Sand and Sea-Sun Holiday Sand Sculptures

Waterfront & City Commons, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Open to the public usually the first week of December (check website for dates)

I just love this time of year, don't you?!  I get so excited when I start seeing all of the holiday lights and decorations going up, and hear Christmas tunes playing all around.  This means, of course, that I will be on the lookout for holiday happenings during the month of December.

By far one of my favorite holiday attractions since living in South Florida would be the ridiculously detailed sand sculptures spread throughout downtown West Palm Beach.  The main attraction is the Christmas tree, which stands at the base of Clematis Street in Waterfront and City Commons.  This year, the tree towered 35 feet high, and was made of nearly 600 tons of sand!

At night, you can catch spectacular light shows set to holiday music.  The team that organized the attraction even set up a mini golf course next to the tree this year--a 9-hole Christmas-themed course!  Throughout the area you can find 4 more sculptures, including this jolly beach-goer...

Its a unique place to take your out-of-town guests that are visiting for the holidays, or to take a beachy holiday photo-op to send to your loved ones living in colder climates.  

Happy Holidays! 

Tip:  Check out the sculptures on a Saturday morning between 9am and 1pm to catch the Green Market and do a little Christmas shopping to support your local vendors!

Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve

574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound FL, 33455
Open daily 9am-4:30pm, except major holidays (check their website before planning a visit for closings)

Just a few miles north of the Jupiter Lighthouse sits natural gem, Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve.  The rocky limestone shoreline of the preserve reminds me so much of La Jolla, CA--it's absolutely beautiful and unique.

A $2 cash only admissions fee per adult (children under 12 are free) is required in order to gain access to the beach--but its completely worth it.  I recommend packing a lunch, bringing your beach chairs and water shoes, and spending the day on this quiet beach. Three hiking and walking trails are open to the public as well

Tip:  I recommend checking the tide schedules before going so that you can see what this place is really known for, the large geysers of saltwater that soar into the air during high tides and after storms.

Jupiter Lighthouse

500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter FL 33469
Open Daily January-April, & May-December Tuesday thru Sunday
Hours: 10am-5pm (last lighthouse tour at 4pm)

I feel like I've been doing the same thing recently, so I've been wanting to check out some new local landmarks here in Southeast Florida.  Luckily, when we have visitors is when my touristy-planning-mode really seems to go full-force.

Brian's parents came down for Labor Day weekend, and the guys spent the days on the golf course.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day today, so I wanted to plan for something fun and outdoors for his mom and I to do.  Since she loves lighthouses, I decided to take her to the Jupiter Lighthouse, which is only about a forty-five minute drive North from Boynton Beach.

The lighthouse and tour was such a fun experience!  The tour guide gave about a 30-minute walking tour around the grounds, sharing the history of the lighthouse, former inhabitants, and the surrounding land--the waterway, vegetation, and landscape.  

At the base of the lighthouse is one of the many neat attractions here, the enormous and ever-growing Banyan tree.  Its hard to judge from this picture, but this thing is HUGE!

The next part of the tour involves a bit of exercise--walking up more than 150 steps to the top of the lighthouse.  I can't even imagine having to walk up and down the narrow spiral staircase on a daily basis--what a workout!

The steep workout is totally worth it once you reach the top.  The smell of fresh sea air, the 360 degree panoramic view of blue-green waterways, local boaters sailing along, large mansions of local celebrities--its truly breathtaking.  Just don't look down if heights make you feel uneasy--the top of the lighthouse towers more than 100 feet above the ground.  

After the tour, make sure to check out the gift shop and stop into the snack bar for a free sample of their homemade fudge--YUM!

Tip: If you have time after the tour, drive a few miles down the road to Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve!

Indie Craft Bazaar

100 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
12pm until 5pm, Shows scheduled on select days throughout the year

About three or four times a year, Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale plays host to a gathering of local artists, crafters and vendors, called the Indie Craft Bazaar.  Full of unique finds including jewelry and accessories, home decor, and other funky stuff that you probably wouldn't find elsewhere, it's totally worth checking out.  

Oh, and I should mention, their serving up $3 mimosas while you shop--can't beat that! 

When I attended the event in February, I purchased a cute pair fabric bobby pins and button earrings by Doopie Moo's, and an adorable gold wire-twisted love ring (unfortunately I cant remember the name of this vendor!)  Prices are very reasonable overall, and a very good event to check out for gift ideas, especially for that person who already has practically everything.  

Also, I recommend checking out their Facebook page for updates on vendors, features, and event dates and times.  The next event is July 13, 2013 from noon until 5:00pm.  

Tip: There's a $5 admission fee, but first 100 guests get to pick up a fun little swag bag filled with little trinkets from some of the vendors featured at the bazaar.    

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi

413 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Open Daily (check schedule for fare times) 

Ok, I'm absolutely in love with the concept of this local Fort Lauderdale feature, the Water Taxi.  Considered a "trolley on the water," the Water Taxi service runs from 10am until approximately 10pm most days, and travels to 10 Stops along the Intracoastal waterway throughout the day.   In addition, there is a connecting Water Taxi that can take you to and from Hollywood as well.  

I suggest starting at the very beginning, either Stop 1-The Briny Pub, or Stop 1A-Pirate Republic Bar--both places are very cool-looking and you can sit and have a drink while waiting for the taxi to come. 

The first time I road this, I traveled all the way until Stop 8 before getting off--this drops you off at the beach along A1A in Fort Lauderdale.  That way, we were able to enjoy the boat-ride and enjoy some of the sites, while also figuring out which Stops we actually wanted to stop at and walk around.  

While on the Water Taxi, its normal to see many large yachts docked along the waters edge, some that are even owned by celebrities--Johnny Depp (above), Kenny Chesney, among others.  Make sure to listen to the commentary while on the Taxi, as the captain and his crew will point out some of the local celebrity homes--both currently living and previously owned.  Mansions owned by Desi Arnaz & Lucille Ball, the vacation home previously inhabited by Sonny & Cher, Anderson Cooper's childhood home, to name a few...

Tickets are $22 per adult and are good for the entire day--after 5:00pm tickets are discounted to $15.  This is a fun feature for both locals and visitors--I highly recommend taking your out-of-town visitors on this.  

Tips: (1) Between Stops 1 and 1A, there is a drawbridge that goes down every so often to allow for trains to pass.  If this is down during the time of a Water Taxi pickup, the boat cannot pass and therefore you may have to wait for the next scheduled pickup.  Call (954)467-6677 to locate the closest Water Taxi (2) Take the Water Taxi at night during the month of December and you're guaranteed to see some extravagantly decorated houses along the waterway decked out for the holidays.       

New York Mets' Spring Training

525 NW Peacock Boulevard, Port St Lucie, FL 34986
February thru March (check Mets website for schedule)

One of the benefits of being a Mets fan and living in South Florida is that their spring training is held only about an hour away from here, at Tradition Field in Port St Lucie.  I finally convinced Brian to go to a game with me--I bribed him with beer (the majority of his family are Yankees fans--need I say more?)!

We ended up scoring tickets to the Mets v. Atlanta Braves game--so fun!  And Regis Philbin threw the first pitch! REGIS!!

There's nothing like a good game of baseball--and it was nice to enjoy the game with close seats and a good view...along with salty peanuts and a hot dog! Can't wait to go to another game next season! PLAY BALL!

Tip:  Allow yourself enough time to get to the field so that you can find a good parking spot.

Agliolio Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

2258 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach FL

Did you ever notice that you seem to find some great places when you aren't really looking?  Brian happened to drive by Agliolio Italian Bistro & Wine Bar the other day while picking up a package from the post office, and hasn't stopped mentioning this place ever since.  We both constantly crave Italian food, and its just minutes from where we live.  How have we not been here sooner?

Anyway, we decided to try this place out for a belated Valentines Day dinner last night.  The name of the restaurant 'Agliolio' is derived from the Italian words for two prominent ingredients in many Italian dishes, aglio meaning garlic, and olio for olive oil.  Their menu covers pretty much all of the traditional Italian favorites--chicken parm, bruschetta, pastas, and pizzas--you get the picture.  But their "Pasta-Bility" concept is a fun little feature, allowing you to choose from a selection of their homemade pastas and then choose the sauce and additional toppings of your choice.  So smart!  I mean, how many times have you gone to an Italian restaurant and either you, or someone in your group, asked the waiter to either change the type of pasta or sauce from what the menu lists?

Brian stuck to his typical pick, the chicken parmigiana, and asked for linguine with vodka sauce (P.S...that's my handsome dude above--charming right!!? HA!)
I chose to try the eggplant rollatini, breaded eggplant sliced thin and stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, with melted mozzarella on top.  For my pasta choice, I went with linguine as well, but opted for the creamy pink sauce and a topping of roasted garlic.  Both of our meals came with a garden salad and bread, too.  I was so stinkin' stuffed afterward, but we left verrrry satisfied!  (I actually just finished my leftovers for lunch today, yum!

The restaurant was packed on a rainy Friday night in Boynton Beach, but getting a table didn't take long at all--we sat at one of the hi-tops.  We're going to have to come back during their happy hour 1/2-price drink specials--daily from 3pm until 6:30pm, with extended happy hour until 10pm on Wednesdays.

Note: For those living just a bit further north of Boynton, there's another location in Wellington too.

Buon Appetito! 

Lakeridge Winery

19238 US 27 North, Clermont FL
Open Monday through Saturday 10am until 5pm
Sundays 11am until 5pm

For Labor Day weekend last year, Brian and I drove a few hours North to spend some time with his parents in Wildwood, FL.  While we were there, we took a trip to Lakeridge Winery in Clermont, FL, which is ranked as Florida's largest premium winery.  Sitting on more than 120 acres of land, the winery offers daily tours and complimentary tastings seven days a week.  Yes, you heard me--FREE tastings!

The forty-five-minute tour is very informative, starting off with a video describing Lakeridge's history and describing their wine-making process.  Following the video presentation, you are brought on a guided tour around the winery, including views of the bottling and labeling stations, packing area, and a beautiful view of the vineyards.  The tour ends at the tasting area with more than 7 free tastings of their wines.  My favorites here include both their Southern Red and Sunblush wines.  And if you like sparkling wines, Pink Crescendo is equally as tasty, and perfect for special occasions.

Lakeridge Winery also has a fantastic gift shop, with awesome wine and champagne gadgets, dipping sauces and marinades, home decor, and gifts.  And each of their wines are available for purchase in the gift shop as well, with a discount available if you purchase six or more bottles.

Tip: Check out their website for a calendar of monthly events--they usually always have some type of festival or musical event going on each month.  Fun!

West Palm Beach GreenMarket

101 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach FL

Open Saturdays October through April 9am until 2pm;
May through September 9am until 12pm

I've been to a number of public markets now, and with each one that I visit, there is something unique that sets each one apart from the rest.  The GreenMarket in West Palm Beach takes place in the Waterfront Commons area, where more than 60 local vendors set up shop each week with a variety of goods for purchase.  The market is open to the public, where local shoppers and visitors can purchase anything from fresh fruit and veggies to sauces, dips and spreads, infused oils and vinegars, potted plants and bunches of flowers, and baked goods.

In addition, several food vendors are parked throughout the market as well to purchase breakfast or lunch, such as Maceb's Bagels & Deli for a deliciously fresh breakfast bagel, or Cider Donuts for a just-made warm regular or red velvet cider donut.

Some of my favorites from the GreenMarket include Wildflower Granola (their maple pecan and apple cinnamon flavors are to DIE for), Bistro Blends for their many flavors of oils and marinades, Joy's pasta sauces, tapenades, and savory spreads, and Pappardelle's abundant variety of uniquely flavored fresh pasta.

The GreenMarket is conveniently close to hotspots Clematis Street and City Place, so you can easily make it a day of shopping in West Palm Beach.

Note: This place gets BUSY! So parking can be a bit of a bear.  However, parking is free in the Banyan and Evernia parking garages during the market's hours of operation.               

Green Cay Wetlands

12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach FL
Open weekly, from sunrise until sunset

Since I moved down to Florida, it has become one of our regular rituals to head down to the wetlands and walk the elevated boardwalk.  Not only is this a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, but it offers some of the most exquisite views of nature.

What we love most about this place is that you are bound to see something new with each visit--giant alligators basking on land, a group of baby gators along the water's edge, many different species of birds, and even a bobcat from time to time.  This place is a photographer's haven.  And on any given day you are bound to find a number of avid birdwatchers posted along the boardwalk with their professional equipment.

Every so often, Brian and I are able to catch our favorite one-armed alligator moseying along in the water close to the dock of the nature center--we've come to the assumption that he lost a battle to one of the larger inhabitants of the wetlands.  

Walking the entire boardwalk once around is about 1.5 miles, but its easy to complete 2 to 3 laps when you are paying more attention to the surrounding sites.

Note: If you like this place, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands are just right around the corner and offer similar features.

 

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL

Open Monday thru Saturday 9:00am until 4:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm until 4:00pm

The other day while Brian and I were out and about, we made a trip to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center situated right off of A1A in Boca Raton.  As I've probably mentioned before, I am constantly on the hunt for new things to do and places to explore, with this being one place that has been on my list since I moved down here. 

We were surprised at the variety of attractions offered at the nature center.  You can visit the sea turtle rehabilitation facility used to rescue sick and injured sea turtles.  There are a number of sea tanks and pavilions with fish and other sea creatures--sharks, lobsters, puffer fish, and sting rays-- built to show the various South Florida marine habitats.

Extending past the sea tanks and nature center is a quarter-mile boardwalk trail through a preserved Hardwood Hammock.  Midway through the boardwalk trail, you can climb a 40-ft lookout tower that towers just above the giant trees, looking out onto a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway.  Although this is an extraordinarily cool feature that I would recommend checking out, if you have a weak stomach when it comes to heights, you may want to think twice before climbing the steps all the way to the top (I could feel the tower swaying ever-so-slightly--YIPES!)

On the grounds of this environmental complex include another nature trail, the Ashley Trail, which leads to the Butterfly Garden where you can see several different species of butterflies (the best time to visit the garden is between May and June when the flowers are in full bloom).

This place is such a fun spot to visit--great for both kids and adults!  Admission is free, but $5 donations to the center are definitely encouraged.  And they have a variety of event going on throughout the year here as well--including the Green Turtle Gallop, a timed 10K run in April of this year, which I am DYING to sign up for.       

Morikami Japanese Gardens & Museum

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach FL
Tuesday thru Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm

It was another gorgeous day here in South Florida--75 degrees and sunny--and too nice to stay indoors.  So Brian surprised me with a trip to the Morikami Japanese Gardens this morning.  We've been hearing from so many people that this is a must to check out, for its gorgeous gardens and its picturesque views.    

When we first walked through the doors of the museum out to where the gardens are, we were immediately looking out onto the large pond that the garden surrounds.  To the right at the start of the gardens tour is the James & Hazel Gates Woodruff Memorial Bridge, one of the main focal points of the gardens.  As we followed the tour around, we came across so many beautiful and unique sites--the giant white, neon orange, and striped coy fish that swam around at the base of a waterfall, the little armadillo roaming around the gardens and digging for insects, the flat garden with its perfectly raked swirls, and the "Shishi Odoshi" bamboo water feature.  Everything was just perfect, and peaceful at that.  

Admission is $13 per adult, but this is definitely one of those experiences that make it worth every penny. I mean, I must have taken 50 or more pictures on the trail.  Also, if you have a smart phone, there is an app you can download to listen to a guided tour.  This place will appeal to a variety of interests--for the educational aspect, gardening and landscaping enthusiasts, photographers, nature-lovers, and touristy people (like myself).

Rochester Public Market

280 Union Street North, Rochester NY 14609
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 6am to 1pm; Saturdays 5am to 3pm

Back in the Spring when I was still in upstate New York, I was introduced to one of the most eclectic and largest outdoor markets I've been to so far.  Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY is the Rochester Public Market.  From bright and beautiful flowers, freshly picked produce, and baked goods, to stands filled with an array of spices, chickens, goats and rabbits, and the indoor fish market (Tip: hold your breath when you walk by this section!) --this place is just huge.  It's nearly impossible to go home empty-handed.

Among my favorites include the many different choices of homemade pasta by the 1/2 lb from Flour City Pasta, bunches of locally grown rhubarb available in the summertime, and freshly sprouted herbs for sale.  Even more, you can catch local musicians spread throughout the market on any given day.  And horse-mounted police can be found around the market too!    

On one of the weekends at the market, I just happened to witness a local shopper haggling for a goat with the vendor at the animal stand, and I couldn't help but think that this is the first time I've EVER seen something like this.  In the middle of the city?! Only at the market!  

Make sure to stop into the local establishments that line the one side of the market while you are in the area, including Union Bakery and VM Giordano Imports European Cheese Shop.  Boulder Coffee is conveniently situated at the entrance to the market as well, so you can stop and grab a cup of your favorite hot or cold beverage before you peruse the shops.   

101st South Florida Fair

9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach FL
Open January 18 until February 3, 2013
Monday through Friday 12pm until 10pm
Saturdays and Sundays 10am until 10pm

It's opening weekend of the South Florida Fair! And because its a gorgeous day--and football isn't on until 3pm today-- I talked Brian into going to the fair for a little Sunday fun day.

There's something about these fairs that I just love.  The idea of fried ANYTHING, donut burgers, corn dogs, funnel cake with powdered sugar everywhere, the huge turkey legs, and anything else you can imagine that you wouldn't ever EVER eat any other time.  The bright lights and shrills of enjoyment coming from the sky-high rides.  The giant stuffed animals, noise makers, and plastic toys hanging high over the water gun-shooting, ring-tossing, baseball-throwing, and balloon-popping games.

We munched on a corn dog, chicken wings and kettle chips when we first got there (You know, the healthy stuff! Ha!)  After walking around and taking in all of the fair's happenings, coupled with some excellent people-watching, we tried our hand at a few games.  Brian played about 10 rounds of the baseball throwing game until he finally broke two bottles in a row to win a giant jamaican-looking stuffed toy monkey (I got 3 free shots on the house thanks to the guy manning the booth--however I clearly don't throw hard enough).  Next, we tried our best on the buckshot--shoot the entire red star out of the middle of the paper from a certain distance and win a prize.  I tried once--Brian tried about 15 times until winning a GIGANTIC smiling chili pepper wearing a sombrero (I tell ya, he is determined!) We didn't get to any rides, solely because the two prizes were getting kind of hard to hold!

The fair is going on until the beginning of February, and takes place every January for 17 fun-filled days.  I think we're planning on going back again within the next couple of weeks, I'm dying for a ride on the ferris wheel!

P.S...we came home and scared the daylights out of Brewster when we brought the prizes in the house.  He's being VERY cautious when he comes close to them right now--what a cutie patootie!

Cherry Republic

6026 Lake Street, Glen Arbor MI
Open Sunday through Thursday 9am until 5pm; Friday and Saturday until 7pm

It's a rainy and gloomy and, believe it or not, a chilly Saturday here in Southeast Florida, so I'm staying inside for the most part this afternoon.  For some reason I can't stop reminiscing of the trip Brian and I took back in June of last year to the upper Northwest portion of Michigan, or what I referred to it as the pinky of the state (Ha! Get it?! Oh boy I'm an odd duck...)

I don't think this trip could have been any more relaxing, wonderful, and perfect.  From the friendly people everywhere we went, to the absolutely stunning blue-green waters, to the calming and peaceful lake house we were staying at-- I am officially in love with this state.  It's just gorgeous.

While we were there, Brian's friend's mom suggested we stop at Cherry Republic if we get a chance to sample their cherry wine (tastings are complimentary!) We actually visited two of their locations while we were in Michigan--one in Glen Arbor, and the other in Traverse City--I recommend checking out both if you can.

My absolute favorite of the wines were the Balaton and their Cherry Hard Cider.  The Balaton--a red cherry wine that has that mulled wine flavor to it, giving you that warm fuzzy sensation with each sip, perfect for holidays or on a chilly day.  The hard cider was very similar in flavor, just with that hard cider twist to it.  We loaded up on bottles from here and a few other wineries as well, actually just finishing our last bottle very recently (pout pout sniffle sniffle).  

So on a chilly rainy lazy weekend, I find myself craving this wine, equally for the mulled spiced taste and for its ability to make you feel nice and cozy and relaxed...

Oh my gosh! I can't believe I almost forgot to mention their AMAZING line of sodas too, "Boom Chugga Lugga!," infusing the Michigan Cherry theme into the flavors.  I'm in love love LOVE with their Cherry Ginger Ale, slightly sweeter than regular ginger ale, and in a light pink hue.

P.S...I've just requested a catalog from these folks, so I think I'll be ordering some select beverages sooner rather than later...

The Beat Cup Cafe

660 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach FL
Open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm
Friday and Saturdays, 10 am to 3pm & 9pm to 2am

An eclectic little cafe off the beaten path--I just happened to stumble upon this fun little spot while in-between meetings today, thanks to a little Google searching and a super-grumbly tummy--and have to say that this is one of the most unique concepts I've seen so far while in South Florida.  As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn in by the industrial-esque exposed pipes and beams that line the walls and ceiling, the many pieces from local artists hanging throughout the space, the mini soundstage complete with a drum set, chalkboard menu boards hovering over the cafe counter, and a foosball table in the back corner.  To the left, an open doorway leads to a superbly awesome little salon, Salon Resta, that is connected to the cafe--an unexpected and creative feature that really adds to the charm and atmosphere to this place.

The Beat Cup Cafe

The restaurant is currently undergoing a menu change, removing some less popular items to make room for some new favorites so the selection was slightly limited for lunchtime--but I was more than impressed and my tastebuds very satisfied from what I ordered.  A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, bacon, chipotle mayo, and goat cheese between a toasted ciabatta roll.  To drink, a delicious 'cold brew' coffee with half and half, perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix.

They serve up hot and cold beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as breakfast and lunch.    A broad genre of musical talent can be enjoyed here on certain days of the week as well.

I love coming across gems like this--totally added to one of my new spots to frequent.

Boston's On the Beach

40 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach FL

Open Monday 11am-2am; Tuesday until 1am; Wednesday & Thursday until 12am; Friday until 2am

Saturdays 7:30am-2am; Sundays until 12am

Super dog-friendly and in a prime location--I've been here a few times now for both breakfast and lunch and have had a great experience each time.  On weekends they serve breakfast until 11am, and portions are very generous for the price.  To satisfy our need for sustenance after a night out celebrating the New Year, Both Brian and I each ordered the Beach Special--two eggs any way you like it, two blueberry pancakes, two breakfast potatoes, and toast, along with a tall glass of OJ all for just over $20 for the two of us.  Now I call that a deal!

[menu]

But one of the fun little features about this place, besides its perfect spot along A1A running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, is its Pooch Patio.  Bring your dog and sit out at one of the tables on the green street-level patio section.  The staff will bring your canine companion a giant bowl of fresh water on the house.  Treat your pup by ordering one of the items from the doggy menu, such as scrambled eggs or a 100% beef hot dog.  Of course, Brewster-man would barely touch his water, so he just laid under our table and enjoyed the fresh air.  What a silly little chicken.