300th Block of Downtown Winston Salem NC {Second Sundays on Fourth}
My studio sits right in the center of Downtown Winston Salem, North Carolina. I have a "little block of awesome" that surrounds me and I could not be more in love with not only my location, but the other business owners and their trade. Right here on the corner of Cherry and Marshall street we have so many great little companies, but what really makes those businesses special are the people behind them. They are all such genuine, kind people...Not to mention kickin' business proprietors! Let me tell you about some of them....
Our newest addition here in the Chatham Building is Erik Stephens + Johnny Smrdel of Centennial Trading Company. They thrive on using North Carolina grown cotton and other local materials to make limited-edition, long-lasting bluejeans (among other great things). All of their products will develop character over time and with wear, will show new beauty - each crease a story, each stain a journey. I LOVE THAT ABOUT THEIR STUFF! As a clothing company, they believe in a product that is built to last. I can tell you from not only a personal experience but also as a business person, in a world where a lot of the things we spend our money on barely lasts, it is hard to find a company that thrives on lasting forever! So many businesses want to make a quick dime and they don't care about what you carry out their door. What CTC is modeling is to be admired. Their business mentality is brilliant and they ROCK it! As their motto goes...Built to WEAR HARD & AGE WELL.
The other new kid on the block is Washington Perk + Provisions Co., their second store here in Winston Salem NC (other in Washington Park area). Jayne + John are the master minds behind this little jewel. Washington Perk has been a tremendous contribution to the vitality of downtown. Besides their awesome staff and convenience to residents and downtown workers, Before WP there was nowhere to simply grab a necessity. Depending on what you consider a necessity...Say a loaf of bread, gallon of milk....maybe a 6pk of yummy craft beer? They have anything you could need and that is RAD! As if that's not enough to pus them on the top of the list, what really won me over is their support of local farmers. They carry meats from Grace Meadows Farm, cheese from Ashe County Cheese, eggs provided by Massey Creek Farms in Madison NC, local produce from Vernon's AND they have a great deli. My favorite Wednesday special treat is chicken curry! I could go on and on about this provision but you'll just have to check it out yourself!
Camino's Bakery is one of the coolest hangouts downtown. The environment feels like home, music is always spot on for my mood, the staff is like family.... I haven't even gotten to the food and drinks yet! Cary and crew have nailed it. From homemade sweets to savory quiches, all is made from scratch and has ingredients from local vendors. They truly have something for everyone, whether your looking for a sweet tooth fix, vegan or on a diet. I love it when I have an excuse to walk through those doors. Be it a meeting with clients, bringing my kids in for a treat, an evening glass of vino, having tea with an old friend to play catch up, or my daily dose of caffeine. It's a happy place with an abundance of character. I may have to go to a Camino's support group if they ever move.
I never thought a few years ago downtown Winston Salem could be so cool! Who would of thought we'd have a theater where you can see amazing films and have an adult beverage at the same time? I had only ever heard of such a thing in large cities like New York....And then comes Lawren with a/perture. This type of unique vision and action is what has brought downtown Winston Salem to life. One of my favorite things about a/perture is how involved with the community they are and the several interactive films and events that allows something for everyone. Lawren and her team are brilliant about coming up with fun free events, for example, the grand finale of Breaking Bad was on the big screen for fans. How awesome is that? a/perture will be screening a series alongside Second Sundays on Fourth called Robots vs. Aliens. Terrific, nostalgic films for adults and kids alike as a pre-party to SSO4 starting at 2pm. As your film ends, you just walk out on the street into the fun as it's just starting. What a great way to spend a Sunday. Above is the poster for the lineup. I am so excited about this!
Mellow Mushroom of Winston Salem is a huge contribution to Second Sundays on Fourth. I always thought MM was one of the greatest places but never thought there would be one here in Winston Salem NC, kinda like an IKEA store. THAT COOL! I still get excited that their on the corner of our block. They add so much to our little block of awesome. Every SSO4 meeting, Margaret has her multi, bright colored sharpies to take notes with and seeing her colored notes at the end of every meeting with beautiful handwriting and rainbow lines make my day in some little way. Little things like that really make me happy and this group is full of them!
Tim with The Less Desirables, is our newest addition to the planning committee this year. He, along with a couple of other fellas, are behind the awesome podcasts that come from The Less Desirables. A weekly podcast recorded every Wednesday covering an expansive array of topics, featuring movies, new music, TV, the latest sports news, technology-all local, North Carolina flare geared towards a national audience, but never lose sight of good ole' Winston Salem. Check out their weekly shows in the “Podcasts” section HERE or you can download any and all of their podcasts for free on iTunes, Stitcher, Podcast Pickle, and Podfeed. Tim has been a fun addition to our planning committee this year for SSO4. We're excited to have him on along for the ride!
So now you know a little bit about who we are behind Second Sundays on Fourth, Let me get back to the subject of this blog post.....SSO4 itself!
Cary of Camino's Bakery started this brilliant party three years ago. Once she realized its potential and that she simply couldn't do it all on her own, she started building her army. Now we are a board of 6 that meet once a month with one goal in mind. PARTY Fourth Street Style!!
We are excited to kick off the 3rd annual Second Sundays on Fourth. For a couple of hours every Second Sunday May through October, 3-6pm, we invite everyone to come out for this FREE family friendly event. It is important to us to show our love and support to our community by providing this event to you for FREE. Its an opportunity to hang with locals, visit with friends, get out of the house, enjoy the spring weather, dance, play, or just sit. We will have live bands, kids activities (jumpy castle, bubbles, sidewalk chalk), other local businesses that insist on being involved with booths and other fun activities for the kiddos. Camino's, Mellow Mushroom, Washington Perk, Jeffery Adams, and Millennium Artisan offer specials on the street to attending guests.
As this party has snowballed, we have realized the potential and possibility. We realize we can not do this on our own and keep it as a FREE event to our amazing home without your help. We'd love to offer headline bands (remember The Broadcast from Asheville NC last year....FREAKIN' AMAZING!) but we need your support....
We have launched an Indiegogo Campaign to allow supporters an opportunity to make donations to create the best Second Sundays on Fourth yet! There are so many great perks available in exchange for your contribution, all from the block of businesses. Click here and check them out. Help us reach our goal of $15,000. Every donation will get their name on the Camino's Wall as a special thanks. We can't do this without you all! There are only 4 days left to make a donation.
Sally Gupton Photography is offering a sweet deal, donate $200 and get a session + all digital files. There are only 3 available! Get yours now and give to the community at the same time. Click here to check it out!
Indiegogo Link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/second-sundays-on-4th/x/6749755
Last years SSO4 in the news:
