Escape to Florida

Stop #4 on the Water Taxi Tour  We enjoyed our ride through the waterways of, as the tour guide put it, the Venice of Florida.... not sure if you can tell from the photo, but there are TWO different water rides....(Pink signs and yellow/green signs) . We took the Yellow/Green Line.... from what we could tell there are boats going in both directions and also some that have full bars and some that just have water to drink... .... so if that is important, check it before you board.  We had the trimmed down version and were quite happy with our ride. We used it strictly for touring but others used it as transportation to the restaurant or shops they wanted to visit.... Not inexpensive but Groupons seemed to abound for half price. Beautiful Waterfront Homes Stunning Views Fort Lauderdale "White House" Restaurant Along the Route

The house and gardens of this winter retreat of the Bartlett and Birch families was stunning.... The home was designed and built by Frederic Clay Bartlett.... he had an eclectic collection that has been taken care of by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation..... A fee of $20 was well worth it as the docent did a fabulous job with both the furnishings and the estate itself..... Aviary in the Courtyard

 On trips to Florida I have seen several different manatee viewing areas near power stations..... they like the warm water.... but this one just a few miles from Route 75 is probably the best.... nice ramps for watching and an informative display to go along with the watching area.... NOTE: Since my last visit LOTS has been added.... touch tanks for some rays... lots of picnic areas and more boardwalks for observation....  The power plant is the REASON the manatees cluster here.... warm water.... 

Can't Miss Viewing the Eagles with These Tubes

 Beautiful wildlife..... if you chose NOT to leave your car, you could still see amazing sights.... but plenty to see if you want to walk around as well.....

A short boat ride takes you across the water to the Fort...... costumed interpreters do an excellent job describing the fort..... the park connected on the land side is quite lovely as well.....

Well worth the trip.... just be careful with GPS guidance..... follow signs if it leads you astray..... Delicious lunch there as well....