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Miami Beach, the Ritz & Bill Baggs State Park

9/2/2017

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Key Biscayne is a barrier Island that sits just South of Miami Beach and is the home of Bill Baggs State Park and the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.

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The town of Key Biscayne, which is accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway, sits right between two parks... Crandon Park (formerly a zoo and still home to a variety of birds lizards and turtles) and Bill Baggs State Park.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the home of a historic lighthouse built in 1825 and the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. The park is popular for sunbathing, swimming and picnicing and there is more than a mile of sandy Atlantic beachfront to enjoy,  Ranked of of the "Top 10 Beaches in America" by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka 'Dr. Beach.' Biking and kayaking are also popular activities. Fisherman can throw in their lines from the seawall for some of the best shoreline fishing in the region. Bicycles, beach chairs, and umbrellas can be rented.

Want a guided tour of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's cottage? They are given twice daily, Thursdays through Mondays. If you aren't prepared to bring your own picnic, you can also enjoy two restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater's Grill, which offers authentic Cuban cuisine.

The Ritz Carlton

​In the heart of the town of Key Biscayne, tucked between the two parks is the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Just 20 minutes from Miami International Airport and the City of Miami... the Ritz is perfectly situated to be your base of operations for visiting all the South Florida has to offer.
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See the amazing video DRONE footage below of the Ritz and of Bill Baggs State Park, shot by Sky High Aerial Productions. You'll feel like you're there, and you're flying...
Visit the site of Sky High Aerial Productions
for more great videos (click)

Booking.com
If the Ritz is out of your budget, check out these other great deals avail in Miami!
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Top 10 Things to do When You get to Seattle

1/25/2017

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Congratulations on your visit, or your move, to Seattle! Whether you are new to the city or are intimately familiar with it, many adventures await. With that in mind, here are 10 must-do activities.

1. Hit the Coffee Shops and Microbreweries
Coffee joints are everywhere in Seattle, and so are microbreweries. Each one has a special ambiance and unique flavors that are fun to sample as you hop around town. Lisa Grimm, at "Seriously Eats"  wrote a brief history of Seattle Microbreweries here.
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2. Uncover the Stairways
Seattle is hilly, and many buildings have lovely stairways. If you enjoy obscure adventures, what's better than setting out in search of steps? The quest will take you to all types of buildings and neighborhoods. Here's a MAP to get you started! Speaking of neighborhoods…
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3. Check Out the Neighborhoods

If you've already done number four, try again. Odds are good that there are even more neighborhoods to check out (West Seattle, anyone?). Seattle is your new home; what better way to get to know the city than to cover every neighborhood, whether you are renting or have bought? Plus, entrepreneurs and savvy real estate investors can keep an eye out for promising properties.
4. Look into Real Estate Investing
Speaking of real estate, Seattle has one of the hottest and most expensive housing markets in the country. If you buy a fixer-upper, you could rent it out for a nice profit. Get in touch with a property management company to better understand your options.

If you're visiting, owning rental property is a great way to make future trips tax deductible.
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5. Go Swimming
Seattle offers many swimming options, including the fun Lake Washington, Puget Sound and indoor and outdoor pools. Be sure to check out Colman Pool, which could quite possibly be the top pool in the U.S. It's even saltwater.

6. Take Advantage of Nature
From whale watching to hiking to visits to the San Juan Islands, the Seattle area has plenty of opportunities for you to get in tune with nature; take advantage of them, especially the beaches! Once you dive into daily life, it's harder to carve out these times.
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​7. Discover Ways to Get Around the Traffic

With some planning, there are great alternatives to sitting in city traffic. Biking is big in Seattle, and it offers a new adventure every day. There is also public transportation with light rail bus services. Traveling during off-peak times is another good option if you can swing it.
8. Go to the Tourist Spots
Ironically, many people who live in a city never do touristy things and visitors often miss all but the most obvious. Get to know the city through the public transportation system... it's a great, stress free, way to see the sights. Go to spots such as Pike Place Market and the Elliott Bay Waterfront, 
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Other iconic spots include Dick's Drive-In and the Space Needle. No explanation needed for the Space Needle; it's what represents Seattle on TV. ​Dick's is an iconic Seattle eatery that was founded in 1954 and that has since spread to multiple locations. Best burgers around! Pike Place Market is like a farmer's market, and you can find the freshest seafood and produce there, while the Elliott Bay Waterfront offers gorgeous views of the bay and is easily accessible in downtown Seattle.
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​9. Find the Farmer's Markets

Practically every Seattle neighborhood has at least one farmer's market, and you can often shop all year round. Check out the Magnolia Farmers Market and others, support local agriculture, enjoy music and people watch.
 10. Meet People!
People are one of the best things about Seattle. Activities abound, including volunteer efforts, workshops, book readings, yoga classes and fitness camps​, so you can find at least one thing that interests you.

Also... check out the business organizations; there are many professional groups, such as the American Marketing Association - Puget Sound Chapter, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and the National Property Management Association (NPMA) - Northwest Chapter.
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There's a city out there waiting for you to explore it. Time to get started!
Booking.com
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Patrick Rogers
​...is the Principal Property Manager for Asurent Property Management in Eugene Oregon and his company can be found here: PropertyManagementEugeneOregon.com
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Things to do in Historic Key West Florida

12/28/2016

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... by Linda Y. Walters

​When it comes to having a great time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination. There's no shortage of local bars and legendary haunts to "drop in on" on any given day. Just don't try to do them all at once!

Duval Street, a hub of activity, has long been the center of  Key West  night life. You might want to visit The Bull, Sloppy Joe's Bar, or The Whistle Bar which has a clothing optional mantra. Captain Tony's (known for its bar stools which hang upside down from the ceiling) was also reportedly the favorite afternoon haunt of the Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway.   Many world reknowned persons including Tennessee Williams, former President Harry Truman and the legendary ocean treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, have contributed to the undeniable lure and history of this tiny island just 90 miles off the coast of Cuba.
Fisher's haul of buried treasure, which reportedly took him 16 years to eventually find, tragically cost him the loss of his son and daughter in law. After finding the 1622 wreck of the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon, Fisher cashed in on years of determined treasure hunting. 
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Fort Zachary Taylor is a Florida State Park

​During the Civil War, Key West flew the Confederate flag and Fort Zachary Taylor played a significant role in helping protect the coastline. Munitions were moved by the railroad tracks located there.
Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis, ferries and trade between Key West and Havana were a common daily occurrence. Visit Zachary Taylor Fort for an exciting look at Key West's historical past.

With local haunts like Blue Heaven, Smokin Tuna, and a liquor store named "The Lost Weekend," Key West's significant cultural allure remains in place. Even John F Kennedy is said to have visited Captain Tony's, still known for the distinction of offering its visitors the opportunity to flip coins into the mouths of groupers. Recently renovated, this undeniable landmark reopened in early November of 2016.
Yacht charters are an everyday occurence in Key West and Floridays Yacht Charters has earned high marks for its  appeal, convenience and expertise on the water. Whether its a champagne sunset cruise, a private charter for a wedding party, or an afternoon snorkeling expedition, this is a sailing experience to be remembered. Check the website at: floridays.org or call 888 773 5455
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Visit Floridays website
Mallory Square, located just a short walk off Duval Street, offers a popular stretch of beach which comes alive daily with a celebration of entertaining street performers and crafts vendors. There's also the undeniable allure of the amazing daily sunset. Thousands gather nightly to witness the splendor of watching as the sun seems to meld with the vastness of the ocean. Cameras poised, its a nightly celebration aptly named "the Sunset Walk".
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For general sightseeing around Key West, try Hydrothunder Rentals which has a large fleet of individual rental bikes and scooters for use.

They also have motorized cars, golf carts, jetskis and other "toys" and transportation.

Reach them at 305 295 7000.
Key West generally has something for everyone whether its the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Audubon House, the Conch Tour Train, watersports, the Key West Aquarium, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, or the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. 
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General admission fees apply to most of the attractions so, please, do your homework. Visit KeyWestAttractions.org 
​or call 305 293 7249.


Stay at the Hyatt Centric

The new Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa  is right in the heart of the old town, with it's own beach and within walking distance of all the fun!

​For more information, check out Linda Walters review of this exiciting new resort right here.

#KeyWest #Hyatt #LindaWalters
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Key West Hyatt Centric: World Class Amenities

12/28/2016

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by Linda Y. Walters

The Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers a dynamic experience with world class amenities and lovely ocean views.

Your visit will be an experience you won't soon forget.  Sensory illumination is in full effect as the world class amenities at this luxurious hotel offer you a full palate during your stay.  

Fabulous dining at the Shor American Seafood Grill overlooking the water, cocktails at the fabulous Blue Mojito waterside bar, a full menu of relaxing  treatments at Jala, their newly renovated spa, or an exhiliariting  poolside experience as you enjoy  the warmth of fire pits after an evening swim.  
All of these tie in to make your visit a memorable one.

The recently refurbished and rebranded Hyatt Centric includes 120 ocean view rooms, a fully outfitted (state of the art) audio/visual enhanced conference room for corporate meetings and an additional 2,200 meeting room for use in all types of private events.  
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With the hotel's prime water front location, weddings are frequently held here, with the reception often scheduled to take full advantage of the majestic Gulf Coast sunset view.

This Key West treasure is designed by Hyatt to be unique, and to fit into the community in which it is located. 
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"Hyatt Centric", which is a branded subdivision of Hyatt Hotels, focuses on and utilizes the specifics of its locatIon and all its inherent components," stated Braedan Quigley,  Hyatt Sales & Marketing Director at Hyatts of the Caribbean.
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He continued,  "In Key West, for example, we focused on Cuban coffee, Ernest Hemingway's influences, and Tenessee Williams' drink specialties, in giving this location its higher demand and visibility". 

The Hyatt Centric Key West offers extremely spacious bedrooms, each with a water view from your own private balcony. A sumptuous bathroom, with a generous sized shower, and the added luxury of your choice of operation including rain shower or hand held, in many ways is mindful of a spa experience minus the massage. Add the fragrant lotions and scents, and, of course, the relaxing effects of simply letting your thoughts slow down,  and firmly reconnect with your inner calm.
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Which brings me to the Hyatt Centric's Jala Spa, a wonderfully energizing, yet relaxing experience which includes a full array of spa services. Whether its the island coconut milk and honey ritual, designed to nourish, hydrate, tighten and strengthen the skin, an after sun rescue wrap complete with fragrant Tropical Nut Oil; or the seaside renewal which offers a full Swedish massage, you will leave Jala Spa feeling as if you may have just become another person.  ​
Couples massages, called "duets", are available as well and can include full body signature massage, hot oil scalp massage , or the extremely rejuvenating footscrub. 

Jala, which means "water" in Sanskrit, is really all about getting you in touch with your essential life.   Explore the delightful experience of relaxation.  You owe it to yourself to slow down even if it's only for one hour.
If you're in the mood for an afternoon cocktail, or Happy Hour libations, visit the Blue Mojito Bar and Grill.

The bar sits poolside, looking over the ocean. Try a refreshing Key West Lemonade, the Key Lime Martini or sample the Prickly Pear Margarita.  
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There's no shortage of imagination or deliciousness on the menu. Frozen drinks are also available and you can order from the Mojiti poolside menu which includes a great selection of salads and finger foods.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, Shor American Seafood Grill is on property and does an amazing job of delivering five star cuisine.

The eclectic menu offers a wide array of internationally represented flavors with several choices of fresh catch, local favorites and delicately prepared side dishes you won't soon forget.  ​
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Breakfast offerings include delicious smoked salmon served on pumpernickel break with egg white, cream cheese and capers which took the dish to another level in its delivery of flavor.   The Cajun Omelet was amazing and included Andouille sausage, bacon, peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese as well as several requisite Cajun spices.  The menu also included the ever popular Fried Chicken and Waffles, an Island  Breakfast Ceviche, Eggs Benedict and even a healthy Warm Tropical Fruit Quinoa.  Freshly squeezed orange juice, good, strong Cuban coffee and an assortment of teas are also available.   Lunch is available as well and includes great soups, salads sandwiches with a local flare and seafood choices as well.

The dinner menu at SHOR is nothing short of spectacular. Appetizers include everything from Charred Baby Octopus, Key West Seafood Hot Pot, Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly and/or Calamari Fries. Or choose from the  Angus Prime Steak, Orange Mojo Gulf Stream Mahi Mahi, Key West Ale Braised Short Ribs, or Pan Seared Local Catch of the Day. Much of the seafood served at this distinctive dining establishment has been caught locally and is done so on a daily basis. The freshness is evident.

​With an idyllic location in Old Town Key West, Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa offers access to prime sites for relaxation and rejuvenation. Get out on the water, lounge on the beach, or meander through the streets of Old Town as you marvel at the historical architecture. Whether your passion is golf, snorkeling, or spa treatments, you’ll find that you can experience it all from our Key West resort, leaving you refreshed when the time comes to journey home.  

Hyatt Centric website:
KeyWestHyat.com

Read more reviews
601 Front Street
​(305) 809-1234
Reservations:
​888-735-2954
​
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More about Historic Key West

When it comes to having a good time, Key West, a city founded back in 1822, is an incredible mixture of excitement, sea faring exploration and most of all, one's own imagination  (read more)  
#KeyWest  #Hyatt  #LindaWalters
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​Grand Case – French St Martin – The Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean

12/20/2016

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​by Joe Mack

​Thinking about the Caribbean Island of St Martin, for me, there is only one side, the French Side. I had heard about St Martin. I knew half of the island was French. I like all things French. I go regularly to Quebec City, Canada, and I have toured the South of France.  Nice, St Tropez, Cannes.  But that’s another story.  HERE I deal with the Caribbean. 

I did research before coming to the island. My wife Jaci and I are “foodies" and I discovered the town of Grand Case is considered the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.” There is a good reason why. Main Street in Grand Case is called Grand Case Blvd. Here you will find some hotels and B&B’s lining the beach side of the street but, the first thing you will notice, are the number of restaurants. They adorn both sides of the street. On the ocean side, you will get the extra benefit of an ocean view while you dine. Anything in Grand Case that is along the beach is RIGHT ON THE BEACH. It is not a walk to the beach, you are right on the beach. In St Martin, as in most Caribbean islands, no beach is private, they belong to everyone.
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​After breakfast it’s off to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and water. On Sundays, just about every Sunday, there is a Boat Race in Grand Case. The boat race is done by locals. They own and take pride in their boats. They head for to the beach. Get their boats ready, then off they sail to the Island of Anguilla that is just beyond St Martin. You can see it from the beach in Grand Case.  Watching them get ready was more fun than watching them sail.
My first time on the island, I stayed at the Atlantide. This is a small building. Three stories, and three units on each level. Then, they were all hotel units, but over the years they have been purchased privately and get rented out by the owners on Airbnb and web sites like that. This first photo is from our terrace. We had the middle unit on the first floor. Again, when I say we were RIGHT ON THE BEACH, I mean we were RIGHT ON THE BEACH. In Grand Case you don’t pay a fortune for this luxury. We have returned many times. The second is a shot taken from out in the water, what a great place to stay.

You like good food? So do I. Breakfast is simple and NOT so gourmet. But oh so French. Down the street from our room, is a small place. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. Their menu was simple. And the price was always right. Café au lait, croissant, and French baguettes. 
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​​On my first trip to St Martin, I didn’t know what to expect. And when I found the Atlántide, parked and then started walking, after seeing buildings similar to this one, I didn’t know what to expect. And thought,

​“Maybe this island stuff isn’t for me”.
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​It didn’t take long for me to stop dwelling on these buildings. And they are not the norm. As of this date, places like this are few and far between. Renovations are booming.  And now, at least on the ocean side, it’s hard to find a vacant building. The rest of the town is wonderful. And the people really are friendly as the name implies, The Friendly Island.
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​Grand Case Blvd is narrow. Cars park on both sides. Lucky for you, on most of Grand Case Blvd there is only one way traffic, including the main part. You learn to weave in and out of parked cars as you maneuver down the street. You see people walking, in cars and in their houses. You wave, they wave. You learn the rhythm of the island very fast.
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​The beach is a small one. The water is shallow, warm as you might expect. There is a sandy bottom. Not really much of a surf.  If you want surf, got to Orient Beach.
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​Oh, this was about food wasn’t it? You have your choice. French, Sea Food, Thai, Italian, Creole, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Tapas and, of course, Caribbean.  There is an Island Barbeque type place with traditional island food called “a Lolo”. There is one in Grand Case. 
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​Don’t expect luxury. Plastic forks, plastic knives and paper plates. But the food is delicious and you can’t beat the price. When I was there last, it was New Year’s week.  The Lolo had entertainment, this steel drum band. They were very good and the music went well with the food. Great ambiance

​​On New Year’s Eve that year, we did “the restaurant crawl”. We had a pre-dinner drink in one bar. Then on to a restaurant for an appetizer. We left and picked out another for our entre. We found our last restaurant for desert. We really learned how to ring in the New Year that night in Grand Case.
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​So at the end of the day. What do YOU think of? After desert and drinks I mean. SUNSET right?

Grand Case has the best sunsets. You can sit on the beach to watch the sun set, or you can watch it from your table at your restaurant if you were lucky enough to get one on the beach side of the street. We did.
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​At the end of your stay. Before you pack your bags and head for the airport, you have go to “Tijon Perfumeries & Boutique”. Here you will get a lesson in making perfume. The owner is very knowledgeable about scents, and guides you thru the process of making YOUR own personal scent. You take one of these scents, one of those, one of the other. He mixes it for you. Catalogs it in his data base. YOU give it a name and the formula is saved. If and when you come back, you can have more made, the same fragrance. Or you can contact him thru a web site and re order your own special scent that NO ONE else in the world has but YOU.
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​Did you enjoy this short tour of Grand Case, on the French Side of St Martin? It really is a beautiful little town to stay in. You have so many choices of types of places to stay. A Resort, a B&B, a Hotel, maybe a Condo, you name it.  

One more thing. I forgot to tell you. It’s about our very favorite restaurant, if we eat nowhere else, we eat at “Le Pressoir”. It’s at the end of the street, well beyond the rest of the restaurants and stores. There is a large old Salt Press across the street from the Restaurant, you can’t miss it. It’s worth the walk down the street. Get a table on the porch. It’s not beach side, well away from the water, but on the beach side, but it is still our favorite. If you like Pâté de Foie Gras get the sampler, “c'est très bon.“
If you want to know more about Grand Case, contact me: iwanttogotherephoto@yahoo.com

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I’ll be happy to tell you more, answer questions or even make some suggestions for you for dinner or a place to stay.


Joe Mack is a 
Photographer, Writer, Craftsman, Musician and Engineer Tech. He, and his wife Jaci live in upstate New York and love to travel. Look for more of their adventures here, or on his Facebook pages at:
Joe's Facebook
Vacation Photography

More photos on Viewbug
 
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Nicola Suggests Autumn in Tuscany

11/2/2016

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From "My Travel in Tuscany"

Even though along the coast summer seems to still be here, with some people resting in the sun and swimming in the sea, the fall came a couple of weeks ago. If you are still uncertain of where you should be traveling during this period of the year, choosing to plan the autumn holidays in Tuscany is definitely a good idea.

There are various good reasons to choose Tuscany in autumn, even if only for a short break or a romantic escape. Together with the spring, the fall is probably the best period to visit this land loved for its relaxing atmosphere, peaceful places, culture and history.

6 good reasons to plan your Autumn Holidays in Tuscany...
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Mild weather

In October, the weather is still mild with warm and sunny days where you only need shorts and flip-flops to walk around. In November a bit of rain should fall, but it won’t stop your will to travel. Depending on the forecasts, you can choose to explore areas with less chance of rain, as Maremma or Crete Senesi. For an overview of the climate of the region read also our post about the weather in Tuscany.

Cheaper rates

Flights, hotel rates and the cost for a room or apartment are cheaper. Taking advantage of some packages and deals, you will be able to organize your autumn holidays in Tuscany without spending a fortune, a big savings compared to the high season.

Nature

Autumn is the period of the fall foliage, and the forests of Tuscany are every bit as good as the ones in New England in the United States or in Japan. The colour of leaves turns to different shades of yellow, orange, red and brown, giving the forests a special, magic and relaxing atmosphere where the only sound you can hear is the creaking of the dry foliage under your feet. I am sure your “perfect place” is somewhere out there, between the Mugello and the Casentino areas, up to the mountains of Abetone or Monte Amiata, into the chestnut tree forests of Castagneto Carducci in the Etruscan Coast or of Lunigiana.

No crowd

Being out of the peak season you can enjoy both the art cities (Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca) and the main villages (San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano) without the crowds you find during the summer.

You can even get out the cities and the more "touristy" spots and head for the Tuscan Riviera. It offers you wide empty sandy beaches to walk, medieval villages overlooking the sea to explore as Populonia in the Gulf of Baratti (where you can even visit the interesting archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia) or Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano in the Argentario Promontory.
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FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF THE AUTUMN – TRUFFLE PHOTO CREDITS: MICHELA SIMONCINI
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Taste the fruits of the season

The indisputable ruler of the autumn holidays in Tuscany is the food. Fall is the season of truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, olive oil, and wine. The Sagre, the traditional festivals where you can taste the fruits of our land and the exquisite recipes made with them, spring up throughout the region.

The villages of San Miniato (in the province of Pisa) and of San Giovanni d’Asso (near Siena) celebrate the white truffle every November with festivals and trade fairs. But, the best places to pick and taste chestnuts are in the areas of Mugello, Garfagnana, Casentino, Lunigiana, and Monte Amiata. In the past, chestnut was one of the main ingredients of the kitchen, especially during periods of famine. Thanks to our grandparents, who passed down to us recipes of delicious dishes made with chestnuts, we still keep alive their memories and their traditions. Do not miss tasting roasted chestnuts or traditional food made with chestnut flour as Castagnaccio (try to make it following the recipe of my Grandma), crepes (called Necci) with ricotta cheese, or the Torta di Marroni of Mugello.

November is also the time of olive oil harvest and the time to celebrate the “Vino Novello”, the first wine produced with the fruits of the grape harvest of September.

Wellness
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Finally, I add another suggestion to the list of reasons why you should plan an autumn holiday in Tuscany: wellness and hot springs. In case of bad weather or chilly temperature you can even think to pamper yourself with a plunge into one of the hot springs of the region. Here is our blog post where put together all the free hot springs of Tuscany.

Do you still need reasons to convince you to spend your autumn holidays in Tuscany? Let me know If you need any other information or suggestions... just send me a story idea anytime through Facebook!
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Nicola Bandini

Nicola lives and breathes the travel life. From Cecina, a small coastal town in the centre of Tuscany, along the Etruscan Coast, Nicola works for luxury hotels and, when he's not working, he travels himself.

Nicola spent most of his years in Cecina, on the Tyrrhenian coast, surrounded by the sea, the wine region of Bolgheri and beautiful hills with many little hamlets. As a child there was little opportunity to travel a lot, except for weekends and holidays spent at the families country house in the chestnut wood of the tiny village of Sassetta.

Once gown, Nicola started to travel with friends, or by himself, and he fell in love with travel; discovering new cultures, new ways of life and meeting new people from all over the world. 

Read more from Nicola at:
http://mytravelintuscany.com
​Click to follow Nicola

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Historic August Seven Inn

8/29/2016

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Good "Medicine" for the Soul
​Daytona Beach, Florida

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The August Seven Inn was originally a guest house built in 1896 by James N. Gamble of the famed Proctor and Gamble Company and is listed on the National Historic Register.
​What IS a "stress onion," and what can you do about it?

I've found the answer. Though, to be honest, I wasn't expecting much when we booked our room at the August 7 Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sure, we looked at all the pictures on the website and even commented on the beautiful decor, but I was still skeptical all the same. 

There had been too many B&B's that we have visited in the past where their website looked top notch and elegant, taken before the place was opened and was fresh and new. But upon arriving we found them to be run down, smelly, even unkempt. Truly as if we were visiting an elderly relative.

Not so at the August 7 Inn...

Upon our arrival we were greeted by the Innkeeper and Owner, Joe. ("Hi, I'm Joe. Welcome, please come in...") His demeanor was welcoming and quietly comforting, like we were old friends. I liked him immediately. One layer of the stress onion peeled off and I began to look around.

Inside the house it is serene and beautiful. And tastefully decorated. Joe showed us about the first floor explaining about each room. The massage chair room, (no, no, too tense for that yet...more on that later) the elegant Victorian inspired living room, which led into the dining room, then the wonderful outdoor wrap around porch. 

An array of treats awaited us in the kitchenette, including coffee, tea, sodas, popcorn, water, even an entire bookshelf of DVD's to choose from were available 24/7. ("Help yourself to drinks at your leisure, two for a dollar. We operate on an honor system, so just drop the money in the honor box, which is hanging on the wall".)   Wow, he trusts us.
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Each room was sparkling clean and looked as if they were never sat in or used. But Joe assured us that we were welcome to enjoy and relax wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. (Not at all the controlling, stuffy innkeeper who forbids you to touch this or sit there.) "It's just stuff, you are welcome here, please make yourself at home." Another layer of the "stress onion" peeled off, and magically a little more stress evaporated into thin air.

Joe graciously answered all of our questions and gave a brief overview of the "story of the Inn." It's quite a story, you'll have to ask Joe to tell you sometime.

By the time we were heading upstairs to visit our room, my husband and I were beginning to relax, feeling as if we were going to enjoy this place. "Oh, by the way, can I get you a complimentary bottle of wine?" Joe asked. 

Oh yes, we are definitely going to enjoy this place.

Our room, the 1022, was exotic and comfortably roomy. It was elegantly decorated in a safari theme, not at all tacky and sparkling clean. (I have to admit, I looked under the bed and behind the furniture for dust, and there was none.) Dark woods, elegant fabrics and soft fluffy pillows made this room perfect for relaxing and spending quality conversation time with the one I love. Ahh, and the jacuzzi tub...Perfect!  The mood of the room lifted our spirits another notch. Another layer of the stress onion gone... (In fact, I was so inspired by the theme of the room, that upon returning home, I redecorated our own bedroom in a similar fashion).

In the evening, Joe puts out a buffet of snacks and candies for his guest to enjoy. Soft music is playing. The lights are dim and romantic. It was a perfect April evening, just cool enough to sit comfortably on the veranda and sip a glass of wine and nibble on Joe's homemade treats. Our favorite spot was the corner overlooking the lawn watching the world go by...

What, are there any layers left to peel away? No, I think we have reached the core...
No work, No Kids, No pets, No obligations, No stress...
"Really?" I ask myself, "No Stress? Check again."
I look over at my husband who is smiling and say to myself, "Yup, it's gone."

Breakfast on the veranda is a wonderful experience. Joe puts out a spread you wouldn't believe. With 5 different types of pancakes, fresh fruit, fruit and nut breads, cereal, juice, not to mention bacon, waffles, and pastries. He goes all out to make sure his guests are satisfied.

​Before embarking on our day of exploration we treated ourselves to a visit in the massage chairs. Ahh, what a magical experience. The room is a relaxing garden theme, the chairs are state of the art "Human Touch" massage chairs which are remote controlled to massage every muscle in your body exactly the way you want it. The experience was heavenly and left me rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.


Two days later, I began to feel that feeling you get when it's time to go home. "Can't we stay?" We ask Joe. "Of course," Joe says.
"We'll put you on speed dial." we say.
"Yes, certainly, come any time." Joe says.
"But I don't want to go." I say to my husband.
"I know, me either."

Now, one month later...What is that feeling in my stomach? There is a tightness, an unwelcome feeling that I don't like. Something that has been building up for a few weeks...Ahh, yes. It's Stress...

Time to go visit The August 7 Inn again. You can too. Just visit their website to make reservations:

August Seven Inn, Daytona Beach, Florida: http://a7inn.com
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The Hendrickson Family
Dawn Hendrickson
TropicalMusicInternational.com

Dawn and Steve Hendrickson are busy talent agents and the owners of Tropical Music International.  

The Hendricksons live in Orlando and supply entertainment and talent all across world, as well as being wholesale distributors for Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Kenny Chesney and the finest Hawaiian Artists and Steel Drum Bands.

Clients include the Ritz Carlton, Sirius Radio, the PGA, Carnival Cruise Lines, the Orlando Magic, Miami Dolphins, City Walk, and the Islands of St. Lucia, Grenada, Caymans, and the British Virgin Isles.
​

Learn more at: http://TropicalMusicInternational.com
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