A camera that has captivated my attention...the Samsung EX2F

Again - all images shot in RAW mode, Aperture Priority mode, AWB, from ISO 100 - 400.  Images converted with Lightroom and the sharpening settings there were:

Sharpening amount:  25

Radius:  1.0

Detail:  80

Mask:  35

NR:  20

The Jo Lo Vineyards winery building and restaurant with Pilot Mountain in the background.  Located 15 minutes south of Mt. Airy (which was the model for the mythical town of Mayberry in the old Andy Griffith television series show back in the 60's).  This winery is absolutely gorgeous - both for the exquisite taste of the wines, but also for the ambience.  If you're in this area, please check them out.

Driving up to the Jones-von Drehle Vineyards in Thurmond, NC.  This place reminded me of my original home of the Bavarian Alps.  Both the wines and scenery were captivating.

On the patio/verandah area of the Jones-von Drehle vineyards, looking back down into the valley.  Talk about just wanting to sit there with some cheese and a glass of red wine - wow, you could stay here for hours.

The lobby of the Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC (where we stayed).  This Inn has won lots of awards and they have a proclivity to decorate as much as possible.  When you walk into the lobby, this is what you will see around Christmas time.  And they do a wonderful job of it.  We consistently stay here due to the atmosphere, service, types of rooms, great breakfast offering (free), and the fact it's directly in the center of the wine touring country.  Very convenient.

Another view of the Jo Lo Vineyards in Pilot Mountain.  Imagine sitting here on this Gazebo just enjoying a bottle of Cabernet.....

As is always the case, Mt. Airy (Mayberry) has become a destination spot for us.  The actor Andy Griffith was born here and this is the town they used for the model of Mayberry on the Andy Griffith TV series that ran in the 60's and 70's.  Many of the folks here often refer to themselves as "Mayberry" residents.  Here's a street scene taken of Main street in old downtown Mt. Airy.

Although it was "nippy" outside - around 42 degrees F - these old timers didn't balk at the temperature as they concentrated on their game of chess.

If you're in Mt. Airy, you just have to stop by "Miss Angels Heavenly Pies" located on Main Street.  The pastries and pies they serve here will knock your socks off.  Very rich and served in an ideal setting, this will soon become a destination spot if you visit here.  Their pies are to die for!!!!

Remember "Floyd" from Floyd's barber shop on the Andy Griffith show.  Well, here's the original Floyd's City Barber Shop - the one they used as a model.  And yes, the original Floyd, who is now over 90 years old, still comes here to cut hair.

When in Mt. Airy, you'll see these old period (60's) police cars (as were used on the Andy Griffith show).  They are really tour vehicles.  The drivers are dressed up as police officers from the Andy Griffith show while they drive you around Mt. Airy.

Again, getting back to the wonderful Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC, here's their breakfast room.  The one thing I've noticed about the EX2F is that it has plenty of DR for an enthusiast camera and I've been able to save many a highlight from blown out areas - which is very impressing.

Driving down the main entrance road to the Jones von-Drehle vineyards in Thurmond, NC.

Again - regarding DR - here's a photo taken of the Breakfast serving room at the Fairfield Inn.  The original image had the window/door area completely blown out.  After all, it was very dark to the right and blown out by the window.  But when you shoot in RAW, there's plenty of information there.  Again, I'm so impressed with this camera.

And finally, if you're visiting the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina to see the many wineries there (over 70 in this region alone), you must stay here - you'll love it.  The Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC.

OK - the tour has ended.  Have a great day!