North Carolina 2022 – Day Nine
Early Morning Walkies
Oh, what a lark we had to kickstart the day! Michele and I, with our faithful companion Luna, embarked on an early morning stroll through the charming local estate of Primrose Avenue, just off Pisgah Church Road behind where Julie lives on Finley Ridge Way. Picture this: splendid homes with sprawling green lawns, shaded by a bounty of trees. It was a 2.5-mile jaunt under the early morning sun, and by the end of it, Luna was well and truly knackered.
Lazy Afternoon on the Patio
Come afternoon, we decided to bask in the warmth on the patio. The sun was out in full force, making it another gloriously warm day. We even had to draw the shade on the gazebo, but that didn’t deter Michele. She’s one of those fair-skinned folks who has to burn a bit to get any colour. So there she was, soaking up the rays, while I opted for a bit more shade.
Adventures at the Greensboro Science Centre
Later in the day, it was time for a bit of exploration. Elle, Hailee, and I ventured out to the Greensboro Science Centre, armed with Julie and Elle’s seasonal passes. The car park was bursting at the seams, but Elle, ever the resourceful one, found us a spot. Inside, Elle was my personal tour guide, showing me her favourite animals. We saw everything from sharks to goats, pygmy hippos to donkeys and ponies.
One of the more dramatic moments came at the tiger enclosure. One of the observation screens had been smashed. Whether it was the handiwork of a mischievous visitor or an overly enthusiastic tiger, who can say? The tiger, blissfully unaware, was fast asleep. However, the zookeepers quickly swooped in and ushered everyone out. Quite the adventure, and I’m sure Elle and Hailee will be back many times with Julie.
Evening in Downtown Greensboro
Back at Julie’s, it was time to prep for a night out on the town. Our destination: downtown Greensboro for some grub and a few drinks. Julie summoned an Uber, but the driver got lost and then insisted I couldn’t sit in the front. So, I had to squish into the back with the girls. The drive was bustling, even busier than when Michele and I had ventured into town last Tuesday.
First Stop: Bourbon Bowl
Our evening began at Bourbon Bowl. I perused a delightful selection of craft beers, while Julie opted for Chardonnay and Michele went for a vodka and cranberry juice. We had a bit of a wait for an outside table, so we propped up the bar for about 20 minutes. Once we were seated outside, it was time for more drinks – beer, wine, and a cocktail for Michele. I couldn’t resist the shrimp, coated in a delectable bourbon barbeque glaze. Sitting there in the evening sun, chatting and soaking up the atmosphere, was simply sublime.
Second Stop: Boxcar Bar and Arcade
Our final stop of the night was the Boxcar Bar and Arcade. Before we could enter, IDs were checked – quite a throwback! It’s been ages since I had to show ID to get served. Inside, there was another excellent selection of IPA beers. We chose to sit outside on a covered porch, where we chatted and indulged in a bit of people-watching. At one point, I was even chatted up by a young lady from Raleigh, intrigued by my accent. But soon enough, I retreated back to the safety of Michele and Julie.
The vibe in downtown Greensboro is wonderfully laid-back. No need for fancy evening attire – as long as you’re comfortable, you’re good to go.
Wrapping Up the Night
After a couple more beers, it was time to head back to Julie’s. Another Uber ride and a final beer before bed rounded off a brilliant day. Cheers to that!
