A couple of weekends ago I went on a whirlwind, three-day trip to Greensboro, NC. I went completely solo – this was the first time I have traveled alone since before my eldest was born – more than five years! I was so excited to have plenty of time for friends, and let’s be honest, to eat my way through Greensboro!
My first stop upon landing, after getting my rental car and phoning in a to-go order to Fishbones for their best in the world burritos, was to stop at Bestway. Their wall of beer has only gotten more thorough and fuller.
Fishbones hasn’t changed, and the decor is still as funky. I almost always ordered some type of their burrito – the way it is steamed and stuffed with cabbage and some delectable sauce. Yummm.
The Fishbones burrito is on the left, along with one of my favorite brewery’s beers – Foothills Jade IPA. Then, for dinner, I hit up my favorite Thai place – Bangkok Cafe – for the Pad Thai Jade. After filling myself with delicious food, and an afternoon at the pool, I slept perfectly in my quiet and dark hotel room. Actually, I woke up insanely early because my body is just accustomed to waking with the birds and my early riser son.
The next morning, I did some driving around to check out old neighborhood haunts – including our old place. I was sad to see the dogwood tree was gone.
I had breakfast with a friend, at Scrambled, and I have to say it was so-so. I guess I should have stayed with the tried and true, and stuck with my favorite Greensboro breakfast place – Smith Street Diner.
After breakfast, we had to walk off the full stomachs, and so we headed over to the Greensboro Arboretum. The magnolias were stunning, and everything was in bloom. It was a hot and lovely day for a walk – just like Greensboro summers tend to be.
After a graduation party full of former colleagues, friends, former students, and good eats, we headed to the coliseum for graduation. I have not ever had the chance to get to graduation and see former students walk across the stage, but I have to say, it was well worth it. Sitting with my friend and former colleague, Mary Elise, watching our former students was the biggest thrill a teacher can get. We laughed, cried, cheered, clapped, shouted, told hilarious stories, and marveled at how grown up each and every one of them looked. It was easily the highlight of my school year, and maybe my career so far.
I rounded out my trip with two more meals with friends and former students. Pizza at Sticks & Stones never disappoints – the Kiss Before I Go is covered in fried eggplant! The hot chips and Sir Charles tuna with wasabi sauce, paired with an icy IPA from Natty Greene’s is also a winner. I have actually had dreams about this patio, food, and world-class beer.
Obligatory photo with Nathanael Greene – the Quaker who fought in the Revolutionary War. The rich history in the south was something I absolutely loved to learn about – it seemed so much more ancient and romantic than what I already knew about the Midwest. Revolutionary War reenactments, complete with cannons, never hurt my love of the history in Greensboro.
One last walk around the lovely neighborhoods of Greensboro was on my to-do list, and I tried to bring her the remnants of my 6-pack of Jade. Oops.
I hopped on a plane, after meeting some former co-workers after their school day ended, and headed home. I know faces of people are absent from this post, but they already lead such public lives, that I thought I’d focus on places and foods. I can add y’all, with your consent, especially since you are what I miss most about Greensboro. Not the food, not the places, not the spaces, not the landmarks, but my own personal history. I am so grateful for all the people I got to see, laugh with, hug, cry with, and catch up on your doings. Thank y’all so much.
Bluebird Hill Art 