travel

TAKING FLIGHT - THE CHICAGO AIR SHOW

in

As the temperatures in the midwest begin to dip, I cannot help but reflect back on the warmer memories of summertime. 

Blue Angels Moving Up

Every August, The City of Chicago along with Shell Oil Products US hosts The Chicago Air And Water Show, which happens to be the largest free show of its kind in the entire United States. Visitors from all over the world inhabit the Windy city during this weekend to witness one of the greatest spectacles in Aviation, The infamous Blue Angels. 

Blue Angels in Action

The Blue Angels represent the some of the most highly trained pilots in the world. The commanding officer known as "Boss" must have accumulated a minimum of 3000 tactical jet flight-hours while the other members of the fleet must need a minimum of 1250 hours to be eligible for admission to this elite squadron. The Angels have an extensive travel schedule and can be seen in a city near you. I highly recommend experiencing this spectacular and invigoration display - there is simply nothing quite like it.

Team Aeroshell in Action 

The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team seen above has quite a following of its own. Perhaps not as famous as the Blue Angels, they are more than capable of stealing the show. They can be seen entertaining families throughout the country on weekends and have recently been inducted into the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Hall of Fame.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Team

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was founded just two decades after the Wright Brothers history-making flight. The institution is a highly respected authority on aviation and aerospace providing education in the fields of research, marketing, engineering, manufacturing and management of modern aircraft systems. There are over 150 campus locations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. The University is represented at numerous air shows throughout the world. 

The final plunge

The Chicago Airshow provides ample entertainment for young and old alike. There is no better place to spend your day on a warm summer afternoon than consuming the breezes of Lake Michigan while dipping your toes in the sand.

 

THE ICONIC LEGGS INN

in ,

Perched on a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan lies the world famous Leggs Inn Restaurant which exhibits a rather unique and mysterious approach with its architecture and decor.

Entry Foyer 

Located in Cross Village, Michigan, this restaurant features medieval looking stone, timber and driftwood taking us back in time to an experience unlike any other. The creator, a Polish immigrant by the name of Stanley Smolak, used his love of the inhabiting Ottawa and Chippewa Indians as influence for the blend of Old World European and Indian Cultures seen throughout the interior decor. Above is the entry foyer which displays an elaborate collection of nature and hand carved furniture made of tree stumps, limbs and roots which are seen throughout multiple rooms in the restaurant.

The Pool Room

The pool room continues the theme of meticulously handcrafted wood as the mainstay of its architectural foundation. 

Entrance to the game room

The cuisine is a balanced offering of authentic Polish and American dishes. Every dish is given the proper attention to detail to ensure an extremely enjoyable and memorable experience. In addition,the bar serves a multitude of accompanying hand crafted local beers not found at most establishments.

Step up to the bar

After satisfying customers for decades, the Leggs Inn has become a world famous destination acquiring praise from countless national magazines, publications and broadcasters throughout the country. 

Best view in the House

The Smolak family has gone to great lengths to enforce world-class friendly service to deliver amazing culinary delights. The waitstaff deliver the perfect combination of friendliness and attention creating a rather unique and unforgettable experience. This place has earned a guaranteed visit on my next trip to Northern Michigan.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER

in

The Chicago Cultural Center is an historic icon to many locals yet overlooked by the majority of travelers to the Windy City. This landmark building served as the central library since it's inception in 1897. In 1977, it was converted to an arts and cultural center which happens to be considered one of the most comprehensive in America. The center hosts numerous programs throughout the year involving the performing and visual arts, as well as serving as headquarters for the Chicago Children's Choir.

G.A.R Stained Glass Dome

The Grand Army of the Republic Rotunda (G.A.R.), located in the North wing, is a large hall featuring a stained-glass dome, 30-foot walls of Knoxville Pink marble, and a mosaic floor. The dome, created by the firm of Healy and Millet, serves as the centerpiece for the room with all its intricate detail. 

G.A.R. Rotunda Room

As you venture up towards the top floor, you are greeted with the ultimate prize upon entering  Preston Bradley Hall.  Through the Curved white Carrara marble pillars, a 38-foot Tiffany Glass Dome awaits which happens to be the largest of its kind in the world. The meticulous attention to  detail in its construction is absolutely mind-boggling. 

Tiffany Glass Dome

The final room on this journey is the Sidney Yates Gallery which serves as a replication of an assembly hall in Venice, Italy characterized by its coffered ceiling and heavily ornamented pilasters.

Sidney Yates Gallery

This destination is a must see when visiting the attraction - laden city of Chicago, Illinois. The best time to visit is during the week when tourists are at a minimum and photographic opportunities are aplenty.  

For those interested in photographing this place as well as other popular sights throughout the city of Chicago, I will be hosting a workshop along with Thomas Nighswander. The workshop will be held on November 1st and 2nd of 2014.  For complete details, visit Windy City Guided Photowalk. I look forward to seeing you all there.

FREDERICK MEIJER GARDENS

in

As a frequent visitor to the ever popular city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, one attraction which cannot be missed is the famous Frederick Meijer Gardens.  The area host numerous exhibitions, concerts, and events for members of the entire family to enjoy.  One specific item of note are the various installations (sculptures) positioned throughout the Gardens which are substituted on a regular basis.

Lying Man

This frighteningly realistic masterpiece was created by one of the most innovative figurative sculptors working today, Sean Henry. His trademark happens to be creating realistic models in contemporary clothing scaled either much larger or smaller than life-size. He utilizes drawings and clay models that are then meticulously converted into bronze.

Fans of science would appreciate the sculpture known as "Neuron" by Roxy Paine.  This sculpture is a compilation of 3500 stainless steel rods and pipes representing the ultimate transformation from industrial to art.

Neuron

Deborah Butterfield's work deals intricately with horses and portraying them as intelligent mares rather than the customary war horse.  The name Cabin Creek comes from the location where the wood for this sculpture was compiled.  The wood is eventually transformed into bronze suitable for the elements of the Midwest.  

Cabin Creek

As with many gardens around the country, there is always a place of serenity allowing for solitude and contemplation.  

Serenity

Nature's Majesty

Alexander Liberman was showered with critical acclaim for his paintings, photographs and sculptures. This sculpture named Aria, which is a melody sung by one voice, towers at 42 feet enabling viewers to walk around and through the work.  Aria clearly demonstrates the artist’s fondness for architecture and music.

ArIa

The final sculpture of the day comes from Jaume Plensa known as "I, you, she or he…  The artist uses language and communication as theme for his installations.  The three sculptures, whose bodies are comprised of mainly stainless steel letters, are all seated on boulders facing each other, faceless, in silent conversation.  The artist is better known for his famous Crown Fountain installation in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.

I, you, she or he...

I look forward to returning to the Gardens as there is a major expansion underway for an authentic Japanese Garden to be constructed on the property by the summer of 2015 with a Koi pond and all.