Tag Archives: mansions

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

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Portland, Maine

There is only a ten minute drive between the Portland Head Lighthouse to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in  Portland.   As we travel the coast into the South Side of Portland, the views are spectacular with sailboats in the cove surrounded by million dollar mansions.

The lighthouse was completed in 1897 and is one of 49 caisson-style lighthouses in the United States that visitors can walk to.  It protects sailors from the dangerous ledge as they enter the Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, located at the end of the 950-foot breakwater.

Built by Thomas Dyer, the lighthouse measures 77 feet in height and was an integral part of protecting Portland’s growing harbor in the 1800s.   It was lit by William A. Lane on May 24, 1897.  The breakwater was added in 1951, built of 50, 000 tons of local granite.

The lighthouse was transferred to private ownership under the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 1996 and a trust was formed in 1998 to maintain Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and manage future restoration projects.

While visitors can walk along the breakwater for a closer view of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, guided tours begin after the Memorial Day weekend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and limited Saturdays from 11:30AM to 1:30PM as the weather allows.  The cost is $5 per person.  Private tours are also available for up to 12 people with a fee of $150.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse?  Did you take the guided tour?  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 wonderful visit to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Road
South Portland, ME  04106
Telephone: 866 570 5703

  • Admission:   Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset
  • Amenities:  Guided tours, beach nearby,
  • Length of Your Tour:  1 – 2 hours to visit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There is a beach and fort next to the lighthouse.  There is a small fee to enter the lighthouse and call ahead to schedule a tour.  Check the tide as it is best to visit during low tide.  Small parking area on the community college’s campus.

Where to Stay:

Inn at St. John Portland In-Town
939 Congress Street
Portland, ME  04102
Telephone:  800 636 9127

Where to Eat:

DiMillos
25 Long Wharf
Portland, ME  04101
Telephone:  207 772 2216

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster!

What to Read:

  • Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
  • Persuader, by Lee Child
  • Shelter in Place, by Nora Roberts
  • The Singing Trees, by Boo Walker
  • The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

Photo Guide for Portland:

  • Boda Thai Kitchen
  • Casco Bay and the Portland Head Lighthouse
  • Crown Jewel
  • Drifter’s Wife
  • Eventide Oyster Company
  • Portland Head Lighthouse
  • The Press Hotel

Going Back Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, Michigan

It was a gorgeous Michigan day when we decided to make the trek towards the Upper Peninsula.  As we approached the island from the south, we could see the Mackinac Island Bridge in the distance.  A massive suspension bridge measuring over 26,000 feet  connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and traverses Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes.  The residents of Michigan call it the “Big Mac” bridge and they refer to  themselves as U-P’ers, living in the Upper Peninsula.  Those living south of (or “under”) the bridge are lovingly referred to as trolls.

1 Big Mac Bridge

I had first heard of Mackinac Island, Michigan when I rented the movie “Somewhere in Time”.  The production starred Christopher Reeve and was filmed on the island in the late-1970’s.  When I began telling my friends that I was going to spend a week-long family vacation in Michigan, my friends highly recommended spending a day on the island.

2 Mackinac Bridge

We paid the toll to reach the upper peninsula side of the bridge and caught a ferry over to the island.

3 43 Mackinac Bridge, UP

The bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

4 110721 Macinaw city harbor from ferryThe light breeze  off of the lake felt great as we patiently awaited the ferry.   From Mackinaw City Harbor, we boarded the Shepler’s Ferry shortly after our arrival to the pier and took the 45 minute boat ride to the island.

5 Approaching Mackinac Island

The ferry ride was incredibly relaxing and smooth as sea gulls flew above us and the winds began to pick up half way through the journey.  In the far distance The Grand Hotel dominated the horizon and was the first structure visible along the coast.

Mackinac Island has been a popular resort town since the early 19th century.  With a quaint downtown full of shops, we arrived at the dock and disembarked, ready to explore the island.

6 48 Mackinac Island Harbor

We strolled through the downtown area prior to visiting the Grand Hotel.  Admiring the yachts and sailboats in the harbor, we visited charming boutiques, restaurants and a large number of fudge shops.

7 Street Shot of Mackinac

We could not help but notice that there was a fudge shop on every corner, a fact for which Mackinac Island is known.  According to one of the local “fudgies”, some of the shop owners have been making their famous fudge for over a century.

8 110721 Joy and Bikes at Mackinac Island

We had several options for getting around the island to include walking, horse and buggies as well as biking.  No cars are permitted on the island, so this added to Mackinac’s charm and simplicity.

9 St. Anne's Church, Mackinac Island

Among the historical buildings on Mackinac Island was St. Anne’s Church.   Locals had congregated here since 1695, but this building, completed as we saw it today, was built in 1874.

10 110721 Amazing Flowers at Mackinac

Flower boxes adorned the windows of shops as we made our way to the Grand Hotel.   We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the island.11 54 Horse Carriage to Cottages by Grand Hotel

We passed a few horse and carriages that transported visitors to the Grand Hotel.  We continued along the path that led us to the resort, passing beautiful estates and mansions that rest along the roadway.

11 Grand Hotel

The approach towards the hotel was breathtaking.  Sitting atop the hill, the stately resort, with its Victorian architecture, commands attention.  Built in the late 19th century, it has been a luxury vacation spot for celebrities, politicians and visitors from all over the world.  Because we were not guests of the hotel, we were required to pay a $5 charge to visit.

12 The Rocking Chairs on Grand Hotel

The hotel is known for its grand porch lined with rocking chairs that are strategically placed to enjoy the scenery.   We took a few moments to enjoy the scenic view from the rockers before making our way back to the harbor to catch the ferry.

13 54 Horse Carriage of Grand Hotel

We retraced our steps into town with one final view of the Grand Hotel’s horse and carriage.  With our ferry tickets in hand, we couldn’t decide if we should make another fudge stop and after taking a vote, the ran to Murdick’s Fudge for a last minute treat.

From the harbor to the downtown, the fudge shops to the Grand Hotel, the self-guided tour of Mackinac Island would end up being one of the highlights of our vacation.  Even on holiday it can be a rare occurrence to experience a place that maintains its charming atmosphere.  And it was for this reason, that on Mackinac Island, we too most certainly felt that we experienced a moment “Somewhere in Time”.

Have you visited Mackinac Island?  Did you stay overnight or visit for the day?  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 day on Mackinac Island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
7278 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone:  906 847 3307

This is the original carriage tour on the island!  The tour takes close to 2 hours with six stops!

Where to Stay:

The Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone: 800 334 7263

Where to Eat:

Bistro on the Green
One Lakeshore Drive
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone:  906 847 3312

We chose this location to enjoy the scenic view of the putting course.  I started with the crispy calamari, that was perfectly breaded and served with Mission Point’s signature marinara sauce.  I also ordered the grilled kabob, which was served with rice and tzatziki sauce with the perfect amount of garlic.

Murdick’s Fudge
7363 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone: 906-847-3530

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge and Murdick’s Fudge has been around since 1887!

What to Eat: 

  • The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale
  • Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
  • Mackinac Island Fudge
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
  • Better Made Chips from Detroit
  • Germack Pistachios 
  • Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
  • Faygo beverages

What to Read: 

  • The Legend of Mackinac Island, by Kathy-jo Wargin
  • Somewhere on Mackinac, by Jeff Adams
  • Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
  • The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
  • Mackinac Passage: The Boathouse Mystery, by Robert A. Lytle

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island: 

  • A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
  • The Grand Hotel as you approach the island
  • The charming shops on Main Street
  • Arch Rock on the island

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