When Lisa Willis left a good job finding work for others with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission to start a business in the economic desert that was downtown Burlington in 1996, even she couldn't believe it. "Talk about jumping into the deep end. I left a good job with good benefits to open a … Continue reading Downtown business reaches important milestone
Downtown Burlington
The long-anticipated Burlington Food Hall is opening soon
I was in the crowd at Fourth Friday in downtown Burlington on June 28, 2019 when I first got word of a big announcement to be made during a break in the music in the amphitheater at the Historic Depot. At dusk Wellsley Robinson, president of Core Properties took the stage and told those in … Continue reading The long-anticipated Burlington Food Hall is opening soon
Tanner’s Wine Bar downtown will be a unique experience
UPDATE: Tanner’s is now open and taking reservations. Call 336-270-9536. Check out the website here. And now for something completely different. That’s the anticipated vibe guests are expected to find in early May when Tanner’s Wine Bar opens in downtown Burlington at 102-B East Front St., in one section of the former Mary Katherine’s building … Continue reading Tanner’s Wine Bar downtown will be a unique experience
Burlington Beer Works begins year three with optimism after a challenging 2020
Outdoor dining on Main Street in September at Burlington Beer Works Brewery and Restaurant. As Burlington Beer Works Brewery and Restaurant wrapped up a highly successful first year in downtown Burlington last March, its immediate future looked far less certain. The global pandemic was shutting down businesses – especially restaurants and bars – across the … Continue reading Burlington Beer Works begins year three with optimism after a challenging 2020
Count murals among new things to see in downtown Burlington this spring
The one-year anniversary of national shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic passed earlier this month. There were dire predictions about the survival of restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues when the shutdowns began and the case counts and fatalities grew. Many of those fears were realized. A lot of businesses couldn’t make takeout or delivery … Continue reading Count murals among new things to see in downtown Burlington this spring
Friends of the Alamance Libraries Spring Book Sale returns, with some modifications
Last year at about this time I was writing about preparations for the annual Friends of the Alamance County Libraries Spring Book Sale that was scheduled for March. I’m a volunteer for the organization, a member and serve on the board. I’m also a longtime sale customer. It’s a mark-the-calendar event in our household. I … Continue reading Friends of the Alamance Libraries Spring Book Sale returns, with some modifications
Burlington’s new brighter holiday look coming to downtown
The snowflake look would be usable beyond Christmas into February. I don’t know the last time Burlington changed its Christmas lighting downtown but the lackluster displays from recent years were in place when I moved back here in 2007. So the look has been around for a while. That’s about to change. The Burlington Downtown … Continue reading Burlington’s new brighter holiday look coming to downtown
For sale: Smitty’s a cool business opportunity for the right owner
Smitty's Homemade location on Front Street before the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Smitty's. Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream, a signature and beloved Alamance County business with stores in three downtown areas, is for sale. Alamance County Superior Court Judge Tom Lambeth and Amy Nakhle, co-founders of the business in 2002, made the tough decision to … Continue reading For sale: Smitty’s a cool business opportunity for the right owner
New partnership, new personality and a little wine in downtown Burlington
Two leaders in the ongoing renaissance of downtown Burlington as an entertainment and art district are partners in a new venture that will occupy part of the former Mary Katherine's store on East Front Street. Tracy Schmidt, general manager of Burlington Beer Works and Holly Treadwell, owner of The Blend and Co. are joining forces … Continue reading New partnership, new personality and a little wine in downtown Burlington
Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
When I saw the note via Facebook on June 1 I was not surprised. Deeply saddened, but not surprised. To our members, supporters, friends, family, and the community here in Alamance County: It is with a sad heart that I must report to you that as of 5pm Sunday May 31st we have ceased our … Continue reading Out of STEAM in downtown Burlington
Madison's Avenue 