Laid Back In Key West

The Florida Keys, a place many people have been to or dream of going and I can definitely see why.  After landing in Fort Lauderdale, we made the four hour drive (yes, in a convertible) to the Southernmost Point of the Continental United States; Key West.  We checked into The Gates Hotel, a contemporary hotel that features a rum bar, amazing pool, and is pet friendly! Many people talk about Duval Street and I enjoyed experiencing it, but I would much rather be adventuring at the Dry Tortuga's or hanging out with the locals in the Old Historic Seaport area.  Regardless of your desires, Key West is a fun place to experience!  I share my top places to visit here below! 

Here are the Must-See and Do's while in Key West!🌞

1. Southernmost Point (Don't you want to say you visited the Southernmost Point of the USA?)

2. Pan Am Bar (Pan Am's First Office and where the first ticket to Havana was sold)

3. Ernest Hemingway House (Hello! Six-toed cats + History)

4. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Great Beach and Good Snorkeling)

5. Old Historic Seaport (Fresh Conch and Harbor Views)

6. Dry Tortuga National Park (Need I say more? The snorkeling here is insane, the water is warm, and you can take a sea-plane to get here which gives unbelievable aerial views)

7. Cuban Coffee Queen (Great coffee and a good breakfast) + Wicked Lick (nitrogen ice cream) + A&B Lobster House (Well worth the cost)

Pan Am

Ernest Hemingway House

Fort Zachary Taylor

Old Historic Seaport

Dry Tortuga's National Park

Cuban Coffee Queen, Wicked Lick, A&B Lobster House

Until we meet again on Island Time🌴

Shona

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Tree House Weekend

 I have always wanted to experience staying in a Tree House so I was excited when I found Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat located close to home here in Kansas.  It was the perfect weekend get-a-way for the BF's birthday.  I opted for the Serenity Creek Tree House (inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright) which is actually two treehouses connected by a private walkway to allow interaction with nature.  One wing includes the living room, kitchen, sunroom, shower and vanity.  The second wing includes the bedroom and half bathroom.  There are a table, chairs, and grill situated between the two wings so it's perfect for enjoying morning coffee or grilling dinner.  The property has 2 miles of hiking trails + 32 acres and two small ponds.  There is hot-tub that you can reserve that is private and the perfect ending to the day.  The kitchen is fully stocked and includes coffee pods, creamer, and sugar. The property also contains Graham's Treehouse, Courtney's Cottage, and the Hidden Valley Wilderness Suite available for rent.  Stan and his wife Denise were the perfect hosts and we can't wait to return!  

For my Kansas people or those passing through that want to experience nature, bookmark this!

Click Here - Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat

The perfect weekend get-a-way!

Shona

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Winters In Florida

It's been a minute so I am catching up on some past adventures .... pre-Covid.  Let's start with the Sunshine State.  In January of this year, we headed back to Central Florida.  First things first, snorkeling with the Manatee's.  You know by now how I love these creatures!  We booked a half day semi-private tour {worth the money} with River Ventures. Although it's warm in Florida in January, the water is only around 60 degrees on the Gulf so having a boat that has a heater and can be enclosed was a must + get ready to put on a wet-suit! We started om the bay and saw numerous manatees before venturing closer into Crystal River Springs where the water temperature was a bit warmer.  We were able to get up close and personal with the "sea-cows" and it was an amazing experience.  Highly recommend!  

Another cool area is the Tavares Seaplane Port; sit along Lake Dora sipping cocktails and watch the Seaplanes take off and land.  Be sure to check out Kalua Beach Bar! Great apps and refreshing cocktails + views!

 

Kayaking ... my most favorite Florida activity! And the Weeki Wachee was INCREDIBLE! It's 5.5 miles of crystal clear spring water surrounded by lush Florida vegetation and wildlife.  It's easy to make a day of it too; there are so many places you can stop and park the kayak so pack a picnic for your journey! Remember, whatever you take in, pack out! The alligators will appreciate you for leaving their land nice and clean. 

Mom and I also took a day to stroll around Mount Dora; stopped at a cute coffee shop, had a light lunch, and found where the Pirates hang out 🕱 I also spent a morning exploring Rainbow Springs State Park and stopped by Ferris Groves Fruit Stand. 

  

Yes, I am 8 months behind on this post, but you should definitely bookmark these spots for your next Florida trip! 🌴

.

Shona

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