If you catch a glimpse of a beautiful, orange and black monarch butterfly resting in your garden this summer, you’re actually witnessing something incredibly special. That singular butterfly is one of millions that migrate across North America annually, a journey so arduous and long it’s considered a natural world wonder. With a few simple steps you can help that butterfly along its way and join efforts across the country to support the monarch population, which is having a tough time these days.  A monarch butterfly on the blooms of a blazing star plant What is the Monarch Butterfly Migration? “Snowbirds” is a common term for people who spend their summers in cooler, more comfortable temperatures and winters in warm, inviting climates. Monarch butterflies are the ultimate insect version of a “snowbird.”  Monarchs summer in southern Canada and the northern United States until the August temperatures rise and the days get longer. When this happens, monarchs instinctively know it's time to head south.  Monarchs that follow the Western North American migration path overwinter along the California coast while monarchs migrating along the Eastern North American path travel to the mountains of central Mexico. When heading south, individual monarchs will fly the entire route covering 50-to-100 miles a day for thousands of miles collectively to reach overwintering sites. By late fall, the monarchs reach their destinations and it’s time for a little R&R. Their “resorts” of choice are trees where they roost until early spring when vacation is over and it’s time to head home.  Unlike the fall migration, the spring trip home is made by multiple generations of monarchs. As these monarchs travel back north, they mate and lay eggs along the way producing offspring that are the first- and second-generation descendants of the overwintering monarchs.  Once these monarchs are finally home for the summer, they continue to breed, producing two to three more generations until August comes and the migration south starts over. By pure instinct, this new generation of monarch butterflies, which has never traveled the migratory path before, knows exactly where to go when it's time to go south. Monarchs migrate further than any tropical butterfly, according to researchers with Monarch Watch, a non-profit based at the University of Kansas . Plus they are the only butterfly to annually complete a two-way migration over such a great distance. This is true for all monarchs except those living in Florida permanently. Habitats, Highways and Byways Traffic on the monarch migration "highways" has declined over the past 20 years leading to concerns for the monarch's survival. To determine population size, researchers focus on the number roosting monarchs in overwintering sites and those counts have significantly declined according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW). As a result, monarchs are now under review by the USFW for possible inclusion on the Endangered Species Act.  The problem for monarch butterflies is habitat lost to urbanization. As a result, monarch conservation efforts center around creating habitats along the migratory paths that provide food (nectar), places to rest and milkweed for laying eggs (milkweed is the only food source for monarch caterpillars). Collectively, these habitats work together like rest and refueling stops for monarchs as they travel. Communities, non-profit organizations and government agencies across the country have developed habitats and on-going programming to support them. Many of these programs use transportation themes as a nod to the monarch’s flight path and habitat locations.   For instance, the Monarch Highway program by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) focuses on habitats along the Interstate 35 corridor, which corresponds with the butterfly’s central flyway. The NWF works with state transportation departments to support the program. Another example is the Route 66 Monarch Flyway . Route 66 is a legendary part of America's travel history and this habitat corridor follows along it's scenic by-way from Chicago to St. Louis. Individuals can get involved by creating habitats in their own backyard and registering them with organizations working toward monarch and pollinator conservation. Among them is the national Monarch Waystation program by Monarch Watch (“Waystation” literally means a place to stop along a journey). In North Carolina, residents can register their habitat with the Butterfly Highway program by the N.C. Wildlife Federation, an affiliate of the NWF. Importance of Monarch Butterflies And Other Pollinators Monarchs, other butterflies, birds, bees and moths, are among animals and insects called pollinators because they help spread pollen among plants.  Pollination facilitates plant reproduction, which is why pollinators are a crucial part of maintaining our food supply. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , pollinators are responsible for “one out of every three bites we eat” and “essential to our ecological survival.” Basically, no reproduction, no food.  As with monarchs, pollinators - especially bees - have declined significantly in recent years. Creating nectar-rich habitats that monarchs enjoy also attracts and helps other pollinators (hence the “pollinator-friendly” description commonly used for plants and habitats these creatures love). How to Help Monarch Butterflies Creating a habitat to help monarchs along their journey is easy and doesn’t require a lot of space. Habitats of all sizes are beneficial. If you have a backyard, you can fill it with flowers and plants monarch butterflies love. If you don’t have time to maintain a larger garden or only have a small outdoor area, simply fill a plant container or two with monarchs in mind.  Follow these suggestions for creating the perfect monarch rest stop: • Plant a variety of brightly colored, nectar-rich flowering plants that attract monarchs and other pollinators, such as black-eyed Susan, cardinal flower, goblin flower, and varieties of sage and aster. Nectar provides monarchs energy. • Plant flowers with staggered bloom times so there is a nectar source available from spring through summer.  • Monarchs drink (and need) water so provide a source, such as a birdbath or a small dish. • When possible, use plants native to your area. The lifecycle of plants and pollinators native to where you live are in sync since they evolved alongside each other. This is the magic of mother nature: first, plants blooming when birds and insects need nectar and, second, the plants needing those creatures to come and spread its pollen for reproduction. Local plants nurseries and even big box garden centers now have sections dedicated to local, native plants. • Include native milkweed in your habitat. Look for common milkweed, swamp milkweed and butterfly weed. Butterfly weed is best for small areas and containers since it spreads by seed versus runners. If you notice signs of rabbits snacking on your butterfly weed, consider planting in a tall container as a deterrent. • Do not plant tropical milkweed, which is not native to the U.S and carries harmful parasites. • Once you create your habitat, consider registering it with a pollinator habitat program in your area and/or with a national organization such as Monarch Watch . Aside from their habitat programs, these organizations, as well as government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service , also offer a wealth of online information about pollinators and creating pollinator-friendly habitats. Another valuable resource is Monarch Joint Venture , a partnership of organizations, agencies, businesses and higher education based programs across the country that support monarch conservation. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation , a non-profit dedicated to helping pollinators (and named for an extinct butterfly), offers online resources and pollinator-related programs for communities, as well. I Spy - Monarch Butterflies! Seeing a monarch in your habitat is exciting, so share the news and help ongoing research efforts! Here are some ways you can do just that: • Participate in Monarch Watch’s tagging program , which helps track and understand migration. The organization’s website has information about tagging kits, how to tag monarchs and record sightings online. • Track your monarch sighting with Journey North , a program with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. The program relies on everyday people to report monarch sightings, along with descriptions of the butterfly’s activity and photographs. For this reason, Journey North is considered one of the largest citizen-based science programs in North America.  How to Identify Monarch Butterflies Not sure that's a monarch in your yard? You're not alone. Other butterflies with similar coloring are often mistaken for monarchs, especially the viceroy. Here are some things to look for to easily identify a monarch, even its sex: • Monarch wings are deep orange with thick black veining. The wings also have white spots along the edges. The underside of the wings, visible when the wings are closed, are mostly pale orange and black. • The black veining is thinner on the wings of a male monarch than a female. The male also has a single black dot on each of its hindwings. A male monarch • Viceroy butterflies look nearly identical to monarchs except they have black line that the crosses the lower part of the wing. Monarchs do not. • The wingspan of a monarch butterfly is about 3-to-4 inches wide and bigger than those of the viceroy. Want to know more about pollinators and growing gardens they love? Check out this Take Note and Go story.

Struggling to pick your next book club selection? Then check out the online resources and recommendations from 50 years of the The Booker Prize , one of the most prestigious fiction awards in the English speaking world. The Booker Prize began as a way to raise the profile of contemporary English fiction, similar to what the Prix Goncourt prize did for works in French. The prize is awarded to fiction originally written in English while its sibling award, The International Booker Prize, is for global works translated into English. For both, the books must have been published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The first Booker Prize was awarded in 1969 and the international award was added in 2005. Each year, Booker Prize Foundation staff select notable and accomplished individuals with a passion for the written word to serve as judges. Determining the prize winners is an arduous task and the judges dedicate a year of their life to reading and evaluating more then 150 nominated submissions from publishing houses.  The judges read and read and read and then meet, debate and narrow their favorites down to the longlist of 13 books, dubbed the "Booker Dozen" (certainly a play on a "Baker's Dozen"). Then, they reread those 13, meet, debate and narrow their favorites down to a shortlist of six books. And, finally, a single winner is picked for each award. A cash prize goes to the winning authors followed by international acclaim (and a subsequent boost in book sales, known as the “Booker Bounce”).  So, struggle no more when it comes to book club! All the resources you need for making the perfect selection are on The Booker Prizes website. It's a virtual cornucopia of the world's finest in fiction. In addition to five decades of winning books and those that made the long and short lists, the online librar y also incl udes more than 700 books nominated for the prize since the competition began. The website also has reading guides and detailed recommendations , including themed lists such as “Books with Plot Twists" and “Cosy Reads" (that's the British English spelling of cozy). Other website features include author spotlights, the history of the prizes (learn the connection to James Bond author, Ian Fleming) and so much more. Enjoy your next page turner!

When you're rushing to work sipping a grande coffee and enjoying a blueberry muffin, you have a pollinator to thank. Coffee and blueberries are among the long list of plants that rely on pollinators such as bees and butterflies, to reproduce. Pollinators are responsible for “one out of every three bites we eat” and “essential to our ecological survival," according to the US Department of Agriculture. Fiery skipper butterfly among Black-eyed susans. Unfortunately, pollinators – animals and insects that spread pollen from one plant to another – are having a tough time surviving. Honey bee populations, for example, have declined significantly in recent years. Of the 4,000 native bee species in North America, over half are in decline and one in four are at risk of extinction according to The Bee Conservancy, a non-profit focused on bee survival. The good news is anyone with a yard or a patio big enough for a few planting containers can help out pollinators. Using perennials (plants that come back every season) makes landscape gardening a little easier in the long run, but the same general guidelines also apply to picking one-season annuals. Picking Plants for Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds A key to a garden filled with the best plants for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds is picking plants that bloom at different times so there's food source available from spring through fall. These pollinators are especially active in the morning and in bright sunlight, so consider filling your yard with sun-loving plants. Have a shady yard? There are plenty of low-light plants pollinators like, as well. Another important tip is to incorporate plants native to your area into your garden since many pollinators, especially native bees, depend on nectar and pollen that is specific to where they live. This is especially valuable in areas where lots of urbanizations has reduced natural pollinator habitats. These days, local garden centers and major retailers are making it easier to find native flowering plants by setting them aside in special sections in their nurseries. Hummingbirds • Attracted to flowers in red, pink, yellow, white and orange. • Like funnel-shaped blooms that are perfect for dipping their long bill and tongue into. Bees • Favor flowers in bright white and shades of red, yellow, purple and blue. • Rely on nectar for energy and pollen for protein, so are drawn to color patterns on blooms that indicate the location of nectar like a road sign. • Prefer shallow blooms and flowers with easy, sturdy landing areas. Butterflies • Like bright colors, especially reds and purples. • Choose flowers with wide landing pads; tubular, trumpet-shaped blooms; and spurs (nectar filled tubes that extend from the flower). • If you want to support the threatened Monarch Butterfly during its spring migration, add native milkweed to your garden. Milkweed leaves are the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. Choose swamp milkweed, common milkweed or butterfly weed. Avoid tropical milkweed since its non-native. Tropical milkweed blooms at the wrong time, interfering with the monarch's migration timing. It can carry a parasite, as well. Milkweed blooms are also a nectar source for other pollinators. Best Plants for Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds Lucifer This plant is just right for hummingbirds! They will delight in lucifer’s red blooms, which are also the perfect fit for their long, slim beaks. Lucifer is a tall, striking bulb-like perennial with multiple long, red-tubular blooms on each stalk that emerge from wide, sword-like leaves. It's a hardy and showy addition to a garden. • Blooms mid-to-late summer. • Needs sun to partial shade. • Grows about 40 inches tall and 18 inches wide. • Planting zones 5-9. Salvia (Sage) Salvia is like candy for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. This plant comes in an abundance of color and size varieties, each with small tubular blooms. Black and blue salvia featuring dark blue, tubular blooms along a black stem is a gorgeous option. It's base foliage is full and dark green. • Blooms from spring to first frost. • Full sun to part shade. • Grows 2-to-3 feet tall and wide. • Planting zone 7-10. Another great salvia option is radio red meadow sage . This sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennial is so easy you can practically plant it and forget it. Radio red looks great as a border plant with its petite, vibrant red flowers. • Blooms late spring to fall • Full sun. • Grow about 16 inches tall and wide . • Planting zones 5-9 (some varieties can handle colder climates). For a long blooming option, pick Russian sage . This variety is a heat and drought-tolerant perennial shrub with pretty little spikes of purplish blooms and grayish-green leaves. • Blooms summer into fall • Full sun. • Grows 2-to-4 feet wide and tall. • Planting zones 5-9. Coneflowers Pollinators love to visit coneflowers for a good drink of nectar. Its daisy-like petals surround a large nectar-rich, cone-shaped center called the disk. Coneflowers grow on tall, strong stems and spread out creating a beautiful mass of color in the garden. Coneflowers love the sun and tolerate heat well. • Blooms from early to late summer. • Full sun. • Grow 2-to-5 feet and about 1-to-2 feet wide. • Planting zones 3-9. Garden Phlox A hummingbird or butterfly visiting a garden phlox is the kind of picture you’d expect to see in a storybook. This quaint plant, which bees love too, has dense masses of pretty, little blooms with tubular centers on tall upright stems. Garden phlox is available in lots of color varieties including bright pink, lavender, red and even bicolored. It serves as a wonderful filler in planting beds and adds a “cottage garden” feel. • Full sun, but likes some afternoon shade in hot climates. • Blooms from late spring to fall. • Grows 2 feet by 2 feet. • Planting zones 4-8. Daylilies Each bloom on this perennial is like a big welcome sign to pollinators. Day lilies feature large, open blooms with deep nectar–filled centers. Plus, daylilies grab the attention of pollinators with vibrant petal colors, such as scarlet, bright yellow, rose-red and gold. Daylilies are hardy, low maintenance plants that are an easy addition to any garden. • Bloom in spring through summer. • Full sun to partial shad (full sun generates the most blooms) • Grows from 1-to-3 feet tall and wide. • Planting zones 4-9. Crape Myrtle Crape myrtles, or spelled Crepe myrtles in the southern regions, are gorgeous in yards and perfect for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies with its abundance of blooms. Crape myrtles are low maintenance, easy-to-grow blooming trees or small bushy shrubs. All varieties feature big, showy clusters of blooms. It’s also heat tolerant and loves the sun. Color choices for pollinators include red, white and bright pink. • Blooms throughout summer. • Full sun. • Shrubs are mature at 2-to-5 feet; tallest tree variety can reach 25-to-30 feet. • Planting zones 7-10. An eastern tiger swallowtail enjoys nectar from a Black Knight butterfly bush Butterfly Bush This sun-loving and fast-growing shrub is loved by butterflies and other pollinators, but unfortunately they’re invasive in some areas and banned by 25 states. Noninvasive options are available like the Lo & Behold branded varieties and the Pugster blue . Butterfly bushes are attention grabbing with fragrant, long spikes covered in a mass of colorful little blooms. Butterfly bushes can reach as much as 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Pruning can easily control growth. But, for a shorter option choose a Pugster blue, which only grows about 24 inches tall and wide. This plant has butterfly in the name for a reason - they love it! Consider adding milkweed as a companion plant. In addition to the monarch caterpillars, some other butterfly caterpillars and bugs feed on it, too. • Blooms throughout summer. • Full sun. • Grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide; shorter varieties stay around 24 inches. • Planting zones 5-9. Hydrangea These beautiful and easy to maintain deciduous shrubs attract bees and other pollinating insects, but pick carefully! Some varieties like Mophead hydrangea are sterile so they lure bees in with showy flowers but lack nectar. Instead, plant lacecap, smooth, climbing, panicle or oakleaf hydrangea. The often overlooked panicle Limelight hydrangea is an excellent choice, especially if you need something easy and reliable in a sunny yard. Limelight's large, dense cones of white blooms on strong upright stems are popular among bees and other insects. One caveat, limelight is a self-fertilizing plant. The outside of the blooms are covered in sterile florets and the fertile ones with both male and female parts are inside. So, bees and bugs will bury themselves inside seeking nectar and pollen, but don't expect butterflies do the same - they aren't able to push past the dense exterior florets. Prune late spring or early fall. Unlike many hydrangea, it blooms on new growth. Lack a green thumb? No problem, this hydrangea is practically no-fail! • Blooms throughout summer. • Full sun. • Grows about 6 feet wide and tall. • Planting zones 3-9. Blanket Flower The petals of the blanket flower are the perfect “we’re open” sign for bees. The flower’s yellow tips transition to a bright, red ring around a large, nectar-filled center cone. They also offer a wide and sturdy landing pad for bees. Blanket flowers are hardy, sun-loving, drought tolerant perennials. They have a bushy shrub appearance and stay compact in size. Plant near purple Russian sage for a pretty color combination and a buffet feast for bees. • Blooms from early summer through fall. • Full sun. • Grows about 12 inches tall and 12-to-18 inches wide. • Planting zones 3-8. Black-Eyed Susan This cheerful, bright-yellow flower is a dependable plant for gardeners and pollinators. They require little care, fill in spaces nicely and add a big pop of color. For pollinators, they produce a prodigious amount of long lasting blooms with a large, center cone. Honey bees love to hang out among black-eye susans, especially on hot, sunny summer mornings. Black-eyed susan is a sturdy plant, which makes landing for a long drink easy even on a windy day. • Blooms all summer and into fall. • Full sun. • Grows 24 to 36 inches tall and wide. • Planting zone 4-9. Bee Balm It's called Bee Balm for a reason! Bees love this fragrant perennial and its frilly petals in shades of red and purple. Bee balm plants grow best in at least six hours of sun. Otherwise, they won't produce as many blooms and may mildew. • Blooms from early to late summer. • Full sun. • Grows about 11 inches tall and 12 inches wide. • Planting zones 3-9. Have More Shade Than Sun? Pick these Shade Plants for Pollinators Hosta The pretty tubular and long blooms of hostas in shades of white, pink, lavender or blue draw in pollinators. Foliage ranges in shades of green or variegated with white. Hostas are perfect filler plants along walkways and house foundations. • Blooms for several weeks between May and September depending on the variety. • Dappled to partial sun • Growth ranges from 7 inches tall and 15 inches wide and to several feet in height and width depending on the variety. • Planting zones 3-9. Coral Bells These plants offer beautifully-colored foliage for shady spots and clusters of bell-like blooms for pollinators. Coral bells grow with a mounding habit and foliage ranging from greens to shades of pink and purple. Coral Bells shoot up tall, thin stalks topped with small bloom clusters in shades that often match the foliage. This plant can handle full sun to shade, but its colors are best when it gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sun. These plants are easy to grow and do well in gardens and containers. • Blooms late spring to mid summer. • Full sun to shade. • Grow from 12 to 36 inches tall and about 15 inches wide. • Planting zones 4-9. Follow these tips and in no time, you’ll have a yard or container garden buzzing with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, keep an eye out for other pollinators that also serve a vital role in plant reproduction, such as moths, beetles, wasps, and other birds and insects. To learn more about pollinators, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service website for a wealth of information.

You don’t have to be a plant lover to appreciate the serene beauty of the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, N.C. Spread across 10 acres, Raulston is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of life, see new and different plant life, and meet up with friends and family for a nice afternoon. The arboretum began in the 1970s as a living laboratory for horticultural students at N.C. State University and is named for the renowned professor who spearheaded the project and served as its director. Today, the arboretum is a nationally acclaimed teaching and research garden featuring over 8,000 different kinds of plants in its living collection. Raulston is beautifully designed and landscaped with paths, open green spaces, shady spots and public art. On a typical day at Raulston expect to see families meeting for a picnic on the Great Lawn, a bride having her picture taken in the Rose Garden or a couple walking hand in hand. Raulston is that kind of place – where people gather surrounded by the color and beauty of nature. And, as an added bonus, it's all free to the public. What I love about Raulston is how the pathways wind through various gardens to delightful surprises, like a gazebo or a bench under a shady tree. Even with people meandering throughout the arboretum, the spaces feel quiet and peaceful. The Lath House for shade plants is one of my favorite spots. The building’s wood-slat design creates an interesting striping effect across the planting beds. Shadow lines inside the Lath House, home to a large garden for low-light plants Another design highlight is “Cascade,” a memorial wall made of stacked stone complete with plants and a water feature. Overhead is a large circular opening, which is in the floor of the Rooftop Terrace garden. Art is incorporated into the gardens, including sculptures and garden posts. Tucked throughout are tall posts painted by artists and students in a style inspired by alebrije, Mexican folk art sculptures of brightly-colored, whimsical creatures. "Every Pattern, Every Color All at Once," garden posts painted by artists Phil Abbott and Jayme Bednarczyk Throughout the arboretum are opportunities for learning and engagement. For instance, with a QR code you can access a map of the gardens and the alebrije post locations. The arboretum's garden story walk is a fun family activity. During these self-guided adventures, “pages” of a story are displayed in the gardens. Children experience the full story one page at a time, unfolding as they go. There is also a "frog" hunt where children search for figurines placed among the various gardens. Raulston maintains a thorough online calendar of upcoming events, including story walks, educational talks, plant sales and evening garden strolls. 'Moonlight in the Garden' is fall evening event featuring magical lighting displays, live music and food trucks. If you decide to spend an afternoon enjoying all the natural beauty at Raulston Arboretum, here are some tips: • Arboretum admission is free, but donations are accepted. • Bring a refillable bottle for water stations (no concessions on site). • No pets or emotional support animals allowed, only service animals. • No games (football, soccer, etc.) or the use of anything (kites, discs, etc.) that might damage plant life. • Strollers are allowed in the arboretum, but no scooters or bikes. A bike rack is in the parking lot if that's your mode of travelling there. • Walkways are a combination of soft and hard surfaces (pavers, compact dirt, small gravel and stepping stones). • Free parking.

Mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy…Christmas meals are a feast of carbs. It’s all tasty, but it’s heavy. For something that’s lighter, delicious and looks beautiful on the table, wow your guests with a tomato, mozzarella and basil "wreath" garnished with a raisin-herb marinade.  With its Mediterranean flavors and Christmas colors, this dish is the perfect complement to a buffet table or holiday meal. Plus, it’s simple and quick to make with the added health benefits of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and tomatoes. I discovered this recipe on the back of a Sun-Maid raisin box at least 15 years ago. I’ve been making it from memory ever since and always to rave reviews. Enjoy!   Ingredients ¾ cup of raisins 4 tablespoons of olive oil  3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried, crushed rosemary ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt 1 pound fresh mozzarella cut into ¼” slices or a package of pre-cut mozzarella 3 medium tomatoes cut into ¼” slices and halved  Small bunch or container of fresh basil Cracked black pepper to taste Directions 1.Combine raisins, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs and salt in a microwavable bowl and stir. 2. Microwave the marinade on high for 30 seconds to warm. Stir again and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least 30 mins. Marinade can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for an even richer taste. 3. Wash and gently pat dry the basil. Then snip or pull off individual leaves.  4. On a round serving dish with a raised edge, arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil leaves in an overlapping circular pattern keeping the center open so it forms a “wreath.” To spotlight the leaves’ green color, tuck two to three basil leaves under the tomato slices and on top of the cheese slices.  5. Spoon the marinade evenly over the wreath and season with cracked black pepper. 6. Serve your edible tomato and cheese wreath immediately and watch it disappear fast. Happy holidays!

Nestled inside Winston-Salem, N.C., is the beautiful, historic area of Reynolda. It’s the perfect day-trip destination offering everything from boutique shopping and delicious fare to tranquil gardens and world-class art. Reynolda is a 170-acre, historic area that includes Reynolda Gardens, Reynolda Village and The Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The origins of this entertainment, shopping and recreation destination trace back to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco empire. Reynolda’s History Company founder, Richard Joshua Reynolds, his wife, Katharine, and their children lived in downtown Winston-Salem near their tobacco factories during the early 1900s. When wealthy families starting building estates outside of cities, a national trend called the American Country House movement, the Reynolds clan followed suit, according to Reynolda House history. The trend was in pursuit of a healthier and more tranquil lifestyle. These country homes were large with green spaces to explore and recreational options to enjoy. In 1917, after three years of construction, the Reynolds' new home, Reynolda, was complete. The home, which is lovingly preserved today, has sixty rooms including a main reception hall with a large, stone fireplace and a dual staircase leading to the wrap-around balcony above. There’s also a study, formal dining room, eight bedrooms, an indoor pool and a squash court. The total historic footprint of Reynolda is more than 34,000 square feet and it's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reynolda is what you’d expect in a wealthy, Southern family's home. With its shaded porches supported by large round columns, you can imagine relaxing afternoons sipping sweet tea while admiring the estate's lake and vast acreage. Originally, Reynolda was situated on 1,000+ acres, which included a working agriculture and dairy farm, a lake, expansive lawns, a formal English-style garden and woods. Reynolda House Today In 1964, Reynolda became Reynolda House, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to arts and education. The home is open for tours and features special programming and exhibits throughout the year. In addition to the home's beauty and storied history, Reynolda House features a permanent collection of over 6,000 historic objects and an impressive collection of American art. The collection spans 250 years and includes notable artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, John Singer Sargent and Andy Warhol. A special exhibit on display until Dec. 31, 2023, is "Zach & Libby: Two Rings, Seven Months, One Bullet" about the suspicious death of R.J. Reynolds’ son, which made national headlines at the time and remains unsolved. Curious? Then click the "Things to do in Winston-Salem" tag at the end of this post to find our story, "Death, Money & Mystery Down South: The Unsolved Case of Zachary "Smith" Reynolds." Admission to tour Reynolda House is $18 per person and includes the exhibition. Entertainment Destination With A Farming Past Adjacent to the Reynolda House is Reynolda Village, which was designed to look and feel like an English village. This area was once the heartbeat of the estate's working agricultural and dairy farm, but today it's a popular place to meet friends for lunch or a little shopping. All the shops and restaurants are housed in small, cottage-like buildings. The only exception is the large, former dairy barn building, which serves as a landmark for the village. Every village building is white with a green roof, just like the Reynolda House exterior. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained so everywhere you look are flower beds, freshly cut lawns, mature trees and large containers overflowing with seasonal plants. The village is beautiful during the day and extra charming at night when restaurant patios are illuminated by overhead cafe lights. From the eclectic Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop to the classic cuisine of the Village Tavern, there are dining options for everyone. My savory spinach and artichoke crepe at Penny Path was delicious and filling. The cafe has a cool, artsy vibe with its unique decor. There's something to discover everywhere you look including original artwork and a path in the floor made of pennies that runs up the wall and around a large picture window. The kitchen is surrounded by a curved bar and overhead is a large structural piece made of metal gears. If you're in the mood for a more traditional, yet modern, restaurant and bar, then the Village Tavern is your spot. A long-standing favorite in town, the tavern is what I like to call "casual nice" or "upscale casual." The restaurant is small and intimate with tables and bar seating. I prefer outdoor dining among the mature shade trees while enjoying a delicious bowl of shrimp and grits. Sunday brunch is especially popular, so arrive early. In the former dairy barn building, delicious baked goods are the focus of Dough-Joes’ Coffee & Doughnuts on the lower level. Dough-Joe's is popular! A steady stream of people stop in for coffee and then enjoy it while sitting at tables and benches on the front patio. On the barn's upper level is Theodore’s Bar & Market featuring traditional cafe fare. Theodore's has a warm, comfortable cafe environment, but the best part is just outside it's door – an enclosed breezeway featuring a long, rustic dining table in the heart of the dairy barn. It's so charming to sit in the breezeway among baskets hanging from the ceiling and original doors that once lead to where milk was stored. My suggestion, order a charcuterie board and enjoy it in the breezeway or at one of the outdoor picnic tables. For shop-o-holics, the village offers plenty of options. There are retailers for jewelry, home decor, linens, and clothing for the entire family. Check out the women's boutiques Monkee’s (especially for the shoes) and Gazebo. From candles to sleepwear, McCalls has a wide variety of merchandise. The selection of clothing for children and infants is especially nice. The independent bookstore, The Bookhouse, hosts writing groups, readings, trivia nights and a children’s hour. The store features a bar menu if you want a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while you browse among the books or sit and read for a spell. The store's staff also curate 'Sip 'n Read' pairings, matching up books with a specialty drink. Need a break? Then schedule a time at one of the village salons or the full-service European Touch Day Spa. Outdoor Spaces to Explore Personally, what I enjoy about Reynolda Village and Reynolda Gardens is the thoughtful design, natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The village buildings are nestled among small, rolling hills dotted with large, stately trees. In addition to patio dining at every restaurant, there are benches throughout the grounds for enjoying your coffee to-go or reading a good book. People are always out and about in the village and the green spaces of the gardens. It’s common to see people picnicking, playing frisbee, jogging and just strolling along window shopping. Walking or jogging the paved paths and soft dirt trails of Reynolda Gardens is especially popular. The trails wind alongside the wetlands, which was once Lake Katharine, through the woods and across the main lawn of the Reynolda House estate. The path around the main part of the estate is also an official N.C. Birding Trail. Sites include waterfalls, bridges, a boathouse and the outdoor pool where the Reynolds family used to swim. The entire trail is 3.9 miles long. Leashed dogs are allowed. Escape into Reynolda's Formal Gardens A visit to historic Reynolda isn't complete without seeing the greenhouse and the formal gardens. The formal gardens are divided into sections or rooms called "parterres," which is a French term for a symmetrical landscape design that uses plants, such as low hedge lines, to create distinct ornamental gardens with paths between the beds. According the formal garden's history, it's four parterres are the Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden and the Blue & Yellow Garden. The gardens incorporate a variety of trees, perennial flowers, shrubbery, fountains, Japanese-style tea houses and pergolas. A garden highlight are the numerous sitting areas. It's so relaxing to find a spot and just listen to the sounds of the birds and water fountains. Adjacent to the gardens, is the estate’s original greenhouse. Built in 1913, the greenhouse is used to grow plants from around the world, including orchids. Throughout the year, the greenhouse is also the site of a popular plant sale. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed in the formal gardens. Other restrictions for the formal gardens include no food or drink and no blankets or furniture placed on the grass. Picnicking is fine in green spaces outside of the formal gardens. Check Out What’s Happening Be sure to check the event calendar for Reynolda House, the village and the gardens. There’s always something interesting going on such a film screenings, expert talks, painting classes and educational programs for children. For instance, a viticulturist will discuss local wines and grapes on Nov. 14, 2023, and an evergreen decoration class is planned on Dec. 1. On the first Sunday of every month, is a family painting workshop where children and their parents learn about an artist from the Reynolda House art collection as inspiration for their own painting. When to Visit Historic Reynolda: Operating Hours •Reynolda House – Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Check the website for holiday hours. •Reynolda Village – Varies by merchant. Most retailers are open during typical business hours and the restaurants stay open well into the evening. •Reynolda Gardens and Trails – Open everyday during daylight hours. No pets in the formal gardens. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and other green spaces. •Greenhouse – Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When we drove up to Ponce City Market in Atlanta my expectations were lukewarm. I thought we’d have a nice brunch, walk around a little and then head out. We stayed all day! Forget crisscrossing the city going to this restaurant and that shop, avoid the traffic and head straight here. Ponce City Market (PCM) is the perfect place to escape into a day (and night) of rooftop games, unique retail and craft-kitchen food. PCM, nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, is a mixed-use entertainment destination and it’s HUGE – 2.1 million total square feet and around 330,000 of that dedicated to shopping and restaurants. Plus, it's continuing to grow, according to the developer's website. PCM is stretched across a collection of buildings, but the main attraction is a nine-story building that was once a showroom and warehouse distribution center for Sears Roebuck & Co beginning in the 1920s. The site’s history as a place for entertainment traces back to 1903, long before Sears bought the site. Dubbed “the Coney island of Atlanta,” the area was previously the Ponce de Leon amusement park, a history honored with the PCM's rooftop Skyline Park. We started our day with brunch at Pancake Social. Yum! Warm syrup over large buttermilk pancakes with a side of creamy grits and bacon. Southern appetite satisfied. With bellies full, the exploring commenced. PCM's look and feel is everything you expect a repurposed warehouse to be. Brick, concrete walls, huge pillars and exposed ventilation piping are everywhere. Large metal beams stretch overhead and industrial-style lights hang from the ceiling. My favorite part of the building’s design was the restored wooden floors (if those aren’t the original floors, then they fooled me). The floors were dark and looked oiled. They creaked under foot with a vintage sound that seemed to connect the building’s history with its modern, industrial-style present. Interesting side note, the building is included on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a beautiful day during our visit, so we paid for admission to the building's top-floor, outdoor attraction, Skyline Park. We boarded an enormous freight elevator inside the Ponce City Market Tower for our ride up. As a nice bonus, you can see out a window as you travel. The rooftop’s theme pays homage to the market's amusement past with a series of boardwalk-style games, including skee-ball and a basketball toss. There’s also a two-story slide, a small tower ride and miniature golf. The putt-putt course is not great, which kind of made it more fun and hilarious. Everyone around us was having fun playing, too. The biggest highlight was the panoramic view of Atlanta. We felt lucky to see the skylines of midtown and downtown on a sunny day with practically no clouds in sight. Gorgeous! The entire area is called The Roof at Ponce City Market. In addition to Skyline Park, it’s also home to 9 Mile Station, a nice-casual restaurant and bar featuring craft beer and cocktails. The restaurant is named for the streetcar line that used to shuttle people to the area in the 1920s. The restaurant’s best feature is the huge outdoor terrace. Again, the views! Thanks to individual igloos placed over tables, you can enjoy dining on the rooftop even as the weather cools. After my husband finally won a prize in the basketball toss, we headed back downstairs to explore the rest of the market. The building’s first two floors feature the Central Food Hall and small retailers interspersed around. The ceilings are high and the second floor is open in the middle with balcony railing. Iron staircases connect the two floors, including an especially cool circular one. The food hall’s selection of cuisine is everything from a cold treat at Honeysuckle Gelato to po’boy sandwiches at W.H. Stiles “Dub’s” Fish Camp, which is helmed by the James Beard Award winning chef, Anne Quatrano. There are flavors from around the world including Indian, Asian, Latin and French. PCM is the perfect spot to find artisan-made gifts, especially at Citizen Supply. It features a large collection of independent vendors and makers offering everything from skincare products and jewelry to vintage clothing and original T-shirt designs. As a nice added bonus, Citizens Supply includes Excuse My French, a cafe and cocktail/coffee bar. Outside the building is an extra-wide breezeway lined with more shops, including upscale national and boutique retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Allbirds, Buck Mason, Madewell and Lululemon. Men's clothier Rye 51, a self-titled "textile distillery," actually has a whiskey bar inside. Another popular shopping attraction is "Artists & Fleas." This open-air market is held every Saturday and features pop-up shops with everything from vinyl records to original jewelry and clothing. We visited PCM close to Halloween and a trick-or-treat event was in full swing. People of all ages were in costume, vendors were handing out candy and spooky decor was everywhere. The list of PCM's special events is long and ongoing. Art classes, coffee hour book clubs, outdoor yoga and trivia nights are just a tiny sampling. With the holidays coming up, so are the themed activities at PCM, including rooftop ice skating – Skate the Sky – beginning Nov. 24. Friday nights are reserved for adults-only, retro skating with a D.J. spinning music from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The 12 Cocktail Bar on the top floor of Ponce Market Tower will host holiday mixology classes beginning Nov. 17. And, the tower lobby will be transformed into a Holiday Social Bar. If you plan on visiting Ponce City Market here are some tips: • Expect to use the parking garage. Pay by the hour. Additional time can be added by the phone app. • Walk or bike right up to the market thanks to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline. The beltline, which intersects the market, is a 22-mile long network of trails, transit and parks over what was once a railroad corridor. • Admission to The Roof for viewing only is $15. It’s an additional $15 for unlimited games at Skyline Park. A wristband indicates you’ve paid for unlimited games. Food and drinks are not included. There are concessions for purchase on The Roof. • No admission cost to go to The Roof to eat or have drinks at 9 Mile Station, just the cost of your meal. But, if you want to also play unlimited games at Skyline Park, buy a $10 wristband before going up the freight elevator. If you buy the wristband once at 9 Mile Station, it’s regular price. • Skyline Park is family-friendly, except after 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights when it’s 21+. The last admission time on those nights for anyone underage is 6 p.m. • Reservations are a smart idea for special events like Skate the Sky and the igloo dining.

Are you among the “PWAGs?” That sounds like a race of sci-fi movie creatures, but it actually stands for “People Without Celiac Disease Avoiding Gluten.” For a month, I was among them and here's what I discovered. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). People with celiac disease can’t tolerate gluten at all. It’s a chronic condition with no cure except avoiding gluten. The National Institutes of Health estimates about 1% of the population worldwide has celiac disease. That’s not a huge number, so why does it seem like gluten-free food is everywhere? Well, plenty of people have gluten sensitivity or believe a gluten-free lifestyle is healthier. So when a trend emerges, industry takes note. In 2022, Grand View Research Inc., estimated the size of the global, gluten-free products market at $6.45 billion in U.S. dollars and by 2030 it will reach $13.7 billion. The variety of gluten-free items, especially in the snack category, has come a long way. At one time, gluten-free food was only found on a few shelves in health foods stores and it didn't taste great. Now, there are entire gluten-free sections featuring better tasting choices in grocery stores and even large retailers like Walmart. With predictions like those by Grand View, which was widely reported in the media, expect gluten-free options to continue evolving and expanding. I don’t have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or any health issues for that matter. I did, however, feel bombarded with information about anti-inflammatory eating, which includes going gluten free, so I decided to give it a try. I lost 12 pounds–it practically fell off. I can’t prove going gluten free was the main factor to this easy weight loss. In all fairness, I did increased my intake of water, fruits and veggies (foods naturally gluten free, btw). I don’t know the answer, but I liked the result. In my gluten-free quest, I shopped Harris Teeter, Walmart, Target and Trader Joe's. I tried a bevy of gluten-free products and here's what I liked best. Gluten-Free Options for Kitchen Staples Egglife • Egg-white wraps in Original and Everything Bagel flavors. • Perfect bread substitute for making wraps. • Eat it cold or warmed in a skillet or microwave. • Zero cholesterol, dairy, soy and sugar. • Serving size: 1 wrap is 25-35 calories with 5-6 grams of protein depending on the variety. Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free • Great for avocado toast. A little dense for a sandwich if you prefer softer bread. • 100% whole grain bread made with “ancient grains.” • Ingredients include rice flour and whole grain sorghum flour. • Dairy, nut and soy free. • Serving size: 1 slice for 70 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. Veggiecraft Farms Pasta Made with Cauliflower • Sturdy, nice tasting, high-protein pasta. • Penne-shaped pasta made with a flour blend of lentil, pea and cauliflower. • Non GMO, dairy free and vegan. • Serving size: 2 ounces dry (1/4 of the box) is 200 calories with 13 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm (riced and pasta varieties) • An easy substitute for part of an entrée or as a side dish that's ready in a flash. • Both varieties are in a boxed, vacuum-sealed pouch. Simply remove from the pouch and reheat quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. • The pasta is linguine-shaped and tastes great when mixed with a basil pesto. • The riced variety is perfect for Mexican dishes. In a skillet, add drained organic black beans, chopped sweet bell peppers, a little cumin, lime juice and a protein. • Vegan. • Serving size for both: 1/3 of a pouch is 20 calories, 3 servings to pouch. Entire pouch is 60 calories. Trader Joe's Organic Yellow Lentil and Brown Rice Spaghetti Pasta • Good alternative to traditional pasta with a punch of protein. • Made with organic ingredients. • Serving size: 2 ounces (1/6 of the package) is 190 calories with 14 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Gluten-Free Salty Snacks Siete’s Grain Free Tortilla Chips (lime and sea salt varieties) • Satisfying for anyone that likes crunchy, salty snacks. • Made with a cassava flour blend, coconut flour, avocado oil and chia seed. • Non GMO. • Serving size: 14 chips for 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. Trader Joe's Organic Cacio E Pepe Puffs • Crunchy, corn and rice puffs flavored with cheese and pepper. • Packs big flavor. One of my favorite snacks. • Ingredients include organic corn meal, sunflower oil and brown rice flour. • Organic, kosher. • Serving size: 1 1/2 cups of puffs for 150 calories, 2 grams of protein and 9 grams of fat. RW Garcia 3 Seed Organic Sweet Potato Crackers • Tasty choice if you want something crunchy for dipping. Great with hummus. • Flavor is more sweet than salty. • The all organic ingredients include stone ground yellow corn, sunflower oil, sweet potato, flaxseed, poppy seeds and chia seeds. • Non GMO. • Serving size: 16 crackers for 140 calories with 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. Quinn Creamy Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets • A gluten-free version of a common salty snack that didn't disappoint. Tasted great. • Ingredients include peanut butter (dry roasted peanuts, sugar and salt), cassava flour, sunflower oil, whole grain sorghum flour, hemp heart protein and sea salt. • Corn and dairy free. Non GMO and vegan. • Serving size: 8 pretzels for 140 calories with 6 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein Gluten-Free Sweet Treats Siete Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies • Small, thick cookies that crumble easily and answer a sweet tooth’s call. • Made with a grain-free blend of five flours (almond, arrowroot, chickpea, cassava and tapioca). • Non GMO. • Serving size: 5 cookies (plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth) for 150 calories with 9 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Goodie Girl Fudge Striped Crunchy Oat Flour Cookies • Remember being a kid and putting your finger through the center hole of a flower-shaped cookie and then eating around it–that's this cookie but with chocolate. • Traditional, shortbread-style cookie that is striped with fudge on one side and completely covered on the other side. • Chocolaty and crunchy. • Made with gluten-free whole grain oat flour. • No nuts, eggs or artificial colors or preservatives. • Serving size: 4 cookies (more than satisfying) for 150 calories with 3 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies (Double Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip) • Good choice if you have food allergies. • Free from 14 allergens and labeled “school safe.” • Some flavor sacrifice to be free of so many allergens, especially the chocolate chip cookie. • Choose the double chocolate brownie for a richer flavor. • Serving size: 2 cookies are 130 calories and 5 grams of fat. WOW Soft Baked Key Lime White Chocolate Cookies • Soft cookies with a strong, tangy, key lime flavor. Yummy enough to share. • List of ingredients includes brown rice flour, long gram white rich flour and 100% pure key lime juice concentrate. • Serving size: 2 cookies for 120 calories with 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Hu (Get Back to HuMan) Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate Bar • Rich, decadent dark chocolate bar made with 70% organic, fair trade cacao. • Salty Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Butter varieties are also delicious. • Clean eating with no refined sugar, dairy, soy, or sugar alcohols. • Serving size: Bar consists of 8 large chunks. Half of the bar (4 chunks) is 190 calories with 13 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. 1 chuck is satisfying. Tate’s Bake Shop Gluten Free Lemon Cookies • Large, thin, crispy cookies with a nice lemon flavor. • Good enough to share with guests. • Serving size: 2 cookies for 150 calories with 7 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bites • A single hunk is a satisfying, sweet snack between meals, especially when on the go. Two chunks if you’re too busy for lunch (A few keep me from stopping for fast food lunches when traveling). • Ingredients include certified, gluten-free rolled oats and brown rice syrup. • Non GMO, vegan certified and dairy free. • Serving Size: 1 hunk is 120 calories with 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein.