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
In the vein of family friendly vacations this summer, I figured it only appropriate to carry on with the same theme of enlightening you on some of our favorite places – and who doesn’t enjoy saving some moolah in the process?
As per their usual, the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort is running some super specials this summer, and although their variety in offerings suit a wide array of visitors, their special rates don’t only include sweethearts and weekday runaways.
The Kids Are King Package tailors specifically to the spring chickens in your flock – and sadly, being a kid at heart doesn’t count. Up to two youngin’s (18 and younger) per room are permitted for this package that includes each child’s choice of 2 meals each day of your stay, in addition to admission to one of the following local attractions:
The kids’ll feel on top of the world while you bask on the beach enjoying quality time away from the real world rush of things and replace stress with smiles. For more information and to read more about the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort’s special offers, visit their Web site or call 561-848-3888.
Rates begin at $219/night, are subject to availability and valid December 31, 2008 – December 31, 2009
Singer Island has been the choice beachfront getaway in Florida among the fun-loving and fabulous since the first resorts were built in the late 1940’s. Today, Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront is breaking the mold of other Singer Island hotels and inviting the whole family along for the ride.
Bring the kids for a South Florida beach vacation where they can have just as much fun as you (if not more J). We’re happy to announce our “Kids Are King” Package. Along with a refreshing family-sized room and two meals per day at Coconuts on the Beach, our on-site restaurant, you receive free admission for each child every day to your choice of exciting Palm Beach attractions.
Check out all the options:
That’s right! For every day of your stay, you’ll receive admission for up to two children to any of these family-friendly local attractions. With Spring Break 2009 fast upon us, what better opportunity for a family vacation in South Florida.
To book our ”Kids Are King” Package, or for more information and restrictions, visit our Web site.
Singer Island. It’s not just for grown-ups any more!
