Monday, February 29, 2016

Look to the Future...



when you have no time to post anything substantial. Disneyland Tomorrowland Spaceman, circa 1957/58.

Of course I have supplied a closeup of his embroidered insignia and futuristic doohickie belt.



More shots of the man of tomorrow at my main website.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Steve Allen at Disneyland



Steve Allen was big. HUGE. Everyone thinks of the Ed Sullivan Show when it comes to Elvis Presley's TV debut, when in fact, Elvis appeared on the Steve Allen Comedy Show first. Allen himself was an accomplished musician, composer, actor, writer, and comedian who was very well known back in the day; today, those under 30 have probably never heard of him. How some people and remembered and how others are forgotten always baffles me. Nevertheless, Allen and his family visited Disneyland in December 1957.

According the accompanying press blurb:

Steve Allen's three sons, eleven year=old Brian; Steve Jr., 13; and David, seven, leave Fantasyland for Frontierland during a recent visit to Disneyland.

Please…any Disneyland Geek knows that the Casey Jr. Circus Train would never take ANYONE out of Fantasyland. Who wrote this stuff?!?



On the Teacup attraction:



Here they are aboard the Mark Twain:



The accompanying Autopia blurb is just as bland:

Steve Allen gets some advice from son David, seven, as they prepare to drive Autopia's freeway during a recent trip to Disneyland. Steve's other sons, Steve Jr., 13; and Brian, 11, accompanied their father also.



More vintage and current Disneyland photos at my main website.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Back to Savannah, Pt. 6



Apologies to those who are sick of my Savannah posts…but they're still coming to you with at least one more to go. A new discovery on this trip was the Collins Quarter Cafe & Bar.



Located on Bull Street, it has great views and was swarming with guests each time I frequented it.



Their caffeinated beverages are works of art.



And the french toast did nothing for my waistline.



I learned about Collins through my friend Scott, who is a waiter/bartender extraordinaire at another favorite Savannah eatery, The Grey.



After brunch, we had to walk off the calories, and what better place to do so than the Savannah Historic District.



The Independent Presbyterian Church's spire looms over Bull Street.





The mod look of the Drayton Towers on Liberty Street somehow fits into the landscape.



Chippewa Square is famous for being where "Forrest Gump" sat on a bench and recounted his life story.





A pedal cab driver takes a well-deserved break.



One last photo of Scott before we parted ways and I continued my photo journey.



The Independent Presbyterian Church (that's a mouthful!) at night:





And a few other buildings from Chippewa Square at night:





More Savannah photos at my main website.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Back to Savannah, Pt. 5



Breakfast at the Hamilton-Turner Inn on this fine morning was an Eggs Benedict, which I ordered without the egg. Sorry…it's just one of my idiosyncrasies. I can't stand eggs. After feasting on that, naturally I went in search of my next meal: brunch at 700 Drayton with some friends.



The food is good here, the service so-so, but I definitely love the way they have rehabbed this former funeral home.



Located inside the Mansion on Forsyth Hotel, this restaurant was somewhat empty the day we ate here.





A few shots of the Mansion on Forsyth at night when it looks even more magical:







Nearby is the old Candler Hospital, which was recently rehabbed and repurposed as the Savannah Law School:



It doesn't seem as creepy as it once was when it sat vacant for years.



During that time, its main use was as a stop on the plethora of Ghost Tours that have permeated Savannah.



Before dinner (yes, another meal), I decided to take advantage of the amazing claw foot tub in my room at the Hamilton-Turner Inn.



I was unable to try The Florence on my last trip to town, but this time I made sure that I did.



Not located within walking distance to the Historic District, it's a bit of a trek.



This Italian Restaurant seems to be a fairly lively and hip hangout.





The food was good, but I can't say that I was bowled over by it either.



I would probably give it another try, but for now, it lays in the "meh" category for me.



Another restaurant that is a bit further down on Victory Drive was much more successful in capturing my heart. It's not fancy (and sure could use a bit of a restoration) but it's full of history that envelopes you as soon as you walk in. Unfortunately, I had left my camera behind on this jaunt with friends, so these cellphone shots will have to suffice.



Johnny Harris is a local haunt that has been around Savannah since 1924. The place was jam packed when we were there for lunch.



The pulled pork sandwich made a mess of my hands but it was oh so worth it.



Sadly enough, this local landmark is in serious danger of the bulldozer as the owners of the lot are interested in building. You can help by signing this petition: change.org/p/robert-mccorkle-save-the-johnny-harris-building

More Savannah photos at my main website.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Vintage Disneyland Photo Fun Interlude



Way back when, Disneyland guests had the opportunity to place themselves in cartoon scenes so that they could have their photo taken as a souvenir of their day at the Park. Here's a happy couple having a great time in their vintage cartoon jalopy.

The souvenir envelope that the photo came in:





This happy tradition has returned to the Park for the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration…for FREE! Definitely a nice bonus.



More vintage and current Disneyland photo fun at my main website.