Chalmers Street

One block north of Broad Street and sandwiched between the South Carolina Historical Society and the Historic Charleston Foundation Shops is Chalmers Street. The idyllic cobblestone street — which runs for only two blocks — is made of tumbled stone that almost seems too beautiful to drive on when the light hits it just right. Many of the old roads in the historic district are crafted of cobblestone, lest you forget you are in one of America's oldest and most beautiful cities. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

Potions & Wizardwear

Diagon Alley isn't the only place where one can purchase potions and wizardwear. The discerning wizard often prefers a trip to Hogsmeade Village for gillyweed and robes. 

The Hogs Head Tavern — not to be mistaken with the Hog's Breath Saloon — makes the extra trip out to the country worth it every time. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Hulk SMASH!

This huge LEGO creation was just one of many at the Charlotte comic festival, HerosCon. The annual convention has been going on since 1982 and is named for Charlotte's iconic comic shop, "Heros Aren't Hard to Find."

In this case, the hero seems to be Hulk doing what he does best: SMASH!

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

Hops

These vines climb outside Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. I've never asked anybody for the backstory to the hops. I'm assuming they are more than a really cool decoration and that there is an intention to harvest the buds when they appear on these vines and create a homegrown beer.

I'm not not sure if the number of vines would be sufficient for brewing to scale. It's more likely a batch for some test brews with scale to follow if they are successful. They may also be trying their hand at breeding a hybrid, although that is way beyond my scope of knowledge if they are.

I think I need to ask for more details the next time I pay them a visit. If you have any first-hand knowledge, please drop it in the comments below!

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.

The Fjording

I took this photograph before the Norway World Showcase became Arendelle, but I have to admit I'm excited to go back and see the renovations that Anna and Elsa have made. I took this while we were waiting for lunch at Akershush, which was a ton of fun for the kids. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7. 

Natural Frame

This is a view from the top of Beech Mountain. All of the little bits of road that you see are connected — they form the Beech Mountain Parkway as it traverses its way up the mountain. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. 

Sullivan's Island Shrimper

This guy knows what it's all about. Taking it easy while shrimping on Sullivan's Island as the sun sets into the water is a really, really good place to be.

I'm starting to miss summer already and it's still here.

Edit: the good people of Reddit tell me that it's more likely he's using a cast net to catch bait fish than shrimp given his location on the beach. Thanks r/Charleston!

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. 

Paper Lanterns

Carnival Cruise Lines' Ecstasy was a really interesting ship. First, it seems to be modeled after a Rat Pack-era Las Vegas. Lots and lots of shiny stuff and crazy patterned carpets. Most of the bars and restaurants are themed and every once in a while, one would take you away from that overt 1960s glitziness and transport you elsewhere. This little karaoke-themed nightclub was called Chinatown and it had a really cool tea house-style vibe to it. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Flourish & Blotts

Flourish & Blotts is one of many detailed storefronts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The dragon in the background is perched atop Gringott's Bank, keeping an eye over all of the treasures inside. From time-to-time, he breathes fire towards the muggles and wizards below. It's a bit of a shock the first time you experience it — especially if you are standing directly below it, like I was!

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Outskirts of Alcañiz

I've written about the beauty and history of Alcañiz in the past so I'll keep this one short. I took this photograph from the terrace of our room in the Castle at Alcañiz just as the sun was starting to get low in the sky. There were several fires in the lands surrounding the Castle. You can see one of them here. The smoke from the fires conspired with the setting sun to turn everything orange. It was a very smoky version twist to putting on rose-colored glasses.