Welcome to Florida Fun Travel – come in and have a look around. We are glad to have you with us. For those who follow us, we are a couple of “boomers” here in Florida who travel the Sunshine State looking for fun.
We’ve made a lot of stops here in the Sunshine State. Among the articles here you will find restaurant reviews, blogs about hotels and lots of interesting places.
As we have traveled about, we have found easy and fun fixes to travel problems. That is what caused us to develop our “Hints & Tips” and “Gadgets” sections.
Look Around
So, if you have arrived by seeing one of the articles that has interested you, please look around. If there’s a place you want to find, use the little magnifying glass and search for it.
If you have a thought, idea or suggestion of a place we have not yet experienced, let us know. There’s a contact form at the bottom of the right column. Or, you can contact us through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.
We love it here in Florida. If you are coming down to enjoy the fun and sun, we want you to have as much fun as we do. Yes, we know we have not yet been everywhere – but that’s the best part. We get to keep on exploring.
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So welcome to our site – Florida Fun Travel – come in and have a look around. We appreciate you taking time out to visit us and remember – It’s Always Time to Have Fun in Florida.
Those who follow Florida Fun Travel know that we have eaten at golf course restaurants in the past – like The Sandhill Grille. Generally, we’ve found such establishments to be a cut above – inasmuch as they cater to golfers. We were recommended by a friend to try out the restaurant in the clubhouse at Sebring’s Golf Hammock. So, when we were in the area on other business, Mrs. Funmeister suggested we head on over and give it a go.
Our Breakfast Experience
Because we were there during the early morning hours, breakfast was on the menu. Apparently, most of the golfers were on the course, because there were a lot of cars, but few patrons inside.
We were impressed by the wide range of selections available for the first meal of the day. The menu has everything from a simple bowl of oatmeal or a stack of pancakes, to Pot Roast Hash, Breakfast burritos, Eggs Benedict and more than a half dozen varieties of 3-egg omelets.
My wife got the standard breakfast with eggs, hash browns, bacon and toast. I went with the Greek Omelet. That comes with spinach, onions, diced tomato, black olives and feta cheese. Add to that a side of home fries and some raisin toast and you really have something.
Pedro’s Bar & Grill gave us a generous portion for breakfast. It certainly would carry you through 18-holes.
The coffee was great and the service was fast. I must tell you, the quality of our fare was quite good. The omelet had been whipped (not everyone does that), the eggs were done correctly and the bacon was crisp without our even having to ask.
A Return for Lunch
We were duly impressed. In fact, we were so impressed that we decided to come back the next day for lunch. For the second time we found lots of cars in the lot, but the restaurant was not that well populated. Quick service was the order of the day.
Checking the menu over for lunch, we again were impressed by the selections available at our fingertips. There were more than a half dozen salads, ranging from the standard chef salad, Caesar salad and wedge salad to some spicier fare such as Taco and Southwest salads.
There also is a full compliment of sandwiches. You can choose from Philly Cheese to a Turkey Club. Additionally, there are chicken bacon wraps, open face sandwiches, and several different melts. And that doesn’t include their deluxe burgers. Starting with regular hamburgers, the selections move up from bacon cheese or mushroom swiss burgers – to the very special Pedro Burger.
And if nothing on the menu suited your fancy, there was an array of specials penned on a dry erase board standing by the back wall. I chose the Texas Burger while my wife went to her standard Nachos and cheese.
Lunch was tasty and fast at Pedros
The Texas Burger comes with bacon, Swiss cheese and barbecue sauce on sourdough bread. I opted for the home made chips rather than the french fries. I would suggest, like me, you go with the home made chips. Her order chips and salsa was a generous portion. If you enjoy a bit of heat – these fit the bill.
A Nice Restaurant
We were impressed by the amount of space inside the restaurant. As we left, we saw the waitresses setting up for a birthday party. They were planning to set up for a couple dozen guests – but they had plenty of room.
There’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy a meal at Pedros Bar & Grill at Golf Hammock.
In addition to the dining area, Pedro’s also has a full bar for those who want to sit, watch TV, chat, or discuss their round of golf.
Pedros has a fully stocked bar for those who want to stop by and relax.
Final Thoughts
We called this an unexpected surprise, because when looking for the restaurant, we could not find Pedro’s Bar & Grill. Only after we’d searched for “the restaurant at Golf Hammock” did se locate the listing. Another eye-opener for use is that this is the first Pedro’s that we have found that isn;t actually is a Mexican restaurant (however, they do have Mexican dishes on the menu).
Pedro’s Bar & Grill, aka “The Restaurant at Golf Hammock,” really is a hidden gem. From our observation, it seems to be known pretty much only by the patrons and neighborhood residents.
Whether you are a golfer or not, we’d suggest you stop by and try them out. Pedro’s has breakfast, lunch and dinner. We plan on trying dinner soon. The food is quite good and the service is quick and pleasant.
Longtime readers may remember our first review of Tossits litter bags back in 2019. Well they are back. Plus, they are new and improved – and in designer colors no less.
During our travels around the Sunshine State, keeping the car clean is a constant challenge. Between food wrappers, receipts, tissues, and other debris that seems to magically accumulate, the mess builds quickly. Moreover, we’ve found that Tossits are an innovative, eco-friendly solution that is perfect for all types of travelers.
They call them “car garbage bags,” We prefer the term “litter bags,” Nevertheless, and\ these bags are easy, labor saving devices.
The new Tossits come in packs of seven. They also now are in a wide array of colors. They include the original black – and now pastel blue and pink as well.
What are Tossits Litter Bags?
Tossits litter bags are compact, portable, and biodegradable. You’ll see that they’re designed to help you keep your surroundings clean and tidy, in the car, and wherever your adventures take you. They’re perfect for collecting trash, while promoting a leave-no-trace philosophy.
Although they are made for your car, we have imagined other uses for these sealable litter bags as well.
Why We Believe Tossits Litter Bags are a Florida Travel Must-Have
Eco-Friendly: Made from biodegradable materials, Tossits litter bags are an environmentally conscious choice for keeping Florida’s beautiful landscapes clean.
Compact and Portable: These bags are designed to hang over the headreast of your car. They’re always ready when you need them, making them ideal for every demographic – from solo travelers to families, and everyone in between. That being said, you can take one off, fold it up, and carry it with you.
Versatile: Tossits litter bags also can be used for:
Beach Days: Collect trash to keep our stunning coastlines pristine.
Picnics: Gather waste after enjoying an outdoor meal.
Hikes: Carry out any litter you find along Florida’s scenic trails.
Road Trips: Keep your car tidy during those epic cross-state adventures.
Easy to Use: With a simple, clever design, Tossits litter bags can be opened and secured with one hand, making them a breeze to use while you’re on the go.
On the back of each bag is an easy four-step guide for easy installation.
Our Personal Experience with Tossits Litter Bags
My wife and I recently explored Florida’s Space Coast and its beautiful beaches. We brought along our Tossits litter bags and found them incredibly useful. We used them both to round up trash that we found on the beach, as well as our own waste from picnics and snacks. The bags held up beautifully, and we felt great about doing our part to keep our Sunshine State clean.
Who Are Tossits Litter Bags Perfect For?
Couples like us, who love exploring and want to minimize our environmental impact.
Families looking to teach their kids about responsible tourism and litter reduction.
Solo travelers who need a compact, convenient way to collect trash on their adventures.
Outdoor enthusiasts who frequent parks, trails, and beaches, and want to help preserve these natural spaces.
Where to Buy Tossits Litter Bags
We suggest that you pick up your own Tossits litter bags at their official website. (go here and we can get you a sweet little discount just use the promo code florida fun.) Even so, Tossits are affordably priced, so you can stock up and be prepared for all your Florida adventures.
The bags arrive in compact, easy-to-store packaging. We were impressed by how simple the setup was. Within minutes, my wife had attached the first bag to the back of the front seat headrest.
Our Final Word
In our opinion, Tossits litter bags are an excellent addition to any traveler’s packing list. And, the results of our original tests still stand. They work well in the car, and we’ve found up that they stand up to the Florida heat like a champ.
Here's a photo of the book you want for your trip.
If you’re fixing to come to Florida, or have some time while vacationing, we’d like to suggest a bit of light reading – it’s called Florida Retirement is Murder.
Florida Retirement is Murder
He’s a Florida Fun Travel friend, and international Best-Selling author. Kris Courtney – has penned a novel entitled “Florida Retirement is Murder.” This cozy mystery is set in Polk Country. Moreover, it may set the tone for some of the people you could meet in your travels here.
The mythical “Sun-Gate,” retirement community is where the head of the Home Owners Association dies under “questionable circumstances. It fictitiously is located in Lakeland.
Rather than an edge of your chair thriller, it’s a “cozy mystery.” The hero-protagonist, Stewart Johnson, and a motley crew of snowbird residents flush out the perpetrator. They do it in an interesting – albeit amusing – course of events, clues and unusual circumstances.
“Honestly, I have had people ask me if this is based on their park, because some of the people in the book are a lot like their neighbors,” Courtney said. “Having lived in Florida in various places, you simply cannot help but run across people like these characters. They’re chocked full of jovial spirit and hilarious personalities.”
It’s a page-turner, but not because of the tension. It’s because readers cannot believe what will happen next. This snowbird comedy/mystery is a perfect fit into the genre of the Florida landscape. Readers say that Kris has the ability to have you ‘see and feel’ the Florida scenery. It’s so awesome you can almost smell the air and feel the humidity.
These are people you could hang out with.
Kris is a Fun Guy
In fact, Kris himself is pretty colorful. Now residing in Highlands County, he has had a rich view of the United States.
From his birthplace in Indiana, he has lived, worked and experienced alot. He’s lived in Ohio, California, New Mexico, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia before landing in the Sunshine State.
Did we mention that in addition to his library of written works, Kris has an impressive collection of artwork?
His history of brilliant use of color, energetic imagery and talent has provided multiple awards. And, he’s showcased and presented his work in a host of juried shows and publications.
It has been a ten year journey. After working through multiple Fine Art Studios and Gallery facilities, his writing now has culminated in his latest Best-Seller.
Moreover, Kris has had several art galleries and has been the driving force behind a number of artistic endeavors.
This is an actual photo of our friend Kris Courtney
There’s Even “Performance Art”
One of his most satisfying projects was the “Play Me I’m Yours” promotion. This public Fine Art Installation served as a global project by British Artist Luke Jerram. Courtney was tapped to coordinate the Oxford Ohio edition.
“That was a public art program that encouraged public pianos to be decorated and played. It was done throughout cities across the country including Cincinnati, Ohio,” he said.
The success of that project led Kris to a phase of sponsoring art and music festivals. Those included “Suitcase Full of Blues.” That series expanded off a local Blues Musicians concept of helping the Butler County Ohio Foster Care System.
“I have a deep desire to offer my talents for a benevolent purpose,” he said.
This particular event Kris described as an incredible and spiritual experience. It provided an opportunity to learn an in-depth view of the challenges for the Foster Care community. In the end, they were able to provide hundreds of personal suitcases for children who desperately hunger for personal identity and stability.
“I think my travels have helped to shape both my writing and my art,” said Kris, “I have always known that my talent was God-given. It’s not everyone’s flavor, but my Fine Art has typically been sold of the easel while still wet. A vast imagination fuels my expressionism.”
“I guess you could say I’ve been a busy fella,” Courtney said.
How He Got Started
His writing began with the autobiographical “Norma Jean’s Sun.” He then wrote other pieces. One, “Literally, an art book,” showcases his work on canvas. He also penned the fictional children’s book “It’s OK Scooter.”
Kris authored the first page to his Memoir when he was just 12 years old. He said he’d always felt and knew that his family life – and perhaps the decades to follow – would yield a story worth telling. He never suspected the impact of the discoveries would reveal themselves as the pages emerged.
It would not be until almost fifty years later that this book would supply the content for the Multi-Award Winning Screenplay, “Norma’s Sun”.
However it’s his most recent work, the award-winning humorous cozy snowbird mystery “Florida Retirement Is Murder,“ that’s gotten him the most attention. And it looks like there may be a sequel with a Krazy title to boot.
“My characters have been telling me there’s more going on at Sun-Gate than I realize,” he said. “Seems like the mind mapping of events, locations and even the subtle moments are exposing a whole host of new clues.
Our Challenge to You
The challenge to our readers now is to get a copy of this cozy mystery. Then you can become familiar with the current cast and be ready for the new people, places and things to come.
Here’s a photo of the book you want for your trip.
Those who want a copy of the book in any format that includes eBook, Audio, hardcover or Paperback can find all the information, social media and details at: https://www.cozycomedymystery.com
There was also a lot on Dolly's Fresh Fruit Plate. In addition to the chicken salad, they served a bowl of assorted crackers.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Bonita Springs, you owe it to yourself to stop for a bite at Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery. While the produce patch was gone, a cute little restaurant with some tasty deserts was sitting along Bonita Beach Road just waiting for discovery.
Sandra and I were out seeing the sights, and took our own advice. We asked the locals about the best place for a quick lunch. They suggested Dolly’s.
Dolly’s has been family owned and operated for nearly three decades. You might drive by it at first. It’s an unremarkable one story structure ,that had some tables with umbrellas on front porch. There’s just one 4×8 wood sign at the east end of the property.
Apparently for years, they hosted a produce patch along the front of the building. That was discontinued during the COVID lock down.
You might miss Dolly’s Produce Patch and Eatery when you first drive by on Bonita Beach Road. There are no large signs.
The Dolly’s Experience
Once inside, we were greeted with a wonderfully decorated restaurant. They feature a full menu of traditional burgers, sandwiches, salads and deserts. You can see the menu here.
When it came to ordering, I had a conundrum. I was torn between a Bonita Burger and Dolly’s Specialty Sandwich. But how could you go to Dolly’s and not try her specialty sandwich? After all, it features “the works.” That means generous portions of roast beef, turkey, ham, cheddar & provolone cheese. It was then covered in lettuce, tomato and mayo. To top it off, there’s Vidalia Onion vinagrette with brown mustard as well.
Here’s Dolly’s Specialty Sandwich. I could have gotten a side, but there was plenty on the plate already!
It’s taken years of practice to get all of that between two slices of bread,
Sandra was more responsible in her choice. She selected Dolly’s Fresh Fruit Plate. The plate was covered with in-season fruit, with a large dollop of chicken salad. A bowl of their special honey cherry poppy seed dressing was set on the side.
There was a lot on Dolly’s Fresh Fruit Plate. In addition to the chicken salad, they served a bowl of assorted crackers.
Dolly’s Desserts
One of the things Dolly’s is famous for are their pies. On the way in, there was a blackboard outlining the day’s specials. There also was a table full of individually packaged slices for those who wanted to take a piece home.
If that’s not enough, there was another table that had a number of tasty baked goods also ready to be taken home. Typically they have some whole pies and a selection of the different pie slices. There also generally are a featured cake or two and even everyday favorites like scones, cinnamon buns, muffins, and Dolly’s assorted cookie varieties.
We were there a bit late in the day. Although a lot of pie had gone out the door, there still was a good selection.
In addition – they also serve breakfast. It’s no wonder Dolly’s is the answer when folks are asked where to eat in Bonita Springs.
Watch out for the Waitresses
There’s also Dolly’s Produce Patch and Eatery branded honey and Barbecue sauce. But don’t try and get cute, the waitress station is well guarded.
We asked if the waitresses had attacked any of the customers. They told us “not lately.”
Dolly’s Swamp Buggy Connection
Over the course of their tenure, Dolly’s also has managed to get involved in a swamp buggy racing effort. Known as Team Mullet, they have a number of different vehicles including Racing Mullet, Toxic Mullet, Native Mullet, and Smokin’ Mullet.
Here’s some of the team sponsored by Dolly’s Produce Patch and Eatery including; Racing Mullet, Toxic Mullet and Smokin’ Mullet.
In fact one of the buggies was parked behind the restaurant the day we were there.
We Missed Dolly
Sadly, we did not have a chance to meet Dolly herself. The matriarch of the operation had passed away just weeks before our visit.
Darlene “Dolly” Scott graduated from Edison College and had a career as a registered nurse. Later, Dolly became a known restaurateur in Bonita Springs with her iconic Dolly’s Produce Patch and Eatery. She opened the place in 1996 with her son Randy.
At the age of 70 she developed a love for ballroom dancing. Dolly was quite accomplished and competed nationally. She won three championships in her respected age bracket.
Dolly carried the torch for the Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2001.
There was a table set in her memory still at the restaurant.
A memorial table has been set up at the restaurant.
Dolly was was a founding member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples. Customers who wanted, could pick up a cross at the restaurant checkout counter.
There was a selection of handmade wooden crosses at the checkout counter. They were free to those who needed one.
The bottom line is this. When you wonder where to eat in Bonita Springs. Dolly’s Produce Patch and Eatery is an obvious answer.
This is our view of the famous Publix Birthday Cake Tower
When Sandra and I travel the Sunshine State, there are times we need groceries. And as far as we can tell, no single store or chain screams “Florida” more than Publix.
Sometimes we just need a bottle of water or some snacks. Other times, a “Pub Sub” is on the menu. After all, we love to stop where “Shopping is a Pleasure.”
There are some very interesting and unusual things about this Florida-based chain and their various locations. Many are worthy of a stop by to see as tourist attraction.
The Worlds Largest Publix Cake
For instance, did you know that Publix has a birthday cake shaped water tower? It’s located near the Publix headquarters on Highway 92 in Lakeland, near the famous Silver Moon Drive-In Theater.
The tower top is a beautiful three-tiered cake, complete with eleven candles on top.
Nicknamed “The Hydrocake,” the 147-foot structure was completed in 1982 to support the then-newly opened dairy processing plant, frozen food warehouse, and expanded bakery plant.
The “World’s Largest Publix Birthday Cake,” continues to be as part of the Lakeland skyline.
This is our view of the famous Publix Birthday Cake Tower
The Publix Cemetery
When you’re in Orlando, we recommend that you stop by the Publix supermarket at the Town Center – along Daryl Carter Parkway. It’s an opportunity to pay your respects at the Vineland Cemetery. The 500-square foot plot in the middle of the Publix parking lot is the final resting place of a couple of Union soldiers from the American Civil War. It also features a large memorial pillar with the cemetery’s name.
Interred at the site are Washington Ludwig of the First New York Light Artillery, and Charles H. Foster of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry.
There has been only one reported act of vandalism at this site. In the late 1980s one of the headstones reportedly was stolen just before Halloween as a prank. The marker was returned a few weeks later without incident.
A cemetery is located in the parking lot of this Publix supermarket near Orlando.
Publix Onstage
In 2018, there was a musical revue staged in honor of the wildly popular supermarket chain.
Titled “When You Dream,” it tells the story of Publix’s founder George W. Jenkins. He started his career as a store manager at Piggly Wiggly. After being rebuffed by the management, he set out to open his own market. The play centers around his “spirit of giving to community.”
The 30-minute long musical was the creation of Daryl Ward, principal of Lakeland’s Harrison School of the Arts. He wrote the script along with five original songs for the musical. Only staged twice, a snippet of the production can be seen here.
We really wanted to view this production but never had the opportunity.
The Original Publix
Although Publix is mainly associated with Lakeland, if you want to see the original Publix stores, you need to go to Winter Haven. We discovered it while exploring the Chain-o-Lakes city,
The first Publix was opened in 1930 in a storefront on 4th Street NW. Most recently the home of a restaurant, the building currently sits vacant with a promise that a new business is coming soon.
Here’s Publix first store. It was opened in 1930 on 4th Street NW in Winter Haven
Publix moved twice over the next decade, with the first “Publix Supermarket” opened in 1940 on West Central Avenue. It now is occupied by the St. Matthew Thrift & Consignment Shop (where we also have shopped.)
This was Publix first actual Supermarket. It’s several blocks from the first store, and now home to a thrift shop.
We we even spotted some black and white photos of the original supermarket in the front of the stor.
Both stores feature historic markers telling the story of the start of the supermarket chain.
Wait, There’s More
In fact, we have discovered many fun and unusual facts about Publix that encourage us to stop there when we travel. Yes, they have their own brand of Automatic Teller Machines (known as Presto). They have another, organic chain known as Greenwise Markets. We stopped there when we visited Boca Raton. You can even get a free cookie on your birthday.
Here’s a Publix Greenwise in Boca Raton. They feature more organic and healthy fare.
The Infamous Pub Sub
In addition to the prices, and the friendly staff, we’ve found it difficult to beat the world-renowned Publix sub sandwiches.
Known far and wide as Pub Subs – to many, they are the best on the planet. To quote one sandwich lover, they are “enormous, pretty affordable, and world-renowned.”
We love PubSubs. They are fast, clean and delicious.
In fact, Publix subs have their own Facebook fan page, and particular varieties also have their own dedicated fan pages. There is also a nearly four-minute-long song created in the sub’s honor. Actually, the subs are better than the tune.
To find out more, just click on one of the many articles with headlines like “The Publix Sub Is Hands Down the Best Sandwich in the Country.” And know this upfront, you’ll probably have to wait in line. Try one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
Publix is a Must-See in the Sunshine State
The bottom line is, when you have some fun travel in Florida, we urge you to make some Publix memories. There are places of interest to stop. There are great deals to stock up on some supplies you need during your trip. Pub subs make a great stop for a lunch on the go. And finally, it’s where shopping is a pleasure.
We all want to retain our youth, and in our travels, we have found the top 3 ways that travel will keep you young.
As our readers know, Sandra and I are a couple of “Boomers” who love to travel around Florida. And in our adventures, we’ve found that a lot of what makes our trips so much fun and exciting, also keeps us young.
1. Keeping Your Mind Active
When we go different places, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Where are we going to stay, where will we dine, what points of interest do we want to experience? All of those are just the start of things that we must ponder both while we are visiting and while we’re traveling to and from our destinations.
On more than one occasion, we have seen a place that looks interesting. This may call for “a legal U-turn” as our GPS says, for a circle round to get a better look. Some of our most interesting finds have come from just spotting places as we drove by.
Other times, there are places we have wanted to go, but could not. Perhaps they were closed, or maybe the weather did not cooperate. In any event, we had to make quick decisions on what to do instead.
The point is, traveling has kept our minds sharp. We are always looking and always discussing what we want to do next. This is the kind of thing that helps us stay young and active.
Active? Yes! Both mentally and physically. Traveling has taken us many places where we get to walk around. Maybe it’s a museum, perhaps a botanical garden. On some occasions we have walked an entire downtown area. And while we are out, we may have picked up a few souvenirs to carry around.
This is the kind of physical exercise that is so coupled with fun, we barely notice it is exercise. I can tell you that more than once Sandra and I have taken long walks on the beach. We have enjoyed sun rises, sunsets, wildlife, fisherfolks, kids in the water and all manner of boat traffic while we listened to the sounds of the surf and got some great exercise.
My wife will be the first to tell you that walking without your shoes on the beach is great foot therapy.
3. The Chill Factor
In fact, travel is great therapy, inasmuch as it relieves stress. In the past, we’ve said that “we take our fun with us.” That means we can make the best of any situation. The weather is not always ideal, but there are ways around that. One of my favorites was the time we were held captive in our room by a major thunderstorm, and we had a picnic on our king sized bed in the motel room.
And yes, getting away with your love adds romance to your life. And if romance does not keep you young, we don’t know what will. Sandra and I have attended street dances, watched rocket launches, enjoyed street fairs and other events arm-in-arm. It is a wonderful way not to be old and sedentary.
So, how does travel keep one young? It keeps the mind active with new sights, sounds, and gathering new information. and it keeps one’s body active as new places are explored and enjoyed. Travel relieves stress while it burns calories. Finding fun new places breaks the monotony and adds romance to one’s life.
In the end, travel helps to keep us young – and what a fun way to do it.
They're off in a heat race competition for lawn mower racing
The good news is that NASGRASS is ready to sling sod at their home opener, the bad news is, it won’t be until October. Two days before their inaugural race for the 2024-25 season, the track was hit by a massive rainstorm. It left the place waterlogged.
So now they will be racing on the second Saturday of October.
NASGRASS has been racing lawn mowers in central Florida for better than three decades, making them the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. The North American Society of Grass Racers and Sod Slingers (NASGRASS) raced for years at an Avon Park location. It was nationally known as “the birthplace of lawn mower racing in the United States.”
Due to conditions beyond their control, they lost that spot. But they since have found a location at Florida Flywheelers’ Park. That’s at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road near Fort Meade in Polk County.
The unfortunate turn of events has led the group to a location that actually is bigger and better. And this year’s opening event is right around the corner.
Ready to Drop the Green Flag
Dropping the green flag to start the latest NASGRASS competition at Florida Flywheelers’ Park
On Saturday, September 14, the 2024-25 season will get underway. More than 60 different mowers are expected in the pits. The drivers come from all over the Sunshine State. Teams will be pulling in from Inverness, Sarasota and Ft. Meyers among other locations.
“There were some pretty tight points battles last year,” said NASGRASS President Wes Pyburn. “Jacob Bateman squeaked out the FX Twin championshp by just 15 points. Thomas Veal won his Mini-Mow division by just 25 points. We expect them all to be there this year and start all over again.”
In fact, Bateman was judged to be last season’s “Most Improved Driver.”. He was awarded a trophy in recognition during an August awards ceremony.
Young Thomas Veal himself grabbed the “Rising Star” award for the 2023-24 season. The lad started out at the minimum age in Mini-Mow. He quickly determined ”he wanted to go faster.” Reportedly, he will advance to the Mini Mow Pro class this upcoming season.
It’s a Family Affair
They’re off in a heat race competition for lawn mower racing
Unlike some sanctioned racing, NASGRASS is billed as a family affair. It is not uncommon to see dads, sons, moms, daughters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews competing on mowers in various divisions. Or even racing against each other in the same division.
“We encourage people to buy a pit pass and go back into the paddock. They can meet the competitors and have a look at the various racing mowers,” said Pyburn – who called it “part of the show.”
He cautioned fans to be careful. Mostly because they might get bitten themselves by the racing bug. Then they, or their children, might show up with a mower and be looking to take home some hardware.
“Usually there’s a mower or two for sale back in the pits. So it’s easy to get started,” Pyburn said.
Lots of Fans Turn Out
Lots of fans turn out to watch the NASGRASS races each month
Fans are urged to be prepared with sunscreen and mosquito spray. And they should have a hearty appetite as Smokin’ Bear BBQ, Kona Ice, and the world famous Herman’s Peanuts all will be set up and ready to feed the crowd.
Plus the NASGRASS souvenir stand will be open. They have plenty of official memorabilia and merchandise.
Fans are quick to snatch up NASGRASS collectibles at the Souvenir Stand
The opening of the NASGRASS season is set for Saturday, September 14.
Gates open at noon with racing to commence at 6pm.
Well, we discovered a new place in Lake Wales – Brake Burger Garage. It came just in time for us to celebrate “Burger Week” in Polk County. Our only question is, “How had we missed this place for so long?”
Brake Burger Garage is situated along State Road 60 in Lake Wales – inside what used to be a service station.
We have dined at other automotive-themed restaurants like Ford’s Garage, which has several locations in Florida. But this is a one-off that has the look of a chain. We were particularly impressed by their menu.
From the Brake Burger to the Steakhouse Burger, there are a half dozen incarnations of America’s favorite sandwich. I went with the “Bacon Bleu,” boasting Bleu cheese crumbles, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion. Sandra went for the Garlic Burger, which was garnished with provolone cheese, garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.
Our fare for Burger Week in Polk County at Brake Burger Garage.
Sandra got the “combo,” meaning that hers came with waffle fries. Unlike some places, where the waffle fries come in bags, frozen – it appeared these were fresh cut. And, if you wish, there were a couple different versions of “Loaded Waffle Fries” as side dishes.
More than Burgers
But glancing through the menu, all beef patties were just the tip of the iceberg. There were chicken sandwiches, smothered chicken sandwiches, and even Nashville Chicken Sandwiches.
There also were all kinds of chicken tenders – including “Tuned-Up Tenders” tossed with Mango Habenero, Garlic Parmesan, BBQ or Jamaican Jerk.
The drinks were Coca-Cola products. They came as self-serve from a beverage island that carried the service station theme.
The drink island at the Brake Burger Garage sits atop a Husky tool box.
The only thing we didn’t like was the use of Styrofoam cups.
Wait, There’s More
Brake Burger Garage sounds like a fun little lunch place. And it is. However, on the way out we discovered a menu for morning offerings. It appropriately was titled “Brake-Fast.”
The Brake-Fast menu has some intriguing offerings.
Glancing over this menu we found a lot of possibilities. The Grit Tots look more than interesting. The Smash Biscuit looks both affordable and tasty and the Breakfast Burger is a must-try for me.
Coming Back for More
Our dining experience was a good one. The food was good, they were quick at bringing it to the table and the price was reasonable. We’re not certain who came up with the menu, but Sandra and I both found more offerings we’d like to try.
This is not a large place. For instance, I counted fewer than four dozen chairs. It’s a cozy atmosphere, and despite the lack of any real sound baffling, the place was pretty quiet. In fact, we could have a nice conversation, even though we were a few yards away from busy State Road 60.
The main dining area of the Brake Burger Garage is the old repair bay, but they have done wonders making it inviting without losing the feel of the original purpose.
The only other thing we weren’t crazy about, was having to order at the counter. This was our first time and we had no idea what we wanted. It took a while to unravel the menu and make our order. The one nice thing was that we arrived before noon. By the time we left, the locals had arrived and they were hungry.
By the time we left, they were lined up at the counter.
Plus There’s Merch
In doing research on the Brake Burger Garage, we found out there’s a line of merchandise. If you want BBG T-shirts, sweaters, hats, fanny packs or mugs – go HERE. They even have beach towels and sport towels emblazoned with their logo.
In the end, we’re not sure about any of that. What we do know is that next time we’re in Lake Wales, there’s a good possibility that we’ll once again visit the Brake Burger Garage and have another round off their menu. The Crown Jewel of the Ridge has a real hidden gem in this service station turned restaurant.
Roger Brutus (left) teamed up with Corey Greenway (right) to play sets of country and Florida tunes at the Grove House Restaurant
Sometimes Sandra and I go to a place for the food, sometimes for the ambience – but this time it was for the entertainment. Our friend Corey Greenway from the Outta Hand Band was performing with another band member, Roger Brutus under the moniker “Prime Country.”
Roger Brutus (left) teamed up with Corey Greenway (right) to play sets of country and Florida tunes at the Grove House Restaurant.
I must admit, the screened in room at the Grove House was quite warm on that Florida July afternoon. But it was well worth it, and the music from the duo was as good as our lunch.
We sat in the back (beside a large fan). There was a bar in the corner by the dance floor. They were doing a land office business, as patrons sought drinks to stave off the heat. However, we didn’t have drinks, we simply ordered lunch. I had a Caesar salad, while my wife ordered a burger. Personally, I didn’t expect much of a salad at a bar – but I was pleasantly surprised.
My Caesar salad was large, and Sandra could not finish her burger.
In fact, both our meals were good enough, we’ve decided to return and try some of their other offerings. But next time, we’re going to sit inside – in the air conditioning.
The Layout of the Grove House
The Grove House had a lot of space. As you can see out the back screened window in the photo above, they had a large outdoor area. There were several concrete pads with tables, covered by umbrellas. Several people went outside to smoke while we were there during the afternoon.
On the other hand, we passed through a couple of air conditioned indoor rooms where patrons could enjoy a meal and a wide variety of beverages.
The Grove House has a dining area, dominated by a large TV for those who wish to watch sports while they eat.
When you first enter the Grove House, there is a long bar along the inside wall. Several four-top tables line the outside of the room, for those who want a bit of privacy to chat.
The first thing you see at the Grove House is their bar, with several tables along the outside wall.
As previously mentioned, there also was a bar in their large screened-in area. This allowed the staff to quickly serve all the patrons, with a minimum of steps.
The bar in the entertainment area is as well appointed as the indoor facility, and is a lot closer to the action.
The Real Reason We Went
But we weren’t drinking. We were there to have a bit of lunch and enjoy our friends – Prime Country – and their performance. Corey and Roger apparently have a good following, and the chairs and tables filled up as we enjoyed their first set. They played both classic and modern country tunes ranging from Merle Haggard and Don Williams to some of the more modern country hits of the day.
As the afternoon wore on, more of the faithful took up ringside seats.
As the fans arrived, their tip bucket began to fill up quickly. Some of the money was in appreciation, other of the tips came with song requests.
The music and the food was good, but I must admit, the heat got the better of us. We had to leave earlier than we wanted. The most disappointing part, was that they had just launched into their truck driving set. Country truck driving tunes are some of my favorites.
The Grove House Grill has been described as “cozy,” but as their Facebook page has indicated, they can have some rockin’ bands inside their screened-in area. For those of you looking for it, The Grove House Grill is an unassuming little place on the Scenic Highway, just south of Lake Wales.
You can find their menu online, and we suggest you look to see who might be playing there. Of course, we recommend Corey Greenway, Prime Country and the Outta Hand Band.
The picture from my iPhone just does not do this justice. One of my investments this year may be a good digital camera.
Recently, Sandra and I enjoyed a trip to Fort Myers Beach – also known as FMB. Despite some significant remaining damage from last year’s Hurricane Ian, there’s plenty to see and do in the area.
One of our great delights was that the Edison Beach House is again up and running. We spent a week there with our sister and brother-in-law. Because of that, had a week’s worth of entertainment. Much of it was from the vantage point of our fifth-floor balcony.
Longtime readers know that each suite at the Edison Beach House has a balcony that faces the Gulf. That means we were able to lounge and watch activity on the beach, on the water and in the air.
Morning On The Beach
From sunrise until after dark, there was plenty to see on the beach. Starting at first light the early birds arrived. While some came to beat the heat, others wanted to avoid beach the traffic. Then runners and exercisers began the show.
We saw this group of boys running along the beach. Here they’re passing a lady doing her morning yoga.
Later came the joggers and the walkers. There were individuals and couples. Some were walking dogs. The canines gave us reason to watch were we stepped. Also, there were groups of walkers. Additionally, there were numerous individuals picking up shells. It was great to see some who passed by were picking trash up off the beach, though it is a relatively clean beach.
Any way you look at it, it was a pleasant day to meander the sand and hear the sound of the waves.
There were groups of walkers out to enjoy the day at Fort Myers Beach.
It wasn’t long after that, we spotted a treasure hunter combing beach. There were several over the week that came along. Some of them were on the sand, others in the water. There appeared to have been a few finds, but not a lot of excitement.
There were several guys with metal detectors that came by during the week.
Several bicyclists also rode by us on the beach. There were only a few, and they sported the large-tired beach bikes.
One of the bicyclists we saw taking advantage of the early morning cooler temperatures.
The only actual motorized vehicle we saw was that of the beach patrol. We observed them on several occasions. They drove by slowly without incident.
We saw the Beach Patrol motor along. There didn’t seem to be any trash and they issued no apparent warnings.
A bit more stationary were the fishermen. Several of them came out during the course of the week. There were only a few bites. We observed only a few small bait fish landed.
This was one of several fishermen we saw as we sat on the balcony. This guy didn’t land anything.
The Afternoon
As the day wore on, those in for the long haul began to set up camp. We could see a good way down Fort Myers Beach. It was interesting to see the difference in the canopies, umbrellas, pop-ups, tents and other structures. There was one fella that had difficulty with his tent. However, after no small effort, he finally got it assembled.
It was striking to see the different kinds of shelters along Fort Myers Beach.
Beach goers during the day gave us an almost constant show. There was the quintessential ball and Frizbee throwing, and plenty of sunbathers. Some of the girls almost had a swimsuit on. Additionally, there were families showing very young children the big water for the first time.
Special Events
We did see a couple of special events. One day we watched as a number of girls created a giant heart on the beach. They then lined it with sea shells. Later, a guy and his gal showed up, he got down on one knee and popped the question. We missed the moment – but saw the result.
Apparently, she said yes.
Another day, we watched what we thought was a wedding shoot. A young girl in a white hoop skirt spent no small amount of time with several handlers and a couple photographers. I went down to get a better photo. What I found was, it was for a Quinceanera celebration. It took better than an hour. She had a couple wardrobe changes and a drone taking pictures.
A photo shoot for what turned out to be a Quinceanera celebration drew me down to the beach.
On another occasion, we watched an event planner. Wearing a pencil skirt and dragging a beach wagon, she set up what appeared to be an elaborate sunset dinner. The low table was set in an amazing fashion. However, storm clouds were moving in. After what appeared to be an animated phone call, she put it all away and dragged it off the sand. Sadly, the storm never shed a drop of rain.
It would have been a beautiful dinner on Fort Myers Beach.
Evening on the Beach
As the sun started to set, we saw another wheeled vehicle. A local ice cream vendor wheeled his wagon down the beach in search of some hungry beach goers.
This ice cream vendor was the only actual commercial activity we witnessed on the beach during our stay,
When it comes to entertainment on Fort Myers Beach, the sunset is one of the tops on the list. The Edison Beach House never disappoints. We were able to sit on our fifth floor balcony and catch some beautiful sunsets.
Although we sometimes went down on the beach with the crowd, were able to get this shot from our balcony.
Even after dark there were things to see. This was turtle season, so we were asked to shut off our lights and draw our blinds. The idea was not to attract turtle hatchlings back to shore. Nevertheless, plenty of people with flashlights could be seen walking the beach. One night, a young lady came out practicing with her dragon sticks. Again, I was lured down five stories to get a better shot.
The Morning Show on the Water
Fort Myers Beach has sunrises and sunsets as well as moonrises and moonsets. We were fortunate to arrive when they coincided. One morning as the moon was going down, we spotted what appeared to be a shrimper. Usually, we see the boats parked by Doc Ford’s. Occasionally we have seen them much further out.
We saw what appeared to be a shrimp boat early one morning as the moon was setting and the sun was rising.
We saw quite a bit of water traffic on the Gulf. In fact, there’s more than on the Atlantic side. While the beach activity starts early, the sailing comes a bit later. Nevertheless, there’s a great variety of different boats that sail by. We were situated where there were swimming buoys. Boats could not sail behind them. However, several sailed close enough for a good shot.
This sailboat cruised by just beyond the swimming buoys
There also was a rather large runabout that motored by slowly. He didn’t even leave much of a wake as he passed.
We also had a good shot at this speedboat. He also had a good shot at us.
Non-Boat Activity in the Water
As the morning progressed, there was some activity closer to shore. As we said earlier, parents had been bringing their kids for a day at the beach. There was one father giving his son surfing lessons. The two-foot waves seemed to be the right height for the young man.
Still a bit young to “hang 10” this young surfer was riding those two footers at FMB
This wasn’t the only surfboard we watched from the balcony. Later we saw one in use as a stand-up pasddleboard. It appeared this slightly older enthusiast had a leisurely tour of the FMB coast in mind.
This young man was headed out to cruise the shore on his paddleboard
One non-human attraction we saw in the water were several dolphin sightings. More than once people fled to the shore after seeing a fin. Once they realized it wasn’t jaws, they came back into the water to catch a glimpse of nature’s beauty. And yes, we could see them from our fifth floor perch. Perhaps better from our vantage point.
We spotted several Dolphin during our trip. This was the best capture.
We also saw a group of swimmers making circles around the buoys. We could see them making laps – but they were too far out to get a good photo.
Some Special Vessels on the Water
We caught a number of other watercraft sailing by us. Hurricane Ian did significant damage to the nearby Sanibel and Captiva islands. We took a ride over. There we saw a lot of dredge work being done along the causeway. One afternoon we saw one of the dredges on its way over to help out.
We had seen a lot of water traffic along FMB. This was the first dredge we’d viewed.
The Key West Express is one of our favorites to watch when we visit Fort Myers Beach. In the morning we’d see her in the sunlight, at night she was highly recognizable by her lights and fast movement through the water on the return trip.
The Key West Express caught our attention and the attention of a paddleboarder.
Finally, we always were glad to see Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise come sailing along. They run twice a day. First there’s the kid’s cruise, later one for the adults. We’d be sitting on the balcony when the pirates would let go a round from one of their cannon. It was always fun to watch the beach goers jump from the sound of the boom!
Salty Sams sailed by the Edison Beach House twice a day – it was one of the highlights of our visit.
In the Air
We have told you about all the activity we were able to see on the beach and in the water. But wait, there’s more. There were several aerial activities we spied while sitting on our lovely fifth floor balcony. Every day there were parasail boats pulling brightly colored parachutes across the Gulf. For the most part they were pretty far out. But once in a while they’d come close enough to get a photo.
This yellow, smiley-faced parasail group did quite a bit of business while we were there.
We also had some drones fly about during our stay. It was hard to figure out for what they were searching. It appears they were just looking for people enjoying the beach and the Gulf.
There were a few drones that flew by us during our stay at the Edison Beach House
But that wasn’t the only air traffic. We had periodic passes by jet airliners. Apparently, they were on their way to, or from the Southwest Florida International Airport. From the number of planes we saw, it seems to be a pretty busy place.
One of the many airliners that flew over us. That air traffic was only during the day.
Overnight
Finally, one of the best instances of aerial entertainment, was a moonset. It occurred on the last day of our stay. But, I sneaked out early in the morning and got a shot across our balcony from the living room. It was a beautiful end to our stay, at one of our favorite places in FMB.
The picture from my iPhone just does not do this justice. One of my investments this year may be a good digital camera.
While the Edison Beach House itself is up and running, the damage at Fort Myers Beach and at the Sanibel & Captiva islands remains significant. Still, there’s plenty to do at the beach. Nearby Times Square is coming back, and there are restaurants open on Old San Carlos Street.
We’ll do more on that later. Still to come are reviews on some great nearby restaurants such as the Wisteria Tea Room, La Cassita, and Dolly’s.
