Last week, we celebrated a bright new mural at The Willard Rooftop. “From the Ashes” is a colorful piece created by local artist Taylor White. The 664-sqft mural, which wraps around the rooftop bar, was inspired by the botanical collection of the late William Willard Ashe.
William was born in Raleigh in 1872 + was a forester, botanist, and UNC graduate who made thousands of plant discoveries. William grew up in the historic Elmwood estate, which can still be viewed behind the AC Hotel on Willard Place. More than 2,300 of his specimens were donated to the UNC Chapel Hill Herbarium. Today, his work can be viewed at the NC Botanical Garden.
Check out the mural for yourself and see if you can spot some of his botany discoveries (and a hidden hummingbird). Pro tip: Try the “From The Ashes” cocktail — it’s only available through Sun., Nov. 13.
