Thursday, June 23, 2011

Taj Mahal - Atlantic City, NJ


Taj Mahal, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
While briefly visiting Sea Isle City, I took an early drive up the coast to drive through Atlantic City and the shore towns along the way.

I hadn't been to A.C. in over 20 years so I didn't really know what to expect. I would describe it as the ultimate juxtaposition of extremes. The modern, sleek casinos versus the old just-getting-by streets a mere two blocks away from the beach.

Political opinion could be argued that casinos enrich the community with a tax stream, but it's hard to see this in 30-40 years of practice. However, there was a lot of construction projects, like a new casino being finished, street enhancements, and clearing of many lots a block from the casinos (not sure what was on these lots previously?).

Ultimately, I do want to go back to A.C. to walk the board walk and visit some of the casinos and capture the street scenes.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Philadelphia Pro Bike Race


Logan Circle, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
A chilly morning and mild temperatures indicate that a fast pace race was in order.

I walked up and down the Ben Franklin Parkway from Logan Circle to Kelly Drive by the Art Museum to capture the various backgrounds.

I like this one mile stretch of the 15 mile course for it offers great low angle shots and things to do when the racers are elsewhere on the course.

Located here are the vendor and food booths, feed zone, the TD Waterhouse sponsor area with free cow bell and backpack giveaways.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Philadelphia Bourse (First Friday)


Philadelphia Bourse, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
The First Friday of June was a great time to check out Old City Philadelphia. We took a stroll through the Independence Mall area and visited the classic Bourse building.

Along 2nd and 3rd streets, the art galleries and shops stay open late inviting strollers to come in and see their skills. Restaurants, most with cafe's, are abundant along Market St.

Lot parking is pricey, $20+, so feeding a meter kiosk at $1.50 per hour is actually way cheaper.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Weis Markets (2nd and Market, Sunbury)


Weis Markets, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
This store has been here my whole life and likely hasn't had a major renovation in decades.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Cape May, NJ Fishing Fleet


fishing fleet, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Cape May, NJ is a really neat place that combines old fashioned Victorian era charm with a beach town.

A hundred years ago Cape May was the summer retreat for the rich and famous, while today it still has an upscale feel.

Many Victorian homes were converted into bed and breakfasts over time and there actually appears to be more B&B rooms than hotels and motels.

An active fishing fleet still works the seas bringing in fresh seafood for the Jersey shore. Cape May is famous for it's delicious restaurants.

Shore excursions to the Diamond Beach, the Lighthouse, and several mansions offer fun options.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

World Financial Center - NYC


World Financial Center, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
This is a really cool part of Manhattan. The World Financial Center, located in Battery Park City, is adjacent to "Ground Zero" and the "Winter Garden" actually over looks the construction of the new buildings.

Shopping, indoor and outdoor dining, great views of the Hudson River and Jersey City skyline make this an attractive place to live and visit.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Springton Manor - Pond reflection


Pond reflection, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Near Glenmoore in Chester County is the Springton Manor farm.

It's open to the public for tours, field trips, and just observing farm life.

Chestnut Tree Road Farm


Chestnut Tree Road Farm, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Chester County has so many picturesque farms and scenery.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Marriott - Lancaster Art Walk


Marriott, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
The Lancaster Art Walk is a great opportunity to explore the numerous galleries that are making Lancaster an art destination.

Two Art Walks per year, on May 7&8, 2011 and a 2nd coming October 8&9, 2011.

The artsy area is loaded with great galleries and shops. A few really cool antique and vintage shops also compliment the galleries.

The new Marriott Hotel at Penn Square is an excellent architectural example of juxtaposition, fitting the old and new in harmony.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

"Revolve" by Peter Trout Gard (Jenkins Arboretum)

"Wind Through the Trees" sculptures exhibit ending in June 2011.

They offered a creative way to enjoy over 60 unique sculptures on their beautiful grounds.

May is a great time to visit Jenkins Arboretum due to Azalea and Rhododendron blooms.

The park is free and always enjoyable.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Wyomissing Creek Photowalk


pond reflections, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Max and I headed out on a mild spring afternoon to catch the rich new colors nature has offered.

I parked at the Old Mill Rd parking area and we headed south crossing the creek on wooden bridges until arriving at the stone spring house, a distance of a half mile.

A few dramatic pink and white trees were along this route as well as a yellow and a red tulip garden, which were past prime.

We back tracked on the other side of the creek then crossed Old Mill Rd to follow the down stream about 7/10 of a mile the pond and old stone house.

The pond had spectacular reflections in all directions. Max was feeling a bit tired so it was time to head out. I took a few more reflections and stream shots on the way out.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Florida Frangipani (Yellow)


frangipani - yellow, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Nearly every day Max and I would walk by this beautiful tree on the way to the Cape Coral Yacht Club. One morning it was being lit from behind which was the shot I wanted.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Lily (Longwood Gardens)


Lily, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
A retreat to Longwood Gardens during the Orchid Festival was just what the soul needed during the gloomy winter.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

William Penn / Liberty Place


William Penn / Liberty Place, originally uploaded by Berks_Awhile.
Early and chilly Sunday morning in Philadelphia. My friend, John, and I tried to capture the sunrise at the Art Museum, but the light was little off for the dramatic effects we were hoping for.

After the sun came up, we headed to Ben Franklin Bridge for a photo walk. The beginning of the pedestrian ramp is near 5th and Arch. (Kiosk parking close by on Arch street, $1/hr at 8:30AM)

The bridge is well over a mile long, end-to-end and it has pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge. The north side walk seems little used for the best views of the city are from the south side.

It was a thrilling experience. This bridge is just huge! It's over 100 feet above the river, the cables are giant and the support towers are over 350 feet tall. Two hours flew by effortlessly.