We stayed in San Francisco, CA years ago… had the best time, then headed to the Wine Country… Napa and Sonoma are two beautiful places to visit, so go if you can!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Category: TRAVEL
SEWE Featured Artist… Dustin Van Wechel!
“Morning Graze” by artist Dustin Van Wechel. Image via artists website.
Many of you have heard of SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) that takes place in Charleston, SC each February (this year February 17-19). SEWE draws huge crowds of people and has an enormous amount of events and exhibits for you to check out. People come from all over the country (and most likely from even farther)… to see what we are so fortunate to have right here in our backyard… This years SEWE Featured artist is Dustin Van Wechel, an extremely talented artist from Gilbert, AZ. The painting above entitled, “Morning Graze” will be auctioned at one of the SEWE exhibits. “Morning Graze” is also the poster for this years SEWE and is available for purchase. Check out Dustin’s work if you get a chance, he has a fabulous website! If you don’t have tickets yet for SEWE, why not get them now? Check out the SEWE website for more information!
Here is a blip about the artist from his website:
In February of 2002, Dustin Van Wechel left a successful 8-year career in the advertising industry to pursue his true passion, fine art, full-time.Since then, Dustin has won numerous awards including the prestigious 2004 Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Competition, the Wildlife Award and Teton Lodge Company Award at the 2006 Arts for the Parks competition, and he’s received awards in several leading art publications as The Artist’s Magazine, The Pastel Journal,and Drawing Magazine. His work has been exhibited all throughout the U.S., including one-man shows and major art exhibitions, as well as in the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Western Visions show in Jackson, Wyoming.Dustin is a signature member in both the Society of Animal Artists and the Pastel Society of America. He and his wife, Yvonne, currently reside in Gilbert, Arizona.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Charleston, SC February 17-19, 2012!
Image: Google
Mark it on your calendars… make your reservations… book those plane tickets! Southeaster Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is February 17-19, 2012 in Charleston, SC! This marks the 30th year! Come see why there is such a huge draw. The city will see over 40,000 people fill the streets, auditoriums and many other venues in those three days. That’s the nice thing about this expo, it’s spread out, you can pick and choose what interests you! Did I mention the shopping district in Charleston, SC? Pretty darn exquisite… So there is something to do for everyone!
Here is an interesting fact from SEWE’s website that gives you an idea of how popular it is in Charleston:
What does SEWE do for the community?
SEWE has an economic impact of $63.8 million annually to the state, bringing life to the area at a traditionally slow time for the Lowcountry tourist industry. In addition, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition provides the public with affordable access to cultural and educational opportunities as they relate to wildlife and nature conservation and preservation.
Whoa! 63.8 million! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Here’s a blip from the SEWE website:
Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.
Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.
Here is some info from their website in regards to purchasing tickets:
How much are tickets?
General admission tickets for Friday or Saturday are $20; Sunday: $10, and 3-Day: $40.
How much are children’s tickets?
Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge.
How can I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets may be purchased online, by phone (843/723-1748), at the Gaillard Auditorium, and at the Charleston Area Visitor Centers.
• Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• Mount Pleasant Visitor Center/Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily)
• Kiawah Visitor Center/Town Hall, 200 Beachwalker Drive (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri)
• North Charleston Visitor Center/American LaFrance Fire Museum, 4975-B Centre Point Drive (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun)
Can I buy tickets at the event?
Tickets may be purchased during show hours at Charleston Visitor Center, Charleston Place Hotel, Francis Marion Hotel, Mills House Hotel, Gaillard Auditorium, Marion Square, and Brittlebank Park.
Will tickets sell out?
SEWE will not run out of General Admission tickets. Please be advised that GA seating for events in the Gaillard Auditorium is first come, first served and is not guaranteed. The same is true for viewing space near the ring for Retreiver and Center for Birds of Prey demos, and near the tank for DockDogs competitions.
Photo… Lifesaver at Shem Creek Park, Mt. Pleasant, SC
There is nothing better to me than to be able to catch that golden light at sunset… I’m a crazy person snapping pictures, because you never know which ones will be “magic”. How nice to live in a digital era. To be free of buying film, loading film, worrying about running out of film, taking it to get developed, etc. etc… Now trees are saved, no one prints as many photos… you have them if you need them and can print them in the blink of an eye, or send them into cyberspace where they will be printed and mailed to you. Very cool indeed.
I love the golden light on this bright orange lifesaver float. I swear lightbulbs should mimic this light… especially in big stores with lots of lighting… the world would be a happier place! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Time to make a reservation at the Island House Hotel? Psssst, artists… this is a GREAT place to paint!
Ahhhh, the Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. A place to relax, recharge, get out and walk, bike, then come back and have the best meal of your life! Start thinking about making a reservation soon… The 2012 season is from May 4 through October 27. We’ve never been there early in the season, I would think it could be quite exciting! As a kid we would always go during the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race (mostly it was the dads who sailed sailed, then “the kids” and the wives drove and met them, then we would all squish into the car with all our bags for a nice ride home… back in the day of no A/C! Bless us. Ha.) which was in July, a busy time on the island. There would be so many people (from the sailboat race mainly) it was the best time growing up! My husband and I stayed on the island a few years ago around September, and once in October, we had the best time ever. It’s much quieter, especially in October. We don’t mind it being chilly… we rather welcome it, since it’s still warm here in Charleston (and as I write this, I’m extremely confused with our “winter” this year, 60’s and 70’s, which is nice, but it’s not winter!??)!
The rooms are lovely and you just can’t go wrong with any of them. Some have a view of the water, and it’s heavenly! There is an indoor pool, nice for a quick dip, or if you’d like to do a few laps to burn a few calories, since you will no doubt indulge in some fabulous food!
Psssst: ARTISTS… what a fabulous place to paint! One side of the island is more the “town” area with shops, etc., then there is the inner island, with gorgeous state park trails and views that can’t be beat. On the back side of the island it’s more cliff like and rocky. Trust me on this… I’m not sure why artists aren’t swarming like they are on Monhegan Island, Maine? Check out the Island House WEBSITE for reservation info!
For more on this hotel, read my review on Trip Advisor… Catch you back here tomorrow!
End of shrimp season in Charleston, SC…
We love shrimp. We eat it most weekends… summer and winter. We’re fortunate to be able to get great tasting shrimp here. Local shrimp is the best, LOVE IT! Just thought I would throw in a photo of a local shrimp boat I had taken a few weeks ago down at Shem Creek Park, what a place! Wow!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
What does 80,000 pounds of oysters look like? Come see at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival!
Aren’t you curious what 80,000 pounds of oysters looks like?? Come out to Boonehall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC on January 29th to see… It will be a big time AND all for a good cause, as you’ll see below the money goes to several local charities!
Here’s a blip from Charleston Restaurant Association’s website:
29TH ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL – JANUARY 29, 2012
Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 80,000 pounds of oysters sound?
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music from the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area complete with pony rides and jump castles and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.
Buy tickets online now or buy them at any area Southcoast Community Bank
Sunday, January 29th, 2012 10:30am – 5pm
Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant
Kids 10 and under are free with an adult; Bring your own knives and gloves or purchase them on site; No Coolers; No Pets; No Tailgating; Rain or Shine; Free Parking
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser benefiting: The Ronald McDonald House, Hospitality Heroes, Hollings Cancer Center and Charleston County Schools Science Materials Resource Center
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Early sunset from Shem Creek park in Mt Pleasant, SC!
This was taken while at the Shem Creek Park, the long beautiful wide dock that goes for quite a distance down Shem Creek. The beauty is breathtaking, especially when there is a spectacular sunset!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Have you been? Check out the Footlight Players in downtown Charleston, SC
The Footlight Players is the most delightful place to spend an evening! You can expect to sit back and be completely entertained. I haven’t been in a while but am looking forward to going soon! It’s located in an old cotton warehouse in downtown Charleston, SC.
Click to see the upcoming schedule… THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST by Oscar Wilde is the next production. They also have a LATE NIGHT series that is less expensive!
Here is a blip from the Footlight Players website regarding the history… interesting! Hope to see you there soon!
The Footlight Players were ceremoniously launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932.
In 1934, the Players purchased an old cotton warehouse (circa 1850) with the idea of eventually converting it into a finished playhouse. Yet until 1938, all productions were presented in a variety of spaces around the Holy City—the Academy of Music (corner of King and Market Streets), the Victory Theatre (85 Society Street), Hampton Park, The Citadel, and The Dock Street Theatre. During this time, the cotton warehouse was used for storage and scenery construction. In 1941 a shortage of performance space caused the Players to again turn to their warehouse.
Just a roof and four walls, sixty dedicated volunteers remodeled and renovated the old warehouse and converted it into an informal playhouse and workshop. For the following 45 years, the Footlight Players continued to annually produce a number of regular season productions, both at The Dock Street Theatre and at Footlight. In 1986, after another dramatic renovation, The Footlight Players moved into the old cotton warehouse at 20 Queen Street, where they have remained ever since. What began as a small group has become for Charleston a theatrical tradition, built and strengthened over many years by hundreds of willing hands, the priceless gifts of time and toil, and by faith, enthusiasm and talent.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Vintage image from Footlight Players website…
Do you really need incentive to stay at the Island Inn on Monhegan Island, Maine? If so, here ya go…
In case you need incentive to book a reservation at the Island Inn on Monhegan Island, Maine… this is the view nearby… Can you tell I’m “homesick”…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Now is the time to make your reservations for the Island Inn on Monhegan Island, Maine!
Ahhhh, can’t wait to get here! The Island Inn on Monhegan Island, Maine… it is the best place to stay. A wonderful breakfast, coffee that makes your smile linger a little longer and I highly recommend making dinner reservations EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! We were thrilled to be in touch with some of our friends that stay on the island around the same time every year. They have become like family to us… can’t wait to see them all again!
If you’re looking for that perfect place on the island, look no further… catch you back here tomorrow!
Lobster boat LEGACY of Monhegan Island, ME.
Isn’t this boat a beauty? It’s truly gorgeous, however, I doubt the owner would appreciate it being described that way (sorry Sherm, but it is what it is). Sherm Stanley is the owner and pilot of the 40 foot black-hulled Young brothers lobster boat. I’ve always thought dark black/navy boats had a classy look about them. This isn’t just a classy boat, it’s a hardworking lobster boat. Fancy is the last thing they’re going for. I admire the hard work that those guys do, and a lot of times in extreme weather. It’s fascinating. They earn their money no doubt. Seems like lobsters should bring a lot more money than they do… there is a GREAT ARTICLE from Yankee magazine about the lobstermen on Monhegan.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Cable car, San Francisco, CA = BIG fun!
San Francisco, California – what a place… the atmosphere is amazing. A city FULL of life. So much to do and see. The easiest way to get around is to use their public transportation, it simply can’t be beat. AND it’s a thrill in itself! SO interesting how it works so well in San Fran, wish they had it everywhere, dependable and safe. This was taken years ago… they manually turn it around!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Hiking on Monhegan Island, Maine…
We had set off for a magnificent hike around Monhegan Island, Maine. Between the fabulous breakfasts at the Island Inn, lunch at the Barnacle (or pizza at the Novelty), an afternoon snack and a to-die-for dinner at the Island Inn we had to walk ALOT. But walk is pretty much what you do on Monhegan. Great hiking trails everywhere, and anywhere you go you walk, so you burn some serious calories (thank god!). There are few places in the world as fabulous as this!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
A window to my soul… or from the cottage in Maine.
Those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook have seen this photo lately… This is one of my favorites. Taken from inside the neatest cottage on the planet earth. The cottage is in Port Clyde, Maine and looks out to the ocean facing Monhegan Island. This cottage is truly like a movie set. Nothing new or fancy about it, it’s been around for a long time. It’s situated so close to the ocean that during a storm it can be a tad thrilling… oooh how I’d like to be there now!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
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