Today we took a short road trip up to the Village of The Arts in Bradenton. A lovely old shopping area where artists live and maintain studios in restored cottages from the 1920s and 1930s. After our walking tour we stopped in at the Riviera Dunes Dockside waterfront restaurant in Palmetto for lunch

Today we drove over to the quaint little old town of Bradenton. After strolling around the town and checking out the local shops we stopped in at the beach bar and grill on Coquina beach for a cold one. We then sat in horrific traffic for about an hour getting back to our campsite just 5 miles away.

Today we took a road trip north up to the Travelers Rest 55 plus community and RV resort near Dade City. We visited here to meet up with a number of our snowbird friends from the Minnesota Airstream Park. We drove into historic Dade City and stopped in at the Florida Cracker restaurant for lunch.

Today we visited the Mote marine laboratory and aquarium in Sarasota. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. It was great to see so many live exhibits on full display. They are currently building a new larger aquarium and facility scheduled to open later this year. A fun outing for the family #Airstream

Today we hit a few more local vintage and thrift stores in search of must have treasures. After failing miserably with our quest we drove downtown to check out Marina Jack’s. We stopped in at the Blue Sunshine bar and grill at the marina for a well deserved cold one. A busy place. #Airstream

Today we took a leisurely country drive out to Myakka State Park. A beautiful place to commune with nature. We stopped a few times on our drive through the park to take in the sights and snap a few pics of the wildlife. A great experience if you have a few hours to spare. #Airstream

Today we visited the local Pinecraft neighborhood home of the Amish and Mennonites snowbird community. Following a short stroll around the gift shops and grocery store we stopped in at Yoder’s family restaurant for lunch. The fried chicken dinner, the fish and chips and the pies were awesome.

Today we drove over to Turtle Beach and sunbathed for a couple of hours. After that we went on a quest for a good beach bar. Most places around Siesta Key were crowded so we ended up over at the historic Phillippi Creek oyster bar. We shared a dozen oysters for lunch and they were awesome #Airstream

Today we hit the local University Town shopping mall to check out the upscale retail scene. An impressive place. After strolling the two floors of the mall we did snag a couple of bargains making it worthwhile. We then stopped in at Capitol Grill at the mall for a well deserved cocktail. #Airstream

Today it is raining and very windy so we are staying home in the Airstream. Sharing some additional pics from our visit to the Ringling museum yesterday. The scale model exhibit of a complete circus setup is absolutely awesome with insane detail. The main Ringling circus exhibits are stunning.

Today we visited the renowned Ringling museum in Sarasota. This place is stunning and well worth a visit. Our tickets included a tour of the 1920s Ca’d’Zan mansion, the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum. After our tour of the estate we stopped in at the Ringling Grillroom for lunch. A fun day.

Today we took a short drive over to  Coquina Beach and soaked up some sun for a couple of hours. We then took a leisurely drive along the coast back up to Anna Maria Island before stopping in at Whitney’s for lunch. This was an old gas station / garage redeveloped into a fun bar and grill #Airstream

Toady we took a short drive up to the Ellenton premium outlet mall for some more retail therapy. After scoring a few bargains we took a break before stopping in for dinner at the local Turmeric Indian restaurant. This place did not disappoint, great atmosphere excellent service and awesome food.

Today we hit a few more vintage shops in the area in search of the ultimate find. We ended up in the old town historical district. After failing to secure any collectible vintage items we stopped in at The Fountain kitchen and wine bar on South Orange Street for lunch. A great spot. #Airstream

Today is a low key day for us. Sharing some additional pics from our trip to St. Petersburg yesterday. After visiting the Chihuli glass museum we drove over to St. Pete’s beach for a leisurely stroll to take in some sun and grab a bite to eat. We stopped in at Sandbar Bills bar and grill. #Airstream

Today we took a short road trip up the coast to St. Petersburg. A stunning drive. We visited the renowned Chihuly glass museum in the downtown arts district. His glass works are awesome pieces of art on full display. We also enjoyed a live glass blowing presentation. Well worth a visit. #Airstream

Today we hit the local vintage shops to feed Caroline’s passion for all things vintage. We visited this great store Canned Ham Vintage well stocked with many fun items. This is a private business established in 2014 originally selling vintage items out of the cute little silver trailer in the pics.

Today after the rain we took a short drive down to Armand’s Circle for some retail therapy. We strolled around the shops before stopping in at the historic Columbia Spanish bar and restaurant for a cocktail. This is a fun place family owned and established in 1905. Awesome menu. #Airstream

Today we took a short road trip south down to Venice to check out the area. We drove around the quaint historic old town. We did not stop but will return to take in the shops. We did however stop at Sharky’s on Venice beach for lunch and a stroll on the fishing pier. A fun day. #Airstream

Today we took advantage of the beautiful weather and drove downtown again to see the sights. This time we drove over the bridge and south through Siesta Key on down to Turtle Beach.  We stopped in at Turtles bar and grill on Little Sarasota Bay for lunch. Another fun day exploring. #Airstream

Today is our first full day in Sarasota. As first time visitors we took a drive downtown to explore the coastline. We drove up to Anna Maria Island. There is evidence all around of the devastation caused by the recent hurricane. We stopped in at the Sandbar seafood bar and grill for lunch #Airstream

Today we broke camp in Ft. Lauderdale and drove with the Airstream over to Sarasota to our campsite at an RV park. We have a quiet site in the park that will now be home for the next month just a few miles from the beach. Time for more fun in the sun. #Airstream

Today is our last full day in Ft. Lauderdale. After completing chores and taking care of online business we did venture out for some local shopping. On our way home we stopped in at Smoke On The Water cigar bar and grill in Weston. We enjoyed cocktails and soaked up the ambiance of this fun place.

Today we took a short road trip up to West Palm Beach. The weather was beautiful however the traffic sucked. After navigating the six lane highways we did enjoy a drive along the coast road before heading home. We stopped in at historic Banana Boat bar and grill at Boynton Bay marina for lunch.

Today we visited the Everglades Holiday Park west of Ft. Lauderdale and enjoyed our first airboat ride. This was a welcome one hour thrill and was well worth it. Our tickets included a live alligator viewing and presentation after our boat ride. A fun experience. #Airstream

Today is our first full day relaxing back at our campsite in Ft. Lauderdale. No real agenda, just catching up on stuff and taking in some sun. Sharing a few pics from our trip back. We stopped in at the The Buzzards Roost bar and grill in Key Largo for lunch. A fun place on the water. #Airstream

Today is Caroline’s 66th birthday and time to leave Key West and drive back to the Airstream in Ft. Lauderdale. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay topped off with a delicious fresh seafood dinner at the Stoned Crab restaurant at our resort. We both had lobster alfredo and shared a slice of key lime pie.

Today we took a self guided walking tour of the downtown area. We took in the shops on Duval street and enjoyed a guided tour of the Earnest Hemingway house. It was fun to see many of the 59 resident cats relaxing on the property. After that we stopped in at the Bahama Village bar for a cold one.

Today is my 66th birthday and our first full day in Key West. We started the day taking the highly recommended Old Town trolly bus guided tour. We ended the day with a romantic Valentines dinner at the elegantly appointed Hot Tin Roof restaurant overlooking the water. An awesome day. #Airstream

Today we left the Airstream in Ft. Lauderdale and drove down to Key West for Valentine’s weekend to celebrate both Caroline any my 66th birthdays. We are staying at the Ibis Bay beach resort. We are here for three nights. We started with well deserved cocktails and fresh seafood dishes. #Airstream

Today was a low key day for us staying close to our campsite completing chores and taking care of online business. I am just sharing some additional pics that we took yesterday during our visit to the Flamingo Gardens. Well worth a visit. #Airstream

Today we enjoyed a visit to Flamingo Gardens in Ft. Lauderdale. This is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in Southern Florida established in 1927. We took a self guided walking tour and a guided trolley car tour to experience the rare and exotic trees, plants and wildlife.

Today was a low key day for us staying close to our campsite.  After completing our chores we did run down to Flanigan’s a local neighborhood seafood bar and grill for lunch. This place had a fun vibe and was established in 1959. We both enjoyed a generous serving of fish tacos and fries. #Airstream

Today we took the highly recommended water taxi tour of the intercostal area of Ft. Lauderdale. We certainly got a peek into the life styles of the rich and famous. This was absolutely stunning and well worth it if you are new to the area or looking for a relaxing guided tour. #Airstream

Today was our first full day in Ft. Lauderdale. We enjoyed beautiful weather and took a drive downtown to check out the sights.  We were not disappointed. This place is massive with a similar vibe to Miami. The beachfront area was packed with interesting people. #Airstream

Today was a beautiful day to break camp and travel from St. Augustine to Ft. Lauderdale where we are staying at a KOA for the next two weeks. The camp site is in the process of being upgraded. We have a tight back in site. Luckily the camp guide was an experienced trucker so was able to assist us.

Today was our last full day in St. Augustine. After completing chores and visiting the local mall we topped off the day with an awesome outdoor dining experience at the Boathouse restaurant. Caroline had lobster ravioli and I had crab stuffed grouper and we finished off with a slice of key lime pie.

Today we enjoyed beautiful weather and visited Castillo de San Marcos the oldest masonry fort in America built in the 1600’s to defend St. Augustine against foreign invaders. We also visited the St. Augustine light house built in 1874. #Airstream

Today we took the highly recommended old town trolley car tour around St. Augustine. This certainly gave us a taste of the rich history of this region and the oldest city in America. This was a 1.5 hour guided tour. It was that good we went round twice and got off once for a lunch stop. #Airstream

Today was low key for us enjoying the beautiful weather at our campsite while we completed chores and took care of online business. Sharing a few pics here from the old town trolley car depot. It was great to see an early Model T ford RV conversion out in the wild. #Airstream

Today was our first full day at our campsite in St. Augustine. We had beautiful weather so we drove around the downtown, did a little sightseeing and ended up at the Tini Martini Bar overlooking the bay. We enjoyed well deserved Martinis and a bite to eat before heading home to our trailer.

Today was the fifth and final leg of our trip from Macon, GA to St. Augustine, FL. Finally some beautiful weather for our drive into Florida. No issues in route other than typical displays of bad driving. We arrived safely at the Stage Coach RV park in St. Augustine. Time to relax!

Today was the fourth leg of our trip from Nashville, TN to Macon, GA. No major issues in route other than bad weather multiple accidents and intense traffic as we drove through Atlanta during rush hour. #Airstream

Today was the third leg of our trip from Springfield, IL to Nashville, TN. No issues in route other than bad weather after the big snow melt. We found a fun place to park for dinner outside a vape zone location across the parking lot from a Mexican restaurant. #Airstream

Today was the second leg of our trip from Madison, WI to Springfield, IL. We ran with the big boys after hitting a small deer on a country road south of Madison. Luckily no damage to the truck or trailer.

This is my first post on Bluesky as my wife Caroline and I migrate from Meta. This marks the start of our fifteenth Airstream season and third year in retirement and fortieth year of marriage. This is the start of the first leg of our trip to St. Augustine, FL leaving Monticello, MN. #Airstream