Meet Anna Marie :: Calistatus Photography (United States)

We kicked off a new series in January 2019 featuring traveling photographers from around the world (most recent feature here; to date, the list includes Italy, Canada, United States, Vanuatu, Iceland, Switzerland and Australia). We make no secret of the fact that we love travel. We love learning about other cultures. We love contributing to a smaller, more interactive space. With this in mind, we are going to be sharing local stories by local photographers from around the world throughout our posts this year.

This month takes you to a city in California, United States! Lovely Anna Marie, from Calistatus Photography, has been a pleasure to work with. We hope that you enjoy this spotlight on Apple Valley. Thank you for joining in, Anna Marie, and for sharing images that transport us and stories that make us want to experience your part of the world firsthand! Enjoy!

 

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1. Tell us about where you live? I live in a city called Apple Valley. We are located in the high desert of Southern California, which is in the United States. You can find us on America’s Highway, which is also known as Route 66. We are a relatively new city as we were just established in 1988. Usually, the first question that always arises when I state where I am from is if there are apples here. Once upon a time there was an abundance of apple orchards, which is actually where this city got its name. Sadly, there are no longer apples. Just desert and Joshua trees. Our city is conveniently located in the middle of a lot of fun stuff. About 45 minutes away, you have the snowy mountains of Big Bear and Wrightwood. We are about an hour and 30 minutes away from the bustling city of Los Angeles. An hour and a half away from the happiest place on earth: Disneyland (located in Anaheim, California). Two and a half hours away way from the infamous Las Vegas. And about an hour and a half away from Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier.

Route 66 Museum. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

2. What makes your town, state or country unique? My most favorite unique place that we have here is George Air Force Base. I know that sounds weird because it is an air force base. But the best thing about it is that it is abandoned. So there is tons of history in that place. It has also been used to film tons of well known movies such as: The War of the Worlds, Face Off, Jarhead and many more.

George Air Force Base. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

3. If I traveled from the opposite side of the world what should I visit in your town, state or country? A neat place to take your family or even to just go alone is Calico Ghost Town. It’s an old western town where you can go to enjoy a good cowboy show and do a little gold mining. And just up the street there is an amazing 50’s diner called Peggy Sue’s Diner. There you will find a 50’s styled diner that serves nothing but amazing dishes named after famous people from the 50’s and some delicious milkshakes - all while enjoying some tunes from the juke box. And if you are in the mood for sweets and ice cream, Eddie World is not far away. There you will find a candy and ice cream wonderland.

Calico Ghost Town. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Peggy Sue’s Diner. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Eddie World. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

4. What is something quirky we would find in your town, state, or country? I would have to say the most quirky thing you would find here in Apple Valley is Bottle Tree Ranch. Bottle Tree Ranch is exactly what it sounds like. A ranch with trees made out of glass bottles. This ranch has a lot of interesting things to see. From trees made out of glass bottles to antique cars and other random antiques. And not too far away, from there is one of the best pizza places I’ve ever had: Cross-Eyed Cow Pizza. On top of this building, there is a tye-die cow. You can’t miss it!

Bottle Tree Ranch. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Bottle Tree Ranch. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Cross-Eyed Cow Pizza. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

5. Best breakfast cafe? This is a tough one. So to be honest, picking just one… is not possible. Emma Jeans Holland Burger; don’t let the name throw you off. Their breakfast is just as amazing as their burgers. Emma Jeans is a little place off the beaten path and, man, is it delicious. This restaurant is well known among the locals. It was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. Next up you have Mollie Brown’s Cafe. This restaurant is a staple of the high desert. I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t love Mollie Brown’s. Then there is a little hole in the wall called TNT’s Cafe. Their food is absolutely amazing. AMAAAAZING! There is not a day of the week that that place isn’t packed. Not only is their food amazing but you get great sized portions for a great price. Last but not least you have Spirit Cafe. The staff is always so friendly. The coffee is always hot. And the food is nothing shy of amazing.

Emma Jeans. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Mollie Brown’s Cafe. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

TNT’s Cafe. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

Spirit River Cafe. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

6. Three reasons why someone should visit your town, state or country? The weather is usually warm and sunny. We have amazing sunsets. And there is plenty of stuff to do. Horseback riding, off-roading the desert hills in a big truck or on some ATVs, and all the other fun stuff that’s not too far away.

7. Any local legends? As far as I know, we do not have any local legends.

8. Train, bus, car or walk. We do have a bus system. However, car is the best way to get around.

9. Best accommodation? The best rated accommodations are the Holiday Inn, Hilton Gardens, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, Hilltop Tavern and Inn, and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham.

10. Must-see vantage point? Now this may sound odd but, off in the hills of Apple Valley, there is a place called Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. It is located above the desert giving you an amazing view of the gorgeous sunsets we often experience here in the desert. And it offers a great view of the city lights once the sun has gone to sleep. You don’t have to go in the cemetery. Right outside the gates there is an open patch of dirt that you can park your car in and enjoy the view.

Sunset Hills. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

11. Who is the most noteworthy person to come from your home town? Miko Hughes, star of the famous Pet Sematary and Kindergarten Cop. Jason Varges of the Philadelphia Phillies. Country singer Brennley Brown. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are probably the most famous people that are known here in Apple Valley. Neither were born here but both of them lived here and passed away here. Victorville (which is the next city over) used to be the home of the Roy Rogers Museum. Roy Roger’s famous horse statue is still located in Apple Valley. Cuba Gooding Jr. (a famous actor) graduated from Apple Valley High school.

12. Most colorful character in your hometown? As far as I know we don’t have any colorful characters here.

13. The number one thing you miss when you are away? This might be the most typical Californian thing to say but when I am away from home for a long period of time the thing I miss the most is In n Out Burger. This is a California-based company and is located in select states outside of California. Every Californian knows this place. When I am home, I don’t eat it that often; when I have been away for weeks or months, the first thing I crave is In n Out.

In n Out. Photography by Calistatus Photography.

 

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You will find Anna Marie here:

January | Week 2

(You will find the link for "January | Week 1" here.)

We are so excited to join in on a 52-week project with a group of talented photographer friends. Today we are thrilled and delighted to host it! The main purpose of this project is to encourage each other to get out and shoot more. When you're in a field that requires intrinsic motivation, it can be easy to fall into a slump and challenging to find your feet again. We have one theme to execute weekly for the full 52 weeks of 2018. One side-effect of actively participating in this project is that we have fresh inspiration every week. Another side-effect is that we have each other to support and encourage and challenge. We hope that you enjoy our individual perspectives on this week's challenge: "negative space". Have a wonderful week!

Lou Mitchell