<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel><title>Destinations Archives - Golden Age Trips</title> <atom:link href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/category/destinations/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link></link> <description>Travel Beyond Generations</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2021 17:46:05 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly	</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1	</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.7</generator> <image> <url>https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/14215424/cropped-resized_gat-1-32x32.png</url><title>Destinations Archives - Golden Age Trips</title><link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item><title>Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know Before You Go</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/shellkeypreserveknowbeforeyougo/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/shellkeypreserveknowbeforeyougo/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:12:59 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4480</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Located between St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, there are 1,800 acres of mangrove, barrier islands, and seagrass beds going by the name of Shell Key Preserve. If you&#8217;re wondering how to get there, what there is to do, and what to expect during your visit, keep reading &#8216;Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/shellkeypreserveknowbeforeyougo/">Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know Before You Go</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Located between St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, there are 1,800 acres of mangrove, barrier islands, and seagrass beds going by the name of Shell Key Preserve. If you&#8217;re wondering how to get there, what there is to do, and what to expect during your visit, keep reading &#8216;Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know Before You Go&#8221;.</h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4489" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-scaled.jpg" alt="Shell Tree at Shell Key Preserve" width="2000" height="1542" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-768x592.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-1536x1184.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-2048x1579.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-750x578.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-400x308.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-250x193.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-1150x887.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06180246/IMG_20200801_145312-550x424.jpg 550w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Shell Tree at Shell Key Preserve</em></p><p>Shell Key is an undeveloped barrier island on Florida&#8217;s Gulf Coast, and the perfect getaway for those looking for a secluded beach, fishing opportunities, and bird watching. It is also where Shell Key Preserve is located, as the name suggests.</p><p>The Preserve on Shell Key is home to many species of migrating birds and also an important nesting area, not only for birds but also for turtles. Its access is only possible through water vessels, and camping is allowed (with <a href="https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/camping.htm#shellkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">permits</a>), but keep in mind there are no facilities of any type (that means no bathrooms).</p><p><em>Please remember to follow all navigation and camping rules when visiting Shell Key. This is imperative to avoid disturbing the environment as much as possible. If you&#8217;re not familiar with Leave No Trace concepts, take a few minutes and take a look at this <a href="https://lnt.org/get-involved/training-courses/online-awareness-course/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online awareness course</a>.</em></p><p><strong>Where in Florida is Shell Key Preserve?</strong></p><p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4487" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM.jpg" alt="Location of Shell Key Preserve in Google Maps" width="2000" height="1551" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM.jpg 1906w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-768x596.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-1536x1191.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-750x582.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-400x310.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-250x194.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-1150x892.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06175716/ShellKeyPReserveGM-550x426.jpg 550w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Shell Key Preserve Location in Google Maps</em></p><p><strong>How to get to Shell Key Preserve?</strong></p><p>As mentioned earlier, the only way to reach Shell Key Preserve is in a water vessel.</p><p>If you own or are renting a boat, I&#8217;m probably not the best person to give you advice on how to <a href="http://shellkey.org/navigating-a-boat-around-shell-key/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">navigate a boat around Shell Key</a>, but the Friends of Shell Key wrote a helpful post about it. Click Here to Read<a href="http://shellkey.org/navigating-a-boat-around-shell-key/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> &#8216;Navigating A Boat Around Shell Key.&#8217;</a></p><p>If you don&#8217;t own a water vessel, don&#8217;t fret, there are still ways you can get to Shell Key. The first one is the Ferry that leaves from the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4490" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-scaled.jpg" alt="Fort de Soto" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06182031/20180720_092432-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Fort De Soto</em></p><p>First things first, be aware that you&#8217;ll have to go through a few bridge tolls to get to Fort De Soto Park. The number of tolls will depend on where you&#8217;re coming from, so make sure your <a href="https://www.sunpass.com/en/home/index.shtml">SunPass</a> has money in it, or that you have cash on hand. Then, add a fee of $5.00 (at the moment of this publication), which you&#8217;ll pay at the entrance station or in pay stations located through the park.</p><p><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-slot="7427833694" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p>For more information about <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/visiting-st-petersburgs-fort-de-soto-park-during-a-holiday-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">what is there to see and do in Fort De Soto</a>, take a look at <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/visiting-st-petersburgs-fort-de-soto-park-during-a-holiday-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&#8216;Visiting St. Petersburg&#8217;s Fort De Soto Park&#8217;</a>. In this post, however, I&#8217;ll mainly focus on the ferry service from Fort De Soto to Shell Key Preserve.</p><p><a href="https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/shell-key-ferry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Bay Ferry</a> runs from and to the Fort De Soto Boat Ramp to Shell Key and Egmont Key. Times vary with the season, and I&#8217;ll recommend visiting the <a href="https://www.hubbardsmarina.com/shell-key-ferry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">official website</a> for official times and also for booking your tickets in advance.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4491" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-scaled.jpg" alt="Shell Key Preserve Mangrove Kayak" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06191838/20200801_205309-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><em>Kayaking through mangroves at Shell Key Preserve</em></p><p>Another way you can reach Shell Key Preserve is with a kayak. If you own or rent a kayak, there are a few places from where you can launch it, but one of the most popular spots is the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pinellas+Bayway+Kayak+%26+SUP+Launch/@27.6581973,-82.7201591,424m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9a9eee5a23fb39cd!8m2!3d27.6582299!4d-82.7203312?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pinellas Bayway Kayak &amp; SUP Launch</a>.</p><p>Various companies provide guided kayak tours, and you can find them all with a quick search on your favorite search engine of  &#8216;Shell Key Preserve Kayak Tours.&#8217;</p><p>The company I used is called <a href="https://getupandgokayaking.com/clear-kayak-through-scenic-shell-key-preserve/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get Up and Go Kayaking</a>, and I have no complaints. Their launching spot is directly on Shell Key waters, and their guides were helpful and also knowledgeable about the area. Another plus is that the company kayaks are clear, and you never know what you&#8217;re going to see on your tour.</p><p><strong>Things to do in Shell Key Preserve</strong></p><ul><li>Boating</li><li>Fishing</li><li>Kayaking</li><li>Paddleboarding</li><li>Shelling</li><li>Swimming</li><li>Camping</li><li>Bird watching</li></ul><p><em>Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.</em></p><h4>Additional Resources to help you plan your visit to Shell Key Preserve in Tierra Verde, FL (USA)</h4><p><a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/sheilab59" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Not a fan of camping? Check out Airbnb options close to Fort De Soto and get $40.00 Off on Your First Booking.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/residence-inn-st-petersburg-tierra-verde.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Book a stay at the Residence Inn St. Petersburg Tierra Verde (8 min. from Fort De Soto). </a></p><h4>Don&#8217;t Forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know Before You Go!&#8217;</h4><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4499 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin.jpg" alt="If you're wondering what there's to do and how to get to Shell Key Preserve, an undeveloped barrier island between St. Pete and Tampa Bay, take a look." width="1000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin.jpg 1000w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin-750x1125.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12170315/shellkeypreservepin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/shellkeypreserveknowbeforeyougo/">Shell Key Preserve: What You Need to Know Before You Go</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/shellkeypreserveknowbeforeyougo/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>A Taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/taste-kentucky-bourbon-trail/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/taste-kentucky-bourbon-trail/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:20:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kentucky]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4407</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>As soon as we landed at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, we started seeing advertisements for various distilleries. Airport storefronts were gleaming with bottles full of caramel-colored liquid. Yet, we didn&#8217;t need to be persuaded or enticed. We were in Louisville for one main reason, and that was for a taste of the Kentucky [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/taste-kentucky-bourbon-trail/">A Taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As soon as we landed at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, we started seeing advertisements for various distilleries. Airport storefronts were gleaming with bottles full of caramel-colored liquid. Yet, we didn&#8217;t need to be persuaded or enticed. We were in Louisville for one main reason, and that was for a taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. </span></p><p><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.</span></em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4425" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-scaled.jpg" alt="Woodford Reserve Visitor's Center Display" width="2560" height="1861" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-768x558.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-1536x1117.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-2048x1489.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-750x545.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-400x291.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-250x182.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-1150x836.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21163512/Woodford-Reserve-Visitors-Center-Display-550x400.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><em>Woodford Reserve Visitor&#8217;s Center Whiskey Display</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">We arrived at noon on a Friday, after an almost two-hour flight from Tampa International Airport. The plan was to rent a car from Friday to Saturday and stay in Frankfort, Kentucky&#8217;s capital, for the night. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Then, on Saturday afternoon, we were going to return the vehicle and use a ridesharing service to get to Downtown Louisville. From here, we were going to depart on Monday. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At first, three nights and four days appeared to be sufficient to explore Kentucky&#8217;s Bourbon Trail. The truth is, to keep ourselves relatively sober, and to be able to explore something else than distilleries in Louisville, we only visited four of the 18 distilleries on the bourbon trail. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">We also visited two distilleries that aren&#8217;t listed on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but that in no way are less in any sense than those that are. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The following is a recap (avoiding to regurgitate the tour) of those distilleries visited, what makes them unique, what you need to know before you go, and where to stay and eat if exploring Frankfort and Louisville, KY. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">But before, a quick introduction to what can be called bourbon:</span></p><ul><li><strong>It has to be aged in new and charred white oak containers. </strong></li><li><strong>The mash bill has to contain more than 51% of corn. </strong></li><li><strong>It has to be made in the United States.</strong></li></ul><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><script>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4414 aligncenter" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-scaled.jpg" alt="Buffalo Trace Distillery Frankfort KY" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21145658/Buffalo-Trace-Distillery-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Rickhouse at Buffalo Trace Distillery</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The first distillery we visited was </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Buffalo Trace Distillery</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, which surprisingly is not part of the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Buffalo Trace Distillery also happens to be the oldest distillery of those visited. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">We took part in The Trace Tour, a one-hour complimentary tour offered seven days a week (always check the official distilleries websites for the most accurate information regarding dates and hours). </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here, Alice (our guide) took our group for a walk and talked about the history and products of Buffalo Trace. She also mentioned how the facility is undergoing an expansion of 1.2 Billion Dollars pledged by Sazerac, its parent company.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Under a bright but chilly day and the smell of cooked mash, Alice also explained to the tough crowd the differences between the warehouses (known as rickhouses because they are aging Whiskey). Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit one of the rickhouses where humidity and the smell of Whiskey teems. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To end our tour, we tasted four of the Buffalo Trace distillery products: White Dog, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Bourbon Cream. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Woodford Reserve Distillery (Versailles, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4419" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-scaled.jpg" alt="Charred White Oak Barrels at Woodford Reserve part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21151853/Charred-White-Oak-Barrels-at-Woodford-Reserve-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Charred white oak barrels at Woodford Reserve Distillery</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">On a Saturday morning, right after breakfast, we drove to the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.woodfordreserve.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Woodford Reserve Distillery</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. A quick but lovely ride through Kentucky&#8217;s horse country. </span></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">This was the drive to the <a href="https://twitter.com/WoodfordReserve?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@WoodfordReserve</a> Distillery in Versailles, KY. Wasn&#8217;t it nice? <a href="https://t.co/oAydH5z1zt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/oAydH5z1zt</a></p><p>— Sheila Berrios (@goldenagetrips) <a href="https://twitter.com/goldenagetrips/status/1230526207780933632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">February 20, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">We arrived at the Welcome Center to check-in for the tour, which I recommend you reserve in advance. Then, after being called by the guide, we hopped on a shuttle bus to cross the street and go to the actual distillery. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here, guests appeared to be in a better mood than in Buffalo Trace, if I have to guess why the difference, probably because of the milder weather. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">An overpowering corn smell hit our nose after getting out of the shuttle bus and entering the first building. In this structure, there were vats with mash at different stages of fermentation that we were allowed to taste. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Then, came the gasps. We had entered the still room. One of the most impressive still rooms I have seen in the United States, with its three larger than life copper stills flanking one of the room sides. I haven&#8217;t been that impressed about a still room since visiting the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/a-picture-tour-of-the-jameson-distillery-in-midleton-ireland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Jameson Distillery in Midleton Ireland</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Furthermore, it is interesting to know that according to our guide, it wasn&#8217;t until the Bourbon Boom of the 90&#8217;s that the facilities of Woodford Reserve Distillery started to get upgraded. In her words, the place was &#8220;rundown.&#8221; </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There was also a visit to one of the rickhouses, where a strong bourbon smell and the clickity-clack of the pipes envelope the white oak barrels until they are ready. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Before getting back on the shuttle bus, the tour guide stated (the only distillery that did) how we cannot forget the enslaved people that are also part of the history of American Whiskey. Much information was not provided, except that at some point, there were enslaved people working the property. However, to learn more, the article </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.fredminnick.com/2017/02/21/slavery-american-whiskey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Slavery in American Whiskey by Fred Minnick</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is a good start. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To finish the tour, we tasted samples of Woodford Reserve, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey (Hector&#8217;s, my husband, favorite bourbon of the trip), and Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey. And then, to Louisville. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Angel&#8217;s Envy Distillery (Louisville, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4421" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-scaled.jpg" alt="Ange;'s Envy Distillery Tasting Room in Downtown Louisville" width="2560" height="2050" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-768x615.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-1536x1230.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-2048x1640.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-250x200.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-750x601.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-400x320.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-1150x921.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21154032/Angels-Envy-Distillery-Tasting-Room-550x440.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><em>Angel&#8217;s Envy Distillery Tasting Room </em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Already in Downtown Louisville, in the street known as Whiskey Row, we checked in for our Inside the Barrel tour. This tour includes the Signature Tour basics but focuses on the secondary barrels and the finishing process of the product. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">First, you&#8217;ll learn that Angel&#8217;s Envy Distillery is a family enterprise. With the son, and three grandsons of Lincoln Henderson (its founder) working on the distillery. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Then you&#8217;ll see that by produced volume, it is almost a craft distillery. Its size is considerably smaller compared with other distilleries such as Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve. Nonetheless, it is still larger than expected when you remember you are in Downtown Louisville. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There are no rickhouses because that would be a fire hazard. But they do the second finishing on-site. It was interesting to see the Port and Rum Barrels, which looked straight out of a Pirate Ship. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The samples offered at the end of the tour were Angel&#8217;s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Casks, Angel&#8217;s Envy Rye Finished in Rum Barrels, and Unfinished Rye straight from the barrel. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Most tours include a bourbon ball with their whiskey samples, but the best chocolate pairing hands down was the one provided at the Angel&#8217;s Envy Distillery. Here, they had two chocolates from </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://arteatables.com/product/chimeres/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Art Eatables</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, and the chocolate orange Chimeres were not only outstanding by themselves, but also with the Whiskey. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Michter&#8217;s Fort Nelson Distillery (Louisville, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4424" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-scaled.jpg" alt="The Boulevardier at The Bar at Fort Nelson Michter's Distillery" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21161351/The-Boulevardier-at-The-Bar-at-Fort-Nelson-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>The Boulevardier (A Negroni, but substitute Gin with Bourbon) at The Bar at Fort Nelson</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Unfortunately, tours were sold out for Sunday at the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://michters.com/fortnelson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Michter&#8217;s Fort Nelson Distillery</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Yet, we were able to visit &#8216;The Bar at Fort Nelson,&#8217; and buy a flight of the Michter&#8217;s US 1 Whiskeys. The whiskey flight included the US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye, US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, US 1 American Whiskey, and US 1 Sour Mash. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Evan Williams Experience (Louisville, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4423" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-scaled.jpg" alt="Evan Williams Speakeasy Experience" width="2000" height="1753" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-768x673.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-1536x1346.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-2048x1795.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-400x351.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-750x657.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-250x219.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-1150x1008.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21160316/Evan-Williams-Speakasy-Experience-550x482.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Barrel Strenght Evan Williams Bourbon at the Evan Williams Speakeasy Tasting Experience</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://evanwilliams.com/visit-us.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Evan Williams Experience</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, we chose to do the Speakeasy Tasting Experience. This experience does not include a tour through production or bottling, and as you can guess by the name, a speakeasy is involved.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I don&#8217;t want to spoil the experience for you if you decide to go, but I can tell you that it was entertaining, informative, and fun. It also includes a souvenir. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here, aside from Evan Williams Bourbon (including barrel strength), we sampled the Evan Williams 12-year Bourbon, which can only be purchased at the Kentucky gift shop or Japan. People in Kentucky say the best bourbon is the one you like the most, and I had to say for me this was it. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Peerless Distilling (Louisville, KY)</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4422" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-scaled.jpg" alt="Peerless Distilling Single Barrel Tasting Selection" width="2000" height="1472" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-768x565.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-1536x1130.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-2048x1507.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-750x552.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-400x294.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-250x184.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-1150x846.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21155045/Peerless-Distilling-Single-Barrel-Tasting-Selection-550x405.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Peerless Distilling Single Barrel Tasting Selection</em></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Our flight was leaving Monday afternoon, so we were able to squeeze one more distillery on Monday morning. This distillery was craft distillery </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://kentuckypeerless.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Peerless Distilling</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Peerless Distillery history starts in Henderson County, Kentucky, and you&#8217;ll learn in the tour how history is being made in Downtown Louisville. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You&#8217;ll also discover how the distillery carries and proudly displays the DSP-KY-50 (Distilled Spirits Plant Number) number when the distillery opened in 2015. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At this place, everyone seems to be enjoying what they do. They&#8217;re also more than willing to answer your questions and show you things you don&#8217;t typically see in other distilleries tour.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I&#8217;ll never forget seeing our tour guide opening and dumping a barrel that&#8217;ll be sold as &#8220;Single Barrel Bourbon.&#8221; It is also not every day that a Master Distiller (Caleb Kilburn) stops to asks us how we like the tour and engaging and answering questions from the group. </span></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Barrel Dump <a href="https://twitter.com/kypeerless?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kypeerless</a>. First time I&#8217;ve seen one! Thanks for letting our tour group be part of it. <a href="https://t.co/n4w1t9BUr3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/n4w1t9BUr3</a></p><p>— Sheila Berrios (@goldenagetrips) <a href="https://twitter.com/goldenagetrips/status/1230862869379665920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">February 21, 2020</a></p></blockquote><p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The samples offered at the end of the tour were from Single Barrel Bourbons and Single Barrel Rye (which Hector says is the best rye he has tasted) that are only available at the distillery.</span></p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="2848502427"></ins><br /> <script>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Before you go</span></strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Most distilleries won&#8217;t allow you to go on a tour if you&#8217;re wearing high heels or open-toed shoes.</strong></li><li><strong>Because most distilleries are also production and packing facilities, make sure to follow instructions and respect rules. </strong></li><li><strong>Not all distilleries offer tours every day. Plan accordingly and reserve in advance when possible. </strong></li><li><strong>If going during the Summer, keep in mind some areas might be hot and humid. If going during the Winter, there might be a chance of snow and ice on the roads and walking paths. </strong></li></ul><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Where to Eat</span></strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4416" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-scaled.jpg" alt="Butchertown Grocery Bakery Pepperoni Pizza" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21150039/Butchertown-Grocery-Bakery-Pepperoni-Pizza-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Butchertown Grocery Bakery Detroit Style Pepperoni Pizza</em></p><p><strong>Frankfort, KY</strong></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In Downtown Frankfort, check out </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://capitalcellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Capital Cellars</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. This store combines a restaurant, bar, and liquor store, and does it effortlessly. Frequented by many locals and the occasional tourist, here you can get lunch or dinner and pair it with an Old Fashioned made with your favorite bourbon. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If undecided on what to eat, the Bourbon Bacon Jam Sandwich and the Bourbon Pimento Cheese are both delicious. Just remember, if you&#8217;re planning to drink, do not drive. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Two other restaurants in Frankfort that were recommended by locals, but we couldn&#8217;t try were </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheStaveKentucky/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Stave</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> and </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.eatatgibbys.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Gibby&#8217;s.</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> </span></p><p><strong>Louisville, KY</strong></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In Louisville, for breakfast or lunch, consider going to </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://butchertowngrocery.com/bakery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Butchertown Grocery Bakery</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, where we enjoyed a crispy, cheesy, and savory Detroit Style Pizza. There are also sandwiches, pastries, salads, and coffee. Another breakfast/lunch option is </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.biscuit-belly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Biscuit Belly</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. The &#8220;Damn Good Biscuits&#8221; tagline is not an exaggeration, and both The Rockwell and Mama&#8217;s Boys passed with excellent marks. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Please note that if you go during a weekend (especially after 9:00 am), prepare yourself to wait in line for 10-15 minutes or more. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">For dinner, if you like Mexican food, don&#8217;t hesitate to make a reservation at </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://themayancafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Mayan Cafe</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Some of the items on the menu that I can recommend are the Yucatec Sabultes, Cochinita Pibil, and the Mayan Burger. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Another restaurant we enjoyed during our visit was </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://butchertowngrocery.com/butchertowngrocery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Butchertown Grocery</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Yes, it is &#8216;related&#8217; to the bakery. Here, the standouts were the Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Belly, Gnocchi, Hanger Steak, and Beignets. </span></p><h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Where to Stay</span></strong></h4><p><strong>Frankfort, KY</strong></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In Frankfort, the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/home2-suites-by-hilton-frankfort.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Home2 Suites by Hilton Frankfort</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is on a strategic location between many distilleries, including the Woodford Reserve Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery. Parking and breakfast are complimentary, and the rooms are spacious. Aside from its proximity to distilleries, it is not far (about 12 minutes) from Downtown Frankfort. There are also numerous fast food joints near the hotel. </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/home2-suites-by-hilton-frankfort.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Book it Here.</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> </span></p><p><strong>Louisville, KY</strong></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In Louisville, </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/homewood-suites-by-hilton-louisville-downtown.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">the Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is not only walking distance to a few attractions such as the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, but it is also close to the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://fraziermuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Frazier History Museum</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> and the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.sluggermuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Parking is not free, but in our experience, walking and using rideshare services was the way to go. Your hotel stay includes breakfast, and if you stay during weekdays, it also includes an evening reception. </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/homewood-suites-by-hilton-louisville-downtown.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Book it Here.</span></a></p><p><strong>Don&#8217;t forget to Share and Pin &#8216;A Taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail&#8217;.</strong></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4426 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21165727/atasteofthekentuckybourbontrailpin.jpg" alt="Planning to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail can feel overwhelming with so many choices. Perhaps, start with a taste instead. Featured distilleries include: Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Peerless Distilling, Angel's Envy &amp; More. " width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21165727/atasteofthekentuckybourbontrailpin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21165727/atasteofthekentuckybourbontrailpin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21165727/atasteofthekentuckybourbontrailpin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/21165727/atasteofthekentuckybourbontrailpin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/taste-kentucky-bourbon-trail/">A Taste of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/taste-kentucky-bourbon-trail/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Walking the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/walking-legacy-trail-sarasota-county/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/walking-legacy-trail-sarasota-county/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2020 17:59:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4389</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if we should go back.&#8221; I nervously told my husband, Héctor, after having just parked the car at the McIntosh Road Parking in Sarasota, part of the Legacy Trail. You see, I might have grown in the backwoods of an eastern town in Puerto Rico surrounded by wildlife, but none of that wildlife [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/walking-legacy-trail-sarasota-county/">Walking the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if we should go back.&#8221; I nervously told my husband, Héctor, after having just parked the car at the McIntosh Road Parking in Sarasota, part of the Legacy Trail. You see, I might have grown in the backwoods of an eastern town in Puerto Rico surrounded by wildlife, but none of that wildlife was poisonous. Here, less than five minutes into our planned walk, I had just spotted a southern black racer snake basking in a rare and cold Florida sun. </strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4394" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg" alt="Palmer Ranch Trailhead Marker Legacy Trail Sarasota County" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172444/PalmerRanchLegacyTrailSarasota-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Palmer Ranch Station Trailhead Marker at the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County</em></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;It&#8217;s not poisonous,&#8221; I muttered to myself for reassurance while speeding up my walk and holding my breath.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thankfully, in only a few steps, we arrived at the Palmer Ranch Station to a paved and open road where I could exhale and forget, at least for now, about the snake rhyme. Nonetheless, I began to understand why the Legacy Trail seems to be more popular with bikers than with walkers. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Legacy Trail in <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/planning-a-vacation-to-sarasota-fl/">Sarasota</a> County spans (for now) almost 11 miles, and according to the </span><a href="https://www.friendsofthelegacytrail.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Friends of the Legacy Trail</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where the trail today is, a stretch of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad used to be in function between the 1910s and the early 1990s. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During these nine decades, these rails were transported from produce to minerals to vacationers to cadets. The tracks were also an essential part of the Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus and its winter operations. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I only became aware of its existence because there was a citizen-amendment for a nine-mile extension on the November 2018 ballot. It passed by an overwhelming majority of 70.6% (which seldom happens), and I was intrigued. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4395" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg" alt="Catfish Creek Bridge at the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05172825/CatfishCreekLegacyTrailSarasota-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Catfish Creek Bridge</em></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I had seen a few pictures online, but in person, it looked even better. A mostly even and flat surface, flanked by wildflowers, palms, and the occasional swamp. I had planned to walk, yet I felt the pavement was daring me to run. &#8220;This place is great for a run,&#8221; Héctor said. I was not the only one being tempted. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, we did not run. We wanted to walk at least five or six miles, and we decided to save our energy. For the most part, the walk was quiet and positively uneventful. At times we would hear a cycling bell from a bicycle or only its spinning wheels. Even fewer were the times we heard or saw people walking or running. Only once we saw a group of what appeared to be Boy Scouts in one of the rest stops. </span></p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><script>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As clichéd as it sounds, walking along the trail makes it easy to be alone with your thoughts and also alone with nature. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The only times you are &#8220;thrown&#8221; on the busy Florida streets and at the noise that accompanies them is when you have to cross a street. Contrary to what&#8217;s typical in the area, there are marked crosswalks with warning light systems. Still, look both ways before crossing. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4396" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg" alt="Crosswalk crossing Legacy Trail Sarasota County" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173128/CrosswalkLegacyTrailSarasota-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Crosswalk</em></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;We should probably head back.&#8221; I reluctantly said when we reached the trailhead at the Oscar Scherer State Park. There were mixed feelings. I would have liked to see more of the trail, but I knew I had to walk back the same distance I had already walked. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were accompanied in our walk by an old guy with a cassette player on our way back. I would lie if I said I was not curious about what he was listening to. Whatever it was, it seems it was motivating him. The more we walked, the more difficult it was getting for us to keep up with him. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At one point, we stopped trying to play catch up, and that&#8217;s when I saw it — &#8220;a bald eagle!&#8221;. Not caring that thanks to conservation efforts, it has gotten more common to see them in the Sarasota area, I still get as excited watching the United States national bird as the first time I saw one. Sadly, I didn&#8217;t have my camera with me, and there are only sad attempts for pictures. </span></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4397" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg" alt="Turtle at Legacy Trail Sarasota" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05173442/TurtleLegacyTrailSarasota-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><em>Aside from a few birds of the heron family, the southern black racer, and the bald eagle, the only other animal we spotted was a Florida box turtle.</em></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The bird spotting gave us the energy we needed to get back to where we started. Now, I had to conquer my fears on the small path between the Legacy Trail and the parking. Though, this time the southern black racer was not going to catch me by surprise. &#8220;It&#8217;s not poisonous,&#8221; I muttered to myself while speeding up the walk. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">References: </span></p><p><a href="https://www.scgov.net/government/parks-recreation-and-natural-resources/find-a-park/specialty-parks/the-legacy-trail">The Legacy Trail|Sarasota County, FL Official Website</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wikipedia contributors. (2020, January 29). Seaboard Air Line Railroad. In </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved 03:02, February 5, 2020, from </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seaboard_Air_Line_Railroad&amp;oldid=938111976"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seaboard_Air_Line_Railroad&amp;oldid=938111976</span></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rodriguez, N. (2018, November 7). Sarasota referendums pass, what does that mean? </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Herald Tribune</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20181107/sarasota-referendums-pass-what-does-that-mean">https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20181107/sarasota-referendums-pass-what-does-that-mean</a></span></p><h4>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8220;Walking the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County.&#8221;</h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4398 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05175209/legacytrailpin.jpg" alt="Take a stroll with us, and explore part of the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County. Popular with locals and visitors alike, you don't need a bike to enjoy it. #legacytrail #sarasota #venicefl #florida" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05175209/legacytrailpin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05175209/legacytrailpin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05175209/legacytrailpin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/05175209/legacytrailpin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/walking-legacy-trail-sarasota-county/">Walking the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/walking-legacy-trail-sarasota-county/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>A Guided Tour of the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/tour-prada-jungle-site-st-petersburg-florida/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/tour-prada-jungle-site-st-petersburg-florida/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2019 20:32:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4356</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>One of the biggest draws to the Prada Jungle Site is the number of peacocks you can find on its grounds. However, as the tour progresses, you might be more fascinated by the site&#8217;s history than by its gorgeous birds and beautiful seaside garden.  Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/tour-prada-jungle-site-st-petersburg-florida/">A Guided Tour of the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">One of the biggest draws to the Prada Jungle Site is the number of peacocks you can find on its grounds. However, as the tour progresses, you might be more fascinated by the site&#8217;s history than by its gorgeous birds and beautiful seaside garden. </span></strong></h4><p><em>Before you keep reading: <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">GoldenAgeTrips.com</span> is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.</em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4363" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg" alt="Peacock at Jungle Prada Grounds" width="2000" height="1407" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-768x540.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-1536x1081.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-2048x1441.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-750x528.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-400x281.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-250x176.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-1150x809.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195031/Peacock_Jungle_Prada-550x387.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></span><em>Peacock at the Jungle Prada Site.</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As it frequently happens, I was wondering where to go during the weekend. A place that wasn&#8217;t too far from <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?s=lakewood+ranch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota</a>, too expensive, and that wouldn&#8217;t consume all day. Groupon and its &#8216;Things to Do&#8217; came to the rescue, and I ventured to go to a place I have never heard before, the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you&#8217;re familiar with the city of St. Petersburg, you may have heard about the Jungle Prada de Narváez Park. The Prada Jungle Site is </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://goo.gl/maps/yVEYAi9CuoeaXHTBA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">nearby</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> the park, but unlike the park, the site is not public and can only be accessed through a private guided tour. The site also has a small museum and shop, a well-preserved American Indian mound, and the guide&#8217;s knowledge that only years of research can provide.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Booking the tour was as easy as buying the Groupon and then making a call to the phone number on the voucher to reserve a spot. But, on the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="http://discoverfloridatours.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Jungle Prada Site Tour website</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, there&#8217;s a </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2883280/false#/invitation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">SignUp link</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> where you can also book your space online. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4361" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg" alt="Sacred Lands Greenhouse at Jungle Prada" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194915/Greenhouse_Jungle_Prada-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Greenhouse/museum interior. Jungle Prada Tour starts here.</em></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">On the day of the tour, we arrived a bit early. Nonetheless, we were granted access to the site about half an hour before our scheduled visit. The extra time allowed us for a sneak peek of the grounds and a few photos on its picturesque locations.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After thirty minutes, we gathered on the site&#8217;s greenhouse for a short video, and an introduction by our guide, David. Here David talked about what to expect during the tour, and about those that had called this 3-acre waterfront their home before his family did. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Some of its known ex-residents include the Tocobaga Indians and members of an expedition led by Spanish conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528. The archaeological evidence on the site consists of what has been called the &#8220;best-preserved American Indian mound in the Tampa Bay area&#8221; left by the Tocobaga Indians. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4362" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg" alt="Mother walking Jungle Prada Grounds" width="2000" height="3046" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg 1681w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-768x1169.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-1009x1536.jpg 1009w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-1345x2048.jpg 1345w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-750x1142.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-400x609.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-250x381.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-1150x1751.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194952/Mother_Jungle_Prada-550x837.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Walking the Prada Jungle site gardens.</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This Indian mound appears to be ceremonial, and not necessarily a burial mound. In actuality, it is known as the Anderson-Narváez Mound. Anderson because of the family that has owned and preserved the property for more than fifty years. Narváez because of the suspected landing of Pánfilo de Narváez in the area.</span></p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><script>     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">From the greenhouse, we parted to tour the grounds. Peacocks (and peahens), live oaks, cedars, cacti, and stones from all the United States are some of the fauna, flora, and features you&#8217;ll see on the Jungle Prada Site. </span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The view to Boca Ciega Bay, an aquatic preserve is guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. All of this, while David talks to you about not only the history of the site but the plants (his specialty), helps you spot the peacocks and answers questions you might have. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4360" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-scaled.jpg" alt="View of Boca Ciega Bay " width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17194835/Boca_Ciega_Bay_St_Petersburg-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Boca Ciega (Blind Mouth) Bay View from Jungle Prada grounds.</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">One of the final stops of the tour is the Anderson-Narváez Mound. Here you understand why this Tocobaga Indian Mound has the reputation of being well preserved, and you&#8217;ll be surprised by the number of artifacts on display. It is important to note that this is the only part of the tour that&#8217;s not wheelchair accessible, but you still can appreciate it from a short distance if needed. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4367" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg" alt="Tocobaga Indian Mound Anderson Narvaez Mound" width="2000" height="1645" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-768x632.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-1536x1264.jpg 1536w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-2048x1685.jpg 2048w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-750x617.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-400x329.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-250x206.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-1150x946.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17195318/Tocobaga_Indian_Mount_Jungle_Prada-550x453.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Anderson-Narváez Mound,  one of the best-preserved Tocobaga Indian Mounds in the Tampa Bay Area.</em></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To conclude the tour, David takes you back to the greenhouse/museum to finish a story he started in the introduction (I won&#8217;t spoil it for you). It&#8217;s the grand finale of a tour that I booked </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">mostly </span></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">for the peacocks, but where I stayed for the history.</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">For tour times, prices, and special events, visit the </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="http://discoverfloridatours.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Jungle Prada Site Tour website</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">.</span></p><p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;A Guided Tour of the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida&#8217;.</span></strong></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4369 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17201555/pradajunglesitepin.jpg" alt="A review of the Prada Jungle Site Tour in St. Petersburg, FL. Go for its peacocks, and stay for the history of Tocobaga Indians and Spanish conquistadors. #stpetersburg #florida #tocogabaindians " width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17201555/pradajunglesitepin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17201555/pradajunglesitepin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17201555/pradajunglesitepin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/17201555/pradajunglesitepin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/tour-prada-jungle-site-st-petersburg-florida/">A Guided Tour of the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/tour-prada-jungle-site-st-petersburg-florida/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Visiting Loaded Cannon Distillery in Florida</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/loaded-cannon-distillery/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/loaded-cannon-distillery/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2019 03:40:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4282</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The story of Loaded Cannon Distillery and its Pirates is not mine to tell. Nonetheless, I can tell you where and how to hear it. I can also share with you what I thought about my new neighbor distillery, and which spirits you need to try. Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/loaded-cannon-distillery/">Visiting Loaded Cannon Distillery in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>The story of Loaded Cannon Distillery and its Pirates is not mine to tell. Nonetheless, I can tell you where and how to hear it. I can also share with you what I thought about my new neighbor distillery, and which spirits you need to try.</h4><p><em>Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.</em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4286 aligncenter" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap.jpg" alt="Loaded Cannon Distillery Pin in Google Maps" width="2000" height="1356" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap.jpg 1229w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-768x521.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-750x508.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-400x271.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-250x169.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-1150x779.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07235606/LoadedCannonDistilleryGoogleMap-550x373.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Location in Florida (USA) of Loaded Cannon Distillery</em></p><p>I&#8217;ve been glancing at the building that houses Loaded Cannon Distillery for the past months. Is on the way of two places I often visit, the gym and the neighborhood brewery. Because of this, you can imagine my happiness when I found out the distillery was finally open to the public, and ready to offer tasting tours. Not a week went by, and a Saturday afternoon in July I went to see and taste what had been distilling while I&#8217;ve been driving past it.</p><p><strong>Getting to and Parking </strong></p><p>Lucky for me, I get out of &#8216;my suburb&#8217; and drive straight. The official address says Bradenton, but it is on Lakewood Ranch grounds. When around the area, use this list of <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/20-things-to-do-lakewood-ranch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">20 Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch, Florida</a> as your unofficial guide.</p><p>If you&#8217;re not from around, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Loaded+Cannon+Distillery/@27.7129417,-82.7864691,10z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88c33b05e746cff7:0x9acc2ee7bb07b59f!8m2!3d27.4725615!4d-82.4327226" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> is the direct Google Maps link to Loaded Cannon Distillery. You can also use a ridesharing service if you&#8217;re planning to drink more than the samples.</p><p>Regarding parking, the distillery is located in a Business/Industrial park, and plenty of parking is available.</p><p><strong>Booking a Tour</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4287" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance.jpg" alt="Loaded Cannon Entrance Foyer" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08020621/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Entrance-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Treasure chests at the entrance of Loaded Cannon Distillery</em></p><p>Reservations are encouraged by the distillery, and I recommend them too. The day of our visit, most tours were almost full, which meant some people had to wait between half an hour and an hour for the next tour if they didn&#8217;t have reservations.</p><p>You can call in advance, and book a timeslot, so you don&#8217;t have to wait until a next tour (if there&#8217;s space). Please visit the <a href="https://www.loadedcannondistillery.com/tours/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">official website</a> for more information regarding tour times &amp; prices.</p><p><strong>Loaded Cannon Distillery Tour &amp; Tasting</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4288" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products.jpg" alt="Loaded Cannon Tasting" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products.jpg 4032w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08023054/Loaded-Cannon-Distillery-Products-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Tasting Room area. You don&#8217;t need to go on a tour to purchase one of the Loaded Cannon spirits or get some sweet merch.</em></p><p>We were lucky to have Steve, owner/founder/distillation engineer/ as our tour guide. There&#8217;s no better person to tell you the stories of Loaded Cannon and its spirits than him. I won&#8217;t spoil the stories for you, but they all involve pirates and the high seas.</p><p>Steve also goes into detail about what it takes to make the different spirits at the facility. There&#8217;s gin, vodka, rum (white, spiced, and toasted coconut), whiskey, and bourbon. Some are ready to go with you, some are still in production, but you won&#8217;t leave disappointed.</p><p>To finish the tour, Michelle, who oversees many things, from special events, marketing, brand management to the tasting room shared with us a few samples from the array of spirits the distillery has produced. My personal favorites: the gin (Margoza&#8217;s Gin) and the toasted coconut rum (PYRACY toasted coconut).</p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p>As a gin person, I can say it&#8217;s an all-around great American Gin. The citrus and hibiscus flavors and aromas pair wonderful and give this gin a clean yet bold taste.</p><p>The toasted coconut rum it&#8217;s also something special. You have to smell and taste it to believe it. If you ever had toasted coconut rum, it probably had an extract added to the base. Here at Loaded Cannon, they use real coconuts.</p><p>As a former Analytical Chemist and Quality Manager in the food industry, I commend them for their efforts. Having to distill, test, and validate this rum is no easy feat because of the presence of oils and sugar.</p><p>However, at Loaded Cannon, they&#8217;re not going for easy. They&#8217;re going for unique, and I can tell you they&#8217;re on the right path.</p><p><strong>Don&#8217;t forget to Pin &amp; Share: &#8216;Visiting Loaded Cannon Distillery in Florida.&#8217;</strong></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4289 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08032351/loadedcannondistillerypin.jpg" alt="The story of Loaded Cannon Distillery (Lakewood Ranch, Florida) and its Pirates is not mine to tell. Nonetheless, I can tell you more about their tours and spirits. #lakewoodranch #florida #bradenton #sarasota #distillery" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08032351/loadedcannondistillerypin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08032351/loadedcannondistillerypin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08032351/loadedcannondistillerypin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08032351/loadedcannondistillerypin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/loaded-cannon-distillery/">Visiting Loaded Cannon Distillery in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/loaded-cannon-distillery/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>A Weekend in Atlanta: All You Need to Know</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/weekend-in-atlanta-all-you-need-to-know/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/weekend-in-atlanta-all-you-need-to-know/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2019 16:51:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Georgia]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4245</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>If there&#8217;s one city that&#8217;s a crowd pleaser is Atlanta, Georgia. It has history, delicious food, and fun things to do for children and adults. It&#8217;s also accessible and perfect to explore during a weekend. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about spending a weekend in Atlanta. Atlanta&#8217;s Buckhead Before you [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/weekend-in-atlanta-all-you-need-to-know/">A Weekend in Atlanta: All You Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>If there&#8217;s one city that&#8217;s a crowd pleaser is Atlanta, Georgia. It has history, delicious food, and fun things to do for children and adults. It&#8217;s also accessible and perfect to explore during a weekend. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about spending a weekend in Atlanta.</h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4260" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038.jpg" alt="Atlanta Buckhead" width="2000" height="1591" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038.jpg 3766w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-768x611.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-250x199.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-750x597.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-400x318.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-1150x915.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20151355/IMG_20161119_134038-550x438.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Atlanta&#8217;s Buckhead</em></p><p><em>Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.</em></p><h4>How to get to Atlanta, GA?</h4><p><strong>Driving</strong> – The major Interstate Highways that&#8217;ll take you to Atlanta are Interstate 85 (I-85) and Interstate 75 (I-75). I-85 is a Northeast-Southwest route that runs across Alabama up to Virginia. I-75 is a North-South route that goes from Florida to Michigan.</p><p>As long as there are no traffic incidents, these are your best options. However, I recommend not driving during peak hours because traffic can get extremely congested.</p><p>As always, we recommend downloading an offline version of the map of where you are traveling. Having an offline &#8216;copy&#8217; of the map will come in handy in situations where you don&#8217;t have cellular coverage or data for any reason. <a href="https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&amp;hl=en#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Google explains here how to do it.</a></p><p><strong>By Train</strong> – The closest Amtrak Station is <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/stations/atl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Peachtree Station</a>. From there, you can connect with <a href="https://www.itsmarta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MARTA</a>, the city’s rapid transit system. You can also use a ridesharing app, or catch a cab to move around the city.</p><p><strong>By Bus </strong>&#8211; Atlanta is serviced by Greyhound, and <a href="https://locations.greyhound.com/bus-stations/us/georgia/atlanta/bus-station-410124" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> is a link with the address of its bus station location. From there, you can connect with MARTA, the city’s rapid transit system. You can also use a ridesharing app, or catch a cab to move around the city.</p><p><strong>By Plane</strong> – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Aiport (ATL) is one, if not the most, world&#8217;s busiest airport. The upside to it is that there are a vast amount of flights to and from Atlanta at decent prices. Here you can pick up a rental car, connect with MARTA, call a cab, or use a ridesharing app.</p><p><strong>Should I book a car for Atlanta, GA?</strong></p><p>I&#8217;m going to say yes if you&#8217;re planning to go somewhere else than the Downtown/Midtown areas. I&#8217;m going to say no if you&#8217;re not used to driving in busy cities and only exploring the Downtown.</p><p>Renting a car in Atlanta doesn&#8217;t have to be expensive, and sometimes it can help you save money. Hotels in Downtown ATL can get pricy,  and staying in the outskirts of the city can help stretch your budget.</p><p><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8336179-10644970" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CheapOair typically has Exclusive Car Deals. Take up to $10.00 off their fees with Promo Code CAR10 and Book Now!</a><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-8336179-10644970" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p><h4>How many days to spend in Atlanta, GA?</h4><p>After you finish reading this article, you&#8217;ll realize there are lots to do. The minimum recommended stay for you to experience at least a bit of everything would be a three day/two-night stay.</p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-slot="7427833694" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p><strong>Where to stay in Atlanta, GA?</strong></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtaLHFOFDnF/" data-instgrm-version="12"><div style="padding: 16px;"><p>&nbsp;</p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtaLHFOFDnF/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Sheila Berrios | Travel Writer (@goldenagetrips)</a> on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2019-02-03T06:06:19+00:00">Feb 2, 2019 at 10:06pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p><em>View from a corner room at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/westin-buckhead-atlanta.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Westin &#8211; Buckhead</a>.</em></p><p>Before you make a choice, make sure to read <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/avoid-a-disastrous-stay-at-a-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&#8216;How to Avoid a Disastrous Stay at a Hotel.&#8217;</a> The following Atlanta hotels are my preferred choices, and those that I can recommend based on me having stayed in them, or someone I trust.</p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/omni-cnn-center.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center</a>: It would be difficult to find a better location than the one this hotel has. Almost every major attraction in Downtown Atlanta is at walking distance, or a short Uber or Lyft ride away.</p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/westin-buckhead-atlanta.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Westin &#8211; Buckhead</a>: A beautiful, clean hotel in a lovely location. The Lennox Mall is right beside it. I felt spoiled by the hotel when I visited after they assigned me a corner suite. The views were unbelievable, and the room was spacious.</p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/waldorf-astoria-atlanta-buckhead.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead</a>: This hotel used to be Atlanta&#8217;s Mandarin Oriental, but not anymore. However, it is still a 5-star hotel, and if it is in your budget, it has exceptional spa facilities. It is located on Peachtree Street in the prestigious Buckhead neighborhood.</p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/emory-conference-center.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emory Conference Center Hotel</a>:  A hotel designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in a gorgeous forest preserve where I slept like a baby. I have found the rates to be similar (and even cheaper) than those in Downtown Atlanta on many occasions. It does book fast, so don&#8217;t wait until the last minute.</p><p><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hampton-inn-suites-atlanta-perimeter-center-sterling-pointe.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody</a>:  This Hampton is 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, but it still has excellent amenities and is close to many shops and restaurants. It also includes free breakfast and parking, which is not easy to find in city center hotels.</p><p>Another option is to stay on an Airbnb. <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/sheilab59" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to receive $40 off your first trip of $75 or more after signing up.</p><p><strong>What to pack for Atlanta, GA?</strong></p><p>Weather in Atlanta fluctuates from &#8216;balmy&#8217; during Early Spring and Late Fall, to warm and incredibly hot during the summer. During &#8216;winter&#8217; there are rare occasions where it snows but is never the norm.</p><p>Because of this never forget sunblock, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, and &#8216;hot weather appropriate clothes.&#8217; Also, if you&#8217;re going out for dinner don&#8217;t think people will be in flip-flops, tank tops, and shorts. Locals and visitors alike tend to put a bit of effort into how they look when going out, so don&#8217;t forget about that when packing clothes.</p><p>Regarding makeup, I made a list for Florida, but that also applies to anywhere where it&#8217;s warm and humid. Click here to read <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/makeup-for-florida-vacation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&#8216;The Only Makeup You Need for a Florida Vacation.&#8217;</a></p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-slot="2848502427" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p><strong>Where to eat/drink in Atlanta, GA?</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4261" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20152614/00100dPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190517091621430_COVER-e1561044608444.jpg" alt="Buttermilk Kitchen Atlanta" width="2000" height="2667" /><em>Atlanta&#8217;s Buttermilk Kitchen</em></p><p>If there&#8217;s something not lacking in Atlanta, its excellent food. The tricky thing with recommending places to eat is that what I think is tasty, might not be your cup of tea. But, I&#8217;ll highlight two places where I always (<em>and I mean always</em>) stop when I visit ATL.</p><p><strong>Buttermilk Kitchen</strong> &#8211; I&#8217;ll dare you to not add the Buttermilk Kitchen to your &#8216;Top Something Breakfast Places in the USA&#8217; list after visiting. I&#8217;m not sure if it is the fresh and local ingredients, the talented chefs, the exceptional service, its rustic decoration, or all of the above, but this place is special. You will not be disappointed ordering any of the following: Pimento Omelet, Chicken Biscuit, Pimento Grits, Housemade Jelly, House Blend Coffee, and probably the rest of the menu.</p><p><em>Bonus Tip: The Buttermilk Kitchen does not accept reservations. I had no issues visiting on Fridays (at the most a 10-min wait), but during the weekend you need to be prepared to wait longer. </em></p><p><strong>The Vortex Bar &amp; Grill &#8211; </strong>The Vortex has two locations. I have only visited the one in Little Five Points, and because of how consistently good the food is I haven&#8217;t felt the need to betray it. If you enjoy burgers, this is an obligated stop. I&#8217;ll always go for the Classic Bypass and the Dixie Wrecked Taters with their homemade white sausage gravy. The Vortex House Beer is also a crowd pleaser.</p><p><em>Bonus Tip: The Vortex Bar &amp; Grill is, as the name says it, a bar. Because of this, you will only be able to enter if you&#8217;re over 21+ Years Old. </em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4262" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk.jpg" alt="martin luther king, jr resting place" width="2000" height="1568" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk.jpg 4282w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-768x602.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-750x588.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-400x314.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-250x196.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-1150x902.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20153551/mlk-550x431.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Martin Luther King, Jr. &amp; Coretta Scott King Resting Place</em></p><p><strong>What attractions are a must on a visit to Atlanta, GA?</strong></p><ul><li>World of Coca-Cola</li><li>Centennial Olympic Park</li><li>Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park</li><li>Atlanta Botanical Garden</li><li>Center for Civil and Human Rights</li></ul><h4>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;A Weekend in Atlanta: All You Need to Know.&#8217;</h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-4438 aligncenter" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2.jpg" alt="Spend a Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia discovering its history, delicious food, and fun things to do for children and adults. #atlanta #georgia #weekendatlanta #travel " width="1000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2.jpg 1000w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2-750x1125.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/27160756/aweekendinatlantagapin2-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/weekend-in-atlanta-all-you-need-to-know/">A Weekend in Atlanta: All You Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/weekend-in-atlanta-all-you-need-to-know/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Discover Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2019 00:54:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4194</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Are you looking for Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots? Then, go with us, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, to explore hidden and underrated photo locations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island&#8217;s of Adventure, and More! When visiting the Universal Orlando Resort, everyone takes pictures on the same spots. The Hogwarts Castle, Universal Globe, Universal Island&#8217;s [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/">Discover Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Are you looking for Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots? Then, go with us, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, to explore hidden and underrated photo locations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island&#8217;s of Adventure, and More!</h4><p>When visiting the Universal Orlando Resort, everyone takes pictures on the same spots. The Hogwarts Castle, Universal Globe, Universal Island&#8217;s of Adventure thought bubbles, etc. I have done it, and I&#8217;m not judging people for doing it. They are great photo spots!</p><p><em>Hogwarts Castle Picture for Reference:</em></p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4207" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035.jpg" alt="hogwartscastleislandsofadventure" width="2000" height="1748" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035.jpg 3460w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-768x671.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-400x350.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-750x655.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-250x218.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-1150x1005.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06205056/20190506_164035-550x481.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p>But, what if you&#8217;re looking to take pictures where most tourists don&#8217;t venture? I&#8217;m just scratching the surface on this article, and hopefully, I&#8217;ll be adding more Universal Orlando Resort photo spots soon. Nonetheless, I hope this article inspires you to visit and enjoy the less explored areas in the parks.</p><h5><strong>Containment Gate &#8211; Camp Jurassic at Universal&#8217;s Islands of Adventure</strong></h5><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4196" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129.jpg" alt="universalorlandojurassicpark" width="2000" height="2722" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129.jpg 2720w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-768x1045.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-750x1021.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-400x544.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-250x340.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-1150x1565.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06181744/20190505_205129-550x749.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p>Camp Jurassic is the &#8220;kid&#8217;s zone&#8221; in the Jurassic Park area at Universal Island&#8217;s of Adventure. The place has caves, slides, water cannons, and these containment gates (<em>I saw two</em>) along the trails.</p><p>It is not only a great area for pictures but also fun! My only warning is to be aware of your surroundings because there are water features almost everywhere.</p><p>For example, to get to this gate, you have to walk along an area where there are water cannons in the lower and upper levels. If there&#8217;s no one, you&#8217;re good. If there are kids or other people in any of the previously mentioned levels, they&#8217;ll probably have no mercy, and you&#8217;ll leave soaking wet.</p><p>I avoided the water cannons by pretending I was at war and hiding behind some boulders. Then, I walked rapidly to the other side, and I was safe.</p><h5><strong>Courtyard Entrance &#8211; Lost Continent at Universal&#8217;s Island of Adventure </strong></h5><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4197" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624.jpg" alt="Universal Orlando - Lost Continent" width="1000" height="785" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624.jpg 3852w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-768x603.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-750x589.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-400x314.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-250x196.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-1150x903.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182514/20190505_205624-550x432.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p><p>The Lost Continent at Universal&#8217;s Island of Adventure is probably one of the most underrated areas in the park. If you haven&#8217;t experienced Poseidon&#8217;s Fury, you have to give it a try. It is an interactive experience full of light, sounds, fire and water effects. As it happens with most of my favorite attractions in the parks, it is also an excellent place to get away from Florida&#8217;s hot weather.</p><p>This area can be found just before entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter &#8211; Hogsmeade &amp; Hogwarts. Here, you can also find the Mystic Fountain, where you toss a coin or talk to it, and exciting things happen. Well, just behind the fountain there is a courtyard that will surprise you with its beauty.</p><p>There&#8217;s not a shortage of stunning backdrops for your pictures, and you&#8217;ll feel you got lost in Islands of Adventure.</p><p>More pictures of inside the courtyard at the Lost Continent in Universal&#8217;s Island of Adventure:</p> <a href='https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/20190505_205315/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="442" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182615/20190505_205315-750x442.jpg" class="attachment-large_image_related(crop) size-large_image_related(crop)" alt="Universal Orlando - Lost Continent" /></a> <a href='https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/20190505_205355/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="442" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06182544/20190505_205355-750x442.jpg" class="attachment-large_image_related(crop) size-large_image_related(crop)" alt="Universal Orlando- Lost Continent" /></a><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><h5><strong>Oversized Book &#8211; Fievel&#8217;s Playland at Universal Studios Florida</strong></h5><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4206" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530.jpg" alt="oversizedbookatfievelsplayland" width="2000" height="2000" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530.jpg 2742w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-768x768.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-750x750.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-400x400.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-250x250.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-1150x1150.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-75x75.jpg 75w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-550x550.jpg 550w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06192253/PSX_20190505_204530-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p>Many adults that aren&#8217;t traveling with children skip the Woody Woodpecker&#8217;s Kidzone on its entirety. Do yourself a favor, and don&#8217;t. Not every area will be for you, but I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ll find something that&#8217;ll make you smile.</p><p>My favorite area is Fievel&#8217;s Playland. Here you have a mouse eye view of the world, with many props for your pictures. The oversized book it&#8217;s great for photos, but if you&#8217;re not an expert photographer you might run in some trouble.</p><p>Some tips I can provide are: try turning on the night settings on your phone or manually focus on the subject inside the book, so the camera focuses the light on it. You can also edit the picture after you take it, but sometimes just increasing the exposure won&#8217;t suffice.</p><p>Aside from the oversized book, there are glasses, spoons, and other trinkets. If you don&#8217;t mind getting wet (or soaked), you can also visit Curious George Goes To Town, an aquapark where there are bright colored streets and buildings.</p><h5><strong>Old New York &#8211; New York at Universal Studios Florida</strong></h5> <a href='https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/20190505_205945/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="1000" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-750x1000.jpg" class="attachment-large_image size-large_image" alt="" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184040/20190505_205945-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a> <a href='https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/20190505_205836/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="1000" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-750x1000.jpg" class="attachment-large_image size-large_image" alt="" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836-550x733.jpg 550w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06184010/20190505_205836.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a><p>The back alleys of the New York area at Universal Studios are a treasure trove for photo opportunities. Loading docks, vintage stores, cute storefronts, and a neverending supply of &#8220;brick&#8221; buildings. What&#8217;s not to love?</p><p>Just avoid the area when the Beat Builders are performing, because that&#8217;s when it will be more crowded.</p><h5><strong>Horton&#8217;s Egg &#8211; Seuss Landing at Universal&#8217;s Island of Adventure</strong></h5><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4204" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1.jpg" alt="Horton's Egg - Islands of Adventure Universal Orlando" width="2000" height="2512" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-768x965.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-750x942.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-400x502.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-250x314.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-1150x1444.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06190007/20190505_210120-1-550x691.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p>Seuss Landing on itself is such a colorful and out of this world looking area. Sadly, some people walk along the main trails and miss so much.</p><p>The &#8220;Horton&#8217;s Egg,&#8221; based on the Dr. Seuss children&#8217;s book Horton Hatches the Egg is one of this photo spots that if you&#8217;re not careful you&#8217;ll miss it. The more natural way to explain where is it is to say that&#8217;s outside the backdoor of the gift shop &#8216;Cats, Hats, and Things.&#8217;</p><p>Here you can also find the following colorful wall:</p><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4205" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256.jpg" alt="Colorful Wall at Universal's Island of Adventure" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/06191227/PSX_20190505_204256-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><p>Don&#8217;t hesitate to let me know in the comments or by contacting me if you know of any other &#8220;hidden spot&#8221; that works as a photo spot. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, hopefully with every visit to the parks, I keep adding places to this list.</p><h4>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;Discover Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots&#8217;.</h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4210 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/07004222/discoveruniversalorlandoresorthiddenphotospots.jpg" alt="Discover Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots -Are you looking for Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots? Then, go with us, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, to explore hidden and underrated photo locations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island's of Adventure, and More! #universalorlando #themeparks #florida " width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/07004222/discoveruniversalorlandoresorthiddenphotospots.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/07004222/discoveruniversalorlandoresorthiddenphotospots-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/07004222/discoveruniversalorlandoresorthiddenphotospots-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/07004222/discoveruniversalorlandoresorthiddenphotospots-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/">Discover Universal Orlando Resort Hidden Photo Spots</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/universal-studios-orlando-resort-hidden-photo-spots/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>10 Things to Do in Bruges on a Rainy Day</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2019 20:38:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Belgium]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4147</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Bruges, the Venice of the North. A modern destination that respects history and tradition. Often suggested as a day trip from Brussels, but that deserves to be explored for more than a day. A gorgeous Belgian city when the sun is shining in all its splendor, but that is able to keep its charm when [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day/">10 Things to Do in Bruges on a Rainy Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Bruges, the Venice of the North. A modern destination that respects history and tradition. Often suggested as a day trip from Brussels, but that deserves to be explored for more than a day. A gorgeous Belgian city when the sun is shining in all its splendor, but that is able to keep its charm when it rains. Here are 10 things to do in Bruges on a rainy day, in case your visit coincides with some liquid sunshine.</h4><p><em>Before you keep reading: <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">GoldenAgeTrips.com</span> is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. </em></p><p><strong>1. Drink Hot Chocolate</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4151 aligncenter" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges.jpg" alt="Hot Chocolate" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192136/hotchocolatebrugges-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>A delicious cup of hot chocolate in Belgium.</em></p><p>There&#8217;s nothing that makes me feel better under rainy and cold weather than a cup of hot chocolate. Luckily, there is not a lack of chocolate shops in Bruges.</p><p>From well-known shops such as Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus to family-owned shops like the Old Chocolate House your choices will feel endless.</p><p>At the Old Chocolate House, there&#8217;s even tea time, but where you can replace all the tea, scones, and sandwiches with hot chocolate, pralines, and more chocolate.</p><p><strong>2. Take Pictures</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4152" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082.jpg" alt="Statue in Bruges Black &amp; White" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082.jpg 4608w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192310/DSCN4082-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>I don&#8217;t typically shoot black &amp; white but Andy inspired me to try it. </em></p><p>If you are like me, you don&#8217;t feel too motivated to take pictures when the weather is short from excellent. However, during my trip to Bruges, I had booked a photo tour with &#8216;<a href="http://www.phototourbrugge.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Photo Tour Brugge</a>,&#8217; and decided to go forward with it.</p><p>Andy, the photographer and tour guide offered to move the tour to the next day, but unfortunately, it wasn&#8217;t possible for me. I&#8217;m glad we decided to do so because the tour was the highlight of that day.</p><p>Andy&#8217;s eyes helped me see Bruges in a great light, even if the actual light was not the best. It was also a fantastic experience to interact with a permanent resident of Bruges, and explore some of the non-touristy spots of the city.</p><p><strong>3. Explore Museums</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4153" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges.jpg" alt="Historical Brugges" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges.jpg 4032w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192444/museumsbrugges-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Bruges is full of history, and one way to discover it is by visiting museums.</em></p><p>When it&#8217;s raining, museums are always a good option. In Bruges, it seems that it doesn&#8217;t matter what you are into there will be a museum for you.</p><p>Art? The Groeninge Museum and the Guido Gezellemuseum are excellent choices.</p><p>Food? There is a Fries Museum (Frietmuseum), a Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story), and Beer Museum (Bruges Beer Museum).</p><p>History? You can visit the Archeological Museum (Archeologiemuseum), the Historium Bruges, and even the Torture Museum (Foltermuseum De Oude Steen).</p><p><strong>4. Climb a Tower</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4154" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower.jpg" alt="Historium Tower Bruges View" width="2000" height="1555" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower.jpg 3680w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-768x597.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-750x583.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-400x311.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-250x194.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-1150x894.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192641/climbatower-550x428.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>View from the Historium Tower observation point.</em></p><p>There are two towers that you can climb where in Bruges. First, there is the Belfort (Belfry &amp; Carillon) Tower. This 83 meters (272 ft.) tall tower houses a carillon and will reward you with a panoramic view of Bruges after climbing 366 steps.</p><p>The second tower is the Historium Tower. From here, you can see the Market Square (Markt), and the Belfort Tower. This tower has 145 steps, and the observation point is at the height of 26 meters (85 ft.).</p><p>Please keep in mind that both towers have age and size restrictions. The stairs are narrow and are not recommended for people with a fear of heights or who are claustrophobic.</p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p><strong>5. Taste Beer</strong></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6fioNFvvF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"><div style="padding: 16px;"><p>&nbsp;</p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6fioNFvvF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interesting tasting of Lambic beers at Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery in Bruges, Belgium</a></p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/booz.ly/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Hector | World Booze Map <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f310.png" alt="🌐" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f37b.png" alt="🍻" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f5fa.png" alt="🗺" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a> (@booz.ly) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2019-03-12T15:51:56+00:00">Mar 12, 2019 at 8:51am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p>Rain or shine, drinking beer in Bruges is recommended. You can try it on your own, or you can book a beer tasting tour.</p><p>I can personally recommend the BeerWalk Bruges Tour, which ended up being a private tour (the perks of traveling in low season!). Our guide, Ariël Meeusen, was incredibly knowledgeable about everything beer and Bruges history.</p><p>I can say that my husband and I have a reasonable knowledge of beers and in the first 10 minutes of meeting Ariël, we had already learned so much. We didn&#8217;t have a bad beer on the walk (we probably had some of the best-tasting beers we ever had in the world), and they were not samples, they were full beers.</p><p>This was our last tour on our Belgium trip, and I&#8217;m pleased about it. We surely left the country with a smile on our face.</p><p><strong>6. Enjoy Hotel Amenities</strong></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvM_kTkFXmK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"><div style="padding: 16px;"><p>&nbsp;</p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvM_kTkFXmK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by Sheila Berrios | Travel Writer (@goldenagetrips)</a> on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2019-03-19T20:18:07+00:00">Mar 19, 2019 at 1:18pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p>I know, I know. When you are vacationing in a city you have never visited before, you want to explore it. But sometimes traveling is not as easy as it looks, and you start getting tired. Maybe it was an overnight flight, walking too much, or you decided to climb a tower with more than 300 steps, but you feel you need to rest.</p><p>There&#8217;s nothing wrong with staying a few hours in your hotel to take a nap or to enjoy its amenities. In Bruges, I stayed at the Hotel Dukes&#8217; Palace, and it had so many amenities I couldn&#8217;t take advantage of them all, including its spa facilities. What I did take advantage of was its fantastic breakfast, and you should do it too! <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/be/dukes-palace.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Book It Here.</a></p><p><strong>7. Visit Shops</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4157" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="2714" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse.jpg 2418w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-768x1042.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-750x1018.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-400x543.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-250x339.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-1150x1560.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193945/churchonlagastrasse-550x746.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Langerstraat street in Bruges is not only shops. Take this picture as an example.</em></p><p>There are many shops near and around the Markt in Bruges. Nonetheless, my favorite stores were located along Langerstraat street.</p><p>Some of the shops that caught my attention in the area include:<br /> Rebel Rebel &#8211; alternative clothing and accessories.<br /> Den Elder &#8211; sadly it was closed but is a collector shop for book, film and music lovers.<br /> The Fat Flamingo &#8211; a skateshop with an &#8216;I want them all&#8217; footwear collection, and excellent customer service.<br /> Bambino &#8211; Like a treasure cave with gadgets and gizmos aplenty. You can wander here for hours and leave with a loot without breaking the bank.</p><p><strong>8. Taste some Wine</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4158" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges.jpg" alt="Blend Bruges" width="2000" height="2908" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges.jpg 2742w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-768x1117.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-750x1091.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-400x582.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-250x364.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-1150x1672.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25195020/blendbruges-550x800.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Wine Tasting is serious business. </em></p><p>Belgium is known for its beer. But did you knew it also has pretty decent wine offering? Because of its location is easy to find delicious wines from France, Italy, and Germany.</p><p>To taste a few wines at once, I recommend visiting Blend Wijnbar-Wijnwinkel. Aside from the wine they have a good selection of small bites that could turn into lunch or a late night snack. Even dinner if you wanted to.</p><p><strong>9. Eat Dinner</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4156" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee.jpg" alt="Cambrinus Bruges Creme Brulee" width="2000" height="2514" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-768x965.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-750x943.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-400x503.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-250x314.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-1150x1445.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25193246/cambrinus-creme-brulee-550x691.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Cambrinus Crème Brûlée</em></p><p>Talking about dinner, food is taken seriously in Belgium, including Bruges. Portions tend to be big, and it is uncommon to have a bad meal.</p><p>For one of the best meals you could have at Bruges, I recommend you make a reservation at Cambrinus. Some people would argue that it is touristy, but it is for a reason. In their menu, they have 400 beers, and also traditional Flemish food.</p><p>I decided to order the &#8216;Menu of the Brewers&#8217; and was not disappointed. It included Trappist Cheese Croquettes, a Flemish Carbonnade prepared with “Gulden Draak” Beer, served with Applesauce and a Crème Brûlée perfumed with the dark Abbey Beer of Ename.</p><p><strong>10. Buy Souvenirs</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4155" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges.jpg" alt="Brugges Shot Glass " width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges.jpg 4032w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25192939/souvenirbrugges-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Beer stein shot glass.</em></p><p>Maybe not the most exciting of the things to do when it&#8217;s raining in Bruges, but it is always nice to take home something that reminds you of your time in Bruges.</p><p>You can go traditional and buy handmade lace, or chocolates. You can also get shirts or shot glasses as I do. Whatever your choice there won&#8217;t be a lack of options, and you&#8217;ll be sure to remember Bruges nonetheless.</p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="2848502427"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><h4><strong>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8217;10 Things to Do in Bruges on a Rainy Day&#8221;.</strong></h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4161 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25203529/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day-pin.jpg" alt="Bruges, Belgium. The Venice of the North. Here are 10 things to do in Bruges on a rainy day, in case your visit coincides with some liquid sunshine. #bruges #brugges #belgium #thingstodorainyday" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25203529/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day-pin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25203529/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day-pin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25203529/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day-pin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/25203529/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day-pin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day/">10 Things to Do in Bruges on a Rainy Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/things-to-do-bruges-rainy-day/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Forget Miami. Experience Luxury in Gulf Coast Gem: Naples.</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/forget-miami-experience-luxury-in-naples/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/forget-miami-experience-luxury-in-naples/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 20:57:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4104</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>After having visited both Miami and Naples, I enjoyed more the ‘low-key’ luxury of Naples over the flashy display of wealth in Miami. The city of Naples is the antidote to South Beach with its beautiful beach, international food scene, luxurious places to stay that don’t feel over the top, brunch every day of the [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/forget-miami-experience-luxury-in-naples/">Forget Miami. Experience Luxury in Gulf Coast Gem: Naples.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong>After having visited both Miami and Naples, I enjoyed more the ‘low-key’ luxury of Naples over the flashy display of wealth in Miami. The city of Naples is the antidote to South Beach with its beautiful beach, international food scene, luxurious places to stay that don’t feel over the top, brunch every day of the week, and almost no traffic.</strong></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4118" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708.jpg" alt="View of Downtown Naples from a room at the Club Level Suites at Inn on Fifth." width="2000" height="1912" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708.jpg 2831w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-768x734.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-750x717.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-400x382.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-250x239.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-1150x1100.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201454/20190207_145708-550x526.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>View of Downtown Naples from a room at the Club Level Suites at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-inn-on-fifth.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inn on Fifth</a>.</em></p><p><em>Before you keep reading: <span class="skimlinks-unlinked">GoldenAgeTrips.com</span> is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. </em></p><p><em>“Silenzio. Silenzio,”</em> a woman said trying to tell the ladies seated next to her at a restaurant to be quiet. A waitress had appeared and was trying to give a spiel about the lunch specials of the day. But the Italian chit-chat between these impeccably dressed patrons appeared to be too interesting. So much so, that no waitress or calls for <em>“Silenzio”</em> were going to tone it down. After some time, the server was able to take everyone’s order, and the rambunctious talk started again.</p><p>The described scene is not from Rome or Rimini. It’s not from an Italian restaurant in New York. It’s from Naples. But not that Naples. It is from lunchtime, on a Monday, at the <a href="https://osteriatulia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Osteria Tulia</a> restaurant in Naples, Florida.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-4120" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317.jpg" alt="Osteria Tulia Naples Pizza Daily Special" width="2000" height="2327" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317.jpg 2791w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-768x893.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-750x873.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-400x465.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-250x291.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-1150x1338.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201553/20190207_150317-550x640.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>Pizza with eggs, broccolini, olives, and cheese. One of the lunch specials at Osteria Tulia.</em></p><p>In Florida&#8217;s Southwest, the city of Naples shines as a Gulf Coast gem. Not like a flashy diamond as <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/miami-for-non-party-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miami</a> does, but more like an opal. It will stun you but will not blind you. If you have visited South Beach, you know what I&#8217;m talking about. Fifty-dollar margaritas and restaurants trying to get you inside for a subpar meal. A $1000.00 minimum bottle service fee for someone to pour you a $25.00 bottle of gin. People looking like a million bucks under the Miami scorching Sun. Everything that makes South Beach, well South Beach.</p><p>The experience is utterly different from Naples, including the way how wealth is displayed. Wealth in Naples appears to be not only displayed but measured in non-monetary costs. It’s time you can spend at the beach, playing a round of golf, or sharing a good meal with your family and friends. This is not to say that there aren&#8217;t mansions or luxury cars in the city, but that time is one of its most flaunted goods. You see it in the people eating outside and those enjoying the beach any day of the week as if there was not any other care in the world.</p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><p>Yet, even during most holiday weekends, Naples doesn’t feel crowded. In many restaurants, you can get a table without having to make a reservation weeks prior. Take for example <a href="http://bhabhabistro.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro</a>, one of the highest rated restaurants in Naples. Here I made a reservation forty-eight hours before arriving and enjoyed an exceptional meal. Imagine trying to pull that off in a bigger city!</p><p>Another place you don&#8217;t need a reservation for is to see the Gulf of Mexico. The perfect place to do so is the historic Naples Pier, originally built in 1888. If you&#8217;re lucky, from here, you can see dolphins, hopefully no red tide, and various types of people. There are the fisherman, the family with kids, the tanned Speedo-wearing Florida man, and the tourist in long denim and dressy shirt who wanted to take a look at the beach and feels out of place – yes, I&#8217;m talking about me.</p><p>However, none of these differences matter when its sunset time. I’m privileged to have seen some beautiful sunsets in my life, but those in the Florida Gulf Coast keep being my favorites. Different color schemes every day, never disappointing and keeping everyone in awe every time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4115" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110.jpg" alt="Naples Pier" width="2000" height="2667" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110.jpg 3024w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-400x533.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-250x333.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-1150x1533.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07201328/20190207_145110-550x733.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><em>My face after seeing a dolphin from the Naples Pier. Complete outfit (except the purse) from <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/sheilaberriosnazario?som=c&amp;sod=w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stitch Fix</a>. </em></p><p>Naples, as it happens with any place, is not for everyone. Yes, it has the vibe of a posh city, but unlike others of its type, you get what you pay for, including an old-time luxury you cannot find everywhere. Still, places like 7th Avenue Social, with its industrial décor, seasonal cuisine, and pop culture murals have started betting on an underserved audience. There is also an unexpected mix of cultures and diversity that makes this city appealing to those looking for a getaway close to home.</p><p>If wondering where to stay, I can recommend the <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-inn-on-fifth.en.html?aid=1237423&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inn on Fifth</a> boutique hotel on Downtown, which has a surprising number of amenities. It gave me walking access to everything Naples Fifth Avenue has to offer, and you&#8217;re only ten minutes away from the beach. For a closer stay to the Naples Pier and beach, a vacation rental site is your best option.</p><p>Naples, FL is a place where life is lived to the most, while it still feels low key. If you&#8217;re still not convinced, many restaurants have unlimited mimosas every day of the week in a judgment-free environment. <em>Cin Cin!</em></p><h4>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;Forget Miami. Experience Luxury in Gulf Coast Gem: Naples.&#8217;</h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4122 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07203649/forgetmiamivisitnaples-1.jpg" alt="After having visited both Miami and Naples, I enjoyed more the ‘low-key’ luxury of Naples over the flashy display of wealth in Miami. The city of Naples is the antidote to South Beach with its beautiful beach, international food scene, luxurious places to stay that don’t feel over the top, brunch every day of the week, and almost no traffic. #naples #naplesfl #florida" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07203649/forgetmiamivisitnaples-1.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07203649/forgetmiamivisitnaples-1-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07203649/forgetmiamivisitnaples-1-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07203649/forgetmiamivisitnaples-1-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/forget-miami-experience-luxury-in-naples/">Forget Miami. Experience Luxury in Gulf Coast Gem: Naples.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/forget-miami-experience-luxury-in-naples/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>These Are the Top 3 Luxury RV Resorts in Florida</title><link>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/luxury-rv-resorts-florida/</link> <comments>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/luxury-rv-resorts-florida/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sheila Berrios]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2019 17:41:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Florida]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.goldenagetrips.com/?p=4086</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Florida is full of stunning vacation destinations with exquisite dining and accommodations, as well as high-end resorts. What you probably weren&#8217;t aware of is that there are many luxury RV resorts in Florida. When you think about &#8216;luxury&#8217;, RVs might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the convenience and flexibility of traveling [&#8230;]</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/luxury-rv-resorts-florida/">These Are the Top 3 Luxury RV Resorts in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong>Florida is full of stunning vacation destinations with exquisite dining and accommodations, as well as high-end resorts. What you probably weren&#8217;t aware of </strong><strong>is that there are many luxury RV resorts in Florida. When you think about &#8216;luxury&#8217;, RVs might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the convenience and flexibility of traveling by RV are indeed very appealing. </strong></h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4095 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1.jpg" alt="RV with bicycle driving through Sunset" width="2000" height="1500" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1.jpg 2000w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-750x563.jpg 750w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-250x188.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-1150x863.jpg 1150w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29164210/RV-Picture-1-550x413.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></p><h4><strong>If money is no object and a luxurious experience is something you are interested in, look no further than these three gorgeous RV resorts in sunny Florida.</strong></h4><h4><strong>Blue Water Key RV Resort</strong></h4><p><iframe loading="lazy" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBluewaterKey%2Fphotos%2Fa.787675094591293%2F3781311905227582%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="295" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of Florida’s best-kept secrets is Blue Water Key RV Resort. This resort has plenty to brag about with their 81 meticulously-kept sites. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sites are privately owned but rented out through the </span><a href="https://bluewaterkey.com/rentals/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">resort’s website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Each site is large and private with Canal and Bay Front Lots including private access to the ocean, complete with a dock.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Each site has tiki huts equipped with outdoor cooking or prep areas, fridges, TVs, chairs, couches, and more depending on what the owners of the site have installed. The resort amenities are incredible. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A large laundry facility, temperature controlled fresh-water pool, dog park, clubhouse, shower house and a community dock with boat slips for rent are some of the fantastic amenities this resort offers to ensure you have a great stay. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A storage facility is also available for a fee, as well as curbside trash pick-up, recycling, and propane exchange. If you’re looking for more action and activities, just a 15-minute drive away is Key West for restaurants, shopping, and all sorts of touristy fun. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the resort&#8217;s website click on any site that appeals to you, and you&#8217;ll see detailed pictures of the specific site and more information.</span></p><p><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2047052815286752" data-ad-slot="7427833694"></ins><br /> <script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></p><h4><strong>Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort</strong></h4><p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QuESkwMrAFE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just minutes from Marco Island and Naples is </span><a href="http://www.pelicanlakemotorcoachresort.com/listings/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pelican Lake Motorcoach Resort</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Sites are available to purchase and rent out here as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">RV sites are generous in size and offer privacy with hedges and palm trees walls separating the sites. The resort is set around a 35-acre stocked lake, and most of the sites face the lake so bring your fishing gear!</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Beautifully kept, this resort offers activities, food trucks three times a week, and a weekly snow cone truck, all in the guard-gated resort. Amenities include two lighted tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, heated pool &amp; jacuzzi, gym, laundry facilities, library, conference room, catering kitchen, 8,000 square foot clubhouse, and a dance floor with a stage. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The park is a 45-minute drive to the beach, so enjoy the luxurious options at the resort then head into town when you’re ready for some fresh salt air.</span></p><h4><strong>Key Palms RV Resort</strong></h4><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmE2AX2Hj-o/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"><div style="padding: 16px;"><p>&nbsp;</p><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div><div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmE2AX2Hj-o/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener">We are not your typical RV Park #boat #ocean #palmtrees</a></p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/keys.palms.rv.resort/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener"> Key Palms RV Resort</a> (@keys.palms.rv.resort) on <time style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" datetime="2018-08-04T23:38:06+00:00">Aug 4, 2018 at 4:38pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This small but beautiful RV Park features 30 water-front, pull-in, pull-through, and back-up sites. </span><a href="http://keyspalmsrvresort.com/reservations/reservations.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Palms RV Resort</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is family owned and family-friendly and puts great emphasis on hospitality. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The RV resort makes you feel right at home with private patios, a comfy clubhouse, squeaky clean bathrooms, gym, dog run fast Wi-Fi, and a beautiful heated pool and jacuzzi overlooking the bay. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can fish right off the resort grounds, and there is a boat ramp for water access. Local restaurants &amp; tiki bars, shops, and stores are within walking distance.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> After making the resort your home base head out to enjoy the nearby attractions. Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, deep sea fishing, and flats fishing are some of the guests&#8217; favorite activities. Close by you&#8217;ll also find several state and national parks and an artificial reef. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are looking for some adventure with a whole lot of relaxation and indulgence, these resorts will have what you are looking for and more. So get your RV ready to go, </span><a href="https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/florida" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rent one</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> if you need to, pack your bags, and let’s start checking off that experience bucket list!</span></p><p><em>The previous article has been written by guest contributor <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Shelley Trupert.</strong> Shelley works for </span><a href="https://www.outdoorsy.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Outdoorsy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, an RV marketplace for consumers and pros. </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">She has been camping for almost 20 years and is always looking to find the next hike, off the beaten path. </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">While she used to enjoy tenting in the wilderness, she prefers to camp in an RV now—whether it is a Class C or a teardrop trailer—to enjoy a little comfort after a long day outdoors and the ease of travel it provides. Her goal is to hike in all of the national parks in North America.</span></em></p><h4>Don&#8217;t forget to Share &amp; Pin &#8216;These are the Top 3 Luxury RV Resorts in Florida&#8217;.</h4><p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4099 size-full" src="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29173954/luxuryrvresortspin.jpg" alt="When you think about luxury, RVs are not the first thing that comes to mind. However, you'll need to check out these three luxury RV resorts in Florida. #rv #rvtravel #rvresorts #florida" width="735" height="1102" srcset="https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29173954/luxuryrvresortspin.jpg 735w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29173954/luxuryrvresortspin-400x600.jpg 400w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29173954/luxuryrvresortspin-250x375.jpg 250w, https://d38vzl5yiryieg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/29173954/luxuryrvresortspin-550x825.jpg 550w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/luxury-rv-resorts-florida/">These Are the Top 3 Luxury RV Resorts in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.goldenagetrips.com">Golden Age Trips</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://www.goldenagetrips.com/single-post/luxury-rv-resorts-florida/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>