Category: TRAVEL

Times Square Digital Gallery!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, TRAVEL2 Comments

Times Square always has the coolest things going on… like New Year’s Eve where you could write your wish for the new year on the confetti that fell from the sky. Awesome! You’ve got to read more on this, and if you’ll be in NYC click the link below to see the schedule of who’s playing! Click HERE for more info… check out their site, it’s amazing!

Here’s a blip from Times Square Official Website:

Times Square Moment: A Digital Gallery

This new program is presented by the  Times Square Advertising Coalition (TSAC), Times Square Arts, the public art program for theTimes Square Alliance.  The initiatve is a collaboration of the Coalition and the Alliance, with additional partners of participating signholders and artists.

Each month, the program will present  a new selection to be screened every day in a countdown to Midnight.  Creativity always has been at the forefront of the Times Square signs and their presence is now so integral to the identity of this iconic public space, that they are required within zoning regulations.  This level of signholder’s commitment to synchronize their daily programs to feature the artist work throughout the year is unparalled.  Every night in Times Square will feature a spectacular.

The preview during the month of April 2012 showcases Ori Gersht, a London based artist from Tel Aviv and an edited version of his 2006 filmBig Bang 01.

May 1, 2012 represents the official launch featuring the Robert WiIson Video Portraits. The series of work from this renowned American artist are HD video that blur time-based cinematography with the decisive moment of still photography.  For a few minutes, Times Square will feature a different potrait gallery of actors, artists, dancers, writers, athletes and animals.

Click Now Playing for the current program.

Click Proposals for the submission process.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: TimesSquareNYC.org

Fleet Landing photo and menu… (there’s nothing like a good menu)!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

I took this photo years ago when my husband and I went on a cruise with my parents. That was back when Norwegian Cruise Line departed out of Charleston. That was handy. We had a great time, caught the Little Black Taxi to the cruise terminal and were on our way for a week of rest and relaxation! When we were leaving Charleston I snapped this photo of Fleet Landing Restaurant. A great place if you’re visiting, it’s in the heart of the city, you can eat inside or out. On nice days there is nothing like eating on the water, even from inside a GREAT VIEW. Good view, friendly staff, not overly priced. Check out their menu!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: a balcony at the Island Inn, Monhegan Island, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments

Several years ago we stayed in a room at the Island Inn that had a balcony… it was a delight, sitting out there in your own chairs overlooking the most gorgeous view EVER! The room was nice, but much smaller (which is fine, we don’t spend much time in our room at all). We’ve tried all different rooms and all seem to be fabulous! This year we’ll be on the third floor, so that will be nice and quiet… and you get a bonus workout each time you walk the three flights to your room, ha ha… helps burn off all the tasty food… although it seems like all we do is hike, walk, well… and  e a t! This surprise shot showcases our little bag of treats on our porch… can’t remember what it was but i’m sure it was good!

Enjoy your Sunday… catch you back here tomorrow!

PHOTO: Hanging out on a streetcar in San Fran… good times!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL5 Comments

This is my weekend “wish I was there” photo… Fred and I had so much fun in San Fran… went for years, then thought we should try somewhere on the east coast and never made it back… need to get back there to “our” little boutique hotel that was so cool (and had wine and cheese and night, and before bed, hot cookies and milk… oh heavens!) it’s called the INN AT UNION SQUARE and it’s one awesome place! If you make plans to go to San Fran, check it out!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde, ME

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Marshall Point Lighthouse is a spectacular spot to watch artists paint, look for sea glass, watch the sunset in the distance… it’s just the neatest place. Several years ago we stayed in a cottage not too far from the lighthouse, so we would walk there often. It was a good walk and we met some really interesting people.

From Marshall Point.org :

History of Marshall Point Light

The U. S. Lighthouse Service was established in 1789. In the Town of St. George the oldest lighthouse is on Whitehead Island in Penobscot Bay, built in 1804. There are 22 other lights in Penobscot Bay.

The history of the Marshall Point Light Station goes back to 1831, when Samuel Marshall sold 4 acres of land to the U. S. government for $120. Additional acres were added later to extend the site to 6.5 acres. With a 1⁄4 mile shoreline, it is a nature spot enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. 

To read more of the history, click HERE… I’m sure most of you know that this lighthouse was in a scene from the movie Forrest Gump!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I cannot wait to get back here… Monhegan Island, ME. Why do so many of us feel this way?

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

I cannot wait to get back to Monhegan to hike, eat, sit and be merry! WHAT IS IT about this fantastic place? It has such a pull to so many people. You can’t wait to get there and you don’t want to leave…unless you fall into the category of those looking for a mall, a hairdresser, a golf course, or perhaps if you only wear high heels… I could see that the pull just wouldn’t be there for you. However if you fall into the category of those who appreciate nature, are creative (or perhaps just like to be around creative and interesting people) this place becomes an obsession. It’s simply too good to be true. If only for a short time!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

SEWE Featured Artist… Dustin Van Wechel!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, TRAVELLeave a comment

“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!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVEL2 Comments

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

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL3 Comments

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!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL5 Comments
Approaching the island and The Island House Hotel!

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!??)!

Rooms with a view! Image: TheIslandHouse.com

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!

Back side of the island... heaven!

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!

What does 80,000 pounds of oysters look like? Come see at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com

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

Get directions.

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!