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
Things to eat
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
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
Burlington, Elon downtown food and drink operations lead during coronavirus situation
When North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper decreed Tuesday morning (March 17, 2020) that bars and restaurants statewide close for dine-in or in-house service in response to the rapidly spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) it was probably no major shock. Other governors took similar action after a weekend pre-St. Patrick's Day spree of jammed bars in major cities … Continue reading Burlington, Elon downtown food and drink operations lead during coronavirus situation
Updated: Lots of new ideas for things to do in downtown Burlington — and coming soon
Author's note: Updated again on March 13 to reflect schedule changes due to the COVID-19 situation. Latest updates in bold type. Author's Note: This post has been updated to add the event listing below of things to do during the first Fourth Friday Arts Walk scheduled for Feb. 28, 2020 in downtown Burlington. Painting, poetry, … Continue reading Updated: Lots of new ideas for things to do in downtown Burlington — and coming soon
A stay with purpose, and a bit of champagne
The first surprise upon starting a tour of the Inn at Elon the day before it officially opened was this tidbit from our guide: "When guests arrive they will be offered their choice of a glass of water or a glass of champagne," she said. Nice touch. Either choice is a win. And there were … Continue reading A stay with purpose, and a bit of champagne
The planned Burlington Food Hall gets a lead restaurant
Last summer it was announced that a food hall would be going into the former site of the Company Shops Market co-op on Front Street in downtown Burlington. Now we know what will go in it. I got a call around lunchtime today (Jan. 7, 2020) from Wellsley Robinson, president of Core Properties, the leading … Continue reading The planned Burlington Food Hall gets a lead restaurant
I wish I could shake hands with Vicente Hernandez at Prego’s Trattoria a last time
The last time I saw Vicente Hernandez he was busy. That wasn't unusual. He was always busy doing one thing or another at the restaurant he owned in Burlington, Prego's Trattoria. Watching Vince at work was a lesson in what operating a locally owned restaurant is truly like. He had a hand in everything -- … Continue reading I wish I could shake hands with Vicente Hernandez at Prego’s Trattoria a last time
Creating a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington
The heart of any city beats in its downtown. It’s the central point that historically ties all parts of a city to local government, commerce, churches, libraries, public services, transportation and information. So a strong heartbeat downtown is essential to the lifeblood of a thriving city. Ensuring a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington is the … Continue reading Creating a healthy heartbeat in downtown Burlington
There’s a new chef in town: Hiring Kyle Wilkerson a coup for Burlington Beer Works
UPDATED, Feb. 17, 2020: Kyle Wilkerson and Burlington Beer Works parted company in late January. --- Kyle Wilkerson got his first look at kitchen operations for Burlington Beer Works on June 25. At the time he was interviewing for the position of executive chef, which would become open in July. Wilkerson, one of the top … Continue reading There’s a new chef in town: Hiring Kyle Wilkerson a coup for Burlington Beer Works
Madison's Avenue 