Llamas in Lewisville

May 1, 2009 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 
Rivermont Llamas on Yadkinville Highway in Lewisville, North Carolina is home to a number of llamas who spend their days grazing and basking in the sun. Deb Phillips, photographer.

Rivermont Llamas on Yadkinville Road in Lewisville, North Carolina is home to a number of llamas who spend their days grazing and basking in the sun.

Diverse Population

It’s not every community that can boast of an outstanding llama population among its fine citizenry — but Lewisville can!

When traveling west on Yadkinville Road from Winston-Salem, you’ll eventually drive by the home of some prestigious llamas on your right, just shortly before crossing the Yadkin River. Their home is actually Rivermont Llamas, which is located at the original home place of Sattsgate Farm.

Photo Sessions

As I mentioned in Lessons from a Llama, my first encounter with the llamas occurred one day in February when I spotted several of them being backlit by a gorgeous sunset. I managed to click off a few good shots of them before the sun dipped out of sight. But to round out my photo coverage, I knew I’d need to return on another day.

A few days later, I pulled off the road at Rivermont Llamas, where some of the llamas were standing at the front fence basking in the morning light.

As I approached the llamas, to my disappointment, they scurried off toward the middle of the field. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a long enough lens to cover the considerable distance, so it appeared doubtful that I’d get any decent shots of the timid llamas.

Patience Required

On a hunch, though, I decided to hang around for a bit, and I began walking the perimeter of the property. Every time I glanced at the llamas, they were all watching me intently. I just kept walking. Time passed, and the llamas remained huddled in the center of the field — still watching me.

Meanwhile, I happened upon some beautiful low-hanging tree blooms, and I spent some time photographing them. (Those photos were featured in the Springing Forth post.) When I finished photographing the tree blooms, I resumed my walk around the edge of the property.

I was on the verge of calling it quits, when — all of a sudden — three of the llamas began making their way toward me. It was as though — after much deliberation on their part — a consensus had been reached among the “head honchos,” and they had finally decided that I was “safe.” So here they came!

CLICK to learn more about the LLAMAS and to view the PHOTO GALLERY

Spring is for Swingers

April 7, 2009 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 
Swings at Shallowford Park on a beautiful spring morning in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County). Deb Phillips, photographer.

The swings at Shallowford Park on a beautiful spring morning in Lewisville, North Carolina.

Looking for a Good Time?

I sense that my blog audience includes some real swingers. (I’m not sure why I think that — it’s just a vibe I have!) So I wanted to let you know about a good time you might be missing out on.

For this particular opportunity, you’re likely not too young or too old. You won’t have to wear special duds or be concerned about bouncers or bodyguards. Plus, there’s no cover charge. This gig is completely free.

Yes, it’s the swings at Shallowford Square that are beckoning all true swingers to come soar to their heart’s content. It’s a sure way to alleviate some stress and to put a big smile on your face.

The only requirement I’m aware of is that you simply have to make your way to the Square and find an empty seat. Right now, they’re all empty. But you’d better not wait too long. You see, you’re not the only one who’s looking for a good time!

The Other Christmas Story

December 20, 2008 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 

Outdoor Christmas decorations of A Christmas Story by the Huffman family on Conrad Road in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County) - Deb Phillips, Photographer.Remember young Ralphie Parker in the movie, A Christmas Story? All he wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. The problem was that none of the adults in his life wanted him to have one — not even Santa.

Despite all odds, did Ralphie get his wish? If you’d like to see for yourself, just set aside an evening to drive by the home of John and Barbara Huffman at 1010 Conrad Road in Lewisville and take a look at their lit-up front yard.

With the help of their grandsons, Andrew and Ivan, the Huffmans have set up a very creative multi-scene display of some of the more memorable moments of A Christmas Story. This is the Huffmans’ third year at this, and they’re already thinking of three or four additional scenes they may introduce next Christmas. Wow — it’ll only get better!

If you’d like to see some photos of the Huffmans’ depictions of Ralphie and key moments of A Christmas Story — including more of the famous lamp shown above — just click to visit the Huffman Decorations photo gallery.

Interested in more Conrad Road coverage? CLICK to enjoy more ARTICLES and PHOTOS on Conrad Road.

Visionary Gift

September 21, 2008 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 

Mary Alice Warren at the Jack Warren Park Groundbreaking Ceremony in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County) with disc golf (or disk golf). Deb Phillips, photographer.Mary Alice Warren

Jack Warren Park

In 2005 Mary Alice Warren donated 15 acres to the Town of Lewisville for a park in honor of her late husband, Jack Warren. Yesterday, Mary Alice and members of her family joined Lewisville town leaders and citizens to break ground for Jack Warren Park.

The park is located along Lewisville-Clemmons Road, about a mile from downtown Lewisville. The park currently includes a half-mile walking trail, a large multi-purpose field, two bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, two age-appropriate playgrounds, restroom facilities and a large pavilion.

Thanks to Mary Alice’s visionary spirit, where there might have been a sprawling housing development, there will instead remain a place of natural beauty that will be enjoyed by the community for years to come. Jack Warren Park — what a wonderful gift.

Photo Gallery

Photos from the September 20, 2008 dedication ceremony can be viewed in the Jack Warren Park photo gallery.

Update on 10/10/2010: Jack Warren Park was officially opened in a ceremony hosted by the Town of Lewisville on October 9, 2010. Please note that DOGS are NOT allowed in the park. HOURS: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Photo Moments

    “Lewisville’s“Lewisville“The
  • VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY

    Visit the LewisvillePhotos.com Photo Gallery
  • Photo Quote (Rotating)

    Memory is very important - the memory of each photo taken, flowing at the same speed as the event. During the work, you have to be sure that you haven’t left any holes, that you’ve captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late. —Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • More Photo Moments

    Lewisville citizens pose at the Nissen Wagon at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Held at Shallowford Square, the First Annual Best of Lewisville Festival was sponsored by Karate International of Lewisville and MediaFit.West Side Civic Theatre sponsored The Pirates of Penzance at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC.The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County). Photography by Deb Phillips.Shallowford Square with a beautiful covering of snow.Memorial Day Service by American Legion Post 522 in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County)The home of Dr. Joe and Barbara Brooks in Lewisville, NC is surrounded by beautiful flowers of all types, especially daylilies.James E. (Jim) Munden, Sr. spoke about The Great Depression to the Lewisville Historical Society in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Brad Craver and his sons Austin and Andrew shared about the Civil War with the Lewisville Historical Society in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).The 4th Annual Yadkin Valley History Fair & Conference - Transportation in the Yadkin Valley Before the AutomobileLewisville celebrates its 25th year of incorporation” width=A redbird claimed his territory at the Veterans Memorial at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).The Lewisville Historical Society sponsored a graveyard tour which included Lewisville United Methodist Church. Host: Ruth HartleThe West Side Civic Theatre put on a splendid rendition of Peter Pan at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC.Llamas at Rivermont Llamas in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).The garden of Robin McBride in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County)The Lewisville Historical Society sponsored a Historic Graveyard Tour, including the graveyard at Lewisville Baptist Church.The West Side Civic Theatre produced the Hello, Dolly musical at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).A beautiful snow on a barn and field on Conrad Road in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Sponsored by the Lewisville Historical Society, a graveyard tour was conducted of six graveyards in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).New Hope AME Zion Church in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County) celebrated its 125th anniversary on February 1, 2009.Jones Grocery Store resides on Shallowford Road in Lewisville, NC, not far from the Yadkin River (Forsyth County).A visit to Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County) on a snowy morning.The Lewisville Sesquicentennial Committee and the Yadkin Valley Historical Association hosted an exploration of the Shallow Ford.Meet dog, Missy, who was walking with her master at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Oklahoma! was produced by the West Side Civic Theatre at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).