The parking lot was seemingly filled up with cars yet the plaza was overpopulated with a family of ducks. After a deliberate investigation, I deduced that most of the people who owned those vehicles were somewhere inside and busy trying to keep in shape at the fitness center. I wasn’t dressed for the gym, but I was, however, armed with a digital camera in my hand. The wading ducks near the fountains were in a photogenic mood and I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Blackhawk Plaza has been under renovation as of late and will complete fix-ups by the Fall. Walking around the shops, the construction work being done was fairly noticeable. Looking through some of the lightly tinted windows revealed empty lots and evidence of work that still needs to be done before they will house high end boutiques.

The Blackhawk Museum, a popular attraction that I was looking forward to visiting, was unfortunately closed by the time I arrived in the late afternoon. Located right beside the Plaza, it shows off traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institute and is home to one of the best classic car collections in the country. I would’ve loved to take some pictures inside though I’m unsure they would allow that. That experience will have to wait for another day.

The Blackhawk Plaza is located at 3480 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. The Auto Museum is open during Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

- Joseph Natividad