Don Both, the owner of Providence Café in Myers Park, knows that he's able to keep a large number people on his staff for one reason: They love the residents that they serve. Both has owned the restaurant for more than seven years, and he sees how the neighbors in Myers Park support the neighborhood eateries and retail.
How would you describe Myers Park?
First thing that comes to mind is that everybody knows each other. It seems to be a pretty tight-knit group. Everybody supports the restaurants and the other businesses around here. People walk from place to place. They will go to the movie theater, then go to the Starbucks, come over here for dinner and then go to the Harris Teeter to get groceries and go home.
What is the most eye-catching landmark in your neighborhood?
The statue at the intersection of Providence and Queens Road.
What are the top three places to shop in Myers Park?
I would say the Paul Simon, the Laurel Market and the Buttercup.
Top three places to eat?
Definitely Providence Café, Fenwick's and Primo's [Tuscan Grille].
Top three party spots?
I would have to say Selwyn Pub, Providence Sundries and Big Ben's.
What's a little-known fact about Myers Park?
The statue at the intersection ... a lot of people never realized that was a gentleman who used to get out there and direct traffic.
Where is the first place in Myers Park you would take a newcomer?
I like how pretty the homes are and the trees that we have. When you drive down Queens Road, the trees are really pretty.
How has the recession changed your neighborhood?
Folks are definitely staying in more. One of the biggest things I've seen is that they are looking for ways to make their dollar go further.
Why should people move to Myers Park?
It's a self-contained neighborhood. You have a movie theater, you have a grocery store, places to eat. You can walk around here, and you're close to Uptown and close to South Park. It has a little bit of everything.
Name one downside to living in Myers Park?
Not so much -- other than the power will go out in the drop of a hat down here, and you can't pull out onto Providence Road because everyone drives at 100 miles an hour.
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