Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: October 2020

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

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.