Travels in the 2nd half

Jockey Club by Archibald J. Motley Jr   I would guess that when most people think of the Harlem Renaissance, they think of writers and musicians. The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism (through July 28), the current show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a reminder that there was also an abundance of artists producing paintings, sculpture and other examples of fine art.   Langston Hughes by Winold Reiss James Weldon Johnson by Laura Wheeler Waring This is probably the largest (160 pieces) and most comprehensive collection of works produced by African American artists of that era. It includes artists from across the United States, and many who were working in Europe. One thing that comes across is the wide variety of styles that was being produced.  From “primitive” to realist, from impressionist to cubist, the art here is as varied and as good as art that was being produced around the world. The Photographer by Jacob Lawrence Tea Time at Madame C. J. Walk...

Dawn at Bar Harbor     In 2019, the NewYork Times published one of its “what to do if you have a day and a half in…..” columns featuring Bar Harbor, Maine. So, on me recent visit, I once again used their column as inspiration, searching out its recommendations. Bar Harbor Eating and Shopping   The Times suggested several places in town to eat and shop, and they were all great choices. Geddy’s offers a sports pub vibe, while serving great seafood and a wide variety of locally brewed beers. I had their lobster roll combo with clam chowder. The Wicked Maine Blueberry Ale was an excellent pairing. Wicked Maine Blueberry Ale Lobster Roll Combo The Reading Room , at the Bar Harbor Inn, offers fine dining with a great view of Frenchman’s Bay. My meal started with warm challah bread and blueberry infused butter. The main course was seared scallops with potato hash. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the potatoes were delicious. Challah with Blueberry Butter Scallops and Pot...

Frenchman's Bay from Bar Harbor    There is more to see on Mount Desert Island than Acadia National Park. There are several small towns that have their own charm and attractions. Bar Harbor     The largest town on Mount Desert Island is Bar Harbor. It is the gateway to Acadia and it is mostly a tourist town. In fact, it is the place that cruise ships stop when they visit the area. That being said, there are some excellent restaurants that stay open during the off-season. Vacationland Coffee Roasters was open early, serves a great cup of Java, and has a friendly staff. Ben and Bill’s Chocolate Emporium provides an amazing selection of ice cream flavors, including a lobster ice cream. Lunch Bar Harbor serves great sandwiches and a wonderful clam chowder.  Northeast Harbor   The village of Northeast Harbor is a small enclave on Mount Desert Island. It is the summer home of members of the Rockefeller family, and many of Philadelphia’s rich and famous. The Sa...