If you’re tired of the same old cocktail choices and are looking to add a little extra oomph to your evening, then look no further than the smoky old fashioned cocktail. This mixology masterpiece takes the classic old fashioned and turns up the heat (both literally and figuratively). With just a few simple ingredients – bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a touch of smoke – you can become an instant mixologist sensation.
Picture this: you’ve just stepped into a swanky bar, eagerly looking over the drink menu for something new and exciting. As your eyes scan down the offerings, they come to a screeching halt at the smoky old fashioned section. Intrigued by the words smoke-infused, your curiosity gets the better of you. You order it with anticipation brewing in your veins like a witch’s cauldron on Halloween night. And when that glass is placed before you, thick tendrils of smoke lazily swirling in ethereal wisps above your drink…well, let’s just say it feels like drinking is about to become incredibly epic.
But what exactly makes this concoction so enchanting? The secret lies in infusing that unmistakable campfire aroma into each sip. It’s as if someone captured all the rugged charm of sitting around a bonfire beneath starlit skies and poured it delicately into your glass. Suddenly, that cozy cabin weekend getaway seems within reach – without ever having to change out of your pajamas! So why not, right?
One of the most iconic aspects of the classic American barn is its red paint job.
The classic red barn is a fixture of the American landscape, an iconic reminder of rural life and traditional values. But why were so many barns painted red in the first place? While there is no single answer to this question, the most common explanations point to practicality and/or symbolism.
Red Barn near Greenwood, Delaware
There are a few different explanations for painting barns red…
1) The practice of painting barns red dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, most barns were made from wood, unlike today’s steel and concrete structures. Bare wood was weathered by the sun, rain, and snow and was attacked by fungi and mold. As a result, barns of that era looked quite shabby. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in (white barns). But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces. Since the red “paint” was inexpensive and easy to obtain, it was used to coat the barns in order to prevent a dilapidated condition.
2) Red paint also softened the hard lines of the barns and made them more pleasing to the eye.
3) One belief is that barns are red so a farmer’s cows can find their way home, but if so, that’s a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green .
4) Red is the color of barns because it symbolizes fertility, and paints containing red pigment have been used to paint barns for centuries.
5) The tradition of painting barns red is thought to be an ancient European one, and it likely started when the Celts began decorating their houses and temples with red clay.
6) Red is the most popular color in the world, with more shades than any other. It’s present in a number of different cultures, religions, and traditions. Some see it as a symbol of prosperity, while others associate it with love or death.
7) Red can be seen as a sign of danger. In many countries, it is the color of fire trucks and ambulances, as well as stop signs. It’s also associated with warning labels on dangerous products.
8) In many cultures, red represents happiness. It is the color of fire, and the color of blood. In India, it symbolizes prosperity and power.
Red, red barn on the Delmarva Peninsula
Here’s a “story” that seems rather far-fetched – and why do we not believe this?
In addition to protecting the barns from the weather, another reason for painting barns red was that it protected them from fires. When dry barns were burned, the flames would not catch on the wood. This was because paint did not readily ignite, and the smoke from a burning barn was usually black because it absorbed heat from the flames rather than reflecting it back. In the summer of 1892, a dry barn was destroyed in Vermont by fire. The owner, Mr. Thomas B. Robinson, of Middlebury, stated that the paint saved his barn from destruction and that he was never sorry for having used it. In the winter of 1892, a barn in the town of Middlebury was struck by lightning, which started a fire at one corner. The dry paint helped to smother the flames and prevent their spreading. The fire was discovered and extinguished before it reached the hay loft. In a short time, the barn was ready to be painted again. Since no one could remember exactly what color it had been originally, a decision was made to paint it yellow. The theory was that it would be easier to determine when the paint was no longer yellow than to try to recollect what color it had been before.
Red Barn outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Which one do you believe? We happen to agree with the first one about a means of preserving the barn wood with materials at hand. Makes sense, right?
Yes, of course, these images are available as prints, wall art, framed, on canvas and on a variety of home decor items.
A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”
The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.
Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach
Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.
The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn
The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.
With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.
The hull of an old boat that has turned to driftwood is silhouetted in the morning sunrise.
To browse wall art and home decor items with Driftwood Beach photographs, you can click the images above or the links below.
