Exploring a Whole New World at The Newport Aquarium!

22 July 20223 May 2025

Greeting me at the entrance to the Newport Aquarium is the Wishing Whale, a humpback whale that seems to appear out of the frozen ice beneath him! It is a spectacular life-like replica where visitors can contribute their change to expand the educational programs of the aquarium.

A beautifully painted mural of more whales and extraordinary polar bears augment the feeling of visiting the arctic.

It is here where I present my ticket to enter the Newport Aquarium as I begin my fantastic exploration of this award-winning attraction!

Having opened in May of 1999, the Newport Aquarium showcases fourteen permanent exhibits where visitors can learn about life in both saltwater and freshwater habitats from around the world. From freshwater to saltwater, there are over 90 species that have found a home here at the aquarium.

I am fascinated by those species that are somewhat unusual. For example, animals such as the electric white lobster live deep below the ocean. They are creatures that live in caves and require minimal light for survival, resulting in their albino-type features.

Some of my favorite exhibits at the aquarium are the tunnels made of seamless acrylic, of which there are five. The aquarium displays placards of the animals that are present in the tunnels and finding each of them is a fun way to learn about these creatures of the deep.

The Tide Pool is one of the aquarium’s interactive exhibits that allow visitors to touch some of the sea creatures such as starfish, mollusks and horseshoe crabs.

The theater is another educational feature of the aquarium where staff divers explain the habitat of the sharks and their habits.

The seahorse exhibit was one of my favorite displays where informative placards explain the behavior of these fragile creatures.

There are several tanks that contain these delicate sea animals, some so small they seem invisible.

Have you ever seen anything like the Weedy Seadragon? They are a marine fish, related to the seahorse, that camouflages itself against the sea kelp, and are indigenous to the waters of Australia.

Mighty Mike is the largest American alligator outside of Florida who resides at Gator Alley.

There is also a pair of American white alligators which were brought to the aquarium from Louisiana. Their names are Snowball and Snowflake. Albino American white alligators are very rare. It is believed that there are only 12 of these alligators in the world and each of them reside in captivity.

The Frog Bog is just around the corner and I cannot believe what I am seeing! There are so many different colors of frogs that I have to readjust my eyes to make sure they are not playing tricks on me!

Green and black…

Red…

And blue!

Canyon Falls is a habitat for otters and I have such a fun time watching them swim around in the water.

This is also the place where I find the Green Tree Python, wrapping himself around a tree branch with his green beady eyes staring me down as if I am his next meal.

But it is the chameleon that capture my attention with his crazy eyes and sweet disposition.

I exit the habitat and I pass through a tunnel, the Amazon River and meet up with the Jellyfish Gallery which is said to be the largest collection of jellyfish in the Midwest. There are several species including “the moon jelly, upside-down jellyfish, sea nettle and spotted jelly”.

I am so excited to pass through the shark tunnel! There are close to 10 different species of shark swimming alongside me as well as above me as well as grouper, stingrays and the loggerhead turtle. The experience is exhilarating!

Shark Central is an additional exhibit that allows visitors to actually pet some of the least dangerous of shark species such as the crested bull shark, the leopard shark and the sharptooth houndshark to name a few.

At last I have arrived at the Kroger Penguin Palooza where there are a number of penguin species on display including the king penguin, the chinstraps, gentoos, macaronis and rockhoppers. I love watching them in the habitat, especially when they decide to go for a swim. It is an entertaining display of nature that seems to be a favorite among the children and adults I would presume as well.

So as I stand to the side and take in the show, I am in awe of the underwater creatures of the seas and fresh waters. Whether they live in the depths of the cold or near the islands of the tropics, these animals are an essential part to the ecological system of the earth. I am happy that places like the Newport Aquarium exist to bring each of us the opportunity to experience a whole new world.

Have you visited the Newport Aquarium? What was your favorite exhibit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Newport Aquarium

1 Aquarium Way

Newport, KY 41071

Telephone: 859 261 5888

Website: www.newportaquarium.com .

The Mutineer Restaurant Before Reaching Key Largo

17 November 201919 September 2024

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

Strolling the Island of Key West

13 October 201919 September 2024

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

Welcome to Sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico!

22 January 201816 September 2024

It was a snowy winter in Ohio and I was determined to find an escape from the cold and dreary. Looking for the perfect vacation, I realized that a cruise out of Puerto Rico would be the perfect, affordable option without much planning. Asking a friend to join, within days we were boarding an early morning flight scheduled to arrive in San Juan at 4PM Atlantic Time. Leaving a foot of snow behind, we were on our way to the Caribbean islands for a sun-drenched, relaxing getaway. Located about 1000 miles off of the coast of Florida, Americans are not required a passport as the island is an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Booking an early morning flight ensured that if there are any delays, there would be additional flights following. And of course, leaving early in the morning would give us an additional full day to explore San Juan.

Celebrating with a couple of Bloody Marys and a short nap, we landed a few minutes ahead of schedule and collected our luggage.

The smell of the salty air and humidity greeted us as we exited the airport. A short taxi ride took twenty minutes to the Hotel Plaza de las Armas, located in the heart of Old San Juan. Securing a reservation with accommodations in the center of the city allowed us to walk to all of the top attractions. We were not only close to all of the action in the historical city but in close proximity to the cruise ship port as well.

After unloading our luggage, and having only had a couple of Bloody Marys from the flight, finding a restaurant was our top priority. Checking in with the front desk, the young attendant suggested that we try La Barrachina for the Comida criolla (local Puerto Rican faire) and added that it was the home of the Pina Colada. Not a bad way to kick off our sunny escape.

Reaching the restaurant within minutes, we noticed the placard boasting La Barrachina’s claim to fame for inventing the Pina Colada as we gave our name to the hostess. We became spellbound by the smell of the Caribbean spices coming from the kitchen and looked over the menu to browse the local cuisine.

After a few squawks from the parrot in the back of the restaurant, we were seated in an enclosed, air-conditioned space which was starting to fill up on a Saturday night. Our server arrived quickly, took our drink order and provided a list of house specialties and recommendations.

Happy hour prices for the Pina Colada included two for the price of one. What’s not to love about a frothy, fruity drink with a double shot of rum? No doubt the rum comes from a local distillery, most likely from the local Bacardi factory, the largest producer of this sugar cane based libation. Cheers to Don Ramon and his tropical invention.

Deciding what to order was becoming more of a challenge than we had thought with so many options. Our waiter was eager to explain some of the items on the menu starting with the mofongo, which is cooked meat or vegetables poured over a plantain based mash seasoned with garlic, spices and broth. Dave decided on the chicken mofongo while I ordered the grilled grouper, adding a beer and another Pina colada to our bill.

Just finishing our drinks, we could smell the delicious garlic and spices from our meals before they reached the table. My grouper was perfectly prepared, but one taste of the mofongo and I was addicted. My obsession with this Puerto Rican dish would continue over the next couple of days. Is it possible that they serve this at breakfast, lunch and dinner?

The sun had already set as we left the restaurant and we ended the evening with a romantic stroll down the Paseo de la Princesa, the esplanade outside of the city walls. Known for its food stands and artisans, this beautiful 19^th century walkway is lined with stately trees, antique streetlamps, ending at the Atlantic Ocean. We stood by the Raices Fountain while watching the moonlight’s glow reflecting on the sea. Retracing our steps along the promenade, we decided to stop for one more drink at the nearby beach bar before turning in for the night. It was a beautiful, relaxing start to our first day of vacation and we had tired ourselves enough to guarantee a great night’s sleep.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Old San Juan in Puerto Rico? Do you have a favorite dining location or local food you would like to recommend? 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 first day in Old San Juan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Preparing for Puerto Rico:

Contact and Pre-Vacation Information: For more information about Puerto Rico, contact their website at www.seepuertorico.com. I would suggest that you request some information prior to your visit, such as the Que Pasa magazine. I found my walking tour on www.puertoricodaytrips.com.

When to Go: Dave and I booked our trip for the end of January and found a great price for our flight on Southwest! The cruise rate was reasonable and so were our hotel expenses, highly unusual for this time of the year. Off-season is considered September – November and mid-March to June.

Airlines:

Southwest Airlines
Phone: 1 800 435 9792
Southwest now flies to the Caribbean!!

Flights were $400 per person from Columbus, Ohio to San Juan, Puerto Rico with a small stop in Orlando

Where to Stay:

Hotel Plaza de Armas
San Jose Street 202
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: 866 599 6674

Amenities: Non-smoking, free continental breakfast, WiFi, refrigerator and microwave; there is a free trolley nearby at Stop #8

*Hotel was prepaid costing $150 per night. We arranged for a queen sized bed, room without a window, non-smoking and guaranteed late arrival.

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Barrachina
Fortaleza Street 104
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: 787 721 5852
*Order the pina colada (birthplace of the drink) and the chicken mofongo! The restaurant displays a copy of the Discovery Map of Puerto Rico which is what we used to get around. There are detailed maps of Old San Juan, the Condado as well as Isla Verde.

The view from our inside table at Restaurant Barrachina. It would have been fantastic to eat outside, but there was no breeze in the courtyard and we decided upon air conditioning. The walls were painted in bright tropical colors with abstract artwork adding more culture. The tables were simply decorated with paper table covers over white linen cloths. To add to the ambiance, there were candles lit in the center.

Puerto Rico’s Premium Light Beer, Medalla, not to be confused with Mexico’s Modelo

Enjoying our first night in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is known for its rum!