Escape to Florida

 Friends and I enjoyed our stay at this panhandle beach.  It was windy and cool while we were there but the beauty and width of the beaches is impressive.

 A gem of a small museum.... not far from Fort Lauderdale where we were staying.   Time your visit to take advantage of the docent tour.. it was excellent. Chandeliers from the nearby Casino after it was renovated...…  Large and Ornate LLadro  Ardmore  Chihuly Pieces on Display  From the Ardmore Collection  Beautiful Butterfly Chandelier 

 The above photo is the view from the grounds of the Lakeside Inn,  the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida.  Several other photos are taken around the hotel and during walks into the quaint town.   The town provides excellent shopping and a great array of dining options. Lobby Lakeside Hotel  February Fire in the Lobby 

 Another beautiful State Park in Florida.... bikes were available for rental... wish we had longer to visit.... Beaches were amazing....

 Pronounced the BEST ride by one of the grandkids..... They were able to do it twice, so that probably helped!   If you have a Park to Park ticket you can ride the Hogwarts Express.... they loved it.... Of COURSE a butterbeer was required drinking..... View as we arrived by boat from our hotel... a nice feature if you are staying on the property....  The other granddaughter's favorite was the Gringott's ride but she loved EVERYTHING that was Harry Potter associated..... it was well done, other than the ride in Hogsmeade had a glitch the day we were there so we were stuck for 10 minutes.... luckily we were not in a weird position nor were we staring at something scary..... Big Splashdown at Jurassic Park Ride Performers in Hogsmeade We were prepared for wet rides with alternate shoes, shorts and undies.... also plastic bags to store the wet clothes.... Pronounced LAME by our two.... we cannot comment... we did not go! Enjoyab