A Florida Get-Away

Florida moss....isn't it lovely?
Jay and I just returned from a vacation in Florida. We got to visit my family in Tallahassee and Tampa, and even worked in a little overnight trip to Redington Beach on the Gulf coast. Sweet!
Wanted to share some highlights with you.

On our first day in Tallahassee (my birth city) we ventured out to Wakulla Springs State Park. This photo shows the ceiling of the historic lodge, built in 1937. Such a beauty and a great example of Medieval Revival architecture.

Wakulla is where "Creature from the Black Lagoon" was filmed - and we saw quite a few "creatures" on our river boat tour (alligators!).

The next day we visited Maclay Gardens. A relaxing stroll on the nature trails and we enjoyed gorgeous flowers, trees, the lake and the Maclay House Museum. Nature therapy!

Of course, I am always on the lookout for a sweet treat and we discovered a yummy french bakery in Tallahassee called Au Peche Mignon. Oo la la!

Yes, we did eventually make it to the beach! We stayed overnight at Hotel Isis in Redington Beach and soaked up the laid-back beach vibe. The cool part is that my brother John got married on the beach there and it was so fun to revisit this place again. Super charming little hotel.

When I travel I'm always looking for a little gem of a place to eat. We found one at Redington Beach and had the best lunch ever at Shubee Shack. Shrimp salad and crab cakes were awesome! Sometimes the small places have the best food, right?

Even though we only spent a day and a half at the beach, it was wonderful. Sand between my toes, the smell of suntan lotion, wrinkly old ladies, a quiet sunset, salty air, seafood, and the company of my love. Life is good. 

My take-away lesson from my trip....