We rode bikes to one of our favorite Key West spots, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Normally we just relax on the beach, snorkel and swim to the rocks. However, this time I decided to take a self-guided tour of the actual fort itself. Very rewarding!
Author: reweidman50
Key West Bars
Nothing beats the laid-back atmosphere, great drinks, and eclectic live music that can be found at Key West bars! We have many favorites with Schooner Wharf Bar at the top of the list!
Eden House Key West
We spent three night at the Eden House at 1015 Fleming Street in Key West and immensely enjoyed our experience! Great location, friendly staff and perfect amenities, including a tropically landscaped pool, hot tub and tiki bar. Highly recommended!
Geiger Key Marina
A hidden gem (we drove right past the exit and kept cruising down the Overseas Highway the first time we tried to find it!), the Geiger Key Marina, RV Park & Fish Camp lives up to its reputation as “the way the Keys used to be.” We stopped here for lunch on our way to Key West. Great waterfront view, good drink selection and outstanding food (I highly recommend the Seared Tuna Nachos). Oh yeah, we bought some cool T-shirts as well. In fact, this place was one of the highlights of our Keys trip!
Bahia Honda State Park
After years of driving past Bahia Honda State Park on the way to Key West, we finally budgeted some time to stop for an hour or so and wander around. It’s a very cool place, especially if you have any interest in Florida history. For example, the highlight of our visit was standing atop the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (a remnant of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway) for a magnificent view of the entire state park and surrounding waters. It also seems like an ideal spot for camping, swimming, picnicking or just relaxing on the beach. We’ll definitely be back soon!
The Trails at Hidden Waters
I did an early morning hike at Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis on Memorial Day. Hidden Waters Preserve is one of my favorite hikes in Lake County for several reasons: 1) There’s actually some elevation here since it encompasses a sinkhole lake; 2) It’s shaded for the most part (unless you decide to hike the perimeter); 3) Many gopher tortoises live here (although I didn’t see any on this particular outing); 4) It’s easily accessible just off Highway 441; and 5) The hidden waters (if you can find them) are scenic and photo worthy. So, the next time you’re passing through Eustis with nothing to do, stop by Hidden Waters Preserve. You’ll be glad you did!
Dickson Azalea Park
According to the City of Orlando website, ” Dickson Azalea Park offers an oasis for those who want to enjoy its shady trees, picturesque landscape, beautiful birds and flowing water. Frequently a location for those who want a quiet lunch, a relaxing view or an intimate outdoor wedding, this park is truly one of Orlando’s gems.” The iconic Washington Street Bridge was built in 1926. The Orlando Garden Club operated a garden center here during the Great Depression. We took a nice stroll through Dickson Azalea park yesterday. We were impressed! Dickson Azalea Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Tarpon River Brewing
We enjoyed a nice lunch (along with some great craft brews!) at Tarpon River Brewing in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale over the weekend. It’s a huge, inviting open-air gastropub (formerly an 11,000-square-foot horse barn called Snyder Stables). I had a pint of the InZane Lager and Amber to Center Stage. Both were amazing! The veggie wrap hit the spot as well. We’ll definitely be back next time we visit South Florida.
Birch State Park
I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, so I spent a lot of time at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in the 1970s. However, I haven’t been there in about 40 years, so I enjoyed a nostalgic visit over the weekend. The good news is that is really hasn’t changed that much. The huge banyan tree is still a major attraction here. One welcome addition is Park & Ocean, an open-air snack bar that serves craft beer. Nothing beats drinking an ice-cold beer during a sweltering hot day in South Florida! Known as Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park,” Birch State Park gets mobbed on weekends, so arrive early or you might have to wait in a very long line. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Bonnet House
If you ever visit Fort Lauderdale and drive along A1A, you might believe that the so-called “Venice of America” is nothing more than a sea of ugly towering condos. And you would, for the most part, be right. However, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a welcome oasis from all the urban sprawl. Built in 1920, the Bonnet House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We toured the scenic grounds and saw numerous iguanas, along with a raccoon pilfering a mango! The Bonnet House is located just off Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, directly across the street from the entrance to Birch State Park.
Wandering Florida 