Tag: SC

Posted on

Visiting Myrtle Beach for the Winter.

It’s usually a good bit warmer here than back home in Delaware.

So, you’ve decided to join the flock of snowbirds and head down to Myrtle Beach in January. You might be thinking, Am I crazy? Isn’t it cold down there? Well, I’m here to tell you that while the rest of the country is shivering, Myrtle Beach is enjoying some surprisingly warmer weather. It’s like a secret paradise for those seeking refuge from the icy grip of winter.

The beach at Myrtle Beach looking south from the 14th Street Pier. The pier in the distance is the 2nd Street Pier.

But don’t think that a trip to Myrtle Beach in February will be your typical winter escape. Sure, it may not be as hot as midsummer, but you’ll still find plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. From beach walks with your toes in the sand to golfing on world-class courses, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the milder temperatures and take advantage of fewer crowds. February is like that one friend who always has an extra sweater handy – surprisingly warmer than expected.

When March rolls around, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot with even more pleasant weather. The ocean breeze becomes gentle and inviting—a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along the boardwalk or sipping cocktails at beachside bars. Plus, you can catch some early spring events and festivals without worrying about battling through summer throngs just yet. So pack your bags, snowbird! Myrtle Beach is waiting for you with open arms and warmer temperatures than you’d ever expect during these off-season months!

Posted on

Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet South Carolina

A Great Blue Heron hides among the marsh grasses fishing for a meal.

Fishing is a way of life in Murrells Inlet, and not just for those make their living at it. Fishing, both within the creek and in the ocean is a part of the history, a bond with the place and even among the inhabitants – both the humans and the lesser beasts and critters.

Marsh Grasses and a Great Blue Heron at Murrells Inlet in South Carolina

As the fishing depends on the fish, so the fish depend on the marsh and the entire ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship gives rise to some beautiful and unique scenery – that often looks as good in black and white as it does in full color.

Lurking in the March at Murrells Inlet
Lurking in the March at Murrells Inlet in Black and White

From the time of its formation about 6,000 years ago, the Murrells
Inlet saltmarsh has been a source of food for local inhabitants. Native
Americans depended on the marsh for the seasonal provision of clams,
oysters, and fish, a tradition which persisted through colonial and
plantation times, and continues today. In the 20th century, recreational
and commercial fishing broadened and increased local dependence
upon the marsh.

Click the links below to see the wall art substrates available for these photographs.

Link: Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet SC

Link: Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet Monochrome

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pictorem

Link to: Bill’s Gallery hosted by Fine Art America

Saltmarshes like Murrells Inlet provide a rich and sheltered habitat for
fish, from baitfish like Mummichog and striped mullet on up to gamefish of the nearshore ocean, such as grouper. (Just naming two of many examples here.) This is because of the abundance and variety of food available within the marsh, and the relative absence of large predators (that Blue Heron notwithstanding). Scientists have found that more than 75 percent of nearshore ocean fish use the marsh at some stage of their life-cycle, for spawning, for juvenile growth and/or for a seasonal food source.

From an environmental standpoint, maintaining a healthy marsh is essential
to maintaining a healthy ocean fishery. The long view values not only the fish, but the marsh that made the fish and, of course our friend, that long-legged fishing bird, lurking in the marsh.

Posted on

Food as Art – and Nourishment

Some food looks better than it tastes.

Some food tastes better than it looks. Some may look interesting and taste interesting, too.

Here’s a stack of Onion Rings from a restaurant in St. Joseph, Michigan named Clementine’s (yup, you guessed it, OhMyDarling.com). This tower of Michigan Onion (bet you didn’t know Michigan is a major onion-producing state) onion rings was about the best we’ve had – anywhere – ever. Artistically, the tower also has merit and would look great in a vertical wall art presentation in one’s kitchen or casual dining area.

How about some red hot chili peppers to spice up that blank wall in your kitchen? Hot peppers are all the rage these days – just look at the gazillion jars of hot sauces available at any gourmet market. These peppers, in blazing bright red, photographed at a farm market in Delaware, are the epitome of chili peppers and would certainly brighten up any place you decided to display them as wall art. Or what do you think about these depicted on coffee mugs or maybe even hot chili pepper throw pillows.

Red Hot Chili Peppers from a farm store in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Then there is always popcorn. Right? How about this as a design element in itself. Everybody likes popcorn and this display of Carmel Popcorn, while photographed at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, might be found in just about any beach town – anywhere. Can you imagine how challenging this would be as a jigsaw puzzle. Absolutely and, yes, this is available as a quality jigsaw.

Caramel Popcorn on display at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC

Click the links below to see a bit more about each image and/or to browse/shop for wall art (for you kitchen, perhaps) or for a home decor item as a conversation piece.

Link: Best Onion Rings Ever

Link: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Link: Caramel Corn Behind Glass

Link to: Bill’s Food As Art Collection at Fine Art America – where you can see many other examples of “Food as Art” that may get your creative juices flowing.