Graylyn International Conference Center

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T09:12:00.001-04:00

Today, many traditions will be acted upon for this famously green day of celebration in many different parts of the world including Japan, Singapore and Russia. The day may be celebrated with a pint of stout and wishing friends "Slainte!" (a toast to health). Here are some other traditions to consider:

The Shamrock, called 'seamroy' by the Celts, is a symbol used by many retailers and children alike to decorate for the holiday. The shamrock was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland symbolizing the rebirth of spring. Many Irish wore the shamrock as a symbol of pride in their heritage in protest of English rule.

The Leprechaun, Celtic folklore, is a tiny man or woman who uses magical powers to serve good or evil. They used their trickery to protect their storied treasure (gold perhaps). The modern leprechaun is an American invention of a cheerful, friendly figure brought on by the release of Walt Disney's film called Darby O'Gill & the Little People.

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional menu served by many Irish-Americans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Corned beef only began to be associated with the holiday at the turn of the century. Irish immigrants used corned beef as a cheaper alternative to bacon.

Parades are an important part of celebrating the holiday. There are more than 100 parades throughout the United States with New York City and Boston holding the largest celebrations. The parade is 248 years old with the first parade on March 17, 1762 in New York City when Irish soldiers serving the English military marched in celebration.

Wearing Green has long been a tradition in the United States. The color is considered to be unlucky in Ireland. The pinch is to warn you that the Leprechauns can see you. If you wear green, you will be invisible and not receive the hurtful warning. Hope you are wearing green today. You may receive a pinch. Ouch!

Visit Graylyn for annual special events.

Life Vests and Boats

2010-03-16T10:00:00.006-04:00

The population of this country is many. We were able to find a spot to enjoy the people and the scenery. The Gray's took us on a boat tour of the city. They had life vests for dogs too.

"I was impressed, Scotch said proudly.

"I was a little afraid to get into the boat. Every time they put me in and take me out, I would automatically start "air swimming" over the water. It felt like I was going to fall and take a swim," Butter stated reluctantly.

We were able to obtain a photo from a tourist visiting this country. Enjoy viewing the photo and guessing the country.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

Traditional Yet Modern

2010-03-09T08:58:00.010-05:00

While traveling in the east, we found boldness and fashion forward designs by Payal Singhal. Payal Singhal’s entrance into the fashion world is no surprise. Following in the footsteps of her father & grandfather, who were successful in the world of fashion & art respectively, Singhal has become a world renowned designer. As a native of March’s country, Singhal’s designs incorporate bold colors, embroidery & appliqués.

"I love the unique and intricate designs ranging from formal to casual," Butter stated.

"I am going to stick to my roots, Scottish plaid," replied Scotch.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

Seven Wonders

2010-03-02T13:20:00.004-05:00

Well...we boarded a plane headed east from the previous country. It was a bumpy and chilly ride. Unfortunately, we could not sit with the passengers. We were placed in a crate.

"At least we were together," Scotch said.

"The storage area was a little scary," Butter replied. "No light and strange sounds."

We couldn't see outside. We had to rely on our senses. It did get a little warmer as we flew further east.

Finally, we landed and joined our owners, the Gray's. They were talking about one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built in memory of the emperor's favorite wife after dying during childbirth with their fourteenth child. They raved about the architecture which combines three different styles. The building took 20 years to complete. We can't wait to visit - if they allow dogs.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

It's a Love Match

2010-02-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

While the Gray's visited a famous Grand Slam event site, we tagged along for the tour. It was a sunny day and the courts were well manicured and green.

"The ball going back and forth and back and forth was awfully tempting to chase. Instead of being a lazy day in the sun, I was the ball dog for the players," Scotch happily stated.

"We did have a great time chasing them," smiled Butter.

"There is nothing like sun, grass and a ball to chase," sighed Scotch.

Tim Henman was long considered to be this country's greatest hope to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry did it three consecutive years from 1934-1936. Unfortunately, he never got past the semi-finals of this storied Grand Slam event. His native country is the answer to February’s clue.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

Individuality

2010-02-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

Here are more fashion discoveries while touring this country. It is home to designer Vivienne Westwood who studied at the Harrow School of Art, the University of Westminster & Middlesex University's Trent Park College. Along with her education, Vivienne was greatly influenced by her second husband, Malcolm McLaren, who became the manager of the punk band, The Sex Pistols. Westwood’s designs helped to incorporate the punk style into the mainstream.

Scotch requested, "Wonder if I can get a Scottish terrier mohawk to go along with the traditional beard?"

"Oh, don't be so silly, Scotch. The Gray's will not allow such a haircut," replied Butter.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

The Eye

2010-02-12T10:00:00.003-05:00

We took an exciting ride on a ferris wheel that overlooked the city. It was beautiful. We could see the majority of the tourist sites from the air. Instead of being an open air seat, we sat in an enclosed capsule to protect us from the elements.

"All the spinning made my head dizzy," Scotch said.

"The weather was perfect. Someone offered to take a picture of us. We requested that she take a picture of the ferris wheel. She sent one to us to share with you," Butter explained.

The picture is courtesy of Alison Gentry.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

Murder at Graylyn

2010-02-11T14:10:00.002-05:00

Murder mysteries, also known as crime fiction, continue to be popular with dinner parties, games and weekend-long events. The crime fiction genre dates back to the 1800s. The earliest known crime fiction was authored by Steen Steensen Blicher, "The Rector of Veilbye" in 1829. The early dark works of author, Edgar Allan Poe, are more well-known such as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841). The genre was not taken seriously until the early 1900s with "The Three Apples" and "One Thousand and One Nights". However, the genre was popularized with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson mulling over whodunit to solve their case.

This February, the Graylyn Estate will host its first Murder Mystery and we invite you to join us for this weekend-long show. As you check in, the air is full of excitement and intrigue; the guilty party may be checking in next to you and could befriend you during dinner. Be attentive; you may miss an important clue to solving the case, or you may even be a prime suspect. Pack your looking glass and your detective hat for a fun-filled weekend of suspense and murder.

Graylyn’s Murder Mystery Weekend will be a unique and unforgettable experience that will place you and your friends directly in the middle of a homicide investigation. The weekend package includes accommodations on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th; a Friday evening welcome hors d’oeuvre reception; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and four-course dinner; and Sunday brunch wrap-up to unveil the mysteries of the weekend. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience Graylyn through a weekend of intrigue and mystery. The cost is $359 per person, based on double occupancy. Price subject to tax, gratuity and estate fee.

To make reservations, please call 336.758.2425 or visit our website at
www.graylyn.com.

Cheers!

2010-02-04T13:05:00.015-05:00

We had a fabulous time in January. For February, we traveled to another country a little further south. However, it can be quite cold and rainy here.

"Yeah. Could someone give me my galoshes?" Scotch asked sharply.

"You should be thankful that you are traveling with the Gray's around the world. Not many dogs can say they have seen the world," replied Butter.

We feel like royalty here. The interior of the buildings reminds us of Graylyn. The Gray's purchased the wooden panels of a guest room and the marble mantle in the Main Dining Room from this country. The Grille Room reminds me of this country during the medieval period.

Today, we visited some mysterious stones.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

The History of Valentine's Day

2010-02-02T23:28:00.000-05:00

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor’s daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.
In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages and St. Valentine became a patron saint of lovers. In the 1840s, Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for sending the first Valentine cards. (Courtesy of www.history.com)

Celebrate St. Valentine with a gourmet four-course dinner for two at Graylyn Estate. Dinner starts at $96/person. Make it a night with the Valentine's Day Package for two. The package includes overnight accommodations, four-course dinner, buffet breakfast and Graylyn bottle of wine starting at $225/couple. Packages are available Friday, February 12th until Sunday, February 14th. Prices subject to tax, gratuity and estate fee.

Click here to view menu.

Call 336.758.2425 or click here to make a reservation.

Visit www.graylyn.com.

High Seas to High Fashion

2010-01-27T10:00:00.007-05:00

We have seen many different styles of fashion in this country. It is quite different from the United States. Here is what we have discovered:

Lamilla: Lamija Suljevic & Gabomilla Nielsen attended fashion school in Vaxjo in this country. Their Lamilla brand of clothing focuses on contrast by using only black & white as well as various fabrics in their designs.

Scotch commented, "I still prefer Scottish plaid."

"I wonder if they have a black and white plaid sweater for dogs." Butter replies.

Where are we?

Visit www.graylyn.com or request a passport.

The Ship Reached its Port!

2010-01-21T10:19:00.016-05:00

We left New York 10 days ago, finally we landed in our destination after a long journey at sea. According to Gordon Gray, the youngest son, Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Gray, Sr. enjoyed sitting side by side in deck chairs taking in strength, comfort and pleasure from each other. Bowman, Jr. and Gordon travelled to many countries with their parents.

Whew! We are happy to get out of the crate, stretch our legs and explore the third largest country in the European Union. It is quite warm today - 23 degrees Celsius. Perfect day for a walk.

"I could use a walk after several days in a crate," Scotch said sharply.

Butter replied, "Don't worry. There is plenty of coastline to explore with plenty of daylight while visiting this country."

Where are we?

Greetings from the Seas!

2010-01-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

We are traveling on the high seas with the Grays. They love to cruise on vacations. We hope they dock soon. We are getting restless in our crate. We are thankful they put us together. It sure would be lonely without each other's company on this long journey. We haven't been able to see much since we are in the storage unit on the boat. It is quite dark down here. We do know we are going somewhere cold for vacation. The Gray's packed our plaid sweaters and extra bones.

"I'm hungry. I wish someone would throw us a bone!" Scotch exclaims.

"Oh, Scotch. It is almost 12 noon and 6am in North Carolina. They will be down to deliver lunch soon." Butter stated.

We hear it can be cold where we are traveling. We will be in the middle of a cluster of countries.

Where are we?

Your Journey Awaits

2010-01-06T09:08:00.001-05:00

The passport is here! Don’t miss the opportunity to join Butter & Scotch on their journey around the world. The adventure begins in January. The passport contains a historical tour
of the estate, exciting meeting offers, and an opportunity to win two round-trip airline tickets.
We hope you look forward to playing along and acquainting yourself to Graylyn’s newest historians, Butter and Scotch.

Enjoy your travels!

For additional information or request a passport, please visit www.graylyn.com,
our travel blog, or contact an Account Manager at 336.758.2570.

Resolve to Keep The Promise

2009-12-28T10:56:00.037-05:00

Every New Year is accompanied by sworn oaths and lists of resolutions we make to improve our lives. Many resolutions go unresolved before the end of the first month. Some of the most popular resolutions are: lose weight, manage debt, save money, get fit, quit smoking, minimize stress, get organized, volunteer, quit drinking and learn something new.

If you make a resolution, tell someone. When your resolution is spoken to someone, it creates accountability. This person can be a trusted friend, family member or co-worker. Make sure that person can be your cheerleader to push you to make it a reality.

Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People may assist you in starting out the year on the right path toward your goal. You may be surprised to learn that it may even change your life. Habit 1: Be Proactive - Take the initiative to make your resolution happen. You are the sole responsible party for the outcomes of your attitude and actions. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind - visualize the finish. What will it look like at the end when you complete your goal? Habit 3: Put First Things First - Time to manage yourself = personal management. Organize and execute around priorities. Habit 4: Think Win-Win - What will be the mutual benefit from the resolution? Who else will win from your goal? Don't make it all about you. Involve someone else winning from your win. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood - Empathic listening may lead you to the answer to your resolution. It will inspire trust and openness with others. Habit 6: Synergize - Teamwork and cooperation. Find someone else with the same resolution and work together to accomplish the goal. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw - Personal fulfillment and growth through renewing your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional attributes. Educate yourself. Learn something new. Habits 1 – 3 = Start by making and keeping a promise. These habits represent integrity. Hold true the promise to yourself. Habits 4 – 6 = Involve others in the resolution. Work together. They represent loyalty. Seek guidance and support from others while accepting what is given to you.

Make a resolution to continually improve yourself whether it's health, education, organization, work related, family or financial. Have a resolution party by gathering close friends and family. Reflect on the past, but look forward to the future. Share your resolutions with each other. Now, everyone is accountable for their spoken New Year resolution.

"All true and lasting change occurs from the inside out. Become the change you seek in the world." Franklin Covey, Living The 7 Habits

Start the New Year by celebrating a timeless New Year’s Eve at Graylyn and toast the beginning of 2010 with a flute of champagne. Invite friends and loved ones to join in the celebration over a five-course, gourmet champagne pairing dinner event, featuring exclusive and rare vintages from our cellar. This champagne dinner event is $274 per couple, or add to the package a uniquely adorned guest room, welcome gift and breakfast for two for $399 per couple. Make a resolution to mark your calendar for Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Graylyn Estate. Enjoy an evening filled with delectable food, friendly toasts, and wonderful company

Call 336.758.2425 to reserve your space or visit www.graylyn.com.

Holiday Traditions

2009-12-23T10:00:00.014-05:00

The holidays remind us of fond memories and traditions we have from our childhood and beyond. Traditions are passed down from generation to generation. It is the responsibility of the younger generation to carry on the memories and traditions to their own families.

Bringing cheer and producing smiles for kids has been a long tradition with the estate. On Christmas Eve, Mrs. Nathalie Gray had an annual Christmas party for every child in Winston-Salem. Her invitation included every boy and girl, regardless of color. For many children, this was their principal Christmas celebration. There were large Christmas trees, rooms beautifully decorated, gifts and refreshments distributed by Santa Claus. The party attracted thousands of children who found an appreciation of the thoughtfulness of others. The children left a little happier knowing they were not entirely forgotten.

Today, Graylyn continues this holiday tradition. Every year, Graylyn staff gathers to sing and bring good tidings of Yuletide to the children from The Children's Center, located on the corner of the estate. Graylyn invites the children to gather in the main Living Room around the largest Christmas tree on the estate for a morning filled with caroling, laughs, Twas the Night Before Christmas, sweet treats and of course, a visit from Santa Claus. Tom Gilsenan, former General Manager of Graylyn and Children's Center board member, reads Twas the Night Before Christmas as the children intently listen to every word. The Graylyn staff comically and merrily sing traditional carols as the kids sing along to the songs.

Here are some traditions shared by the staff:

"We drive up to Michigan for the holidays. My whole family spends Christmas Eve partly in the kitchen making the feast, and partly playing Euchre (a Midwest card game) and Scrabble. We sit down for a big dinner around 6pm and open party crackers filled with toys and jokes. After dinner, we each open one present. Later, we watch a movie together and then wake up early in the morning for some breakfast casserole, presents, and – probably not too much later – naps." - I have never heard of Euchre. I need to learn a new game.

"So many of mine have changed over the years, but when I was a kid we would all gather on my parents bed, and my Dad would make fresh squeezed OJ and bring it to us. Then once we were done with juice we would all go to the living room to see what Santa had brought. The other piece of the morning, that I still expect to this day is sugar cake from Dewey’s. I get angry when that is forgotten Christmas morning." - Let's hope he gets his sugar cake from Dewey's this year.

On Christmas day, I go fishing after opening presents. - I hope it is not ice fishing. Burrrr...

"We started a tradition a few years ago that on Christmas Eve we give our children a nutcracker. We borrowed this tradition from my friend whose mother would give them a unique nutcracker every year. His brother & sisters each have at least 25 nutcrackers now. Every Thanksgiving they put them all out. Their mother recently passed away and I know that this simple gift every year as they were growing-up will help them this first Christmas without her." - What a nice tradition! Traditions keep the memory of a loved one alive for generations.

"My grandmother sewed the grandchildren stockings for Christmas. I still use my stocking today. My mother sewed stockings for my two girls too. As a child, we were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. It was always a new nightgown or pajamas. My sisters and I had to pose for the camera. We would wear them that night to bed waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. My mother buys my sisters, me and all the grandchildren nightgowns and pajamas. Today, we still open our one gift of brand new pajamas." - What a great way to get new pajamas every year!

"My family and I attend a Moravian Love Feast every year. I baked chocolate chip cookies with my mom. So, I bake cookies with my daughter. I shared candied orange slices with my dad. Now, my dad shares his slices with my daughter." - Moments shared with loved ones are the most important memories.

On Christmas Eve, my family gets together, pray and share what we are thankful for this year. We open our gifts at 12:00 midnight. - Traditions are a great way to celebrate together.

Traditions are customs or beliefs with a long established action or pattern of behavior in a community or group of people. Often, it has been handed down for generations and generations. They are something to look forward to when the season arrives. Without traditions, where would fireworks be on 4th of July? Pumpkins carved for Halloween? The President pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving? Stockings hung by the chimney with care? And many more...

Take a family tradition and share it with others. You never know the impact it may have on another family. Your tradition may become someone's cherished family custom that is passed on to many generations to come. If you don't have a tradition, adopt one from the list above. Pass it on.

Happy Holidays!

New Year's Traditions and Customs

2009-12-17T11:18:00.004-05:00

Have you ever thought about the traditions of celebrating the New Year? We are most familiar with the ball drop in Times Square, the Tournament of Roses Parade, fireworks, resolutions, and a toast and a kiss with Auld Lang Syne playing in the background. The celebration of the New Year was first observed in ancient Babylon nearly 4,000 years ago, and many cultures have adopted their own traditions to mark the event. In Spain, twelve grapes are eaten at midnight to mark prosperity for each month of the coming year. In Southern Italy, the custom is to throw old belongings out the window, symbolizing your readiness to accept the New Year. In Scotland, myth surrounds the "first-footer", a tall handsome man with dark hair who is the believed to visit your home after midnight and bring good luck. In the South, tradition cooks up a meal of pork, black-eyed peas and cabbage, which symbolize health, good luck, and financial prosperity respectively.

Start a new tradition by celebrating a timeless New Year’s Eve at Graylyn and toast the beginning of 2010 with a flute of champagne. Invite friends and loved ones to join in the celebration over a five-course, gourmet champagne pairing dinner event, featuring exclusive and rare vintages from our cellar. This champagne dinner event is $274 per couple, or add to the package a uniquely adorned guest room, welcome gift and breakfast for two for $399 per couple. Make a resolution to mark your calendar for Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Graylyn Estate. Enjoy an evening filled with delectable food, friendly toasts, and wonderful company.

Call 336.758.2425 to reserve your space or visit www.graylyn.com.

The History of Santa Claus

2009-12-10T13:30:00.022-05:00

Did you ever wonder what the history was behind the man with the candy red suit, coal black boots, snow white beard and cherry red cap? How about entering through chimneys while making his deliveries? Have you ever thought about all the references to Santa and their origins - Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Sinterklaas and Papa Noel?

Apparently, there is a long history for Santa dating back to the 4th Century. In Greece, St. Nicholas of Myra, bishop of Lycia (now Demre) was known for his generous gifts to the poor. There are tales of St. Nicholas of Myra tossing coins through open windows. When a window was closed, he would toss the coins in the chimney. This may have led to the idea of Santa entering homes through the chimney. In Germany, Odin was recorded to lead hunting parties in the sky during the native Germanic holiday of Yule. Odin paralleled the image of Santa Claus with his long white beard and his mighty horse leaping great distances similar to the present-day reindeer. Children would place their boots near the chimney. The boots were filled with carrots, straw or sugar for his horse to eat. Odin would reward the children by replacing the food with gifts and candy. The practice continued in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. Eventually, the boots were replaced with stockings hung at the chimney of homes. The stocking tradition came to the United States from the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. The tradition evolved into hanging the stockings at the fireplace.

St. Nick was also referred to as an elf in the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" known today as "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clark Moore. Published in December 1823, the poem contributed to what we know Santa Claus to be today riding in a sleigh, landing on a roof and delivering a sack full of toys through a chimney. However, the modern image of Kris Kringle came from Thomas Nast's cartoonist illustration in a 1863 Harper's Weekly. The image of Santa Claus became more popular with the Coca-Cola advertisements in the 1930s.

St. Nick has a deep tradition within many countries around the world whether religious or folklore. The United States adopted many traditions from different countries as their cultures were introduced to America. The Americanization and commercialization of Santa didn't come until the late 1800s and early 1900s. Kris Kringle is absolutely synonymous with the holiday season. What would the season be without St. Nicholas?

Santa will be coming down one of Graylyn's chimneys on Sunday, December 13 and Saturday, December 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Call 336.758.2425 for details or visit www.graylyn.com.

The Poinsettia Tradition

2009-12-04T12:08:00.006-05:00

Poinsettias have been a long standing tradition at Graylyn. The poinsettias are here – all 200. Once the poinsettias are placed, everyone knows the holiday season is in full swing. The Manor House comes alive when they appear almost magically. You will see poinsettias at every turn. The poinsettias are flowing out of the Sunroom, Lobby and Main Dining Room fireplaces.

Native to Central America the plant flourished in Southern Mexico. The poinsettia was first used for medicinal and practical purposes by the Aztecs. They referred to the plant as Cuetlaxochitl. The Aztecs used the milky white sap, today called latex, to treat fevers.

The poinsettia was introduced to the United States only a few short years ago in 1828. Joel Roberts Poinsett discovered the winter blooming plant when serving as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico appointed by President John Qunicy Adams. Though he attended medical school, his first love was botany. While visiting Taxco, he became enchanted with the brilliant red flower. He immediately sent some back to Greenville, South Carolina to grow in his greenhouses. He began sending them to friends and botanical gardens. Thus, began the tradition of purchasing and decorating with poinsettias during the holiday season under the botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima. It is said that the first reference to the more popular name, poinsettia, came in 1836. I wonder from where it was derived…

Poinsett also founded the institution that we know as the Smithsonian Institute.

Deck the halls!

2009-11-25T13:40:00.012-05:00

Every year, Graylyn is decorated for the holiday season before December arrives. Graylyn has 8 trees to decorate for the season. Each tree carries a different theme. Some themes include a family tree with Gray family photos set in the Living Room, under the sea tree in our Atlantis Room and the Scottish terrier tree commemorating the Gray's love of their Scottish terriers, Butter & Scotch, located in the Grille Room. Combined, the trees have 6,500 plus mini white lights strung on them! The trees are fluffed and strung with lights by hand totaling 8 plus hours of labor. The outside is adorned with 25 plus wreaths throughout property; most noticeably on the manor house. Even the light posts have bows.

The stair tower will hold 60 plus feet of fresh garland. This is also the location of the gingerbread houses, the Manor House and newly added Bernard Cottage, decorated by Graylyn's culinary team.

Poinsettias are expected to arrive on November 30th. There are 200 plus red and white poinsettias set throughout the manor house. Three fireplaces will be filled with poinsettias; Sunroom with 24 white, Lobby with 17 red and Main Dining Room with 15 white.

Graylyn is not open to the public for tours. I encourage you to visit us for a holiday celebration with family, friends or co-workers. You can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season in the 2nd largest home in North Carolina. Santa will also be visiting Graylyn on December 5th and 12th. Check our web site for details.

'Tis the season! Remember to enjoy the holiday season. Don't let the stress of decorating, baking, shopping...leave you saying, "Bah. Humbug." Be merry!

Thanksgiving - The Middle Child of the Holidays

2009-11-18T11:28:00.014-05:00

Have you ever thought about the holiday trio - Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas - as siblings? Who is in the middle? That's right, Thanksgiving.

We often hear about the middle child syndrome. The first-born receiving all the attention and treated as the only child until the next baby is born. The second child is treated as the baby until the third child comes along...The second child is left in the middle - neither the oldest nor the youngest. The middle child seems to be left out...missed...but, hopefully, not forgotten.

After reading a book to my oldest child - The Ugly Pumpkin, a book about a pumpkin in search of his true belonging and discovers it is not what he expected. I read the note about the author, Dave Horowitz. He tied the story to Thanksgiving. I wanted to share his thoughts with you about the Thanksgiving holiday. He feels Thanksgiving is "under appreciated, the middle child of the holidays. Without all the glitz of the Halloween or Christmas seasons, Thanksgiving quietly reminds us to be grateful - not only for what we have, but for where we've been, who we are and what is to come."

Thanksgiving is left alone without the fanfare of Halloween and Christmas. It seems the holiday is almost forgotten. Do you ever see retailers decorating for Thanksgiving? No. Thanksgiving is skipped altogether. We see decorations from Halloween straight to Christmas.

Remember me, Thanksgiving. The holiday of gratitude, family and traditions. Take some time from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to reflect on the past and give thanks.

Thanksgiving Traditions

2009-11-12T14:13:00.024-05:00

The holidays are upon us. We have seen evidence in many retailers in town. Most retailers have been decorated for Christmas even before Halloween came to pass. Soon the radio air waves will be playing holiday music 'round the clock.

The sights and aromas of the holiday season triggers many memories of family traditions. The Gray's Poultry Manager for 19 years, Louis D. Baker, dressed 3 big turkeys (weighing 96 pounds total), 2 hens, 12 fryers and 24 dozen eggs for the Gray's Thanksgiving Dinner. I would have loved to been invited to their Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some traditions shared by the Graylyn staff:

"We travel from house to house to visit with family." - Traveling from house to house in the 1930s would not have been an easy task. Most families met at one location to celebrate Thanksgiving.

"The ladies in my family wake up early on Black Friday to shop and enjoy lunch at the Village Tavern." - Why not reserve a lunch or dinner at Graylyn after shopping all day on Black Friday? Sorry, I had to mention it. :o)

"We watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." - Sorry, Graylyn will not be lit like the Griswald's.

"We start a large jigsaw puzzle after our meal for the family to complete together throughout the entire Thanksgiving weekend." - Start a family tradition with a family activity for the weekend.

"We go to my husband’s family’s for a potluck lunch, then the two of us go to a movie – usually Christmas-themed, followed by an old movie on the couch with some ice cream. To us, it’s the first day of the Christmas holiday!" - Enjoy a movie over the weekend whether in a theater or in the comforts of home.

"The family gathers to cook and spend time together." - Turn off the TV and simply spend quality time together without the distractions of the world.

"My family eats shrimp puff casserole every Thanksgiving morning while my father bastes the golden brown turkey on the charcoal grill. My mom finishes the stuffing (which took few days to prepare), prepares the homemade gravy and asparagus casserole while the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade plays in the background." - Bring out your inner child and watch the parade while preparing the Thanksgiving meal.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and remember those fond memories with family and friends. Share your traditions with others or create new ones with your own family. Most of all, slow down and breathe in the moments shared together.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Graylyn!

2009-11-02T10:00:00.005-05:00

Halloween is over...Time to search for those time-honored Thanksgiving family recipes. Thanksgiving is less than a month away. Yes, it is time to start planning...errr not. Let Graylyn remove the stress of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends! Simply enjoy.

Thanksgiving Brunch at Graylyn is the perfect recipe for a handful of family and friends, sprinkled with memories and a dollop of love all mixed together for a stress free holiday celebration.

For more information, please visit our website.

Call 336.758.2425 or complete a reservation request online.

Welcome to Graylyn's Blog

2009-10-29T16:24:00.001-04:00

More to come about the latest happenings and events at the grand estate.