WELCOME TO THE MISSION

in ,

I recently traveled to Mackinac Island for some rest and relaxation and spent a few days at the famed Mission Point Resort.  The resort was bought by a Detroit businessman and renamed Mission Point as a tribute to the part of the Island which housed one of the first churches and the Mission House, an historical landmark which still stands on the property. The resort has gone through changes over the years improving its structural integrity and overall esthetics.  IN 2004, Fodor name the resort as one of the top ten best waterfront hotels in America.

Hotel Lobby

As you enter the main entrance, you are greeted by a rustic yet inviting atmosphere along with towering wooden ceilings.  The front desk seen to the right work diligently to ensure the happiness of each and every guest during their stay.

Round Island Bar and Grill

hether its settling in for your favorite libation during happy hour or fueling up before a long day of sightseeing, the Round Island Bar and Grill is a great place to start or end the day.

Reading Room

One of the nice amenities this hotel provides is numerous seating areas throughout the lobby. These seating areas are great for scintillating conversation or simply enjoying a good book.  The wicker furniture and supple green leather chairs complement the wooden decor quite nicely.

Once you have completed the latest thriller and you have worked up an appetite, the ideal choice for dinner is Chianti, the hotel's flagship italian restaurant.  Fine dining and impeccable service will provide a night to remember.

Chianti Restaurant 

The wooden theme continues throughout the hotel providing a warm and comforting environment to enjoy a delicious culinary experience.

The Mission Point Resort sits about a 15 minute walk away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.  This provides a great deal of solitude allowing one to enjoy expansive property overlooking the Lake Michigan.  The multitude of Adirondack chairs provide a great way to relax on a sunny afternoon.

Take a load off

Mission Point Resort

As old man winter begins to arrive, the island will soon be closed to visitors.  Having said that, I look forward to returning next year for another memorable and relaxing vacation.

 

 

TO BE ZEN-LIKE

in

This past weekend I made it out to the newly opened and highly anticipated Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Garden includes several calming staples such as boulders, waterfalls, horticulture and more. A tremendous amount of sweat equity went into creating this oasis. Islands were constructed, thousands of boulders and plants were brought in. The trees include those which have been pruned and cultivated for years to appear in a mature state.

A helping hand

As you come through the main entrance you are greeted by scupture "It Will Continue to Grow Except at that Point". This installation by Giuseppe Penone elaborates on the idea of mankind's relationship with nature.

As you continue throughout the garden residing in the middle of Lena Meijer Pond, you will come upon the masterpiece known as "Four Open Squares Horizontal Gyratory-Tapered". This creation by George Rickey demonstrates his ability to combine minimalism in combination with geometry and precise engineering. 

s with all visits to a Japanese Garden, something would be amiss without experiencing the tranquility of a waterfall. The garden contains a handful of waterfalls ranging in size a providing much needed serenity to our hectic daily lives.

Continuing throughout the gardens while encircling the pond, one will encounter Pebble beach where a number of sculptures are present composed of stones.

The artist Zhang Huan has been known worldwide for his acclaimed installations and sculptures. The artist has masterfully combined his love of Buddhism and Chinese culture to create inspirational works. His monumental steel sculpture known as "Long Island Buddha" with it roughened exterior, reflects on the relationship of human violence and its destruction of culture

As you climb to the peak, you can catch a birds eye 360 degree view of entire garden.

No visit would be complete without experiencing the traditional Zen-style Garden. The garden promotes seclusion and contemplation while being surrounded by the nearby acclaimed bonsai collection.

This garden will only continue to mature and improve over time. I look forward to many return visits and encourage anyone in the area to stop and immerse yourself in this experience.

 

 

 

CALLING ALL FOODIES!!!

in

The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario was named  the world's greatest food market by National Geographic Magazine back in 2012. The market consists of two separate buildings designated as North and South. St. Lawrence Market South consists of restaurants, bakeries, delis, meat shops as well as a cornucopia of other food sources. St. Lawrence Market North houses weekly farmer's markets along with antique markets.

Olives Aplenty

As a fan of various olives, the multitude of options at the market is simply astounding. Whether searching for the Greek Kalamata, the italian snack favorite Castelvetrano, or the Nicoise olive from the French Riviera, you can be sure whatever your heart desires will be readily available during a visit here. 

Martini Anyone?

One quality I share with all my male counterparts is my love for all things beef. Fellow carnivores will find endless options here as the market plays host to a handful of meat purveyors. Whether you prefer a filet, porterhouse, t-bone, delmonico or ribeye, you can purchase whatever cut you desire in various sizes. 

A Carnivores Dilemma

Along with enough servings of beef to put you into a food coma, fans of proscuitto will find some of the best offerings from the finest regions in Italy. Proscuitto is a dry-cured ham usually sliced thin and served uncooked. Along with this, you will also find the famous and pricey Iberico Ham which is not something readily available in most places. Enjoy it while you can.


As I continued my visit throughout the market I came upon another of my favorite indulgences, Cheese. Here at the market, all regions around the globe have found a way to pleasantly coexist. Whether you prefer a soft and spreadable brie or camembert, a pungent roquefort blue cheese, or an aged and firm Emmental swiss cheese,  this is the place to be. The market host numerous cheese vendors who will provide you with more offerings than one can possibly fathom. Although the options are endless, the journey is extremely enjoyable. 

Cheese and more cheese

In closing, any trip to Toronto must include a stop to the renowned St. Lawrence Market. Be sure to come famished since the plethora of culinary options will definitely prove to be irresistible. Although the line is absolutely ridiculous, be sure to eat at Buster's Sea Cove - it is all worth the wait. If weather permits, walk outside to the rooftop patio and enjoy the view. 

I look forward to returning here later this summer.

TESTING OUT THE TAMRON 150-600 TELEPHOTO-ZOOM LENS

in

While dabbling in bird photography the past few years, the one common complaint I share with the majority of photographers is that one can never get close enough to these amazing creatures. As an adopter of Canon equipment, I naturally gravitated to the Canon 100-400 USM Telephoto Lens.  This lens provided me countless images I was proud to share, however it was not without its limitations. The one major gripe I had was that the 400mm focal length was simply not enough to compose and photography birds with the intent to fill the frame and avoid unnecessary cropping. The other minor limitation was that the lens tended to produce soft images when racked out to 400mm.  While this is not surprising for a non-prime lens, I simply found it to be little too soft for my taste. After recently selling off this lens, I set out to find a satisfactory alternative which led me to test out the newly released Tamron 150-600mm Telephoto Lens. The additional 200mm of reach may just be the solution I am looking for as there are countless positive reviews of this lens online. Having said that this is not meant to be an in-depth scientific review but rather a simple and easy to understand review which can benefit the average weekend shooter looking for a similar solution. 

I recently headed off the the Detroit Zoo to capture images of wildlife while putting this lens through its paces.

Male Drill

In the photo above of a Male Drill, the lens was able to focus rather quickly with the abundance of sunlight present in the scene without signs of hunting. Having shot this racked out to 600mm and wide open at aperture of 6.3, I was able to blur the background relatively well while isolating the subject. Minor tweaks were made such as contrast and minimal noise reduction since this was shot on a 1st generation Canon 7D. The level of detail in the drill's feathers was quite surprising to me having shot this on a monopod and not a tripod.

Ring-Tailed Lemur

In this shot of the ring-tailed lemur, the lens did a nice job in the shaded conditions to capture color and detail of lunch being consumed. This image was shot through a cage which presented another challenge for the Tamron which it passed with flying colors. Small adjustments were made to contrast, vibrance, white and black points with a bit of high pass sharpening for the final effect. This was shot at 309mm with an aperture of f5.6.

American Bald Eagle

This Bald Eagle was captured at the maximum focal distance of 600mm wide open at f6.3. Although the tree behind the eagle was quite close the longer focal distance managed to create some separation while providing moderate bokeh. The colors rendered nicely with minor adjustments made to contrast, vibrance and sharpening. Again, the overcast conditions did not present any significant autofocus issues on the eagle.

Prairie dog

As the Prairie Dog surfaces, I locked on and grabbed this image. This was shot at a focal length of 500mm at f6.3. Once again shooting at ground level, blurring the background was a cinch thereby isolating the subject. While a monopod is great for portability, a tripod would be the ideal choice to steady the lens due to its significant weight which becomes noticeable after a while.

Male Peacock

The iridescent shade of bright blue on this male peacock was simply captivating. The focusing mechanism grabbed onto the subject without any hiccups. This was shot at 500mm at f6.3. The background separation was quite easy to achieve in this case since I was at ground level removing most background objects. The one issue I did notice was the lens was slow to grab focus on the eye in particular while preferring the larger surface area of the body. Had the peacock been moving at a faster rate, this lens would have some trouble keeping up - this is where a stronger focusing system such as that on the Canon 1D-x might help overcome the limitations of this lens. Having said that, for a minimal investment of $1069, one cannot go wrong as a weekend warrior looking to photograph wildlife and sports in abundant lighting. 

TRINITY CHURCH OF BOSTON

in ,

Located in the Back Bay of Boston, Massachusetts, lies one of the most important developments in the history of American Architecture known as the Trinity Church of Boston. The church which serves as home to numerous high level choirs was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson during the years of 1872-1877. In 1971, the church was given the honor being designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The church possesses one of the finest stained glass collections in the world, using examples from nineteenth century American and European stained glass studios. The groundbreaking glass work was the ingenious design of John La Farge. He was the first to pioneer the use of layering opalescent glass for designing stained glass.

This allowed La Farge to create new colored effects and shading by layering pieces of glass rather than the traditional method of painting on glass. 

Along with the copious examples of stunning stained glass, one will find a presence of commanding architecture with it's towering ceilings and columns which provide countless opportunities to observe the fine detail and craftsmanship which went into the construction of this masterpiece. The impeccable artistry can also be witness with a quick glimpse upwards. 

This room features the bust of Phillips Brooks, a clergyman, author and long the Rector of Boston's Trinity Church. He graduated from Harvard at the tender age of 20 and was fired while working briefly as a school teacher. After overcoming the lows associated with termination, he went back to school for his Seminary studies which led him to his role with the Trinity Church.

An example of the seating area on the left side of the church.

As you turn around preparing to exit the Church, there are plenty more features to absorb including the organs along the back wall. For anyone visiting Boston, this is a definite destination to add to one's itinerary. Allow ample time to bask in the glory of one of the finest building ever built in the United States of America. 

YOUR GUARDIAN AWAITS

in

A few weeks back I headed downtown with Thomas Nighswander and some members of Michigan Photo Adventures to ride along the Detroit People Mover in order to search out future photographic opportunities. One of the main stops of the day was the landmark Guardian Building located within the Financial district of downtown Detroit. Built in 1929, the building served as a great example of bold Art Deco Architecture while being designated in 1989 as a National Historic Landmark. 

The lavish interior of the Guardian building is clothed in mosaic, Pewabic and Rookwood tile. It has been nicknamed the Cathedral of Finance due to the building's exterior resemblance to a cathedral as well as the existing interior archway.

The overwhelming Native American Themes are evident both inside and outside the building. The architect Wirt C. Rowland worked closely with the Muralist Ezra Winter to ensure the exterior architecture and interior furnishings presented a consistent theme throughout.

The skyscraper extends 36 stories into the sky  while housing numerous offices for large corporations. In 2007, Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano signed an agreement with the current owners  to purchase the Guardian building in order to relocate its offices from the Wayne County Building.

WELCOME TO THE SEMINARY

in ,

Established in 1855, The Chicago Theological Seminary is the oldest institution of higher education in Chicago, while being one of seven seminaries historically affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Located on the campus of the University of Chicago, this is one of many attractions that will appeal to most visiting photographers.

As you enter the building you are greeted by this massive staircase and concrete columns just begging to be photographed. The architecture of yesteryear brings be back to my childhood with thoughts of Dungeons and Dragons or Harry Potter for today's youth. 

As I make my way up the stairs I come to a short hallway which leads to a dead end, but not before grabbing my camera. The beautiful archway and cathedral windows are features not to be missed while not being seen on most University Campuses.

As I returned to the main level and began exploring, I came to another section of the building which houses rooms for studying, numerous classrooms and offices.

Just to the right of the previous staircase, I ventured into a rather unique room with minimal furnishings and a fireplace. I am not sure what functions this room serves, but I appreciate the dated decor nonetheless.

As I head up the stairs, I am greeted by a unique seating area bathed in daylight which serves as an ideal place to catch up on some light reading.

Finally, as I make my way back outside, I exit through the cobblestone-lined corridor leading back to the campus grounds. The University of Chicago provides a multitude of photographic opportunites by way of it's unique and eye-catching architecture. To all the photographers heading to the Out of Chicago Photography conference, this must be a definite stop during the weekend.  See you there. 

 

 

 

 

THE DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO - STEP BACK IN TIME

Located in Chicago's Gold Coast, the legendary Drake Hotel has been a timeless property which provides its guests the ultimate access to the city's finest restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

The Drake is one of about 260 hotels and resorts in the country to be admitted into the Historic Hotels of America due to it's ability to preserve and maintain its historic architecture, integrity and ambiance. 

For a hotel to be honored with this distinction, it must be at least 50 years old as well as being designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Drake has been recognized for almost century as the premier destination the high society crowd to assemble. The ability of the hotel staff to ensure each guest receives nothing less than The Drake Standard of Hospitality ensures it's high level of customer loyalty. 

During the 1920's the Palm Court became the desired location for the city's elite to indulge in the ongoing tradition of Afternoon Tea. This room has seen the likes of Bing Crosby, Walt Disney and Charles Lindbergh imbibing on their favorite cocktails. 

The tradition of Afternoon Tea has become a city staple comparable to the Chicago Hot Dog. This quintessential hotspot has been frequented by royalty such as Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana who enjoyed their favorite tea and snacks. 

The tradition of afternoon  tea was created by the Seventh Duchess of Bedford back in 1840. Since there was such a long interval between meals, the duchess began requesting tea and cake be brought to her room to satisfy her hunger pangs. She soon made this a daily ritual and invited some friends to join her. This has now become a highly desired experience at the hotel and reservations are strongly recommended.

The hotel has become synonymous with great customer satisfaction while providing the ultimate guest experience. The attention to detail can be seen throughout the hotel through its ornate decor and ambiance. While visiting Chicago, this hotel should be on everyone's list even just as a walkthrough while providing a unique perspective on the Windy City.  One final note, I must insist you stop at the restaurant Coq D'or and partake in a Lobster Roll - you will never forget it.

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

in , ,

Located in the middle of Hemisfair Park in downtown San Antonio is the iconic structure known as the Tower of The Americas. This 750-foot tower houses a cocktail lounge, rotating restaurant as well as an observation deck which provides phenomenal panoramic views of the city. The tower, recognized as the tallest building in San Antonio, was designed by architect O'Neil Ford as the main theme structure for the 1968 World's Fair, Hemisfair '68. 

Construction of the tower commenced on August 9, 1966 and was completed 18 months later, just prior to the opening ceremonies of the fair on April 6, 1968. Interestingly enough, the top portion of the building was constructed at ground level and hoisted on top of the concrete pillar by cables which actually snapped leaving the top resting rather precariously on the concrete shaft. The job was then completed using oil field pipes to secure the tophouse in position.

The ride to the top takes approximately five and a half minutes and can provide some great photographic opportunities if you can avoid the crowds. 





THE TOWER LIFE BUILDING - SAN ANTONIO

in ,

For years, the iconic Tower Life Building has been a recognized landmark located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio.

In 1950, the original 100-foot flagpole was removed and replaced with an antenna in order to allow the city's second Television station to broadcast from inside the building. The cost of the conversion was estimated to be around two million dollars.

Unfortunately, in 2006 the building endured a fire while some work was being done to the base of the antenna. As a result, the antenna was removed and replaced with another rooftop  flagpole similar to the original. The lantern at the top of the building along with the stars and stripes are illuminated throughout the night hours and can be seen from miles away.

THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

in

The Detroit Opera House is an ornate building located in downtown Detroit within the Grand Circus Park Historic District. This building serves as home to the Michigan Opera Theatre as well as numerous other events. The theatre was originally designed by C. Howard Crane who also designed the Fox Theatre, The Fillmore Detroit as well as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall. The original construction was completed in 1922 with an extensive renovation completed in 1996 to bring the building up to today's standards.

The building was originally known as the Capital Theater which at the time was the fifth largest of its kind in the entire world. The theater was constructed with outstanding acoustics while assuming the style of the Grand European Opera houses. The Capital theater was decorated in the Italian Renaissance style with lavish crystal chandeliers, frescoes, marble staircases ,and brass fixtures. Rich rose-red Italian damask was used for the mainstage curtain as well as draperies throughout the house. The majority of these features are still present in the renovated version of the Detroit Opera House.

The Capitol Theater was renamed the Paramount Theater in 1934 and went on to host such luminaries as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Will Rogers as well as volumes of rock stars of the 1950's. 

After decaying for several years, the theater was repaired and renamed the Grand Circus Theater in 1960 while transforming itself into a movie house. The theater provided a plethora of musical acts such as Ray Charles and Roy Orbison.  The palace closed in 1985 after a small fire.

After being neglected and abandoned for years, the Detroit Opera House was successfully restored in 1996 while assuming the current name with the oversight of the Michigan Opera Theater. While being home to the Michigan Opera Theater, the Opera House also plays host to  some of the world's greatest dance companies.

A special Thanks goes out to Alanna St. Laurent for arranging the private tour to make this experience possible.

WILD LIGHTS AT THE DETROIT ZOO

in

During the past few years the Detroit Zoo has put on an massive exhibition of LED lights throughout the Holiday season to provide a rather unique experience known as Wild Lights. More than five million LED lights are used to illuminate various trees, buildings and animal sculptures.  

While enjoying the light show, there was also a treat waiting in the picture above. An exhibition showcased the best wildlife photographs of the year submitted from photographers all over the world - some of these images were absolutely breathtaking.

The Arctic Circle area was represented by a couple of towering Polar Bears greeting the visitors.

This is a great event for the entire family and especially children. There is a smores station setup to create your own campfire treat along with numerous refreshments an ice carving station (weather permitting). 

All in all this is definitely something worth seeing. The vibrant illumination definitely provides a new perspective to the Zoo.  The only downside for photographers is the fact that the zoo does not open during the event until after complete darkness has arrived thereby eliminating the chance of stunning blue hour photos.



THE ICONIC GRAND HOTEL

in ,

As the thermometer begins to dip here in the midwest, I can't help but reminisce about some time I spent last summer on Mackinaw Island, Michigan at the famed Grand Hotel. The famous historic landmark is located on a small island between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The hotel has been frequented by past presidents, luminaries, dignitaries,  and celebrities alike. The hotel has taken some flack for charging visitors a $10 fee for visiting the property.

The Grand Hotel contains the longest porch in world measuring approximately 660 feet in length while overlooking an expansive tea garden. The porch area hosts vacationers, concertgoers, along with the those attending the Annual Mackinac Policy Conference.

As you make your way through the main corridor and up a few stairs you end up at the main level of the hotel containing restaurants, bars and numerous seating areas. Once at the crossroads, you see my personal favorite, the Audubon Wine Bar to the right, a luxuriously comfortable seating area straight ahead and more seating areas to the left for everyday conversation.

The Audubon Wine Bar provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the finest wines from Napa Valley, the greatest cognacs from France along with the finest single malt scotches from Scotland. The plethora of wall to wall books provides a very comfortable clubby feel without the usual ostentatiousness accompanying watering holes of this magnitude.  One final note, this place serves the best Truffle fries in the entires state, if not, the country. Do not leave without sampling these culinary delights.

As you leave the bar after ingesting your favorite cocktails, a short walk out the door leads you to another area for the ultimate relaxation. Enormous, plush couches await adorned with priceless chandeliers above.

The final destination on this wonderful journey through the Grand Hotel takes us to the top floor to the Cupola Bar which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac. As is the case throughout the hotel, the customer service is second to none and the worn "no" is non-existent. This is a definite stop while visiting the hotel and will provide memories that last a lifetime.  I am already anticipating my return visit next spring.





DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

in ,

Last weekend I decided at the last minute to getaway for a night absolving myself from the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life. I jumped in the car and headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan which has quickly become one of the fastest growing cities with it's enticing offering of breweries, restaurants and a vibrant art scene. 

Blue Bridge

Located in the heart of downtown lies the iconic pedestrian bridge simply known as the Blue Bridge. The bridge connects the city center on the East bank to the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Valley State University facilities on the West. This pedestrian bridge provides a convenient connection between the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus of Grand Valley State University as well as the Grand Rapids Public Museum and other attractions on the east side of the river.

​This location has proven quite popular while providing a backdrop for wedding parties, prom pictures with its unmistakeable "Lake Blue" color.

Back to the city

Off to the left, in the two previous photos, is the JW Marriott Hotel where I spent the evening. Excellent service and attention to detail provide the perfect complement to the eye-catching contemporary architectural design.​

Waterfront Downtown Grand Rapids

The downtown area is an ideal venue for taking in the all glorious options a large vibrant city has to offer. There are walking paths along the water which allow you to experience big-city excitement without the usual big city hassles. There are multiple dining, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing opportunities all within a 10-minute stroll.

Pearl Street Bridge

 

Public Museum of Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Public Museum happens to be one of the oldest history museums in the United States. The museum contains a cafe, gift shop, as well as a rather unique feature, a 1928 Spilllman Carousel. The museum offers attractions for everyone as well as those interested in Astronomy by way of the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. 

Upon completing the museum tour, a simple stroll across the street brings you to the Gerald R. Ford Museum. 

Gerald R Ford Museum

Since September of 1981, the Gerald R.Ford Museum has provided visitors a snapshot into history with exhibits and interactive learning to better understand the highlights of the Ford Administration. The museum offers a gift shop to provide momentos of history while also serving as a host for naturalization ceremonies and the annual fourth of July fireworks,

 

Grand Rapids continue to flourish as one of the fastest growing cities with all its unique offerings and I look forward to returning to visit its newest attractions. 


THE CHURCHES OF SAN ANTONIO

in

The city of San Antonio, Texas is known for many things - The iconic river walk, Gigantic portions of beef, The San Antonio Spurs as well as the Famous Alamo. Among the less publicized attractions are the numerous churches located throughout the city. On a recent trip to San Antonio, I was fortunate enough to acquire access to three of the more better known churches in the city.

Little Church of LaVillita

The non-denominational Little Church of LaVillita happens to be one of San Antonio's most unique historical sites. Situated just off the river walk in the Historic Art Village of Lavillita, the Church was built in 1879 in Gothic Revival Architecture with a stunning stained glass window greeting all visitors upon entry. The meticulously crafted concrete walls provide an extremely unique experience among the churches of today while actively conducting services every Sunday Morning.

Saint Joseph Church

The Parish of Saint Joseph was the brainchild of a group of German Catholic immigrants searching for a place of worship in the mid 1800's. The church was constructed in a rather spartan fashion with small additions being made as funds allowed by the community. The exterior structure was finally considered completed in 1898 when a steeple was added to the gothic style rooftop. In 1902, the church was granted an immense upgrade as a handful of beautiful stained glass windows were purchased from a glass factory in Bavaria, Germany for the sum of $3000. 

Exterior Saint Joseph Church

The resiliency of the church was tested in 1945 when Joske's department store sought to purchase the church and grounds in order to expand its operation. The parishioners voted unanimously not to sell, exhibiting tremendous faith and resolve. As a result, the church remains a symbol of faith while surrounded by the Rivercenter Mall, hotels and residences. For this reason, the church is known to locals as the "jewel in the heart of San Antonio". The church serves as a respite for many locals and tourists alike every Sunday morning.

Front Section Saint Joseph Parish

This picturesque institution requires a visit by anyone in the vicinity of San Antonio - it is definitely worth the drive.

San Fernando Cathedral

Located in Downtown San Antonio is the world famous San Fernando Cathedral which has been honored to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as the Mother Church of the ArchDiocese of San Antonio. The original church was built between 1738 and 1750 with the original walls forming the sanctuary of the cathedral. This church has the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in the State of Texas. 

The Church gets its name from Ferdinand III of Castile, who was a a 13th century ruler.  The Cathedral was built by settlers from the Canary Islands. Due to this effort, the interior contains a picture of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.

The Cathedral was enlarged in the Gothic Style in 1868, with the addition of the existing nave. The striking stained glass windows were added in 1920.

San Fernando Cathedral happens to have the elite status of being the only church in all of Texas ever visited by a  Pope - Pope John Paul II arrived in 1987. The cathedral serves as the foundation for religious citizens of San Antonio.  Each year, countless events are held here including baptism, weddings, funerals, as well as other special activities.

 

 

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.

IT REALLY IS JUST A MATTER OF TASTE

in ,

Every small town has a local establishment where residents gather for sustenance and exchange stories with friends and family.  As it turns out, my neighborhood is no exception. Located in the tiny lakeside community of Union Lake, Michigan lies a restaurant which stands heads and shoulders above all in terms of overall quality and attention to detail. The restaurant, suitably named, "It's A Matter of Taste" caters to the foodies in all of us by providing fresh seafood, pasta and steak of the highest quality around. After frequenting this restaurant countless times, the level of consistency is absolutely astounding. The waitstaff is always extremely attentive and pleasant providing just the right amount of supervision to ensure a delightful dining experience. The menu changes periodically with the seasons to ensure the freshest ingredients are utilized. Since the restaurant backs up to a residential lake, the summertime provides a refreshing and memorable outdoor dining experience assuming you have secured a reservations several days in advance. This is absolutely and unequivocally the finest eatery in the area and cannot be missed while visiting the area. 

Best restaurant in town