After a way-too-long break of 7 months, I figured it was time to start the New Year right by painting again. With “Hairspray” and “Dreamgirls” playing in the background on Blu-ray, I started working on Lana’s face again. The nose area isn’t quite right, but it will be fixed soon. Sooner than another 7 months I hope! To see more of my art, visit my regular website.
Over a year ago, I jogged by The Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs one early morning and it reminded me of the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Making a mental note, I figured I’d give it a shot on my next trip, which turned out to be over New Year’s Eve. I loved the look and the feel of the place, but the service was somewhat lacking. One year later, I gave it another shot and was very pleased to find that it had greatly improved. Not only that, but the food at its restaurant, The Purple Palm, was also much better.
For my staff’s annual retreat (which they deserve for working at substandard University pay!), we went to Palm Springs (which the University did not pay for, before anyone starts getting their feathers ruffled) and had our luncheon at the Purple Palms. The atmosphere, service, and food were impeccable. A great time was had by all. By the time the molten lava cake dessert came out, everyone was wishing they had booked rooms to take a nap!
The rooms are extremely comfortable, perfectly appointed, and I especially like the toiletry products that they carry now. A vast improvement over what they carried a year ago.
For more Daveland Colony Palms photos, visit my regular website.
Each time I go back to Savannah, I have my list of faves that bare repeating: Mrs. Wilkes for lunch, the Pink House for dinner (oh that Fried Pork Chop), and of course the ice cream at Leopold’s. Each time I go I also pick up a few new faves as well; on this recent trip, for restaurants it was Alligator Soul, located near the Telfair Museum. Just take a look at those Fried Green Tomatoes!
The ambiance, service, and food are definitely worth returning for.
The Andrew Low house in Lafayette Square was also a new discovery; this one definitely calls for a repeat visit, as many of the furnishing were moved or removed for the filming of Robert Redford’s upcoming civil war movie.
Unfortunately, no interior shots were allowed; but trust me, it is worth a tour, as it has been painstakingly restored to its original grandeur.
For more Daveland Savannah photos, visit my regular website.
The plane had barely landed from my conference in Memphis and I was back at the airport heading to Savannah for my annual trek. I just love that city; however, if I ever visited during the summer months, I’m sure I’d be singing a different tune. This is the second time I stayed at the Hamilton-Turner Inn; what a fantastic place. I cannot recommend it highly enough; fantastic staff, delicious breakfasts (as good as any restaurant), rooms that are immaculate and perfectly appointed...and a killer location. Appropriately enough, this first batch of photos that I shot on my most recent visit to Savannah are from Lafayette Square, the area where the Hamilton-Turner Inn is located.
Two of The Hamilton-Turner Inn:
For more Daveland Savannah photos, visit my regular website.
On one of my early morning runs/photo shoots (great combo of activities!), I literally stumbled upon the site where Martin Luther King was killed over 40 years ago. With nobody around, it is somewhat chilling. Converted into a Civil Rights Museum, replicas of the two cars that were parked in front of the hotel make you feel as if you’d entered a time warp.
Later in the day, I returned to the site for a few more photos, hoping for better lighting. By this time, the museum was open and you could see Joe-Schmoe tourist walking around the rooms of the motel. Just didn’t seem right. I left shortly thereafter.
A very positive experience that I had in Memphis was being shown the Courthouse by an Officer on Duty. Even though it was closed, the recently restored building was opened up for me and my camera. How cool was that—a private guided tour! Thumbs up to Memphis hospitality!
If you’re looking for a great restaurant while in town, Daveland highly recommends the Majestic Grille, located in a former theater. You can still see remnants of the building’s past. Although it’s a shame to lose a vintage theater, adaptive re-use sure beats the wrecking ball!
For more Daveland Memphis photos, visit my regular website.
Just walking by the building, you probably wouldn’t really think twice about the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, however, it was a fantastic hotel experience for me. Full of history, it was refreshing to see this jewel was still shining; the years had not tarnished its beauty or appointments. The staff was very helpful and friendly and full of Southern Charm.
The rooms were furnished to perfection and kept immaculate. Plenty of space to relax & get refreshed in-between my conference sessions. The hotel also had a number of ammenities: a gym, pool, shoeshine stand, restaurants, and a good selection of high-end clothing stores. Quality all the way.
The lobby was gorgeous; twice a day, it was the setting for the parade of the ducks, a Peabody tradition.
Each morning, the ducks came down the elevator from their rooftop home (Duckingham Palace) to cavort in the lobby’s fountain until their 5pm curfew. Judging from the crowds of guests who filled the lobby, the parade of the ducks could put any Madonna concert to shame!
For more Daveland Peabody Hotel photos, visit my regular website.
My apologies for the sporadic posting on this blog, but life gets in the way...and usually, that’s a good thing. When I’m not blogging, that means I’m out enjoying the sites and usually got my camera with me. Went to Memphis last week; 1400 photos later, I am back home. Here is a smattering of what I shot...sure had a great time. Not a single bad meal and plenty to marvel at. More to come…
For more Daveland Memphis photos, visit my regular website.
