Visiting Floriday

D

DuckDogTitus

New member
I know there are a number of Brats in FL I thought I'd ask y'all for a recommendation. My wife and I are planning to escape Seattle sometime in the dead of the winter. maybe January-ish 2014. We both love beaches and fishing and wondered if anyone can make a recommendation for first time visitors. We've considered everything from Ft Lauderdale, Miami, down to Key West...


we were going to go this past winter but to be honest I think we were overwhelmed with options and alas, chose none! :cry
 
Not for the beaches, but if you think you would enjoy one of the most delightful cruises on a tropical river you could find anywhere, think about Florida's St. John's River. It's unique - first, it flows north! Can you name another river in the US that does? There are a few, and they are also marvelous!

This cruise has marvelous birds, vegetation, 'gators, dolphins, warm springs. Manatees - WOW!

http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/stjohns.htm

Then, head to the coasts for beaches and join the mobs.
 
D.D.T.
The keys would get my vote if you are going in January. That's where it is warmest. Other parts of Florida can get cold at that time. Think about spending some time in Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo. We have taken the inter coastal waterway from Ft. Pierce to Key West. Transient dock fees and gas can be expensive. Spending a week at each local can be a lot cheaper. Putting the boat back on the trailer is faster and cheaper. Plus you can gas up cheaper on land. Weekly rates are half per night compared to one night stands. Bahia Honda State Park is really nice for a night or two and it is just about ten miles south of Marathon. You could easily run down there from a more full service marina in Marathon. We are going down for the month of February and will stay a week in Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo. The forth week still open for discussion. Maybe Islamorada. Great place to get out of the cold. Better get used to running in shallower water. They say water color tells the story down there. Brown Brown run aground.
D.D.
 
The St. Johns area is one that's at the top of my list to explore with the C-Dory. I've done a bit of diving there, so got just a sampler that way. Only thing is (at least when I was there, which was only during two different seasons) it can be pretty cold in January. One year it got down to 18º and the other it was in the 30's overnight and 50-ish during the day. Maybe this isn't typical, but might be worth checking into if you really are looking for warmth. I was thinking late February/March/early April for that area (after the cold but before the heat/bugs).

That said, it's a gorgeous area and much, much less crowded than the Keys. More of a rural/exploring feel. Still, I'd probably head further south in January if I were looking for a warmer escape. Even the Keys are subject to the cooler temps (and wind) of "Northers" in winter, but of course the "cold" temps in the Keys are always warmer than further north, even so. And if you are lucky you will hit between Northers.

Sunbeam
 
Sunbeam":1jxg2ezj said:
The St. Johns area is one that's at the top of my list to explore with the C-Dory. I've done a bit of diving there, so got just a sampler that way. Only thing is (at least when I was there, which was only during two different seasons) it can be pretty cold in January. One year it got down to 18º and the other it was in the 30's overnight and 50-ish during the day. Maybe this isn't typical, but might be worth checking into if you really are looking for warmth. I was thinking late February/March/early April for that area (after the cold but before the heat/bugs).
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That was a concern of mine. We're definitely hoping to pick a warm spot to help escape the dreary seattle winter. we've also considered hawaii and mexico.

Another thing I should say besides thank you for the great responses so far... is that we won't have our boat. I dont think we'll be able to pull ourselves away from work long enough to trailer from Seattle to Florida (or Floriday as I appear to think its spelled) so our boating would be chartered (probably fishing).
 
If you are not on your boat, we would sure suggest you take a look at Gulf Shores AL. White sand beaches, nice fishing charters, good walks and birds - great camping and good motels and eateries. Before we lived aboard, we spent many a winter there.

Thataway Bob would have good ideas about places along the Florida Panhandle to the east of Gulf Shores - where beaches are also super!
 
Thataway Bob goes to the keys for Jan thru March! We will be at Knight's Key (at mile marker 49) for about 2 1/2 months--come on by and visit! Take you for a boat ride and some fishing. (Assuming that my back continues to do better than last year after my surgery).

The Panhandle gets cold in the winter--and I would recommend going South. Most of the areas are going to be crowded, but we have always found campgrounds and hotels even in busy times. Same for the St. John's. Great place in spring and fall, but it will be cold in the winter (relative).

In the keys there are a number of out of the way spots, and we don't find it too crowded or expensive in the Marathon area.

All of the Gulf coast can be affected by "Northers"--with these there is a drop of temperature and strong winds out of the North.

For us the usual coastal resorts are too crowded on both coasts. Weekends in the keys are worse than week days. Fort Meyers Beach has some nice areas. So stop in the Everglades, both Everglade City and Flamenco to see some of the wild life. We take the "Trail" across the Everglades rather than the toll road.

I'll PM my cell phone and contact. Other C brats visit regularly, and we try and get together for dinner etc if several are in the area.
 
DuckDogTitus":2zu8rynq said:
Another thing I should say besides thank you for the great responses so far... is that we won't have our boat.
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Aha, well I was thinking that was an ambitious trailer for a short getaway (but then... the C-Dorys do seem to get around!).

Re-reading, "beaches" stuck in my mind. While there are some beaches in the Keys, it's not really a spectacular beach place, as they go. Not saying that to discourage you from the Keys, but just to let you know, as it's one of those places people tend to assume has great beaches and then are surprised when it doesn't.

One last note is that if you are really looking for a "guaranteed" warm/beachy/getaway, and since you don't need a highway to lead there, maybe Hawaii or Mexico (as you mentioned) would be good options. I have not spent January time in either of the latter places, but if they aren't prone to Northers they might be preferable. Not that the Florida Northers are so horrible (they still beat snow and ice); but if you have a week's getaway, and you land in the middle of one.... well it makes me think of a Keys dive trip a few winters ago wherein we spent most of our "home time" (in our gorgeous, large, many-roomed rental) huddled in the kitchen (doors to the rest of the house blocked off with sheets) while we baked, baked, baked. The oven was the only source of heat, and it was dern' cold! Of course the week after we left was gorgeous and warm, but such are the vagaries of Northers + one-week-trips.

Sunbeam
 
thataway":9cygvap1 said:
Actually there are some nice beaches in the keys, but they are not along the main road. Not as nice as the Pan Handle however.
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That's true - maybe I made it sound like there were none, which is wrong. It's just that it's not a "beachy" place, which is what I would have thought before my first time there. So as long as one knows that, then the beaches that exist work just fine (and maybe you know some secret/local ones :))

Also, there will likely be an assortment of Brats there, and visiting them might add to the fun of a Keys trip vs. another locale. (The Keys is basically one highway, so if you are driving into them, and there are any people there you want to see, they'll be "on the way.")
 
If the get-away is one where you won't have your boat, AND warmth and beaches are the agenda, it is hard to beat Hawaii.

Joan and I used to treat ourselves to beachy escapes each year before we retired. You could go to southern Texas, the Florida Keys, or San Diego in January, but you can't be sure you won't hit a cold week. We have done Mexico numerous times, but you have to get as far south as Cabo, Cancun, or Puerto Vallarta to get to a pretty-much-guaranteed warmth in January.

All that considered, you simply can't go wrong with Hawaii. The west coast of Maui (Kaanapali or further south to Kihei) is our favorite, after 19 or 20 times of visiting the Aloha State. The other islands are spectacular, as well, but we have always run into beautiful weather on Maui.

Our home is in the "Tropical Tip of Texas." Swaying palm trees and wonderful beaches. But, south Texas (same latitude as Naples, FL) can get northers just like Florida. Spending the whole winter season? Any of the 3 mainland areas I mentioned above will consistently give you better weather than the frozen northland. BUT, if this is an "escape," and "beachy and warmth" are important parts of the equation, go west... WAY west... and learn about the Aloha spirit.

Bring a high-limit credit card... you can buy all the beachy stuff you need there. If you stay in a condo (our preference), they may have beach mats and chairs. If not, pull out that credit card and get what you need. Rent a convertible, and cruise with the top down. Go for a different sunset cruise each night (see who has the best Mai Tais), dine at the beach in Whaler's Village (Leilani's on the beach, or the Hula Grill, where you can have your feet in the sand while you eat). Walk through Lahaina, great art shops and more restaurants (I'm fond of Cheesburger in Paradise at sunset). Do a luau if you have never done one - The Old Lahaina Luau has a good show and luau, much better than those at the big hotels.

If some of that stuff sounds "touristy"... that's why you're there! Enjoy the sun and the beaches. Go snorkeling. Get up REALLY early and to go the top of Haleakala to see a sunrise that you will remember for the rest of your life... you can "bike the volcano" on the way down with one of the bike companies who offer that tour. Get in the convertible and drive to Maui's north shore, just beyond the town of Paia (where the surf, wind surfing, and kite surfing will amaze you). It will take you an entire day to make the drive to Hana, with 56 one lane bridges and 617 hairpin curves... you may want to save that for your next time there, so you don't lose a whole day of beachy stuff.

Dang, I get all fired up about it, just writing this. The only downside for us is the long commercial flight to get there... and back. If you haven't been there, it IS worth it. (I just hate flying commercial these days.) Some people consider it a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Many start scheming how they will get back before they even leave.

Good luck with the plans. Wherever you decide to go, DO NOT put it off again. Escape the cold and see what it does for love-life. :hot :love :lips :D

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
The small town of DeLand sits 25 miles from the ICW New Smyrna/ Daytona/St. Augustine. Great B&B's along the way. 6 miles away is the St. John's which opens up a whole other cruising adventure. The manatees at Blue Springs, birds, gators and other wildlife. Weather can be chilly especially in the mornings in January.
 
DuckDogTitus":3asxam9b said:
I know there are a number of Brats in FL I thought I'd ask y'all for a recommendation. My wife and I are planning to escape Seattle sometime in the dead of the winter. maybe January-ish 2014. We both love beaches and fishing and wondered if anyone can make a recommendation for first time visitors. We've considered everything from Ft Lauderdale, Miami, down to Key West...


we were going to go this past winter but to be honest I think we were overwhelmed with options and alas, chose none! :cry
Click to expand...

m2cw

We have a place off Charlotte Harbor and have spent the Xmas season there the last several years. Some years the weather is cold (thanks goodness we have furnace!) and have seen ice several times but yet to see a single stage let alone a dual stage snow blower. ha ha

We fish and boat but the water is a chilly for us for swimming but fine for walking and collecting seashells esp after a storm.

I vote for the Keys. My brother lives in Ocala and has rented very nice condos with a boat dock without breaking the bank in Marathon. It was off the main highway and the area has many amenities such as good restaurants, churches, entertainment, close to Key West, Everglades, fishing, Miami... we like short day trips of less 100 miles to see the sights....more importantly everyone is friendly and helpful (I find them charming and gracious) and the area is very popular with many international visitors and some own property.

Have fun!
 
El and Bill":2chlv2vt said:
Not for the beaches, but if you think you would enjoy one of the most delightful cruises on a tropical river you could find anywhere, think about Florida's St. John's River. It's unique - first, it flows north! Can you name another river in the US that does? There are a few, and they are also marvelous!

This cruise has marvelous birds, vegetation, 'gators, dolphins, warm springs. Manatees - WOW!

http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/stjohns.htm

Then, head to the coasts for beaches and join the mobs.
Click to expand...

There quite a few in Oregon.... Willamette, John Day, Deschutes.
 
Yes - and we have cruised those Oregon Rivers and they ARE marvelous! Some we 'cruised' in our canoe and that was even better for some than on the C-Dory!
 
I would vote for the ICW South of Stuart, Fla. You are just inside the coast and there are parks that you can find a dock and walk across the dunes to the ocean. Free anchorages are in short supply, but in Ft Lauderdale there is a city marina that is very reasonable and you can get an all day water taxi ticket for a few bucks. The taxi has several stops that you can walk a block to the ocean. The marina is up a river on your starboard side as you are southbound. The ICW across Florida across Lake O is also a hoot. You can go all the way to the west coast and the Gulf of M. PM us if you would like more info on this waterway.
 
wow you guys are so helpful its almost worse. Maybe I need to put the locations on the wall and throw a dart blind lol. Really though, I appreciate it all.

Bob's invite and fishing is very very tempting. I received your PM, Sir. Be certain that if we end up in your neck of the woods you'll receive a phone call!

We have done Puerto Vallarta twice. I think its one of my favorite places, and Waikiki once. Christina would like to try a new place, so that's whey she is interested in Maui and the Keys. I threw in Cancun for fun as an option...

looks like we will be using airline miles to get there, so that will allow us to splurge a bit more on the destination regardless :)

Jim, your marketing for Maui has been quite persuasive. perhaps you could contact a local chamber there for a job! :mrgreen:
 
DuckDogTitus":2ousew58 said:
wow you guys are so helpful its almost worse. Maybe I need to put the locations on the wall and throw a dart blind lol. Really though, I appreciate it all.

...
Jim, your marketing for Maui has been quite persuasive. perhaps you could contact a local chamber there for a job! :mrgreen:
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A couple years ago, a guy offered me a boat job in Maui. My first question: does it include housing? (No) Joan's first question: do they still have that long quarantine for cats?

We have really enjoyed Maui over the years. It is a completely different experience from Oahu and Waikiki. Each of the islands has a different vibe, but Maui is our favorite... Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best).

Every time we've been there, I think to myself: if we sold our house, the truck, the RV, the boat, and everything else we own, we could afford to stay here for another two or three weeks. :wink:

Good luck with the decisions... seems to me you can't go wrong! :D

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Assuming you're flying out of Seattle, Hawaii is awfully easy. Alaska has nonstop flights from Seatac to Kauai, Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. I've found the flights pretty easy...5 or 6 hours really isn't bad. Some of them are red eyes, and an ambien puts me to sleep for just the right amount of time. It sure beats some of the Central American destinations that require a redeye to Atlanta, Houston, or Dallas, then a connecting flight.

I LOVE Kauai. I keep going to other beach destinations, and I've yet to find one that combines great beaches, activities, accessibility, and scenery as well. Parts of Costa Rica and South Africa (colder and 24 hours of flying away) come close. Australia and Belize have great underwater opportunities, but come up short elsewhere (cost, travel time, creepy crawlers in the water).

Depending on your interests, Hawaii doesn't have to be expensive. I spent 8 or 9 days in Kauai a few years back with two of my brothers and we spent less than $900 each, including airfare. If you use miles, it'll be even cheaper.

We were there for backpacking (the hiking kind, not the hosteling kind), so we slept in tents most nights. Not for everyone. That said, Waimea Canyon was stunning; we had a campsite just steps from a pristine river with a freshwater pool and awesome cliff jumping. Huge canyons-Utah's red rock country meets the rainforest-rose all around us. Nobody else nearby! The Kalalau Trail, along the Napali Coast, was breathtaking and we didn't have a drop of rain in three days (lucky, I know!).

(see pictures of that trip: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.400577471314.179817.506151314&type=1&l=63337d60b3)

I can't speak for the fishing in Hawaii...

Your destination all depends on your interests. I can't sit at a hotel on the beach for more than a few days. That may be just what you're looking for.

Flying time from Seattle to Hawaii is about the same as Seattle to Florida, as long as you get a nonstop to Florida. Not sure how costs compare. On a short trip, nonstop flights are awfully nice. I find them much less tiring and they have a lower chance of scheduling screw ups.
 
In August, we decided on Maui and have been fine tuning our trip (we booked airline in aug, and just picked a place to sleep last week finally). This week I found these folks through the brat map. :D

http://mauiprivateboatcharters.com/TheWendySeas.html


hoping for at least one fishing trip, maybe one spear fishing trip, then countless days of beach time. :beer

not sure about coming home, its a possibility but not a priority.
 
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