In our last blog we started our three day road trip and headed to Fort Myers. As I write this blog, yet another hurricane (Helene) has come through and devastated the west coast of Florida. Fort Myers is still recovering from Hurricane Ian and it got hit again. Luckily, it was not as bad as two years ago.
Scott and I started the day with a delicious breakfast at Ella Mae’s Diner in the hotel. This was one of the best breakfasts we have ever had. The service was outstanding and the food was delicious! I had the avocado toast and as you can see below, it was no ordinary avocado toast.
Our first stop on our way to Ocala was Sun City Center to visit Scott’s uncle Bob. We had a lunch at his community golf club cafe and then headed to Ocala.
Change of Plans
Scott and I were about 10 min into our trip to Ocala when we got a text from our friends that they suddenly had a family emergency. So change of plans – we’re heading to Orlando. We were about two and half hours from Orlando and decided to stay in Downtown. We booked a room at the Embassy Suites “on the lake”. This was a pretty old hotel, but we still paid close to $300/night! In addition, they don’t have on-site parking. In the photo below, I’m looking at the lake!
After wandering a few blocks downtown, we ended up at the Smash Burger restaurant. Scott liked it, but it was not my favorite. It’s the type of restaurant where you place your order at the window and then they bring your food to you. They have about eight specialty burgers and I just wanted a plain lettuce and tomato burger. I got it, but it was literally ice cold. (no joke – burger too, like it came out of the fridge).
Needless to say, we ended our evening in DT Orlando early, so we could get a good night’s sleep.
Daytona Beach Here We Come!
Daytona Beach is less than an hour from Orlando. We had reservations at the Hilton Oceanfront and I called to see if we could check in early. Luckily, they had rooms. This is also a very old hotel and it reminded me of Vegas.
I reserved an ocean front with a patio and this is what we got! Crazy! The drone footage Scott took turned out awesome (be sure to watch the video – link below).
Daytona Beach
After we checked in, Scott and I headed down to the beach to check it out. This sandy beach is as hard as a rock! This is why cars can drive on part of it.
We walked the boardwalk in both directions and came upon a very cool memorial, dedicated to the Daytona 200, a motor cross race on the beach.
Dangerous Weather
We soon noticed a squall was coming, so we headed into Joe’s Crab Shack for a light lunch. Joe’s is located on the pier at the beach.
Scott and I wanted to head to wear the cars drive on the beach, and thought had a weather window. Boy were we wrong!
We sheltered at the Landshark Bar and after an hour headed back home. First stopping at a souvenir shop to get some goodies!
Unfortunately, the rain never let up and we ended up as drowned rats. Because the weather never let up, we had dinner at the hotel. The sunset was beautiful although we could only see it from the hallway of the hotel.
Since we haven’t on the ocean before, we were excited to see the sunrise. Again, be sure to watch the video for the time lapse sunrise. Our three day road trip was over on Labor Day and it was time to head home. Would we go back? Probably not, but there are a number of places we do want to explore like Mt Dora and Crystal River Springs. So another road trip is in our future.
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Over Labor Day weekend, Scott and I took a three day road trip and our first stop was Fort Myers. We have never been there before, so we were excited to see it for the first time. We only stayed one night, as we were staying the following night in Ocala and then onto Daytona Beach the third night.
Fort Myers is about two hours from Fort Lauderdale, taking I-75, known as alligator alley across the state. The weather started getting darker and darker as we approached the west coast and we ended up in a huge squall. Watch our YouTube video for the full footage of the trip. (see link below)
Luminary Hotel
We stayed at the Luminary Hotel right on the water and two blocks from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The hotel was fantastic and our room was even better! I would highly recommend this hotel and wish we had stayed longer.
Look closely and you will see that the marina is empty. This marina was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian and still has not re-opened.
Downtown Fort Myers
You may recall that when we first moved here, Hurricane Ian hit Florida hard. We were not sure where it was going to hit, until it landed and unfortunately, it hit Fort Myers the worst. Here’s Downtown Fort Myers during the hurricane.
Walk just a couple of blocks and you will find First Street, where restaurants, bars and shops line the streets.
Fort Myers Pub Crawl
Scott and I found downtown to be very quaint and not touristy at all. Since we were walking, we decided to turn our evening into a pub crawl.
Honestly, this blog doesn’t do the trip justice (sorry!) We first stopped at The Lodge for a drink and yes, this is the chain and the same Lodge that’s in Seattle. There’s also a museum right downtown and if we had more time to explore, this would have been a stop.
Next stop was 10 Twenty Five, where we grabbed a drink at the bar. Great service and fun bartender.
Before dinner, we made one more stop at Ford’s Garage. We sat at the bar, but there was a family behind us and the kids were screaming the entire time. Time to head to dinner!
Dining in Fort Myers
There are plenty of options when it comes to restaurants in the downtown area. Since Scott loves pizza, we had to try Capones Coal Fired Pizza!
We sat at the bar and met the nicest guy! He moved to Fort Myers when he graduated high school from Michigan! He didn’t have a job and got a hotel for a couple of weeks. He ended up at Target and now three years later he’s a manager in training. He was so polite and proper and an absolute joy to talk to. The image below is not ours, but Scott and I sat in that same spot.
Since it was a Friday (work day), we were pretty beat and we headed home early in the evening. Tune in to our next blog, as we head to Sun City to visit with Scott’s uncle Bob and then to Ocala to stay with our good friends from Seattle.
As always, thank you for following our blog! Please be sure to follow our YouTube channel and on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
Last week, Scott and I vacationed at the Naia Resort & Spa in Placencia Belize. If you remember, I helped with the pre-opening of Naia back in 2016, as I was planning on moving there. We were excited to see how it turned out and I wanted to see if Scott liked Belize since he has never been there.
Getting There
Our journey started at the Tri-Rail station in Fort Lauderdale, where we took the train to the Miami airport. This is an easy ride, costing only $5 one-way per person. From Miami, it was about a two hour flight to Belize City. The airport has expanded since I was there, but there still wasn’t much to the process. Once we landed, they whisked us through Customs & Immigrations and sent us to the departure desk for Maya Air. They put us on the 11am flight (though is was 11;20am already) and as we entered the departure terminal, they were calling our names over the loud speaker. Two minutes later, we were on our flight with one other passenger! The plane was a Cesna 2088 Caravan with one prop. If you know me, I hate to fly, especially on tiny planes that only hold 8 people!
The flight is about 30 minutes and it was very hot in that plane. Sometimes the plane will make multiple stops on its way to Placencia, but we lucked out and had a direct flight.
Once we landed, they took our luggage and moved it to baggage claim. There we waited for the resort’s shuttle to pick us up. They thought we were arriving at 2:30pm, so I did have to call and let them know we arrived early. One thing to note, is we bought the “all-inclusive” package at Naia, which included our Maya Air Roundtrip transfers. This saved us about $1500.
Naia Resort & Spa
Nestled along the serene beaches of the Placencia Peninsula, Naia Resort and Spa is a true gem. The resort’s luxurious accommodations are a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, with each beachside villa offering stunning ocean views. Waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping the shore was a daily reminder that I was in paradise.
Naia Resort and Spa offers a range of accommodations designed to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you choose a beachfront studio or a spacious rental house, you’ll find yourself surrounded by comfort and luxury. The resort also caters to business travelers with well-equipped conference facilities that blend work and leisure seamlessly.
We reserved a beach front studio house (#14) and it was perfectly situated on the beach and in close proximity to the resort. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a cold towel and a citrus cocktail. Our concierge gave us the “lay of the land” by foot and golf cart and then took us to our room. There she gave us a full tour and all of the instructions we needed during our stay.
One of the best features of the house was the outdoor shower! While it was extremely hot and humid, it was actually enjoyable to take a cool shower.
Dining Options at Naia Resort
The resort has two restaurants: the beach side cafe and 1981 upstairs, which is air conditioned. Both serve the exact same menu, but 1981 is a bit more formal. You can still wear shorts and resort attire, just nothing like bathing suits, etc. The one thing we will tell you, is the food was amazing! Every meal from breakfast to dinner was outstanding. The theme was Mayan, so most of the options were Mayan (think tropical fruits, spices, beans, tortillas, etc).
Naia offers a great selection of smoothies and hand-made cocktails too, all made with fresh juice.
Wrapping up Day 1
After lunch, Scott and I took a stroll around the property so I could give him a tour. Right outside the entrance of the hotel, they have bikes you can use around the resort, then towards the water they have the water sports facility. Here you can use their paddle boards and kayak. We walked down to Coco Plum condos, where I originally had rented my condo in 2016, so I could show Scott where I would have been living. It was blazing hot and so humid, as we got a bit lost trying to work our way back.
We finished our day with a quick dip in the pool (which by the way was about 105 degrees and the beach wasn’t any cooler).
We dined at 1981 and for the first few days, there was hardly anyone in the restaurant (or pool for that matter). The dinner was outstanding!
Each night they offered a “cocktail of the day” and I decided to try it. However, the chili pepper you see around the rim, is habanero chili pepper! No thanks! It was way too hot. Though we were on the “all-inclusive” package, it did not include any brand liquors or wine.
Day 2 – Off to Silk Caye
Part of our all-inclusive package included two excursions and we selected to go snorkeling for one of them. The shuttle left for Placencia Pier around 8:10am and dropped us off at Go Sea Belize Tours.
We had brought our own mask and snorkel, but they do provide everything for you. This was not your typical booze cruise catamaran. We were on a small dive boat with about nine other people.
As we left, a giant squall came over us and we all quickly huddled into the shelter of the cuddy cabin. Soon after, it was warm and sunny again. We traveled at about 28 knots, powered by twin Yamaha 250hp engines.
It was about an hour’s ride to go out about 21 miles to Gladden Spit & Silk Caye Marine Preserve. Along the way, we passed by houses that occupied tiny islands. It was crazy.
When we arrived to Silk Caye, the ranger gave us a quick run down of the island (which couldn’t have been bigger than about 50 yards long). Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) is a protected marine reserve in the central part of Belize’s Barrier Reef. It covers approximately 25,980 acres (10,510 ha) lying 36 kilometres (22 mi) off the coast of Placencia. Right after we arrived, we got our snorkeling gear and headed out.
Our guide led the way, counter clockwise around the island. I was immediately engulfed in small jelly fish about the size of a golf ball. He told us these were not harmful, but there were larger ones (Moon Jellyfish) that we needed to avoid. These jellyfish are about 8 to 12″ in diameter. Sure enough, I got chased the entire way by these larger jelly fish and it made the trip not that fun.
After our snorkel, they made us lunch which included barbecued chicken, rice/beans , fresh fruit and rum punch. They did do a second snorkel that was about 100 yards off of the island, but Scott and I decided to relax in the sand bar versus fighting with the jelly fish.
Around 1:30pm it was time to head back , but they stopped at a reef known for having turtles. It was so cool to see so many turtles!
The trip was a bit smoother heading home as we were not going against the wind. As we stepped off the boat, we realized how hot and humid it was. We were melting and ran up to the Big Titties Rum Bar to get a cold beer!
Once again, we finished the day by our pool and had another lovely dinner at 1981. The local beer is Lighthouse and it became one of Scott’s favorites.
Day 3, Time for a Spa
Naia Resort is known for its world-class spa and yoga center. Scott and I both booked 90 minute massages and were looking forward to a day of relaxation. The spa and yoga center has its own compound really. They have multiple treatment houses, a fitness center, yoga studio, a salt pool and a small cafe where there serve light lunches.
They provide lockers where they then provide a robe, slippers, towel and bath mat so you can shower afterwards.
The grounds are absolutely gorgeous showcasing beautiful hibiscus plants and of course, you’ll find an iguana or two.
Since I had been to Belize before, I wanted to revisit a couple of the restaurants I had experienced before. Plus we had spent the last two days in the same restaurant and it was time to explore a bit. Thursday night we headed north to Mangos and dined alfresco by the sea. We tried deep fried avocados for the first time and they were delicious! Scott was thrilled to get a pizza and I ordered a burger.
Exploring Placencia Village
Friday was my birthday and originally we had scheduled a Monkey River tour. This tour would take you on an hour long boat ride up the river, where you then walk 15 to 20 minutes into the jungle to see the howler monkeys. However, the front desk informed us that if were to rain, we should wear shoes, long pants with long shirts as it would be extremely buggy. At this point, Scott and I were already eaten alive by the bugs at the resort (yes it’s buggy). There were a combination of no see-ums and yellow flies and even Off Deep Woods didn’t do the trick. So we decided to cancel that excursion. We woke up Friday morning to a rainy day, so we decided to head to the Placencia Village for some local shopping. The shuttle dropped us off at the Pier again and then there’s a sidewalk that you walk along from there.
Scott stopped into the Tiburon Rum Distillery and tried a flight of rums – all of which were fantastic. The tasting fee was 25 Belizian dollars, which equates to $12.50 and it included a shot glass.
The shuttle runs on a schedule, leaving the resort at 10am and picking you up at 2:30pm. By 1pm, I was ready to head back, so we grabbed a taxi for $15 and headed back.
That evening, we went to another restaurant I had been to before to celebrate my birthday. Maya Hotel and Bistro has some amazing food, including the nut crusted baked fish (which Scott got). Unfortunately, I was under the weather and wasn’t that hungry.
Our Last Day
We spent the last day just relaxing by the pool. I wasn’t feeling very well and our plans for paddle boarding and riding bikes was foiled by that.
That evening, we once again dined at 1981 and Scott had an amazing cheesecake to finish the night.
The shuttle took us to the airport around 10:00am and we had over an hour to wait. This is the departure lounge at Placencia Airport!
This time on the airplane, they instructed me to sit up front behind the captain – great! All was going well, until he had to stop in Daringa to pick up more passengers. Even better!
We had about two hours at Belize City, where we grabbed a few cocktails and a quick bite to eat. This airport is much larger than the one in Barbados!
Overall, it was a nice relaxing trip. I was disappointed that I was under the weather the remaining few days, considering our trip was already short. But we would highly recommend Naia Resort and Spa if you are looking for a quiet getaway.
As always, thank you for following our blog. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (see video below) and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. See you next time!
After a three-year hiatus, Scott and I were finally able to make the trip back to my family’s home on Tyee Beach, Camano Island, for the Fourth of July holiday. We couldn’t have been more thrilled to reconnect with family and friends in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather blessed us with a perfect 75 degrees and sunny skies.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated house, thanks to my aunt’s creative touch. The festive atmosphere was in full swing, and the kids had set up a lemonade stand that added to the holiday charm.
The Annual Boat Parade and More
The highlight of the day began at noon with the annual July 4th boat parade. The excitement was palpable as we watched the parade from the beach and captured some incredible drone footage of the event (be sure to tune in and watch the video – see link below).
Later, we took the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk out for a crabbing expedition and were fortunate enough to catch some delicious Dungeness crabs.
Jason added to the festive spirit by surprising everyone with a vibrant red, white, and blue cocktail shot, setting the perfect tone for the day’s celebrations.
The water temperature was perfect and everyone was able to swim and enjoy the kayaks. The tide was very low during our visit and the Whaler was on high ground most of the weekend.
Fun, Games, and Community Spirit
The 10th Annual Beer Pong tournament was another fantastic event, bringing together about 25 teams from the beach community. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, competing and enjoying the camaraderie that the holiday fosters.
As the evening set in, the sky was lit up with spectacular fireworks displays all along the beach. The sense of community and celebration was truly heartwarming.
A Day of Relaxation and Adventure
The next day was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Our friends Ben and Maria (who we travel with) came up for a few hours where we spent the morning basking in the sun and enjoying the beach. We were so impressed by the architecture of the beach forts!
Later, we embarked on a long boat ride to the south end of Camano Island and then across Port Susan to Holiday Shores. The serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest never ceases to amaze us.
During the day, Scott and Jason took on the hot wings challenge, impressively making it to #10. The fun continued with a water balloon contest, a staple of our July 4th celebrations, bringing laughter and joy to all participants.
A Perfect Ending
The weekend culminated with a fantastic dinner featuring grilled oysters and freshly caught crab. It was the perfect end to a memorable Fourth of July weekend. Despite the short duration and the long journey from Fort Lauderdale, every moment spent on Camano Island was worth it.
On our way back to Scott’s parents, we made a quick lunch stop at our one of our favorite stomping grounds – Elliott Bay Marina. Mount Rainier was in full view as we enjoyed lunch at Maggie Bluffs.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebrations and the opportunity to create more wonderful memories with our loved ones. Until then, we’ll cherish the moments and experiences of this unforgettable holiday.
Stay tuned for our boat parade footage and more highlights from the weekend! Watch the video here.
As always, thank you for following our blog and our channel. Please be sure to follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney
Last month Scott and I needed to get our truck detailed, which would take about three hours. Luckily for us, one of Fort Lauderdale’s top visitor’s destination was right around the corner – The Bonnet Museum and Gardens. The Bonnet House and Gardens is a historic estate located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, notable for its unique blend of art, architecture, history, and ecology. What is amazing, is the fact that it is surrounded by condos and sky scrapers.
History
The Bonnet House was built in 1920 by Frederic Clay Bartlett, a Chicago-born artist and art collector, as a winter retreat for his family. The estate occupies 35 acres of lush, subtropical landscape that includes beach, dunes, and mangrove wetlands.
Frederic Bartlett’s wife, Helen Louise Birch, originally purchased the land in 1919. However, Helen died in 1925, and in 1931, Frederic married Evelyn Fortune Lilly, a socialite and philanthropist. The couple continued to develop the property together, enriching it with an array of art and personal touches that reflect their eclectic tastes and love of nature.
The house was used only during the winter, when Frederick and Evelyn came down from Chicago to escape the bitter cold. So it was more of a “summer house”, than a mansion.
Start of the Tour
Once you buy your tickets, you cross over the small bridge and enter the grounds. They have guests watch a short film in the “gallery” before taking the self-guided tour. In the gallery, you will find many art pieces that both Frederick and Evelyn painted.
After the preview, you then come around the corner to enter the “house”. However, this is nothing like our Vizcaya Tour. Instead of an opulent mansion, you will instead find a courtyard style building with rooms on all sides.
The first room we entered was the music room. Still preserved just as it was before Evelyn died.
Architecture and Art
The Bonnet House itself is a vibrant example of Caribbean-style plantation architecture, characterized by its open-air loggias, wide verandas, and whimsical decor. The house is adorned with murals, painted ceilings, and a variety of unique furnishings and art pieces collected by the Bartletts from their travels around the world. Frederic’s artistic influence is evident throughout, with his original paintings and murals decorating the interiors.
The Dining Room and Kitchen
Our next stop was the dining room, the pantry and the kitchen. Ever day Evelyn would select her dishware to use for service and she never used the same matching pieces. She loved to mix and match.
As we were touring the historical kitchen, the tour guide showed up and gave us a very detailed history of the kitchen and Evelyn. As he was doing so, he was moving us out. Turns out the door that said “Staff Only” had been left open and Scott and I walked right in.
The Grounds
Unfortunately, we were not able to tour the second floor where the bedrooms and bathrooms were located. So from there, we toured the rest of the gardens and grounds. The first building we came upon was the caretaker’s building. Evelyn took very good care of the caretakers, treating them like family.
Next, we came upon an “art workshop” – there was a tour going on, so we didn’t stay long enough to learn all of the history here.
The /Greenhouse
The next building we came upon was Evelyn’s greenhouse and Tiki Bar. She collected shells and displayed them all over her house. In the Tiki Bar, there was a clock that was permanently set at 5:00pm. LOL!
The gardens of Bonnet House are a botanical marvel, featuring a diverse array of tropical and subtropical plants. Visitors can explore different sections, including a desert garden, hibiscus garden, and orchid display house, which boasts hundreds of varieties. The estate is also home to native wildlife, such as swans, monkeys, and manatees, enhancing the property’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
Preservation and Public Access Following Evelyn Bartlett’s death in 1997, the estate was preserved as a historic house museum. Managed by the Bonnet House, Inc., the property is open to the public, offering guided tours that provide insights into the Bartletts’ lives and their contributions to art and culture. The Bonnet House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its protection and continued enjoyment by future generations.
Today, Bonnet House and Gardens stands as a testament to the artistic legacy of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett and serves as a serene oasis amidst the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale. It is a cherished cultural landmark, celebrated for its historical, artistic, and natural significance. Next time you visit Fort Lauderdale, we highly recommend you visit Bonnet House.
As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to follow our YouTube channel (see video below) and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
We recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with Freedom Waters Foundation for a day that was not just about cruising the New River but also about spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of some remarkable individuals. Joined by my company 26 North Yachts, it was a day filled with warmth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
Marina Bay Marina
We departed Marina Bay Marina in Fort Lauderdale where 26 North Yachts is headquartered. Four yachts donated their time and vessel, accommodating four families. While I had the privilege of being aboard the graceful Nautor Swan 43, Scott embarked on the sleek Formula 48. It was a sight to behold as our parade of boats glided down the river, a symbol of unity and shared purpose.
Cruising The New River
The journey took us by Safe Harbor Marina (LMC) and then through the residential route of the South Fork River. Our group cruised through Downtown Fort Lauderdale about 20 minutes into our cruise. Freedom Waters Foundation had organized a delightful lunch for all, providing not just nourishment for the body but also nourishment for the soul.
What truly made this day special, however, was the opportunity for the kids to take the helm and become captains of their own adventures. Despite their battles with cancer and other health issues, their spirits soared as they navigated the waters, their laughter echoing across the river.
Two Hour Magical Cruise
From Downtown Fort Lauderdale, we headed to the infamous sandbar where the New River meets the ICW. Our parade of boats circled around the sandbar and headed back to Marina Bay Marina as we had now been cruising about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Special Bond
But the magic didn’t stop there. On Scott’s boat, something beautiful blossomed. Captain Ben’s daughters struck up a friendship with the kids from Freedom Waters, proving that kindness knows no bounds and that friendships can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Thank you for your support
We are immensely grateful to Starboard Yacht Group for donating the expertise of Captain Marco and their 35′ Everglades, to Captain Mark for generously offering his time and the 28 Scout, to Captain Ben for his dedication and the 48 Formula, and to Captain Mike from 26 North Yachts for his unwavering support and the Nautor Swan 43. A big thank you to Robin of Freedom Waters Foundation for making it all come together! It’s these acts of generosity and compassion that truly make a difference in the lives of others.
As we reflect on this incredible day, we are reminded of the power of community, compassion, and the joy that comes from giving back. Our hearts are full, and our spirits uplifted, knowing that for a few precious hours, we were able to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most. If you are looking to give back, Freedom Waters Foundation is a wonderful organization whose efforts are immeasurable. It truly was a moving day for all of us involved and we are looking forward to doing more with this amazing group.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of compassion and camaraderie. Until next time, may your sails be full, and your hearts even fuller.
As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
For our 21st wedding anniversary, Scott and I decided to visit Charleston, SC for the first time. We took a 6am flight out of Fort Launderdale with a quick layover in Charlotte, NC. That got us into Charleston by 10:15am. Yes, there are direct flights, but both of us are American frequent flyers, so we flew American.
The weather was perfect the day we arrived with light winds and 73 degrees. From our hotel (Marriott Courtyard Historic District) we walked to the Gadsden’s Wharf which was about a 15 minute walk. One thing I loved about Charleston was the historical sites. The city shares the story of each site and has preserved so much of the past.
Scott and I grabbed lunch at a great deli called East Bay Deli and the food was amazing. I highly recommend stopping by here.
At Gadsden’s Wharf you will find the new African-American Historical Museum. Outside they have memorials on display and we had planned to visit the museum on Saturday, but the weather would change that.
Fort Sumter & Harbor Cruise
We checked out the Fort Sumter visitor center, which actually had a lot of historical information. Scott and I had a harbor cruise booked for 1:30pm, and it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. They serve drinks and snacks onboard and the weather was warm and sunny. The cruise is about 90 minutes and takes you by Fort Sumter, to the Arthur Ravenal Bridge.
We didn’t stop by Fort Sumter, but we will on our next visit.
Historic District
After our cruise, we walked around the historic district briefly as we had planned on exploring most of it the following day.
There are two main streets in Charleston, Meeting Street and King Street. We didn’t discover King Street until the following day. This is where all of restaurants, bars and retail shops are located.
Charleston is known for it’s churches and they have a city ordinance that no building can be taller than the steeples.
2nd Day in Charleston
Scott and I woke up to 25mph winds and cold temperatures. But we still walked about 10 blocks to breakfast which was outstanding! My eggs came with “tomato gravy and ham powder” and they were delicious. I never knew what tomato gravy was, but now I do.
Our first stop was the Charleston Historical Museum. There was so much history in here, but it also included much more. They had a dinosaur, Egyptian, and textile section too. We bought the $30 ticket which also got us into two historical homes.
This whale washed up on the wharf and they salvaged the skeleton for the museum.
Historical Homes
Our first home was that of John Manigault’s home, built in 1803. It was so cool to be in a house that was built so long ago.
Next we headed to the wharf where we planned to take the water taxi (a pontoon boat) across the bay to tour the USS Yorktown. Unfortunately the seas were 3-5′ and there was no water taxi. So we continued south to the Pineapple Fountain and the Pier. Let’s just say, this was a very cold walk!
From here we walked to the “row houses” which were incredible. People live in them today and then were toured the Heyward-Washington House. You’ll notice that many of these houses have the porches sideways. This was to allow a breeze in during the hot summer months.
The kitchens were typically not in the actual house, but were a separate building that also housed the slaves upstairs. The living conditions for the slaves was horrible.
We walked back to our hotel (about 10 blocks) from the historical district and just took in the sights.
We did walk thru the City Market which is fairly long. We thought it would resemble Pike Place Market, but it was mostly arts and crafts.
Muse Restaurant
Scott and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary at Muse and it was fantastic. Located in an old house, each room is a dining area. The food was out of this world!
Weather Warning
The following day we woke up to a number of weather warnings. Due to the amount of rain, all of the museums in DT Charleston were closed due to flooding. Our friends Randy and Molly took us out to Folly Beach which was quite the site to see.
When Scott and I returned to our hotel, we decided to walk down King Street to explore. Then we stopped by Husk for a cocktail – this is a really cool whiskey bar. We did get to spend time with our friends and finished the day with a fantastic dinner at Amen.
Great evening in Charleston
We did get to spend time with our friends Randy and Molly and finished the day with a fantastic dinner at Amen.
Charleston is definitely a city we want to return to and explore more. We also plan on visiting Savannah, GA which has a similar history. That’s another reason we love living in Florida as we are so close to so many great destinations.
As always, thank you for following our journey. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel (see link below). Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
Scott and I wanted to enjoy the holidays in a bit cooler weather, so we headed up to St. Augustine, FL the weekend before Christmas. I had heard the the Nights of Lights were amazing, so we were excited to check it out. The drive was about 4.5 hours north including a couple of stops. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US, with a very rich history.
Hilton Historic Bayfront
We stayed at the Hilton Historic Bayfront hotel right across from the water and the location was perfect! The hotel was older, but they really decorated it well.
Our room was upgraded to the corner unit and we had two balconies. One overlooked the water and the other overlooked the alley way. In St. Augustine, the heart of the historic district is occupied by alleys that are lined with shops and restaurants.
Just below our balcony, a band (Running Threads) was playing folk – blue grass music and they were fantastic. We ended up buying them a couple rounds of beers to say thank you. The lead singer is actually from Bellingham, WA!
Out in the courtyard of the hotel, they have a monument sign noting that Martin Luther King was arrested at the Monson Motel (now where the Hilton now is) and the Hilton kept the steps he stood on in his honor.
Exploring St. Augustine
One thing I learned quickly is that most restaurants do not take reservations, so you have to wing it. Our first stop was the Trade Winds Tavern to grab a cocktail. The back bar was certainly interesting, but we loved it.
As you walk down the streets and alleys you will find many historical buildings and the city has done a fantastic job with placing informational placards on historical buildings.
Our first night, we headed into the art district to find a place for dinner. We ended up stumbling upon this horse, who came knocking at the store owner’s door looking for a treat.
Nights of Lights
Scott and I ended up having dinner at the A1A Alehouse. We sat downstairs in the bar and enjoyed a casual dinner. After that, we had scheduled a ghost tour and headed off to meet our guide. Along our way, we had to check out the Nights of Lights square. With the weather being jacket weather and the town playing holiday music, it finally felt like the holiday season we have been missing.
We met our tour guide in the center square, where he would take us on a 90 minute ghost tour of St. Augustine. You might remember that we did a similar tour in Key West that was fantastic.
Unfortunately, this tour and guide were awful. He walked us down five blocks and he used an IPad as his show and tell. On top of that, he forgot his “script” a few times, which flustered him. We didn’t expect to see any ghosts, but we had hoped to learn something about the city and the stories involving ghosts. The only thing somewhat spooky was the cemetery in the center of town.
After the failed ghost tour, Scott and I walked around enjoying the lights and found our way back to the Trade Winds Tavern for some live music.
Day Two in St. Augustine
The following morning, we had breakfast at the Nero Cafe’ right down from our hotel. The menu was a bit eclectic and honestly it wasn’t my favorite. That’s what happens when you eat at the tourist places and not where the locals eat.
We took a nice stroll along the waterfront towards the fort. I can imagine how cool it would be to be anchored in front of the city and enjoying the lights from your boat. Maybe next year!
St. Augustine Fort
Our first stop was the famous Castillo Fort which was built in the late 1600’s. I had visited the fort back in the 70’s when I was a child and this was Scott’s first visit. The entry fee is $15 per adult and you can also buy an annual National Parks pass for $80 per adult.
It’s amazing to think that this huge fort was built by hand using shells and rocks from the sea.
The self guided tour took us about 30 minutes. They do shoot off the cannons every hour starting at 10:30am.
What I found fascinating was that every cannon is elaborately decorated.
St. Augustine Pirate Museum
After our tour of the fort, we headed over to the Pirate Museum. The entry fee is $20 per adult and the self guided tour took about 20 minutes. There were some very interesting facts about pirates and what the navy did to them when they were caught.
There were artifacts that were recovered from treasure chests, including old log books dating back to the 1600’s.
In this gory depiction, a pirate is having is eye removed.
Though it was a short tour, it was very interesting and I am glad we visit it. Our next stop was the Medieval Torture Museum.
Walking the Historic District in St. Augustine
I don’t know what Scott and I thought we would see in this museum, but let’s just say it was horrific. In fact, we are not including any of the images or video we took for our episode, because it was just so gory and horrific. What people did to people back then is unimaginable.
Over half of the torture devices were designed for women – either because they gossiped, drank, suspected witches or were whores.
After experiencing the horrors of the museum, I needed to get outside and get some fresh air as I was feeling queasy. There are lots of outdoor venues where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.
The historic district is really quaint and it reminded us a lot of Leavenworth and Annapolis.
Cocktails Anyone?
Right in the middle of St. Augustine’s historic district, is a distillery. The tasting was complimentary and we tasted eleven different spirits.
They were all incredibly delicious and we bought the salted caramel whiskey. Just across the way is the oldest school house in America. There is a nominal entry fee of $6 per adult.
There is a small courtyard behind the school house and inside they have depicted what a typical classroom would look like.
We learned that a dunce hat was not meant to punish bad behavior, but instead it identified students that were slow. Can you imagine?! Then if you were behaving badly, you were sent to the “dungeon” underneath the stairs. Again, can you imagine?!
Our last stop of the day, was the hot sauce store and Scott found a favorite!
Our Last Evening
One bit of advise I have, is be patient when it comes to dinner. We walked all around the historic district trying to get in to any restaurant and because it was the holidays, everything was full and a long wait. So we ended up back at our hotel, where I had a pretty good beef tenderloin steak.
We finished the evening back at Trade Winds for more live music to finish a great trip to St. Augustine.
Hands down, we will go back to St. Augustine! We would love to see it off season when there are not so many people. There are so many more attractions to see and we can’t wait to go back.
As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and channel and follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Happy New Year!
Scott and I had so much fun last year in Key West, that we headed back down to enjoy the holidays with our good friends Ben and Maria earlier this month. There is so much to do in Key West and this was our fourth visit. Key West is about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Fort Lauderdale, depending on traffic.
On our way down, we stopped at the Lorelei Restaurant for lunch in Islamorada. We hadn’t been there in years, so it was fun to go back and enjoy some cold drinks and a great lunch! Lorelei also is home to many charter and activity companies, so it’s a great starting point.
Opal Key West Hotel
On this trip, we stayed at the Opal Key West again and they did not disappoint. The hotel upgraded us to a suite and took fantastic care of us. Upon arrival we were welcomed with milk and muffins with a welcome note from the team.
We love visiting Key West during the holidays because they go out of their way to deck the city out for the holidays. Scott and I are still getting used to living in flip flops and palm trees, when all of the songs and commercials are about bundling up for the holidays. The Opal Resort does a wonderful job decorating for the holidays!
On our second night, we received a bottle of wine, plus a variety of waters and a nice gift box of snacks.
On top of that, our view was fantastic!
Day One
On our first night, Ben made reservations at Blue Heaven and it was fantastic! We highly recommend dining here. The restaurant is situated in an outdoor courtyard and the grouper was the best I have ever had.
We wrapped up our first night at The Bull bar, listening to some great live music. You can say that Maria and I got pickled that night too!
Day Two
We started the next day with a tour of Harry Truman’s house. There is so much history here, that this blog doesn’t do it justice. Be sure to watch our YouTube episode to get the full story.
Our tour guide was fantastic and one thing he pointed out, was there were ash trays in every room and on every table. This is an actual copy of a Camels ad!
The tour was a bit surreal, thinking that we were standing in the house that one of our US Presidents dined and vacationed. In fact, the last US President to visit was Clinton and his wife. They don’t allow video, but they do allow photos.
Conch Tour
The tour guide at the Truman house encouraged us to take the Conch Train tour, which was $57 per person. The tour did take us all around Key West, including the beach, but the guide’s bad jokes were killing us. We hopped off at Duval Street and grabbed some lunch.
The four of us had lunch at The Two Friends Patio and it was fantastic! Great service and the potato chips were homemade. During our trip, we also made sure to place our sticker where stickers were allowed. If you find one of our stickers, take a photo, share on social and tag us. If you do, we’ll send you a Boating Journey hat!
Rum Tour
From lunch, we headed to the first legal rum distillery in Key West, Key West Rum Distillery. They give complimentary tours and our guide was fantastic! The rum and the vodka were outstanding and you can only buy their liquor from them directly.
Evening in Key West
Our hotel faces west and it offered some of the best sunset views. The four of us watched the sunset before heading to dinner.
We had heard about the Half Shell Raw House restaurant down at the marina and it had good reviews, so we headed there for dinner. The marina is also decorated to the hilt for Christmas.
Along our way, we remembered we had placed a sticker along a wall at the marina and we found it! See if you can find it when you are down there.
Famous Bike Parade
That evening Key West had their famous holiday bike parade and over 4000 bikers decorate their bikes and head down the heart of town. We watched it this year from the balcony of a bar.
Day 3
The following morning, we headed over to climb the 88 steps of the famous Key West Lighthouse. The climb wasn’t physically hard, but it is very steep and being scared of heights, I didn’t look down. Beware that the hand rail is very rusty, so have handwipes ready!
The views were pretty amazing, so it was worth it. Going back down was harder than going up and our legs sure felt it the following morning!
After our tour, we headed to Duval Street and checked out the shops.
Sunset Champagne Cruise
Since we didn’t go snorkeling this trip, we still wanted to get out on the water, so we booked a sunset cruise. We chose an intimate tour of just 14 people on a small catamaran named “Echo” and the crew was fantastic! The choices of wine and champagne were great and they had a nice spread of cheeses and crackers. I highly recommend this tour over a party booze cruise with tons of people.
The cruise ran from 4:30pm to 6:30p and the views were amazing!
Ben and Maria headed to a 5-star Michelin dinner and we chose to stay casual as I had been under the weather. Scott and I ate at the Boat House Restaurant for lighter fare and after that we headed to Irish Kevin’s for some live music. Who knew that Scott would end up on stage in a contest to get the crowd loud! LOL. Be sure to watch the video on YouTube!
Despite being under the weather, it was another great trip to Key West. There is so much to do and we look forward to our trip next year! Another big thank you to the Opal Resort for taking such good care of us (and no this is not paid sponsorship).
As always, thank you for following our blog and please be sure to subscribe to our channel on YouTube and on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.
When Scott and I moved to South Florida, we made a commitment to explore the area just as tourists would and earlier this month we visited the renown Vizcaya Museum. Miami, Florida is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultural scene. Amidst this modernity lies a gem from a bygone era—the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Nestled in the lush Coconut Grove neighborhood, this historic mansion transports visitors to the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age. Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain the day we visited, so we didn’t get to enjoy the gardens like we had hoped to.
You will find the parking lot walking distance from the mansion. They have a paved trail that takes you to the main driveway.
Once you enter the grounds, it is apparent how opulent the mansion and grounds are.
A Glimpse into History
Commissioned by industrialist James Deering in the early 20th century, Vizcaya Mansion was built as a winter residence inspired by Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture. James never married and used the mansion to entertain guests throughout the winter. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1922. The mansion was designed to resemble an Italian villa, with an exquisite attention to detail that remains unparalleled to this day. Unfortunately, James was not able to enjoy it very long, as he passed away in 1025.
Architectural Marvel
The mansion boasts a fusion of European opulence and American innovation. The exterior reflects the grandeur of Italian villas, featuring intricate stone carvings, majestic arches, and a red-tiled roof. Inside, visitors encounter a meticulously designed interior, adorned with awe-inspiring frescoes, ornate furnishings, and an impressive collection of European art and antiques.
Miami-Dade Museum
James Deering died in 1925 and gave the Vizcaya mansion to his nieces. However, they struggled to pay for the maintenance and donated the mansion to Miami-Dade County. It became a historic museum in 1953.
Visitors are guided through a journey through time as they explore the various rooms of the mansion. The opulent rooms, such as the grand hall, the dining room, and the music room, are masterpieces in their own right. Each room is a testament to the luxury and sophistication of the Gilded Age.
Below is a photo of just the pantry – not the kitchen!
The amount of detail that went into each room is stunning. Architect Paul Chalfin designed every room in the mansion.
Vizcaya Mansion originally was built as a square building with an open courtyard in the center and the guest rooms surrounding on the second floor. In 1985 the county enclosed the courtyard to preserve the structure and protect it from weather elements and hurricanes.
Every where you turn, you will find ornate items even in the hallways.
Nine Bedrooms
Vizcaya Museum has nine bathrooms and each have whimsical names. They are also decorated with ornate furnishings making each one unique from the others.
It’s interesting to see how the bathrooms were so different from each other.
The Staff
The staff stayed on the 2nd floor of the Vizcaya Museum and we didn’t have access to their quarters. There were a few sets of stairs to the 2nd floor, but the mansion also had an elevator. The kitchen was designed to be a full service catering kitchen to entertain many guests.
Enchanting Gardens
Beyond the mansion, the Vizcaya Gardens present an enchanting world of lush landscapes, elaborate fountains, and serene waterways. The gardens, designed by Paul Chalfin and Diego Suarez, incorporate Italian and French elements, creating a romantic and picturesque setting.
Visitors can stroll through the beautiful formal gardens, replete with sculpted hedges, marble statues, and reflecting pools. The charming Secret Garden, tucked away from the main area, offers a sense of tranquility and privacy, inviting contemplation amidst nature’s beauty.
In front of the mansion, is a breakwater called the “Vizcaya Barge” . It was intended to look like a boat, but over the years it has deteriorated due to high tides and hurricanes.
Can you imagine the parties they would have in the gardens? We were disappointed that it was raining so hard, as we really didn’t get a chance to enjoy them for very long.
The gardens had so many beautiful plants that I have never seen before. It’s fantastic that such a beautiful place is so well taken care of to preserve its history.
Preservation
In 1952, the estate was opened to the public as a museum, preserving its historical and architectural significance. Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens continue to serve as a cultural hub, hosting events, exhibitions, and educational programs that celebrate art, history, and horticulture.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens stand as a testament to the magnificence of a bygone era. Its beauty, artistry, and historical significance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the opulence of the Gilded Age. Beyond its architectural marvel, the Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens offer a glimpse into a world of art, culture, and the timeless beauty of nature.
As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our vlog – see link below. The video gives you a much closer look at the mansion and Scott tells the full story of its history. Follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.
Cheers,
Scott and Ally
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