Travel & Treasures

Happened upon this sunny, Florida in December setting, the porch of the Colorado Inn (built in 1917) in Stuart. A perfect image for my Christmas Card this year. The contrast of the bright yellow Adirondack Chair, the painted yellow bricks and the red poinsettia plant is spectacular. Thanks to the staff at the Colorado Inn for creating such a colorful scene. Thanks to my iPhone camera for always being there when life presents these beautiful, unexpected images to photograph!

One of highlights of our trip to Bonita Springs was a visit to the Up Gallery in Naples that exhibits the uniquely creative work of John Carrol Long. What an artist!! He collects cast offs, antiques, thrift store finds, etc. and assembles the found objects or “art materials” into amazing works of original art. At first the work looks very different and humorous, and it is both, but after observing the work closely deeper ideas surface. We always stop here when we are in Naples and the exhibition is always exhilarating!!!

The food at Flippers is phenomenal - seafood crevice and lobster bisque to name a couple of the offerings from the large menu. Plus the view is spectacular if you enjoy Florida’s water and boats. A casual eatery not to be missed.

Another favorite eatery in Lovers Key, Bonita Springs Beach, is Flippers. A great place on the water with fabulous food and tables on their wooden deck. Love to watch the boat traffic while we eat.

While in Ft Myers we always eat at Doc Fords on the Florida Intracoastal Waterway. Great food (Shrimp and Grits, Yucatán Shrimp, and Raspberry Cheesecake) and marvelous views of the water and passing boats while we devour our lunch. Steven, my honey, enjoys novels by a Florida author, Randy Wayne White (among other authors). The main character in Whites novels is Doc Ford and sometimes known by his proper name, M.D. Ford. Hence, the name of the restaurant, Doc Fords. I decided to begin reading the books also for several reasons: The initial “M” in MD Fords name is Marion and my name is Marion. Also the author’s name is Randy WAYNE White and my father’s name is Wayne. I am appreciating the Florida facts and settings included in White’s books. We love to eat at this Florida Treasure restaurant and are enjoying White’s novels about the escapades of Doc Ford.

Drove into Ft Myers and shopped at our favorite, 2 story, co-op thrift shop, The Franklin Shops, which sells everything from jewelry, cloths, housewares, etc. etc. etc. I found so many jewelry treasures that I couldn’t pass up. This place is huge and fabulous. You name it, they have it. A true Florida Treasure

Sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico with no clouds on the horizon.

While in Bonita Springs we went on a pontoon boat out to the Gulf of Mexico and surprisingly, we saw a spectacular sunset that was not blocked by clouds along the horizon which almost never happens. Sunset was glorious.

Historic downtown on Old 41 Road was an area we had not explored the previous times we visited Bonita Springs. Not only did we find a place to rent kayaks, but we discovered an excellent Mexican Food Restaurant. As we drove down Old 41 we spotted a sign that said $1 Tacos on Tuesday at Maria’s Homemade Mexican Food. There were so many people in the parking lot buying tacos while the owner’s son cooked everything right on the sidewalk. So we stopped to try them and they truly were homemade and absolutely the best tacos I’ve ever tasted. Also ate a Chili Rellano that was amazing. Think we ate here 3 of the 4 nights we were in Bonita Springs, but now we are spoiled and have to wait until the next time we visit this area to get this spectacular, home made Mexican food. This place is next door to an Old Florida Attraction with a marvelous vintage Everglades sign. Highly recommend Maria’s Homemade Mexican Food, 27080 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs FL.

Our first day in Bonita Springs we went to lunch at Coconut Jack’s on Bonita Beach Road - recommended by a friend and the desk clerk at Hyatt Coconut Plantation Resort. Weather was so nice we sat outside with view of the water. Had Tomato stuffed with lobster salad, cucumbers and crostini. The Mango Lemonade was very refreshing. This was the perfect meal for this bright, sunny day.

Happy 2016 Thanksgiving! Borrowed this photo from the Junk Gypsys, two fabulous women living in Round Top who collect and buy “junk” to decorate the homes of lucky clients in West Texas. One of their many famous customers is Miranda Lambert, an amazing Country Western singer and former wife of Blake Shelton from the Voice. Long ago, before the Gypsys were even born, I lived in Houston and traveled to West Texas most every Spring to see the beautiful Blue Bonnets that blanketed the rolling hills. There was always some kind of open-air festival involved where arts, crafts and antiques filled vender’s booths and tempted the strolling shoppers. I don’’t think I’ve ever left a festival or flea market without finding at least one treasure I couldn’t live without. Thank you Junk Gypsys for posting this photo and reminding me of my trips to the Texas Hill Country during my collegiate youth!

Ooops. Almost forgot this marvelous metal box I got at The Mother Load. The wooden piece behind the box was saved from a bench thrown out by one of my neighbors. Have to get some seasonal plants for the box. Front porch is looking good THANKS to my Honey Steven.

Just a few of the treasures I bought at The Mother Load thrift shop in Bonita Springs - etched glassware, adorable serving dishes, and a leather jacket for my grandson. Love this shop!

Recently I discovered an enchanting Thrift Shop on Old Hiway 41 in Bonita Springs FL that was full to the brim with every sort of treasure imaginable - old rusty tools, James Dean style leather jackets, elegant glassware etched with sailboats, and everything in between. It would take at least two days to see everything this place offers. The owner is extremely helpful and the prices are VERY reasonable. This will be a “Required Stop” whenever I’m in the area.

Nov 2016 Bonita Springs: Left South FL at 9:30am and arrived at Hyatt Coconut Plantation about noon. Couldn’t believe we got here so quickly. Checked in early to make sure we got the top floor room facing the lake and we did. I’m a happy camper.