We’re leaving the lush nature of the Everglades behind now as we beetle onwards towards the Florida Keys. This is a place that has always evoked images of secluded stunning sandy beaches and tiny green islands strung out like a line of exotic gems. Well it didn’t really turn out like that in reality! MuchContinue reading “Florida Keys”
Author Archives: Derbyshire Gal
Baby gators
While they are notorious for being huge, scaly and formidable, all Florida gators start out as much smaller, surprisingly cute babies. After our airboat tour we get chance to get up close and personal with some of the tiddy ones at Wootens! These have all been rescued and can not be put back into theContinue reading “Baby gators”
Everglades boat trips
So excited for today! We’ve headed to Everglades City and we’re heading out for an airboat ride! First a quick scoot around the neighbourhood checking out the pretty buildings and private docks. A vivid blue seafood market catches my eye as we head towards our boat experience! Then we arrive at Captain Jacks and impatientlyContinue reading “Everglades boat trips”
Sanibel island & Fort Myers
Another sunny day dawns in Florida and today’s itinerary is a mixed bag. We say goodbye to our lovely little motel, complete with the obligatory pink flamingos and head off to explore a little more of the nature on offer. First up the ever present alligator warning signs.. always fun! This time we don’t seeContinue reading “Sanibel island & Fort Myers”
Beach bums
We’re exploring a few more of the beautiful beaches to be found on the west coast including Siesta Key. Another delightful lifeguard station, my favourite Florida beach attraction! Plus we see up close some of damage created by the devastating category 5 hurricane Ian in 2022. This was the costliest tropical cyclone in Floridian historyContinue reading “Beach bums”
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a seven mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast with a string of stunning beaches. We’ve already visited one of them, but will pop back for more, but now we’ve headed straight to the very tip of the Island to the little resort of Anna Maria city. Full of olde worldContinue reading “Anna Maria Island”
Bridges and beaches
As evening falls we are heading across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to our Sarasota rest stop at the Surestay Best Western Sarasota Lido Beach. This incredible feat of engineering opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site. It spans Tampa Bay and connects St Petersburg to Terra Ceia. TheContinue reading “Bridges and beaches”
Blissful beaches
Moving on from the old time architecture of St Augustines we drive clear across the state to the West coast to start exploring some of the famous Florida beaches for some sand and sun!! Close to Clearwater, strung long a thin strip of land in the Gulf of Mexico you will find some of theContinue reading “Blissful beaches”
St Augustines
Our home for the night is the oldest city in Florida, in fact in the USA – St Augustines. We’re stopping in the delightful Marion Motor Lodge motel just minutes away from the historic heart of the city. St. Augustine was founded in 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida’s first governor. ItContinue reading “St Augustines”
Daytona Beach
Rev heads and speed freaks will all be very aware of the next pitstop on our Florida tour. We’re driving up the east coast and enroute we’re stopping at Daytona Beach. Daytona beach has an impeccable racing pedigree and is home to one of the most famous tracks in the world. It also attracts motorbikers,Continue reading “Daytona Beach”