Ten photo destinations for 2010 – part two

Continuing on from last Friday’s list, here are the next five of 10 photographic destinations to visit in 2010.

Branson, MO
6) Most people know Branson as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” with over 50 theaters and nationally recognized acts covering all genres. But for photographers, there are other natural areas that don’t get the same publicity.
Three pristine lakes (Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals) make up part of a larger chain of lakes. Along the shores can be found a wealth of wildlife including geese, deer, wild turkeys, eagles and egrets.
Only four miles from Branson is a large peninsula called Indian Point with two marinas and 27 resorts. Gwen Leman from the Artilla Cove Resort said that their resort offers things to do 12 months of the year and that they are located only 1-1/2 miles from Silver Dollar City, a popular theme park.

South Africa
7) How about a wild animal hunt – photographic style? These photo safaris aren’t in your local zoo, but on the real plains of South Africa. Professional hunter and outfitter Eric Terblanche takes both hunters and photographers out on multi-day safaris to see the real things. Amanita Safaris takes groups of two to eight people on tours which can be completely customized to their liking.

Chautauqua Allegheny Region
Three counties make up this region and they each have their own special attractions. Only a few hours away from Cleveland, they could make excellent weekend destinations.
8) Closest of the three, Chautauqua County encompasses the famous Chautauqua Lake with dozens of museums and historical sites, summer music festivals and art exhibits. If you love wine, stay north along the lakeshore to visit the 30,000 acres of vineyards. 21 Wineries make up the Wine Trail. For unusual fruit flavor wines, my favorite is Blueberry Sky Farm Winery. A good time to go would be August 14-15, when the Wine Festival is held in Dunkirk, with over 30 wineries represented.
9) Cattaraugus County is located in the Enchanted Mountains area of western New York. Its most recognizable city is probably Ellicottville, with big festivals happening almost every month and home to Holiday Valley, the ski area. For more natural beauty, check out the giant rock formations in Rock City Park (admission charge required). For a photographic history tour of the county, drive the Old Chautauqua Road cross county.
10) Just to the west is Allegany County, farthest of the three from Cleveland. Wellsville in the southern part of the county offers architectural photo opportunities with some fine examples of Victorian restorations according to Sherry Grugel, executive director of the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce. For more history, Angelica offers the live reenactment of Civil War battles in September. Consult the county website for days and times.

Hope these two articles give you some ideas for 2010 you maybe hadn't considered. Happy travels and happy shooting.