Memphis: Just a few more

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.

More Memphis: The Peabody Hotel

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.

Welcome to Memphis!

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.

Old Town in San Diego

Whenever friends used to visit me here in San Diego, one of the first places we'd have to go was the Casa Bandini in Old Town. Although the margaritas and the food may not have been the best, the open patio seating with festive mariachi bands and party atmosphere made it a fantastic "welcome to San Diego" spot. Alas, it is no more. Still, Old Town still exists as does the nearby Heritage Park, which is a hodge-podge of "rescued" Victorian-style buildings from different neighborhoods that were moved to this area to save them from the wrecking ball.













For more Daveland Old Town photos, visit my regular website.

Philadelphia Freedom

Although I grew up on the outskirts of Philadelphia, I never really spent a whole lot of time IN the city...until I got old enough to drive myself. I remember as a little kid, as soon as we got near Philly, the powerlocks on the car went “thunk.” That was my impression of Philadelphia.

On a recent trip to Philly, I’d have to say that my opinion of the city really turned around. I stayed overnight in the heart of the historic area at the Best Western Independence Park Hotel. Perfect location (even if they didn’t have a parking garage at the hotel), well-priced, and well appointed. I did a very quick walking tour that evening (and the next morning) of the historic area, taking photos like a mad man. It is amazing to think how much of our country’s birth began right in this city.

Unlike my early not-so-favorable childhood memories of Philly, the city was clean, felt safe, and also looked much better than I remember. My last minute choice of restaurants for dinner turned out to be a winner: Bistro Romano. Yum.













For more Daveland Philadelphia photos, visit my regular website.

The Napa Valley

Here are a few random shots from my semi-recent trip to the Napa Valley. I sure am ready for a return visit!



I didn’t stay here, but I sure admired the neon every time I drove by!





Silver Oak: my favorite winery.



Sure enjoyed a classic trip on rails with the Napa Valley Wine Train:





For more Daveland Napa Valley photos, visit my regular website.

Indian Springs Resort in Calistoga

On my recent trip to Napa, I decided to stay in Calistoga, just a few minutes away, based upon a trusted recommendation of a friend. Fortunately, I listed to that rec, as I really enjoyed the resort that I stayed at, Indian Springs.

The resort reminds me of something out of the FDR era as you pull up. Lots of little cottages, a huge swimming pool, outdoor games, and of course the spa.







The rooms were clean and well appointed; new snacks (complimentary) magically appeared every day, too.



LOVED the pool. Just floated around all day in this giganormous rectangle of water.



The spa was excellent. Relaxing, and definitely one of the best facials I'd had in a long time.





For more Daveland Calistoga photos, visit my regular website.