!