Punta Gorda's Fun Place-The Slip-Knot

If you want to go where everybody know's your name or you want to enjoy a Disney like outdoor bar, then try the Slip Knot. http://www.slipknotllc.com/index.html They have a limited menu and great bands. The stage is setup in a light house and the dance floor is large if you want to show your spirit. The staff is friendly and will keep you from being thirsty.

The Slip Knot has been around for as long as I have lived here about twenty-five years. It was purchased by a new owner and he has put a lot of money into the nautical theme  making it a fun place to hangout and listen to great music. I am not a bar goer as I don't drink but even I enjoy going there and sipping my diet drink while the music plays. The hamburgers are said to be the best around. So that is another plus for this establishment.

If you are in the area and don't know where to go or what to do, I highly suggest the Slip Knot. You can thank me later.

Ft. Lauderdale FL Char Hut

One of the two best places in Ft.Lauderdale or all of Florida to get a great burger is the CharHut.They have a varied menu and the prices are reasonable for what you get. The Charburger with or without cheese is an amazing sandwich. It is cooked on a grill as you watch to your specifications.You choose the type of bun you want from the large selection. Then you decide what condiments you want to make the burger complete. They have everything from sauerkraut to mushrooms at no extra charge for your sandwich.

They have combos that feature  french fries,coleslaw, beans or plantains. The servings are man size and if you eat the whole burger it is difficult to finish the side. My friend had some issues with the plantains but the french fries and other sides are wonderful.

Other features on the menu are seared tuna, chicken in several different forms, and pulled pork which is served American, Latin or cowboy style. I cannot comment yet on these other offering because I can't get past the burger. It is addicting it is so good. You will never be satisfied with any other after you try CharHut.
I took my husband there on a visit and he, who would did not want to drive across the state, says he can't wait for his next trip to CharHut.

So when in Ft.Lauderdale do as the locals do, get a CharHut burger.

Florida during the holidays

Now is the time to come to Florida to avoid the snow and ice. The weather is beautiful and things are busy. This year the prices are right and you can enjoy Florida without spending a lot of money as it was before the hurricanes.

Gas is cheap and road trips to favorite spots around the area are plentiful. The national parks are a place to start. Sarasota has a swampy paradise full of interesting creatures to see and camping is available. Friends who have been to Mayakka River State Park says camping there is interesting because the bears and the raccoons are into everything they can find. They are stealing food and getting into coolers. If you like wildlife that is a first hand view of critters.

There is an interesting walk way through the tree canopy that gives a birds eye view of the park and it's inhabitants. Click on the link about to check out.

Here Comes Summer!

The spring here has been wonderful with warm sun and balmy breezes. As May came in so did the summer weather. We have started to get hot. Most of our snowbirds have headed back from whence they came. The roads are a little easier to maneuver and the store isles are not as packed with people. Do we miss our northern friends....uh, yes and no. The bring great prosperity to our area and jobs to our people but we don't eat in the restaurants until summer.

So if you need to thaw out and sit on the beach, now is the time to come. If you want a great deal in a home now is the time to buy in Florida. There are still great bargains in homes since no one here can afford them.

Florida in the Spring

Spring in Florida is a great time. The greenery is turning from dull brown to green again and things start to look alive. At the beaches you see a lot of spring breakers hanging out and having that much needed break from classes and the snow.

The snowbirds are getting ready to go back to where they came and leave the roads and restaurants to the locals. It used to be that the prices were so high in the winter that the locals could not eat out until spring but things have evened out and the prices do not escalate like they used to when the northern income had to last all year round.

Houses are starting to move and have come back into the reasonable range to crazy low. People are starting to buy again and the economy should start to pick up by late summer for early fall.

All is well in the land of sunshine and margaritas.

Not So Happy New Year

I hope this year goes better for the real estate market in Florida than last. In Sarasota County there were 300 yes 300 repo homes between the 17 of December and the end of the month. This is sad news for all those who lost their homes due to being over burdened by mortgages that they can not pay....my husband, Rick, says that I should not write suckie news but it may not be for you if you are looking to move here. There are more houses to choose and I know the prices are better due to the banks holding them and needing to move them.

Florida is great if it is below 50 degrees where you are now.It is balmy and beautiful. You can sit outside and enjoy those lovely screened porches we live for and can't use in the summer.

There was a visitor in church this morning saying it was below zero on the Platt River where he runs cattle and it was a blessing to be in Florida! So come on down, take a look at the wonderful homes waiting owners and bring your pocketbook!

Cypress Gardens the best value for Entertainment

When folks come to Florida for a visit they want to take in an amusement park. Most want one of the big ones that cost an arm and a leg. The best value for your money is Cypress Gardens. Last year we took our 5th grade there for the spring trip and it was everything they wanted and more. Not only do they have the educational part of the part with the butterfly garden but they also have wonderful topiary to walk through that are in the shapes of animals and more.

If that is not enough they have a wonderful water ski show that will have you on your feet and applauding. What fun for all ages. There are lots of rides and roller coasters for the enthusiast and a water park to float in and just pass the day away.

What amazed me most is the level of entertainment that is included in the ticket. Where else can you have all of this and Willie Nelson too? Yes, I said Wille. The outdoor arena is great for concerts and there are no bad seats in the house. The fun part about this area is the Jazzy Chair section. They have a section for those old rockers who are unable to stand and wave their arms. This was entertainment enough besides the name acts of our youth.

When my grandchildren come this year this is my park of choice. The admission is half that of the big name parks but the rides and quality is much better. The food in the park is reasonable too. There is a great buffet, a bar-b-que place with wonderful platters, and the hot dog-hamburger places.

Check out the link to this park and see if you don't agree this is the park to attend.

http://www.cypressgardens.com