Tag Archives: florida

Boat Tour and Oysters in Miami

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

South Beach, Brunch and Island Gardens

After a late night catching up with friends in Miami, we slept in before meeting up together for brunch.  While most spots on Miami Beach are quite expensive, Melissa knew of a more reasonably priced bistro where we could eat and drink for half the price.

Maxine’s is a ten minute walk from Roney’s so we stopped by a few boutique hotels along our way.  We were seated at a small table on Collins then ordered a few carafes of mimosas and placed our orders for brunch.

I ordered the blue cheese chicken salad with hard boiled egg, bacon and avocado.  Shawna decided on the club sandwich with fries and for Melissa, the chicken and spinach salad with hard boiled egg.  We knew that it would be later in the day before we would be eating again as we had plans to explore South Beach and then a night out.

We walked a couple of blocks south on Collins until we reached 15th street to reach Ocean Drive.  With views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, this is the more colorful side of Miami.  Further south, we would have some time to check out the weekend flea market.

The skies were overcast and a perfect temperature to continue further south into the Art Deco District until we reached the Villa Casa Casuarina (Versace Mansion).  Gianni Versace gained notoriety as a fashion designer in the 1980s and 90s, splitting his time between Miami and Milan.  Visitors are known for leaving flowers on the stairs of the 1930’s Spanish-style mansion, marking the location of his death.

We enjoyed the day exploring South Beach and after a couple of drinks at The Clevelander, we soon noticed the sun was beginning to set.  Our favorite place to watch the sunset is Nikki Beach, so we selected a table, ordered some mojitos and decided on the remaining plans for the night.

Back at the Roney Basecamp, we finally met up with the guys to decide what we would do next.  We hung around at the Penthouse taking photos and catching our second wind before boarding an Uber to Island Gardens, one of Miami’s hotspots and superyacht marina.

Our table was ready at The Deck and we placed our order for a couple of Seafood Towers starting with the Deluxe Tower which included their specialty Ceviche, a half dozen of Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail and Crab Legs.  We added additional plates of Ahi Tuna Tartare, Fried Calamari and the Charcuterie Board which included Mortadella, Copa, Duck Pastrami, Drunken Goat Cheese, Truffle Pecorino and Manchego.

The night was early so we went back to the condo to change into something more comfortable before walking over to the W Hotel bar.  We ordered a few overpriced drinks to meet up with some of Mel’s neighbors and then went back to the condo.

It is always so much fun catching up with Melissa and the crew that traveled to Istanbul and Greece together.  Our friendship has continued through so many years and i look forward to some more trips in the near future.

Do you have a friend that travels with you making incredible memories?  I would love to hear about your travel experiences if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my fund weekend in Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Casa Casuarina
1116 Ocean Boulevard
Miami Beach, FL  33139
Telephone:  305 908 1462

Clevelander South Beach
1020 Ocean Blvd.
Miami Beach, FL  33139
Telephone:  786 532 4006

Nikki Beach
1 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL  33139
305 538 1111

Island Gardens Deep Harbor
888 MacArthur Causeway
Miami Beach, Florida  33132
Telephone:  305 531 3747

Where to Stay:

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

Where to Eat:

Maxine’s Bistro & Bar
1756 Collins Avenue
Miami, FL  33139
Telephone: 305 674 1160

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

A Stop in Sarasota with Shawna

It was a bit of a late night with Bill, but knowing that I would be leaving for Miami with Shawna, I was well rested and ready to make our drive to South Beach.  Skipping breakfast for a head start, we decided that Sarasota would be a great place for lunch.

We said goodbye to the Don Cesar, made a couple of stops before crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.   Nearing Sarasota, we were crazy hungry and ready for a break to stretch our legs. We found a lovely restaurant to have lunch along the intercoastal.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous for lunch along the intercoastal.  The menu was absolutely amazing and we each ordered a drink while taking in our surroundings.  I could have stayed here instead of driving the three-and-a-half hour drive to Miami-Dade.

The bacon and blue cheese salad was incredible.  Seagulls stared back at us from the walkway posts as Shawna and I decided the quickest route.  I’m not sure if eating was the best option as both of us were now ready for a nap.  If we wanted to miss afternoon traffic, we would need to leave within the hour.

We decided on one last beverage before hitting the road, so I opted for a non-alcoholic fruity drink as I would be the first to drive.  Besides, knowing Melissa, she will have already scheduled out our day and I wouldn’t want to ruin her plans.  It was always an adventure with Melissa.

Have you had a fun day on a road trip?  What did you do? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for readying about my adventure in Florida and wishing you many happy travels!

Bill and Shawna in Oldsmar

I had been waiting for my friend, and former boss, Bill to call when I checked into the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Bill and I worked together at the Tampa International Airport and he was from Hendersonville, Tennessee.  Everyone loved Bill not only because of his southern accent, but although ten years older than most of us, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to hang out with us.

I dropped off my luggage and hurried to the beach for a moment to take in the Gulf of Mexico.  It was a full day of travel and I was so excited to pick up Shawna from the airport.  I was hoping that she would be up  for hanging out, but tomorrow, we would make the drive back to Miami to spend more time with her cousin and my best friend, Melissa.

Sitting at a table with a Mojito in hand, Shawna had called to let me know she had arrived but was waiting to in baggage claim as her luggage had not arrived.  I finished my drink and began the short drive to the St. Pete-Clearwater Beach airport.  Shawna had her second wind and wanted to find a place for dinner.

So excited to see Shawna, we found  Jack Willie’s Bar and Grill in Oldsmar and ordered our dinner of wings and a salad.  We caught up on how she was doing at the Montessori, reminisced about our girl’s trip to Turkey and discussed what we may want to do when we reached Miami.

I loved spending time with Shawna.  She is intelligent, funny, spontaneous and a wonderful mother to her two girls and son.  Never a dull moment with this girl and her positive spirit just gravitates you towards her.

After a long day of travel, Shawna was extremely tired and was not up for a night of karaoke, a favorite past time for Bill.  She agreed to drop me off at nearby Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery so I could follow up with Bill and reminisce about our time in Tampa.  He agreed to bring me back to the hotel, so she left within minutes to rest for the night.

Bill was full of energy and could not wait to meet up again and catch up about all of our friends that we worked with at the airport.  He was always such a support of my singing and so karaoke was such a fun pastime that we shared.  If it wasn’t for Bill, I would not have had the opportunity to sing with a band that performed each week at the PGA Sawgrass. What an amazing experience.  Bill and I had such a great time at Busch Gardens and Peggy O’Neill’s.  We spent a couple of hours singing our favorite songs until it was time for the bar to close (of course).  It was a lovely night that I will never forget.

Little did I know that it would be the last time I would spend with Bill Harper.  A couple of years later, Bill passed away and it was such an incredibly sad day.  A man that loved life and was the life of the party, he would surely be missed by all who had ever known him.

Have you experienced such a memorable event that you will never forget?  Whether it was the last time to spend with a friend, a breathtaking view or an experience that would be etched in your mind forever, I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my favorite people and our reconnections.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Eatery
13910 W Hillsborough Ave
Oldsmar, FL  33635
Telephone:  813 749 7192

Where to Stay:

The Don CeSar
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, Florida  33706
Telephone:  844 338 1501

Where to Eat:

Jack Willie’s
1013 St. Petersburg Drive West
Oldsmar, FL  34677
Telephone:  813 749 7932

 

A Visit to Pinellas County, Florida and Busch Gardens

I woke early to make the four and a half hour journey to St. Petersburg, Florida.  I was picking up my friend Shawna to take her back to Miami.  In the meantime, I was excited to meet up with another friend of mine Bill for a visit to Busch Gardens and then karaoke.

The weather was absolutely beautiful as I crossed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Years ago, working for the cruise lines, our ship would pass under the bridge on its way to Key West.  Later, while living in Tampa, I always looked forward to driving over the bridge when visiting Sarasota, Fort Myers or Sanibel Island.

Arriving in Pinellas County, I made my pilgrimage to The Frog Pond, a breakfast restaurant where I worked with my friend Theresa.  We would bus tables, arriving as early as 6AM but finish the day by 2PM.  Our favorite days were when Hulk Hogan would stop by with Linda for breakfast, driving up on his Hulkster.  We still laugh about it to this day. 

The condo where Theresa and I lived was at Gull Harbor, conveniently close to the The Frog Pond.  Her father had just met his girlfriend, so when he moved in with her, he allowed us to stay at his place paying a small monthly fee.  The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool and spectacular views of  North Redington Beach.   I had no idea how lucky we were to live here and love to stop by each time I visit.

I had made arrangements to meet my friend Bill at Busch Gardens.  We had both worked together at the Tampa Airport and he was now taking tickets at the park.  When I arrived, he had a couple of additional hours to work and then we would hang out at the park riding rides and visiting the animals.

One of my favorite rides at Busch Gardens is the Skyride where I can see many of the animals in the safari park.

I remember when the Kumba first opened in 1993.  There was so much hype and press covering its opening and having friends who worked at the park was the best advantage.

The SheiKra climbs 200 that slowly reaches the top the stops.  The pause seems endless as you wait before diving down at 70 miles per hour.  There is an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and the splashdown finale where those that are waiting in line are sure to be drenched.

The Cheetah Hunt was my favorite ride as it shoots immediately out of the gate at an incredible speed.  The coaster makes its way to the top only to plunge down through a rocky gorge.  It is the longest roller coaster at the park.

One of my favorite attractions at Busch Gardens was the Animal Care Center where I could watch the medical team work on an eagle’s wing.

Busch Gardens opened its animal care facility in 2012 at an estimated cost of $5 million.  From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, visitors are able to watch the animal care team take on some animal science’s major challenges in their state of the art facility while guests watch the team care for over 200 species of animals.

The day was amazing with so many rides, animals and incredible experiences, but it wouldn’t have been complete without a photo with Big Bird!

Have you visited Busch Gardens in Tampa?  What was your favorite activity at the park?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing day on the west coast of Florida and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 N McKinley Dr
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone:  1 813 884 4FUN (4386)

  • Admission Fee:  There are several entrance pass options (i.e., single day, two-day pass, annual pass, any day ticket and four-park passes) ranging from $43.33 per day.  The website outlines each option along pricing.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM but closing time may change throughout the season, so confirm with the park prior to visiting.
  • Amenities:  Rides and Attractions, Entertainment, Restaurants, Baggage storage area, Gift Shop, Private Tours, Safaris, Kid-Friendly and Educational Events
  • Length of Visit:  With so much to do at the park, try to arrive when the park opens and stay until it closes.  Check the Busch Gardens website for additional activities.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Reservations are highly recommended especially during high season.  Wear comfortable shoes for the park and book additional experiences in advance as they sell out quickly.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge (I-275 South from St. Petersburg, Florida to Sarasota, Florida)

Where to Stay:

Don Cesar Hotel
3400 Gulf Beach Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL  33706
Telephone:  884 338 1501

Where to Eat:

The Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd.
North Redington Beach, FL
Telephone:  727 392 4117

What to Read:

  • The Florida Explorer’s Guide To Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks
  • St. Petersburg Florida, by Sandra Rooks

Photo Guide:

  • The Sunshine Skyway Bridge
  • The Pinellas County Beaches
  • Busch Gardens
  • Don Cesar Hotel

The Mutineer Restaurant Before Reaching Key Largo

Escaping to the Florida Keys, life seems much simpler and relaxing from the everyday minutia of living in Tampa.  It’s a much slower pace where the speed limit is a maximum of 35 miles per hour along US 1.  Scenic sleepy towns and sailboats pop up along the islands with views of the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean until we reach our final destination of Key West.

Staying overnight in Miami, we packed up our belongings in pursuit of the Keys.  Leaving Miami, we made our first stop at The Mutineer Restaurant in Florida City.  Just past the southernmost end of the turnpike, we would order a drink before tackling the two and a half hour drive to Key West, with a few “Key” stops along the way.

The restaurant was built in the 1980’s and was a last stop for many travelers before reaching the southernmost part of the United States.  Built in the shape of a ship, the restaurant offered primarily seafood options on its menu, most notably grouper and yellowfin tuna.  The restaurant was quite nostalgic for us as it seemed as though its interior had not been updated since the day it opened.

With its rustic interior and creepy pirate greeting us at the door, we would enter the kitschy restaurant and make a beeline to the huge bar in the center of the restaurant, known by locals as the Wharf Lounge.  Melissa and I would always order a fruity drink to kick off our Florida Keys road trip and then off to our next stop, Key Largo.

Depending on the traffic, we could reach Key Largo in less than 40 minutes, but we always made a stop for another beverage and pit stop.  My favorite part of visiting the Caribbean Club was the homage to Humphrey Bogart, who starred in the film “Key Largo”, which was filmed at this location.

The Club was opened in 1938 and is the oldest bar within the Upper Keys.  The location is perfect for watching the spectacular sunsets while dancing to the music of local musicians.

Known for its Key Lime Punch, we loved taking a seat outside to enjoy the Atlantic Coast before making our way towards Islamorada.

Dragging ourselves away from this spectacular view, we would soon reach Islamorada in about 25 minutes, ready for a hearty seafood lunch at Robbie’s on Mile Marker 77.5.

Have you stopped by the Mutineer or the Caribbean Club at Key Largo?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for ready about my quick stop in Key Largo and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Mutineer Restaurant
11 SE 1st Avenue
Florida City, FL  33034
Telephone: 305 245 3377

The Caribbean Club
104080 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL  33037
Telephone: 305 451 4466

Where to Stay:

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone:  305 664 4651

Where to Eat:

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
77522 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL  33036
Telephone: 305 664 8070

What to Eat: 

  • Conch Fritters
  • Crunch Grouper Sandwich
  • Florida Keys Stone Crab Claws
  • Lobster Bisque
  • Manhattan Clam Chowder
  • Sesame Seed Ahi Tuna
  • Wahoo Ceviche

What to Read: 

  • Four Days with Hemingway’s Ghost, by Tom Winton
  • Principles of Navigation, by Peter W. Fong
  • Tropical Depression, by Lawrence Shames
  • Salvage Diver, by Zachary Ball

 

The Hemingway House in Key West

Acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway’s travels took him all over the world, yet he made his home in the tropical climate of Key West, Florida.  Today, visitors can explore the Nobel Prize winning author’s home where he spent nearly ten years and which inspired some of his latest writings.

Hemingway first arrived in Key West in the late-1920s with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer.  They eventually purchased their home in 1931, renovating an old carriage house into a writing studio where he wrote To Have and Have Not.  His favorite haunt was Sloppy Joe’s when he was home between his writing trips to Europe.

On one of these trips, Hemingway’s wife wanted to surprise him with a swimming pool.  Unfortunately, he was not pleased with the cost of the pool and threw a penny into it claiming she would have spent his last cent.  Today, that penny can be seen embedded in the concrete of the pool as a reminder of Hemingway’s disdain for the purchase.

Over the years, Hemingway would take up deep sea fishing and with fellow sailors, created a family bond.  He owned a large fishing boat, called the Pilar, a nickname for Pauline.

For a gift, two of the fishermen gave Ernest a polydactyl cat, which were known for catching mice and considered good luck.  He named his new pet,  Snowball and today there are over fifty of these beautiful felines living on the property.

Just over a decade, Ernest’s second marriage would be in trouble and he would leave Key West for Cuba with third wife, Martha Gellhorn.  Pauline would remain in Key West until her death in 1951 taking care of the estate and the cats.  Hemingway’s sons sold the Key West home, which would eventually become The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Have you visited The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my visit to Hemingway’s Home and Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 1575

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • Sunset at Mallory Square
  • The Strand

Strolling the Island of Key West

The road trip to Key West had finally come to a close as we crossed the bridge into the southernmost part of the United States.  After checking into the Huron House, we finally found a parking spot a few blocks away and started our mid-morning exploration of Key West.

Several members of our group wanted to start bar hopping while a few of us wanted to wait at least until the afternoon before a pitstop at Sloppy Joe’s.  Splitting up in two groups, the explorers entered the Mel Fisher’s Treasures Store on Duval Street.    It was exciting to see first-hand some of the treasures that Mel found from the Atocha.  Original coins start at $2465.

We explored t-shirt and souvenir shops set in two-story Victorians and tropical-themed Key West boutiques.  We bought Key Lime pies and sampled rum cakes from the West Indies.

Bahama Village is a colorful, revitalized neighborhood that includes a market as well as upscale shopping and lodging.  This section of Key West was named for the Bahamians that made The Keys their home and now displays colorful murals and island restaurants.

Located on Duval Street is The Strand.  Once a theater that had opened in the 1920s, today, it houses a Walgreens Pharmacy.  This location was also a Ripley’s Believe it or Not attraction before 2002 and each business had kept the facade which is a lovely attraction.

We held out until late afternoon to have lunch and agreed on the authentic Sunset Tiki Bar with its Tahitian-inspired decor.  I ordered the grouper strips with a dill dip that was absolutely delicious and ordered a Mai Tai served in an Easter Island-esque plastic cup.

After a great meal and our first drink, it was time to meet up with our party half of the group, unsure of what we would be getting ourselves into, but we were ready to find out.

Have you visited Key West? What were your favorite shops, activities, restaurants and bars?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to The Keys and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mel Fisher’s Treasures
613 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 295 9555

Open 10AM to 4PM daily.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum located at 200 Greene Street!

Montage Key West Collection – shop has closed

Bahama Village – 16-block neighborhood, a short walk from Old Town.

The Strand (now Walgreens Pharmacy)
527 Duval Street
Key West, FL  33040

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL  33040
Telephone:  305 294 9227

Where to Eat:

Sunset Tiki Bar – Located on the Marina
The Galleon Resort
617 Front Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone: 305 295 0207

What to Eat:

  • Ceviche
  • Conch Fritters
  • Crab Cakes
  • Grouper
  • Lobster
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Shrimp

What to Read:

  • To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway
  • Key West, Tequila, a Pinch of Salt and a Quirky Slice of America, by Jon Breakfield
  • Gumbo Limbo, by Tom Corcoran
  • Florida Keys Volume 1: A History of the Pioneers, by John Viele

Photo Guide to Key West:

  • Casa Marina Key West
  • Charming Houses and Front Porches
  • Ernest Hemingway Museum
  • Fort Zachary Taylor
  • Hens and Roosters
  • Higgs Beach
  • The Kapok Tree
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Key West Mural
  • La Concha Hotel
  • Marilyn Monroe at Tropic Cinema
  • Mile Marker 0
  • Mural at Waterfront Brewery
  • The Old Pier Behind Casa Marina
  • Rainbow Walkways at 801 Bourbon Bar
  • San Carlos Institute
  • Smathers Beach
  • Southernmost Beach Cafe
  • Southernmost House
  • Southernmost Point Bouy
  • The Strand

Don Arturo Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, NOW LAS CALEñITAS RESTAURANT

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

What’s Happening in 2018? My Travel and Blog Schedule for Next Year

I am so excited for the many opportunities I have for travel this year!   Here is an overview of my travel schedule for 2018 and what you can expect to read on The Suite Life of Travel!

Travel Schedule, 2018:

Will start out celebrating the New Year with a week in San Francisco and a long weekend in Las Vegas!

My best friend will be marrying late winter/early spring, so a few days in Miami and a few more in Tampa to check out possible real estate!  Super excited!!

Work will take me to Montreal and Quebec City, where I will extend my stay in Canada with a vacation along the east coast.

Photo Credit:  Best of Italy Photos

I will wrap up my spring travel plans with a Mediterranean cruise….ALL EXPENSE PAID!!  This is  my first writing assignment as the ship I will be sailing has an all new itinerary!

Summer plans include exploring more of my home state of Ohio!

Photo Credit:  AFS

Late summer, I will spend ten days on African Safari and visiting friends in South Africa, many thanks to some friends that live there!  I will make the drive up to Victoria Falls, check out a rescue where I will volunteer to assist and interact with animals that require medical care before heading back to the States….a possible side trip to include Madagascar??!!

Photo Credit:  VRBO

My last overseas (tentative) trip, will be spending a couple  of weeks on the island of Sicily taking cooking classes and exploring the island by rail.  Any suggestions or recommendations for places to stay are appreciated!

I will be speaking at two conferences this fall….one in San Francisco and Seattle, so a couple of added days to my itinerary will fit in just perfect.

Wow!  So much to anticipate and so many more plans to make.  I have quite a few writing projects in the works and look forward to seeing where this year leads!

Blog Schedule, 2018!

Continued coverage of my Ohio outings (lots of posts about Cincinnati this year) as well as Wine Wednesdays will continue!

Winter posts will include my December west coast trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as last year’s last minute trip to London, Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge!

Check out my National Parks in the West/Midwest series coming in May and July.

Paris takes center stage in August with a side trip to Versailles.

September makes a detour back to the US with a weekend in Yosemite.

I can’t wait to share my insights on New Orleans, which is full of restaurant recommendations and amazing things to do in the “Big Easy”!

And the rest of the year will cover my recent trip to Jordan and Israel which will carry on into 2019!

Hang out with me to explore some amazing locations across the world and to hear about my exciting adventures!  Thanks for reading my updated posts to “The Suite Life of Travel”  and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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