Now Florida is quite nice, if I had the money all those years ago thats where i would be living, not some 3rd world country as I am now, sadly i didn't have the money, anyway you will find the weather forecast here.
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Now Florida is quite nice, if I had the money all those years ago thats where i would be living, not some 3rd world country as I am now, sadly i didn't have the money, anyway you will find the weather forecast here.
Here is another helpful site you should visit before you think about living/vacationing in Florida.
The National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
The weather (for the most part) is wonderful (especially when I go back to visit during March and April). However, the hurricanes and property taxes (up 34.37% in the past 2 years alone!) might keep most people from retiring there.
Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th of each year.
http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html
If you ever get a chance to visit South Florida I have listed some places that I think are nice which are outside the mainstream tourist destinations.
Out on Key Biscayne there is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park ( http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/ ). It is a nice state park with a beach, pavilions to rent, fishing areas, lighthouse (history), etc. However, there is a harbor with a restaurant that many South Floridians (except seasoned boaters) know about. It is a nice place to spend ˝ day walking/bicycling along nature paths (my dog loves the walk) and ending the day at the restaurant watching the boats come and go.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...NameHarbor.JPG
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...Lighthouse.JPG
If you want to go to the beach while in South Florida, Hobie Beach at/on Key Biscayne is OK (not Crandon Park or Virginia Key Beach which are also on the Key). The beach has a nice sand bar (next to the Miami Seaquarium) you can sit on and watch the day go by. Mostly locals visit these two beaches on each side of the bridge.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...HobieBeach.JPG
On South Beach there is nice street you might want to visit for its bars and restaurants, that is outside the mainstream business/bar/restaurant area, it’s Espanola Way. There is a nice restaurant (Café Nuvo) on Espanola Way I frequent while in Miami that also caters to dogs (they have a dog menu).
Of course there is also Lincoln Road on the Beach ( http://www.lincolnroad.org/ ) that many tourists do not get a chance to visit, but it like South Beach is changing,…………..and not for the better in my opinion.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...spanolaWay.JPG
Some new places that seem to be doing better (than the South Beach area) are the Design District of Miami ( http://www.zagat.com/Restaurants/Miami/DesignDistrict ) and the Mary Brickell Village and surrounding area of Miami ( http://www.marybrickellvillage.com/home.asp ) for its night life and restaurants. If you get a chance to visit either one of these areas you should,...but please be careful in both neighborhoods,………..the wrong turn will/might take you into an area of town you shouldn’t be in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtydog
I agree, florida is nice. but i thought you didn't like americans DD? what would you do about all of them over there? :)
Florida is not Americans, it is part of the USA
Key West and the Disney/Orlando area are common for many visitors.
Bahia Honda is a state park near Key West where you can rent cottages/camp sites and even tents by the night ( http://www.bahiahondapark.com/ ) and still be close enough to visit Key West (driving) but not have to spend the type of money needed to stay in a hotel in Key West. However, the park seems to stay booked, so you might want to think about reserving early if you intend to stay there. At Bahia Honda they have a nice family beach area and you also schedule snorkeling trips, rent kayaks, go fishing, etc.
We went on the snorkeling trip (ferry you out to a reef and let you explore) while driving down to Key West on this trip. A murky picture is posted below of some fish we saw while out over the reef.
The best time to visit Key West, I think is towards the end of October every year for Fantasy Fest ( http://www.fantasyfest.net/schedule.cfm ). It can be a good time,….however getting a room in the area is difficult and you have to plan early if you intend to visit. The place gets packed! A lot of ˝ naked women, in the streets.
Key West has a lot to offer a tourist, but mostly beer and fishing. If you like both,…..you would be in heaven here.
Just a suggestion if you plan to visit the Key,………I have stayed in a few places in the Keys but so far the Pier House ( http://www.pierhouse.com/ ) has been the best.
Below are other places you might want to visit while in Key West.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...aHondaFish.JPG
Bahia Honda Snorkeling Trip
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...Most_Point.JPG
Southern Most Point of the Continental United States (it seems everyone who visits the Key has to get their picture taken here)
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...m_the_Room.JPG
View from the Room at Pier House
If you have kids,……..
Key West Butterfly Conservatory ( http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/conservatory.htm )
YouTube - Key West Butterfly Conservatory
And the Hemingway Home
http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/main_menu.html
Most tourist visiting the Central Florida area visit Disney World. The girlfriend wanted to see the Disney Main Street Parade and Fireworks Display at Disney World while we were in the Central Florida area, so we stayed one evening at the Grand Floridian ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/ ). One day, visiting Disney (rides are for young kids, we did not do) and the next day visiting Universal (the rides here are great!). I don’t think most people need any more than two full days to do both parks, if the parks are not too busy.
Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade and the Fireworks Display, seen from the Grand Floridian. These videos (if you have kids they might enjoy watching these) are extremely dark, but you can make out the characters and the fireworks.
YouTube - Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade & Fireworks Display (Part 1 of 3)
Part 1, Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade
YouTube - Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade & Fireworks Display , part 2 of 3
Part 2, Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade
YouTube - Disney World Main Street Electrical Parade & Fireworks Display, part 3 of 3
Part 3, Fireworks display
Here is a video of the Grand Floridian
YouTube - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Here are a couple of random shots taken around Florida (Southern portion).
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...t_of_Miami.JPG
Port of Miami Miami-Dade County - Port of Miami
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...tiltsville.JPG
Stiltsville http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiltsville_(Florida)
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...gladesEdit.JPG
Florida Everglades (she saw the gator and wanted a picture next to it) Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...hill_Crane.JPG
Florida Sandhill Crane Sandhill Cranes
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...press_Head.JPG
Cypress Head Cypress Swamps - Stillwater Swamps - Bottomland Forest Ecosystems - Forest Resources - Florida Forest Stewardship - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension
YouTube - Two Bald Eagles in flight in Florida.
Two Bald Eagles in flight (upset because we are too close to their nest, you can hear them complaining over the wind if you listen closely)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_eagle
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtydog
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u..._season_09.jpg
Start of Hurricane Season 09
Why it’s a good idea to vacation in Florida and not live. From the front page (on line) of the Miami Herald today (August 16, 2009).
hurricane season is "officially" june 1st to november 30th but tell mother nature that. this year we have been very lucky no major storms "yet", touch wood. there is a tropical storm (Ida) today off the coast of Nicaragua which could bring some bad weather to Florida in a few days, hopefully it will not be too bad.
I'm planning to be in Florida roughly two weeks from now, Delray Beach. The best English pub I've ever been to in the States is in Delray, even if it is owned by a scouser:
The Blue Anchor British Pub...... 19th Century Pub Imported From England
Of all the cool off-the-beaten track places in Flawda, I like the springs the best; crystal clear water and abundant fish and wildlife, including manatees. My two faves are:
Alexander Springs
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
Blue Spring Blue Spring State Park Ranger Photos » Florida State Parks
https://teakdoor.com/images/smilies1/You_Rock_Emoticon.gif
When I go to the Keys I rarely go south of Key Largo, because most of the good diving is there. If I do venture south I go to Big Pine Key, home of the tiny Key Deer:
Key Deer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Otherwise, the Everglades during the winter (dry) months offers a stunning variety and volume of wildlife. I'd post some photos but can't seem to get links to my Picassa album to work here.
Cranes near Alexander Springs:
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2009/11/112.jpg
Baby gators in the glades:
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2009/11/113.jpg
With mum:
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2009/11/114.jpg
Eats baby gators when mum's away:
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2009/11/115.jpg
Butterflies in Glades:
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2009/11/116.jpg
Looks nice. You can move there. Prices crashed in a lot of areas. Lots of trailers but hey you can live there.
one property
Office Website Property Details
UNitedCountry Realestate
Search Rural & Recreational Property By State - United Country
Another place to visit while in Florida is Daytona Beach (you’re allowed to drive on this wide beach). Besides racing there are other events that take place during the year there,……..for example, Bike Week and Spring Break (not like it once was).
If you are in Miami during the month of March, I suggest visiting Calle Ocho if they are having the street party that is held every year. It is 16 city blocks of dancing, music and food.
Along 8th Street (Calle Ocho) they set up different stages with different bands playing throughout the afternoon.
Plenty of good food.
Links:http://www.miami.com/calle-ocho-lets-get-this-party-started-article
http://www.carnavalmiami.com/home.html
Now if you look at this photos I must say, what a beautiful place. Lets you wonder why so many Amis are coming over to Thailand :mid:
^Not enough Asians?
Many people have heard about the beautiful beaches in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,..
but if you are ever in Ft. Lauderdale you might want to stop by East Las Olas Boulevard, also. Las Olas Boulevard is the downtown (business center) of Broward County. Besides being the hub of the business center it is also a nice outdoor shopping area (higher end) with some nice restaurants and bars.
Some art work in a gallery along Las Olas.
There’s a nice neighborhood around East Las Olas,………canals (that will lead out to the intercoastal waterway) behind most every home. Seems there’s a boat in every back yard.
East Las Olas home page: http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/
If you’re ever in Florida and would like to see a sporting event, there are many teams to pick from. Tonight we attended Open Night (2012 Season) at the new Marlins Park.
first pitch at the park,………..
Professional Sport Teams in Florida:
Miami Marlins (baseball) @ The Official Site of The Miami Marlins | marlins.com: Homepage
Tampa Bay Rays (baseball) @ The Official Site of The Tampa Bay Rays | raysbaseball.com: Homepage
Miami Heat (basketball) @ THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE MIAMI HEAT
Orlando Magic (basketball) @ THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE ORLANDO MAGIC
Jacksonville Jaguars (football) @ Official Site of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins (football) @ Official Website of the Miami Dolphins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (football) @ Official Site of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Florida Panthers in Miami (ice hockey) @ The Official Web Site - Florida Panthers
Tampa Bay Lightning (ice hockey) @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Each year Florida also holds the,..
Sony Ericsson Open (tennis) @ Tennis - Sony Ericsson Open - Home
Doral Golf Tournament @ http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/doral...tournament.asp
Daytona 500 @ DAYTONA 500 - Daytona International Speedway
I am sure I have missed a few events.
Now, if you are bored spitless by baseball (who isn't?), come to Delray Beach for the tennis:
Tennis - ATP World Tour - Tennis Tournament - Delray Beach International Tennis Championships - Delray Beach, U.S.A.
And the best English pub in Florida (interview with the scouse owner):
Blue Anchor Pub - Delray Beach Florida - YouTube
A wonderfull place for a holiday and now the wife has a UK passport were off there next year ,, I shall be doing the Richard Petty raceday at Daytona whilst I'm there.
Thanks for all the pics and tips SL
You’re awful :)Quote:
Originally Posted by robuzo
But hey, let me know when you’re (with son, cause he might enjoy the game even if you don’t!) in town and I will send you a couple tickets.
Let me know now, before I start giving them out and I’ll set aside any game (Marlins Schedule | marlins.com: Schedule) you would like to see when you’re back home visiting.
You might enjoy yourself and especially the view (the seat right behind you and the four seats just to the right of you in the next row up).
Quote:
Originally Posted by nigelandjan
I hope you both enjoy your stay while in Florida and hope you’ll consider posting at least one picture on this thread (with description) of the event (Richard Petty Race Day in Daytona). I have heard of it but have never experienced it.
Fastest I’ve been in a car (I wasn’t behind the wheel) was 126mph (maybe 128?) and that was more than I would consider doing now-a-days, even if it was Mr. Petty doing the driving (or someone from his team).
^LOL, thanks!
Thanks SL I will do a thread on it mate ,, probably for the 2 weeks were there ,, so it will give the usual suspects on here the chance to throw rocks at me :)
Couple of other places to visit when in Florida,………..
We recently had some guests (with teenagers) in town and took them to visit Universal in Orlando (Universal Studios Orlando) for a few days. We had great weather the entire time and the kids loved it. These rides are fun, even for adults. There are height restrictions with most of these rides.
Another place I used to visit a lot when I was younger was the Coconut Grove area in Miami (Coconut Grove – The Official Coconut Grove & BID Website). It has gotten a little uppity since the 70’s but still a nice place to visit if you’re in South Florida.
Dinner at Scotty’s Landing (SCOTTY'S LANDING - Casual Waterfront Dining Miami, FL) next door to the Miami City Hall, in the Grove.
Looking forward to that thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by nigelandjan
Yesterday we visited the Wat in South Florida for their Songkran Festival for a short time. We were there for the festival a few years ago and there was a crowd of about 100 to 150 people. At this years event there were at least 400 and maybe upwards of 500 people there by the time we left, at about 11am.
Anyway,.if you do visit South Florida with a Thai there is a Wat she can visit during her stay: Wat Buddharangsi of Miami
I retired in Florida. I worked and lived there for over thirty years. It's all that's been said above and more. It is a great and beautiful place, the best of the USA. For a vacation, if you have the money, it is a must. If you are rich it is great for retirement. If you are just an average Joe as I, then don't even think it. TOO EXPENSIVE.
Earlier in this thread I referred to the Mary Brickell Village (Mary Brickell Village in Downtown Miami) as a place you should consider visiting if you come to Miami (Southeastern edge of Downtown Miami).
The girlfriend and I took a friend to the area for dinner a couple of weeks ago and we revisited it again last night for dinner, because of that last experience. I used to visit the area because it was close to the house, but after this trip I believe we’ll be visiting the area even more. 8 – 10 years ago when I was going down there the crowds were small in comparison to what they are today. With Brickell’s large growing condo community and it being so close to downtown Miami it draws a nice group of people.
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https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u..._2_%282%29.JPG
The Herald had a write about dinning in the Brickell area yesterday, if you would like read it: Brickell dining scene comes to life
Gabriela Rodriguez has lived on Brickell Key for more than a decade, but until recently a night out invariably meant trekking over the causeway to South Beach.
Now Rodriguez sticks much closer to home, enjoying the influx of restaurants and nightlife that have turned Brickell Avenue, Southeast First Avenue and the surrounding area into a hot spot of its own.
Florida is awesome place for vacations. You can enjoy the beaches of south Florida. No doubt it’s one of the hottest tourist destinations around the globe.
______________________
This year (2012) we had a chance to visit Key West, Florida during Fantasy Fest. If you would like to view the thread you can do it here: https://teakdoor.com/travel-the-world...st-2012-a.html
This thread is not safe to open in front of children or while at work.
^Did you fly into KW? Anyone thinking of driving to KW for the first time should know that if you time that drive incorrectly it's a nightmare- a scenic nightmare, but still a nightmare.
^we did fly in and out using American Eagle (there are many other airlines that do travel there) and in the thread (about 2012 Fantasy Fest) I did give the readers a small warning about driving to the Keys during Fantasy Fest.
The girlfriend landed in Miami about two weeks ago (for a three month stay) and after a couple of days and only one Thai meal (in Miami) we left for the middle of the state for a couple of weeks. She started looking for Thai food in the area and ran across Wat Mongkolratanaram (also known as Wat Tampa) which is still a two hour drive. We went to visit the Wat today (Sunday).
Evidently every Sunday they have a Sunday Market with plenty of Thai food available. If you have a Thai spouse (or are looking for some Thai food) and are in the Central Florida area (Disney World/Universal), it might make for a nice half day trip out to the Wat.
Nice grounds
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u.../Tampa_Wat.jpg
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https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...9/IMG_8004.JPG
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...9/IMG_8008.JPG
Plenty of guests
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https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...9/IMG_8025.JPG
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...9/IMG_8042.JPG
Their Thai temple dog (this one looks to be in good shape)
after living through the worst hurricane to hit south florida everr anything that comes thailands way would be a walk in the park
SL, nice to see that Tampa has something going for it- not as if Ybor City is any great shakes nowadays.
How does Wat Mongkolratanaram compare with the one in Homestead Welcome to Wat Miami | Gallery ? Perhaps to my discredit I didn't take my son there during our recent stay, saving it for when Mommy comes was the excuse that we agreed to use when Mommy asked.
Like night and day. This one on the south side of Tampa is so nice compared to the one in South Dade. I was expecting the typical Thai Wat (nothing special) way out of town (because of property prices) which it was. But the view this Wat has along the Tampa Bypass Canal was impressive, to say the least. Benches, tables, a dock, the Oaks and a designated meditation area for guests to enjoy while at the Wat is something Homestead is lacking.Quote:
Originally Posted by robuzo
Knowing your location in Florida; if you do visit a Wat, you might want to make the extra drive and visit the one in Tampa on a Sunday (between 10:30 am – 1:30pm). Expect a nice crowd (and a variety of Asians).
My aunt has a ranch near Tampa- she taught my son to ride during our last visit. We'll check it out next time we are in FL, cheers!Quote:
Originally Posted by S LandrethLike night and day. This one on the south side of Tampa is so nice compared to the one in South Dade. I was expecting the typical Thai Wat (nothing special) way out of town (because of property prices) which it was. But the view this Wat has along the Tampa Bypass Canal was impressive, to say the least. Benches, tables, a dock, the Oaks and a designated meditation area for guests to enjoy while at the Wat is something Homestead is lacking.Quote:
Originally Posted by robuzo
Knowing your location in Florida; if you do visit a Wat, you might want to make the extra drive and visit the one in Tampa on a Sunday (between 10:30 am – 1:30pm). Expect a nice crowd (and a variety of Asians).
The wife and I used to go here about 5-6 times a year as we lived in Sarasota just about 1 hour south. The next closest Wat was in Orlando.Quote:
Originally Posted by S Landreth
It is a really nice place. The food market on Sundays is great but usually very packed and busy expect a long line to get anything. I have waited a half hour just to get some fried bananas before.
If you really want to experience this Wat go on one of the big Thai holidays they do a really nice job of bringing the Tampa Bay areas Thai and Lao population together.
What I found amusing was watching all of the Thai's there acting like they are all Hi-So from wealthy families around Bangkok instead of Ex issanites! Just check out the cars in the parking lot. More bimmers and Mercs than you can count.
Thais know how to make a life for themselves in other countries that is for sure most end up as business owners and rather wealthy.
It is a nice day out and it helped my Wife with her homesickness in the beginning.
If you’re ever in Coconut Grove (the Grove is a neighborhood/town in the Miami area) while in Florida you might want to try out the Peacock Garden Cafe, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Great food.
Hers was a red snapper and mine, crab cakes and mashed potatoes.
Nice pics and updates, S. Thanks.
I thought it was part of Cuba.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrAndy
Ahh, my home town Wat Tampa when I'm in FLA .....oh ya ....if ya go to
the sunday market, plan on getting there by 9:30 am it fills up fast
Chok Dee