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.
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.
 As many of you know, Sandra and I love racing. The Sebring International Raceway is a favorite venue.
  This weekend the Champ Car Endurance Series will be in Sebring. This race will be a bit unusual. It’s to be an overnight affair. The green flag will fall at 6:00pm Saturday evening June 29, with the checkers to come out Sunday morning June 30 at 6:00am.
  There have been races that have run into darkness – both for the ChampCar series and a Sebring. It appears that this will be the first ever exclusively overnight race to be run on the historic circuit.
A Unique Event
  “It’s the toughness of the Sebring track, combined with darkness,” said ChampCar Director of Operations, Bill Strong.
  He said that there will be some lighting at the most dangerous curves. However, drivers will have to rely on the most powerful allowable headlamps. They will light their way for the bulk of the 3.72 mile circuit.
  The stories of cars losing their way on the dark Sebring circuit during the early years of the race are legendary.
  The cars are less expensive, but the series has been aided by new technology.
  Helping drivers through the night will be use of the new Flagtronics system. This new racing software allows race officials to be aware of anything that’s happening on track at any time so they can respond accordingly.
  Race control can monitor each car’s location and speed. They have lap time and pit time information as well as track conditions. Drivers also will know if or when a major impact occurs on the raceway.
  “We’ll have lighted LED boards at each of the flagging stations so drivers will be aware of what’s going on,” Strong said.
A Stout Field
  Nearly 60 cars already have signed up for TheTireRack.com Sebring Under the Stars event. Competitors such as 4 Paws racing with their Toyota FRS, The Average Joes in a 2006 Mazda Miata, and the Rosary Rocketeers fielding a 1990 Mazda RX7 all have registered to run the event behind the headlights.
  One of the Florida Teams to run will be Team Infinity out of Palm Beach County. The entry is a favorite, due to the illuminated shark fin on on its roof.
  “We have a lot of professional drivers who show up periodically to race with us as well,” Strong said. “We’ve had both current and former IMSA, NASCAR, IndyCar and even F1 drivers who come in to do a stint with one of the teams.”
Who is ChampCar
  The series began in 2009 as the ChumpCar World Series. The name was changed in 2017. In ChampCar the slogan became “Real Racing, Real Tracks, Real Cheap Cars.”
  Like the 24 Hours of LeMons cars that ran at Sebring recently, these vehicles are valued at no more than $500. Unlike the LeMons cars, the Champ Cars put the emphasis more on racing, and less on decorations, costumes and themes.
  “Our mission is that it’s all about racing. We are trying to tear down the high dollar roadblocks that in the past have restricted people from getting fully involved in motorsports,” Strong said. “It’ about enjoyment and bringing road racing back to where it was 50 years ago.”
  ChampCar’s Sebring Under the Stars is not a spectator event per se, people are allowed to come out and purchase a $20 “weekend pass,” to see the operation and view some racing action.
  “We’re hoping there are some fans who look at what we’re doing and want to build a car and join the series,” Strong said.
  Usually when Sandra and I pick a hotel room, it’s at or near a beach. Perhaps we get a lodging near an event we plan to attend. This time, we were down in Boca Raton on business and we discovered an in-town gem. It’s the Holiday Inn Boca West on Glades Road.
A Quick Check-in
  This wonderful little lodging facility is just off the Florida Turnpike, giving visitors easy travel in any direction. It’s also ringed with a myriad of shopping opportunities in the event you need some retail therapy.
  When we arrived, it was pouring down rain, but the main entrance was tucked back in the corner of the overhang, giving us plenty of shelter from what was a typical Florida frog strangler.
  Stephanie, the front desk manager, could not have been nicer. She could see that we’d had a long trip and were ready for some downtime. We were checked in quickly and easily.
  Greek food was not on the list Sandra and I took the funmobile off to Sarasota. We actually were in search of some bargains and fresh produce (more on that later). We had just arrived at Bradenton. So, we decided to get off at the University Town Center to see what we could find. At the end of Cooper Creek Blvd. we spotted a big beige building. On the side was a large sign announcing Louis Pappas – Fresh Greek.
  Well, we were hungry and we like Greek cuisine, so it wasn’t a tough decision.
A Lot of Selections
  The tough decisions came later, once we got a look at the menu. There were so many options ranging from salads, flatbreads, pitas and sandwiches to a wide array of appetizers, Mediterranean Spreads and cafe entrees.
   After perusing the menu, (and looking around the dining area to see what others were having), I opted for the Pappas Traditional Salad. After all, how can you go to a new place and not try their signature dish.
  I ordered the regular portion and not the large, figuring I could always go back and get more. But the regular size was more than enough. It was a bowl stacked with lettuce and ringed with large wedges of cucumber, tomato and pepperoncini. There was a giant scallion in the center, anchored in a large dollop of potato salad underneath.
  My lovely wife opted for the “Pick 2” where she had a cafe salad with a chicken slouvlaki on the side.
There was a lot of room in our suite and the bed was comfortable,
Recently, Sandra and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something fun and special, so we went to one of our favorite places – The Prestige in Vero Beach.
Recently, Sandra and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something fun and special, so we went to one of our favorite places – The Prestige in Vero Beach.
As long-time readers know, this is an older property. But the good news is, it’s well kept, it has a lot of amenities and it’s within a 60-second walk from the ocean. This time, we did not get an ocean-view room. That was OK, inasmuch as we didn’t spend a lot of time there. The room was spacious and it had a great walk-in kitchen/dining area. The bed was quite comfortable as well.
There was a lot of room in our suite and the bed was comfortable,
A Great Lunch
We didn’t do a lot of exploring this time. Because it was our anniversary, we stuck with the tried and true.
When it comes to Vero Beach, there are some places we love to dine. It was an easy decision to have our dinner at TooJay’s. We first discovered this chain in Lake Worth. During our travels, we’ve had the occasion to eat at many of their locations, and the one in Vero is as good as any.
Sandra had a chicken salad sandwich with the beef/cabbage soup. That slow cooked soup in a word is delish. I, of course had the Classic Reuben. How could you not? We both got an order of their signature coleslaw (with a big half pickle.)
Boy were we filled up!
A Bit of Exercise
We had a chance to walk off a bit lunch in a wonderful way. When we returned to the Prestige, we headed down to the shore. This was an opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. It was delightful. The beach was all but deserted. Sandra found a few shells as we enjoyed the crashing water. A few waves made it far enough up the beach to wet our feet as we walked.
Full Moon Over Vero
Heading back to our room, Sandra noticed the full moon rising. It was the first of a number of atmospheric attractions we would enjoy on this trip.
Surprise in the Skies
So, as we were sitting around just before bedtime, I got an alert from my Space Launch Schedule Facebook Group. A Falcon 9 rocket was getting ready to blast off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station just up the coast. According the the alert, we had 2:34 to get out of our room and down toward the beach to see it.
We made it as far as the patio area. Standing in our lounging clothes, phones in hand, we saw a spectacular launch! Starting with a bright orange glow on the northern horizon, the rocket headed straight up. It then perfectly arc’d southward, and just by us over the eastern Atlantic.
An Early Morning Favorite
When we travel to the coast, the sunrises and sunsets are a main attraction. There are not nearly as many people who get up early to watch the sun come up. However, we are some of those who get a start on the day with that beautiful view.
Our tenth anniversary sunrise did not disappoint. We didn’t even need an alarm. At first light, we headed back down to the patio area with our cups of coffee in hand. It was like a a double header. The sun first broke the horizon then disappeared behind a bank of clouds. A few minutes later it re-emerged, to signal the start of a new day.
First Watch Breakfast
Like I said, we didn’t take any chances this trip. When it comes to breakfast, First Watch is always a good choice. They have fresh offerings, and the cooks pay attention to each order. Generally, they also have a good waitstaff. It’s a step up, without a great increase in price.
I went with the works omelet, while Sandra took the standard breakfast with eggs over, bacon, home fries and toast. Save for the home fries, which were cooked on the surface of the sun, it was a great breakfast and a great end to a short trip to Vero Beach.
After quite a lengthy absence, Barry and Sandra are back to talk about their travels around the Sunshine State. We’re also ready to give hints to others who also might be going around some of the more fun places in Florida.
As you know, we had been traveling regularly for quite some time. However, we were overtaken by events. Now, we once again we’re ready to hit the road and share our experiences with the many readers who love Florida as much as we do.
If you have any thoughts, ideas or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line at [email protected]
We always are looking for new ideas for adventures, and new places to review. Our hope is to find locations on and off the beaten path, where folks can have a great time at reasonable prices.
There was a lot of room in our suite and the bed was comfortable,
Recently, Sandra and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something fun and special, so we went to one of our favorite places – The Prestige in Vero Beach.
As long-time readers know, this is an older property. But the good news is, it’s well kept, it has a lot of amenities and it’s within a 60-second walk from the ocean. This time, we did not get an ocean-view room. That was OK, inasmuch as we didn’t spend a lot of time there. The room was spacious and it had a great walk-in kitchen/dining area. The bed was quite comfortable as well.
There was a lot of room in our suite and the bed was comfortable,
A Great Lunch
We didn’t do a lot of exploring this time. Because it was our anniversary, we stuck with the tried and true.
When it comes to Vero Beach, there are some places we love to dine. It was an easy decision to have our dinner at TooJay’s. We first discovered this chain in Lake Worth. During our travels, we’ve had the occasion to eat at many of their locations, and the one in Vero is as good as any.
Sandra had a chicken salad sandwich with the beef/cabbage soup. That slow cooked soup in a word is delish. I, of course had the Classic Reuben. How could you not? We both got an order of their signature coleslaw (with a big half pickle.)
Boy were we filled up!
A Bit of Exercise
We had a chance to walk off a bit lunch in a wonderful way. When we returned to the Prestige, we headed down to the shore. This was an opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. It was delightful. The beach was all but deserted. Sandra found a few shells as we enjoyed the crashing water. A few waves made it far enough up the beach to wet our feet as we walked.
Full Moon Over Vero
Heading back to our room, Sandra noticed the full moon rising. It was the first of a number of atmospheric attractions we would enjoy on this trip.
Surprise in the Skies
So, as we were sitting around just before bedtime, I got an alert from my Space Launch Schedule Facebook Group. A Falcon 9 rocket was getting ready to blast off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station just up the coast. According the the alert, we had 2:34 to get out of our room and down toward the beach to see it.
We made it as far as the patio area. Standing in our lounging clothes, phones in hand, we saw a spectacular launch! Starting with a bright orange glow on the northern horizon, the rocket headed straight up. It then perfectly arc’d southward, and just by us over the eastern Atlantic.
An Early Morning Favorite
When we travel to the coast, the sunrises and sunsets are a main attraction. There are not nearly as many people who get up early to watch the sun come up. However, we are some of those who get a start on the day with that beautiful view.
Our tenth anniversary sunrise did not disappoint. We didn’t even need an alarm. At first light, we headed back down to the patio area with our cups of coffee in hand. It was like a a double header. The sun first broke the horizon then disappeared behind a bank of clouds. A few minutes later it re-emerged, to signal the start of a new day.
First Watch Breakfast
Like I said, we didn’t take any chances this trip. When it comes to breakfast, First Watch is always a good choice. They have fresh offerings, and the cooks pay attention to each order. Generally, they also have a good waitstaff. It’s a step up, without a great increase in price.
I went with the works omelet, while Sandra took the standard breakfast with eggs over, bacon, home fries and toast. Save for the home fries, which were cooked on the surface of the sun, it was a great breakfast and a great end to a short trip to Vero Beach.
Norwood's is one of the most interesting dining experiences we've had to date.
If you have ever wanted to have dinner in the treetops – dining at Norwood’s is for you. Having found this gem in New Smyrna Beach several years ago, we’d wanted to get around to blogging it. But seeing as how this year will mark there 75th anniversary, we just couldn’t wait any longer.
Norwood’s is one of the most interesting dining experiences we’ve had to date.
The location has been one kind of a business or another since 1929, but began as a restaurant back in 1946. Since that time it has been through several owner changes. It now is billed as a seafood restaurant, but has impressive beef and other selections as well.
One of our favorite parts, is that Norwood’s does all their own smoking in a small smokehouse right in the middle of the parking lot.
Norwood’s smokehouse was working hard the day we were there.
There were some nice benches on which to relax if we'd gotten tired of walking the trail.
We found Oscar Scherer State Park almost directly across the street from Bentley’s Boutique Hotel in Osprey. We’d seen the signs on previous visits, but hadn’t had the time to visit. It was not our first Florida state park. In the past, we explored Highlands Hammock State Park – a sprawling facility in Highlands County.
However, at almost 1400 acres Oscar Sherer State Park is much more compact. This was great for us. We could access their features more quickly. And our walk around Lake Osprey was easy and fun.
Like other parks we have visited, the rangers were quick to hand us a fistful of brochures about different opportunities for fun.
At Oscar Scherer State Park, we arrived and were presented with plenty of options from hiking to bird watching.
The Trip In
We first arrived at the ranger station, paid our fees, and received a brace of documents telling us about the park. Among the brochures were a checklist of birds we might (or might not) see, an outline of the nearly dozen trails we could hike and a general brochure about the park (complete with map).
So we looked for a place to park for a minute and do a bit of research. Quickly we located a parking lot. It turned out to be the South Creek Picnic Area. There we found a playground, pavilions, the early stages of the Lester Findley Hiking trail, a kayak and canoe launch and of course, picnic facilities.
The kayak launching facility at Oscar Scherer was reminiscent of one we saw on our trip to Crystal River,
We decided to take a stroll and look around for a while. Sadly, we saw a lot of signs saying that due to the Covid, the park was not renting watercraft. However, had we wanted to paddle down the South Creek, there was a private company who would have rented us a kayak, canoe or paddle board.
After walking around a bit, we headed back to the car and drove up the road to see what else we might discover.
Lake Osprey
As we traveled up the main road, we got a glimpse of beautiful Lake Osprey. We soon located the designsted parking lot and pulled in for a better look.
Lake Osprey is a beautiful little place, complete with beach, amenities and a hiking trail.
Here we found a playground, picnic facilities a beach for swimming and a visitor’s center. Sadly, again, the visitor’s center was closed due to the Covid situation. However, we were delighted to find a wonderful little hiking trail that circumnavigated the lake.
It was more of a stroll than a hike as we walked the third-mile trail. Signs encouraged us to look for different kinds of birds and to beware of alligators. In the end we really didn’t see much wildlife (both sadly and happily). However, we had a great walk and some wonderful views of the lake.
There were some nice benches on which to relax if we’d gotten tired of walking the trail.
Our Next Visit
We really didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy as much of Oscar Scherer as we would have liked. We vowed to come back again and perhaps do a picnic. Their facilities are quite nice. In addition to the lake, there are nearly a dozen walking trails – ranging from the short trek around Lake Osprey to the five mile long “Yellow Trail,” that goes through everything from Hardwood Hammocks to Pine Flatwoods.
We also hope to see more wildlife next time. Although we saw one little turtle, the brochures promise that the place is abundant with birds. In addition to the imperiled Scrub Jays, there usually are lots of heron, swifts, woodpeckers, kingfishers and even storks and warblers.
We can recommend this little place. Our advice is bring a picnic lunch, some comfortable walking shoes and be ready to take some photos of this picturesque little getaway.
It’s a pleasant drive through Oscar Scherer State Park.
