Mikes Majestic Miles Photography

I am Challenging myself to a 30 day, 30 location challenge. These locations will be brand new and never have been here before. Some will be local and some will be road trips. I will post every day and make sure everyone gets notified of the challenge. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Believe it or not this is not Italy. I was driving by and thought wow this looks like Venice. I was in Venice back in the 1980s and really love the way this whole place looks like a replica of Italy. This is called the Loews Potofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

So decided to go to Buckingham Fountain in Chicago and have to say it is so beautiful to witness first hand. Being a travel photographer I am always looking for new places to take photos but have to say I love this place so much. I would recommend this place to anyone coming to Chicago. It is right by the lake shore. Buckingham Fountain was created in 1927. Most of the buildings were not even around then. They had to build most of the buildings around Buckingham Fountain. Just FYI the fountains full name was  Clarence F. Buckingham.  

Good morning. Hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying the warmer weather. This story is about an amazing hotel that is over 90 years old and located in St. Charles, IL. It is called Hotel Baker.  Have to say every time I walk by this place it makes me think what is was like to live back 90 years ago. It had to be a lot of fun even though photography equipment was not that good yet. If you have a chance to stay here you will not regret it. Got to walk around and take photos and it was so amazing.

Hello from Chicago. I have to say that Chicago has so many wonderful places to take photos at. Disalbo Bridge right in downtown. Also next is Buckingham Fountain right by Lake shore drive. This is a great place to visit all the time no mater spring summer fall. Not winter though. They turn this off.

So this is a comparison I have always wanted to do. Which view do you like better the one from the Willis Tower (Sears Tower if you from Chicago) above or the one from the Hancock building down below. These were both take a week apart at the observation deck of both places. I really would love to know which one you like better.

Why is this my favorite beach in Florida? There is so much to do including the sunsets and the amazing shore line.  This bird was very happy and flew over my head about 10 times. He finally posed for me.   Visitors to Clearwater Beach can fly to Tampa International Airport which is only 20 miles away.  The sunset cruise looked so inviting but when we got there they had made there last run. Next time I come here I will make sure I go on this boat. It is so amazing being from Chicago to see so much to do in such a short strip. Here is a prime example of an amazing sunset at Clearwater beach. If you do come here I recommend the Clearwater Hilton Hotel. Hope to see you here very soon. The sand is so smooth here and fun to explore.  Add caption

 This town has so much to offer. Discovered in 1826 it is amazing to walk down the street and see all the buildings and imagine yourself without a car and riding in a horse drawn carriage. The people here are so friendly. The best time to come is anytime. There is always something to do. Enjoy walking through Mangelsen Gallery which is one of the best galleries I have ever been to. He has been doing photography for over 50 years. The best Nature photographer in the world. I met Tom a few months ago at his traveling Gallery at Lincoln Park zoo and what a genuine guy. If you get a chance just visit some time you wont regret it. This is Thunder Bay Falls right in the territory of Galena. What an amazing waterfall for Illinois. Last time I was there 2 months ago it was so Icy you could not even walk on it. When you are in Galena make sure you visit this spot you will love it.

Alot of you know this building as Sears Tower if your from Chicago but it is now known as the Willis Tower. This in my opinion is the best view of Chicago. When you are 1453 feet up in the air and get views like this it is hard to top it. It is $25 per person to go up here and I love this place alot but do not recommend the express pass at $75 per person. The day we went we were there for over 2 hours and shot the whole time. I love the transition from blue hour to dark. I would love to hear your opinion on other views of Chicago. I know this is my first blog but want to know other places you want me to talk about.