June 15th, 2009
WHO IS PROFESSOR BEACH?
Romero Britto and Keuka Lake
June 25th, 2009For many years I’ve enjoyed the art work of pop star artist Romero Britto. I started collecting his paintings about 5 years ago. I love the artistic expression he creates with pulsating, vibrant colors using pop themes. He has become the premier contemporary Artist of our generation.
This print by Romero, was a poster for the South Miami Art Festival in 1997, is hanging in my Lake House.
Because of my love for his style, I have visited his gallery on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Florida many times when I worked there. I have followed his work and his TV appearances including Donald Trumps Apprentice (working with Kendra Todd), Martha Stewart and other high profile shows.
Last night I had the honor of meeting the star pop artist Romero Britto at the Nan Miller Gallery in Rochester, NY. I attended a “Meet the Artist” there last night. There was a large crowd and many of his works were on display.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Romero and have my photo taken with him. What I didn’t know is that Romero has spent summers on Keuka Lake, near my home, for many years. He is familiar with the Fingerlakes!
He must have painted this when he was relaxing and enjoying his stay on Keuka Lake.
Romero Britto and Professor Beach
Romero lived a very modest lifestyle growing up with 8 brothers and sisters in Recife Brazil. His creativity allowed him to fill his life with images and colors of a beautiful world. Today Romero is world wide art star. I will continue to follow Romero and hopefully more meetings will follow.
This video is Janet Lomax from local TV coverage interviewing Nan Miller prior to Romero’s appearance last night. The WHEC News Cast is in the top left corner
Click here to link to the local news story coverage from last night.
Check out Romero’s online gallery & learn more about him, check out his website at http://www.britto.com/
What a Weekend in Martha’s Vineyard!
June 16th, 2009One of my buddies, Deon Thomas, a restaurant owner in Oak Bluffs, invited me to Martha’s Vineyard. He lives on the the island and invited me to check it out. I met Deon in Anguilla where he operates the bar & restaurant at the KU Resort in Anguilla. The last time I was on Martha’s Vineyard was 25 years ago. I was only there for a day when I was visiting Cape Cod. I love to travel so how could I say no?
Living in the Fingerlakes Region (grape country) of New York, I’ve often wondered if there were grape vines in Martha’s Vineyard? Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Massachusetts. I took the one hour fast ferry from New Bedford, Massachusetts direct to Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard and walked from the ferry dock to my hotel. I spent the weekend exploring the entire island. I was searching for grape vines but found much more…
Because of my love for history, I had to visit the Flying Horses Carousel
Flying Horses Carousel
The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs is the oldest operating platform carousel in America. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
What are people saying about Oak Bluffs on Twitter?
Oaks Bluffs Cottage Campground Historic District - Dates back to the 1800’s
The first camp meeting in what became known as Wesleyan Grove was held in 1835. In subsequent years the congregations grew enormously, and many of the thousands in attendance were housed in large tents known as “society tents.” A congregation from a church on the mainland would maintain its own society tent. Conditions were cramped, with men and women sleeping dormitory-style on opposite sides of a central canvas divider. Society tents were arranged in a semicircle on Trinity Park.
Over time, families began leasing small lots on which to pitch their own individual tents. In the 1860s and 1870s, the family tents were rapidly replaced with permanent wooden cottages. At one time there were about 500 cottages; today there are just over 300.
Many eminent members of the clergy from across the country have preached at the campmeetings in Wesleyan Grove. That tradition continues today, although services are no longer held day and night as they were in the early years.
Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association
The founders of the MVCMA were Methodists, and the original bylaws of the Association stipulated that all members of the Board of Directors had to be members of a Methodist church. However, the MVCMA has always been an autonomous organization and was never formally affiliated with the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Historical records document the participation of many non-Methodists at the early campmeetings, both in the congregation and in the pulpit.
The founders of the MVCMA were Methodists, and the original bylaws of the Association stipulated that all members of the Board of Directors had to be members of a Methodist church. However, the MVCMA has always been an autonomous organization and was never formally affiliated with the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Historical records document the participation of many non-Methodists at the early campmeetings, both in the congregation and in the pulpit.
Over time the MVCMA has become increasingly interdenominational, and the current members of the Board of Directors are affiliated with a wide variety of Christian groups. The religious services and special programs of the Association all have a strong ecumenical spirit.
Today the Campground is a community of summer residents and a smaller number of year-round residents who value the intimacy created by the crowding of cottages on small tent lots. Many of the cottages have been owned by the same families for generations. The residents of the Campground have a keen appreciation for the special traditions of which they are a part.
I couldn’t leave without a picture of the beach. It was a cloudy day and the beach was pretty much empty. The temperature was only in the 60’s when I was there… typically when I visit a beachtown, the weather is gorgeous but every one in a while Mother Nature sends a cold front through. Maybe it’s to remind us to be thankful for the nice sunny days that we have.
Oak Bluffs Public Beach
By the way, I never did see any Grapes or Vineyards - someday I’ll find out why this island was named Martha’s Vineyard. One thing I do know, is that I had a great weekend and looking forward to my next visit!
Make sure to visit Professor Beach’s Worlds Best Beachtowns Website for more information about Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
Professor Beach visits Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts
May 28th, 2009
Brimstone Hill Fortress in St Kitts in the North Eastern Caribbean.
Professor Beach Visits Frigate Bay Beach
St Kitts Collage
St. Kitts Beach
A view from St Kitts with Statia in the background
Tour the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis
Are you a Woodie Car Lover?
May 27th, 2009While I was in Waterloo, NY this past weekend, celebrating Memorial Day I fell in love.
1940's Woodie
That’s right… I was at the “woodie car” show and fell in love with these cars!
They are so cool!
If you are a Woodie Car lover like me, you might want to check out these links.
Woodie Builders Campbell - Waterloo’s Legendary Wooden Body Company
Automotive Woodworking By Roland Johnson
Interior of the Woodie
The 2009 Huntington Beach Beachcruiser Car Show featured more that 200 woodies, hot rods, classic cars and muscle cars. Check out some of the woodies featured along the pier in Huntington Beach. Click here to check out some of the woodies featured at the 2009 Huntington Beach Woodie Car Show
Professor Beach visits Waterloo New York - Origin of Memorial Day
May 26th, 2009Memorial Day is a United States public holiday. This holiday commemorates the U.S. men and women who died in military service for their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. It’s time to honor and remember the heroes who fought for freedom and laid down their lives. You can pay tribute and send a greeting card to someone you know in the military by clicking here.
Memorial Day Centennial Emblem in Waterloo, NY
Click on the links for more history and origin of Memorial Day in Waterloo, New York.
Professor Beach visits Shoal Bay in Anguilla
May 20th, 2009
Shoal Bay in in the Northeast area of Anguilla on the Atlantic Ocean
More Info on Shoal Bay Anguilla
http://www.squidoo.com/shoalbay
Check out www.ShoalBayBlog.com for even more from Professor Beach!
Anguilla - Tranquility in the Caribbean
May 19th, 2009I just returned back to the states from 10 days in Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis - what a great trip and great islands!
If you are looking for a more exclusive and private beaches, Anguilla is the place! The white sand beaches and turquoise water, as well as beautiful weather year round with temperatures ranging between 80-86 degree, make this a great place to visit. Uncrowded beaches, water sports and a spectacular coral reef are just a few reasons to visit for relaxing and unwinding.
The best activities to take part in are scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, charter boats and water sports. One can also take day trips to St. Maarten and St. Barts. There are more then 80 species of birds, so bird watching is another great activity. Other land activities include hiking, bike riding and horseback riding.
Anguilla is a British overseas territory, one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It consists of the main island of Anguilla which is approximately 26 km (16 miles) long by 5 km (3 miles) wide at its widest point. If you are seeking a special, romantic getaway on a small island, gifted with 33 of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this could be the island you are looking for.
Yes, there are 33 beaches, each one super in their own way. They range from the really serene Little Harbor to the wild Windward Bay, from the popular East Shoal Bay & Rendezvous Bay. And don’t forget Maunday’s Bay, Shoal Bay West and Cove Bay for starters.
You can view my photos and see more videos in a new blog about my visit to Shoal Bay
It was fun meeting Bankie Banx. He is Anguilla’s reggae star and local real estate mogul. I met Bankie at the Dune Preserve in Rendezvous Bay.
We have heard that the rich and famous go to other Caribbean islands when they want to be seen, but they go to Anguilla to hide & disappear. You do not have to be rich and famous to vacation here.
Interesting - there are no chain stores or restaurants here - no franchises are allowed. This is a 100% genuine, tropical Caribbean island getaway. The shopping here is not great, but if shopping is on your agenda, a 20 minute ferry ride to St.Martin/St. Marteen is worth the ride.
Click on these links below to get more info:
Professor Beach’s Worlds Best Beachtowns Website for more information on Maundays Bay
Professor Beach’s Worlds Best Beachtowns Website for more information on Shoal Bay
Professor Beach’s New Squidoo Lens about Shoal Bay in Anguilla - West Indies
Not to worry about the “killer bees” in Nevis!
May 18th, 2009Charlestown is the capital of Nevis. Charlestown is situated on the leeward side of the island of Nevis, near the southern end of Pinneys Beach. This is where I ran into the “killer bees” but not to worry, I wasn’t stung! It was actually fun. Watch my video to see what I am talking about…
St. Kitts is the island above Nevis. Charlestown in in the parish of St Paul Charlestown (see the red area in map below).
Saint Paul Charlestown is one of 14 administrative parishes that make up Saint Kitts and Nevis.
To find out more about Charlestown click here to visit Professor Beach’s World’s Best Beachtowns.
See this video on St. Kitts and Nevis
Providenciales, Turks and Cacios and the Conch Farm
December 8th, 2008
The last time I visited I visited the Turks and Cacios was in 2005 . I never made it to the Conch Farm. I was too busy taking in the sun and sand on the beach. Did you know that Provo is home to the only Conch farm in the world? These mollusks have beautiful pink shells and they take five years to grow to their adult size. Have you ever had Conch Soup?
The Conch Farm is open for tours during the winter months.
Providenciales, also known as “Provo“, is a 25 mile long island in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The island is situated on the west side of the Caicos archipelago. Provo has an area of 38 square miles.
Besides being home to the only conch farm in the world, Providenciales is famous for it’s 12 mile Grace Bay Beach. One of my favorite magazines Conde Naste, has rated Grace Bay Beach among the top ten beaches in the world.
Grace Bay Beach features beautiful white sand that edges spectacular clear, turquoise water and pristine coral reefs. Providenciales offers an uncomplicated lifestyle and natural beauty. Provo is a divers’ and water lovers’ paradise.
Provo is the urban center of the Turks & Caicos Islands. This island offers all the modern conveniences one could dream of taking an awesome vacation to get away from the stress and the hustle-bustle of the overpopulated cities.
Provo has an 18 hole golf course, a casino, shopping centers, three marinas, a growing number of of bars and excellent restaurants. Provo is also a divers’ and water lovers’ paradise. There is something here for everyone!
The Caicos Bank, on the south part of the island, is a shallow, pale turquoise sea. It is partly composed of swamp and tidal flats, filled with an abundant resource of conch and lobster. On the opposite end of Providenciales, the deep channel of Leeward Going Through makes a natural and safe harbor on the northeast end of the island. Sapodilla Bay is a popular mooring for yachts traveling through the Turks and Caicos Islands. The natural island formations offer safe mooring areas for sailors. On a hill overlooking Sapodilla Bay, stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors can be found.
Turks and Caicos is one of my very most favorite places in the world… Yes, I am thinking of going back this winter to enjoy the white sand & the crystal blue water. Living in upstate New York, I need some more photos to remind me of warmer days… it’s about 35 degrees right now where I live….. oh to be basking in the sun once again…
It is easy to get there. The Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is a modern, full service facility that welcomes dozens of international flights every week from North America, Europe and other Caribbean Islands. It is also the gateway to the rest of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The goal of the PLS is to make your arrival and departure from their island paradise as smooth and efficient as possible.
Ready, Set, Let’s Go!
