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Florida: 2008 Galleries

Bayside and Downtown Miami : 
May 30 to June 8, 2008
Vacations ... ahhhhh, such a beautiful thing.  This year, headed to Florida.  Forecast called for rain the whole time I was there; but someone (thanks Dad!) was looking out for me.  Only rained the first day.  The rest of the time was sunny and (unbelievably) hot.  Another wonderful trip to Florida hosted by my friend Denise :)  

Each time I visit, we start out at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami on the waterfront.  It's tradition now!  Such a little piece of heaven.  This year, we managed to make it there three times LOL.  Can't get enough of those Pina Coladas.

Bayside and Downtown Miami

May 30 to June 8, 2008 Vacations ... ahhhhh, such a beautiful thing ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2008 7:28pm PST

The Morikami Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach) : 
May 31, 2008
The essence of Japan in Florida.  The Morikami, with its unique gardens and collections, is one of Palm Beach County's most treasured cultural attractions.  Located in a tranquil natural setting, the Morikami has 200 acres of Japanese gardens with strolling paths, resting areas, tropical bonsai collection, small lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife, nature trails, and pine forests.

The Morikami Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

May 31, 2008 The essence of Japan in Florida. The Morikami, with i ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2008 9:46am PST

Las Olas Boulevard and Beach (Fort Lauderdale) : 
May 31, 2008
Las Olas Boulevard has always been Fort Lauderdale's most charming thoroughfare. Las Olas is at the forefront of everything from fashion boutiques and art galleries, to memorable restaurants, sidewalk cafés and clubs. 

So, to be honest, I found it extremely boring, and could not wait to get to the beach :)

Las Olas Boulevard and Beach (Fort Lauderdale)

May 31, 2008 Las Olas Boulevard has always been Fort Lauderdale's m ...

Updated: Jun 12, 2008 8:34pm PST

MetroZoo (Miami) : 
June 1, 2008
Miami MetroZoo is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. It is located in southern unincorporated Miami-Dade County southwest of the city of Miami and west of the village of Palmetto Bay. It houses over 900 wild animals and is the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States.

The zoo is on 740 acres, 300 of which are developed. It is 3 miles around if walked on the path, and has over 80 exhibits.

MetroZoo (Miami)

June 1, 2008 Miami MetroZoo is the largest and oldest zoological ga ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2008 10:49am PST

The Barnacle Historic State Park (Coconut Grove) : 
June 2, 2008
The Barnacle Historic State Park, in the heart of Coconut Grove, offers a lovely view of Biscayne Bay and of Old Florida. This beautiful house with a whimsical name dates to a quieter time. The Barnacle, built in 1891, offers a glimpse of Old Florida during The Era of the Bay. Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, this was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove´s most charming and influential pioneers. Munroe's principal passion was designing yachts. In his lifetime, he drew plans for 56 different boats. As a seaman, civic activist, naturalist, and photographer, Commodore Munroe was a man who cherished the natural world around him. 

A walk into the park passes through a tropical hardwood hammock. For the curious, the word hammock may be traced to an American Indian word Hamaca, which means a shady place.  Pretty sure you wanted to know that :)  In the 1920s, it was representative of the original landscape within the city of Miami. Today, it is one of the last remnants of the once vast Miami Hammock.

The Barnacle Historic State Park (Coconut Grove)

June 2, 2008 The Barnacle Historic State Park, in the heart of Coco ...

Updated: Jul 27, 2008 12:18pm PST

Bill Baggs Cape  Florida State Park (Key Biscayne) : 
June 2, 2008
Today we took a trip to Key Biscayne, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.  

Cape Florida is the home of a historic lighthouse built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Visitors come to the park to sunbathe, swim, and picnic on over a mile of sandy Atlantic beachfront. Biking and kayaking are also popular activities. Anglers can throw in their lines from the seawall along Biscayne Bay for some of the best shoreline fishing in the region.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Key Biscayne)

June 2, 2008 Today we took a trip to Key Biscayne, and Bill Baggs C ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2008 3:43pm PST

Miami Beach : 
June 3, 2008
Miami Beach is a great place to visit.  Lots to see and do!  The art deco architecture along Ocean Drive in South Beach and Lincoln Road Mall are not to be missed.  It is also home to some of the most beautiful hotels.

Let's discuss for a moment the beach itself.  I've never seen a beach so large and well-manicured.  The white sand is unbelievable.  I can still feel the sand between my toes :)

Miami Beach

June 3, 2008 Miami Beach is a great place to visit. Lots to see an ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2008 5:31pm PST

Around and About Key West : June 4 to 7, 2008
Key West is one of my favorite places, anywhere.  You can do as much, or as little, as you like.  Always something going on, even if it is just sitting and watching people.  Of course, it's better to sit and watch with a cold Pina Colada :)

Around and About Key West

June 4 to 7, 2008 Key West is one of my favorite places, anywhere. Y ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2008 8:38pm PST

Scenes From the Dewey House/La Mer Bed & Breakfast (Key West) : 
June 4 to 7, 2008
Each time in Key West, we stay here.  Usually, we are in La Mer.  This year, we were in the Dewey House for two nights and then at La Mer for one night.  They are owned by the same company and are right next door to each other.  Love this place.  Should you find yourself in Key West, do not hesitate to make this your home while you are there!  You can find more information here.

Scenes From the Dewey House/La Mer Bed & Breakfast (Key West)

June 4 to 7, 2008 Each time in Key West, we stay here. Usually, we ...

Updated: Jul 03, 2008 2:00pm PST

The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (Key West) : 
June 4, 2008
The  Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a worthwhile stop on your visit to Key West.  It is filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature - butterflies.  It includes an impressive collection of flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “Flowers of the Sky.” Witness some 50 to 60 different species from around the world, all under a climate controlled, glass enclosed habitat. 

You will have a unique opportunity to observe butterflies and birds in a tropical setting. Their diversity of size, shape, color and patterns, and behavior make these delicate winged creatures a delight to see.  Capturing them in a photo is a challenge!

The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (Key West)

June 4, 2008 The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a wor ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2008 11:58am PST

Sunset Celebration (Key West) : 
June 4, 2008
Every night of the year in Key West, there is a Sunset Celebration, and, if you have never seen the sun set on Key West, it is definitely something to celebrate.  It's truly stunning, and until the sun is completely set, changes every minute.

Sunset Celebration (Key West)

June 4, 2008 Every night of the year in Key West, there is a Sunset ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 11:14am PST

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (Key West) : 
June 5, 2008
The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is an exploration into local Key West history and folklore, while the gardens offer a lush one-acre view of tropical foliage. You will enjoy viewing the works of John James Audubon, world renown ornithologist. There are 28 first edition Audubon works in the house.

John James Audubon arrived in Key West aboard the U.S.S. Marion in the spring of 1832.  While visiting the Florida Keys, he produced 19 of his sketches for the "Birds of America."  

Some of the images you see in this gallery are of the sketches of the birds Audubon sighted in the Florida Keys.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (Key West)

June 5, 2008 The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is an explorati ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2008 1:43pm PST

The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum : June 5, 2008
The Key West Lighthouse is a brick tower that was built in 1848, and was sixty-eight feet tall.  In 1894, twenty feet was added to the tower, making it visible to sailors for fifteen miles.  In 1969, the Coast Guard decommissioned the light as it was no longer needed to guide ships to the Key West Harbor.

It was opened to the public in 1972.  The view from the top is wonderful.

The Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum

June 5, 2008 The Key West Lighthouse is a brick tower that was built ...

Updated: Jun 14, 2008 10:02pm PST

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Key West) : 
June 6, 2008
Fort Zachary Taylor was occupied by the Army from 1845 to 1947.  In 1889, the two top floors were removed as part of a refortification effort.  The fort was given to the Navy, which used it to store surplus equipment.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Key West)

June 6, 2008 Fort Zachary Taylor was occupied by the Army from 1845 ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2008 10:32am PST

Miami to Key West and Back : June 4 and 7, 2008
Normally, when we head to Key West, we step on the pedal and don't stop until we get there from Miami.  This year, we stopped a few times on the way down and back.  Made for a nice ride both ways and saw some sights we otherwise would have missed.

Miami to Key West and Back

June 4 and 7, 2008 Normally, when we head to Key West, we step on the ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2008 12:49pm PST

Smuggy Goes to Florida : Smuggy went on vacation to Florida May 30 - June 9, 2008.  What a great time Smuggy had!

Smuggy Goes to Florida

Smuggy went on vacation to Florida May 30 - June 9, 2008. What a grea ...

Updated: Jun 11, 2008 9:13pm PST

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