Thursday, April 7, 2011

Old Florida RoadTrip: Sanibel & Captiva Island

Are you ready for a road trip? Well buckle up! We're going on a roadtrip of the Florida gulf coast, what I like to call the "Old Florida" roadtrip. I want to rediscover those old tourist dives that were once the hotspots back in the 40's- 60's. These were THE places to vacation before "the mouse" moved into Florida. Today these hotspots are charming little seaside villages, small on crowds but big on fun and adventure. So come along with me and my family as we explore Old Florida (and vow NOT to eat at a single chain restaurant along the way....its all local!)


Today, in our final stop along the Old Florida Roadtrip: Sanibel & Captiva Island!!!



Sanibel & Captiva Islands are located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers, Florida. Sanibel Island measures roughly 12 miles long and three miles across at its widest.  Little sister Captiva Island has more compact measurements of approximately four miles long and  mile wide.

Sanibel Captiva Islands Florida are the perfect choice for your vacation whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip or a nature vacation.


The  islands provide the perfect vacation. And guess what.....there is not a single traffic light on the island!
On the islands you will find plenty of adventures in the form of biking, shelling, fishing, bird watching, boating, golfing, and snorkeling just to name a few. Sanibel Island & Captiva Islands also feature cultural offerings in the area of the Arts, Theater, and Music. And lots of great shopping!

But who wants to shop, when you have the beach???
On the island we headed to  the pristine and quiet, Bowman's Beach. You won't find any hotels here, but we did find crowds. Apparently everyone else was looking for a "private beach".
(the picture below was from the internet...I didnt take one, there were THAT many people!)
At Sanibel and Captiva, you can also find shells.

Lots of shells!!

A friend of mine found out that I was going to be making a trip to Sanibel and recommended books by author Randy Wayne White . I bought a couple books and did some research. It turns out that RWW has a restaurant on the island by the name of "Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill" (after the main character in his books).  I put it on the list for lunch. We found it right away and arrived before the crowds (they came in soon after).


We chose to sit outside on the partially covered deck that was surrounded by palms and flora.


We ordered:

Big Daddy: CARIBBEAN JERK GILLED MAHI MAHI SANDWICH - jerk grilled mahi with sliced avocado, melted Monterey jack cheese, cilantro-lime mayonnaise $12.95

Leigh-THE OLD SCHOOL ICEBERG SALAD - one huge hunk of local farm lettuce, red onions, carrot threads with Doc’s Buttermilk Bleu Cheese dressing $5.95

Sister Sledge-Panko fried Chicken strips

J Smooth-Cheeseburger...for the life of me, I dont know why I didnt take a pic of it!!!

We throughly enjoyed our meal. In fact, I cannot stop dreaming of mine. As simple as it was, it was one of the best I have had. The homemade bleucheese seemed to be injected under each lettuce leaf. Incredible! (Kids meals came with ice cream sandwiches)
After our meal, we shopped a little in the gift shop, picking up some beach reading!



More Info:
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/
http://www.docfordssanibel.com/

And this, my friends, wraps up our Old Florida Roadtrip....well almost. I have a special something planned for Monday to officially close that trip.

But we will not be idle long. Another trip is in the future. I will discuss that next week as well!
Thank you for joining me on the roadtrip. I appreciate you. You're a good road companion. No complaints. No spilling of drinks. Not even any bathroom breaks...wow!

Thank you for being a Louise to my Thelma!

For more stops along the way of our family trip to "Old Florida", click here.
 
 
Today is also Foodie Friday, be sure to check it out at my recipe blog: Plates & Places!

You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,

I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Thrifty Thursday #108, Plus a Tablescape

Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party". I also participate in Tablescape Thursday the host of that fun carnival is the Hostess with the Mostess...Susan of Between Naps on the Backporch. That's no lie or exaggeration, each week I visit Susan's porch and just long to be a guest at any of her tablescapes...especially those held on the porch.

(You can click on any pictures for a closer view)

*Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share.

*Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.



I hope you got a chance to read the post from my Old Florida Road Trip.
If you didn't...I just returned from a whirlwind tour of The Florida gulf coast-all the way south to Sanibel Island as well as New Orleans. I have been recapping all of the places we stopped along the way. Our theme in Florida was "Old Florida". No big theme parks, no chain restaurants..no crowds. We had a blast!!!  If you missed it,  I hope you will click the link....and then join me in the days to come for more of our Bloggeritaville roadtrip!

 This week I have a guest post for Thrifty Thursday, it's Ginger from Cottage on Rosewood. I fell in love with her Sunburst Wine Barrel Mirror. So much so I asked her to share it here today with you. So without further ado, Here is Ginger....

"I have to say that by far these have been my favorite project.  They have not been without some trial and error, but I’m loving the end result.
We started with an old weathered wine barrel that I had sitting in the shed.  I bought it several years ago, not knowing at the time what I would end up using it for, but it was cheap at only $5 and I loved the patina of the wood.  The first thing was to separate it and figure out how we would make it work. 
  IMG_4152 IMG_4155IMG_4156
As you can see, we ended up with a good size pile of the boards.  The width of the boards varied and I kind of liked that look.  The first thing we did was cut each board in half.  I did this for two reasons, first, they were way too long and secondly, they tapered at each end and to get the look I wanted, I needed them to just be skinnier on one end.  (that might make more sense in the later pictures)
After cutting each board in half, I laid out the first set of boards and used epoxy to adhere the first set of boards around the front of the mirror, gluing them directly to the mirror.  I didn’t really measure, I just eye-balled it to get the look I wanted.  We had to cut the last board to fit. 
Once the front boards had been attached I liked it, but did not love it.  After some thought, we decided to cut the extra boards in half lengthwise to make skinnier pieces to fill in between each of the front boards.  We attached those to the back with the same epoxy.  Oh and I almost forgot, I used frog tape to keep them straight and drinking glasses filed with beans and set them on the boards to hold them until the glue dried. This time though, we measured three inches from the end and used that line to line it up with the back of the mirror, so that we could keep the same distance around.  When I flipped the mirror over to glue the back boards in place, I set the mirror on tope of a paint can to keep pressure off the front boards because the sort of bow out in the front.  I hope this is all making sense because for the life of me, I cannot find the pictures I took of each step. 
Once all of the epoxy had fully cured, I got the bright idea to use Disc Hangers so I could easily hang them on the wall.  Little did I know, you can’t use them on mirrors.  I did not see that little nugget of information on the package, but I attempted it and one stuck, but the other didn’t.  I went to the website for more instructions to see if I had done something wrong.  And, in fact, I had, I tried to attach them to mirror.  So instead, we simply screwed to tiny screws into a board on each side of the mirror, connected them with wire and with that we were done. 
Here they are, hung up in their new home and I couldn’t be happier.  I should warn you, I am proud of these
and you are about to be hit with picture overload! IMG_4561 IMG_4565
The gorgeous corbels above were purchased from this awesome blogger.  She might have a few more, so hit here up if you’re interested.  They are huge and chippy and old and gorgeous.  I have other plans for them, but for now, I love them where they are. IMG_4575 IMG_4585IMG_4580 IMG_4583
The ONLY complaint I have is that I have not yet had time to get my armoire painted and I really really hate the orangey color in these pictures.  Oh how I need like 5 more hours in a day. 
I would love to hear what you think of our handiwork.  I love them and get this, the entire project cost less than $25, including the glue.  How’s that for a bargain?"

My sincere thanks to Ginger for sharing that! I hope you will drop by Ginger's blog and show her some Bloggeritaville love and tell her how great those mirrors are!


And for today's tablescape....Something Green for Spring!


Tablescape Thursday is  hosted by the lovely, Susan of Between Naps on the Porch..

Thank you for dropping my Bloggeritaville today! I have thoroughly enjoyed you visit. Please use Mr. McLinky below to link up your blog. Please leave a comment after linking. I love to hear from you.I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!

Thank you, all, FRIENDS! I appreciate YOU!
HUGS! Hope to see you tomorrow, but not before you leave some "roadmap" love!

You can always visit me on FACEBOOK,
I love me some friends: be they new friends or old friends!

Thrifty Participants:

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Old Florida Roadtrip: Bayfront Park, Baypoint Marina: Sarasota

Are you ready for a road trip? Well buckle up! We're going on a roadtrip of the Florida gulf coast, what I like to call the "Old Florida" roadtrip. I want to rediscover those old tourist dives that were once the hotspots back in the 40's- 60's. These were THE places to vacation before "the mouse" moved into Florida. Today these hotspots are charming little seaside villages, small on crowds but big on fun and adventure. So come along with me and my family as we explore Old Florida (and vow NOT to eat at a single chain restaurant along the way....its all local!)

Yesterday I shared with you an adorable boutique, POSH,  in the shopping district of downtown Sarasota. Today, we cross the street and do the one MUST DO thing that any local will recommend.
Watch the sunset!
I don't know what makes Sarasota sunsets so magical....but they always deliver. Locals and tourist alike plan their supper times around the sunset. Everyone gathers for a spot on the water to watch. Think Key West attitude. In Sarasota, they do it too. It's a spiritual experience.


We decided to take it in at the Bayfront Park & Marina.

Situated on the shore of Sarasota Bay, the park and marina boasts scenic views of the bay and the Sarasota skyline. This convenient gateway to Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway provides a wide array of water activities. Bring your own canoe or kayak for an enjoyable afternoon watching the abundant marine life. Rent or charter a boat to explore the surrounding islands and waterways or test your fishing skills. A paved walkway throughout the park is perfect for walking, bicycling or rollerblading as you take in the moored boats dotting the bay. Downtown Sarasota and Selby Botanical Gardens are both within walking distance.

The marina is a wonderful and lively place. It's surrounded by restaurants, sculptural art, a playground, and enormous banyan trees (more on those banyans in a minute).

Its the perfect place to watch the ships come in...



Most folks bring their friends, their family, their dogs (there were lots of dogs!), a blanket, their supper and a bottle of wine or cooler of drinks and make it a real moment. Much like a July forth tailgate, as onlookers might wait for a firework show.


Even the animals and birds seem to pause to take in the show.


While Big Daddy and I parked ourselves on an available bench, overlooking the harbor.....


Sister Sledge and JSmooth climbed the banyans.

And they played in the banyans, as if they were "tree houses".


The banyan is next to the live oak as my favorite. Their roots grown from the tree limbs down. It gives them the appearance of having dreadlocks. Very appropriate in the tropics, wouldn't you say?

Look! It's almost time......




WOW! AAAAAAAA-Mazing!

I can almost hear the angels sing as the sun sunk into the water. Being at the beach, along the water....it truly IS my church. I feel God's presence everywhere.


Bayfront Park & Marina, Sarasota, Florida
One Marina Plaza, Sarasota Florida 34236



Tomorrow we are back on the road...and headed further south. So join me for more of our Old Florida roadtrip, won't you?


For more stops along the way of our family trip to "Old Florida", click here.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Posh on Palm, Sarasota

Are you ready for a road trip? Well buckle up! We're going on a roadtrip of the Florida gulf coast, what I like to call the "Old Florida" roadtrip. I want to rediscover those old tourist dives that were once the hotspots back in the 40's- 60's. These were THE places to vacation before "the mouse" moved into Florida. Today these hotspots are charming little seaside villages, small on crowds but big on fun and adventure. So come along with me and my family as we explore Old Florida (and vow NOT to eat at a single chain restaurant along the way....its all local!)


Today we arrive in my old stomping grounds...well for the short time I lived there, anyway....Sarasota Florida. I have much to show and tell, but I am going to work this one a bit backwards. Today I thought I would take you shopping.

While in downtown Sarasota one evening I decided to take in some window shopping (stores were closed by this time). I came upon Posh. Posh called my name as I went by. Well perhaps it SHOUTED my name. It certainly got my attention. I stopped peered into the window...and I fell **in love** with this store.


Situated in an old hotel, I think you will understand why I fell in love. Come, take a look. Window shop with me. I just bet you will fall in love too....




 Shabby Chic greatness. I am in LOVE.

In doing some research on Posh for this post, I came across this short article in Victoria Magazine (Pictures below, all from Victoria Magazine):

"Purveyors of the whitewashed and slipcovered aesthetic known as “shabby chic,” entrepreneurs Susie and Mark Holt fill nearly every nook of their boutique with repurposed and recycled treasures, including antique furniture,

vintage decorative accessories,

and timeworn linens and lace.

Constantly on the hunt at flea markets around the country to bring an array of one-of-a-kind furnishings to their customers, this dynamic husband-and-wife team truly carries out their mission “to provide people a means to create comfortable places they call home.”



Situated on Sarasota, Florida’s elegant Palm Avenue, Posh on Palm is a reflection of the Holts’ passionate pursuit of authentic craftsmanship and timeless style.

 
To learn more about Posh on Palm, see “Sustainable Style: The Timeless Allure of Shabby Chic,” on page 70 of the May/June 2010 issue of Victoria magazine.


Posh
1851 Hillview Street, Sarasota, FL 34239-3606
(941) 955-1907 ‎


Another fan of Posh, is blogger, "SassyTrash". She wrote a post about Posh and how divine Posh truly is.


Tomorrow we are back on the road...and headed further south. So join me for more of our Old Florida roadtrip, won't you?

For more stops along the way of our  family trip to "Old Florida", click here.