Those who follow us know we always are in search of a good travel hack to make our lives easier. In fact, we have a whole section on Hints & Tips for travel here on the website.
I came by this travel hack quite by accident. I’d had this little snow brush on my tool board in the garage for quite some time. Actually, I had picked it up on a lark.
While innocently in the Dollar Store one day I noticed these things hanging on a peg. This was a big laugh for me as we get virtually no snow here in Florida, When I asked the clerk about it she told me, “Oh, they sent those to us by accident.” So I bought one as a joke.
It has been hanging on my pegboard with my other tools for quite some time.
My Dollar Store snow brush, complete with scraper
The Brush Earns its Keep
Recently, as we were getting ready for a trip, I noticed the back of the car was full of sand and needed to be brushed out. You guessed it. I went and pulled my handy snow brush off the wall. It was working like a charm. However, I could not get up next to the side, due to the scraper.
As I was contemplating breaking it off, I noticed – it comes apart! I slid the clear plastic scraper off and the problem was solved.
The scraper slides right off.
I went ahead and used the brush, then re-fitted the scraper. I figure it will come in handy during Love Bug Season.
My suggestion to you is, if you are coming down from up north, this little snow brush could come in handy. Here in Florida, I continue to see these in the Dollar Store from time to time. I told my wife, we are going to pick up a spare to carry in the car for when we visit the beach.
with the scraper off, it gets right up next to the wall.
It just goes to show you, things always can be re-purposed and this turned into a fun and handy travel hack for keeping the car clean.
We have seen the Visit Central Florida posts on our Facebook feed for years. Recently we had a chance to visit the actual Visit Central Florida Visitor’s Center itself. We discovered the rustic brown visitor information center just off Highway 27 in Davenport.
Located half way between Tampa and Orlando off I-4, it’s a handy stop for travelers. Plus, it’s the gateway for a truly under-visited part of the Sunshine State. We have found there’s a lot to see and do in central Florida.
In fact, there’s a lot to see and do inside the Visitor’s Center – there’s a whole lot more than just pamphlets.
The Visit Central Florida Visitor’s Center in Davenport.
Stepping Inside
Pulling open the door of the center, we were greeted by a beautiful antique Chris Craft motorboat. (It is my absolute favorite runabout.) This one is mounted with a gleaming metal pole behind the driver’s seat. That is where the ski tow-rope is fastened.
We recognized this immediately as an artifact from the glory days of Winter Haven’s Cypress Gardens. The pole was mounted above the steering wheel, so a precision water skier could make a 360-degree circle around the craft as part of their daily show.
The beautiful Chris Craft – mounted at a jaunty angle.
Sports Hall of Fame Preview Center
In addition to a couple of displays commemorating Florida’s original theme park, we found the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame Preview Center. This was an opportunity to get a sampling of the collection amassed by the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. Browsing, we saw both wall hangings and cabinet displays honoring a myriad of familiar names.
We initially were drawn in by the bust of baseball great Dick Howser. But also on display we saw tributes to baseball legend Ted Williams and Tampa Bay Buccaneer football star Lee Roy Selmon. We observed the gold blazer of Bucaneer owner Hugh Culverhouse in a shadowbox on the wall as well.
Some of our favorites were tributes to aviatrix Betty Skelton Frankman and the famous hydroplane “Miss Budweiser” of Bernie Little fame.
Exhibits from the Florida Sports Hall of Fame now are on display at the Visit Central Florida Information Center in Davenport.
Flora and Fauna
Well as much as we like sports, we love the great outdoors. The folks at Visit Central Florida have helped out with a number of exhibits. To be honest, we have seen a lot of birds in our travels. However, identifying them has sometimes been a challenge. We noted a display there that now aided us in figuring out exactly what we are seeing.
Central Florida can be a birder’s paradise.
In addition to statues of the pelican, ibis, heron and egret, we also noted some great pictures of eagles – which also nest in Florida.
I thought one of the coolest things was a “Share the Moment” iSnap camera kiosk. It could take your photo, then share it over to your Facebook or Twitter account. We could have emailed it if we’d desired. Our favorite part was that it came at no additional charge.
Out on the back porch we found a central Florida ecosystem. This was a small pond, ringed with cattails and other native vegetation. We could see it was fully stocked with fish. (and no, you cannot bring your rod and reel.)
This ecosystem is as well maintained as it is entertaining.
As we understand it, the only problem at this time is alligators. Yes, apparently a couple of small gators found this little slice of paradise and have taken up residence under the deck. Although they don’t know it, they are scheduled for relocation.
A Taste of Polk County
In the past we have written about such places as Webb’s Candy Company and Davidson’s of Dundee. Well, those at the Visit Central Florida Visitors & Information center can purchase stock from those places and more.
In their “Taste of Polk County” corner, we found locally produced hot sauce, salad dressings, jams, jellies. honey and candies.
Part of the vast selection of tasty products.
In addition to the edibles, there’s plenty of other Florida-themed merchandise. You can find candles, commemorative spoons, cups, bags, even place mats, towels, pot holders and oven mitts.
And if you’d like, you can get a free cup of real Florida orange juice courtesy of Ridge Island Groves in nearby Haines City.
A Fun Stop
In short, we had a great time during our interlude at the Visit Central Florida Visitors & Information Center. We saw some cool stuff and learned a few things. We even picked up a vacation guide with some wonderful tips on how to enjoy Imperial Polk County.
Today is Father’s day. It is the day each year we dedicate to dad (and grandfather). And just as we like our dads to know how much we appreciate what have done for us and our families, there are some Florida Fathers to whom we’d like to pay tribute.
Dick Pope
As you may or may not know, Dick Pope is widely considered to be the father of the modern day theme park. We had the opportunity to visit his creation, Cypress Gardens, on many occasions before it finally was sold in 2009.
Dick and his wife Julie originated the attraction in 1938, when they converted the former Winter Haven Yacht Club into “Cypress Gardens Adventures.” We had the opportunity to hear a commentary from Mr. Pope himself during one of the famed electric boat rides.
He told us how it began with the beautifully manicured botanical gardens. He recounted how later they added The now-famous ski show. We listened as he talked about the precision jumping and powerful speed boats that were part of the program.
In fact, the Cypress Gardens Ski Show Team still puts on a monthly program on Winter Haven’s Lake Silver. We had an opportunity to go and watch a delightful program.
They still do the signature pyramid at the ski show on Lake Silver.
We were amused at one of Pope’s stories about the origin of the Cypress Gardens Southern Belles. It appears that after a bad Florida frost, some of the female water skiers were pressed into service. They donned some antique antebellum hoop skirts and stood outside the attraction waving to passing motorists.
He told us that was his way of letting people know that Cypress Gardens was open for business. They were such a hit, he hired more girls to be Southern Belles on a full- time basis.
Alec Ulmann
We have talked a lot about the Sebring International Raceway. It was Alec Ulmann that conceived and ran the 12 Hours of Sebring. We count him as the father of endurance sports car racing in North America. Although we never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ulmann – we have seen his dream come to pass,
Nearly 70 years later, the Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring is still running. We have not missed one of these races in decades. And our advice is that it should be on your bucket list.
The 12 Hours first was run in 1952 over the access roads of the former Hendricks Field – an Army Air Corps bomber training facility in Sebring. Over the years we have watched it grow into one of the most significant races of its kind in the world.
Some of the fastest and most technologically advanced cars race at Sebring.
We were delighted to see that the Mobile One 12 Hours of Sebring has been voted to be North America’s Top Motorsports Event on the USA Today’s 10best poll.
John Gorrie
But our pick for Florida’s top dad has to be John Gorrie. Yes, we were stumped as well when we first heard his name. We were more amazed when we learned that Dr. Gorrie is considered the father of air conditioning.
Actually, we first learned of this while researching Florida’s Forgotten Coast. I have recommended to my wife that we make a pilgrimage to the John Gorrie Ice Museum in Apalachicola.
The Gorrie Museum in Apalachicola
As we understand it, Dr. Gorrie wanted to get “good air” for his patients. They tell us he hung ice in basins from the ceiling, to cool the air as part of the process. We appreciate Dr. Gorrie’s work especially as summer arrives.
Father’s Day
On Father’s Day 2020 we wish to thank all of our dads (and grandfathers). Our hope is that all of them (and their wives) get a chance to do some fun traveling around the Sunshine State.
Our intent is to get back on the road and enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer. We love Florida and we cannot think of a better gift on Father’s Day than time well spent traveling the Sunshine State.
Today is Summer Solstice 2020. We did not realize it until we arose this morning and started seeing the greetings. I had told my wife that one of my goals was to do what I’d talked about earlier in the sunrise and sunset blog.
That is, we would spend the night on the Atlantic coast and awake to see the sunrise. We then would load up and head out across the Sunshine State to a destination on the Gulf where we would see the sunset.
Today, Summer Solstice 2020, the longest day of the year, would be the best day to do it. But we missed it.
Where to Go
One of our biggest decisions would be where to go both for the sunrise and the sunset.
We have seen some great sunrises on the Atlantic. We have watched the sunrise at Melbourne and at Cocoa Beach. As my wife will tell you – no two are the same. God paints a beautiful and unique sunrise each morning.
And I am not certain yet where we might go.
Watching the sunrise at Melbourne as the surf pounds the shore is a wonderful experience.
Just as difficult for us would be where to go to watch the sun go down. We have seen wonderful sunsets at Tarpon Springs, Indian Rocks Beach, Anna Maria Island, Venice and Englewood. Again, each is unique and each is beautiful.
I remember watcing the sun sink below the horizon from the fishing pier at Venice.
How to Choose
To be honest, we probably would have been driven by what kind of hotel deals we would have been able to find on TripAdvisor. We might even take our own advice and stayed off site to save a few dollars on our lodging. We then most likely would have use that money to upgrade our choices for dining (and give a bigger tip.)
Our Cross State Route
Those who follow us know I like the back roads. We could take Route 192 out of Melbourne, Highway 60 out of Vero Beach or even drive up to Route 528 from Titusville. We then would find a southbound route that would drop us down to another route – like State Road 62, Highway 17-92 or State Road 70 to get us over to the Gulf.
Yes, I do like the back roads.
Wait ’til Next Year
Yes, we missed it this year – at least for Summer Solstice 2020. But as my wife says, we can plan to do it for next year. Rest assured, we are putting it on our calendar. In fact, she says she’s up for a practice run this summer – stay tuned.
Florida is reopening in phases and it continues to pick up steam. We read where our Governor, Ron DeSantis says he will not close the state again. This makes us happy and more eager to travel.
Those who follow us know that we were kept from traveling for a while. However, we started back with a trip to Vero Beach – even before the Florida Reopening had officially started.
We picked up our breakfast at Mrs Mac’s in Vero during our getaway there.
We’re Not Alone
It appears that we weren’t the only ones who suffered travellus interuptus. New research from the American Automobile Club shows the coronavirus impacted 2020 travel plans for 76 percent of Floridians. Those numbers came from the AAA Consumer PulseTMsurvey on travel. We learned this was conducted in late May.
While about 40 percent of Florida travelers had to reschedule at least one trip this year, they tell us that 39 percent say they cancelled a trip with no plans to reschedule.
“The coronavirus has had a significant impact on travel this year,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins, told us.
Getting Back in the Saddle
Jenkins said that Floridians were “mixed” on how soon they’d be willing to take a road trip, a flight, or simply stay in a hotel. The majority said it would take some time before they feel comfortable traveling as they had in the past.
Apparently, Floridians are projected to take fewer trips than normal, and take extra precautions to avoid contracting the virus. We have been taking such precautions for quite some time. It starts when we diffuse the room, wiping down hard surfaces and cleaning up some of the small appliances upon arrival.
Our diffuser cleaning and freshening the room
Summer Travel Plans
While for some, the 2020 summer travel season looks quite different than in years past, our aim is to continue to hit the road. We realize there are travel restrictions that limit international travel opportunities. Moreover, some states require travelers to quarantine.
But that’s OK. We are in-state tourists – and the Florida’s roads are teeming with fun opportunities.
We read in the AAA survey that due to the threat of coronavirus, Floridians who are interested in traveling would be staying closer to home. That’s music to our ears. We have blogged many great places in the past and our to-visit list is long.
Ready for The Road
As we mentioned previously, we started back traveling even before the official Florida reopening with a trip to Vero Beach. Since that time, we have been over to The Suncoast, Melbourne to see a SpaceX rocket launch, and met up with some of our favorite relatives at Fort Myers Beach.
And we’ve only just begun. Stay tuned as we continue to find wonderful new places in the playground that is called Florida. We also want your suggestions. Be sure to like our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
Those who follow us know we love the fun and funky. And The Bubble Room fits that bill to a “T.” It’s has both the quirky atmosphere we love and the food’s not bad either. Our first experience was on our initial trip to Sanibel.
Recently we had the opportunity to return and show it off to some friends. I am here to tell you, it has lost none of its allure. In fact, in leading a tour through the three stories that is the Bubble Room, we saw things we had not previously noticed.
The Bubble Room
The Bubble Room is perched along Captiva Drive on Captiva Island. And it’s easy to spot either by day or night. During the day, it’s given away by a vast array of pastel colors. During the night it is festooned with glowing lights.
Inside the Bubble Room
The entrance the Bubble Room itself is an adventure. We first crossed over the footbridge then traversed the “yellow brick patio” under the multi-colored awning to the front door.
The front door to the Bubble Room
Once inside the foyer is small. There’s a cashier on one side and a glass display case full of decadent desserts on the other. We were asked how many was in our party. At that point, we were whisked through a maze of rooms crammed full of tables, memorabilia and delightful retro music from the 20s. 30s and 40s.
Our waiter Chris was at the table in a blink (replete with his checkered mask). As part of the opening spiel, he regaled us with a history of the Bubble Room and how it came to be. He also was well versed in explaining our menu options.
Chris with menus in hand.
The Menu
As we said, we love the quirky and fun. The Bubble Room has a bill of fare that features great entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and scrumptious desserts. Each of the items has been given a unique moniker. We had a hard time choosing. We were enticed by the Million Dollar Mermaid Salad (a Cobb) and the Caesar Romano (their Caesar).
A sandwich man myself, I centered in on the signature half-pound Bubble Burger. Of course there’s also the Impossible Bubble Burger for vegan burger fans. Additionally, I was enticed by the Turk Douglas (turkey) and the Modern Times (a BLT).
We noted that the dinner is more of the same. Among the more interesting options are the Duck Ellington, the Marilyn Mignon and the Mahi Brando.
Our favorite of course are the desserts. I can tell you that not only are their cakes to die for – they’re big enough for two. We have had the Tropical Breeze and the Orange Crunch. Each time we got two forks.
What is more romantic than a Tropical Breeze Cake and two forks at the Bubble Room?
If you are a drinker, The Bubble Room also features a full service bar. There you can order just about anything you want. Although we do not imbibe particularly, I am drawn to look more closely into what makes a Pink Flamingo or a Captiva Cooler.
Hard at work in The Bubble Room Bar,
The Atmosphere
As great as the food is, for us, the atmosphere is just as charming. We can start with the tables. Each one is a shadowbox full of antiques and memorabilia. We noticed that some are themed – and each has a big “Merry Christmas” inside.
As our waiter Chris told us, “It’s always Christmas at the Bubble Room.”
While waiting for our meal, we took our friends on an exploratory trip through the three floors that make up the Bubble Room. Everywhere we looked there was something new to see.
For instance, when we looked up, we saw a Soap Box Derby Racer hanging from the ceiling – with a very special driver.
Yes, it was Santa driving the Wall Drug Soap Box Derby Car
We even had a chance to ride down the Tunnel of Love. Actually, it was not until after I had taken the shot and left, that I realized this actually is a photo op. My wife and I could have slid in behind the curtain and have our pictures taken.
Yes, the Tunnel of Love is available to you and yours. We will not miss it next time.
Another feature that I found particularly inviting was a two-seater trolley themed table. My plan is to ask for this table specifically for my wife and myself. It will be a special surprise – up until the time she reads this particular entry…LOL.
The Bubble Room Trolley is a great place to impress your date.
But Wait There’s More
At The Bubble Room check in, we could have bought one of their commemorative T-shirts. However, across the street, we found The Bubble Room Emporium.
The Bubble Room Emporius
We browsed through the shop while waiting for our table. However, a trip through afterward can be just as rewarding. One of our favorite parts was the collection of antique coin-operated kiddie rides. From Sandy the Horse to the Chris Craft motorboat to the brightly colored rocket ship – these brought back a flood of memories to me.
There also were a lot of retro games, jewelry, novelty gifts and of course the obligatory Bubble Room T-shirts available for sale.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
For us, this place was full of nostalgia. We can recommend this as a place to dine, take your friends and have a lot of fun. In this article, we have not scratched the surface into the assault on the senses this place brings. Nor have we touched on the history of The Bubble Room and its founders the Farqhuarson family.
Stay tuned, we’ll have more for you on our return visit.
Several months ago we were making arrangements to take one of the offerings of Discover Sarasota Tours. Then the Coronavirus outbreak took hold and things came to a screeching halt. All tours were put on hold until further notice.
However, it now appears further notice finally has arrived.
We have learned that starting at the end of the month Discover Sarasota Tours will resume their activities. Apparently, it will begin with a limited number of its most popular tours. The 90-minute tours are held in air-conditioned trolleys.
It looks to us that DST will start with an All-Star line-up. We were encouraged to see that the City Sightseeing Tours and Circus Tours will be offered. Also the Haunted Sarasota, Tiki Trolley Trivia Tours, and Infamous Sarasota Happy Hour Tours will run on a Thursday thru Sunday basis.
Crisp and Clean
Tammy Hauser, who owns DST, told us she plans to use a special UV light sanitation method to prepare all the SRQ trolleys. In fact, they are the first company to use this state-of-the-art method. It’s designed to eliminate as much as 99.99% of germs and viruses from affected surfaces
“I’m delighted to be able to use this UV light system to keep our trolleys germ-free for our tour guests,” CEO Tammy told us. She said it’s an easy and seamless method of sanitation.
One of the DST Trolleys awaiting cleaning.
In addition to wearing masks, Tammy told us that staff and guests will have their temperatures taken as they arrive. Anyone with a fever will have their tickets refunded. They then may return at a later date. Tammy told us there will be disposable hand sanitizer packets offered at no additional charge.
Vintage Sarasota Gift Shop also will stock masks for those that need them.
To help with distancing, we’re told the first rows of seats will remain unsold. That will ensure adequate space between the guide and the riders. Once trolleys are boarded, tour guides may remove their masks so riders will better be able to hear and understand the talk.
Tour Packages
We noted that Discover Sarasota Tours also will be offering a new half-day small group option. That’s for guests who prefer to tour with family and friends. The option would allow us to explore a variety of the museums and attractions in Sarasota.
We’re really thrilled for Tammy. This is an exiting time for her, “We’ve missed our guests terribly and miss sharing with them all the wonderful things about Sarasota on our fun tours.”
The ChillMobile
As we reported earlier, during the pandemic Tammy has stayed busy. She fired up the The ChillMobile and has been touring the Sarasota area with sweet treats.
The famous ChillMobile (now with a new and improved motor)
That cute little retro ice cream truck normally had been parked at the trolley tours cottage. “It’s helped me keep our tour business alive and helped me stay sane and positive,” She also has been planning new tours to launch in 2021.”
Personally, we cannot wait to get to Sarasota and take one of these tours. The city always has been one of our favorites. As a matter of fact, we made a list of suggestions for visitors to Sarasota to see and do. I included a couple of dining suggestions as well
There are lots of fun specialty shops along the Gulf coast. One of our great finds is the Ukulele Place. We discovered it tucked in behind the Breakfast Cottage in Nokomis.
The first time I tried the door the place was closed. But the webpage has a warning that the owners might well be out of town or even in a different country so it is best to call ahead. .
However, I was determined – and a return visit found the lights on and activity inside the showroom.
Once inside, I found a toy store of ukuleles. There were hundreds of them. I counted 15 brands in seven different sizes. There were 4, 5, 6, 8, and even 10-string models. I saw electrics, resonator-style and banjo ukes as well. There even was one in the shape of a Russian balalaika.
There were all manner of different kinds of ukuleles in the Uke Place
Owner Jeff Hanna, told me he actually customized each of the instruments. He lowers the action of every ukulele before it goes on sale. By making them easier to finger, his students are encouraged to keep playing.
And to us, it looked like he wanted to entice future ukulele players by keeping the prices low as well. The first thing we saw as we walked into the shop was a huge wall full of instruments on sale.
There were dozens of instruments on sale the day we were there,.
How to buy a Ukelele
To be honest, we never knew that there were so many variables in purchasing a ukulele. But Jeff does. I was fascinated to read his two part series on How to Buy a Ukulele which is located on his website.
Apparently, it is a process that involves finding out what is right for you. Decisions range from where you plan to play your uke (for fun or profit) to the kind of wood they used to construct the instrument. Jeff told me that there are at least 30 different wood types in his current collection.
The Uke Place has all kinds of shapes, styles and woods – including this balalaika look-alike.
There also is a wide range of prices. I saw models ranging from $45 to $400 and up. However, Jeff told me that a beginner could probably pick up a good performing instrument for somewhere between $45 and $150.
Learning to Play
Upon entering, I noticed a small semi-circle of chairs. That’s where students would come for class. Jeff still prefers face-to-face classes but due to the coronavirus, he told me that he was doing a lot of classes online.
You can find out more about the where and when of classes by signing up for his newsletter
The Rhythm Inlet
In addition to his ukuleles, Jeff has a full line of drums. He told us, that’s where his wife Barbara Gail comes in. She teaches the djembe drum and instructs women’s drum, dance and tambourine classes as well as children’s yoga instructionals.
The pair have twin websites. The Rythm Inlet can be found here.
Jeff Hanna with his ukulele.
The Joy of Music
I myself own a ukulele, and plan to revisit The Ukulele Place to have Jeff give it the once over and make any and all adjustments. And seeing as how we don’t live nearby I also plan to take a few lessons from him via computer.
If you are interested at all in musical instruments, I can recommend The Ukulele Place – and if you are a drum circle type, there’s plenty of percussion instruments at the Rhythm Inlet.
When looking for the best hotel in Fort Myers beach, it may be more like the best hotel for the money. We have generally stayed at the Edison Beach House. I can tell you, there’s very little wrong and a lot right with that place.
This time, we decided to look around and see what other properties we might try. Our review of TripAdvisor came up with The Flamingo Inn. It is an older property that has been upgraded. To be honest, we think they did a pretty good job,
The exterior of the lodging building at the Flamingo Inn
The Upgrade
In our estimation, it appears the building was built in the 1950s or 1960s, based on the style of the architecture and layout. Our room was in the corner of the second floor. It was a large, single room with an adjoining bath. Like many of the rooms we have stayed in, it was dominated by the king-sized bed. The bed had nightstand on each side – one for each of us (we like that).
Plus, I can say the bed was pretty comfortable.
Our bed was flanked with nightstands. The small windows let in a lot of light but there wasn’t much of a view.
Our room had all the regular creature comforts. We had the obligatory TV, fridge, microwave and coffee maker. There was a closet with hangars and a small table and chairs where we could work or have a bite to eat.
But we also enjoyed a small valet where I could hang my clothes. In addition, there was a stand-alone, adjustable full-length mirror my wife could use in getting ready. She told me what a handy thing that was.
Our bathroom also was a significant upgrade. There was a pentagon-shaped shower. It was small, with the clear panels made of plexiglass. However, it was easily large enough to take a relaxing shower and there was plenty of hot water.
Our shower was well appointed.
Possibly the best part of our shower was the rainfall head and matching spray wand. This provided us with a most luxurious experience. We were impressed both with the design and the functionality of them. The spray wand certainly made it easier to get the last traces of sand from our feet.
Location, Location and Location
When we first looked at a map, we thought The Flamingo Inn was a bit closer to Times Square. However, when we arrived, it was better than three miles away from the center of the action. Estero Boulevard is the only real thoroughfare through Fort Myers Beach. That, combined with traffic, construction and lack of parking made driving back and forth somewhat of a challenge.
However, The Flamingo Inn actually is very near the Gulf itself. A short walk down Flamingo Street led us to a beach entrance. This was a rather long path, covered in a blue material that made it easy for those dragging wagons or in wheelchairs to get down to the sand.
Not yellow brick, but a blue fabric road to the beach,
There were park-for-charge spaces at the end of the street, which certainly made our walk worth the effort. Several signs were planted among the Florida native plants on the way down the walkway. They explained everything from beach procedures to information about turtle nesting season.
In fact, there was a designated turtle nesting area just where the path emptied out onto the beach. The beach itself (which apparently has no official name), was wide and virtually uninhabited. Because there were only a half dozen or so paid parking spaces, we surmise there wouldn’t be a lot of visitors.
The beach at the end of Flamingo Street – which we think they ought to call Flamingo Beach.
We were informed that the hotel would have provided chairs and a beach umbrella upon request. Sadly, we were not able to take advantage of that offer this time, but might well do it during a return visit.
In Summary
When looking for the best hotel in Fort Myers Beach – at least the best hotel for the money, we got a pretty good value. There were some downsides. The stairs up to our room were steep. This was especially challenging while carrying our luggage. There was no real view from our windows. Worst of all, we had noisy neighbors who had a couple of barking dogs.
We can say, the owners have done a respectable job upgrading the place, Our room had highly polished wood floors and nice crown molding around the top, The place was quite clean. Overall, The Flamingo Inn was a good value – although it was a bit far down the island for our taste.
We were headed for Made in the Shade Ice Cream and discovered an Englewood restaurant that’s is a whole lot of fun. The Country Hound Cafe. It’s a mom & pop operation that’s as good as any and better than most.
Tucked in the corner of the Palm Plaza off McCall Road – it’s just up the street from Made in the Shade. Our waitress told us The Country Hound has been in that location for better than a quarter century.
It’s an unassuming location for a really cute place.
The Decor
We were greeted at the door by the County Hound himself. Little did we know he was the first of many we were about to see.
Yes, the interior is plastered with hundreds (perhaps thousands) of pictures of dogs. We did not see any photos of famous canines like Lassie, Benji or Rin-Tin-Tin. However, there were framed images of all kinds showing off family pets.
We were greeted with the Country Hound mascot on the front door.
Interestingly enough, where we were sitting we noticed that there were a couple of cat photos. We of course had to ask about this. They told us that yes, a few felines had been scattered about the walls by patrons (both current and former) who found their kitties every bit as wonderful and adorable as their canine counterparts.
The walls of the Country Hound Cafe are bedecked with dog photos.
The Menu
The Country Hound Cafe menu is just as interesting as the place itself – and apparently also as old. We were handed a well-worn four page listing of their selections.
To say it is extensive might be understating the case. The first two pages comprise their breakfast menu. There are three egg omelets, skillet breakfasts plus pancakes, waffles and french toast.
We noted steak & eggs, biscuits & gravy, chipped beef on toast – even a breakfast burrito if you like.
The lunch is just as varied, from over-stuffed deli sandwiches to their south of the border specials we could have our pick.
I opted for the over-stuffed New York Style Corned Beef and was not disappointed.
I had the corned beef, while my wife opte4d for a selection of sweet potato fries, mac & cheese and cole slaw.
There also are dinner entrees of beef, seafood or chicken. We had options like top sirloin or beef tips & noodles or perhaps lemon pepper or bourbon glazed chicken.
As close to the Gulf as they are, you might want to ask about the Catch of the Day.
We weren’t sure who was on the grill the day we were there. But we did see that The Country Hound cooking team had been a BBQ Competition winner.
A Local Favorite
It was obvious that this is the quintessential Englewood restaurant. It was obvious to us that this is a hangout for the locals. That’s always a good sign. Looking around we saw families with kids, workers on lunch break and some elderly couples all enjoying a meal.
The thing we did not see? We saw no dogs inside the Country Hound Cafe.
Those who follow us know this is not the only Englewood restaurant we have enjoyed. The Mango Bistro earned high marks for our visits there
. But if you are looking for a good meal with a fun atmosphere down in Englewood – we also can recommend the Country Hound Cafe.
