Tag Archives: nightclub

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Leaving Portland, Maine, I wanted to take the beach route and visit the small community of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  With only 9,000 full-time residents, this vacation spot swells to nearly 75,000 in the summer.

Old Orchard Beach was first settled in 1657 by Salem native, Thomas Rogers naming it the Garden of the Sea.  Planting grape vines and pear trees, it was the apple orchard that gave this beach its name.

Seven miles of beach extend from Scarborough to Saco and is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Old Orchard Beach.  Seaside condominiums, beach homes on stilts and charming bed-and-breakfasts cater to vacationers who come from the east coast, mid-Atlantic and Canada.

At the center of the beach is the famous Old Orchard Beach Pier, built in 1898, measuring 500 feet in length.  Bars and restaurants were built on the pier and there was once a ballroom at its end known as the of the Pier Casino.  While the casino no longer exists, there are shops, carnival food stalls and a club at the end of the Pier.

By the early 20th century, a seaside amusement park was built on four acres of beach property to promote tourism.  It is one of the last parks along the east coast that remains in operation today.

Have you visited Old Orchard Beach on vacation?  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 quick stop in Old Orchard Beach and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stroll Orchard Beach and Visit the Pier

Where to Stay:

Old Orchard Beach Inn
6 Portland Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5834

Where to Eat:

Joseph’s by the Sea
55 West Grand Avenue
Old Orchard Beach, ME  04064
Telephone:  207 934 5044

What to Eat:

Seafood, especially lobster

Costa Rica’s Jaguar Rescue Center

It was another incredible day of surfing and water sports before we packed up our belongings to continue our journey towards Panama.  We made one last stop at the bar to thank our bartender and host for the last couple of days and to say good bye to the friendly toucan.  We each ordered an Imperial for the road, took a few photos of the spectacular view of the endless coffee fields and confirmed our route for Playa Chiquita.

The Casas del Caribe in Playa Chiquita was perfect for our short stay.  Situated on the beach, we could also reach the little town for dinner, shops, grocery and bars. We were interested in visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center for the day and then make a few stops before arriving back to the house in Playa Palo Seco.

Jaguar Rescue Center is located on the beach of Playa Chiquita and we did not have a difficult time finding it.  The refuge was founded by Encar Garcia of Spain and the late trained biologist Sandro Alviani.  Built as a temporary home for injured and orphaned animals, there were several other native Costa Rican animals such as sloths, monkeys, birds and reptiles that were briefly held here for veterinary care to ensure their health and safety before returning to the wild.

The highlight of my trip was seeing a black jaguar at the center.  Also known as panthers, these amazing creatures are nearly extinct due to illegal hunting and habitat loss.  Seeing these elusive big cats are rare and are protected in the country’s reserves and national parks.

In addition to the jaguars, we were able to see the ocelots, wooly possums, baby monkeys and a few sloths.  I had the opportunity to feed one of the baby sloths.  He was such a tiny little guy and so docile.

A baby monkey had just been brought to the rescue during our visit, too small for human interaction.  He had been found on the side of the road without its mother and a motorist rescued him and brought him in for medical care.  We learned that his survival rate was excellent and that the reserve would keep him under medical surveillance until he was well enough to thrive back in the wild.

We spent a few hours at the reserve, purchased some Imperial, Cacique Guerra and juice before setting up a chairs on the beach.  We had a few drinks before dinner and decided to try out another amazing restaurant and nightclub on the beach.  We turned in early that night because we had a long drive ahead of us the next day.  It was amazing to fall asleep with tunes of Bob Marley in my mind along with the sounds of crashing waves from the beach.  It was one of the best night’s sleep I had experienced in a long time.

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:

Jaguar Rescue Center
In front of Villas del Caribe
Punta Coclas
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2750 0710

Where to Stay:

Casas del Caribe
Oficinas Caribe Sur Limon
Playa Chiquita
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 8976 7543

Where to Eat:

Paradise 2.0 Beach Hub
25 meters al norte y 100 mts.
al oeste del Supermarcdo El Duende Gourmet
Playa Chiquita Limon Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2750 0544

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.

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

A 1997 Tour of Savannah

I had just moved from Jacksonville, Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina and was missing my friend Ann.  We decided to meet somewhere in-between that would be convenient for both of us and agreed that Savannah, Georgia would be a perfect location.  Neither of us had ever been to this gorgeous southern gem, so we were excited to check out its fantastic architecture and southern-fried restaurants.  In preparation for our trip, I couldn’t resist reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.  Based in the historic district of Savannah, this novel is full of scandal and outrageous characters.

The salacious story documents the true story of Jim Williams’ love affair with a local male prostitute whom he had allegedly killed at his home, Mercer House.  Danny Hansford, much younger than the antique dealer, was said to have frequented Williams’ mansion as rumors spread around town about their relationship.  Williams claimed to have shot Danny in self defense and after four trials between 1981 – 1989, he was acquitted.  Williams was instrumental in the restoration of many homes in Savannah which are referenced in Berendt’s novel, or as locals call it, “The Book,” so I knew I had to read it.

On the book’s cover is a photo of the Bird Girl statue from Savannah’s now-famous Bonaventure Cemetery.  Located along the Wilmington River, it is the resting place for many of the city’s most distinguished residents and considered one of the spookiest places in town.  The Mercer family, who owned the Mercer Williams house, has a family plot within the cemetery where singer Johnny Mercer is buried.

While the Bird Girl statue has been moved from the cemetery and relocated to Savannah’s Telfair Museums, the bench mentioned in the book as the location where “a Savannah grand dame and her guest drank martinis” remains in front of Conrad Aiken’s grave.

Located on Monterey Square is the infamous Mercer Williams House, mentioned in the John Berendt novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  Once the residence of antique restorer Jim Williams, the historical home is now owned by Williams’ sister and is open to the public as a museum.

Tours of the Mercer Williams House boast of Jim Williams’ love of Savannah.  He is noted for preserving over 50 homes.  Shortly after restoring the Mercer Williams house, Jim moved to Savannah continuing his business in the carriage house on-site.  Williams was famous for hosting exuberant events at his home that included an interesting guest list of vivacious and shady characters, but it was the shooting of his lover Danny Hansford in 1981, that would bring him national fame.

Williams was eventually acquitted of murder after four jury trials.  Having returned back to Mercer-Williams house, Jim was found dead by his employee six months later in the study near the spot where Hansford was shot.  Williams had died from pneumonia and heart failure.

The Mercer-Williams house has a reputation for being haunted as Williams and Hansford were not the only two deaths which had occurred on the property.  In 1969, an eleven-year old boy, Tommy Downs tragically fell from the abandoned house landing on the wrought-iron fence.  Visitors today claim to have seen paranormal activity to include visions of Williams, Hansford and little Tommy Downs roaming the home.  Ghostly images have been captured in photographs of the Mercer-Williams home of a little boy with blond hair and have been shared quite frequently on the internet.  In addition to the sightings, voices and footsteps, reports of parties at the house have contributed to its reputation of being haunted.

While Jim Williams was one of the main characters of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, one of my favorite leading ladies, was Lady Chablis, a transsexual performer at Club One.  With her eccentric, flamboyant personality, she was certainly a star in the movie adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood. Her part in the movie brought hundreds of guests to the club during the nights of her performances until her death in 2016.

My final film location to visit was the Bonaventure Cemetery located at 330 Bonaventure Road.  While the Bird Girl statue no longer stands within the park, I enjoyed exploring the grave sites of local  celebrities such as Conrad Aiken (writer), Johnny Mercer (singer/songwriter) and former Governor Edward Telfair.  While the cemetery plays a supporting role in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you won’t find Jim Williams nor Danny Hansford buried here, but you may spot a ghost or two.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the charming town of Savannah? 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 trip to Savannah and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Bonaventure Cemetery
330 Bonaventure Road
Savannah, GA  31404

  • Admission Fee:  There is no charge to visit the cemetery
  • Hours:  Open daily from dawn to dusk
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour to browse the grave sites

Telfair Museums
207 W. York Street
Savannah, GA  31404
Telephone:  912 790 8800

  • Admission Fee: $20 for Adults, $18 for Seniors (65+) and $15 for Students (13-25, with student ID) and $5 for Children ages 6 – 12;  Museum members and children under 5 are FREE.
  • Hours:  Open Sunday and Monday from Noon to 5PM; Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 5PM.  Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
  • Length of Visit:  1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for holidays or special events.

Mercer-Williams House Museum
429 Bull Street
Savannah, GA  31401
Telephone: 912 236 6352

  • Admission Fee: $12.50 for Adults, $8 for Students
  • Hours:  Open Thursday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and Open on Wednesday from 11AM to 9PM.
  • Length of Visit:  1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
  • Amenities:  guided tour and gift shop
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed certain holidays.

Club One
1 Jefferson Street
Savannah. GA  31401
Telephone:  912 232 0200

  • Admission Fee: $10 for Adults for the weekend shows.
  • Hours:  Open Monday beginning at 5:30; Tuesday – Sunday from 5PM;
  • Length of Visit:  varies, depending on your experience
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Visit the website for special events such as bingo, topless karaoke, happy hour, drag shows and dance floor access.

Where to Stay: 

East Bay Inn
225 East Bay Street
Savannah, GA  31401
Telephone:  912 238 1225

Where to Eat: 

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
107 West Jones Street
Savannah, GA  31401
Telephone:  912 232 5997

Check out this historical restaurant’s menu with dishes to include fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread dressing, okra gumbo and sweet potato souffle.

What to Eat:

  • Boiled Peanuts at roadside stands throughout Georgia
  • Chatham Artillery Punch is a cocktail made of champagne, brandy, rum and bourbon at Fiddler’s Seafood
  • Fried Green Tomatoes at Tubby’s Seafood
  • Peaches at roadside stands throughout Georgia
  • Pralines at River Street Sweets or Savannah Candy Kitchen
  • Shrimp and Grits at Tubby’s Seafood

What to Read:

  • Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt
  • Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
  • Savannah from Savannah by Denise Hildreth

Photo Guide for Savannah:  

  • Collins Quarter is a coffee bar on Bull Street
  • Forsyth Park and its famous fountain are a must-see in Savannah’s historic district
  • Historic District with its cobblestone streets is a great place for a stroll among the city’s most memorable mansions.
  • Leopold’s Ice Cream has been serving up delicious flavors since 1919 and is located on Broughton Street
  • The Paris Market located on Broughton Street offers coffees, sweets and Parisian pastries
  • Perry Lane Hotel‘s rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the city.
  • Rainbow Row is a collection of pastel row houses on Bryan Street
  • River Street‘s cobblestone streets lead to the Savannah River for beautiful views of the Savannah Belle ferries

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