// STAY //
The O. Henry Hotel
Such a beautiful place! It was like taking a trip back in time. The O. Henry Hotel has a warm lobby with afternoon tea (I had to work during this but would go back if in the area!), complete with big comfy leather couches and a beautiful chandelier opening up to a charming patio.
The service was great and they have a new gym, although I chose to do light workouts in my room. I love that each floor has an antique desk with a laptop in the hallway for quick work or if you need a place to work outside of your room.
The hotel also had a delicious complimentary breakfast, with comfort food and healthy options, and was attached to the fun and lively Green Valley Grill (see below).
ALEXA'S APPROVAL
// EAT //
Jerusalem Market on Elm
This was our first stop upon arriving in Greensboro and OMG IT WAS AMAZING! I’m a sucker for Mediterranean food because of my Greek and Lebanese family background. I had the Jerusalem Classic platter for lunch and it was everything I wanted and more. I’m drooling. Visit the Jerusalem Market on Elm website.
Lindley Park Filling Station
Great for a casual hang! We stopped in for a quick lunch. I got The Westdale salad (their greek salad) and added tuna salad to it with their awesome caper vinaigrette. The perfect lunch and a large portion! Visit the Lindley Park Filling Station website.
Fishbones
Another good option for a casual meal or a bar hang. I ordered the caesar salad with grilled salmon for lunch. I regretted not getting the blackened salmon. Not my favorite meal of the trip but I’m sure the cajun salmon would have been great. The salad did come with a generous amount of toasted garlic ciabatta bread 😉 Visit the Fishbones website.
Green Valley Grill
Great vibe! Green Valley Grill is cozy and upbeat for dinner. There’s a nice bar area to sit at if you’re looking for something lighter. The truffle parmesan french fries (my weakness) with a glass of Chardonnay were delicious. The entrees all looked delicious and the caesar salad was great too! Visit the Green Valley Grill website.
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
A sister restaurant to the Green Valley Grill. The atmosphere was a little more formal but still comfortable. The menu had amazing options - I had fried fish and grits with vegetables for dinner. The grits were outstanding! Nice cocktail list too. Visit the Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen website.
// PLAY //
I was in Greensboro, NC as an Artist-in-Residence at the University of North Carolina Greensboro’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. UNCG’s Miles Davis Jazz Studies Program brought me out with my good friend and tap dancer Leo Manzari, for a collaboration between the jazz and dance departments. We had a blast! Huge thanks to my friends Chad Eby and Steve Haines, plus Ariel Pocock and Thomas Heflin, and all of the other incredible faculty members for a great visit. I recommend you stay in the loop on their concerts and events across all of the departments - their programs are excellent!
For this program, Leo and I each performed some original compositions and standards with the UNCG Jazz Ensemble I, and then collaborated on a few of our favorites like Duke Ellington’s “Chinoiserie”, Chick Corea’s “Spain”, and more. Keep your eyes out for more of our collaboration!
We also visited Weaver Academy to give a performance and masterclass for the next generation of artists!
// ENJOY //
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Walk around/shop on State Street or Elm Street
University of North Carolina at Greensboro Events
Faculty Events (check out Chad Eby, Steve Haines, Ariel Pocock’s gig schedules)
Jazz at The O.Henry Hotel
Miles Davis Trumpet at UNCG (quick but cool!)
// ALEXA’S TRAVEL TIP //
During this trip I had a ton of computer work to do…emails, newsletters, etc. I had just started reading about the effects of too much screen time, and decided to make a conscious effort to cut back on mine. I use the Screen Time app on my iPhone to keep me aware of how much time I log. It is too easy to get sucked into your screens on planes, trains, in hotel rooms, etc.
My suggestions: pack a good a book, set your Screen Time limits to 15-30min of social media per day, and bring blue-light blocking glasses with you for when you need to work! In those awkward 20-40 minutes before lobby calls, I now try to either squeeze in a quick hotel room workout, call someone I love, or practice instead of getting sucked into my phone.
P.S. I always tell students that my class is a #TarantiNOPhoneZone 🙂
// ALEXA’S PICK //
MVMT was kind enough to let me pick out some accessories this Fall. I love their crystal “Everscroll” blue-light blocking glasses because they are light and stylish. The leather watch (link for similar) is perfect for casual travel and performances! See both items pictured on my nightstand and on me in the gallery.
Chad says
epic