MayDay

While the weather wasn't in the 30s with gray overcast skies, I had to make do with spending Christmas in Key West :wink: Loved the place, don't know that I'd care to live there but we had a great time. One of many "iconic" Key West spots: Conch tour train - these were everywhere: Key West definitely has a different flavor to it: Lots of great old homes: St. Paul's Episcopal church in the distance (yes, there will be photos of the interior): Amazing flora in Key West: Kelly's (as in Kelly McGillis): The Customs House (and museum of art and history) Zoe, an adorable French Bulldog - her owner was a transplant from Tuscarawas County! Pelicans were everywhere: On the southern end of Mallory Square, where cruise ships dock: Detail of the Customs House: Another "icon" of Key West - these roosters are traced back to the historic Cuban population; once cockfighting was banned, these guys were allowed to roam at will. And crow at the @sscrack of dawn. They never woke me up but it was a little jarring on the morning walk to hear them all crowing at once. Flora: A.M.E. church on Whitehead: Not sure what the deal was here - there were a few places that looked like this; some were abandoned after Hurricane Wilma, others - who knows? Over to Mallory Square to see the famous Key West sunset: Quite a few street performers: Yeah, I suppose this was nice - if you like that sort of thing :wink: Walking down Duval Street - not the original Sloppy Joes location but still very much part of Key West history: Nice adaptive re-use of an old theatre. At night: And during the day: Lovely old building: The Porch (a great spot for drinks) is behind this tree - great spot since it's right on the main drag but the tree makes it feel very private and cozy: Over to Fort Zachary Taylor beach - gotta say I wasn't a fan of the beaches (not that Key West is known for them); lots of rocks under the water but ah well: It was a little jarring to be sitting there and just glancing and seeing this huge ship come from around the corner: And off to Sunset Pier for another sunset. Sunset Pier reminded me of Shooters; just a nice bar with a really mixed crowd and great boardwalk views of the water. An added plus was that it wasn't as crowded as Mallory Square: The next day (Christmas Eve) we took the Yankee Freedom II ferry to the Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles or 2.5 hours west of Key West: Fort Jefferson in the distance - http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm These frigate birds were amazing - wingspans around 6 to 7 feet, but they only weigh about 3 pounds. They didn't really 'soar', they floated like balloons! Moat at Fort Jefferson: Inside the Fort: Top level of the Fort: After a few hours of exploring and snorkeling, it was time for the trip back to Key West - the Customs House in the background; note the crowds lined up in Mallory Square for sunset: Next up, more sunsets and warm weather:

I know it's the exception to the rule, but my 2011 was a great year. Happy 2012 everyone!

Okay folks, this thread is now unlocked. Anyone posting anything not directly related to the physical construction of the Convention Center and Medical Mart will have a one month suspension, no warnings, no BS. Happy New Year! :-)

^Sincere question - did she have a visible spot on the dashboard for the garmin, like a cradle or docking station? From what I'm hearing lately, perps will scope for cars that have the visible signs that a GPS unit is in use and then do a 'smash and grab'. Not too long ago, they wouldn't risk it unless something was right there in plain view but nowadays :-(

Absolutely love that area, especially the residential stock - you got some great shots :-)

^From flatseast.com - looks like parking; I believe the entrance will be off Front Street (north of the tower):

Obviously this is a thread with a lot of wiggle room, but let's make a nominal attempt to keep on topic. My personal take? All this handwringing about "how do we define/market ourselves?!?" and "what's a catchy phrase to promote ourselves and make Cleveland a household name!?!" reminds me of people that show up a great party and just try too hard to make their presence known and end up turning people off because it isn't genuine.

It's also visible from the Valley View bridge (480). Not sticking out like a sore thumb but it's there.

Congratulations and welcome to the "Cleveland book club"! :-)

"Would you like me to keep you posted with our itinerary, pictures, etc?" Yes, please! Depending on my schedule and the weather - I might be available to give a walking tour of downtown; send me a PM.

^18 office floors plus 3 parking floors - then there's the antenna/spires so it's hard to say. Looking at the current webcam, it looks like the elevator core is up to 8 stories.

^Gotta say that whatever camera they're using, it's putting out some crisp images!

"I like the part about the working class parents telling the kids to get a degree who really had no idea why. They just saw that the people who had gone to school had good jobs." Or those (like mine) who were working in the lower paying machine shops saw the bigger picture; that manufacturing was going both south and overseas and they knew the days of "getting a job at the shop" were numbered.

"That's pretty old too, if I remember right. Correct?" Yep, they list GSI as the architects and GSI split up in 2004 or 2005.

I also live in Tremont; yes the area is better than it was even a few years ago but there's always room for improvement. Being in walking distance to great bars and restaurants is a perk, but being able to walk to them during happy hour and during the week (when they're less jam packed) is even better. There's decent transit access, though Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway have it a little better; highway access can't be beat. I don't disagree with Confiteordero in that the Tremont bar scene seems a little more geared toward the mid-30s+ crowds. Safety-wise, as sfbob stated - keep your sober wits about you if you're alone and out late and stay on the main well-traveled streets. Also, I personally wouldn't live *anywhere* (whether it's Mayberry or Midtown Manhattan) without an alarm system. It doesn't guarantee anything but it can be an effective deterrent. If you're looking at specific areas within Tremont, feel free to send me a private message and I can get more detailed information for you.

Nice photo - one of these days I'll make my way over there. Btw, that's the North Point Tower on the right side, not Crile.

Welcome to the forum - I love that view of downtown. I *hope* you weren't in the driver's seat while you took that! :-)

Wow, you really are clueless, aren't you? It would cost way too much for a smallish retail strip to put parking underground. They wouldn't be able to build at all. That's not having to settle, that's the economic reality. If you knew anything about real estate or development you would know that. There's no need for personal insults.

^If you're referring to MurrayHill pointing out some grossly inaccurate and outdated content on UCI's site as well as the site itself being unwieldy, I don't see that as cutting people short. If you want to talk about how "Urban" of us - why are "Driving Directions" prominently listed, but no mention of public transportation except for how to get to the visitor center? Go to this link and try to find information on Fund Development and Service http://www.universitycircle.org/uci/advocacy/fund-development There's a difference between cutting people short, and expecting so much better from a group like UCI - they're better than what's represented on their current site. As far as the CircleWalk signage - I like the design I'm reminded of the 'Kodak Moment' plaques used at popular tourist sites.

"And if I met some friends in the Cleveland area I think I might get tired of driving into town and no one would visit me." Definitely give that some thought - while in the grand scheme it's not that far, it's definitely a schlep for people whose comfort level is a 20ish minute drive.

Folks, just because you CAN post something - it doesn't mean that you SHOULD.

^If they get any kind of following like Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, more power to them but it sounds a little gimmicky. Wait and see, I guess.