Historically, the time between July 1 – August 11 is considered the “Dog Days of Summer”. The often intense heat tends to make most of us move a tad slower. We reach for a towel to wipe our brow while having that extra glass of lemonade. A porch swing or hammock becomes our favorite companion.
This is also a time of discovery. Summer vacations are scheduled and travel is in a full-speed mode. This agenda certainly coincided with my own recent schedule. Returning from a business trip, I stopped in the city of Greenville, South Carolina. Having never been there, I was amazed at what I discovered.
Greenville is a city with style. It has been thoughtfully planned, constructed, and maintained. A visual feast abounds with a mixture of classical 19th century and contemporary architecture. A pointed effort to include green space is most evident in the beautifully landscaped gardens and water features which dot this city. Main Street is lined with a variety of shops and a rainbow of restaurants to suit most palettes. Dining alfresco is nearly de rigueur as the street is furrowed with bistro tables and umbrellas.
Nature has provided a most opulent focal point: the Reedy River. Winding through the center of this city, it creates a gathering spot for locals as well as visitors. Falls Park provides paved pathways, bridges, informational markers, outdoor theaters and an abundance of benches for taking it all in. For an outdoor enthusiast, this is pure heaven.
Enjoying one of the trails, I came upon the ruins of a former textile mill and village. The designated marker shared the history of the site through historical photographs and copy. The Vardry Mill of 1874 spun cotton yarns to be used in textile production. Once a strong and vital industry for much of America’s southern states, it has been plagued by greed and subsequent outsourcing. VALOR American Home is proud to employ the talents of mills in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Idaho.
As the sun began to set, I realized the activity level of this city did not eclipse. Rather, it seemed to flourish with a mélange of performances. While the local Thespians presented Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus” under the stars in an outdoor amphitheater, a concert could be enjoyed on a separate stage, but a few feet away. Cellist Sharon Gerber touched a chord with many an audience member. In addition, children seeking relief from the heat, splashed in the many fountains composing the park.
With the stars appearing above me, I knew I had added a very special discovery to my summer’s list of memories. Wiping the sweat off my face, I headed to the hotel for a shower and good night’s sleep.
This was a Moment in America.
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