Friday, March 11, 2011

Doin’ the Charleston!

Charleston, South Carolina has a historic district that offers the quintessence of Southern charm. Charleston’s compact size make it easy to see the numerous magnificent mansions, lush gardens, secret alleys, and waterfront promenades.

The steeple you see in the photograph belongs to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the oldest church in Charleston. The church also sits on southeast corner of Broad and Meeting Streets. That intersection is commonly known as “The Four Corners of the Law,” because on the other corners are Charleston City Hall, Charleston County Courthouse and the U.S. Post Office. The term "Four Corners of the Law" represents the presence of institutions representing federal, state, local and ecclesiastical law on each corner of the intersection (thank you Wikipedia).

Charleston is such a walkable city that you don’t need a vehicle to get around, the only problem is parking is just as bad as if you were in Manhattan if you decide to take your car into the city. Fortunately, I was there in the off season so it wasn’t a problem this time around.

Charleston, South Carolina with its warm hospitality, photogenic homes and relaxing Southern charm almost makes me want to dance the Charleston -- almost!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A Lovely Sunset in "Slow"vannah, Georgia

"...That gently mannered city by the sea." -Margaret Mitchell on Savannah, GA

"If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, "What's your business?' In Macon they ask, "Where do you go to church?' In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is 'What would you like to drink?'" -Author John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Savannah, Georgia is a traveler's delight and more importantly a place I could easily call home. With its leisurely quality of life, tranquil squares, and decadent history it is no wonder the city has been named "The Jewel of the South."

Locals like to call their Southern city "Slowvannah" and one visit to this antebellum city will show you why. Popular movies like "Forrest Gump (shot in Savannah) to New York Times best-selling books like John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" (known as "the book" by locals) to nefarious Union invaders has not changed this most Southern city.

This is a shot of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge that spans the Savannah River between downtown Savannah, Georgia, and the neighboring state of South Carolina.

Enjoy my travelogue and please feel free to leave your comments, gripes, complaints and faves! And remember on your first visit to Savannah don't be surprised if a Savannahian asks you your choice of drink.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Hidden Philippines: Valley Verde Mountain Spring Resort

Perched on one of Guimaras island’s highest points, Valley Verde Mountain Resort offers wonderful views of a jungle-covered valley with Lawi Bay in the distance.

Tourists usually flock to Guimaras for its picturesque beaches, but unlike the many crowded beaches nearby, Valley Verde offers many undiscovered secrets and solitude in a lush, green setting.

This was the view I had while I enjoyed a wonderful Filipino lunch.

Travel question of the day: So what was your most picturesque dining experience?

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Monday, March 7, 2011

Everybody Loves Raymen

I was in Washington, DC for a work related trip earlier this month. I was there for an annual convention but I mainly did a lot of video work. I did manage to get ONE decent photograph of the Washington Memorial. Last week I took an amazing trip along the coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. I came back with some amazing images and a gut full of grease from all that wonderful southern cooking.

It was a perfect week for photography in the Carolinas and Georgia with gorgeous weather in the mid 60s and 70s with no humidity. When I flew back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin the other day I was welcomed home with 20-degree weather and falling snow. I was blasted back into reality when I had to dig my car out from the snow and scrape chunks of ice off my windshield in the airport parking lot.

So once again I’m motivated to post photos from a warm weather climate like my trip to the Philippines last year.

On the beautiful island of Guimaras is the Raymen Beach Resort, which is popular with locals on the weekend. Unfortunately I didn’t stay here too long as this was the jumping off point to board our boat to tour the nearby islands.

As I write this its 30-degrees outside with snow on the ground and looking at this photograph just brings a smile to my face.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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