Natty Greene's

Natty Greene's pub is located on Elm St. in Greensboro, NC just a couple of blocks from the Woolworth's store made infamous by the 1960 sit-ins. The pub is named after Nathaniel Greene, the revolutionary war general that Greensboro and (most likely) Greenville, are named for.

Natty Greene's has three levels located in a refurbished brick building. They offer some of the finest microbrews in the Carolinas. Personally, I think they should open a second location here in the West End.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 190 miles


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Walk Across America Part Deux

Keep an eye out for this guy Upstate.

A couple weeks ago I mentioned that B. J. Hill was in Greenville on his walk from California to Boston. Another fellow who is making the same trek, although in reverse, is Skip Potts. Skip is walking from Boston to California to raise money for education. He's currently in the upstate, having just spent the weekend in Greenville. He's making a documentary of the trip and this morning I was fortunate enough to meet his cameraman. He goes by the name Freeland on the web so I'll just call him by that name here. Freeland is maintaining a blog of the trip which is a damn good read. With his storytelling skills as a writer I have no doubt that the documentary will turn out well. Skip is maintaining a blog as well. Check them out, and if you like what they're doing, send them a few bucks.


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The Art Bomb

Located in the township of West Greenville, the Art Bomb is a funky building housing several artists studios. This weekend is a great time to check it out as part of the Open Studios tour. Not only can you check out the Bomb, but there are several other studios within walking distance that will be open Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday from 12-6. You can download maps of all the studios open this weekend here: Greenville Open Studios

While at the Bomb be sure to check out my favorite artist.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 1 mile


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The Thirsty Monk

This is one of my favorite new places in Asheville. It's across the street from one of my other favorite places, Jack of the Wood. But unlike Jack of the Wood, which offers their locally made microbrew, the Thirsty Monk specializes in Belgian Beers. They are so serious about it that each beer is served in a special glass designed for each beer style. They've also recently opened a bar upstairs featuring American craft beers. Although they don't offer wine, they have several Belgians that will appeal to the wine connoisseur.

The Asheville Beer Blog has an excellent review of the Monk.

And here's a podcast about the Monk.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 62 miles.


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NC Nature Center

The North Carolina Nature Center is basically a small zoo featuring animals that are (or at least once were) found in western North Carolina, including bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, foxes, wolves, owls, golden eagles, red tailed hawks, etc.

A Greenville Zoo membership will get you into the nature center for free.



Distance from downtown Greenville: 67 miles.


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Get Mavericky

This Sunday, Tina Fey impersonator (and future Fox News guest host) Sarah Palin will be sending the McCain campaign into further nosedive by appearing at the Asheville Civic Center. I saw Jerry Seinfeld perform there years ago and I have no doubt Palin will offer just as many laughs.



The Alaska governor is scheduled to appear Sunday evening at the Asheville Civic Center, according to the McCain campaign. Free tickets to the event will be available from 4-8 p.m. today at the Asheville Victory '08 headquarters, 16 Regent Park Blvd., according to the Buncombe County GOP Web site. Tickets will also be available at McCain campaign headquarters in Bryson City, Boone and Hickory.
WBIR

So if empty pandering and talk radio cliches are your thing, get your tickets early.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 61 miles.


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North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum contains a large variety of gardens and trails.

A bonzai garden is one of the current features.










Distance from downtown Greenville: 55 miles.


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Wedge Brewery

Wedge Brewery is a great new pub located in the River Arts District of Asheville. When you drive into the parking lot you might think you're in the wrong place. You might even think this is all a practical joke, but check it out.

The customer area of the pub itself is smaller than my living room but they serve several craft brews. The brewmaster was previously the brewmaster for Green Man Ales, found at another of my favorite places, Jack of the Wood. The only beer I can vouch for so far is the Golem, as it's the only one I had a chance to try, but it's an excellent elixir.

And while there you can check out several artist's studios in the area. Much like West Greenvillle, the River Arts District is a repressed area of Asheville that is being revitalized by local artists.

Wedge Brewery Podcast

Distance from downtown Greenville: 63 miles.


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Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve

This bridge, located in northern Greenville county, was built by Joel Poinsett in 1820. In addition to being one of the earliest settlers of Greenville, Poinsett also discovered the Poinsettia flower.

Supposedly the bridge is haunted by an old slave who was hung from it, a laborer who died building the bridge and by an indian tribe. Yet again, I witnessed no ghosts, but my wife's camera went dead as soon as she tried to photograph it. Hmmmm.....(Mine worked fine.)

Distance from downtown Greenville: 39 miles.


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Walk America 2008

This guy walked in front of my car today at the corner of Pine Knoll and Wade Hampton as I was stopped at the light, so I looked up his website to see what it was all about. Apparently he's walking from San Francisco to Massachusetts. From his website:

I'm BJ Hill. I am a 32 year old teacher who is walking from San Francisco back home to Massachusetts. I carry a notebook with me, and ask people I meet along the way to write a message to the next President of the United States. I hope to give these thoughts, concerns, and ideas directly to the president after he is elected in November.

http://walkamerica2008.blogspot.com/

So keep an eye out for him. This reminds me of a great book A Walk Across America as well as John Muir's 1000 Mile Walk to the Gulf.

His route:


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