Students trying the cornbread at 131 Main in Biltmore Park.

Biltmore Park is a short walk from William W. Estes Elementary, and it’s a great place to connect the students with the community around them. On a sunny day, first graders set off to explore some of the businesses in Biltmore Park. The question the students were asked to ponder was, “does the business provide goods or services?”

“We are learning about goods and services in class, so what better way to understand business than to experience them for ourselves,” said first grade teacher Maureen Freeman. “Students saw first hand how goods are acquired, how to purchase items, and how different businesses provide services to meet our needs.”

Students took a behind-the-scenes tour of 131 Main where the chef spoke to small groups about the food he prepares. There students also took a tour of the kitchen and sampled the restaurant's famous cornbread. Other stops along the way included Barnes and Noble for storytime, frozen yogurt from Sweet Escape, the YMCA, Tea and Spice store, and the Regal Grande movie theater. 

“Students loved trying out the cornbread from 131 Main and yogurt from Sweet Escape,” said Ms. Freeman. “Walking around Biltmore Park was also a nice experience as many of the children had never been there before. When the kids go to a store now they will know the basic economic concept.”

Students having story time at Barnes and Noble.

Students outside the movie theater.