St Ives - The Stuff of Picture Postcards

St Ives attracts visitors who marvel at its exquisite beauty. Photographers are rewarded by the endless opportunities to capture picture postcard views. Artists have been coming for a very long time seeking to capture the atmosphere of the seaside in such a beautiful setting. The Tate St Ives art gallery, overlooking Porthmeor beach, adds to smaller galleries and museums found here.

The harbor is where to begin an exploration of this old fishing town. The Sloop Inn founded circa 1312 is located harbor-side showing all the character of a pub of its age. There are steaming hot tasty Cornish Pasties available along Wharf road. The pastie is 'the' food of Cornwall, its a satisfying pastry stuffed with stewed meat, potato, and vegetable. Beware the seagulls patrolling overhead waiting for some hapless patron to give them the opportunity to swoop swiftly in and make off with their snack. You have been warned.

St Ives Harbor

With the retreating tide people flow onto the fine sandy beach to play. Dogs scamper back and forth among the stranded boats. The boats are painted in a variety of bright colors adding character to this picturesque harbor. But this is just one of St Ives beaches that frame the rugged peninsula St Ives is founded on. A sturdy pier protects the harbor from the sometimes ferocious waves and gales of the Atlantic. Not surprisingly we find a lifeboat station ready to assist located here. St Ives has seen tragedy in the past.

to be continued...