Flaming Moe

Sunday means the Simpsons, right? 

When I found out there was a Moe's Tavern at Universal Orlando, I had to go!

We had a nice little break in Moe's. It's a pretty solid homage to the real deal from Springfield. I went with the standard Duff. The way too upbeat substitute bartender said Duff Dry was like Guinness. I wanted to try it, too, but we only had a few minutes. A few guys came in while we were there and one of them ordered a Flaming Moe. There was no fire but there was a lot of (dry ice) smoke. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7 and edited in Adobe Lightroom. 

Pinky's

Pinky's Westside Grill was born out of "Penguingate" (I never knew it actually had a name) and quickly became one of Charlotte's new favorite locals. 

Pinky's has been visited by Guy Fieri for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives but don't hold that against it! 

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone and edited in Adobe Lightroom. 

Down by the Bay

Figure Eight Island has a beautiful little protected bay that connects to the intracoastal waterway. I had a lot of fun flying my drone over the ICW straight from the back deck of the house we were visiting. Not a bad place to kick back and relax!

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone and edited in Adobe Lightroom.

Imperial Guard

This Imperial Guardian Lion protects the entrance to the China World Showcase at Epcot. These statues were popularized during the Han Dynasty (beginning in 206 BC). They are often stationed in front of Imperial palaces, temples and homes of government officials. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7 and edited in Adobe Lightroom. 

Diagon Alley

It's Wednesday and that means it's time to post another photo from Universal Studio's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I can't even begin to describe how well done Diagon Alley is! There are so many perfect details, including the Hogwarts Express rumbling in on the elevated tracks overhead on a regular basis. 

 It was absolutely packed when we were there. I would love to go back and shoot Diagon Alley at night and on an off-day with fewer muggles — although I do like that it looks like they're apparating everywhere in this photo.

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7 and edited in Adobe Lightroom. 

From Montmartre

You have no doubt seen many photos of the beautiful Sacré-Coeur Basilica that sits atop Montmartre. I have even posted one in the past.

What surprises me is how nobody ever turns the camera around when they get to the top of the "mountain." There's a quaint little town at the top and sweeping views of Paris below.

This particular photograph is both ruined and more interesting because some city planner decided it would be a good idea to direct people in search of a lavatory to either the Eiffel Tower or the street at the bottom of the large hill. I imagine quite a few people ignore the sign and use the bushes all while enjoying the tremendous view. It's just that kind of neighborhood, even if it is anchored by a beautiful basilica. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90. 

Koi Pond

The flurry of activity at the Walt Disney World parks can be a and a bit overwhelming but if you keep an eye out, the Imagineers have designed plenty of opportunities for a little relaxation amidst the craziness.

This waterfall and koi pond can be found in the Japan World Showcase at Epcot. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7. 

Cruising Tampa Bay

We spent a day out on the water in Ruskin near the Resort and Club at Little Harbor. My dad has caught several hammerheads in the waters nearby and in a moment of excitement, I promised my six year-old son that we'd catch a shark while we were out for the day. Lady Luck was on my side and within the first hour I managed to bring in a blacktip shark. It wasn't exactly Jaws but it was big enough to put up a good fight and impress the kids. They even got to pet it. Mission accomplished. 

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.

Mosaic Moroccan Courtyard

I mentioned the replica of the "typical" Moroccan home in my photo of the Moroccan Souk at Epcot last week. Here's a photo from inside the lavishly-tiled open-air courtyard of the home. The centerpiece of the room is a beautifully-tiled fountain. This giant open-air room is often empty even on busy days at Epcot and is a great place to cool off and relax for a few minutes while all of the other Disney craziness is going on all around you. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Queens University Bell Tower

Queens University has a beautiful campus, anchored by this bell tower. Just a few minutes from Uptown, Queens is tucked right into the middle of one of Charlotte's most historic and beautiful neighborhoods, Myers Park. 

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.