This is The Rivoli, a restaurant/bar/performance space/pool hall, located on Queen Street West. Queen Street West in the early '80s was the artsy part of town, with lots of bars featuring punk and "alternative" music made by and for the art school students who populated the area. The shops were funky too (sort of the equivalent of Melrose in L.A. or St. Marks Place in NYC).

Little by little, as it became more popular, the strip was co-opted by big business and became very pricey real estate (e.g. there is a Gap there now, etc.), but the aesthetic for the most part is still "alternative". The "Riv" remains 'Ground Zero' for the strip, still hosting art exhibits, bands and 'alt-comedy' in the back room and serving a great Thai-flavoured menu.

In the summer, the patio tables are much-coveted space, as its ideal for people-watching. I live around the corner from here and, in the warm-weather months, you can sometimes spot me hanging-out with friends there (when I have time!) late afternoon, or early evening. You might also see me indulging in their delicious pad thai (medium-spicy for me, thank you), year-round.

On the tour for the album , Prince took a girl dancing at the Cameron House, another bar just down the street (at that time, they had a trendy dance night, although I think they closed a room for them) - Prince had met her when he pulled her up onstage as one of several dancers from the audience. These days, he tends to favour the more upscale clubs in the area.

The Detroit Institute of Arts

The heart of a great museum is its collection, and The Detroit Institute of Arts is proud to claim one of the largest, most significant art collections in the nation. From the first painting donated in 1883 to the most recent acquisition, the DIA’s collection of over 65,000 works brings the culture and history of the world to Detroit’s doorstep. Ranging from the classic to cutting-edge, the works housed in the DIA will challenge perceptions and enrich perspectives, leaving visitors with a fresh outlook and a jolt of inspiration.

The DIA’s collection preserves a visual legacy for the future and brings art into daily life. From mummies to Matisse, Asian antiquities to Ash Can realists, Islamic manuscripts to Impressionist sketches, the DIA features some of the most renowned works of art in all media.

The DIA is currently in the process of enhancing its entire website, which will include expanded sections, improved features, and a searchable collection.

http://www.dia.org/inform...info1.html

Manresa Beach

I can't find a photo of the actual place, but Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is one of my all-time favorite places in southern California. It's a bunch of old train station depots that have been turned into art galleries...there's something like 8 different galleries on the property, and all the artwork is amazing.

Here's a link to some of the artwork in one of the galleries...

http://www.pudgeefeet.com.../bergamot/

[Edited 1/6/05 14:18pm]

Here's me and a friend at one of my favorite places in the bay area....it's a little off-the-road lookout point and you can see the entire city! The view of the Golden Gate is breathtaking as well (this picture does not do it justice)

"My" cave at Leo Carillo beach...

This is me on my Uncle's dock on White Bear Lake in White Bear Lake Minnesota. My favorite time be there is early in the morning and reading a book while the lake is calm but not much beats playing in the lake on a hot summer day. Luckily for me this is only about 4 miles from my house and my Uncle allows me access anytime I want.




As a side note me and Amy were out on the Lake on New Year's eve and there wasn't any snow yet and you could literally see all the way to the bottom of the lake through the ice. Much better then in the summer because there was no vegetation or alge or waves. We could see the sand ripples and the rocks and popcans or whatever. It was amazing as if the ice was a giant piece of glass. Sadly we have had some snow and ice so I won't be able to see it again.

ReturnOfDOOK said:

HOLY shit, Dook's in Oaktown? Damn, I was gonna post that same exact picture.. except without Dook in it. SF represent.

lovemachine said:[quote]This is me on my Uncle's dock on White Bear Lake in White Bear Lake Minnesota. My favorite time be there is early in the morning and reading a book while the lake is calm but not much beats playing in the lake on a hot summer day. Luckily for me this is only about 4 miles from my house and my Uncle allows me access anytime I want.




I want to live on a lake! Oh well, I guess the ocean will have to do.

anemone said:

Yup yup! Oakland!!!!

I get my art supplies & fabrics here

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

2the9s said:

That's right down the street from me, seriously.

2the9s said:

Brookyln?

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[Edited 1/6/05 17:23pm]

2the9s said:

Is it famous?

Ace said:

You betcha.

2the9s said:

Brooklyn in da house!

The famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

I have had some of the best times of my life at this ground watching football and cricket. It is a real landmark for us sport mad Aussies.

This is also just up the street from me.

I didn't think Americans ate chops?

And all within spitting distance of this little beaut!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens


Marie Selby gardens

Can't find an image of my favorite restaurant, Chutney's

2the9s said:

Out of all the Bridges around the city, this one is my favorite... there's just something about it....

ThreadCula said:

Hey me too