Jots and Tittles on Spots and Vittles
Places to See
It might surprise you that Silver Springs Park was the top tourist spot in Florida before the mouse came to Orlando. Time and temperaments led to its decline. Now a State Park, it lured us with lucid spring waters, scenic hiking trails, and wild monkeys (no kidding).
If only we had planned better for the seasonal temperatures. Or, you know, aimed south rather than north
Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream event offered the sublime treat of thrill rides and the Halloween vibe with haunted houses and costumed creeps. But did my plan to fill up on Cuban sandwiches and devil crabs on the way trick us out of thrills and chills with bellyaches? Continue reading “Devil Crabs and Cobra’s Curse – Doomed by Deli at Howl-O-Scream”
The Hillsborough County Fair is upon us which means fair season is here to herald in the fall. Now, if you are anything like us then we share a love for fair food. Consequently, the deep-fried, slow cooked, open grilled, sugar dipped vittles are our main attraction to any midway. Of course, if time and budgets allow, we might fit in a few rides and spectacles to round out the event.
We decided to take our inaugural trip to our new county’s fair on opening night, one of two nights this season when admission and rides are $1 each. The bargain was too good to pass up so we hopped in the sporty little runabout with our allowance of $25 each and minds swimming with visions of trailer-made treats. Continue reading “Hillsborough County Fair Our New Fall Fair Food Custom”
Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve had us in a sweat. The panoramic views from the crest of the prominent hill made it worthwhile, though I regret opting for foot trails over kayaking through the mangroves. And why did I drag my wife out for a high noon hike without shade? Flowers. Pretty flowers.
Even so, the experience left me wanting more. Continue reading “Scenic Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve High Noon Hike”
Do you mean to volunteer but can’t seem to find the time in your schedule? I’ve found that by donating your time and skills in areas in which you get enjoyment, you can merge volunteering with your hobbies thus killing two birds with one stone. Which comes in really handy if you’re a champion stone-skipper during an overpopulation of mallards.
In my case, an affinity for hiking paired well with needed trail maintenance at Triple Creek Preserve. I aimed to get my week’s trek while giving of myself to others. And maybe expand my knowledge of nature. Continue reading “Volunteer and Blaze a Trail: Triple Creek Preserve”
Taking chances brings spice to life. On a tight budget that’s easier said than done, but sometimes a deal comes along that lowers the risks. The Discovery Pass got us into the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and then our feet got us into Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana to get some hot slices inside of us. It was a rewarding day all around. Then we added ice cream. Continue reading “Discover Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and Eat Pizza”
A museum can be an oasis when the weather outside is frightful. And if you don’t think sunny skies are frightful, you’ve not experienced 100 degrees in the shade with 95 percent humidity. We decided to visit the Tampa Museum of Art to escape the sauna and get a bit of culture with our cool.
Modern museums were born of rich people’s desire to show off their rich people stuff to win rich friends and influence rich people. But all that swag requires climate control to keep it from turning to smut. Their expense is your gain because HVAC makes museums cool places to visit when the heat is on and warm places to visit when the freeze is deep. Continue reading “Explore in Cool Comfort at the Tampa Museum of Art”
The trip to Lakeland for regular visits with my Grandpa may only be an hour drive, but even an hour can become monotonous. Adding nifty spots, vittles, and pastimes can add value to the trip. Casually aware of a connection to Frank Lloyd Wright, I investigated and learned that he designed the FSC campus; I immediately planned a visit to coincide with our next trip into town.
Not that there’s anything more valuable than the quality time spent by a boy and his Grandpa. Still, this li’l slugger was hunting for something new to do in Lakeland. We found it and enjoyed a self-guided tour of the campus wherein we marveled at the singular and bold architecture of one of America’s most iconic architects. Continue reading “Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Campus in Lakeland”
Responsibilities and flooding rains thwarted my plans to paddle the nearby Alafia River. However, a chance diversion from a planned route revealed a gem unknown to me and opened new possibilities. A sunset paddle through a mirrored landscape of birds and trees under an evening sky reminiscent of N.C. Wyeth. Cloud giants were no worry, but would giant reptiles abound?
I like my beauty with a hint of danger. And a life-vest. And a whistle. Continue reading “Paddle Into the Sunset”
The discovery that the International Independent Showmen’s Association maintains a museum in nearby Gibsonton had piqued my curiosity. This collection of all things relative to outdoor entertainment and amusements connects to the town’s history as a winter haven for traveling show people.
A carny town? Right down the road? This has promise. Continue reading “Carny-Town Museum Displays Artifacts of Amusements”