Visiting the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, RI

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I visited Newport, RI in June 2018 and along the way stopped in two of the Gilded Age mansions: The Elms and Rosecliff. I chose these two mansions as I had visited The Marble House and the Breakers about seven or eight years ago and wanted to see a different set of the Gilded Age mansions. This post focuses on the Rosecliff Mansion, which is one of the smallest of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport, RI.

The exterior of Rosecliff from the backyard.

History of the Rosecliff Mansion

Rosecliff was built by Theresa ("Tessie") Fair Oelrichs, a silver heiress from Nevada, whose father James Graham Fair was one of the four partners in the Comstock Lode. Tessie was the wife of Hermann Oelrichs, American agent for Norddeutscher Lloyd steamship line. She and her husband, together with her sister, Virginia Fair, bought the land in 1891 from the estate of George Bancroft and commissioned the architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White [1] to design a summer home suitable for entertaining on a grand scale.

The commission for Rosecliff occurred in 1899, in which principal architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. After Rosecliff was completed in 1902, at a reported cost of $2.5 million, Mrs. Oelrichs hosted opulent parties and displays of entertainment here, including a fairy tale dinner and a party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini. 

Rosecliff is now preserved through the generosity of its last private owners, Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe, of New Orleans. They gave the house, its furnishings, and an endowment to the Newport Preservation Society in 1971. 

Interior Views of Rosecliff

The grand staircase in Rosecliff. Note how the architectural design of the top of the staircase resembles a heart.

Another view of the grand staircase at Rosecliff.

A grand piano in the ballroom.

"The Sea Monster" depicted in one of the framed photos.

A vase in a hallway between two rooms.

Dining room table.

Detail from one of the windows at Rosecliff.

Magazines on display.

Books and candles on an elegant marble table.

Bohemian Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement and Oscar Wilde’s Newport

During my visit to Rosecliff, there was a special exhibition on Bohemian Beauty and Oscar Wilde's visit to Newport, RI. This exhibition celebrates the ideas embodied by the artists, poets, and thinkers popular during the Aesthetic Movement (1870-1890), an important era of artistic experimentation in the United States and abroad. The exhibition features a selection of furniture, ceramics, wallpaper, glass, silver, paintings, and costumes illuminating the tenets of this “art for art’s sake” movement personified by its most influential impresario Oscar Wilde. 

Oscar Wilde portrait at the Rosecliff special exhibition Bohemian Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement and Oscar Wilde’s Newport

As for Oscar Wilde's visit to Newport, the Preservation Society of Newport County provides an overview:

“In 1882 a 27-year old Oscar Wilde embarked on an 11-month tour of North America “to teach U.S. citizens the value of a good tea service and a well-hung picture in the family foyer.” He was sent to America to embody “fleshly poet” Reginald Bunthorne from the Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera “Patience.” Producer Richard D’Oyly Carte organized the visit to promote the play which was about to make its American debut. Instead, Wilde commenced playing himself. Upon disembarking at New York harbor, he purportedly told customs officials he had “nothing to declare except his genius.”

At the time of his tour Wilde was a proponent of the Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1870-90) but it would be another eight years before he published his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray and even longer before he produced a series of “devastatingly witty plays” that culminated in his most enduring artistic achievement in 1895, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Bohemian Beauty explores the message of aestheticism that Wilde brought to the New England seaside town. He was invited by Rhode Island native Julia Ward Howe to speak at the Newport Casino on July 15, 1882 to lecture on “The practical application of the principles of the aesthetic theory to exterior and interior house decoration with observations upon dress and personal ornaments.””
— http://www.newportmansions.org/exhibitions/current-exhibition/bohemian-beauty/oscar-wilde-in-newport

One of the ceramic pieces at the Bohemian Beauty exhibition at Rosecliff.

The Bohemian Beauty exhibition runs through November 4, 2018 at Rosecliff.

Rosecliff in Popular Culture

The ballroom of the Rosecliff Mansion was used to film scenes for the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby, as well as other films such as High Society, 27 Dresses, True Lies, and Amistad. 

If You Go

Rosecliff is one of the Newport mansions that's open year-round. Confirm the schedule here.

I would recommend purchasing a ticket to Rosecliff with another Newport mansion, as you'll save some money doing so. Since most of the Newport mansions are within walking distance on Bellevue Avenue and don't take more than a couple of hours to explore, it's a good idea to see two mansions in a single day.

Location:
548 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840

Notes

[1] The McKim of McKim, Mead, and White is the architect behind The Boston Public Library.

Scenes from the Boston Public Library

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I've been to Boston almost a dozen times but for some reason, I never ventured into the Boston Public Library (which is strange, because I love books and I love reading). On my latest visit, I decided to pay this venerable library a visit and brought along my camera. My visit was on a Sunday, when the library opened at 1PM. I waited outside the front door for about fifteen minutes, during which a line formed to enter the library. Once the front door was open, it was interesting to see people scamper to different parts of the library--some headed to the computers, others went to the music listening station, and others climbed the stairs to the second and third floors to pick out a table on which to set materials for a healthy study session.

History of the Boston Public Library

The Boston Landmarks Commission provides the following historical overview of the main building of the Boston Public Library, located at 700 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116. 

“The Boston Public Library is the main branch of the municipal library system. The earliest building on the site was designed by Charles Follen McKim of McKim, Mead & White and constructed between 1888 and 1895 by Woodbury and Leighton. This is the second building to be constructed to act as the main branch of the Boston Public Library, which was established in 1852 as the first free municipal public library in the country.

The McKim Building has received two additions since its completion. The first was designed by Joseph McGinnis and constructed in 1918. This addition was demolished for the construction of the Johnson addition, designed by Philip Johnson and completed in 1971.

The McKim Building has a hollow square plan with rooms surrounding an inner courtyard. The McKim Building currently houses the research collection, the special libraries, the public documents library, the microtext and periodicals collections, stacks and the photo and prints collection. The Johnson addition has a plan consisting of nine squares, the center one open and covered with a skylight. The Johnson addition currently houses the circulating collection, the rare book collections, lecture halls, the office of the President and Trustees Room, the ordering and cataloguing departments and stacks.

Architectural grandeur took precedence over functional requirements in McKim’s design for the Library. It was majestically finished to serve as a “Palace for the People.” The Renaissance Revival style strongly contrasted with the Romantic architecture extant at Copley Square at its date of construction and the work of McKim, Mead & White during this period stimulated a nationwide Renaissance Revival movement in architecture.

The design of the Boston Public Library integrated art and architecture at a new level for an American municipal building, with sculptured elements by Augustus St. Gaudens and Domingo Mora integrated into the facades, statues by Bela Pratt flanking the front entry, and bronze entry doors designed and executed by Daniel Chester French. The interior of the building, finished in rare marbles throughout, is embellished with mural paintings by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Abbey and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. The design of the Johnson addition was intended to continue the monumental and classical design of the McKim Building simplified to a mid-century modern expression.”
— https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/imce-uploads/2016-11/boston_public_library_central_branch_99.pdf

Interesting bit of trivia: the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in the United States by the number of volumes it contains, second only to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. 

Picking out a spot on the second floor of the library.

The cursive i in this image is not Photoshopped.

The red colors in this section of the library really stood out.

Detail from the interior of the library.

Bates Hall

Perhaps the most well-known section of the Boston Public Library is the Bates Hall. Bates Hall is named for the library's first great benefactor, Joshua Bates. The form of Bates Hall, rectilinear but terminated with a semi-circular apse on each end is a reminder to the design of a Roman basilica. A series of double coffers in the ceiling provide a sculptural canopy to the room. 

One of the entrances to Bates Hall.

The striking green lamps at Bates Hall.

Finding a spot under the lamp.

Wide view of Bates Hall.

View of Bates Hall in the opposite direction.

A great clock at the edge of Bates Hall.

Visitors walking the alley of Bates Hall.

The Grand Staircase and the Lion Sculptures

On the edge of the grand staircase in the Boston Public Library one will come across two lion sculptures. The two lion sculptures were executed by Louis St. Gaudens, each from a single block of Sienna marble.

Inscribed at the bottom of the sculpture are the names of the battles fought by the 2nd and the 20th Massachusetts regiments: Ball's Bluff, Antietam, and Gettysburg. The veterans of the 20th Massachusetts and the 2nd Massachusetts regiments commissioned the two lion sculptures.

The lion sculptures in front of the grand staircase in the Boston Public Library.

A view of the double coffered ceiling and the great chandelier above the grand staircase in the Boston Public Library.

A side view of one of the lion sculptures and the grand chandelier.

Exterior Courtyard and Other Views

Nestled into the Boston Public Library's center is an open-air courtyard closely based on that of the sixteenth-century Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome. Designed in the manner of a Renaissance cloister, the courtyard is surrounded by an arcaded gallery. In the middle of the courtyard is a small plaza with a square fountain basin. At the center of the basin is Frederick William Macmonnies’ Dancing Bacchante and Infant Faun atop a granite plinth, surrounded by a circle of water fountains.

Open-air courtyard at the Boston Public Library.

A good place to study.

Viewing up.

A wide interior view of the Boston Public Library from the second floor.

An interior view of the Boston Public Library toward the Childen's library.

Loved this "The Plot Thickens" inscription on this ladder.

If You Go

The Boston Public Library (central location, known as the Boston Public Library McKim Building) is located in Copley Square of Boston (700 Boylston Street) and is open Monday-Thursday from 9AM to 9PM, 9AM to 5PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1PM to 5PM on Sundays. The Library is closed on public holidays (full list of closures here).

I highly recommend visiting an ongoing exhibition at the Boston Public Library titled Breathing Room: Mapping Boston's Public Spaces located within the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. This exhibition profiles some of wonderful green spaces of Boston (such as Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden) through time. This exhibition runs through September 30, 2018.

 

Visiting the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts

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The Hammond Castle Museum is a unique structure located on the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The building was constructed between the years 1926 to 1929, by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. to serve as his residence. Its architectural style is that of a medieval castle, with elements inspired from French, Norman, and English castles.

About John Hays Hammond, JR.

John Hays Hammond, Jr. was born in San Francisco, California. His family moved to South Africa in 1893, as John's father was active as a mining engineer for Cecil Rhodes' mines in South Africa. In 1898, the family moved to England, where the young John Hays Hammond, Jr. fell in love with castles and life in earlier times. The family returned to the United States at the turn of the 20th century.

John Hays Hammond, Jr. showed an early affinity toward science and invention. When John Hays Hammond Jr. was twelve years hold, his father took him along on a business trip to visit Thomas Edison’s famous laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey.  Edison took a personal interest in the boy and gave him an extended tour of the facility in response to the many questions he was asking. John Hays Hammond, Jr. came under the wing of Thomas Edison and Thomas Edison served as John's mentor in his early years. The two men stayed in contact their entire lives.

Over the course of his life, John Hays Hammond, Jr. was awarded over 800 patents (in comparison to about 1,200 patents that the much more well-known Thomas Edison held) for over 400 of his inventions.  Many of these inventions were in radio control, electronics, naval weapons, and national defense.

Hammond Castle Museum

As far as Hammond Castle itself, the Hammond Castle Museum website explains its origin:

“Hammond Castle was built in the late 1920s by scientist, inventor, and interestingly enough, an art connoisseur of the highest order, John Hays Hammond, Jr. (1888-1965). Sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the castle brings together a unique combination of art, architectural elements and culture, backstopped by many innovative technological applications, yet unknown and unseen by the visitor.

Hammond was widely traveled, but had been exposed to the art and architecture of old European at an early age. He appreciated the eras spanning ancient times, through the medieval period, and into the Renaissance. He purchased a broad collection of artifacts for display, and created his residence around large stone archways, windows, wooden facades, and other architectural elements from the Old World. He was aptly described as a man of the future, but who chose to live in the past. The building he left behind is one of the truly unique structures on this continent, where visitors can experience being immersed in a true old Europe environment without actually being there.

His vision for the building was for it to be medieval in style—yet bridging several periods—so as to incorporate his expanding collection of stand-alone Classical antiquities through 16th century architectural elements. The project began when he retained the services of one of the preeminent architectural firms of the time, Allen and Collins, formed in 1904, and which maintained offices in Boston. Hammond’s project eventually came to the attention of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who had purchased a large collection of medieval artifacts in 1925, and was so inspired by what Hammond had done, he launched his own similar project on a site above Manhattan. It was to eventually incorporate pieces from five different European abbeys, and is known today as The Cloisters, an arm of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Yet, as might be expected from an inventor, Hammond’s building was uniquely different. He included many features of his own design that were revolutionary and befitting the structure, and most are virtually undiscernible to the untrained eye. For example, Hammond’s collection of 15th Century facades was to be housed in the Courtyard being planned by the architects to meet Hammond’s vision of what a medieval village might be. Given the covered Courtyard was also to include tropical plantings, it was necessary to ensure a suitable level of humidity and space temperature. A pool was included to be the source of humidity. Steam pipes installed around the bottom perimeter of the pool to control water temperature, as well as to drive the correct amount of moisture in the air above. A green dye was also added as a decorative feature to obscure the depth of the water, which in fact, was a swimming pool. Overhead, steam-fed pipe-racks were installed just beneath the clerestory to offset radiant heat loss through the glass. Finally, a tropical rain downpour could be summed from above to water the vegetation, or if he preferred, a foggy evening.

Perhaps the greatest item in Hammond’s residence is the gigantic pipe organ, an instrument designed and built by a collection of world-famous organ builders over a period of ten years. Consisting of 8,400 pipes it was the largest organ installed in a residence in this hemisphere, and second in size only to an organ in a certain Philadelphia department store. The design of the wind boxes, as well as the placement and installation of the organ within the Great Hall were in keeping with Hammond’s style. As much as the instrument had meant to Hammond, he could not play it. However, he did invent a device included within the console which could record what was being played, such that it could be accurately replayed, much the same way pianos (a much similar instrument) were beginning to do at the time. The organ was a centerpiece of the Hammond’s entertaining, and some of the greatest organists in the world were invited to play the instrument. Many returned after his death to give recitals.”
— https://www.hammondcastle.org/about/hammond-castle-museum/

The Hammond Castle was both John Hays Hammond Jr.'s personal residence (and that of his wife, the former Irene Fenton Reynolds of Gloucester, MA) and the headquarters of his commercial enterprise, the Hammond Research Corporation. The residence was ultimately transformed into a museum open to the public, because, sadly, John Hays Hammond Jr. and his wife had no heirs.

Photos from my visit to this excellent museum are below.

Exterior Views of the Hammond Castle

View of the Hammond Castle from the backyard of the residence. The backyard overlooks the Atlantic ocean.

View of the Hammond Castle from the front garden.

The arch: an element from the Roman times.

A statue of a lion guards the drawbridge to the Hammond Castle. 

An architectural element on the exterior of the Hammond Castle.

Ivy covering a window at the Hammond Castle.

A section of the exterior of the Hammond Castle.

The final resting place of John Hays Hammond, Jr, located in front of the castle. It is said that poison ivy covers the site because Mr. Hammond did not want to be disturbed in his death.

Near the main entrance to Hammond Castle. In the distance is the Atlantic Ocean.

Interior Views of the Hammond Castle

The Hammond Castle contains a room which has a pool. John Hays Hammond, Jr. used to take a dip here, sometimes jumping off from the second story ledge in the background.

The view of the courtyard and pool from the second story ledge.

Another view of the courtyard.

One of the interior rooms of the Hammond Castle showcasing some of Hammond's inventions. 

A newspaper clipping describing Hammond's invention of the "dynamic accentor," which allows for amplification of organ pipe tones. From the article: "This amplification is subject not only to general control, but also to fine, detailed control to a surprising degree. Thus, not only can the full power of the organ be increased, but also certain parts of the music, such as the solo voice, an inner part, the accompaniment or the bass (pedals) can be brought out with more power."

A full panel display of some of John Hays Hammond Jr.'s 800+ patents.

Detail from the interior courtyard in the Hammond Castle.

The dining room table. The majority of items at the Hammond Castle are antiques that have been brought over from Europe.

Another view of the dining room. To the left is the window that looks out to the courtyard and pool.

The library room where John Hays Hammond Jr. would conduct business meetings and read his favorite books.

Detail from the library room.

A guest bedroom. Mr. Hammond was a known prankster, and this room could be shut on all four sides by Mr. Hammond if he so chose.

Curiously, this staircase was built with for the convenience of left-handed persons. For right-handed people, it is a bit awkward to traverse.

Some of John Hammond's artifacts and memorabilia are housed in this room. 

Detail of a clock and painting depicting warships in battle. John Hays Hammond Jr. was a pioneering inventor of guided missiles for the United States Navy.

The famous great hall of the Hammond Castle. This hall entertained guests and contained the massive pipe organ that John Hays Hammond, Jr. had installed on the second floor.

Trivia

  • John Hays Hammond, Jr. was a strong believer in the paranormal and even promised that after his death he would return to this realm as a black cat.  Claims include disembodied voices, moving objects, uneasy feelings and full-bodied apparitions. The Hammond Castle was on one episode of a SyFy series called Paranormal Pioneers.
  • John Hays Hammond, Jr. used his radio control technology combined with gyroscopic stabilization to send a pilotless “ghost ship” around the Gloucester harbor, and then remotely controlled a yacht that sailed from Gloucester to Boston and then back again.

If You Go

The Hammond Castle Museum is open to the public primarily during the summer months. The summer season typically begins on Saturdays and Sundays in May, from 10 AM to 4 PM, with the last tickets sold at 3:30 PM. Beginning in June and extending through October 6th, Hammond Castle is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM, also with the last ticket sold at 3:30. The Hammond Castle is closed on Mondays and all U.S. public holidays.

Pro tip #1: After you purchase the ticket(s) to the museum, make sure to allocate ten to twelve minutes of your time to watch the film about John Hays Hammond, Jr. and the Hammond Castle, located in the back of the gift shop. While the film is of average quality, it reveals many things about the castle which you would not ordinarily notice while walking around it. As a bonus, you'll learn about numerous pranks that John Hays Hammond, Jr. conducted (primarily directed at his guests!) while living in the castle.

Pro tip #2: If you are driving from Boston, combine the visit of the Hammond Castle Museum with a visit to Rockport, MA. Based on my experience, you can traverse the entirety of the Hammond Castle and its exterior grounds in about one and a half to two hours, leaving plenty of options to continue your day trip further up the Massachusetts coast into Rockport. Rockport is only 7 miles away on State Route MA-127 from the Hammond Castle Museum.

Pro tip #3: During the months of July and August, Hammond Castle Museum hosts the "Thursday Night Candlelight Tours." With your general admission ticket, you can be guided by candlelight at either 6PM, 7PM, and 8PM on Thursday evenings. The guides will show you the rooms the Hammond frequented and tell stories about how John Hays Hammond Jr. and his wife, Irene Fenton Hammond, enjoyed their many years living in the castle.

Admission Fees

Adults $12.
Senior Citizens (65 yrs +) $10.
Children (ages 6 to 12) $9.

Location

80 Hesperus Ave
Gloucester, MA 01930

Exploring the Town of Rockport, MA

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The small town of Rockport, Massachusetts is located about 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Boston at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula. This charming New England town has a population of less than seven thousand but invites tens of thousands of tourists from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world every year.

Main Street and Bearskin Neck

Rockport, MA is surrounded on three sides by water. The main street going through town, called Bearskin Neck, has dozens of quaint shops. Bearskin Neck is named after a legendary skirmish between man and beast, in which a menacing bear was slain and skinned with a knife. 

There are plenty of seafood restaurants in the vicinity, including the famous Roy Moore Lobster Company (I recommend getting the lobster roll here. There are actually two locations in Rockport: Roy Moore's Fish Shack is at 21 Dock Square, Rockport, MA 01966; Roy Moore Lobster Company is at 39 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, MA 01966).

Photos from my visit to the fishing village of Rockport, MA are below.

Rockport, MA preparing for the Independence Day celebration. 

Views of flowers on Main Street, Rockport.

A storefront with flowers and glassware for sale.

A gravel-lined walkway to a gallery on Bearskin Neck in Rockport, MA.

View of the main street in Rockport, MA: Bearskin Neck. 

With street names like "Tuna Wharf," you know you've made it to a fishing village.

One of the many galleries in Rockport, MA.

Helmut's Strudel in Rockport, MA. The delicious smells wafting out of this quaint shop were hard to resist!

An entrance to a store on Bearskin Neck.

Flowers in Rockport, MA.

Ladders and flowers.

The summer months are interesting in the New England area: weather can fluctuate rapidly. On this particular day, the day began with rainfall and was cloudy throughout the morning. However, by mid-day, the sun was shining bright. 

Cloudy morning.

Exploring the Headlands in Rockport, MA

One of the must-see detours in Rockport, MA is a walk along an area known as the Headlands. The Headlands are outcroppings of rock on the other side of the town, allowing you to take in beautiful views of the town.

To get to the Headlands from Bearskin Neck (Main Road), walk south on Mt. Pleasant Street and then turn left on Atlantic Avenue. (NOTE: Atlantic Avenue is a one-way road, so if you drive to the Headlands, take the next street south, Norwood Avenue and then look for parking on Old Garden Road near Old Garden Landing).  If you are walking on Atlantic Avenue, there will be a sign marking the trail to the Headlands from the last house on the street on Atlantic Avenue.

Map of Rockport, MA. To get to the Headlands (blue icon on the upper right), walk from Bearskin Neck via Pt. Pleasant Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. There will be a sign marking the trail to the Headlands from the last house on the street on Atlantic Avenue.

A few photos from the Headlands exploration are below.

Detail from a house on Atlantic Avenue. I suppose one of the men working for Rockport's Fire Department lives here.

Approaching the Headlands on Atlantic Avenue in Rockport, MA.

Rockport, MA as seen from the highest point in the Headlands.

Waves crashing on the rocks in the Headlands.

Enjoying the views at the Headlands in Rockport, MA.

Native daisies growing near the Headlands in Rockport, MA.

Wider view of the Atlantic Ocean and native daisies growing in Rockport, MA.

Old Garden Landing and Old Garden Beach

If you continue southeast from the Headlands, eventually you will approach Old Garden Landing and Old Garden Beach, a small sand and stone beach with an adjacent municipal park. This area offers an expansive view over Sandy Bay. There is a cozy grassy area at the Old Garden Landing and there are picnic  tables to enjoy a breakfast or a picnic lunch.

Views from Old Garden Beach in Rockport, MA.

Views from Old Garden Beach toward the center of Rockport, MA.

A view of Rockport, MA in the distance from the Old Garden Landing.

Walking in Rockport, MA

Rockport, MA is quite wonderful to epxlore by foot. From the Old Garden Beach, I took some of the other streets in town to get back. I took Harraden Avenue, Clark Avenue, and Norwood Avenue to get back into town center.

A few photos from that stroll are below.

One of the houses seen in Rockport, MA.

Another house seen in the "suburbs" of Rockport, MA. The patio overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

By mid-afternoon, the sun was shining bright and this mailman was feeling the heat.

Harbor Views and Motif Number 1 in Rockport, MA

One of the most interesting facts about Rockport, MA is the structure known as Motif Number 1. Located on Bradley Wharf in Rockport, this structure is a replica of a former fishing shack well known to students of art and art history as "the most often-painted building in America." Motif Number 1 was built in the 1840s during the time that Rockport, MA was becoming a home to a colony of artists in the area. This shack (or barn, if you want to call it that) became a favorite subject of painters because of its favorable composition against the water. Motif Number 1 endures as a symbol of maritime life.

As for how Motif Number 1 got its name? Legend has it that the name is derived from an impulsive exclamation by the painter Lester Hornby. During his summer seasons in Rockport, Hornby noted that many art students chose the dilapidated shed on the edge of the inner harbor. Its prominence and its simple but interesting proportions made it a natural model for sketches and paintings, good and bad. One day when a student brought for criticism a pencil drawing of the house, Hornby exclaimed, "What! Motif No 1 again!" It has been called that ever since.

The original Motif Number 1 was built in 1840 but destroyed in the great blizzard of 1978. However, the structure was rebuilt in the same year. Today, Rockport takes pride that Motif Number 1 is the most painted building in the world.

Fun fact: in the animated film Finding Nemo, the dentist's office has a picture of Motif Number 1 hanging on the wall (see screenshot I captured from the film here), a tribute by director Andrew Stanton to his hometown of Rockport, MA.

Harbor views from Motif Number 1.

Motif Number 1 in Rockport, MA.

Harbor view with Motif Number 1 in the background. Motif Number 1 is known as the most painted building in the world.

A shed directly across from Motif Number 1 reminds you that you're in a fishing village.

Rockport, MA is definitely worth visiting on a day-trip from the Boston area. The pedestrian friendly streets, plenty of shops and restaurants, and gorgeous views have something for everyone. If you don't want to drive, there is always the option of taking the commuter rail from Boston's North Station. Rockport is the last stop on the Rockport line. 

Visiting the Spectacular Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

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I spent four days at Myrtle Beach with my parents over the Independence Day holiday (July 4th). The time near and in the ocean was fantastic (great weather, warm water temperatures, and not as crowded as some beaches I've been to in the past). On our last day, we made our way south to visit Brookgreen Gardens.

I hadn't heard of Brookgreen Gardens before--the place was recommended to us by my parents' neighbors, who frequent the Myrtle Beach area twice a year. Brookgreen Gardens is a massive property on 9,127 acres; it consists of a wildlife park, beautiful gardens, and an awe-inspiring collection of sculpture. To put simply, Brookgreen Gardens is a botanical garden within which you may find wildlife and a spectacular art display.

A bit of history: Brookgreen Gardens was founded by Archer Milton Huntington, stepson of the railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington, and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington to feature sculptures by Anna (a talented artist) and her sister Harriet Randolph Hyatt Mayor, along with other American sculptors. Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington first visited the property in 1929 and were captivated by it and the surrounding area, purchasing the 9000+ acres. In 1932, Brookgreen Gardens was opened to the public. Brookgreen Gardens was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Below are a selection of photos I captured at Brookgreen Gardens.

The spectacular Live Oak Allée.

Live Oak Allée. In the background: Edward Francis McCartan's statue of Dionysus.

Trees at Brookgreen Gardens.

Native orchids growing at Brookgreen Gardens.

About 1445 works of American figurative sculpture are displayed at the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden at Brookgreen Gardens. Overall, there are over 2,000 works of sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens, when including certain sculptures that are located indoors. 

Fighting Stallions by Anna Hyatt Huntington

The Brown Sculpture Court, seen below, is reminiscent of the Moorish architectural designs and reminded me of the interior courtyard of the Alhambra.

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Walking the labyrinth:

In addition to the beautiful sculpture, there are plaques with various poems throughout the gardens. Depicted in this section of the Brookgreen Gardens is "The Snare":

A handmade door frame.

Brookgreen Gardens is a spectacular destination and a must-see stop if you're in the Myrtle Beach area. If you get a chance to go on the hourly guided tour, I highly recommend doing so, as you will get an excellent history lesson of the grounds as well as highlights of the top ten to fifteen sculptures within the gardens.

###

Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Off US Highway 17 Bypass, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island
phone: 843-235-6000

 

Observations at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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What are some things that one can do in an art museum? I pondered this question on a recent visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Some immediate things that come to mind:

  1. Observe (look at) art.
  2. As a continuation of observation, read the accompanying banner about the art piece or listen to a segment corresponding to the art piece on the audio tour.
  3. Interact with art (if the piece calls for it and/or it is allowed).
  4. Makes a sketch (or sketches) of the art in front of you.
  5. Describe the art piece to someone in your vicinity (to an audience, such as a guide might do) or mention something about the art (or not) to someone in your vicinity to elicit a reaction.
  6. Take a picture of the art in front of you.
  7. Take a selfie in front of an art piece.
  8. Have someone take a photo of you in front of an art piece (or some architectural element of the museum).
  9. Go to a help desk to ask for directions or inquire about the latest exhibition. 
  10. Within the confines of a museum, go get some nourishment in the form of drink or food.
  11. Take a break from art—answer an email on your computer or phone, scroll through your Instagram account, read some brochures about the museum, or discuss something non-art related with your friend, partner, significant other, spouse, parent, sibling, or child.

What else would you add to the list above?

Take a look at the photos below. What else would you consider part of a visit to an art museum which isn't reflective in these photos?

Afternoon tea break at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

When a work e-mail calls...

Observing Claude Monet's Haystacks series.

A question subject to debate: landscape or portrait mode for capturing photos of art?

All Art Has Been Contemporary. (One can make the same claim about technology.)

"And then I said..."

"Can we discuss this some other time?"

Photo-op!

My favorite photograph of this set: the observation state of this woman is deep and transformative. 

You can't fly in a museum, but you can take photos of flying art.

A few questions for the reader:

Was it easy to characterize the photos above into the categories listed at the top of the post? Would some human activities belong to multiple categories? What are some of your favorite things to do in an art museum?

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All photos captured with the Canon 5D Mark IV + Canon 35mm f/1.4L lens.

Lunch at the Black Sheep Restaurant in Blue Ridge, GA

This past weekend, I took a road trip to the North Georgia mountains, stopping in Ellijay and Blue Ridge. While I didn't have a particular itinerary for these two cities, I did have a specific intention to dine at the Black Sheep restaurant in Blue Ridge, GA. 

The location of the restaurant is at the edge of town on West Main Street. The restaurant occupies the historic William Butt House (built around 1914), which was built by Colonel William Butt, a one-time alderman and Mayor of Blue Ridge, attorney, and member of the Georgia Legislature. William Butt and his wife, Fanny, were prominent and beloved members of the Blue Ridge community, and entertained celebrities like author Margaret Mitchell during their stay in the house.

I arrived to the restaurant around 1PM for a late lunch. I was kindly greeted by the hostess and the owner of the restaurant, Brandon Lofton. I asked to sit on the outside patio, which was lovely on this hot Georgia afternoon. 

I liked the design and simplicity of the menu; the choices were varied for both drinks and food options, but not overwhelming.

For lunch, I decided to order the burger and a couple of drinks. Below are a few images of my lunch at Black Sheep:

As for the drinks, I first went with the Grumpy Old Men beer followed by a classic Bloody Mary, which was absolutely fantastic.

An amazing bonus of the afternoon was live music by singer and songwriter Lindsay Beth Harper, who is from Blue Ridge. I captured a few photos of her singing as well as a video of one of her songs (pardon the shifting in focus that occurs during the video, I am very new to creating video).

As I walked around the beautiful restaurant, I captured a few more photos, seen below.

 

My dining experience at Black Sheep Restaurant in Blue Ridge, GA was fantastic. I am definitely aiming to come back for dinner next time I am in Blue Ridge, GA.

If you ever make your way to Blue Ridge, I highly recommend making lunch or dinner plans around Black Sheep.

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Black Sheep Restaurant Patio & Bar
480 West Main Street,
Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Hours of operation are:
MONDAY: Closed
TUESDAY to THURSDAY: 3PM to 9PM
FRIDAY: 3PM to 9:30PM
SATURDAY: 12PM to 9:30PM
SUNDAY: 12PM to 8:30PM.

For reservations, please call The Black Sheep Restaurant: (706) 946-3663

Exploring the Rugged Bell Mountain in North Georgia

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This past weekend, I went camping in the North Georgia mountains near Hiawassee, GA. Along the way, I decided to stop by a nearby attraction: Bell Mountain. 

Bell Mountain is a beautiful, ragged peak that has a storied history. Here is the description of the mountain by T. Larry Gantt in “Through the Mountains" on August 14, 1883:

This precipice is of beautiful quartz rock, reflecting in the sun all the rays of the rainbow. From the valley below the mountain appears to lean over, threatening to topple from its foundation. Houses are built immediately beneath its eaves, and can be plainly seen by persons on the summit. But in exploring this pinnacle you must be very cautious, for as we before said, you are on a very sharp and narrow ridge and a false step would seal your doom. There is a path underneath the cliff that leads into a cave in the rock called the “Devil’s Workshop,” but it is a very dangerous place to reach, as you must clamber on a narrow shelf upon hands and knees, with not a bush to cling to. In places this shelf is but a few inches wide, and inclines over the precipice alluded to above. We went part of the way and turned back, as the view will not repay one for the danger. There are other curiosities on the summit, however, equally as great. We say one place where a large quartz boulder had lodged across a passage between the rocks, forming a large room, protected on every side from rain and wind. There are several “fat-man’s squeezes,” of all sizes and shapes. But the most wonderful curiosity is a large pillar of white quartz, that stands upon the brink of a precipice, its spire towering upward. No sculptor could have hewn a more symmetrical shaft. This pillar rests upon two small pedestals and it seems that the slightest pressure would send it crashing into the valley below. But its foundation is firm, for twenty men, we are told have worked at it with prizes without throwing the stone from its balance. Bell Mountain is a solid mass of the most beautiful crystal rock of all shades and colors. It is often taken for marble. We brought away specimens showing the various shades. We lingered for hours upon this wonderful peak of the Blue Ridge, drinking in the view and were loath to leave it. We will conclude this letter however, by advising all of our readers to visit Bell Rock Mountain, if they want to see what we consider the greatest curiosity in Georgia or the south.

More recently, in 1963, three men from nearby Murphy, North Carolina decided they could mine the top of Bell Mountain for minerals. Because of their ignorance, however, they failed in their quest and after only a short time there left a huge gaping hole on the top of the 3,400 foot knob that you can now see from miles away. The mountain has maintained this physical scar for over fifty years. 

After this mining disaster, the mountain was purchased by local resident Hal Herrin in an effort to preserve it from future abuse. The Hal Herrin Estate graciously donated the 18 acre Bell Mountain Summit to Towns County and on February 18, 2016 was formally named Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site and the observation deck erected was named and dedicated as the Hal Herrin Scenic Overlook. The scenic overlook is located at 3,424 feet above sea level. 

The location of Bell Mountain is 220 Shake Rag Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546. To get there, take Shake Rag Road from US Highway 76 in Hiawassee for about two and a quarter miles. There is a parking lot at the top of the road. Actually, there are two parking lots: one is at the very top and there is another one 300 feet below (with warning signs that the last parking lot is up a steep incline!). Overall, the long and winding road to the top is worth it. The majority of the Shake Rag Road is very narrow and so I would NOT recommend going up this road to Bell Mountain in an RV or camper van; trucks, SUVs, and sedans are fine, though. The price of admission at the top: free.

Once you get to the top-most parking lot, it's a short walk up the stairs to see panoramic views of Lake Chatuge and the surrounding valleys.

Bell Mountain is covered in spray paint, from people's names or initials and their visit to the mountain, to more blatant graffiti. There are signs that any spray painting is prohibited and that violators would be prosecuted. However, I noticed people's initials and names from 2018, so it is apparent that people are not heeding the warnings, sadly.

A few photos I captured from the top of Bell Mountain are below.

I hgihly recommend checking out Bell Mountain if you're exploring the North Georgia area, especially near Hiawassee.

Earth Day Celebration at Blue Heron Nature Preserve

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This past Saturday, Blue Heron Nature Preserve held its annual Earth Day Celebration. I've been coming to the Blue Heron both as a local resident (I come to BHNP by myself or with my dog) and as a volunteer for a couple of years—I've done volunteering both in terms of tree plantings, weed removal, and most often, photography.

This was the schedule of events for the 2018 Earth Day Celebration:

9 am - 10 am           Outdoor Yoga with Ronald Dill
10 am - 11 am           Volunteer Planting Event
10 am - 11 am           Children’s Camp Open House
10 am - 11 am           Forest Walk with with EcoAddendum
10 am - 2 pm           Local Artist Market
11 am - 2 pm            Native Plant Sale / Environmental Exhibits / Student Art Show
11 am - 12 pm          Bird Walk with Atlanta Audubon Society
11 am - 12 pm          Vamos Chicos Art Bus Demonstration*
12 pm - 3 pm           Neighborhood Block Party with Music, Food, and Activities
12 pm - 1 pm            Green Theater Performance
12 pm - 1 pm            Mini-Hive Inspection with Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association
12 pm - 12:30 pm     Turtle Sanctuary Dedication
12:30 pm - 1 pm       Art of Nature Opening
1 pm - 2 pm              Mini Critter Camp with The Amphibian Foundation
1 pm - 1:30 pm          Blueway Trail Groundbreaking Ceremony & Tour
1:30pm - 2:00pm      Farmer D Organics Gardening Talk 
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm    Blueway Trail Tour

While I didn't make all of the activities above, I captured photos of the outdoor yoga, volunteer planting event, the local artist market, the bird walk with the Atlanta Audobon Society, the turtle sanctuary dedication, and the Blueway Trail groundbreaking. 

Below are some photos from the 2018 Earth Day celebration!

If you're a local Atlanta resident, I highly recommend checking the urban oasis that is the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. There are a wonderful series of trails in the 30-acre park. Additionally, there are plenty of events that occur throughout the year, such as the Moonlight hikes, planting/weeding volunteering, and much more. Just check the calendar if you're looking for more information.

GrantMeFood: An Atlanta Area Supper Club

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Last month, I had the pleasure of attending an Atlanta-area supper club called GrantMeFood, hosted by chef Grant Stevens. Here is how GrantMeFood bills itself on its website:

GrantMeFood is an Atlanta area supper club that unites a group of strangers in our home for an evening filled with incredible food and interesting conversation. We combine global cuisine with a farm-to-table approach to take you on an adventure of flavor and texture that'll change your life. Ok, maybe it won't change your life, but we promise it'll be fucking tasty.

Grant, in collaboration with his wife Ria, opened up their lovely home for an amazing four-course tasting menu. 

An amazing setting to host eight strangers around the dinner table.

Prior to arriving to the dinner, I emailed Grant asking if I could take a few photos of the dinner preparation and as the dinner was being server. Luckily, Grant responded in the affirmative.

The title of this particular dinner was "The Hangover Cure," and the following was on the menu that evening:

Course 1: Duck fat latke, tarragon and meyer lemon creme fraiche, quail egg, caviar

Course 2: Rabbit poutine with rabbit espagnole and fresh cheese curds

Course 3: "Ketchup and Mustard" - Pork cheek capaletti with pink peppercorn pork consomme,  wasabi and mushroom agnolotti with shitake and saffron broth

Course 4: Roasted banana cream, lemon and black poppy seed meringue, kiwi-matcha panna cotta

Below are a few photos I captured of Grant (and Ria in the background) preparing the finishing touches on the above courses:

And below, a few photos of the courses served that evening:

What was remarkable about the event was not just the incredible food that Grant and Ria prepared for the random selection of guests that attended, but the amazing conversation that our group had over the course of the evening. What was supposed to be a dinner that lasted from 7:30PM to 9:30PM ended up being an incredible evening where we talked and connected on various topics until past 2 o'clock in the morning! 

If you are interested in tasting incredible food in a warm, friendly atmosphere (and don't mind the serendipity that's involved with interacting with other strangers/like-minded foodies around Atlanta), I highly suggest checking out Grant's website and signing up for his mailing list, following the @GrantMeFood Instagram account, and liking/following the page on Facebook . 

 

The 2017 Inman Park Festival Parade

The 2017 Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

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Today I attended the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Blackburn Park in Brookhaven, GA. I came with my puppy, Penny, who received a lot of compliments herself.

The festival featured a number of food trucks, arts & crafts booths, and live music. I stayed around for the dog parade & costume contest, which had the following categories in 2017:

  • Artsy Bark (stepping outside the box, creative)
  • Cherry Blossom Awesome (your finest in pink)
  • Doggie Diva (sophisticated, stylish)
  • Super Hero Swag (need we say more)
  • #SquadGoals (Pet+Pet or Pet+Human Combos)¹
  • Best in Show (All will bone down to you if you win)

There were a number of creative costumes this year! Below, a gallery from the images I captured during the event.

If you attended, what was your favorite part of the festival?

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¹ The #SquadGoals category was won by "The Three Amigos," my personal favorite from the day.

The 2016 Atlanta Dogwood Festival

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This weekend I attended the Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park. On Saturday, I participated in the Mimosa 5K race with a few friends. It was a lot of fun—and my first time drinking mimosas after a race.

On Sunday, I came back to stroll around the park, see the artist/vendor booths, and watch the dog frisbee competition. Below, a few photos from the 2016 Dogwood Festival.

 

The 2015 Red Bull SoapBox Race

This Saturday, I went to watch the 2015 Red Bull Soapbox Derby in Atlanta, GA. About 2,000 feet of North Avenue were blocked off for the event, with ~1200 feet devoted to the race track.

After capturing a few mundane shots of the cars in the competition, i decided to shift gears a little bit and go for some panning shots of the soap box cars to show the motion/speed as they came down the hill.

Harry the Hawk, mascot of the Atlanta Hawks, began the festivities by running the course with the American flag during the singing of the "The Star-Spangled Banner":

Shortly after 12PM, each of the 40 soap box cars had a chance to go down the race course solo, competing both on fastest time and best skit/performance prior to the race downhill. 

The team I was rooting for was the Ramblin' Wreck, a superb replica of Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck (a restored Ford Model A Sports Coupe). Unfortunately, the Ramblin' Wreck popped a tire after the landing from the ramp along the course. Nevertheless, team Ramblin' Wreck pushed their way to the finish line, as seen here, much to the delight of the crowd:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may not have posted the best time in the tournament, but they had a fantastic skit (and great enthusiasm within the confines of the soap box):

A Red Bull endorsed vehicle about to head down the course. Notice the nifty suspension gear:

A wide angle view of the crow and the team called "Firefighters" making their way down:

Team "We Never Ride Dirty":

Team Chariot, which did not finish (DNF) the race. Less than a second after I captured this photo, the chariot wrecked:

Team Rollergirls Downhill Devils has an amazing looking car. Bonus points go to the detail, such as the blue shoelace and the curvature of the frame:

This is Team Yongsa's Dragon Breath, and they were incredibly fast, if this photo is any indication. Out of the 40 participants, they had the best (or second best) time overall (under 33 seconds):

Team Uber Atlanta had a beautifully minimalistic design of their car that finished in the top ten overall: 

Left shark makes an appearance:

Team Because Racecar (aka, team swag/mustache):

The Big Wrench:

When I first saw this car racing downhill, my first impression was a grill on wheels:

Empire Cocktail Crafters:

At the end of the race. Are you NOT entertained???

Bonus photo as I was walking on North Avenue. This dog wins some kind of Sartorialist award for best fashion/haircut.

The 2015 Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade

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This Saturday, I went to see the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade. Having gone last year (but without my dSLR), I thought I would capture a few photos of the festivities. There was great music, food trucks, and hundreds of people (and some of their pets) either carrying lanterns or wearing them. Overall, more than 20,000 spectators came out to see the event.

The parade went through various historic districts of Atlanta along the BeltLine: Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia Highlands. I stood near the intersection of Monroe Drive and 10th Street (where the conclusion of the parade took place) to capture some of the photos:


Visiting the WeWork Office in Tel Aviv, Israel

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During my trip to Israel, I had a chance to visit the WeWork office in central Tel Aviv, Israel. 

WeWork is a startup founded in NYC, whose business model is to provide shared office space to small companies and technology startups. The most recent investment rounds value the company at $10 billion. I think the business model is fantastic: bringing like-minded entrepreneur types into one co-working space. The Tel Aviv office features three floors of office space, a living room with a kitchen (with free beer!), and a large shared working area with a number of computers for use.

I took some photographs during my visit, which appear below.

There is something like WeWork in Atlanta with the Atlanta Tech Village (whose monthly pitch events I attend), but it would be cool to see WeWork expand to other parts of Atlanta.

 

 

The "Read Everywhere" Campaign at The New York Public Library

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This week, I was in New York City for a brief business trip.

On the first evening of my stay in the City, I took a three hour walk around Midtown Manhattan. One of my favorite stops along the walk was the outdoor exhibit at The New York Public Library.

This summer, The New York Public Library has a very cool campaign called "I Read Everywhere" (hashtag: #ireadeverywhere on Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter). From the promotional for the read everywhere movement:

This summer, The New York Public Library is celebrating the excitement and personal joy of reading with the hashtag #ireadeverywhere. We are asking all of you to join authors, librarians and other readers from all over the world to share your favorite — and unusual — reading spots, along with the hashtag and our handle @nypl, all in an effort to inspire others to pick up a book (or an e-reader) and start their own adventures.

I took a few photos of the outside of the NYPL:

The famous NYPL lion with the "Read Everywhere" advestisement.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to go into the library on this particular visit (as I arrived to the library at its closing time of 7PM). I did take a few photos of the beautiful outdoor library room:

The outdoor library room featured carts for a "book swap"—leave one book for others, take one home.

Finally, there was a giant board where people left notes on what they are reading this summer:

Here's a selection of notable books profiled in the photo above (outside of the popular The Song of Ice and Fire series, which is mentioned numerous times):

Based on the press release, the outdoor reading room just ended on July 17. However, reading never stops. I hope you can find some of these book recommendations helpful. Happy reading!

 

Cathy Barrow ("Mrs. Wheelbarrow") at Preserving Place

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Something that I am trying to get more involved in this year is exploring the food/restaurant scene in the Atlanta area. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Cathy Barrow's presentation at Preserving Place, where Cathy taught the audience how to preserve a selection of foods. Cathy Barrow, also known as Mrs. Wheelbarrow, is the author of Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Practical Pantry: Recipes and Techniques for Year-Round Preserving. The book was available for purchase at the event, and a large number of folks in attendance stayed until the end to get their book signed by Mrs. Wheelbarrow.

The three main highlights of the event were learning how to make/preserve jam, bacon, and home-made butter. Something I learned that I hadn't known previously: you can make homemade butter by using heavy cream and spinning it in a mixer until it solidifies. 

Mrs. Wheelbarrow was very helpful in answering the many questions coming from the audience. One of the best questions asked was during a preparation of preserving pork belly: "Did you bring that with you on the plane?" To which Mrs. Barrow delightfully responded: "No, I don't fly with pork belly. I have to draw the line somewhere." Everyone burst out laughing, and it was a wonderful moment.

Below are some photos which I captured at the event. Mrs. Wheelbarrow is wearing a white apron with blue flowers, and the owner of Preserving Place, Martha McMillin, is dressed in a solid blue apron. 

If you're interested in learning more or perhaps taking a class about preserving food in the future, Preserving Place has a great lineup of future events on this page. I highly recommend it.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Snow Storm in Atlanta

After the late January snow storm that crippled Atlanta, the city was better prepared for the "storm of the decade" as some media outlets were calling it. In fact, most business and schools came out and said they were shutting down for the day. The governor of Georgia issued a state of emergency for 45 counties across much of northern GA, including most counties in the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Based on my experience, the storm wasn't as bad as some people predicted. I went out for a stroll around my neighborhood this afternoon and captured the photos below. Most of the falling precipitation was falling ice rather than accumulating snow. 

My stroll took me across the major thoroughfares in Buckhead: Piedmont Road and Peachtree Road. The following photos show that the roads were well treated.

Ice-encrusted trees across the Hotel Intercontinental in Buckhead (Atlanta, GA).

Piedmont road at around 2PM. A car would pass once every couple of minutes. Most Atlantans stayed off the roads today.

This is the Piedmont Road/Peachtree Road intersection in Buckhead. Not a car in sight...

A car veers onto the on-ramp for GA-400, headed northbound.

Piedmont Road was deserted, but treated with salt/sand earlier.

A view of Twin Peaks and Farm Burger on Piedmont Road in Buckhead.

The bright peach state, covered by icicles, on February 12, 2014.

Atlanta Police making their rounds on Peachtree Road.

A lot of the businesses were closed. Here's a selection:

My favorite burrito place, Chipotle, looking empty.

All Caribou locations across Atlanta were shut down today. I was staying safe and warm, thank you, Caribou.

One of the few exceptions I stumbled upon, and where I warmed up for a few minutes, was this Kroger that was open on Piedmont Road. 

The Sovereign Building, the tallest building in Buckhead, seen across Piedmont Road.

The Southern Art menu is not decipherable under the ice/freezing rain.

A car in the Kroger parking lot, bracing the elements.

A treated Piedmont Road. 

Corner Bakery was closed too...

Along my winter stroll, I came across people who were doing the same. They were enjoying the weather, taking walks, shopping, or otherwise seeing what everyone else was up to in the neighborhood.

This poor man was hauling his luggage on Piedmont Road. He had about 3/4th of a mile to go to reach his hotel further up Piedmont Road.

What a capture! As I turned around, the man from the couple featured above, decided to do a "foot low five." 

Everyone, meet the adorable Molly. "She needs her daily walk."

Taking it easy...

An urban, wintry landscape, punctuated by a walker.

Since no one was on the roads, it was perfectly acceptable to walk in the middle of the city streets. In fact, it was probably advantageous/safer to do so, away from power lines that had accumulated ice.

When you can't drive, why not go for a bike ride as these two ladies did?

And a few more scenes from my urban walk:

An old truck idles on Lenox Road, across Lenox Square Mall.

Hello, inverted signs.

Lenox Square Mall was completely deserted. An eerie, but beautiful, sight.

An advertisement for an iPhone 5C on a wall of a MARTA bus station.

A local church.

"You and I need answers." How come this storm was so overblown, for example?

My last stretch of the stroll was on a local road, and I captured the following neighborhood scenes:

Park Avenue, iced. 

No construction on this afternoon.

This tree branch, weighed down by ice, blocked a portion of the sidewalk.

Icicles were common.

This. Old. House.

I framed this beautiful house against icy branches across the street. 

A juxtaposition: a cone, a tree branch, and my footprint.

"Good fences make good neighbors." One of my favorite scenes on my walk.

This winter storm largely spared the metro Atlanta area. Nevertheless, today made for a wonderful snow day for those of us who worked/stayed at home (which was most of Atlanta). I hope you enjoyed these photographs!

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All photographs © by: Eugene Buchko // eugene.buchko@gmail.com

 

Hiking The Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina

Over the Labor Day weekend, my friends and I traveled to the Pisgah National Forest (part of the Appalachian Mountains) in North Carolina for a three-day hiking/camping trip. 

The half million acres of the Pisgah National Forest surrounding Asheville, NC features some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery. Our goal was to traverse about 19 miles over three days. On the first day, we arrived at the tip of the Art Loeb Trail and set off. Here's our happy group as we arrived:

Happy faces before departing for the day's hike.

Happy faces before departing for the day's hike.

 After four miles of hiking, we were caught in a downpour and scrambled to find a place to camp. It took me some time to set up my small tent, but after receiving some help, I was already drenched and needed to change clothes. After the rain ended, we were treated to this spectacular view at our campsite:   

The sun shines through the trees after a downpour.

The sun shines through the trees after a downpour.

In the evening, we made dinner (spaghetti!) and shared a few cups of a drink I've never had before:

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We wound down the evening by making a fire. The following morning, we had breakfast, put away our tents and other gear, and prepared to go for a ten-mile round-trip hike to Cold Mountain. It was a moderately strenuous hike. 

What I remember most is getting to the peak of Cold Mountain and looking into the distance and seeing these giant rain clouds. And then this depressed sound, sort of like a drum in the distance. It wasn't thunder. It was rain hitting the treetops in the distance. I've never heard this kind of sound before on a mountaintop, and it was glorious.  

After taking a few photos at the top of the peak, we headed back to the campsite where we stayed the previous night. 

We ended up saving the best part of the hike for the final day (on Labor Day). On this day, we hiked through the Black Balsam area that includes some of the most spectacular mountain balds in the Southern Appalachians. This area above 6,000 feet in elevation is almost entire devoid of trees. I captured this photo of our group as we were traversing the trail:

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Here, we took a brief respite, drank some water, and took some fun pictures.  

Group photo! Self timer on my dSLR which sat on my backpack.

Group photo! Self timer on my dSLR which sat on my backpack.

Portrait in the wilderness

Portrait in the wilderness

I took some time and captured the butterflies in the area:

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We then proceeded on the Art Loeb Trail for a couple more hours and got back to ours cars. Along the way, we stopped a number of times to pick on the fresh blueberries. They were delicious!

Overall, the camping trip was a great success. We were sweaty, exhausted, but everyone had a great time (minus getting stung by the pesky wasps). I highly recommended checking out this part of the Appalachian Trail if you're looking for a weekend getaway. The trails are well maintained from spring to autumn, there are plenty of camp sites in which to camp, and the views are wonderful.

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Note: you can see some of the photos featured in this post in my gallery, Appalachian Mountains.