Category: TRAVEL

Have you been? Check out the Footlight Players in downtown Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

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…

Now is the time to make your reservations for the Island Inn on Monhegan Island, Maine!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Island Inn, 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.

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL1 Comment
Legacy, Monhegan Island, Maine

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!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments
Cable car, San Francisco, CA

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…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Fred 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.

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL8 Comments
Cottage Window - Port Clyde, 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!

Hop on and take a ride AROUND the island…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Bikes at the Island House Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Sometimes the most everyday things become the inspiration for a great photo… I would have loved to spend more than a few seconds on this shot, but we were on a roll, heading out to accomplish something or other… (eating, bike riding, photo taking, shopping, you know…??) Next time! In front of the Island Inn Hotel on Mackinac Island they have a great place where you can rent bikes. It comes in handy because that’s the best way to get around the island. And I do mean AROUND the island. Yep, bikes are great for back and forth running here and there, but what many people don’t do is take the time (doesn’t take that long, it’s only approximately 8 miles) to ride their bikes around the island. You will LOVE IT! The back of the island is very quiet and peaceful, the scenery is unreal. So take some time to enjoy the view!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

Ahhh, San Francisco, CA. A place you can see so much, do so much and totally wear yourself out! This photo was taken in October, 2005 -on the ferry back from Sausalito… after a big day touring Muir Woods. We went on one of those tours (that I was completely against but am so glad we went on) that takes you to Muir Woods and Sausalito. We only had an hour in Sausalito… but it is such a neat place, so we stayed and instead of the tour bus we took the ferry back to San Fran. We had a great time, snapped a few pics on the ferry ride “home”. There is SO MUCH to do in San Fran, and with such great public transportation it’s quick and easy to get around. If you’re headed that way on vacation I highly recommend the CITY PASS… you get free admission to many venues as well as flashing your pass to hop on most all public transportation. It was the perfect way to get around!

Catch you back here tomorrow… boy, could I ever go for breakfast at MAMA’S on Washington Square, owieee what a treat! Haven’t been there in years, but I do remember an omelet called THE CALIFORNIAN, crispy bacon, avocado and jack cheese…. lawd have mercy!

Pink sky in the morning…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Amelia Island, FL

I know “Red sky in the morning – sailors take warning, red sky at night – sailors delight” but what is a pink sky? Beauty! That’s what! This photo was taken several years ago when we spent Thanksgiving at Amelia Island in Florida. The weather was perfect, the meals were to die for, the accommodations… HEAVEN and the sunrise on the beach each morning… WORTH. GETTING. UP. FOR!  You can see the silhouette of the big Christmas tree to the right, can you believe that’s just around the corner?! Eek!

Go get your Christmas shopping done, hee hee… KIDDING! Enjoy your week! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Harvest Festival at the Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA Oct. 22-23, 2011!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Harvest Festival at the Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Hey, if you happen to be in the area of San Francisco I certainly wouldn’t miss the HARVEST FESTIVAL going on this weekend (Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011) at the Ferry Building! It sounds like it’s going to be a great time. Here’s a little info from their website (I urge you to visit it!). Here is a blip from their website, a wee bit of the history, much more on their WEBSITE:

FERRY BUILDING HISTORY

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a people’s marketplace serving residents and travelers alike. Located within the historic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, shops large and small celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafés serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco’s

The Ferry Building Marketplace is located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. It is the center of a transit hub that connects all of San Francisco’s neighborhoods and the surrounding bay communities. The marketplace is accessible by MUNI, BART and Ferry Boat. The historic trolley cars (Line F Market) stop directly in front of the Ferry Building. For more information about how to get here,visit the parking and transportation page or read our FAQs.

Enjoy!! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/

Ahhh, nothing like a salmon color geranium!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

I love geraniums. They have a way of making something drab come alive. I especially love this salmon color, something a tad different from the typical red. This shot was taken on the way to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. My mom, sister and I were there for a little R&R in between my mom finishing chemo (YAY!) and beginning radiation… We had the best time ever. We spent a few hours at the Grand Hotel and had so much fun! Bring your camera with you to the island, there are so many photos to be had. It’s difficult for me to focus when there’s so much to photograph, ha ha…

Enjoy your day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

The magnificent homes on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Magnificent homes on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

I know I said the East Bluff was my favorite… but… the West Bluff is also my favorite. These homes are impeccable and pristinely maintained, and that can’t be an easy (or cheap) job. It takes a lot of love to keep them looking like they do. The flowers are breathtaking. These are homes to be proud of for sure (as are many on Mackinac Island!). Ironically one of my favorite homes is the second from the left in the photo, the smaller one (which truly isn’t a small house, the others are just very large). It’s the sweetest home I’ve ever seen with a view that’s to die for. I would love to live in this house year round…. Ah, a nice dream for sure! On my Mac I can double click on the image to enlarge… hopefully PC users have that same capability… its nice to be able to see it a little closer! If you ever get a chance to visit Mackinac Island, MI I highly suggest it, it will be unlike anywhere you’ve ever visited in your life!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI
Homes on the East Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

I love the word “bluff”, it’s such a cool word, I guess because we don’t have any bluffs in our area… the East Bluff on Mackinac Island is one of my all time favorites. The homes are magnificent. In this photo you see the Island House Hotel (the white building with red roof) and the East Bluff the road above. Mackinac Island is an island I could live year around on and be so very happy. It might get a little crowded in the summer, but I think it would be definitely worth it! If you ever get a chance to go to Mackinac Island I highly suggest it. It’s perfect for those who like to hike, bike, walk (no cars), there are horses (for taxi’s), so don’t be put off entirely if walking isn’t your thing! The food (at the Island House… heavens… I cannot get it out of my mind!), the great places to stay…  Island House Hotel is my personal favorite, the fudge and now… even Starbuck’s! Check it out if you get a chance!

Catch you back here tomorrow!