Summer 2017

I am blessed to be a teacher and have summer vacation.  This year, it was even better since I used the time to not only do physical therapy and recover, but also make a summer bucket list.  Even though I didn't go on a vacation, this was the best summer I've experienced in years as I have been living almost pain free since the TJR.

I love living in sunny, south Florida.  The entire state contains numerous tourist attractions, most of them I have been too.  To keep myself active and involved with friends, I googled places to visit and tried to go to as many new places as possible.

Shark Valley-One can either rent a bike or bring their own, and bicycle through the everglades.  It's a bit hot for this, so I am putting this off until fall.

Venetian Pools-Coral Gables-The pool was created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, where much of the original coral rock was used to boarder and further accentuate the pool.  It also features two large historic lookout towers, and a great view of the city. Since I still can't get my head wet, this will have to wait.

Wynwood-Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, United States. Wynwood overflows with vibrant artwork, restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, dance and club venues, among other retail options.  This is one of my favorite places to go!

Wynwood Walls with Annette and Kristen

Miami Mojito Company

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wynwood Brewery

                                                         

Two Tails Ranch -Williston-This is an elephant sanctuary.  I will visit during winter break when it's not as hot.

Blowing Rocks Reserve-an environmental preserve on Jupiter Island. I It contains the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on the state's east coast. It has some trails, but is mostly beaches.  

 Guanabanas-A restaurant right on the water with a fun atmosphere and amazing food :) .

Ancient Spanish Monastery-Construction of this monastery of St. Benard de Clairvaux began in 1133 AD in Spain.  In 1925, the cloisters were brought to the US stone by stone and put together in North Miami.

Flagler Museum-Henry Flagler built Whitehall 1902.  Located in Palm Beach, this mansion has 75 rooms.

The Breakers-A luxurious resort located in Palm Beach

FAT Village Art Walk-Fort Lauderdale-A monthly celebration of art and artists, complemented with food trucks, performances, and the unexpected. It is held on the last Saturday of every month.

The silent disco

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park-John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park located on Key Largo in Florida, and includes approximately 70 nautical square miles of adjacent Atlantic Ocean waters. It was the first underwater park in the United States.  Once again, I am going to have to wait to do this as I can't get my head wet.

New Kids on the Block Concert-This was NKOTB, Boys 2 Men, and Paula Abdul

Me,Danielle, and Sherry

Me and Danny Wood from NKOTB

Bringing a Rescue Dog Out of the Kennel for a Night-As a volunteer with 100+ Abandoned Dogs of the Everglade, I can sometimes get a dog out of the kennel and bring them on a "date night."  It's fun for both of us :)  

Mortimer

  

Hiking through some of the National Parks in Northern Florida-There is hiking, camping, tubing, natural spring.  Next time, I intend to go tubing down the river.

Silverball Pinball Museum-Delray-Pinball machine arcade, restaurant & bar in Downtown Delray Beach. Enjoy vintage pinball machines, skee ball, shuffleboard and much more!

Mini golfing (2 free passes)-Still haven't used these...but I will

Perez Art Museum Miami-Sleek waterfront museum features modern & contemporary international artwork & educational programs.  I didn't make it here, but will definitely go this year.

Bowling-I will probably do this soon

Gold Coast Railroad Museum-Home to over 40 historic railcars, including Presidential Railcar. This place sounds interesting and I want to check it out.

As summer vacation comes to an end, I did not do everything on my list.  I did, however, do quite a bit.  In addition, I was with friends and/or family almost every day.  I am definitely sad to see it end, yet made many wonderful memories.