The Marine Terrace Resort – A New Experience

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December 30, 2024

Usually when Sandra and I travel, we find a hotel or motel that provides us with lodging and all the amenities we enjoy. However, this time, we scored a Daytona Beach condo. And “scored” is the right word.

It’s known as the Marine Terrace Resort. Due to hurricane damage, the pool has been closed indefinitely, and currently they have no direct beach access. However, because it is December, and because there are multiple access points to the beach – this was not a large scale problem for us.

The Marine Terrace Resort is an impressive building that sits along Atlantic Avenue right along the beach.

Lots of Glass

We were impressed by the number of windows boasted by this property. All of the exterior rooms were practically ringed with floor to ceiling glass – most of which looked out over the Atlantic Ocean. Our room was on the third floor. That gave us just enough height for a wonderful view, but still was low enough to enjoy the water almost at eye level.

Marine Terrace view — The view from our third floor balcony overlooked the under-construction pool, but was a wonderful vista of the vast Atlantic shore.

Yes, it appears the pool may take a while, but the property has a lot of other amenities. For instance, there’s a spa, a reading room and a game room – complete with pool table. They also offer free popcorn on the weekends in the lobby, made with their own retro popcorn machine.

In other words, there’s a lot to do if you choose not to go swimming. However, we were entranced by the motion of the sea. There also were some wonderful distractions both on the water and in the air.

At Sea

It was pretty cool the weekend we were there, so there was not the brace of beach goers and surfers usually seen along the Atlantic coast. However, there were several boats that passed by as we sat on the balcony. One was this sailboat who appeared to be trying to get to port before the sun went down.

This sailboat was one of a number of craft that drifted by as we sat on the balcony at the Marine Terrace Resort.

In the Air

There was the usual inventory of sandpipers, pelicans and seagulls during our trip. Most of them were flying and diving during the early morning and late afternoon. Apparently they were looking for breakfast and dinner respectively.

However, they weren’t the only airborne entertainment. There were a few banner-towing aircraft, at least one jet airliner. This seaplane made a pass by our condo as it flew down the coastline.

A Great View

I did mention that there was a lot of glass at this condo. Anywhere you sat there was a wonderful panoramic view of the ocean. In the dining area, it was easy to look out and keep tabs on what was happening on the water.

Marine Terrace Dining Room — The dining area had a great view. In the back you can catch a glimpse of two tall stools that sit in the breakfast nook. Outside there were chairs and tables on the balcony.

There also was a living room area, where you could watch a flat screen TV, or again, turn your attention out onto the water. The sofa actually was comfortable enough that we fell asleep on it more than once.

Marine Terrace condo living room — The living room space was a great place to sit and talk, read, watch TV or view the ocean.

Ours was a unit with two bedrooms and three full baths. There also was a utility space with a washer and dryer should we have needed it. The beds were comfortable, and both had windows that allowed us to watch the sun come up without having to get out from under the covers.

Marine Terrace bedroom — This was our king-sized bed with a king-sized view

The Sun Rise

Although I didn’t have to, I did get out of the bed early on to get a shot of the sun rising over the Atlantic. I got up, my wife did not. She got a very similar shot.

sunrise over the Atlantic — It was a great shot as we watched the birds sailing over the water and the sun come up. The nice thing was, with just a couple of tugs, we could close the curtains and go back to sleep.

Lest you think this was the only one, we captured this one:

And perhaps my favorite of our stay –

All the Comforts of Home

We mentioned some of the appliances, but our condo feqtured a great little kitchen. It could serve easily for warming things up, or for cooking an entire meal. There were plenty of glasses, cups, plates and utensils. Plus, as a galley kitchen, everything was in easy reach.

Marine Terrace Kitchen — The kitchen had a full sized refrigerator, microwave, stove, sink and even a dishwasher. They also furnished the blender and coffeemaker you see here.

And Finally

We cannot say enough about the front desk staff. There was someone there 24/7 and they could not have been nicer or more helpful. This was a great find and a wonderful opportunity – especially if you are going to have an extended stay.

Discover more on the Marine Terrace Resort website.

And there’s a lot to do in the Daytona area. We’ll have more on that later.

Living Green Cafe: An Oasis of Flavor in Boca Raton

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Florida Funmeister

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December 20, 2024

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If you’re looking for a fun and tasty lunch in Boca Raton, we would highly recommend the Living Green Cafe.

We had discovered Living Green on a previous trip to Boca Raton. It was great then, and it was great again this time. Tucked in a shopping center full of different restaurant options, it’s easy to miss this little gem, tucked behind a portico that’s covered with the lush vegetation so common in south Florida.

The Restaurant

The entrance, actually is at the back of a roofed and vine-covered portico, which has a fan and provides a great dining experience – especially during the warmer months. It’s one of two outdoor seating areas at the restaurant.

Living Green BocaRaton, Fla — The patio area at Living Green in Boca Raton is a great place to dine. It’s covered in lush vegetation, and far enough away from the street so diners are not bothered by noise from Federal Highway, which runs in front of the restaurant.

Inside of course is air conditioned. There’s a community table and a row of individual tables against a bright window. Apparently, they have wonderful internet service. There were people coming and going armed with laptop computers and an appetite.

We watched as they enjoyed lunch, working on various projects. There was a steady ebb and flow of those who apparently were using their lunch hour to the best possible advantage.

interior of Living Green in Boca Raton — Lot of seating options were available inside as well. There was a community table that ran down the center of the room. Then there was a row of individual tables placed along the south, windowed wall of the restaurant.

Dining Selections are Many at Living Green

We didn’t spend much time on our computer. We were much more interested in the selections for lunch. There was no shortage of options there. In addition to a couple rows of meats, vegetables and other options, Living Green had a great collection of wraps, sandwiches and other selections.

Layout of the store was quite convenient. We could look at our drink options, then peruse the one side of the buffet.

Living Green Boca buffet — The other side of the buffet led us to the section of snacks, sandwiches, wraps and other offerings.

The other side of the buffet abutted the glass cases with wraps, sandwiches, quiches and other offerings.

This became a hard choice. There were so many options at the buffet, that we really didn’t need anything else. And, the gals behind the counter were generous with their portions. By the way, you could ask for more, or less of what you’d offered. First, there’s only so much room on the plate and second, your order is charged simply by the ounce.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of hot and cold veggie selections. There are cooked eggplant and peppers, and there are cold salad and slaw selections as well. The choices are not easy.

The east side was not an easier decision. This is where most of the cooked vegetables, meats and other offerings were kept. The gals behind the counter were well versed, and were quick to explain any and all of the items, what were in them and how they were prepared.

But for those who wanted handhelds, the Living Green staff had spent no small amount of time preparing sandwiches, wraps, caprese, quiches and other offerings.

Our Lunch at Living Green

We already had filled our plates when I got to this glass case. Despite the fact that I already probably had gotten too much, I was seduced by the spanakopita, and got one of those as well.

As we said before, there is a choice of dining areas. Due to the mildness of the day, and the lack of customers, we chose to eat outside. There is a two-top table with leather chairs just outside the door. We grabbed it quickly and sat down to enjoy our selections.

Living Green Boca Raton — These were our lunch selections. As you can see, Sandra got a blueberry muffin for dessert. My spanokpita is not pictured in this shot. We opted for some of the Living Green Lemon Water as our beverage of choice.

We enjoyed a tasty lunch in the late afternoon. It was quite pleasant, and I was surprised at the lack of flies or other annoying bugs, given that this was a target-rich environment for insects looking for a handout.

Apparently, Living Green in Boca Raton is part of a small chain of restaurants. There are four in south Florida, two of which also have markets attached to them. Sadly, the Boca Raton location did not have a market, or we probably would have found some items to carry home with us as souvenirs.

Other Options

For those who do not get quite enough, or like a sweet ending to their meal, Living Green does have a special case just for you.

And for those of you who like the fruit of the vine, Living Green in Boca Raton also had a great selection of wines.

In the end, I will tell you that the food was delicious. It was high quality ingredients and well prepared. We could have had as much or as little as we desired. This is the kind of place we could return to regularly to try their offerings.

In addition, they even have breakfast, which is a whole nother blog.

We recommend Living Green Boca Raton, and plan to return there on our next visit. In fact, if we are in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Oakland Park, we will be testing their other locations to see how they measure up to our Boca Raton experience.

Here’s a hint; visit their website and you might get a free coupon.

Pedro’s Bar & Grill – An Unexpected Surprise

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Florida Funmeister

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November 6, 2024

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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.

A big breakfast at Pedros — 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.

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.

Inside Pedros Bar & Grill — 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.

The bar at Pedros — 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.

The New Tossits Litter Bags: The Eco-Friendly Essential for Florida Travelers

By

Barry Foster

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October 21, 2024

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Sealing a Tossit litter bag — Tossits are easy to seal and to dispose of

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 — 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.

Tossits instructions — 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.

Florida Retirement is Murder, Some Reading in Preparation for Your Trip

By

Florida Funmeister

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September 18, 2024

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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.

a photo of Kris Courtney — 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.

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

You can also find the entirety of his works at https://www.kriscourtney.com

Dolly’s – a Hidden Gem in Bonita Springs

By

Florida Funmeister

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September 8, 2024

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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.

Why We Include Publix In Our Florida Travel Plans

By

Florida Funmeister

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September 5, 2024

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a photo of the Publix birthday cake shaped water tower. — 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.

The Top 3 Ways Travel Will Keep You Young

By

Barry Foster

-

September 2, 2024

0

picture of a street in Fort Myers Beach Florida — Heading out for travel

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.

Moreover, travel has made us more organized. Check our picnic basket and travel basket.

2. Physically 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.

NASGRASS Ready to Sling Sod at Home Opener

By

Florida Funmeister

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August 30, 2024

0

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.”

In fact, we have been reporting on this fun and wacky sport since we started this blog back in 2017!

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

NASGRASS racing flagman — 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

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

Fans in the bleachers — 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 at the souvenir stand — 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.

Brake Burger Garage Has the Tummy Tune-Up

By

Florida Funmeister

-

July 28, 2024

0

table tent announcing Polk Burger Week — It was Burger Week in Polk County

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.

Lots of Glass

At Sea

In the Air

A Great View

The Sun Rise

All the Comforts of Home

And Finally

The Restaurant

Dining Selections are Many at Living Green

Our Lunch at Living Green

Other Options

Our Breakfast Experience

A Return for Lunch

A Nice Restaurant

Final Thoughts

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Why We Believe Tossits Litter Bags are a Florida Travel Must-Have

Our Personal Experience with Tossits Litter Bags

Who Are Tossits Litter Bags Perfect For?

Where to Buy Tossits Litter Bags

Florida Retirement is Murder

Kris is a Fun Guy

There’s Even “Performance Art”

How He Got Started

Our Challenge to You

The Dolly’s Experience

Dolly’s Desserts

Dolly’s Swamp Buggy Connection

The Worlds Largest Publix Cake

The Publix Cemetery

Publix Onstage

The Original Publix

Wait, There’s More

The Infamous Pub Sub

Publix is a Must-See in the Sunshine State

1. Keeping Your Mind Active

2. Physically Active

3. The Chill Factor

Ready to Drop the Green Flag

It’s a Family Affair

Lots of Fans Turn Out

More than Burgers

Wait, There’s More

Coming Back for More

Plus There’s Merch

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