Tag Archives: us travel

America After Dark

December 8, 2018 Sharon Leave a comment

My current obsession is night photography. I love to see city lights after dark or small town lights. I never carry a tripod with me, so I shoot with a super high ISO or try to rest the camera on something. I use a Sony A7rII and it is great for shooting in low light with a minimum of grain. Although, I have night photos from around the world, this gallery is dedicated to America after dark.

Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is my home town, so I have lots of images from here. Here are a few.

The Daylight Building on Union Avenue. — The Daylight Building after dark. This is a definite favorite. All of the elements are there, the lights, the single person, and a bicycle.

The Bijou Theatre Marquee in Knoxville, Tn. — The Bijou Theatre Marquee in downtown Knoxville, TN.

New York City

When I visited New York, I went alone. At first, I thought I might be too afraid to spend a lot of time out after dark, especially taking photos. But I got comfortable with it fairly quickly.

Skylight Diner in Midtown. — The Skylight was my go to breakfast place, since it was just around the corner from my Airbnb. The food was excellent and ambiance was everything a diner in NYC should be.

A street scene in New York City, NY. — Street scene in New York City, NY in front of the Heartland Brewery and Rotisserie.

Looking up at the Empire State Building in NYC. — Looking up at the Empire State Building in New York City. After going up and taking skyline photos and took this as I was leaving.

Want to see more photos from after dark, click here.

Feel free to comment and share your own images of America After Dark.

Americana, Photography

New York City Day 2

September 28, 2018 Sharon 1 Comment

See Rhode Island or Bust and New York City Day 1 for the beginning of the trip.

I got online and bought a ticket to the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island tour for early Monday morning. I had read that mornings were the best time to go. I checked the subway map to plan my route. So, on Day 2 in New York City, I headed out bright and early, looking for breakfast.

Bumps in the Road

Did I mention that it was Labor Day? Holidays change everything. The streets were virtually empty and everything was closed. So, breakfast was a coffee and muffin from the only small market open.

An empty street scene in NYC ©Sharon Popek

Penn Station Steps with a single person on the steps ©Sharon Popek

The front of Penn Station, empty and quiet.

A lone person waiting across the platform on the metro ©Sharon Popek

At Penn Station, I discovered that there was construction on the line I needed to take to Battery Park. Battery Park is where Statue Cruises is located. So, the line that goes straight there, was closed. So, some helpful metro workers told me to take Line 2 to a different stop and get on the free shuttle that would go to Battery Park. At the stop, there was no shuttle and the sign said it would not arrive for another 30 minutes. According to my phone, I could walk there in 20. So, off I went. I took lots of photos on the way. Here are a few. It took me a little longer than 20 minutes. There was construction, thus closing the sidewalk and I had to take a detour.

An image of the 911 memorial in New York City ©Sharon Popek

American Stock Exchange ©Sharon Popek

The Chrysler Building peeking out between a building in NYC

Boat Rides and 195 Steps

On the boat over, I had a great view. But once we started getting close, people started crowding in front of me. I managed to snag a few shots before too many people came in.

NYC Panoramic

Sailing

Statue of Liberty from the boat

Historic Ellis Island against the NYC skyline ©Sharon Popek

I visited the Statue of Liberty first. I walked up 195 to the pedestal because the elevator was packed and full elevators are on my list of “probably not”. I made it up to the pedestal and got a great view of the city and the grounds below. If you go, you will have to get a locker. Be prepared for frustration and waiting in line for this. Either way, I’m glad I went. It was worth every step.

The view from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek

The statue from the Pedestal ©Sharon Popek

National Park Service building ©Sharon Popek

These bolts hold Liberty together ©Sharon Popek

The signs say “Area of Refuge” by Sharon Popek

NYC Panoramic

The original Statue of Liberty torch ©Sharon Popek

Ellis Island

I and 50,000 other people decided it was time to get back on the boat and go to Ellis Island. By the time I made it off the boat and out of the crowd, I was pretty tired. But I walked around the place and took some photos.

A copy of the book of names

Main hall in Ellis Island

Entrance to Ellis Island

Back in NYC

After disembarking at Battery Park, I found a kiosk selling cold beer and could not refuse. I bought a beer and walked around for a bit. Then I returned to the room for a long nap.

A monument to refugees in Battery Park

The Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park

Cold Beer on hot day in NYC

After my nap, I found an Indian place for dinner. It was delicious. The garlic naan was spot on.

Saag Paneer

Garlic Naan

Skylight Diner at night

A good night for pizza in black and white

After walking 11 miles and taking tons of photos, it was time to retire. The next day would be more walking, sweating, drinking, and photos.

Americana, Photography

A visit to Murfreesboro, TN

May 18, 2018 Sharon 5 Comments

It’s May, that means it’s time for the Renaissance Faire in Middle Tennessee. The Faire takes place in Arrington, TN on the grounds with an actual castle. It takes place each weekend in May. My friends, S and P, introduced me to this awesome event!

Arrington is located between Franklin and Murfreesboro, TN. It’s a 3 hour drive for us, so we spend the night in Murfreesboro, so we are nice and rested for the Faire.

The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery

We drove to Murfreesboro on Friday afternoon. We stopped at the Green Dragon for pints and snacks. The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery is an homage to Tolkien’s works. The owners are true Tolkien fans and it feels exactly like I image a pub in Bywater would be. We love it! They always have great beers and the food is perfect. It’s not bar food. It’s real food.

Ale menu.

The Green Dragon has every kind of brew you can imagine. They also have some great mead.

These stuffed mushrooms aren’t your average bar mushrooms.

Found in the privy at the Green Dragon

Our Airbnb

After drinks and snacks we went to our Airbnb called Childress House: The Gardner. This was my first Airbnb and I’m pretty sure it was a perfect way to start a new trend for me. Our host was Sandi, a sweet lady who lives in the downstairs of the historic house. In addition to our full apartment, we were given access to the Parlor, a lovely outdoor garden area, and the large porches. Sandi also provided cream twists for snacking. Oh, and there was a Keurig in the apartment with coffee.

Our little kitchen reminded me of an apartment I had in college.

The living room wasn’t big, but the sofa folded out and was fairly comfortable to sleep on.

Our sweet host provided us with fresh flowers throughout the apartment as well.

The full bath was clean and the water pressure in the shower was perfect with plenty of hot water.

This retro bathroom is located in the downstairs of the house. Pink everywhere.

Around Town

The Gardner was located within walking distance of downtown, so off we went. Murfreesboro has a thriving downtown with bars, restaurants, shops, barbers, salons, and some friendly people. We had a pint at Liquid Smoke, located on the main square. The smoke was too much for me, so we sat outside and did some people watching. Some great signs from downtown.

I love this Puckett’s sign. A guitar at the top and a fork at the bottom. Food and music, the best combination.

A simple sign in downtown Murfreesboro, TN. But eye catching with the dark blue against the light metal. A very vintage feel.

We had a reservation for dinner at Five Senses. It was too far to walk, so we got a Lyft to the restaurant. Where we ate some of the best mushroom soup I have ever eaten. There may have also been a stop for a pint at a nearby bar. We Lyfted back to the Gardner where we had those cream twists awaiting us.

Perfectly cooked and soft as butter.

This mushroom soup was so simple but fantastic!

Down to the garden we went for dessert. We were greeted by dear pup Abby and a couple other dogs which were a bit too timid to visit with us. We also enjoyed our morning coffee in this quiet back yard.

Abby kept us company in the garden.

Our host provided us with cream twists and fresh strawberries, an excellent late night snack.

An inviting garden patio for guests of the Childress.

After our first rounds of coffee and Abby pets, we were off! Renaissance Faire details in the next installment. I’ll give you a hint, there might be some drinking and eating.

Americana, Photography

What have I been doing?

March 25, 2018 Sharon Leave a comment

I haven’t written a blog in awhile. I don’t know why. I guess I haven’t had much to say. I don’t have much to say today either. Enjoy this gallery of new photos. I’ve been running around Kentucky and Knoxville taking photos. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Feel free to also share your own gallery.

Downtown Knoxville, TN

The Howard Baker Courthouse in downtown Knoxville, Tn in black and white

©Sharon Popek 2016

Tennessee Theatre Marquee Black and White. The sun was going down and the marquee was lit. Perfect timing.

Bijou Marquee at night creates a glow in the dark.

The black and white gives this night time photo of downtown Knoxville a vintage feeling

Downtown Williamsburg, KY

Drugstore sign in Williamsburg, KY.

Empty shops and peeling paint in downtown Williamsburg, Ky.

The Whitley Co. Courthouse is not very impressive on it’s own. But the giant flag was eye catching.

Downtown Richmond, KY

The Madison Co. Courthouse in downtown Richmond, Ky was finished in 1850.

The Madison Co. Courthouse in downtown Richmond, KY.

The H on the rooftop sign is missing completely. But it’s still a cool sign

Glyndon Hotel Sign is a cool old sign on a hotel with a rich history in Richmond, KY

Purdy’s is a great little coffee shop in downtown Richmond, KY

Currier’s Music is located in downtown Richmond, KY. While this store is empty, they haven’t closed. They’ve moved just around the corner

Photography, Tuesday Trekkin'

Tuesday Trekking – Clinton TN

October 17, 2017 Sharon 1 Comment

Our first official Tuesday trek is a nearby small town called Clinton, TN. Historic Clinton is home to a hundred thousand antique shops and fifty hundred churches. No, just kidding. But there are a lot of both there. We scoped out breakfast options before going and there weren’t too many options in the downtown area since all the places did not really open until 11am. We settled on Amelia’s Cafe since it was the only one open early and it did say they had breakfast. So, off to Clinton we went.

Granny’s Attic

Church in Clinton

Downtown Clinton Tennessee

Amelia’s Cafe is inside the Cadence Craft and Trade Emporium. They had some cool stuff and very decent prices. Unfortunately, we are broke and have no where to put anything in our house, so we did not buy anything. There was no one at the cafe counter. We walked around for a few minutes and I spotted someone upstairs. I went up and asked if there was anyone working the cafe and if they had breakfast. Turns out the guy who runs the cafe was also helping someone find a part in another universe or possibly just another part of the store. But the guy I found was willing to help us. He told us he could make us bacon and eggs with toast. Perfect.

A few minutes later, he said, “I have bad news about the eggs.”

“Oh?” I asked, Walt was walking around looking at the goodies in the store.

“It seems they’ve all been boiled for making potato salad later,” he said, “but I can make you BLTs?”

“With cheese?” Because all I really want out of life is cheese.

“Of course,” he answered.

One of the best BLT with cheese that I have ever had. The bread was fresh and the tomatoes were perfect. He made me a latte and it was primo. We had to wait for the other guy to reappear before we could pay. But no worries, it was great!

There is a moral to this story. When you travel, whether it is across the world or just down the road, be patient, be open, and ready to compromise.

Amelia’s Cafe

Partner in trekking

Entrance to Cadence Crafts & Trade

Interior of Cadence Craft and Trade

After Amelia’s we walked around town for a bit so I could take pictures of this great, little picturesque town. We decided to drive around a little and see if there was anything else we might want to investigate. We found the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. This is a museum dedicated to the Clinton 12. The first 12 black students to attend Clinton High School in 1956, after it was desegregated by court order. Look for a blog about this awesome place soon!

Green McAdoo Cultural Center

Green McAdoo Cultural Center Sculpture

Green McAdoo Cultural Center Plaque

Americana, Photography

Featured Americana

October 10, 2017 Sharon Leave a comment

Images from towns and cities in the US. Some are historic buildings or locations. A few are local landmarks. All are pure Americana.

Reflecting Bijou

Backward Tennessee

JFG Looking Up

The Palace Theatre Downtown Maryvlle

Oliver Hotel Sign

Scott’s Place is known for it’s hamburgers and onion rings. But how cool is that giant ice cream cone?

Bijou Marquee

House with Flags

Lonesome Dove Bistro

The Howard J. Baker Federal Courthouse has an arched entry and a beautiful clock tower and cupola.

Sky on Jellico

Historic Libby Hill View

Gas Station Trailer Park

Sunsphere at the Y

Hanging Flag

Buy Americana art here.

Photography

A trip to Richmond, VA

October 9, 2016 Sharon 1 Comment

I recently traveled to Richmond for work. While there, I had some down time, so I took advantage and did some sight seeing. There is so much to do and see, I didn’t know where to start. Sometimes when that happens to me, I just stay around the hotel and don’t venture out too far. Fear of the unknown, I guess. Anyway, I was determined to get out and do something. I found it never took me more than 15 minutes to get anywhere. I went to some great restaurants during the week and did some touristy things on the weekend. The first really touristy thing was going to the Hollywood Cemetery. This is a place you have to see to really appreciate. It’s huge and full of history. Then I found my way to Ashland. Ashland is a train town outside of Richmond. The entire town is considered an historic district. On Saturday, I made my way to Shockoe Bottom for an historic ghost tour. Ghosts tours are a great way to see several a city at night. This is true especially when I am traveling alone. I would never go to most of these places alone at night. So, going on a group tour is the ideal way for me. I also love to hear about the local folklore and who doesn’t love ghosts? Sunday was spent taking more photos in Shockoe Bottom (where Main Street Station is located) and then to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I spent hours in this museum and I did not see everything. I am pretty sure that I am ready to go back to Richmond.

These photos were taken in the Libby Hill Park area. We were there for a photo shoot and once we finished, I walked around and shot some photos of the beautiful historic homes and the Richmond skyline.

Flags hanging from row houses in a small neighborhood of Richmond, Va.

Hanging Flag

A great view of the Richmond skyline.

Overlooking Richmond, VA from Libby HIll Park

Ashland also known as the “Center of the Universe” is a small town outside Richmond. I fell in love with this town. The town was declared a historic district in 1983. The first time I went, I had dinner at the Iron Horse. I sat on the patio and geeked out a little when a train rolled through. The food there is amazing and worth a visit. The next day I went back to Ashland and ate at the Trackside Grill. A little more basic, but still yummy food.