APtravelnews-October-28th,-Florence, AL.–As part of our tour of Florence, AL. we were introduced to a few of the Museums of the city of Florence. The first location we visited was The Wright-Rosenbaum House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design the only Wright house in Alabama. The home is one of the earliest Usonian designs, the house has been called one of the purest examples of Wrights unique style. What we saw was a house that was built where design, form and function melded beautifully with its surroundings. One of the features (and there are many unique features for the times is circulating piped hot water embedded in the concrete floor and heavy use of brick, glass and gorgeous Cypress wood that resists pest infestations. (footnote) I had taken in a course in Architecture in the 1960’s and remember thinking then after seeing a photo in my architecture school book was the Rosenbaum House. I admired it then and now was actually able to visit, some 53-years later.
For learned people, a terrific library is a must! Notice the indirect natural lighting!
When the house was completed in 1940 there was a view of the TN. River. Today other homes and trees have obscured that view, never-the-less the wonderful landscape today is in perfect sync with the house today. The home was expanded as the Rosenbaum family grew and Wright was asked to design an addition which he flawlessly created to match the original plan. From 1940 to 1999 the Rosenbaum families were the sole occupants. Today it is the property of the City and is a museum accessible to everyone. There is an admission charge. Go: www.wrightinalabama.comwww.florenceal.org 256-718-5050
Stay with us, see the next music oriented museums in our next posts!
One of the Wright designed wood chairs (an extra) sold for 35-thousand at auction. It was sold to pay for some repairs on the home.
No ordinary home. The family were ensconced in a piece of modern, functional art!A side view!
A view from the tower towards Pickwick Lake. This Marriott Hotel was excellent in every way!
APtravelnews-October 23rd—Florence, AL. and Lauderdale, County is quite progressively moving forward with offering locals and visitors some of the best historical, modern as well as iconic music entertainment and even spiritual attractions, excellent restaurants and accommodations that AL. has to offer. Barb and I, thanks to the very professional, yet extremely friendly, Georgia Carter Turner from Florence and Lauderdale Tourism Development Council, brought us in to familiarize us with many opportunities that all visitors can take advantage of as well.
We stayed at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Conference Center, which offered excellent buffet breakfasts, lunch and dinners at Swampers Restaurant (see images of our meals) comfortable rooms and even an indoor and outdoor impressive swimming pool and spa. The staff was very pleasant and friendly; the elevator never kept you waiting- it was as fast as any I have ever experienced. The beds were perfect! It’s tough to be comfortable traveling and bed-hopping, but here we slept comfortably and bedded down on the 6th floor watching vast sunsets and sun-ups over a panoramic view of hill and dale, viewing the nearby waters of Muscle Shoals and the Tennessee River. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msimc-marriott-shoals-hotel-and-spa/
Salmon and sauteed Brussel,Sprouts at Swamper’s Restaurant in the lobby area of the Marriott!Welcome Center new and special for Florence, Lauderdale and every visitor!Steak and fried green tomatoes. Even Pres. Bushes favorite vegetable (not) Broccoli! Dat’s a meal!
Early Monday morning, writer Rebecca McCormick from Hot Springs Arkansas and I were scheduled to fish Pickwick Lake with Guide Lance Walker. It sure was cool traveling at 75-miles per hour with his Skeeter Boat powered by a 250-hp Yamaha, but we got to cover plenty of water and with a bit of a cold-front, the fish had a bit of lockjaw. Fortunately, we carried Click-It Hot Hand Warmers. Lance loved using these near instant reusable units in his hands and on his back too. Fortunately we had the right guide. Lance knew where they lived and we popped a 9-pound largemouth, a 4-pound smallmouth and a few additional bass in the 4-pound range. Plenty of great fish to photo and release (see images). Overall a fabulous fishing adventure! www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1466300-pickwick-bass-fishing-showing-out-again
After a wash-up, we headed for lunch and ice cream at Trowbridge’s on Main Street in Florence. The diminutive place is an iconic, very reasonably priced lunch spot with ice cream to cry for “more. Along with the lively crowd, we enjoyed sharing this long-time fun-spot that felt like a throw-back to the 50’s. Pimento Cheese sandwiches were long time favorites, and I had a Butter Pecan Milk Shake that I can’t wait to taste again-WOW! www.yelp.com No there was more to come: Stay tuned for our dinner at Ricatoni’s Italian Grill and later; Arx Mortis Haunted attraction, back door tour. It was so spooky and really scary! Note: See lots more in next posts about our whirlwind adventures in Florence and Muscle Shoals, AL. Check out their website at: www.visitflorenceal.com We’re Going back for sure!
Our fishing guide, Lance Walker knows where they live (a nine-pounder) and he knows how to knock on their door!The display at the welcome Center shows various types of bass that are found in the TN. and Lake Pickwick.
Now that’s one big flounder. But How would it fit on the plate? Comments?My terry and his favorite stuffed toy now chewed almost to beyond recognition, but no furniture even chipped by him. Best dog I ever made my bro!Where we all would like to be in the summertime, eh? The Catskill Mountains!My 24-inch brown (only hookup in high water) caught in W. Virginia 100-foot wide stream. Hooked me under a tree limb, but he was mine to photo and release. Got a special technique to get a fish out of cover!My big fat Greek very hot Lunch! Mama Mia, oh!
APtravelnews-October 1st-news release reprint—What is Project F.I.S.H.? Involvement of youth in a long term and continuous, community supported, sportfishing and aquatic resource education program.
Vision: To initiate and provide fishing education and fishing skills to interested adults and youth from Michigan’s many diverse populations. This will preserve a natural heritage that ensures the future of fishing, which includes natural resources and environmental awareness, ethical fishing practices, fisheries stewardship, and positive developmental activities for children, families, and the community.
The Michigan Project F.I.S.H. program works through a statewide committee with representatives from: Michigan 4-H Youth Programs, Michigan State University Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife), Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, city and community recreation departments, service organizations, sportfishing/service clubs fishing industries/retailers, volunteers, and many others.
Project Goals:
Provide multiple experience sportfishing giving youth gradual, sportfishing mentoring and a lifelong learning process.
Develop in kids an appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor ethics and behaviors. Encourage kids to spend time outdoors.
Introduce youth to sportfishing as a hobby and lifetime pursuit.
Reach youth through clubs, schools, and sportsmen’s organizations.
Help adults as mentors spend time with youth.
Involve teachers, adult volunteer youth leaders, teen leaders, and retirees as mentors.
Provide training for volunteers, school teachers, mentor programs and service organizations.
Help instructors develop willingness and ability to start and sustain a long term program in their local communities (including management/coordinator strategies)
Help instructors and youth gain new knowledge and confidence, enjoyment of the outdoors, aquatic biology/ecology, ethics and angling skills.
Show local teams of instructors how to use available resources that highlight accessible fishing opportunities.
Contact : Mark Stephens Room 13 Natural Resources Bldg. East Lansing MI 48824
APtravelnews-October-28th,-Florence, AL.–As part of our tour of Florence, AL. we were introduced to a few of the Museums of the city of Florence. The first location we visited was The Wright-Rosenbaum House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design the only Wright house in Alabama. The home is one of the earliest Usonian designs, the house has been called one of the purest examples of Wrights unique style. What we saw was a house that was built where design, form and function melded beautifully with its surroundings. One of the features (and there are many unique features for the times is circulating piped hot water embedded in the concrete floor and heavy use of brick, glass and gorgeous Cypress wood that resists pest infestations. (footnote) I had taken in a course in Architecture in the 1960’s and remember thinking then after seeing a photo in my architecture school book was the Rosenbaum House. I admired it then and now was actually able to visit, some 53-years later.
