When we moved to the farm, we were expecting much of what comes with living out here ~ the fresh air, the calm and quiet.  But we didn’t know we were only minutes away from a small but bustling community filled with great restaurants, boutiques, and energy.

 

There is pretty much one of everything — one coffee shop, one pizza place, one barbecue joint, one chocolate shop, one salon.  All top of their game, and all very supportive of one another.  (When we complimented a young entrepreneur by suggesting she open a bakery, she dismissed us by saying “We already have one.  She was on Cupcake Wars, you know.”).

 

The location of this energy is no accident.  Bridge Street is situated at the mouth of the Ashtabula Harbor, once the busiest port along the Great Lakes.  A railroad yard creates a giant loop, connecting the massive barges to an unending supply of coal and ore.  A Bascule bridge graces the end, lending its name to both the street and the corner restaurant.  Between the industrial nature of the harbor and the detailing of the old brick buildings, the area begs to be photographed.

 

   
Breakwall (left);  Barge (right) – click for more info

 

I hope to keep adding to the series, and print some on zinc as well.  For these I used copper that I gave a deep heat patina ~ an orange so dark it burned to pink around the edges.

 

The header image shows the Bascule bridge in all its glory.  The pic above right is an enormous barge that came into the harbor on a night I was lucky enough to have my camera.  I’m sure bigger boats exist, but I’ve not seen one.  It dwarfed the tiny inlet, and had to leave the way it came.  Click on any of the images for more info – the 4×4″ sample pieces are currently available at a discounted rate — or click here to learn more about custom metal photos made from your images.

 

Brick bldg. (click for more info)

 

This newsletter is dedicated to Bridge Street, and to all the entrepreneurs and visitors that fill it with life and energy.  If you’re ever in the area, try one of everything ~ it’s all wonderful. And of course stop by to say hello :)

Take care, and have a great week :)

Chris