There are fish camps and there are fish camps; you know that, right? Some of us (me) just want to sit down and be waited upon, a steaming plate of fresh fish set down before us, drink at hand, and take in all the funky fish camp decor, the kitschy signs, and taxidermied mammals, while others (me as well, just...
True story: we know kids who grew up in this area who call it Mel-Boring Beach. While this secretly makes me want to grab them by their shirt fronts and push my face up close to theirs (which I would never do, especially during Covid) I’m thinking that no matter where we all grew up, a good number of us...
Over the space of twelve years one room in our house has had four disconnected personalities. It’s like those stories you read about people reinventing themselves every couple of years. Because of ‘work martyrdom.’ Because a milestone birthday creeps up. Because they are moving toward their authentic self. Often the stories take a madcap turn. They up and quit their...
All over the country small, tired motor court motels, instead of being torn down for mammoth development, are being wrangled back to life by large hotel groups and small business owners, and in some cases just a husband and wife team with ingenuity and plenty of exuberance. We’ve all seen the nostalgic postcards: a smiling family in front of their...
We’re still allowed to boat, right? As of publication the answer is yes (and in fact, oh hell yes!) How simple it is to social distance on your boat? Take the your partner-in-Covid. Everyone you’re sheltering with, come aboard, let’s boat on up for carry-out! We’ve combed the internet and even made old-school contact by phone (so painful! I hate...
When my youngest daughter called me during an early morning beach walk with my husband and told me she’s pregnant I said “HOLY SH*T!” in a proper grandma-to-be way. It’s not that I’m not old enough for this, nor that she isn’t ready, but what exhilarating (and expletive-causing) news to receive while at my favorite place on earth. I’m not...
Stubbornly sticking to Florida’s coastline has been keeping us from discovering so many hidden gems. Living landlocked has been shown to constrict breathing* but vacationing within sight of water can happen almost everywhere in Florida. Today as we woke up and checked the news on our phones, we, with heavy hearts, cancelled an upcoming weekend trip. Waiting to see what...
Ever heard of a Truckpreneur? Boutique on wheels? Caravan kiosk? Maybe you haven’t heard them described as such but I bet you’ve seen them at local art fests, First Fridays, farmer’s markets: attention-grabbing vehicles from back in the day all fixed up and offering you an experience beyond the ordinary. There are so many cool businesses in Florida run from...
And so, no longer will I hear “You have a pet squirrel?” And then a couple of beats later, “But where does he pee and poop??” That last question may have bothered a member or two of my family, but not me. If the question was asked with anything ranging from mild distaste to flat-out grossed-out incredulity, I just smiled...
The other best parts are many: firstly, the affordability. St. Augustine is known for offering gorgeous historic lodging options that are often pricey – best for a celebratory trip like an anniversary or birthday. We’re here to prove an anniversary celebration can be just as fun with a “treat yourself” vibe at a mid-century modern motor court motel stay at...
