Thursday, September 28, 2006

Sept. 29 - Jade doorknobs, flowers and stuff


Chinqua-Penn Plantation is re-opening to groups on a limited basis during October 2006. Afterwards, the new owner will be tranforming the run down mansion and gardens into a place to live, play, work and relax.

Jeff Penn, heir to the American Tobacco Company, and his wife Betsy, heir to the Niagra Falls Power Company, had more money than common sense. They traveled the world buying all kinds of things and showcased them in their 1925 Y-shaped home in Reidsville, North Carolina.

I worked there in 1999 - and know some of the things they purchased, such as a gemstudded replica of King Tut's chair, a pipe organ to entertain guests and a riding chair that was later used as a model for Thomasville Furniture. You sat in the chair while putting on your riding boots.

The Penns were as uniquely colorful as the items they purchased. Community gossip says that while she traveled, he played. One night, the 3-story tall windmill burned. You might say that was his "pad."

After a trip to China, Mrs. Penn replicated the bedroom slept in overseas into her Reidsville home. It had jade doorknobs. This photo is of the interior of that room.

That room was just as colorful as the massive gardens, including my favorite, the one with all the scented roses!

I'm delighted to see Chinqua-Penn reopen so the public can see the beauty and bounty that fills the home. It's located off US Hwy. 29 North, just 10 minutes south of Danville, VA.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Special September Story Find - Finally, an affordable, classy women's dress shop


In Mocksville today, I found a new women's clothing store. The owner was a buyer for Montaldo's. Now, if that means something to you - read on. If you're too young to know the significance of Montaldo's to an upscale woman's wardrobe, then I invite you to find out.

Gina Frank worked at Montaldo's in Winston-Salem. Like all the other buyers for that exclusive chain, Gina stayed on top of trends, fabrics, styles, colors and knew how to match clothing to the store's customers.

Now, she does the same thing at her own shop, Gianna's Boutique. I watched her with customers today. Gianna's is located at 562 Valley Road in Mocksville. It's on the short bypass, US 64, around town, between the pizza joint and the stop light where you turn to go to I-40.

Her shop is in a small strip mall which includes specialists for massage, nails and facials. Take a friend and combine a trip to all those places with lunch at either Starr's Restaurant in downtown Mocksville or the Ketchie Bakery - where both facilities have wonderful made-from-scratch food. I think it would make a good story about the gal's day out. For more information, call the Davie County Chamber of Commerce at 336-751-3304 or email chamber@daviecounty.com.

Friday, September 01, 2006

September Story Finds - Downtown Fayetteville is Clean, Safe and Pretty

My dad fought in WWII. When I told him I was going to Fayetteville, he asked if "that bar" was still there. That's the perception of downtown Fayetteville - dirty, full of bars and women on every corner.

It used to be that way. But no more.

Today, downtown Fayetteville is clean, safe, pretty and fun for the whole family. And, on September 24, the inner city will be transformed to a global village during the spectacular International Festival from 12 noon to 6 pm with the Parade of Nations at 3:00 pm.

Eat your fill at the International Cafe where you can sample the culture form over 30 different countries representing Fayetteville's population. Arts and Crafts booths will display and sell handmade items, many from folk art traditions around the world. Six performance stages will provide continuous music and dance.

For more information, log onto http://www.theartscouncil.com/International_Folk_Festival.html