Getting Funky in The Florida Key
We’re planning to spend a significant amount of time in the Florida Keys this winter. My dad has been wintering in the Keys since way before I was born. Which means that I’ve visited more times than I can count. Tim has never been though, and I look forward to introducing him to the laid back, funky and fun keys style.
Things like these silly mailboxes around Key West.
Or, this awesome Weiner Dog Parade that we’re totally going to on New Year’s Eve.
And of course, the weekly Big Pine Key Flea Market where you can find anything from fresh local produce and handmade jewelry, to the BEST mini donuts and all sorts of useless treasures.
A Day at The Museum
For some people museums are full of wonder and awe. They provide us with a way to embrace the past, discover new things, or delve deeper into subjects that interest us. For others they’re a great way to entertain children or pass a rainy day. And then there’s this miserable guy…
21 Reasons Why I Hate Museums
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Airstream
Say what you want about the high cost of new Airstreams, but the fact is that more people than ever are signing on the dotted line for a new one.
Which has prompted the Airstream plant to undergo an expansion allowing them to increase their production capacity by 50%.
But if you still insist that Airstreams are too expensive (despite the fact that they retain their value and usefulness better than every other type of RV, as evidenced by the fact that over 60% of all Airstreams ever made are still in use today), you could just rent one.
A Lifetime of Adventure
Some people are just born for travel. Take this couple who set out on a small African safari…and ended up traveling for the next 26 years. Simply amazing.
Pumpkin Bumpkin
It’s the best time of year – pumpkin time! I have a strange affection for this bright orange, rolly polly fruit (it’s not a vegetable – Google told me so). I like to decorate with them, use them to make yummy baked goods and pasta dishes, or carve them into scary faces (but never, ever would I disrespect this delicious food by drinking a fake pumpkin flavored coffee drink – that’s just wrong).
Some people really go over board when it comes to their excitement about pumpkins. For example, a group of college students in New Hampshire were so passionate about pumpkins that they started a riot during the local Pumpkin Festival. Oh wait…maybe it wasn’t their love of pumpkins that caused the riot, it was the fact that they were a bunch of drunken idiots.
Will Travel For Food
Have you ever wondered where to find the best pizza in every state? Wonder no longer. The Best Pizzeria in Every State in America.
How about a ranking of states based on food and drink? Not sure I agree with a lot of what this article claims. We really enjoyed our green chili smothered food in New Mexico, and as a native Vermonter I can confirm that yes, “the goal of life is to eat cheddar cheese and maple syrup while drinking delicious craft beers.” I do agree that South Dakota ranks last though. Terrible food in that state. And it’s okay for me to say this because it’s currently my “home” state.
Watch Out For The Newbies
I love how many new people are joining the ranks of full-time RVers. It’s incredibly inspiring to see more and more people taking the leap and pursuing their dreams. I especially love when these new full-timers write blogs. Even better when they’re really good blogs with interesting content and awesome photography. My current favorite new blog comes from a couple I discovered through a comment they left here. Their names are Gene and Fame, and you can read all about them on their cleverly named blog, Two Escape Artists.
The Pursuit of Happiness (hint…it may or may not involve a new iphone)
Even those of us reside, along with all of our possessions, in a tiny house on wheels haven’t managed to totally wipe out the desire for material things. Hell, just now I called all the AT&T stores in the area to see if any had new iphones in stock (it’s okay because a new phone would fit the “new in, old out” rule). But in general, we make an effort to spend our money on experiences, not things. Because I truly believe that in the long run more happiness will come from buying a ticket to a historical tour of New Orleans than buying a new phone (or maybe I will be twice as happy with both).
Of course, it might not matter at all, because according to some people, There’s More to Life than Happiness.
The Most Important Meal of The Day
And finally, here’s an article all about what kids around the world eat for breakfast. Just because I like breakfast. By the way, I had a fruit smoothie and an english muffin. What about you?
8 comments
Amanda and Tim! You are so kind to mention us in your “Watch Out For The Newbies”. What a hoot.
Yep… we follow a handful of blogs… and of course “you guys” are right in there. Always well written… great info… always giving. A treat to follow you.
I really do love your blog. It’s a pleasure to read, and I find myself looking forward to new posts. Hope we can meet in person someday!
I had poached eggs with roasted green salsa on top. This will be our first December in Florida and the Keys. Very much looking forward to some great kayaking and relaxing. Hey, I was at that Pumpkin Festival in Keene. The Festival itself was great, not so much the dumb college kids.
Yum! If you’re in the keys into January you should look us up. We’ll be on Big Pine Key for Jan. and maybe Feb too.
I always enjoy your Link Love especially when we get to meet new bloggers. I was pleasantly surprised by your take on Louisiana. We really do need to stay open to new parts of the country without our preconceived ideas. The canoe paddle looked fun. Enjoy your eastward trek.
Thanks Karen! Louisiana really surprised us. I can’t wait to go back and explore some more.
Although I am sure you have done your research, here are a few recommendations for South Florida RV sites:
– Bahia Honda State Park is our favorite in the keys, though difficult to get into during the winter. Keep checking for cancels if you can be flexible about when you stay.
– John Pennekamp Coral Reef State park is quite nice as well, though the awesome snorkeling requires a boat as we did not find much clear water near shore.
– We have seen but not stayed in the other state parks in the keys, and they all look great (Long Key SP, Curry Hammock SP).
– Two private parks we can recommend, though they are more expensive than the SPs: Jolly Roger travel park in Marathon is excellent, and they honor Passport America discounts. Fiesta Key RV Resort is pricey but awesome, with a fantastic harbor with ungodly amounts of lobster to spy on while snorkeling, and actually working internet to boot.
You can find reviews on pictures of all these on our blog if your interested: http://www.shellonwheels.net
Cheers.
Thanks for all the great info! Lucky for us, my dad lives on Big Pine Key about 15 minutes from Bahia Honda SP, and we plan to spend some time parked in his driveway so we won’t be needing campgrounds in the keys. I do love Bahia Honda though, and hope we can get in on a cancellation at some point for a few days.