Travel and Photography
Photographing Surfers with a Lensbaby at Rincon
Rincon is one of the best places to photograph surfers… And, surf too! It’s also just a great day trip, and not very far from Santa Barbara. I decided to bring out my Lensbaby
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If you’re in Santa Barbara on the Second Saturday of the month, make sure to find your way to the Funk Zone. Every month over 20 artists open their studios and galleries to the public from 1-5 pm. Many venues in the Funk Zone feature live music, and there are plenty of wineries to check out too!
Start early if you want to see them all!
My first stop was The Arts Fund Gallery. They featured multiple artists inside, as well as outside. They also had live music, a food truck and free tastings from Jun Brewery.
This is not beer my friends! It is a craft fermented probiotic drink. It’s brewed with Raw Organic Honey and Jasmine. It does have a light alcohol content, so if you’re a lightweight, watch out… Kidding! Joking aside, it was a tasty alternative drink, and quite refreshing on a hot day. And, I’m pretty sure it’s good for you too! You can schedule a tasting by going on their website.
Next I stopped was over to check out the art of Stafford Taylor. I absolutely love his art and will provide a link to his website soon.
Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery was next on the list. This place is super cool. It is an actual working bronze foundry, which you are able to tour. The art is an eclectic mix. You can find metal and glass sculptures, paintings, photography, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the wine bar to try some local Fox Wine!
As I was walking to the next studio, I came across a truck parked on Yanonali Street & Santa Barbara St. At first, I thought it was some sort of food truck. I decided to investigate, and was surprised to find handcrafted treasures from local artisans and designers inside. How fabulous… Mobile Art! You can find The Habitat Factory in the Funk Zone on 2nd Saturdays or check out their website for more info.
I should have started earlier! I was running out of time, and hadn’t even been to half of the studios! I managed to squeeze one more in before it all ended. I was drawn in by a pair of cowboy boots that had been converted to roller skates. There they sat promising more of the unexpected inside. In I walked to find the sculpture and assemblage art of Dan Levin. He refers to his art as Objects Of Curiosity, and that they are! Finished pieces coexist among a fascinating array of random objects.
Last but not least, I headed over to Seven. A girl’s got to eat… and ok have a beer too! They also are a part of 2nd Saturday, so I figured I could see some art as well.
The Pulled Pork Sliders, Parmesan Truffle Fries and a beer were the perfect way to end the Art Walk!
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Check out some of my favorite recommendations!
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I discovered the Grand Central Market, while hunting for parking in the Los Angeles Jewelry District. Driving by, I wondered why I had never heard about this hidden gem in downtown LA. It just cried out “Park your car and come on in”! So, after shopping, I did just that. I wandered over to Broadway to check it out.
This is a market that got it right! It has a history dating back to 1917 and has been operating since then… Once again, how did I not know of it’s existence?
It encompasses 30,000 square feet, and is filled with a crazy amount of food choices. I circled three times before deciding what I wanted! It has a little bit of everything… Multiple restaurants, fresh produce, bulk grains, desserts, fresh juice, coffee, and even a liquor selection.
You can find moles, dried beans, rice, and specialty products at Chiles Secos or try Valeria’s for an extensive selection of Latin dry goods. Fresh seasonal produce and vegetable are available at La Casa Verde, Sun’s, or Torres Produce. The restaurant choices are diverse… Kababs, Chinese, Hawaiian BBQ, Oysters, Salvadorean and more! The prices are ridiculous… As in really good!
I had such a hard time choosing! The debate was between Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine, Kabab & More, or Sarita’s Pupuseria. I ended up going with Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine. It was hard to pass up Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for just $5.75! It was a decent amount of food for the price, and tasted good too!
I guess I will have to find a few more reasons to hit downtown LA. How else am I going to be able to try all the other options that I could only gaze at?
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Things To Do In Burlington In The Winter
Burlington, VT is one of my favorite cities to visit. It frequently finds itself on many “Best Of” lists, and after spending time there, it is easy to see why. Burlington has a lively downtown scene, a thriving art community, an array of dining choices, and bars featuring local live music. The close proximity to multiple ski resorts makes it easy to spend the day on the slopes snowboarding or skiing! It’s a family friendly town that hosts multiple activities for kids too!
Here are few things to check out while visiting Burlington:
I highly recommend a visit here. It’s my number one choice of places to see. The grounds are absolutely magnificent. The farm covers 1,400 acres and is located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Shelburne Farm provides learning experiences for a sustainable future by partnering with the community, and hosts events year round. In the winter you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride, take a class and learn about the animals, or even learn how to make bread and butter. Check their calendar for the many choices offered.
Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding
There are many parks in Burlington that offer groomed ski trails, ice rinks for skating, and hills for sledding. What’s more fun that playing outside in the winter? And, these are all free!
Church Street Marketplace
The Church Street Marketplace is an open air pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Burlington. The streets are cobblestone and it’s lit up beautifully at night! It’s a fun place to hang out with many shops, restaurants, and galleries to stop by.
If you like books, be sure to pop into Crow’s Bookshop. They offer a great selection, and a cozy atmosphere, which is a refreshing change if you’re used to the mega bookstores in most cities.
Need a chocolate fix? Lake Champlain Chocolates will hook you up! The chocolates are made locally and you can even visit the factory!
If that’s not enough to feed your sweet tooth, head over to My Little Cupcake. They specialize in delicious mini cupcakes and have a ridiculous amount of flavors to choose from! It’s hard to decide on just one, so plan on trying a variety. They are located at 217 College Street, which isn’t too far from the Church Street Marketplace.
For real food, try out Sweetwaters. They have a full bar, and extensive menu with a large amount of gluten free options. The restaurant is housed in a building from the 1880’s and still retains some original architectural details. Former bank vaults now function as walk-in coolers in the lowest level of the restaurant.
Burlington Art Scene
I was really impressed with the art scene in Burlington. Art is everywhere, so you will not have to go far to find it! If you happen to be in Burlington on the first Friday of the month, check out the community wide First Friday Art event. It’s a great way to check out a variety of local artists in one night. You can also check the Vermont Art Guide to find out about current openings and exhibitions.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to two very talented Burlington artists, that were gracious enough to let me wander through their studios while they were working.
Check out the artwork of:
Duane Albro at Tao Woodworking. My favorites were the SUP’s. They are absolutely gorgeous! And, when you stop by, make sure you say hello to Chomsky the St. Bernard. He usually is hanging out in the shop!
Bruce R. MacDonald at HAVOC. His metal wall sculptures are on stainless panels. Holographic effects create a feeling of movement through out the pieces. To see the visual depth and illusion of the art, check out these videos!
It’s always fun to find freebies while you’re traveling. Check out these 10 free things to do while you are in Chicago.
Chicago Blues Festival – Grant Park at Jackson & Columbus
This is by far, one of my favorite events to go to in Chicago. It’s held every summer in Grant Park and it’s FREE! It runs for 3 days on 5 different stages, and features some of the best Blues Artists around!
Millenium Park – 201 E Randolph Street
Millenium Park features one of the most popular tourist attractions, commonly referred to as “The Bean”. Be sure to check out Lurie Garden, and the free concerts which are featured all summer long.
Lincoln Park Zoo – 2200 N Cannon Drive
Lincoln Park Zoo is open year round. The Zoo covers 35 acres and features more than 230 species of animals. It’s located between Lake Michigan and the high rise buildings of the city! They have featured events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule.
City Gallery At The Historic Water Tower – 806 N Michigan Ave
Check out the rotating work of local photographers and artists in the City Gallery. The Chicago Historic Water Tower is located along the Magnificent Mile.
Navy Pier – 600 E Grand Ave
Be sure to take a stroll along the pier’s boardwalk. Admission is free. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer, free fireworks are featured weekly.
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Museum of Contemporary Photography – 600 S Michigan Ave
One of the only museums in the area devoted exclusively to photography.
WFB First Friday ArtWalk – 1579 North Milwaukee Ave
On the first Friday of every month explore two floors of art in the historic Flat Iron Arts Building. Resident artists, guest artists, impromptu performances, and refreshments are all a part of the celebration.
Chicago Botanic Garden – 100 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
The Chicago Botanic Garden is open year round and a beautiful place to visit. There are 26 gardens and four natural areas to stroll through. The Garden is situated on 385 acres, with 6 miles of lake shoreline.
Tour A Brewery – 3340 N Kedzie Ave
Revolution Brewery offers 45 minute tours that include a tasting. They cap the tours at 30 people, so get there early! Tour schedule is listed on their website.
Free Music At The Empty Bottle – 1035 N Western Ave
Most Monday and Friday nights feature free music. Check the schedule on their website.
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Who goes to Vegas at Christmas? Me for one! I have family in Chicago and Las Vegas, so I split the holiday between the two cities. My Chicago Christmas was celebrated a couple weeks earlier. I spent Christmas in Vegas!
So what do people do for Christmas in Las Vegas? Believe it or not, most people do have traditional celebrations. My family had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, and then exchanged gifts. Christmas morning was celebrated with the kiddos opening gifts from Santa.
That’s pretty much what most people do right? Well, here’s what I’m guessing most don’t!
Several years ago, bowling somehow made it into a Christmas Day activity for our Las Vegas family! It seems to have stuck, so I guess we can now call it a tradition. None of us are very good at it, but we always have a lot of fun!
I guess a lot of other people have made this part of their Vegas Christmas too. There was a pretty big line to get a lane and shoes!
They even had Cosmic Bowling! It was quite festive!
If bowling’s not your thing, there’s always ice skating! I know, you’re thinking in Vegas? Yes, actually there are several places to choose from! I like The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan. They transform their Boulevard Pool into an ice rink that overlooks the Vegas Strip! They also have fire pits to sit around where you can enjoy holiday cocktails.
A new addition to Vegas is The High Roller, a 550 foot tall Ferris wheel. This is fun for kids and adults. If you are going with adults only, I recommend the happy hour ride!
The views are spectacular!
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And, if that’s not enough for your Vegas Christmas, you can always head down to Freemont Street to go sledding! Yep! That’s right… Sledding! There is a snow hill! The snow is trucked in daily… And, that my friends is what a Vegas Christmas looks like!
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On the 1st Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues host art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities in downtown Santa Barbara.
I do my best to check out 1st Thursday events every month, since we are lucky enough to have so many venues participate, that support local artists. This past Thursday was the last After Hours event of the season… Why this does not run year round is a mystery to me. The Granda Theatre, the Lobero Theatre, and The New Vic are gracious hosts for the After Hours events. The events feature live entertainment, nibbles, & wine tastings.
In honor of their upcoming New Year’s Eve POPS Concert, the symphony busted out their musical instruments, and let us try them out! It didn’t even matter if you had a clue what you were doing! What fun!
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After giving the instruments a whirl, I headed upstairs to the Granada’s Big Screen to catch the sneak peak of the Lightwire Theater. They will be performing at the Granada on December 10th. I wish I was going to be in town to catch the show, because it looked fantastic!
Next was the wine tasting, champagne, and music by guitarist Bryan Titus… All were very good!
And, where there is good music you have dancers!
If you happen to be in Santa Barbara on the 1st Thursday of the month, be sure to check the schedule to see which venues are hosting events.
Check the schedule here.
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It’s been along time since my entire family has been together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Like many families, we are scattered across the country in many different States. Every year I face the difficult decision of where to spend the holiday, and wonder which Thanksgiving traditions will be included or left out.
The past several years, I have traveled to Las Vegas where a portion of my family resides. Last year began with a car accident one hour into the trip. I was rear ended on the 101 Freeway. Thankfully, the car wasn’t horribly damaged and I was able to continue on. The usual six hour ride, however, had turned into a ten hour nightmare!
Still traumatized by the thought of driving in holiday traffic, I decided to stay in Santa Barbara this year. For the first time in my life, Thanksgiving would be spent at a restaurant!
I have one son that lives in Santa Barbara and he booked reservations for us at Harry’s Plaza Cafe. With promises of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, we arrived for an early afternoon meal.
We started with a drink in the bar… I ordered a Bloody Mary. Whoa! It was stiff! I actually had to ask for more tomato juice and ice!
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The walls of the restaurant are covered with vintage photographs of Santa Barbara. It’s pretty amazing!
Time to eat! Traditional dinner was served. The basics were all there… Lot’s missing, but hey I wasn’t at Mom and Dad’s now was I?
The food and service were great. We even got a piece of pumpkin pie, which we took home!
I can’t say I would never do this again, however if given the choice, I would choose the good old fashioned family dinner at home. There is nothing like a big Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by your entire family.
I am grateful my son and I were able to celebrate together at Harry’s… It may not have been the traditional Thanksgiving as we have known in the past, but this is how new traditions begin right?
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1st Art Show on the Beach
The past couple weeks have been insanely busy getting ready for my first art show on the beach in Santa Barbara. I had to figure out what kind of display I wanted to use, and then build it. Next, I had to cut and sand wood for the photos to be mounted onto. And, last but not least I had to print the photos and mount them. This took much more time than I anticipated! I was still mounting photos at 11:30 pm the night before the show! I finally managed to crawl into bed after midnight.
After lightly caffeinating myself Sunday morning, I headed down to the beach in search of a spot to set up. Show set up starts at 6:00 am… Yes, that’s right, 6:00 in the morning!
I was greeted with a beautiful sunrise as I set up… What a great way to start a day!
Sunrise at the Art Show
All set up and ready to go!
My first sale! Thanks Matt!
My first show went well! If you are in the Santa Barbara area, be sure to stop by the Arts Show on the Beach! I will be there on most Sunday’s!
We arrived in Morro Bay late afternoon. After settling into our hotel, we headed down to the waterfront to check out the town. Morro Bay’s most famous landmark, Morro Rock, welcomes you upon arrival. It sits between the harbor and the beach, and belongs to a series of ancient volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters. They are situated between the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.
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After seeing all the boats out on the bay, we decided we needed to be on one! We had heard about a Tiki Boat Booze Cruise and went searching for it.
If you have a chance to ride on the tiki boat, do it! The price can’t be beat, plus it’s a great way to see the Bay, learn some local history, and of course be entertained. This boat has a bar on board, and the Captain mixes your drinks. I recommend the Leaky Tiki! Yum! Once you have your drink in hand, your tour begins with the Captain playing the theme song from Gilligan’s Island! I’m not kidding… I did say it was entertaining!
After our cruise we were ready for dinner. The Embarcadero is lined with shops and restaurants, so we asked the captain for a recommendation. We were looking for good food, drinks, and more entertainment. The Captain recommended the Otter Rock Café. It did not disappoint! The food and drinks were great, and the entertainment fantastic! We were lucky enough to catch the Phil Friendly Trio. They are a rockabilly band from Los Angeles that frequently plays in the area. Check them out the next time they’re in Morro Bay… Just make sure you have on your dancing shoes!
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