March 2, 2016 by Chris - 2 Comments

A few days on the west coast (FL)

East coast or west coast? I am fascinated by trying to determine how people figure out which they prefer. Both have pros and cons, of course.

So we drove from Fort Pierce to Port Charlotte by way of Rte 70 via Okeechobe and Arcadia. It is absolutely unnecessary to turn the steering wheel a degree, and one could possibly believe that you’d been transported to Texas or Oklahoma! It has a very strong western feel with lots of cattle and horses grazing in pastures, and cowboy hats, jeans and boots are the common attire.

I immediately fell in love with our Airbnb rented loft in Port Charlotte where we stayed for three nights.

We made a little trip up to Osprey to meet up with friends for lunch at Casey Key Fish House which was lovely – sitting outside on the deck at the water’s edge.

Viewing the sunset at Port Charlotte Beach Park.

A long walk on Punta Gorda’s Harbor Walk.

A couple of hours at the beach on the Gulf.

February 25, 2016 by Chris

Another good day in the Sunshine State

This morning was fresh and clear after yesterday evenings rains and the perfect day to get out on the trails. Before that, though, we made a stop at the Navy SEAL Museum which gives a very good insight into the successes and mission of the SEALS from World War II to present and how their equipment has evolved over the decades.

The coastal hammock trail in Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.

Lunch in the most beautiful of settings on such a gorgeous day – overlooking the marina – at Harbor Cove Bar & Grill.

Lucy was parked in the shade during lunch and wondered what we brought her!!

The day wrapped up with a long walk on a mostly empty beach – heavenly sand between the toes, washed away by lapping surf.

February 24, 2016 by Chris

Beach and Botanical

Lucy wants everyone to know how much fun she had yesterday. We call her a “beach loving surfer girl” and she lives up to the name every time she hits a beach! Running, running, running in the surf; barking with joy at little shorebirds, the water, and anything that gets in her way.

Today we spent some time at Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce. They have a particularly lovely display of bonsai, and otherwise it was enjoyable being in the gardens after last evening’s rainfall.

I love all the different textures…

February 21, 2016 by Chris - 1 Comment

A weekend in Fort Pierce and beyond

Saturday morning was spent in Fort Pierce at the farmer’s market, which is really much more! In the lovely waterfront and downtown location it was busy, busy and Lucy did extremely well with the crowds of people and other canines.

On Sunday we took at drive down to Lake Worth to check out the Street Painting Festival which was even more spectacular than I’d imagined. 600 artists – professional and amateur – take part over the weekend creating masterpieces in a 10×10′ space on the downtown streets. This, a fundraiser, is in its 22nd year, has raised money for art scholarships.

Food vendors, crafters, and others were also there ..

We also enjoyed some of the local neighborhoods with the quaint little Florida cottages.

February 19, 2016 by Chris

A day of exploration

We are exploring this area from Sebastian to Stuart called the Treasure Coast, and were happy to find a little downtown area in Stuart with a lovely river boardwalk.

February 19, 2016 by Chris - 2 Comments

Daytona stop

It was a quick drive down from Maine to Jacksonville in 21/2 days, and so it was especially sweet to take the time to conclude our journey to Fort Pierce with a meander through Daytona Beach. Enroute we came across the funky burger joint/lounge Daytona Brickyard. The place was non-stop with activity – people arriving, being greeted, attentive waitstaff and patron; bikers, black and white checkered floors and table covers; oh yes! And biker chicks with their braids and bandanas! The burgers were really good too!

April 13, 2013 by Chris

Friday, April 12

A drive from Perdido Key to Gulf Shores, AL – Naval Aviation Museum, and at the camp site..

Beach houses

Pecan grove in Alabama

That is literally how close they fly!!!

April 5, 2013 by Chris

An evening on the town in Pensacola

We started out at Jaco’s Bar & Grill, downtown on the marina. I had the most delicious seafood flatbread with shrimp, crabmeat, avocado, pancetta, mango … Heavenly!

And then to stroll along Palafox, which was closed off for the monthly gallery walk and included lots of live music on the street. I love the New Orleans-style architecture.

And then to the charming, historic Seville district, which needs further exploration.

March 30, 2013 by Chris

Palafox Market and Joe Patti’s

We met up with Diane and Ron to check out Pensacola’s Palafox market.

And then to the famous Joe Patti’s seafood- wow! Probably the biggest and best seafood market I’ve seen.

March 28, 2013 by Chris - 2 Comments

Pensacola Lighthouse and the Blue Angels

A great day spent with Agnita, Henk and the girls:

First the Pensacola Lighthouse (177 steps up and a cardio workout)

A hair-raising and exhilarating practice show by the Blue Angels.

And then some down time on the beach.

March 23, 2013 by Chris

Destin

Two nights in Destin en route to Pensacola and our first dinner out! Trip advisor pointed us in the right direction yet again … Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack, where we had wonderful meals (grouper for me and bacon-wrapped buffalo meatloaf for Dennis). Loved it there.

April 23, 2012 by Chris

Fried Green Tomatoes

When in the south, go to one of your favorite restaurants, in one of your favorite towns (Fernandina Beach), and have a scrumptious fried green tomato sandwich – just for you, Sandy!
!

April 2, 2012 by Chris

Tampa – March 24, 2012

The gang congregated pre-cruise along with Wanda and Bob for dinner at Outback in Tampa.