If we could imagine an album cover to Led Zeppelin’s 1971 hit, “Stairway to Heaven,” it would be the above photo taken right here in Guilford County. The clouds are so fluffy and heavenly; the stairway leads right to the heavens over the Dollar Center and Pawn Way in High Point. The shopping complex is located a block away from High Point University. The lyrics that inspired this photo, “There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold; And she’s buying a stairway to heaven. When she gets there, she knows if the stores are all closed; With a word she can get what she came for. Ooh, ooh, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven….. (complete lyrics here). 

On the one hand, the photo is so local; on the other, so generic. Every community seems to have one of these strip malls with places to get cash, buy dollar imports from China, and start a new phone service. We’re sharing this on Friday because the Skywatch Friday crowd will appreciate some lighthearted, creative Friday fun. Don’t forget that today is FIRST FRIDAY, where downtown Greensboro come alive with art galleries and stores staying open late! Hope to see you on Elm Street tonight. Have a great weekend, all. 

Read more about Stairway to Heaven and Led Zeppelin’s creative process here.