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South Florida Things To Do – Treasure Coast Author: Lauren Aug 03

Here’s your harrowing tale of history for the day, mixed with a healthy bit of pirate lore and booty.

Picture 11 Spanish galleons waving their sails after setting off from Havana Harbor in 1715. Following the Gulf Stream along Florida’s Straits, they set their sights on the Atlantic to the motherland.

Now imagine those ships crashing into the sandy beaches you stroll along on your favorite Florida vacation.

The epicenter of what’s considered Florida’s Treasure Coast is the little stretch a few miles north, and south, of the Sebastian Inlet is your mecca for mining – you even get to keep what you find. (Keep in mind, this is for the beaches only – no dunes, no water, no state parks.)

Millions of dollars in silver coins, priceless necklaces, artifacts and relics from the flotilla lay at your feet. Here’s a few tips for the adventurous who want to search out the Spanish goods:

  • You can use your eyeballs for searching, but some metal detectors cost as little as $100.
  • Grid an area and work it with one step per sweep of the detector (actual or eyes).
  • Check out the high tide line where the softest sand is.
  • Scour the beach after a big storm, the waves stir up the sediment.
  • Be on the look out for areas with more shells than others.

No need to stalk the Spaniards for their gilded monies and treasure – you’ll be able to find plenty of the shiny stuff here at home. Search out your own Spanish flair in the form of a necklace, a couple coins or more but be careful, once you start.. gold digging will get a “hook” into you.

A few locations known to turn up some shiny stuff are:

  • Melbourne Beach
  • Vero Beach
  • Aquarina Beach
  • Pepper Park Beach
  • Wabasso Beach

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Key West Attractions – Dry Tortugas National Park Author: Lauren Jun 24

Now that summer’s in full swing, most of the kids (elementary and college) are out of school and screamin’ their celebration. While we’re baking here in our hometown, we’re hoping you’ll get a chance to sneak away from reality, if only briefly!

dry tortugas national parkIf the kids are coming along on one of the many steal-of-a-deals to Key West this summer, and even if they’re not, who doesn’t love a little bit of pirate lore and stories of sunken treasure? Grab the grog and get your “booty” down to Key West’s Dry Tortugas National Park.

Think history and harrowing tales all tied together.

Ponce de Leon discovered the Dry Tortugas in 1513, named for the lack of surface fresh water on the seven islands that comprise this national park. However, it was known to de Leon simply as the Tortugas, deriving its namesake for the abundant 160 sea turtles (Tortugas) caught during his discovery.

The islands were both favored for its prime position in the Florida Straits and feared for its shipwrecking reefs and shoals. This proved a militaristic advantage in the early 1800s, the massive coastal Fort Jefferson was begun in 1846 by order of Franklin Roosevelt, only to be left unfinished. Even incomplete, the fort still maintains its title in the Western Hemisphere as the largest masonry structure, comprised of 16 million bricks.

The vast amount of native wildlife that call the islands isn’t the only inviting characteristic of this now National Park, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and a National Park in 1992. Known for its vibrant coral reefs, plentiful sea life, and legends of shipwrecks and treasure, the islands and fort are accessible only by chartered seaplane or boat.

Ferries leaving from Key West can cart you over to dally in de Leon’s stomping ground for snorkeling, camping, a picnic, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, guided wildlife watching and birdwatching. Something around 80,000 Sooty terns stop through from between February and September for their nesting season on the island – that’s as many as annual visitors to the National Park!

To learn more about activities in the Dry Tortugas National Park, please visit their Web site or call (305) 242-7711.

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Everglades Day Safari Author: Lauren Jun 05

With as much focus is put on green schemes and energy conservation these days, I figured I’d better mention one of Florida’s finest finds. And this time, it has nothing to do with the latest fashion or upscale nightlife.

everglades day safariThe Everglades Day Safari offers an entirely new perspective on life – that is, not only your own but that of Mother Nature’s curious creativity when it comes to landscaping.

Since 1992, the staff of the Everglades Day Safari has been following the International Ecotourism Societies’ commitment to promoting tourist travel into natural areas with consideration and conservation toward environmental wellbeing and the enlightenment of people.

The best way to do this? Checkin’ out the different critters for yourself. The neatest offering of this place is the all-inclusive day safari that takes you into four different ecosystems: the mangrove estuary, the cypress swamps, the sawgrass prairie and the pine savannah.

The staff isn’t made up of volunteers or local undergraduates in for summer work, either – naturalists on staff range from doctors in ornithology to renowned herpetologists. That’s fancy talk for bird fans and reptile, scaly connoisseurs.

Now, sure, there are lots of different options at this place so you’re able to pick and choose just what you want to see, if not all of the Everglades, but the day safari’s by far your best bet. Why? You’ll get to see the Everglades on a whole new level rather than a quick drive, or should I say float, by.

The day safari kicks off with an airboat ride to roll past a variety of birds and the big alligators awash at the boat’s sides (they’ll be spotted no matter the craft you’re on), then you’re onto a laidback, relaxing boat cruise for the better part of an hour and a half through the Everglades National Park (and the mangrove estuary, otherwise known as the 10,000 islands). This part just happens to be my favorite, if for the simple fact you’ll see manatee, sea turtles, and dolphins! Where else do you get ‘gators and fabulous friends from the deep?

Lunch is included, but come ready and ravenous – it’s a southern one and involves alligator appetizers (from personal experience, it really does taste just like chicken!) After your belly’s full, you’ll set out onto the Big Cypress Preserve for a wildlife drive and when the wheels stop turning, your own two feet will carry you far enough on a nature walk to wind up the day.

The adventure’s a promising one, and whether you go to sate your own curiosity or to reintroduce the family to their wild backyard, the Everglades are sure fun for everyone.

All-inclusive safari admission: Adults $140, Children (6-11) $104.
For more information, please visit the Web site.

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South Florida Adventures – Palm Beach Water Taxi Author: Steven Mar 04

Palm Beach Water Taxi

You want to get away! You want to forget about that daily grind, those bills, the kids screaming, dogs barking, the wail of police sirens, the ringing of phones, the boisterous clatter of everyday life. And all that traffic? Who needs it! Here at Singer Island in West Palm Beach there’s a better way to see the world. When even transportation is bliss, you know you’ve truly gotten away.

That’s why we love the Palm Beach Water Taxi. Embarking all day, every day from the Sailfish Marina, only two miles from the Hilton Singer Island Resort, the Palm Beach Water Taxi is a fast, convenient, and enjoyable option for either exploring the coast or simply getting one place to the next.

Tours: It’s your first day, and options are limitless, so get a feel for Singer Island and the Palm Beaches with a narrated sightseeing cruise that’s as fascinating as it is relaxing. The Taxi is currently offering a nostalgic “Now and Then” Cruise rich with tales of the area’s longstanding love affair with the rich and famous. The fun 90-minute cruise completes its voyage at Clematis St., the perfect place to disembark for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing, not to mention finding a great meal.

Shuttle Service: The tour is lovely, but sometimes you just need a quick trip. The Palm Beach Water Taxi offers quick shuttle service to Peanut Island and Clematis Street for a discounted rate. Peanut Island is of special interest, because you can only reach the island by boat. Newly-renovated, it’s a charming place to swim, snorkel, camp out or enjoy an old-fashioned picnic.

The company employs several 20-passenger vessels as well as a couple 49-passenger Corinthian Catamarans, all piloted by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Captains.

For something truly special – weddings, honeymoons, romantic evenings – private charters are available. Nothing like a moonlight cruise with just the two of you for popping the question.

For more information about services and pricing, visit their Web site.

Have a great time!

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