Right now we are in Englewood, Florida, but by the time you read this we’ll be on our way a little further north for a week’s stay in Madeira Beach, which will pretty much wrap up the trip with the exception of a two day stop at a friend’s house in Sanford. The weather, while lovely, hasn’t really been hot enough to go to the beach every day (I know. Break out the violin) so we’ve been taking the opportunity to see some area attractions or check out RV resorts to see where we might like to return next year. We’re finding that resorts book up to a year in advance, and many of the resorts we like we may not be able to get into, but I’m hopeful it will work out.
Now about the resorts. Some of them you truly feel like you’re in an actual resort, with beautiful club houses that rival Spanish style mansions, while others are very basic with few amenities. Some are huge, with over a thousand sites, while others have fewer than fifty. Something for everyone it seems. We’re thinking we’d like to give a few different places a try, rather than book one for the entire season. That in itself limits the parks we can stay in as many restrict your stay to three months or more during peak season.
Back to the trip…
On our way northbound from Key Largo to Englewood we stopped off in Naples to check out some resorts and to see the town itself. It’s a beautiful area, especially the main street (5th Avenue) and it’s immediate surrounding area. We had a traditional English tea at the most adorable place called ‘Brambles’, located in a little side street complete with ornate tables for two and terraces with flowers overflowing out of window boxes. Of course, I had to listen to Fisherman act like Hugh Grant in Sense and Sensibility, complete with raised pinky, for the entire time. *insert eye roll*
Not to confuse you, but these next few pics were taken in the Keys. Islamorada to be exact, at Theater of the Sea. I was a little hesitant about going here at first. I’m not a huge fan of places that hold animals captive for our ‘entertainment’, but this is more like a sanctuary where they take animals that are injured for the most part and provide a safe haven for them.
The color of the blue fish was so bright I wish you all could have seen it in person. The picture doesn’t do it justice at all, but hopefully you get the idea. Notice the turtle in the bottom right corner. You can’t tell, but he had two flippers missing (is that what they’re called?). One in the front and one in the back, but he was doing just fine. The workers at the park said the number one cause of injuries for turtles are boats. π
There is a part of the facility that houses nearly 50 cats that have been rescued. Here’s one that was exceptionally beautiful (don’t let the spooky eyes fool you), and that’s a yawn, not a hiss.
There was also a nice collection of beautiful orchids in the garden. Orchids are in abundance here, and you can buy them for a fraction of what you would pay up north, as little as $6!
On the way back, we stopped to pick up a little lobster for dinner ;).
Once we got settled in Englewood, we did a bit of exploring. Sunday we went to the beach and they were having a sunset celebration. Apparently every Sunday hundreds gather on the beach and form a large circle and play drums while other people do the hula or dance inside the circle until the sun sets. Unfortunately I didn’t capture a picture of that event but I did manage to get a beautiful sunset.
Monday we visited friends in Venice, had lunch and went to two RV resorts, one of which we liked and may book it for next year. Tuesday we took a ride to a beautiful area called Boca Grande where we did some biking and enjoyed the best cappuccino we’ve ever had. On Wednesday we went to Ft. Myers, which is about an hour south of us. It’s a vibrant, colorful place with lots of restaurants and shops and it’s fun to just walk around and people watch. Notice the bridge in the background. Even that’s a pretty color blue! I can’t imagine the amount of maintenance that must entail, especially with the corrosive nature of the salt air.
This guy was so cool looking! He looked exactly like a statue, and when you put some money in his tip urn he would play his guitar for a few seconds. Fun to see!
While we were in Ft. Myers we paid a visit to 5 RV resorts. Many of the resorts have an abundance of permanent or semi permanent homes that share space with RV’s and one of them was having an Open House for a few of these homes. Although we’re not interested in buying a park home, I thought it would be fun to see what the inside of one looked like. We went to the door and knocked but no one answered so we went inside anyway. Now keep in mind this was an Open House and for all we knew that was standard procedure in Florida. We called for someone more than once but it didn’t seem like anyone was there. We ended up separating while inside and then I heard Fisherman’s voice say something. He then came into the room I was in and said ‘I just saw the owner taking a dump’. Now, you have to understand something. Fisherman has a sense of humor akin to Chevy Chase, so I assumed he was kidding.
He wasn’t.
We couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
On that note, I will leave you with another beautiful sunset, my favorite time of day.
In other news…
We keep hearing horror stories of the terrible weather up north. We’re not looking forward to returning, but Fisherman has jury duty and I suppose it’s time to face the music. I may not put up a post until after we return, depending on the wi-fi connection at the place we’re staying (it’s a bit sketchy here in Englewood). So until then keep warm my friends and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sharing At
Lavender Dreams says
We would love to travel to some of the places you’ve been. I’ve never been to the Keys….one of these days!!! HAVE FUN! Happy Valentine’s Day sweet friend! xox, Diane
Poppy says
Wow! So many wonderful and exciting adventures, Doreen! Your teatime with the Fisherman in Hugh Grant mode, sounds better than any Downton Abbey episode, complete with pinky in character! The fish and turtles and cats are adorable, as are the beautiful sunsets that you are so lucky to enjoy every evening. Thanks for the wonderful update and pics!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Poppy
Nana Diana says
Doreen- OMGOSH! I bet we crossed paths some times the past couple of weeks. lol I lived in Ft.Myers where I met and married my hubby (he was from WI so we moved here) I always feel like I am going home when I am in Florida. Here is a fun fact for you- I was the spokesmodel and “face” of Naples 5th Avenue back in the 70’s. It was still small town back then. It was called Store to Shore and showed me shopping and then running into the ocean at the end of the commercial. Wow-that is going back some. lol
I will have to pick your brain one of these days about the RV resorts you found and liked. We think that is what we are going to do, too, when hubby retires.
Happy Valentine’s Day- xo Diana
tammy j says
WOW! see.
i always suspected you were a star! β₯
Doreen says
You’re full of surprised Diana! You must have been one hot chick to have that gig! What am I talking about…you still are!
And yes, feel free to pick my brain (but the nose is off limits).
tammy j says
still laughing here at your “empty” house escapade!!! LOL.
this has been a delight. the animal sanctuary so wonderful.
you do realize you’re in for culture weather shock. we’re expecting an arctic blast in a few hours and yesterday here it was 80 degrees. enjoy while you can!
it’s been such fun traveling with you. godspeed on your journey with safety and happy mode all the way! xoβ₯
Denise says
Thanks for the morning laugh!!!! So glad you’re having an amazing time. Don’t come back till spring! You are enjoying yourself much more than we up north are. xxD
Doreen says
I figured you’d appreciate that Denise! lol
Too bad we can’t stay till Spring :(. I know its brutal up there!
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Oh I dream of going to Florida someday….other than to jump on a cruise ship. After a fairly mild winter, we are finally expecting a little snow here, so I’m hopeful! Thank you for sharing your vacation and I hope your Valentine’s Day was as lovely as your photos!
Donna says
We used to go to Fort Myers and cape coral every single year it was beautiful.I hope you also made it to longboat key and saint Armand’s Circle not to be missed. I did not know you were going to be over that way.did you hit rumrunners restaurant? Sounds like a fabulous trip and Naples sunsets also they do similar celebrations. thanks for the memories. glad you’re enjoying your tour of Florida. If you can extend I recommend safe travels back home happy Valentinesβ€οΈ
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Sounds like you are having a fabulous time! I have gone to Naples for the past 4 years with 3 girlfriends, one of whom has a condo. I LOVE Naples ans her condo is in a perfect spot so we can walk to shopping, restaurants or the beach! Hope you find an RV park that you like! STAY THERE, it is horrible up here! 7 degrees right now with HOWLING winds:(:(
Doreen says
How nice that you have an annual trip with friends every year Pinky! What a great way to spend quality time with your buds.
We found several parks that we liked…now all we need is an rv! lol
Debra Slagle says
I really enjoyed reading your blog and really lol at the open house adventure, as it sounds like something that would happen to me! The cat picture was too funny, good thing you cleared up the zany eyes take. She is a beautiful cat, wish I could adopt her. But I’m sure she would rather stay there than here in Ohio! Today we are at zero degrees and the wind chill is horrible. I haven’t moved out of my flannel jammies yet and probably won’t. I’m looking forward to reading your blogs. Be safe.
Doreen says
I know how bitter cold it is up north. Believe me, we are NOT looking forward to returning.
About that cat…I was surprised to learn that none of them were available for adoption. Not sure why, but they did seem happy and well cared for, and not confined to cages so it’s all good.
Thank you for visiting Debra and I do hope to hear from you again!
Vicky Hunt says
What colorful photos! I’m so glad you’ve been having a good time. I do hope the temperature down south has been warmer than here in North Central Florida. It’s been in the 30’s every night recently, but the days, although cool, have been absolutely gorgeouws! Safe travels and enjoy the remainder of your trip…:)
Jane says
I’ve enjoyed following along on your travels! I think the RV sort of life sounds exciting. If you can travel from one place to another, bravo! I don’t think I’d like to be cooped up in one place, I wouldn’t any “neighbors”, lol! We love Naples. My Pro Golfer son worked in Naples several winters and one year we went down for Christmas as he only had that one day off (thanks, die hard golfers!). It was beautiful, of course, but it didn’t have the Christmas vibe you see further north. Very few homes had lights or decorations and even the restaurants were a lagging in the Christmas spirit. Still, I’d I’d go back again in a heartbeat!
Love the sunset pics. And the tea!! How I wish my hubby had dnoe something more fun like The Fisherman. He slurped up tea and scarfed down biscuits like he was a Burger King. Can’t take him anywhere!
andi says
I LOVE those statue dudes!!! I about jumped out of my skin the first time I encountered one and didn’t realize he was a real person! That was one big-ass lobster.
-andi
Cindy says
Doreen it has been so great following you on your travels. We used frequently visit Florida when my grandfather was alive. He was on the west coast. We would enjoy travel in an RV. It would be us and the pups
Cindy
Linda Chapman says
I am just LOVING your trip!!!!
The ‘statue’, the tea, the pics, EVERYTHING!!!!!
Jemma says
Oh this is fun following you along on your adventures, Doreen! You mix just the right amount of fun and facts! Teatime and turtles,
Kitty cats and lobster- a cornucopia of delights. I wish you didn’t have to go home just yet, with the wretched weather pounding your part of the U.S.- you know we are opposites in Winter weather. Texas is great this time of the year and horrid in the Summer, so we flee to Colorado and always dread returning back to the parched landscape. Let’s move to Hawaii!
Warm Hugs,
Jemma
Feral Turtle says
What a fantastic trip you have had. Some awesome photos…..but I have to say, yawn or not, that cat looks scary…lol. Cheers.
Luanne says
Doreen thanks for sharing your adventures. Here’s to you enjoying more fun adventures to come.
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh good gravy – I just did a spit take on my computer when I read the last story about the open house! Lol!! Hilarious!!
I just love living through you and your photos & adventures. This is exactly what I want for me and my hubby in the future. So fun!!
Please send some warmth and sunshine this way. Have a great week. xoxo
Sue says
Wow, just enjoying all your interesting details of the trip and colorful photos and you’re very lucky to be there and not up north where snow is the star of the show. Here, we are at least so far this year not in a state of having to dig out like in Boston.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Thanks for sharing your pictures! The orchid is amazing!
Julie says
Wow Doreen, what a fabulous vacation you both have had and I am really enjoying the beautiful photos. Thanks so much for sharing you whole trip with us all! It is so cold here and we have more SNOW! At least it’s not like what the poor people in Boston have! Take care and enjoy.
Julie
rue says
I just spewed the cookie I was eating all over my laptop, when you came to the part about the owner! You are seriously hilarious!
It looks beautiful there and it sounds like a great time. Enjoy the rest of your trip π
susan says
Hi Doreen – Sounds like you’re really enjoying your trip. Living up north, my advice to you is to stay where you are a few weeks longer if at all possible. Coming home to the temps we’re experiencing now would be a total shock to your system.
Enjoy!!
Cecilia says
Oh fun! Love the fish and the kitty cat. It’s sad animals need rescuing but thankfully there are places they can be! Love the colorful buildings. Then the last bit about the open house…oh my goodness! Awkward! Lol. Sorry you have to return to yucky weather. π
Kelly says
You’re so lucky to be vacationing in a warm climate right now. I’m in Tybee Island right now but it’s still cold. Yes, the north and even the southern states are having extremely cold temps and snow and ice right now. Hope you won’t be too shocked when you get back home. Loved seeing your vacation pics.
Doreen says
Oh Kelly, it’s so NOT warm here! It’s in the 40’s! Even further south at the Keys it’s around 50. I can’t believe we are directly on the beach and can’t enjoy it at all :(. We are leaving the immediate area on Saturday for Sanford at which time it’s supposed to go up to the 70’s. Of course :/
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
You’ll have quite the contrast when you get home! π
It’s been fun traveling around with you π
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! It’s been great following you around in your travels. Maybe next year we could plan to see each other when you come down. The pictures have been great and I’m glad you’ve had a fabulous time. π xx
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
So glad you are having a great time…I am familiar with all of the places you are writing about…my brother used to live in Naples and we loved going into town..great place to walk and eat!….Spent most of my summers as a kid in Key West,..my aunt and uncle had a home down there….My uncle was a true “Conch”….have fun and so glad you are avoiding all the winter weather!
Nellie says
Hi Doreen,
Hope the rest of your trip was lots of fun. Enjoyed your post, in fact, I picked it cause I wanted to see where in Florida you lived, but then realized your were visiting which was great too. That lobster is something, OMGoodness, he looks abit
ominous………..lol
I live in the central florida area, so most of those places I have not been but have certainly heard about.
Hope you are back home safe and sound and that the weather isn’t too bad for yall.
Blessings, Nellie
Doreen says
Thanks for stopping by Nellie! We arrived home yesterday, but not before a two day stop at a friend’s in Sanford, which as you know is also in central Florida. I also have a friend who lives in Deland, which is close by. I’ll be writing a round up post of the trip which goes into more details soon.
I’ll be by to visit soon!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Hi Doreen, just catching up on your last two posts. I’m glad that you’ve been enjoying your Florida stay! This post made me laugh a few times – especially the lobster dinner, and, uh, the guy the Fisherman found on the commode! How funny (once you were outta there!).
Pat Cable says
Ok the big lobster is kinda gross π LOL