Boat Tour and Oysters in Miami

8 July 202225 May 2025

We stayed up late again last night and left South Beach early for Melissa’s vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale. Planning to spend some time at the pool, we would return to South Beach for a boat ride around the harbor and then find a great spot for dinner.

The weather was overcast, but perfect for sunning by the pool. Sam went out to pick up some items to grill for lunch. He returned with a charcuterie plate, small steaks, lobster and hard seltzers.

Our late lunch was absolutely fabulous, which is always the case with Sam and Mel. We packed our sun-kissed faces into the mid-sized bathroom to get ready for our last night in Miami. After a few dress changes, we were finally ready after an hour and a half.

We were all so excited for the boat ride that it seemed so long for us to finally arrive. The traffic was absolutely crazy but we managed to make it on time to board the Biscayne Bay “Millionaire’s Row” Boat Tour sunset cruise.

The tour began along the bay at a dock surrounded by giant skyscrapers and luxurious catamarans. The weather was perfect with low humidity and moderate temperatures in the mid-70s. With the exception of one couple, we had the boat all to ourselves.

We passed by elaborate properties with an unknown amount of square footage and luxury yachts. The boat ride was smooth as we passed through the No Wake zone and began making our way out towards the bay.

I imagined waking up each morning and enjoying coffee along the coast, watching the yachts and tour boats pass by.

My favorite homes were the ones that were surrounded by water with well-manicured yards and second story balconies.

Very few homes were brightly painted with Caribbean-colored exteriors but they were a welcome change to the scenery.

As we approached the overpass, our boat tour was coming to an end. The sun was also beginning to set, so we discussed where we wanted to stop for dinner.

The last home on our tour was my absolute favorite. There is something about strings of lights, strewn from pole to pole, creating an ambient setting. If I had to choose, this would be my kind of home in a world where I could afford it. I’m just as happy admiring it from the comfort of our tour.

Although cloudy, the golden hour brought out the minimal lighting as the boat began to dock in the intercoastal. When we learned that Shawna had never eaten oysters, Melissa knew of a great place to stop for dinner. By now, we were hungry and looked forward to slurping down a few salt-water mollusks.

Sam and the boys were going to meet us at Stiltsville Fish Bar, We ordered several dozens of oysters knowing it would take a while for them to be shucked. In the meantime, we also ordered some drinks and checked our departure flights for the next day. Within ten minutes we had all gathered together and were now waiting for Shawna to try her first oyster.

According to Shawna, the oysters were amazing. She may have eaten a whole dozen, so I guess that confirms they were worth it.

Have you had the opportunity to take a cruise around Miami to admire the oceanside mansions? We had a blast during our experience and would do it again. Many thanks for reading about our coastal tour in Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Miami Mansion Boat Tour

Where to Stay:

The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305 938 3000

Where to Eat:

Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362

Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone: 786 673 8374

What to Read:

Miami, by Joan Didion
Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz

Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:

- Art Deco Historic District: The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
- Big Pink
- Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
- Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Casa Florida
- Eden Roc Hotel
- Fontainebleau Hotel
- Gianni Versace Mansion
- Life guard stand at South Beach
- Lincoln Theater
- Miami Skyline
- Museum Garage
- Nikki Beach
- Ocean Drive: The Traffic and Palm Trees
- SOBE sculpture
- The Delano Hotel
- The Garden House Restaurant
- The Standard Hotel and Spa
- The Views from Juvia
- The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
- Venetian Pool
- Wynwood Art

Kuta Puri Bungalows, Bali

11 March 202222 September 2024

The Kuta Puri Bungalows is a jewel of a resort in Kuta, Bali that is quietly tucked away in the fast-paced streets of the city. I had been booked in the nearby Hard Rock Hotel, but they had overbooked and my friend, Wayan found this amazing place.

The front desk is an open air structure where the attendants are super friendly and helpful in arranging tours and drivers for the day.

The paved pathways are perfect for exploring the grounds and taking a leisurely stroll.

Towards the front of the resort are the smaller rooms that are perfect for an economical stay.

I opted for the bungalow which included a sunken in living room, raised bedroom and an upscale outdoor bathroom set up in a garden style environment.

The outdoor bench was the perfect location for watching the thunderstorms. The bungalow was set towards the back of the resort where it was very private and quiet.

A small back porch of flowers and fauna was located off of the living quarters of the bungalow.

Two swimming pools are one of the few wonderful amenities provided by the hotel.

An attendant provides guests with pool towels each day.

Kuta Puri offers daily massages in a simple secluded area of the hotel’s property.

A Hindu temple is located towards the back of the hotel.

The resident cat stands guard at the Hindu temple.

A complimentary breakfast is served each morning at the resort’s restaurant. Lunch and dinner can be purchased here throughout the day.

The grounds are impeccable which makes for a nice morning, afternoon or evening walk.

Thank you for exploring the grounds of the Kuta Puri Bungalows with me. It is a resort that I highly recommend during your stay in the Kuta area of Bali. The hotel is reasonably priced with great accommodations and is close to the beach.

Have you been pleasantly surprised by a hotel or accommodation that you booked? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, Ohio Amish Country

14 May 202115 February 2025

There is no arguing the fact that home-cooked meals in Amish Country will have you gaining a few pounds over your weekend visit. From hearty helpings of chicken ‘n dumplings to decadent desserts, I was in search of the best fried chicken in town. Driving through Millersburg, I happened to notice a long line coming from Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen and knew it was a sign to stop for lunch.

The wait was about fifteen minutes and I spent the last five of them watching servers carry plates of food. Sitting down at the table, I looked over the menu and was tempted by the pot roast or the salmon, but Mrs. Yoder is known for her “special recipe” fried chicken. While I waited for my meal, my server brought some bread with peanut butter spread, which was absolutely amazing.

My meal arrived, steaming hot with sides of mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles and whole kernel corn. The chicken was juicy with a light, perfectly seasoned crispy outside. The noodles and mashed potatoes reminded me of holiday dinners and the corn was plump at a perfect temperature. The serving size was filling, so I opted to order a piece of strawberry pie for later.

With a couple of hours to spare before my horse and buggy excursion, I had some time to shop at Keim’s and enjoy a peach-flavored Nehi.

Have you visited Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Ohio’s Amish Country? I would love to hear what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my quick visit to Mrs. Yoder’s and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen
8101 State Route 241
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 330 674 0922

Don Arturo Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, NOW LAS CALEñITAS RESTAURANT

6 October 201916 March 2025

Spending my twenties in Tampa, I fell in love with Cuban food, especially Cuban sandwiches served with black beans and saffron rice. I had been living in Cincinnati for nearly six months when I decided to fly down to Fort Lauderdale to visit my best friend, Melissa. She had been transferred to South Florida with United Airlines and had already scoped out the best Cuban restaurants, so I was so excited to hop off the plane and have a much-needed lunch.

Don Arturo Restaurant is minutes from the airport, so when I met her at the gate, we immediately set out for lunch. There was not much of a crowd so we ordered our drinks and food straightaway. Within minutes our meals were brought out to our table. My Cuban sandwich was perfectly prepared with nearly two inches of shredded pork on a perfectly pressed bun.

The Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano in Spanish is said to have originated in either Tampa or South Florida where Cuban immigrants migrated and set up communities. The sandwich is made with ham, roasted pork (mojo), Swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard placed on Cuban bread and then pressed on a plancha, similar to a panini press but without the grooved surface. When or where the sandwich was invented is difficult to confirm as many believe it became a lunch item for cigar makers who worked in communities such as Key West or Ybor City, outside of Tampa.

My black beans and yellow rice were topped with onion, which is exactly how I like them, My meal also came with an order of plantains, which was absolutely perfect.

It was great to catch up with Melissa and learn that she was looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale to set up as an Airbnb. Currently she has an apartment on South Beach and would like to make some additional income. I was excited that we would be hanging out on South Beach the next couple of days and I would be able to see her new place and catch up on life. For now, I am catching up on some amazing food at Don Arturo’s.

Do you have a favorite meal or a restaurant that you love to visit? I would love to hear about your favorite place and/or food if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Where to Eat:

Don Arturo Restaurant
1198 SW 27th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Telephone: 954 584 7966

Exploring the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

15 December 20148 February 2025

The view of the Arenal Volcano could be seen from miles away as we approached central Costa Rica. The most beautiful blue background accented the green and grey contrast as thin clouds hovered over the peak. Drawing thousands of visitors to central Costa Rica each year, We had time to explore the volcano one last time before departing for the Gulf Coast where we would reach Puerto Limon. It would be nearly a 7 hour drive to the coast with a stop in Poas.

We could not have had a more relaxing drive with just a few wispy clouds moving through to provide some relief from the hot, burning sun. The trek was absolutely stunning with its scenic views, local gatherings and surprises behind each turn. We shared the drive and I was happy when I could turn the car over, relieving my knuckles from holding so tightly to the steering wheel. I quickly learned that the Costa Ricans drive somewhat aggressively, and the roads are a little unstable along the cliffs.

Reaching nearly 9,000 feet, the Poas Volcano is another one of the most visited attractions in Costa Rica. This protected area in the Central Valley region is Costa Rica’s amazing geothermal feature with a milky blue sulfuric lake at its center. Smoke and steam rise up through the cracks and crevices created in the hot rock. Recorded as the largest active crater in the world, the hot water geyser shoots up over 820 feet high, but at that height is not dangerous to visitors. We hiked up to the crater overlook trail which only takes about 10 minutes each way, measuring .3 miles for spectacular views.

I could have stayed here, mesmerized by its beauty, staring out over the volcano, but we had plans to reach the Caribbean side before nightfall. We took in the amazing view and returned back to hiking the overlook trail leading to the parking lot.

Update: Poas Volcano erupted on October 1, 2019 and the park is temporarily closed.

It took us nearly 8 hours to reach Puerto Viejo, but the ride was incredible with scenic views of farmland and tropical trees. When we arrived on the coast, we were elated to find our hotel and unpack the car to explore the east coast for a couple days.

The next morning we sprinted down to the beach to find a great place to catch some waves and rays. The weather was hot enough to take the cold edge off of the water, so we spent hours surfing the Salsa Brava. We found hammocks to take some time to snack on the local food, especially the fruit and my favorite, ceviche. With our suntans and sun-baked cheeks, we returned back to our room, showered and prepared for dinner and a night on the town.

Our hotel was close to the beach so we didn’t have far to drive. I was ready before everyone else, so I took a seat outside of our room to enjoy the palm trees, beautiful bay iguanas and a gentle breeze. I enjoyed the few minutes to myself just taking in the scenery and wondering what lay ahead for dinner and drinks. I was hoping we could stop by some of the shops as well to find a new bathing suit or cover up and another supply of Sex Wax for our boards.

We all agreed that we wanted to find a beachy restaurant where we could hear the waves and look out onto the water. We could not get enough of the local ceviche and found an eatery that checked all of the boxes, Restaurante Tamara. When it’s a place that the locals eat, it’s sure to be amazing.

A couple of drinks in and Edwin the owner introduced himself to us. He was extremely hospitable and gave us a few tips for local attractions and sites. The fresh seafood was absolutely fabulous, the ceviche did not disappoint and the drinks continued to flow.

After dinner, we walked over to the Salsa Brava Beach Bar for more drinks and dancing. The reggae vibe of Puerto Viejo is infamous and the laid-back music made for a relaxing evening. We were so tired from spending the day at the beach, so we left earlier than usual for another sunny day at the beach tomorrow.

Have you visited Costa Rica? What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country? I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my journey through Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo Beach and the Salsa Brava wave

Where to Stay:

Casitas Las Flores
Casa Amma Road
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8343 7810
Website: http://www.casitaslasflores.com/

Where to Eat:

Restaurante Tamara
Avenida 71
Limon, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70401, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2750 0148

What to Eat:

Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

Where to Drink:

Salsa Brava Beach Bar
100 MTS South Discoteca Stanfords
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70002, Costa Rica

What to Drink:

Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most poular brand.

What to Read:

It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
Oro by Cizia Zyke
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano