Sun-Glittered Charlotte
This is the view of Charlotte from Blue Blaze Brewing in the Historic West End.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Downtown Greensboro
Greensboro has really been blossoming into a vibrant city in the last few years — especially downtown. It's surprising there aren't more high-rise buildings. The Lincoln Financial Building has reigned as the tallest building in the city since it was constructed in 1990. It's an impressive piece of architecture but at just 20 stories, it seems ripe for a little competition. If you know anybody who is working on toppling LFG's position on the board as king, let me know and I can help document it as it goes up!
This photograph was captured with a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Providence Road
After a long day of relaxing at home on Christmas this year, we ventured out for some fresh air. There's a little park and playground on Providence Road, just outside of the city that we always drive past so we thought we'd check it out. It turned out to be great and all of the people from the neighborhood who were out taking post-Christmas day strolls couldn't have been more friendly.
If you're not from Charlotte, Providence Road winds it's way through South Charlotte, ultimately leading you right to the center of the city. Locals know it as the street that changes names and directions at a drop of a hat. If you tell a friend to meet you at Providence and Providence, Queens and Queens, they'll know exactly what you're talking about. It's the intersection where Providence and Queens meet, each deflecting off the other with a 90-degree turn.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Stroll Through Bruxelles
Brussels — or Bruxelles — is highly underrated as a tourist destination. The compact core of the old city is very walkable and it's easy to keep your bearings as the tower on the main square — or Grand Place — is almost always visible, peaking out over nearby buildings.
On your visit to Brussels, you'll find Trappist beer, chocolate, french fries and waffles around every turn. A lot of good stuff comes from Brussels!
For military buffs, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces is pretty amazing. If you're from America, you'll see a lot of military vehicles that you've likely only seen in the movies, such as a Russian Hind Helicopter or an assortment of MIGs. They even have one of those funny-looking German tanks from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Brussels may not be a destination city on your bucket list but it's a great central starting point for any European vacation. Spend 2-3 nights in Brussels before heading off to France, Holland, Germany or England and you won't be disappointed!
Want to learn more about Brussels?
Pick up the DK Eyewitness Travel book on Amazon for $20. DK Eyewitness makes the best first-time travel books, full of illustrations, maps and stunning photographs.
University of Tampa
Today's photograph is in honor of my friend, Vera, who recently accepted a position at the University of Tampa!
The Tampa Bay Hotel was built between 1888 and 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. A victim of The Great Depression, the hotel closed in 1930. In 1933, a junior college in Tampa moved in, eventually expanding and becoming the University of Tampa.
The hotel is an architectural jewel, blending "modern-day" concrete construction with Victorian and Moorish designs. Especially unique to most American architecture are the crescent moons adorning the minarets.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.
London Eye or Bicycle
As an addition to the London skyline, the London Eye brings a distinct, modern flair to the generally traditional landscape. Its outline is unmistakeable from a distance. Get close, however, and it turns into a giant bicycle wheel.
Berlin's on King
Berlin's has been dressing men in Charleston since 1883. Having survived a major earthquake and hurricane, Berlin's sill stands proudly at the prime corner of King and Broad streets.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Charlotte Metropolitan
Not long ago, this entire "Midtown" area of Charlotte was entirely overlooked. It's amazing to see the boom in development in the last ten years. The same development that has revitalized this area is also threatening the surrounding neighborhoods as it expands. Progress always seems to come with unintended consequences.
This photograph was captured with the tremendously good DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Estrella Damm
FC Barcelona, Gaudí, Picasso and Estrella Damm are the four legs upon which Barcelona was built.
There is no better way to relax than to sit back with an Estrella Damm or Voll Damm in a square in Barcelona. I'd suggest Plaça del Rei or Plaça del Sol — the tourist books and pickpockets can keep the world-famous Plaça Reial.
This photograph was captured with a teeny-tiny Canon IXUS.
East Bay Street
We were out on the water in Charleston harbor just as the storm clouds started rolling in, pushing the gentle clouds from the morning away. The rain didn't start until we were back on land but the clouds did add a certain level of drama to the views. These grand homes on East Bay Street certainly have seen their fair share of drama over the years so the quick shift in tempremant was quite appropriate.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.