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!