A perfect night

As a last minute thought and with no plans for Saturday night, hubby and I decided to play like tourists. We jumped in the car and headed to Fernandina Beach for the evening.

To really do it like the tourists do, the Mayport Ferry was our first stop. Perfect time of night, perfect time of year -- we were first in line and received a front row seat on the Ferry.


















It was a perfect night and everything was beginning to look a little spooky in preparation for Halloween.



Crab legs was the dining choice of the evening - at the Crab Trap located on the side street downtown. Then a stroll through all the great shops and ice cream parlors along the way.

Many of the locals were out and it was an easy night for all.




Then all of a sudden, what did we see, but a beautiful sunset popping up in front of me! Quite a sight and the end of a perfect night..


The Ferry was closed by the time we left, so a different route via the highway closed our night.


Remember, sometimes the best vacations are right next door.

No! Senora

No, No, Senor..........

Sorry - I was not impressed with Yucatan Taco Stand located on 3rd Street in Jax Beach.



Yes, the location is The Best.


Yes, the outside courtyard is Perfect.


Yes, the bar is Adequate.



The Food, not so happy about it.







Little selection.

Amateur Waitstaff

EXCEPT for our wonderful hostess!



Maybe in a little time -- the food will improve. I'll check back because I love the ambiance and we need more places to gather.

Hasta Luego! and Adios!

Nawlins and Me - Signs and Sagas!

The 'first' time my husband, Frank, and I planned a trip to New Orleans -- an impending hurricane storm redirected us to San Francisco instead.

This time, the storm brewing was in my stomach, and unfortunately, not enough of an excuse for the airline company to reschedule our flight.

So, our trip was set. Like it or not, sick or not, tired or not, we were off to New Orleans to meet up with an old high school chum and his wife (Frankie and Debbie Billeter) for 3 'fun-filled' days of eating and partying. Partying? ugh!

The Billeter's are seasoned travelers, having visited Nawlin's often; and, thus, were to have the pleasure of showing us the sights.

Hmmm......A churning in my stomach, however, caused me to wonder. Was it going to be a pleasure?

Using the airplane trip to our destination as a place to sleep and gain my energy, we landed and I claimed to be ready to go.


Me, being the good sport I am , managed.



So, here we go......the saga.


Arrival ..... at our hotel recommended by my friend, Paula Meyns -The Renaissance Art Hotel - on Tchoupitoulas Street.


Ready and rarin' to go! (I hope ;-0) )







Serendipitity....the first block, Canal Street, there was my drummer girl! leading me on. Ok - this was gonna be OK! I kept assuring myself. Afterall, there would be signs like this one to assure me I was on the right track and would make it.





Our friends....Frankie and Debbie -- they look like they need a good shot of 'marilynsonthemove' don't they? - were ready to begin the tour.


and, I'm up to it! or am I?


The walking tour began and while enjoying the different scenes, I was fading.


Things are looking up............just when I felt the need to rest my weiry bones and my rattling tummy, the horse and carriage appeared. Take me a-wa-a-a-a-a-y! Or at least around the French Quarters, please. I just need to sit.

The tour started off great until the driver started talking...........oh my goodness, we couldn't understand a thing the driver said -- Creole? No. English, yes, but Cajun English and FAST.

My year in Haiti listening to the French Creole language there, wasn't helping a bit!


Oh well, I just wanted to sit down anyway. ..... For the rest of the group, not so good.



Too bad, too, because I think he was telling jokes? We missed the punch lines, but laughed anyway. Ha!







Next day - on foot again -- the Riverwalk - and all the shops - The French Market and all the shops -- side streets and all the shops! Geez! When do we sleep? Ok, ok, I'll enjoy it -- afterall, when will I do this again!


I needed a sign........................ask and you shall receive...

My mom joined us......in spirit only though.


Within The first block we came across this 'sign.'

ADELAIDE -(my mom's name) and here she was on our first corner.

Now, is that coincidence or divine intervention. Watching out over her sick daughter -- a little reminder that all would be ok.

She was probably telling me to try to eat something to keep my strength. Funny and sweet. Hi Mom, I miss you.








No, dad, I'm not.......Okay, it might look like it, but I'm pretending, really.


My dad didn't gamble. Thought it a waste of $. I guess I do too, but the seat looked inviting, so I thought I'd have a little fun since I was fast beginning to fade and the A/C felt great as well as the seat.

Plus, I just had to see Harrah's.









Trying....yes, Debbie and I were trying to have some fun -- posers!














Another sign! A serendipitous moment -- this RED door (for those of you who know) is on my Vision Board that I created in December 2008.


On my Vision Board - the RED door is the symbol of the door I will walk through to new adventures. And, here it is. Wow, this is getting eerie.






While I'm standing right in the middle of the lobby of Mother's Historic Restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street having (or watching) breakfast with the gang and feeling a little nausea overtake me, I noticed this RED door.




The door is actually an elevator. It is used by the staff to go to the 2nd floor butcher market where the meat is being carved. But, for me, it was a metaphor and I was listening. I was still going to be OK!



Now, I must say, I didn't eat anything there, but the rest of our group did and nearly everyone in the city was there. Mother's apparently is delish and 'always busy.' It is tucked away 4 blocks from Canal right across from our hotel, serving all the regional flavors - morning, noon, and night!


Be sure to visit when you are there - a local haunt for sure.



Get there early, the lines forms and then grows.







I made it through the first day - hungry and weak, but I made it.



With the strength of another night's sleep, we were ready for the Garden District.





Today, we are taking the street car to the Garden District and Debbie is trying to get my Frank to check out the schedule. I don't think he is paying attention, do you?

The Garden District is a far cry from the downtown district and I must say - a nice change of scenery.







Beautiful homes line the streets and the 2 majestic universities - Loyola and Tulane stand side by side in their splendor.













While flying by the roadside sights, it is important to keep your hands and head inside the streetcar.












Never have I been so up close and personal with a tree -- a branch scratched my sunglasses and I was just sitting there in my seat. Now, that's close!






Sitting all day and not eating certainly isn't my idea of a good time, but about all I could conjure up for the day. Especially since we were hitting Bourbon Street that night.



Our friends thought it only fitting to try the World Famous Acme Oyster House. Uh, no!


Well, ok. I had to think of my Frank and the others, too - didn't I?


After a short wait in line, dinner was served (I had grits) and all enjoyed. I did check Acme out in my AAA Tour Book and it only had 1 STAR -- but it's World Famous, so -- Go Figure!

On to OZ, Dorothy!

Oz? Yes, Oz.........we couldn't do Bourbon Street without checking our referral from Barbara Marshall -- 'you must go to Oz, it is a blast.'

So, what could we do.....We went, we saw, and most of us conquered!


Even my Frank walked in with me, stayed awhile, and then joined Frankie #2 outside. Deb and I took in the sights and then joined our guys.


Another time and another place, I would've been a lot more fun!


One of our group refused to enter -- and it wasn't my Frank...need I say more, Billiter? So, back to Kansas (Bourbon Street) we went.

Oz was actually the only place on Bourbon Street that had any really good music and a crowd.

What is New Orleans, without VOO DOO.......

and here it all was right at my fingertips -- if I could just reach it........a good Catholic girl should not be seen near or in a voodoo shop, but I couldn't resist = the rebel that I am.

Yea, right! No dolls purchased, so you can all relax. :)

Bet you know what that is....................yup...it's Frank, enjoying his 'first' beignet at Cafe Du'Monde.

It was midnight and since we couldn't find any good music (all rock and roll) on a Sunday night in NOLA -- we walked another 10 blocks to the French Market and enjoyed the coffee and pastry.

That, I couldn't even resist either. My stomach didn't mind at all - Mmmm good!


Next day..............last day!

Then, just when I needed it as if we ordered it, another 'sign'..............Right across the street from us the whole time, was this fantastic little restaurant with outside bistro tables and a constant gathering of people. We had been watching it, but no chance to stop by.

This last night, we were on our own because I had spent the day in bed completely washed out and trying to gain my strength back after not eating anything for 2 days. So, we decided to let our friends off the hook and do our own thing that night.

"Let's check out Lucy's" we said, "and see how it is." So, we wandered over and were we glad!

As if it was there just to make us feel at home and to send us back on our way - there was Lucy's Restaurant owned by a Retired Surfer from Santa Cruz, CA serving all the typical American fare from tacos to hamburgers and even a salad for little ole me and a Po' Boy for my Po' Hubby and Loyal Companion Nurse - Frank.

Lucy's was perfect. We were both happy and felt that it provided the needed comfort and charm of the home we were beginning to miss. And, for me, the plain old unseasoned food from my kitchen and a good ginger ale.

Even had a landshark (*see previous blog) surf board sign up on the wall (giving me a sign) and an adorable little local waitress named Ellie who took care of us and made us feel at home.

A trip -- not the best one for me and naturally not for Frank -- but a chance to meet up with old chums and see a new place, experience different cultures and foods, and most of all, be glad to be home. I know I'm a Warrior after this trip and the spirits got me safely home.


All in all, it was priceless!


Til next time Nawlin's and Hello Ponte Vedra!

A Busy Month!

Just when I thought there wasn't anything happening to write about --- along came 'Dual-ing Birthday.'

Our friends, Rick and Carolyn Drazien, both celebrated their birthdays last night at Maggiano's at Town Center.

(TIP: make reservations.......get your own drinks at the bar while waiting for your table....!)

With the recommendation of our waiter, Billy, we went with the 'Classic' selection from the menu! Yikes - 2 of everything from appetizers to dessserts.

For those of you who have been there, you already know this, but we didn't------That Was One Heck of A Lot of Food.

We did our best and brought the rest home for lunch today. M-m-m-m good!

To top the evening off, we headed to the best place in town to watch the full moon playing peek-a-boo through the clouds -- Casa Marina Martini Bar Deck -- Wow! is all I can say.

A perfect evening with a wonderful couple -- laughter and celebration was the evening focus.

Happy Birthday to Carolyn and Rick -- Cheers!

PLEASE DON'T GO!

A Big Mistake! The only negative to the entire 4th weekend was Sunday night dinner plans.!

Not sure where we heard it -- but someone, somewhere told us the Landshark Cafe on Third Street was an awesome place to eat. Well, we went by Sunday night-- NOT!

For some reason, we ignored the dredlocks and tattoos (not that there is anything wrong with them) upon entering and propped up on a high-top. When we realized that we were in a major, local dive......we didn't know what to do -- we had ordered. It was served. We choked. We asked for 'To Go' Plates -- dumped some of it in there for good measure. Paid. Left. Dumped the food in the dumpster.

STAY AWAY FROM THE LANDSHARK!

There must be another one somewhere -- because this couldn't be the one that people recommended!!!!

I must say - our waitress was kind and courteous and no one hassled us -- but the food, dinnerware, and flavors of the restaurant were all WRONG!

Baby, please don't go!

Local Fun!

The best evenings are still the evenings we spend right here in our beaches community.


Frank and I headed out to dinner last night with no real destination. Out of the blue - Frank decided he wanted to try Tama's in Neptune Beach (904-241-0099). A nice change, good food, and right in the heart of what's happening.
I had the Teriyaki Chicken and Frank had a shrimp dish. Presentation was perfect and we were happy.


Off we went for a stroll. To the bar at One Ocean and a little rest on their back patio overlooking the dunes and the ocean. Wonderful sea breeze night!

Heading back, we ended up at Shelby's Outdoor Courtyard where we listened to a great duo, ran into a friend from Newcomer's (Lindsey and Doug) -- then off to Ragtime to hear a more different sound from the Boogie Freaks. Before my ears burst - we did an about face and stopped by Mezza Luna for delicious desserts - mixed fruit cobbler and vanilla ice cream and New York Cheese Cake.


All of that we did within just a few blocks of each other. No doubt about it -- Atlantic and Neptune Beach have it going on!


Trick is to get there early - secure your parking space - and enjoy all that they have to offer. The shops even stay open for our wanderings! Love it.

(http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Shelbys.Coffee.Shoppe.904-249-2922)
www.oneoceanresort.com
www.ragtimetavern.com
www.mezzalunaneptunebeach.com
www.boogiefreaks.com/band

A Slice of Palm Valley.....A Slice of Delight!

We've been trying, and we finally made it to the Palm Valley Fish Camp.



Everytime we go by, the parking lot is full, so we snuck in on this Father's Day early evening to find 2 seats only at the bar with a 4 hour wait if we didn't have a reservation.



Now that's busy! And that's popular! And, that most likely won't change with all the delicious food and ambiance we experienced tonight.

I'm not a foodie, but Frank is and he is a happy camper! Couldn't hardly move after the wonderfully tasty feast we had tonight.



With no choice but the bar....we sidled on up and took our seats at the bar of bars! The beautiful Granite countertop held our attention as one of the many special touches throughout the restaurant. I'm not sure how many people were there tonight, but it was full. The bar, the booths, the two-somes, the four-somes and the bench tables were absolutely full and friendly.


The conversation didn't stop and the wait staff didn't either. (doesn't Zach look like Jack Black? :) )



With the heat index at 100 degrees easily at 530PM, the A/C was doing all it could to keep us happy and the waitstaff infused with the necessary energy for the crowd.




We were soooooooo happy with our waitress, Nicole. She was overwhelmed, hot, and tired -- but her smile lit the bar and we knew she wanted us to be happy.

Then there was the Prep guy in the kitchen (sorry, I didn't get your name) with at least 8 other cooks and staff -- all running like a clock. I didn't get their names, but you'll know who they are when you stop by -- and I know you will be stopping by.

The staff stopped and talked to us as if we were neighbors -- all young and ambitious kids (one from Phoenix - darn, I didn't snap her picture, who was fighting the humidity as compared to the dry west coast -- all with a smile.)



Frank tried the salmon and I tried everything I could listed under appetizers and I can tell you honestly -- WE LOVED IT ALL.



The salmon was perfectly crisp and moist with that special touch of excellence -- served with delish spinach and parsley potatoes. Yummy! I first tried the flounder ceviche (as I've been trying to duplicate the ceviche I loved in Hawaii -- and this was close, very close) -- then I had to try to peel and eat shrimp --- perfect. Need I say more?



The Fish House Chardonnay was the ideal wine to mix with my dishes. And the evening was a special ending for a Father's Day to be remembered.



As the owner of this and Marker 32, Lisa Groshell, said -- 'This is the baby of Marker 32 and it is experiencing it's Toddler Time! (sorry about this shot Lisa -- you were on the move!)
To me, that means, curiosity, adventure, openness, and wonder. I say, it is the magical combination of fine dining and palm valley..... How perfect!



We ended outside trying out all the seating areas that will be used when the temperatures change a little.

A chance to meet and visit with Rob Parham (travel photograper) was another highlight of the evening and a little insight on the variety of people who visit Palm Valley Fish Camp.

Do visit -- you'll be glad, very glad, you did!

We'll Make Reservations Next Time!!! Table for 8?

http://www.palmvalleyfishcamp.com/



http://www.robparhamus.com/

A Plan Is A Plan!

Sometimes, when we make plans - we just have to stick to them no matter what!

I've always been of the mind that 'a plan' is like 'a rule' -- made to be changed or broken. But when the plan includes birthdays, kids, and grandkids, and Memorial Day -- there is no way out!

That was the case this last Memorial Day Weekend when our plan to go to Atlanta for my granddaughters birthday and a Memorial Day Cookout with the family was the focus of our month.

Who knew there would be 7 days of rain? Who knew we would head directly into the storm? Who knew? Not us!

We left Thursday to avoid traffic, and, we did. Traffic, but not the rain.

Our sidetrip to Savannah prior to the Atlanta trek turned into a defensive driving class for bad weather conditions. We were glad we had just purchased new tires!

The rain didn't matter that evening -- our dinner reservations at The Olde Pink House were all we needed to relax and begin the vacation.

The next morning, Savannah gave us a glimpse of the sun for a couple of hours and we took advantage of it.

We headed straight for Tybee Island for a big Breakfast Club breakfast and a peek at the ocean in between the raindrops.

I couldn't leave Savannah without achieving my goal: Stopping by my favorite store DC2 Design on Broughton.

With my new purse (Love Saves) and delightful SedaFrance candle (approved by Oprah) packaged up nicely -- we popped into the City Market for a little local flavor.

Then we took leave of the highways again, heading into the rain toward Atlanta.

Oh, whoa is me!

Summer Sundays at the Beach

“SUMMER SUNDAYS AT THE BEACH”
...Last minute Runaway can be Fun!

The Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant is a convenient location for a 1-night Sunday Runaway.

This historic oceanfront hotel offers more than just a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Planning a quick spontaneous ‘refresher’ runaway is easy to plan.

The Casa invites guests for a 1-night ‘package’ runaway any Sunday (excluding holidays).

Relax and enjoy a fabulous Sunday Brunch for 2, the expansive beach, invitation to the Penthouse for Cocktails for 2 and Continental Breakfast for 2 before checkout.

Located directly on the ocean where guests rise early to watch the radiant morning beach sunrise, guests also end the day upstairs in the Penthouse to savor the last glorious colors of an evening sunset. Cocktails in the Penthouse - a glorious way to enjoy a Sunday.

Summer Sundays at the Beach: ($139)

Check in Sunday (Ocean view Room)
Sunday Brunch for 2 – Casa Marina’s Famous Brunch
Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Sunday afternoon or evening – Welcome Cocktails for 2 in the Penthouse
Monday morning Continental Breakfast for 2

Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
691 N. 1st Street
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
904-270-0025
http://www.casamarinahotel.com/

Irresistible Brazil!

We went,
We stayed
We enjoyed!

I'm not in the habit of ignoring good 'tips' from Leigh Cort, so when she told me to mark our calendars for May 15 at Tento's, I obliged and decided to drop by last night. (We went!)

Just 'dropping by' Tento's Churrascaria in Jax Beach last night was impossible. Once we walked through the doors, we were met with the charm and hospitality of one of Tento's owners, (gorgeous) Dan. He treated us as if we had entered his home. Dan ushered us in and hovered until we were comfortably seated at the bar and in the hands of the highly competent Tento's staff. (We stayed!)

Leigh, unfortunately,was out of town; but we were soon joined by her husband, Jay Greene, and two other couples Marsha and Craig Myers, Valerie and Daniel Callahan. We were all in for an evening of Brazilian pleasure.

It wasn't long before the voice of Monica da Silva filled the air at Tento's. We were hooked immediately.

Monica, who spent her life criss-crossing the world and different music genres, shared with us her diverse mix of Jazz and Brazilian originals to more upbeat rock and pop style tunes, thus spreading her irrestible music this special night.

While we enjoyed the Brazilian flavors of the variety of meats served by the gauchos and a full salad bar, we were able to chat quietly and enjoy the night. Frequently, we caught ourselves going with the flow of the music moving in the rhythm of Monica's sensual and smoothe music and distinct voice. (We enjoyed!)

If you missed this, Monica will be back at Tento's on July 10!

Thanks Leigh! It was quite a night!
Visit: http://www.tentochurrascaria.com/
http://www.monicadasilva.com/