Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Want a Condo in Crisfield?


We have several nice condos and townhouses around the area. But since I ran into Kathleen Sheeran of Prudential, hard at work, I thought I would snap a photo of her. You can find her at Captain's Galley right by the city dock. She only has 3 condos left, so check out her website. If you are not in the mood for a condo, check her out anyway. She has lots of properties. You just might be our new neighbors!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse - An Update You Will Love!

First, here is a photo of what this restaurant looked like before it was sold to a new owner. Keep in mind there is a tiki bar to the right. It used to be called Side Street.

Want a 2010 update? Click here.

I never take anything off because you can't erase the news. People do it, but it's not right. Update March 2012: The tiki bar and restaurant are now closed. 



Side Street was purchased by Jerry Hardesty who decided to give the old place a new look. For several months Hardesty's workers have been hard at work transforming the old restaurant into what is going to be an eye-popping, mouth-watering experience.

No corners have been cut in transforming Side Street into what I have said will be, "A Universe unto itself."

Several weeks ago, I gave you a little sneak peak of a few of the painted table tops. Well, here are a few more photos to,"Wet your appetite." Oh, and point your compass to Crisfield in advance of Labor Day weekend. The Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse will be open!

The drab is gone and happy is in. Just look at those colors - and there are more surprises to come.

The tiki bar, to the right of the restaurant, is going to wow you when it is completed. Come by boat if you have one. Those are crab houses behind the tiki bar. Somers Cove Marina can be seen in the far rear. The tall beige building is the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum. Click to enlarge.

Jerry has been great about letting people tromp around and see what is going on. I caught Kathleen Sheeran of Prudential going in to take a peek. Let's go inside with Kathleen.

Look who I found inside taking a little tour: attorney John Phoebus, Events Planner Allison Castellana, and Rick Cauble. They are looking over the wall murals. Everything has been hand-painted.

This is Cranston Cox. He actually did some painting in our house when we moved here. But he did not tell me how talented he was. Remember, that is all done by hand. Cranston, I want a do-over!

Cranston is very picky.

This is Johnny Schunck, artist extraordinaire, flown in all the way from Florida. Look! There is lobster tank in the back.

Cranston and Johnny take time from their busy schedule to pose for the camera. Try to get workers in your town to do that.

Some of you may remember the stool tops, along with some of the finished tables I showed you several weeks ago. Here are some of the finished stools created by artist Johnny Schunck.

Back outside, take a look at that 100 year old crab steamer being sanded. It had been steaming crabs at the old restaurant for many years. No one knows how long it had been there, but they say it came from a place that used to steam tomatoes. I have eaten many a crab steamed in that pot. I can't wait to see what color it will be.

Well, that is all you get for now. Giving you more would be like giving someone all their Christmas presents before Christmas. We want you to be surprised!

See you Labor Day weekend at the Olde Crisfield Crab & Steakhouse!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Ship in a House

"We rest here while we can, but we hear the ocean calling in our dreams, and we know by the morning, the wind will fill our sails to test the seams, the calm is on the water and part of us would linger by the shore for ships are safe in harbor......But that is not what ships are for." ~ Michael Lille


Instead of a ship in a bottle thought you would enjoy this ship in a house - click on the photo to see the ship. I captured it while we were out for a little get-about in our boat, my only entertainment lately. The light was not as I would have liked it to have been, but that is a photographer's curse.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Alabama Discovery Research Vessel

Those of you who have followed my blog know I have posted photos of several boats made by Chesapeake Boat Builders located in our little town. They build custom boats for companies, theme parks, and individuals all over the world. You just might have one of their boats in your area.

I have threatened to stow away on one of their boats; especially the one that was sailed from Crisfield to its new home in the Virgin Islands. But, pardon the pun, I missed the boat.

The below vessel caught my eye when it was just a shell in their shop.



Today I spied it sitting in the water. It's a research vessel that is going to be sailed from Crisfield to Alabama. Now if I could just figure out the art of 'stowaway.' Any suggestions?



If you don't hear from me for a week, you know where I'll be. Um? I wonder if they will put me out at the next port or be excited about having a photographer aboard?

"Photographer Will Work For Food on Research Vessel."

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Crisfield Sunset


The Hill -- the Afternoon --
Squirrel -- Eclipse -- the Bumble bee --
Nay -- Nature is Heaven --
Nature is what we hear --
The Bobolink -- the Sea --
Thunder -- the Cricket --
Nay -- Nature is Harmony --
Nature is what we know --
Yet have no art to say --
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.
~ Emily Dickinson


Gosh, Emily forgot to add a Crisfield sunset. I captured it for you. Is that relaxing?



What do you see in nature in your part of the world?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Pardon My Intrusion...

Click on photo enlarge.


We took an evening spin around the bay and I captured the big guy on the left keeping a keen eye on our boat. What do you keep an eye on?

Crisfield's 62nd Annual Hard Crab Derby

Crisfield crab Derby

Once again, I have to remind everyone that I can not help with vacation information for 2012. I will be out of Crisfield on and off most of the season, covering other events that will be sure to please my viewers. Like most of you, I make my plans early. This 2012 Labor Day weekend, I will be at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor, MD, enjoying Abbey Road on the River, a Beatles tribute festival. More that 75 bands from around the world will be performing. Dates: August 30 - September 3. Five days of peace, love, and rock-n-roll. How could I not? Check it out here.


2011 Schedule

Where will you be Labor Day weekend? If you have not made your plans to attend Crab Derby held at Somers Cove Marina, do so now. The fun begins on September 4, and runs through September 6.


Actually, the event is kicked off a little earlier with the crowning of our Crustacean royalties. Below are two photos taken last year. I have had the privilege of photographing the winners at events throughout the year. Good luck to all the contestants participating in Crisfield's Miss Crustacean Pageant this year, and to the contestants in the Little Miss and Mr. Crustacean contest. Last year's contestants are not forgotten. You were all magnificent. Kudos to the organizers of the pageant.





Then we have a parade - I am going to make you visit to see the floats.



On to the crab cooking contest held at the First Baptist Church on Somerset Avenue. Want to be part of the audience? Just show up or give a call. You get to do a little taste testing. People really know how to cook around these parts!



If you have never been to a crab race you can't miss the. If you live in the US, your state will have a crab running in your state's name. I can't remember which state won last year, but I will post the winner this year. So be looking to see if your state can handle a Maryland crab. After the Governor's Race, members of the audience race their own crabs (you can purchase them on site) for prizes. It is a real hoot!








Putting the crabs in the shoots









The race is on!









Wanna race? Come on down and get a number.


Are you ready for a crab picking contest?









How does a boat docking contest sound? It is F-U-N! Watermen get to show off their skills in their working boats and compete for big prize money. Get your tickets now!









Good luck to all of our waterman this year. You are all very much appreciated.


And don't forget the music...



And the rides...





Did I miss anything? YES! The Crisfield Idol contest, arts and crafts, Crisfield Lions Club swim meet, skiff races, arm wrestling, and more so much more! And don’t forget all the great food. To map out your 'plan of fun' (we don't want you to miss anything) click on 2011 schedule at top of post. Tickets? Call the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce: 800.782.3913.


Now, for you boaters. I was teasing Suzanne who works at Somers Cove Marina that we were going to take our boat out of the marina and rent out our slip. Just kidding, I remind you. However, the marina is filling up and I hear there is already a waiting list. So call now if you are planning on coming by boat. And come by and visit us. We are on 'C' pier. Just ask anyone in the office which boat belongs to the photographer. I just might take your photo. Of course, if you see a photographer wearing a straw hat, running around with cameras - that would be me!