Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
A famous cafe in Texas

While driving across the United States photographing the American experience, I found myself on route 66. Like most people I have a hard time passing up a good eatery. Tucked away on route 66 in Adrian, Texas is the Midpoint Cafe. This destination cafe is all that is left on this section of the highway. It stands alone in the shadow of Interstate 40. While waiting for my turn to order their famed coffee roll and coffee combo I used that time to photograph this legendary spot. I looked for a composition that speaks to the American experience but in a way that was not over the top. This shot of a well-placed table setting that includes sugar, pepper and salt with the iconic Coke button in the background encompasses some of the simple pleasures of being in America. I chose black and white for the nostalgia of the shot but left the Coke display in red for style.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2022
Date Uploaded: 09.2023
Photo Location: Adrian, Texas, United States of America
Camera: PENTAX KP
Copyright: © Gregory Williams