Our Travels in 2020 (Part I)

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December 31, 2020

We agree, this has been a year to remember. That is why we decided to do a review of our travels in 2020. In looking back over the past 12 months it’s hard to believe how many places we managed to visit in Florida.

January

In the past the Sarasota Farmer’s Market has been a go-to for fun, shopping and people watching.

Our travels in 2020 began with a revisit to the Sarasota Farmer’s Market. One of the oldest – and at the time one of the largest – in the state, we always had a great time there. There always was lots of our favorite produce and specialty products. And for our taste, people-watching was unprecedented.

Webb’s Candy Factory has a lot of real old Florida mixed with the new.

A target of opportunity was our January stop at Webb’s Candy Factory in Polk County. The decades-old operation has grown into a must-stop tourist attraction. Plus, we were treated to a backstage tour by a fourth-generation Webb. And we treated ourselves some goat milk fudge while we were there (how could we not?).

One of our most fun stops all year was our January visit to Solomon’s Castle in Hardee County.

One of our funnest stops ever was at Solomon’s Castle. In addition to the pun-filled art displays in their “time castle,” they had a great little restaurant called “The Boat in the Moat.” Additionally, we took advantage of their wonderful little gift shop.

The boardwalk at Highlands Hammock State Park is a serene walk though some of the areas’ most beautiful old growth forest.

The first month of the year also gave us the chance to visit Florida’s first state park. Highlands Hammock is a sprawling facility with a campground, museum, play area, picnic facilities and several different trails. We decided to traverse the boardwalk – which took us over wetlands full of flora and fauna only found in the Sunshine State.

A trip to the Runway Cafe in Sebring also gave us an opportunity to have a tasty little meal, while watching a steady stream of small aircraft landing and taking off on the nearby runways.

During our travels in 2020, we enjoyed lunch at the Runway Cafe in the Sebring Regional Airport. This was a double treat for us. There was plenty of air traffic at the airfield, with pilots coming in for lunch, then taking off again. My wife referred to it as “the floor show,” which came at no additional cost.

February

Things began to slow down in the second month of 2020. Nevertheless, we were blessed to do some traveling. For instance, a trip out of state gave us an opportunity to come back into Florida and be greeted like a tourist.

The Florida Welcome Center on I-95 gives an impressive view on many of the things we still have yet to do in the Sunshine State.

We stopped at the Welcome Center on I-95 and took a leisurely stroll around the place. It has a wealth of information on things to see and do in Florida. And like many of the visitors, we left with an armload of booklets and brochures of things we plan to do in the upcoming months.

Bob’s Train is truly a “hidden” gem. but once you find it, it’s a treasure trove of history with a wonderful little restaurant.

While on a February visit to Sarasota, we went to Bob’s Train. What a delightful stop. The antique railway coach was full of circus memorabilia and creative inventions of owner Robert “Bob” Horne. He holds court during dinner, spinning wonderful tales of his involvement with the circus. Doolittle’s Raiders and the American space program.

The Florida Air Museum in Lakeland was a real find. They have wonderful exhibits whether or not airplanes are your thing,

A February trip to the Lakeland Linder Airport brought us to the Florida Air Museum. We found it on the campus of the Sun ‘N Fun Expo. There were exhibits inside and out with all manner of airplanes, aviators and aircraft-related items. It was easy for us to take a leisurely stroll around the area and be thoroughly informed and entertained.

The Sweet Sage Cafe & Boutique in Reddington Beach was a great outdoor dining experience – with some shopping thrown in as well.

As part of our travels in 2020, we took a run over to the SunCoast, which brought us to Reddington Beach and the Sweet Sage Cafe. They have a unique menu and an equally unique boutique on the property.

We found an equally fun and funky eatery at the Wild Turkey Tavern in Avon Park.

We also hit some spots in central Florida. Our visits at the Wild Turkey Tavern in Avon Park have always proved to be tasty and fun. Their brand of cracker cookin’ is designed to please. Recently they added breakfasts to their ever-expanding menu.

March

As we all remember, things began to tighten up in March. Nevertheless, we were able to squeeze in at least a couple of trips before things around Florida and around the country were locked down.

For us, a trip to the Avon Park Mowerplex to watch the NASGRASS racers always means fun and excitement – and this was no exception.

The Snowbird Nationals at the Avon Park Mowerplex is one of our must-stops of the season. Racing lawn mowers in all classes thrill young and old alike. And we love the crowds, which are fun and just great people to be around. Of course, the on track action is our favorite part.

Lake Mirror Park – and Hollis Park in particular – was a wonderful trip, It allowed us to enjoy some beautiful botanical gardens.

While in Lakeland, we toured Lake Mirror Park. this many-faceted location is the Home of Hollis Gardens. We also found a lovely little bistro there to enjoy both lunch and the day. It was one of our most relaxing experiences.

The Lockdown

It was then that everything was buttoned up due to the coronavirus. This is where the our travels for 2020 slowed to a crawl. We took the weeks at the end of March and into April to look back and look forward to our trips. We also did a piece on how we sanitize our hotel room – even before the corona hit. Additionally, we wrote about great travel preparation opportunities during the down time.

We were able to sneak in a few travel opportunities such as drive-in restaurants, drive-in theaters and even drive-in church services.

In the meantime, we continued to write about How to Eat Healthy While Traveling, How to Tell What Beaches are Open and What We Love About Florida.

May

Our view from the Sea Spray in at Vero Beach – where we enjoyed our take out meals from local restaurants.

How appropriate it was that Tourism Week began May as things in Florida began to re-open slowly bur surely. From here on out, our travels for 2020 began to pick up speed.

We took a trip to Vero Beach in May where we stayed at the Sea Spray Inn and enjoyed the Atlantic Ocean as well as a number of the restaurants and attractions in the area.

Boutique Hotel Florida, Osprey hotels, ospry lodging — The Bentley Boutique Hotel has become one of our favorite places to stay along Florida’s Culture Coast.

Later, we went to the Gulf of Mexico and stayed at the Bentley Boutique Hotel. They have great accommodations with easy access to Nokomis, Venice and even Englewood. There, we made a stop at Made in the Shade – the quintessential ice cream shop.

June

SpaceX began the month of June with the first American-based, manned rocket launch in two decades. That called for a road trip. We headed over to Melbourne to get an eye witness view of the launch. From the beach, through the bright sun, we could see the rocket carrying the astronauts to the international space station. It was a sight to behold.

A small speck of light through the brilliant Florida sun is the evidence of astronauts headed into space from Florida.

While we were at Melbourne, we discovered one of the best Italian restaurants ever. Pane y Vino is both a restaurant and a deli with some of the most delicioso menu items and ingredients we’ve ever enjoyed.

We continued traveling in June with a run down to one of our favorites – Fort Meyers Beach. There we discovered a new little retro property known as The Flamingo Inn.

The Flamingo Inn was a fun retro property – and although it was fairly well down the road, it has a marvelous little private beach within easy walking distance.

Owners have done quite a bit to upgrade the rooms at the Flamingo Inn. It is a bit away – but that gives the property practically a private beach within easy walking distance.

It was at the end of June that Florida re-opened with a bang. That’s when our pent-up travel desires really kicked in. During the first six months of the year, we learned the Mental Health Benefits of travel, and the site topped 200,000 views.

For us, it was the best of times and the worst of times – and that’s only the first part. Stay tuned, part two of our travels for 2020 here at Florida Fun Travel is on the way.

Original Word of Mouth – A Great Breakfast in Venice

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December 28, 2020

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While looking for a great breakfast in Venice recently, we rediscovered the Original Word of Mouth. Actually, we’d found this place once before – the first time we visited “The Sharktooth Capital of the World.” And just like the first time, we had a wonderful experience.

The Word of Mouth Venice is located in the Villa Venieza Plaza.

The Restaurant

The Venice location is the second Original Word of Mouth, causing me to dub it “The un-Original Word of Mouth.” That being said, the ambiance, service and food quality put it on our top tier for dining in the area. Just off Venice Avenue, the place is bright and airy. They offer dining inside and out and you may sit at a table, booth or even the breakfast bar.

The Original Word of Mouth’s breakfast bar is where you may sit and enjoy breakfast while chatting with friends and making new ones.

All the dining options are equally pleasant. We chose the inside. It was comfortable and dotted with antiques and Americana decor. We were taken particularly with the antique stove which they used as a desk at the front check-in counter.

The antique Roper oven was a nice touch while providing a functional desk

The Menu

While the Original Word of Mouth is a place for a great breakfast in Venice, they also have a wonderful lunch menu. In addition to their daily specials, they offer traditional sandwiches, specialty burgers, wraps and of course soups and salads.

However, we were there for breakfast and from the looks of their menu, breakfast is their specialty. We could choose from “Healthy Starts,” like smoothies, oatmeal or granola. The menu also has a full line of “Awesome Omelets,” “Frittatas,””The Benedict Corner,” “The Pancake Parlour” plus “Specialty Breakfast Sweets” then to “The Barnyard and Beyond.”

In the end, I had the Boston Omelet with spinach, mushroom and swiss. I got the WORD fries which also were great and topped it off with an Orange Pecan muffin. My wife went with The Barnyard Specialty – eggs over medium with bacon, WORD fries and some sourdough bread. They made the bread on site and it was delicious.

The Original Word of Mouth has great breakfast options, coupled with fast service and a lot of ambiance. It truly is a wonderful dining experience.

The bread products were remarkable and there are plenty of them. There are muffins, scones and croissants. We also could have had biscuits, cinnamon rolls or bagels. Moreover, the menu featured several different crepes and blintzes. And, had we not gotten enough at the table, we had the opportunity to pick up some goodies in the baked goods case for consumption later.

Although the bake case had been pillaged by the time we got there, we found plenty of sweet treats begging to be taken home.

In Conclusion

I simply must tell you, this is a place that entices us to come back and try some of their other selections – either for breakfast or for lunch. That’s difficult, inasmuch as what we had was good enough to have again. In any event, it has become a must-stop when we are in the area. Much like the Sunset Hut and the Cafe Evergreen, we have learned that for a great breakfast in Venice, the Original Word of Mouth is a wonderful option.

Little Drug Company – Retro & Chocked Full of Fun

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December 20, 2020

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When looking for fun things to do in New Smyrna Beach, a trip to the drug store was not high on our list. Then, we found the Little Drug Company – and that all changed. We found tons of cool things and a vintage soda fountain to boot!

The Little Drug Company has been in business for nearly a century. And to our delight, we found that they have kept much of the old timey ambience down through the years. As far as we were concerned, the crown jewel was the 1960’s style soda fountain and restaurant which dominates the east side of the store.

The Fountain

We just loved this old soda fountain. They offered meals and plenty of Hershey-brand ice cream treats. Apparently, they do a brisk breakfast business. The menu features eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes & French toast and of course, biscuits & gravy.

For lunch at the counter we could have had cold sandwiches, burgers, subs, melts, deli favorites as well as a selection of different kinds of hot dogs. There also were salads, soups and baskets – from chicken bites to fried fish fingers.

But it was the soda fountain that intrigued us most. We could hear the milkshakes, sundaes. banana splits, floats and parfaits calling our name. In fact, we made three separate trips to the place just to try different offerings. We had plenty – but we’ll be back.

A vanilla shake,, a root beer float and a chocolate shake fresh from the fountain. All three disappeared quickly!

The Pharmacy

But the Little Drug Company is more than just the soda fountain. We found this place to be a full service pharmacy. In fact, we’re told that since their inception they have filled over a million prescriptions. Actually, there were people talking with the pharmacist the day we were there.

Little Drug Company is a full service pharmacy in New Smyrna Beach has filled over a million prescriptions.

In addition to prescriptions, The Little Drug Company also has a full slate of over-the-counter remedies for what ails you. We found plenty of pain relievers, allergy medicines, topical creams, cough syrups and the like. That being said, these folks have a sense of humor about their store.

One of our favorites was the picture of Lucille Ball pitching the mythical Vitametavegqmin product so we could “spoon our way to health.”

The Vitametavegemin ad from an episode of “I Love Lucy.”

The Store

We love places that like to have fun, and the Little Drug Company is one of those. The attitude is what makes this one of the fun things to do in New Smyrna Beach. The whole place is full of great little items. From cards and gifts to sundries they have lots of interesting things we just have not seen anyplace else. They have a shelf featuring books about the area and by local authors. My favorite was “Bass Fishing in Outer Space and Other Stories” by Tom Levine.

There also was a selection of New Smyrna Beach license tags, seasonal jewelry, greeting cards, refrigerator magnets and even Little Drug Company T-shirts. But the wide selection of candy was what impressed us. They had jars full of penny candy (now 23-cents each). They also had vintage chewing gums including Beemans, Black Jack and Clove.

We found a great selection of vintage candy at Little Drug Company – and from the looks of things, they continue to be big sellers.

Then my wife exclaimed “Honey, when was the last time you saw these?! I had to admit, it had been years. When I was a child, candy cigarettes were my treats when mom would come home from shopping in the big city. Although I enjoyed the candy, I never picked up the smoking habit.

It has been decades since I last saw these. So I bought a box. They also had bubble gum cigars!

In Conclusion

The Little Drug Company is one of those true hidden gems. Set along Historic Canal Street, it is really a fun thing to do in New Smyrna Beach. Most of the employees have been there for quite a long time and it really is a family affair. They have a fun attitude for regulars and tourists alike and it’s a great place to find retro items and unusual, interesting products.

When you visit, budget some time and most certainly, do not miss the soda fountain. It is as delicious as it looks.

A Good Breakfast at A Good Day Cafe

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December 9, 2020

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We always are looking for a good breakfast and we found one in Osprey at A Good Day Cafe. Their slogan is “A Good Day Starts Here” and as far as we’re concerned, they’re right.

Actually, we found this little gem tucked in the corner of the Blackburn Point shopping center just off Tamiami Trail. It’s the kind of place we might have driven right by – had it not been for our trusty GPS system.

We actually found this breakfast suggestion, using our TripAdvisor App.

A Good Day Cafe has a retro style combined with great food.

The Restaurant

We opened the front door and found a retro diner atmosphere, punctuated with “golden oldies” music. In fact, the only thing that was missing was the jukebox. The booths were both stylish and comfortable. The restaurant itself was open and airy – in short, the decor provided for a great dining experience.

A Good Day Cafe is a breakfast and lunch place. In fact, they had a wonderful selection of both on their menu – and some of the tastiest fare we have enjoyed.

Breakfast

As I said, for a cafe, their menu is ambitious. They offer breakfast, lunch and brunch options – and lots of them. As we were there for breakfast, we could have had standard fare, plus omelets, skillets, benedicts and a full line of “syrupy sweets” ranging from French toast to Belgian waffles.

I went for the Back Yard Omelet while my wife opted for A Good Day Breakfast. Both promised fresh ingredients cooked to perfection – and they certainly delivered.

My omelet was fluffy and stuffed with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, green peppers and onions. It all was mixed in a great cheese blend. My wife’s standard breakfast came with her “over medium” egg just right, plus some of the best, crispiest bacon we’ve had since we started traveling.

Incidentally, we can recommend the “Good Day Potatoes” and both the marbled rye and multi-grain toast. She was greatly impressed with the Earl Gray tea, with hot water served in a green ceramic pot.

Other Selections

This is the kind of place that makes us want to return and try other selections. Perhaps next time we’ll do a brunch. Those menu items included (but weren’t limited to) chicken & waffles, a Mediterranean Frittatta or the Quiche of the Day.

Lunchtime options included burgers, wraps, soups and salads. Also listed were Deli cold cuts, club sandwiches, croissants and melts. Personally. I have my eye on their Reuben, while my wife easily could go to her default BLT.

We had the option of taking some of the Good Day Cafe home with us.

Parting Gifts

When leaving, we didn’t have to go empty handed. At the front counter they had bags of their own A Good Day Cafe Coffee (both regular and decaf), a selection of pastries in a case (most had been snatched up by the time we got there) and a number of commemorative A Good Day Cafe T-shirts (suitable for you and a friend).

To tell you the truth – this was a real find. They certainly qualify for one of our best breakfast in Florida articles. The atmosphere was great, the wait staff was quick and efficient and as we said, the food was some of the best since we’ve started traveling.

A Good Day Cafe well qualifies for the “Hidden Gem” status and is worth a trip out of your way – certainly for breakfast and we suspect lunch or brunch as well.

For us, A Good Day did start here.

Florida Thanksgiving Travel Down for 2020

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November 20, 2020

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We are reading that Florida Thanksgiving travel will be down this year in the Sunshine State. In fact, AAA forecasts indicate that fewer Americans will be headed out. That’s mainly due to concerns over the Coronavirus.

In Florida, the expectation is that 2.8 million travelers will hit the road.

Road Trips Top Holiday Travel Plans

They tell us that the predictions are that those who decide to travel are likely to drive shorter distances and reduce the number of days they are away. This makes road trips the dominant form of travel this Thanksgiving.

Travel by automobile is projected to fall 4.3%, to 47.8 million travelers and account for 95% of all holiday travel.

“The wait-and-see travel trend continues to impact final travel decisions, especially for the Thanksgiving holiday,” said AAA Senior Project Manager Mark Jenkins. He says the majority of travelers will go by car. Mostly, because that provides more control over social distancing. Plus, there’s more flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure.

Road Trip Advice

AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route ahead. To minimize the number of stops along the way, pack meals, extra snacks and drinks in addition to an emergency roadside kit. Before you head out, be sure your vehicle is ready for the trip to avoid a breakdown along the way.

AAA expects to rescue more than 413,000 Americans at the roadside this Thanksgiving. AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone, app or online. Through it, members can track the service technicians progress as they make their way to the vehicle.

Wednesday is Busiest Day on the Roads

The highest volume of traffic will be Wednesday afternoon. Although traffic volume is expected to be less than in years’ past, travelers in major urban areas will experience increased delays at popular bottlenecks, up to 30% above normal pandemic congestion levels.

Road Trippers to Find Lower Gas Prices this Year

Although Florida Thanksgiving travel will be down, those who decide to hit the road for the holiday will find gas prices down from last year. On average, US gas prices are nearly 50 cents lower than last Thanksgiving. The national average was ($2.11) per gallon on Thursday. Thanksgiving gas prices haven’t been that low since 2015.

Gulf Shores Beach Resort is a Fun & Funky Retreat

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November 16, 2020

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Down in Nokomis is the Gulf Shores Beach Resort Motel – this is not your typical lodging. We found it a delightful throwback to old Florida in many ways.

The front office of the properties that comprise the Gulf Shores Beach Resort Motel.

The Motel

To our delight, Gulf Shores Beach Resort actually boasts dual waterfronts. There is a private beach along the Gulf of Mexico and a second along the Venice Inlet which leads to Blackburn Bay, that separates the key from the mainland of Florida.

On the Gulf side, guests can use the private beach to swim, fish, go shelling or just enjoy a long walk. On the bay side it’s more quiet, relaxed and private.

Instead of being a traditional single unit motel, Gulf Shores Beach actually is a compendium of small bungalows, cottages and rooms on both sides of Casey Key Road. We were on the bay side of the property.

For us, it was perfect

We had the opportunity to see the sunrise over the water and watch as several boaters put in their craft for the day. It all was in perfect solitude.

We loved walking out the back door with our morning coffee to watch the sunrise over The Venice Inlet,

Just across the street from our room was another set of cottages. We walked up through the twin shuffleboard courts to an expansive tiki hut. The concrete courts were flanked on either side by barbecue grills. They were available for us as guests, if we wanted to enjoy our own cookout.

However, we were more interested in the tiki hut with its commanding view over the Gulf. The tiki hut had both fixed wooden benches to sit and talk, as well as a number of blue Adirondack chairs. We then could choose our spot to watch the water under the shade of its massive thatched roof.

We loved the old Florida feel of the Gulf Shores Beach Resort. (Although we did not get a chance to either play shuffleboard or barbecue)

Our Lodging

Our room was in the main building just behind the office. We have to give credit to the owners. In their renovation they have made great use of the space. We had a comfortable bed, a full kitchenette, a dining area and a great little bathroom – all in a compact area.

Our room had a comfortable bed, kitchenette, dining area and a bathroom.

The kitchenette had everything we needed – even for an extended stay. In addition to the microwave, toaster and coffee machine, we had glassware as well as a drawer full of tableware and kitchen tools. We also had a sink. The refrigerator was pretty big – at least by motel standards.

Although we did not have too many meals in the room, we did enjoy some baked goods we got at Martin’s Country Market in Arcadia on the way down. The chairs and table provided made for a perfect little spot.

We even had a little dining area in our room.

In Conclusion

So, this little grandfathered property is a true throwback to old Florida. There are cottages on the Gulf side that actually overlook the water. Guests there are able watch the sunset from their rooms. Others are steps away from a barbecue grill.

On the bay side there are rooms where we could watch the sunrise, or watch boats motor up the inlet to Blackburn Bay.

Better yet – all of the properties are within easy access of everything the area has to offer. We have written about the fun things to see and do in Nokomis and Venice and they are literally minutes away.

Additionally, The Gulf Shores Beach Resort offer facilities for weddings, receptions and special events. Yet, it remains tucked into the quiet of Casey Key.

We could spend a lot of time sitting under the tiki hut and watching the action on the Gulf.

This place is begging us for a return visit, where we can spend more time enjoying the amenities of the facility as well as the quiet offered by this wonderful little lodging.

The BubbaQue’s Experience at Crystal River

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November 8, 2020

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So we were in Crystal River when we had our first BubbaQue’s experience. Actually, we were shopping in the Heritage Village section when we saw the brightly colored “BubbaQue’s – Real Pit Grillin’ “sign encouraging us to stop by for lunch.

And we were ready for some lunch (it was way past time). So we decided to stop in and give them a try.

The interior of BubbaQue’s was inviting.

As it happened, we were in that very late lunch, very early dinner time – so it wasn’t very crowded. That meant we were seated right away. Plus, we got great attention and quick service.

It looked to us as if this location was prepared for a lot of folks. We saw what appeared to be a lot of regulars. Then, around the corner from us was a spacious bar area. We agreed that on weekend evenings this place probably would be jumping.

BubbaQues Crystal River location had a large and well-stocked bar.

The Menu

We love a place that likes to have fun – and BubbaQue’s adores having fun. Their menu starts with appetizers – or “Bubbatizers,” – then presents a wide array of other offerings. There are baskets and plates of chicken, beef or pork barbecue. Excuse me, that’s BubbaQue.

We also had “sammich” and combo plates from which to choose. By the way, if you are not a BubbaQue fan, there also are a number of salad selections – which they dubbed “Rabbit Food.”

I went with The Big Ol’ Bubba sandwich, (How could I not?) My wife decided on a St. Louis Rib Dinner. She surprised me by not going to her default nachos. BubbaQue’s actually offers three different “Nacho Typical Nacho” plates.

The Dining Experience

We learned that at BubbaQue’s, they don’t slather on the sauce – that was our job. Yes, my wife’s St. Louis Ribs were dry rubbed and hardwood smoked, but we had more than a half dozen BubbaQue’s sauces we could try.

For us, this was a taste-tempting treat. On our table were bottles of their “Mississippi Mud” Sweet Molasses and “Ole Yeller” Tangy Mustard sauces. They also had “Alabama Slama” Smokey and “Moonshine” Spicy Vinegar. In addition to their own BubbaQue’s sauces there were several other commercial dressings from which to choose.

Their sauces were on a tray and ready for use.

We had a great time sampling these different selections. It was hard to say which one we liked best. Each had it’s own tasty points and it made the dinner fun and different to sample as we went along.

And the sides were good as well. From the coleslaw, to the baked beans, Mas & cheese, fries and Texas Toast – we had no complaints.

In Conclusion

As we’ve said, we really don’t do a lot of chain restaurants. But I have to say BubbaQue’s was as tasty as it was fun. Apparently there are eleven Florida locations from Chiefland to Lakekand and two more now in Louisiana.

If we run up on some others in our travels, we will be persuaded to stop by. The food was good, the portions were generous and we got great service. How can you beat that really?

The Joy of Shopping Crystal River’s Heritage Village

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October 27, 2020

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We have been to some of Florida’s fun and funky shopping areas in the past. For us, Crystal River’s Heritage Village is as good as any. As we pointed out, our lodging at the Crystal Manatee was a great place to start. It is close to King’s Bay and the Three Sisters Springs as well as the downtown shopping area.

We were able to stroll up Citrus Avenue easily and have a look at all the fun little restaurants and shops.

A new mural was being painted on the side of the Explorida Adventure Center the day we were there.

Citrus Avenue

Our first stop was Amy’s On the Avenue. It’ s a combination bakery and gift shop. On the one side we found wonderful little gift shop. There were fashions, accessories and home decor. The other side was a nice little restaurant with baked goods and wine. They also offered a sophisticated menu ranging from Sushi to Grilled Shrimp Martini.

Amy’s had a few bottles of wine and some delicious hand-made baked goods.

Next door was the Explorida Adventure Center. For just under $60 they could suit us up and we could swim with the Manatee. We thought the sea cows only came in during the winter. However, the folks at Explorida informed us there is a year ’round population in Crystal River. And they are just waiting for us to visit.

Additionally, we learned they had scallop tours, a sunset snorkel and a saltwater dolphin quest for the adventurous.

Across the street we found The Military Outlet, Fishhook Outfitters and St. John’s Tavern – among others. Sadly, the Military Outlet was closed. We had hoped that the Fishhook Outfitters might have some camping supplies. However, we found it to be a place where we could become the best dressed fishermen on the lake.

There were some great fashion selections and home decor in Fishook Outfitters.

St John’s Tavern had a welcoming look and an interesting menu. We put it on our list for our next trip up to Crystal River.

St John’s appears to be the home of beer and comfort food.

Heritage Village

Across US 19 (aka Suncoast Blvd) there were more shops and the entrance to Heritage Village. From the corner we could see Willows Creek Secret Garden. This is advertised as a specialty gift shop and for good reason. We found some of the most unique pieces we’ve seen to date.

From cards, to art, to whirlygigs each of the rooms inside the Secret Garden was packed with all manner of treasures.

Just up the street we passed Hammer & Stain – Crystal River’s “Premier Wood, Paint and Sip Studio.” It’s a place we could create our own hand-stenciled signs. As much as we wanted to go inside and take a look, BubbaQue’s was calling our name.

We had seen the ads for BubbaQues previously and were looking forward to try this place. I’ll do a more thorough review here soon. Suffice it to say, the food was good, the service was fast and it was an interesting dining experience.

Our BubbaQues Pulled Pork came plain. This gave us an opportunity to try each of more than half dozen sauces.

After catching dinner, we headed up to Heritage Village. We first passed The General Store. This is an ice cream shoppe and old fashioned candy store. To be honest, we were stuffed. However, we put it on our list for our next visit.

We then ambled up to the Heritage House. This apparently is both the Village Welcome Center and a gift shop. Like many of the other stores, it was packed with interesting pieces.

As we understand it, The two story building was built in the late 1800s. It now holds several shops and serves as the hub of the Heritage Village.

Time was a-wasting, but we did have the opportunity to go through the Heritage House. But there were so many places we did not have an opportunity to visit. This made us vow to make at least another trip so we could spend some quality time there.

Places We Missed

We walked by the mysterious little Karma Cottage which looked fun with it’s herbs and crystals. Next door, my wife spotted the Tea House 650 – this is her kind of place. There are 70 different kinds of loose leaf teas from which we could choose. For us, this will be a must stop the next time.

Also on the list are All About Nature, The Glasswerx Studio, Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, The Coastal Art Gallery and The Cotton Club. We did duck into the Salty Girls shop for a moment. I wanted to see if I could get a nice Crystal River T-shirt. Sadly, they did not have one in my style (with a pocket).

In Conclusion

This was a true surprise for us. We had a great time browsing the stores, dining and finding new places. Moreover, we noted on the map there are plenty of other shops we could easily walk to and discover.

I especially want to stop by the Coastal Heritage Museum.

Although we are not outdoorsy types, Crystal River has given us some great ideas as to our next foray into exploring the Nature Coast.

The Biscuit Barn Has The Best Biscuits in Florida

By

Florida Funmeister

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October 21, 2020

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When we read the reviews of The Biscuit Barn, little did we know we were about to be treated to the best biscuits in Florida. We have read rave reviews before, however, upon our arrival the food was good but not great. This time we were more than pleasantly surprised.

It was on our recent trip to Crystal River that my wife found the listing and suggested we try it. The place was easy to spot, inasmuch as there was a twelve foot tall concrete gorilla next door – but more on that later.

Walking up, we could see this was a popular place by the waiting area out front.

The Restaurant

The exterior of The Biscuit Barn belies what’s inside. It looks like dozens of different places we’ve dined while traveling over the past few years. Even when we got inside, from the Buffalo Plaid tablecloths to the cast iron cookware hanging on the walls, everything looked vaguely familiar.

The Waitresses were busy and everybody was enjoying their meals.

The Menu

When we got our menus, it was obvious that breakfast was their forte. We had two full pages of breakfast options with luncheon selections on the back page. In fact, they had a list of ten different breakfast biscuits (including biscuits & gravy) as well as a dessert biscuit topped with fried apple.

Of course there were the standard breakfasts, omelets, pancakes and skillets. My wife went with the Biscuit Barn Special which was the standard eggs, potatoes and bacon. Lots of bacon.

I, on the other hand, had a veggie omelet. When we asked about the biscuits, our waitress told us that yes, they were made on site. We were at the Biscuit Barn for crying out loud – how could we not have biscuits?

It came to the table hot and ready (so were we).

Our Breakfast

It has been said to take one thing and do it well. Without a doubt, The Biscuit Barn does breakfast well. Our order came out just the way we asked. The bacon and potatoes were crisp, the omelet was fluffy and the biscuits by far were the largest we’d had.

My wife said they are called “Cat Head Biscuits” because they are as big as a cat head (and they were). Moreover, everything was just delicious. I refused to hide the light and fluffy flavor of my biscuit with anything but butter. It truly was melt-in-your-mouth good. I actually would have gotten the dessert biscuit if I’d had any room (which I didn’t).

I think it’s time for another five best breakfasts in Florida. In our opinion, The Biscuit Barn more than qualifies. The portions are plentiful and the food is delicious. Moreover, the service is fast and it comes at a wonderful pricepoint.

We definitely will be back and we will leave some room for a dessert biscuit. And yes, as far as we are concerned, they are the best biscuits in Florida.

Next Door

Following our breakfast, we headed next door. There is a defunct taxidermy shop that has a twelve foot tall gorilla out front. Apparently, he was supposed to represent the Florida Skunk Ape – but he looks like a gorilla to us.

The place now is for sale, but he remains. His hand is down and we actually could sit in it and have our pictures taken. I cannot publish the one of my wife, but here is a picture of the gorilla, just waiting for you.

The Biscuit Barn’s neighbor is a true photo op.

The Biscuit Barn is on Highway 19 in Crystal River.

The Retreat at Crystal Manatee is a Real Treat

By

Florida Funmeister

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October 18, 2020

0

I must say, the Retreat at Crystal Manatee is one of the most comfortable and accessible lodgings we’ve found since we started traveling. We literally were two blocks from Kings Bay and only a few more to the Crystal River Historic Shopping District. Plus it had great creature comforts

In addition, the Retreat at Cristal Manatee is just a hop, skip and a jump to the world-famous Three Sisters Springs and Hunter Springs.

Tucked in among the Oaks, the Retreat at Crystal Manatee has an unassuming facade.

The Accommodations

Generally they book two night stays at this family owned and operated facility. However, we were able to get an overnighter. We came in late after a high intensity event at nearby Ocala and I was ready to turn in for the night.

The large king-sized bed was as comfortable as it was spacious.The mattress was “soft” by my wife’s standards. But I had no problem sleeping soundly.

As you can see, the room was done in a minimalist style. There was a flat screen TV on the wall and a small desk surface. However, we had no dresser, microwave or any of the other furnishings. We had a small refrigerator/freezer in the sink area and a heavy-duty nightstand on either side of the bed.

For us, the bathroom was particularly impressive. There was only a commode and what they referred to as a “rain shower.” It was all sealed off by a sliding barn-style door.

Depending on the knob we used, it would emit water from various heads all the way up the bar. It also had a spigot at the bottom as well as the stainless steel wand.

For us, this shower was the cat’s meow. The only issue is that we could only use one head at a time or we’d loose pressure. Nevertheless, it was as refreshing as it was fun to use.

The next morning, we went out and walked the grounds. Every time we turned a corner we would find another sculptured sitting area where we could enjoy our breakfast provided by the facility, or just have conversation and watch the butterflies flit among the flowers.

One of the many outdoor seating areas we found at the Retreat at Crystal Manatee.

We were impressed at the ingenuity this family used in renovating this traditional property. In addition to these standard settings, there were some tables that had small firepits in the center. We also found a wonderful set of his and hers chaise lounges.

On our next visit we plan to try these chaise lounges.

Nearby Attractions

Before we left, we wandered down the street just a block or so and took a look at Kings Bay Park. There is a large area for picknicking and entertainment. There then is a long boardwalk that leads to the bay itself. Walking along we saw quite a bit of bird life. There were pelicans and anhinga among others.

We also saw a lot of water traffic of all kinds. There were fishermen headed out in small john boats and some pontoon boats as well. We observed a group of snorkelers out in the bay and a steady stream of kayakers and paddle-boarders who were launching from a specially-made dock facility.

A couple heads out to the water after getting a friendly shove off.

We could have watched and explored for hours. Later, we took a stroll up Citrus Avenue into the business district and Heritage Village area. It was a great time browsing the myriad of shops and restaurants in the area. We never did make it to Hunter Springs or the Three Sisters.

It is easy to see why the Retreat at Crystal Manatee books two night stays – there’s much too much to experience. The next time we will get a two night package and take our time while we tourist.

Stay tuned, there’s plenty more to come about our adventures. Suffice to say, we give the Retreat at Crystal Manatee five stars – our highest rating. They have done a great job renovating an historic property and the location cannot be beat.

The landscaping in front of the rooms was a wonderful touch.

Those who follow us know we like to make great finds – and this is one of them.

January

February

March

The Lockdown

May

June

The Restaurant

The Menu

In Conclusion

The Fountain

The Pharmacy

The Store

In Conclusion

The Restaurant

Breakfast

Other Selections

Parting Gifts

Road Trips Top Holiday Travel Plans

Road Trip Advice

Wednesday is Busiest Day on the Roads

Road Trippers to Find Lower Gas Prices this Year

The Motel

Our Lodging

In Conclusion

The Menu

The Dining Experience

In Conclusion

Citrus Avenue

Heritage Village

Places We Missed

In Conclusion

The Restaurant

The Menu

Our Breakfast

Next Door

The Accommodations

Nearby Attractions

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