Long Weekend Life » tropical beach house

Florida’s “Frost Line” – what is it?

admin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:20:57 +0000

Many of you will be packing your bags to take a break from the cold, wet and snowy winter weather to come and enjoy the tropical warmth of Florida. If you do it right and time it right you should be able to get your thaw on at any of the awesome beaches in the state. If you don’t though Florida could leave you a bit chilly.

Snow in Orlando?

Over twelve years ago I moved to Florida. It is rare that I head back up north during the winter months. But sometimes it is necessary to visit family who feel Florida is just too far to travel. It is enough to remind me of why I moved to Florida. Originally I wanted to move to Orlando. The whole idea of a “big city” along with being at Walt Disney World’s back door really appealed to me. But then I did some investigation and found that Orlando may not really be the place I wanted to be.

Sweatshirt Weather In Florida

It is this same type of investigating you should do when planning a trip here. In the winter (Dec, Jan., Feb., maybe March) there are parts of Florida that do get so cold you would swear it could snow. Most likely it won’t because we actually get drier during the winter months so it is hard for ptrecipitaion to happen, but it feels temperature wise like it could. I jokingly named this area of Florida the frost line. If you come to live here your should be prepared for cold days if you live above it. If you are vacationing you need to be aware of the timing of your vacation or it could be a very cold one. No one likes walking the beach in a heavy coat and blue jeans.

Christmas on the Beach

The frost line as we call it is a mythical line that just happens to coincide with what Florida calls the Tech corridor. From Daytona to Tampa and south to about Sarasota the temperatures can get downright cold. I know to Floridians cold is a relative term when you come from 20,30 & 40 degree temperatures. But we are talking daytime can be as cold as 40-50 and nights into the 30′s. These are the extremes mind you, but it is good to look at when your vacation will be and where. People who like Panama City and the panhandle may want to wait until a little later in the year. Spring Break has usually been a safe bet, but there are always a few surprises. If you are thinking about Spring Break think about South West or South East Florida. From Port Charlotte south on the gulf coast and from West Palm Beach south on the east coast are warm most of the year and hot in the summer. While there are occasions it gets cold they are few and far between this far south.

Hot or Cold? Don't let the blue sky fool you

So come on down and thaw out this winter and enjoy the Florida sun and sand. But be sure to check your weather apps and mind the frost line whenenjoying your long weekend life and winter vacation.

Christmas in the Tropics – How to pack

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:56:56 +0000

I love the holidays here in the tropics. South West Florida offers some of the best weather from the months of November to about March every year. Warm dry temperatures bring people from all over to enjoy our “winters” during those months and for good reason. With daytime temperatures averaging in the mid 70′d and nighttime temperatures around the low 60′s it is easy to stay out all day and night and enjoy the Florida beaches and wildlife and nightlife.

Get ready for some of the best weather you will enjoy all year!

If you are not used to the weather though it may seem a bit warm to you. For those of us who live here all year long it is what we like to call a welcome break. Still it is fun to look at what our northern and “across the pond” friends pack. Everyday you will see any variety of clothing and apparel for feet that people can dream up. So here are some general rules for what to pack during your stay here.

Bikinis, board shorts and t-shirts all around

First if you can afford to, make a trip to Tommy Bahama or a Margaritaville or a Ron Jon Shop as almost everything there is acceptable if it looks good on you. The Aloha shirts made famous in Hawaii are still popular here and worn by almost everyone, as are the t-shirts with tropical designs on the back and logos on the left front.Golf and polo shirts are also making a comeback fora more casual yet dressy look. For pants denim is always good at night as are khaki silk pants for more dressy events for men. Shorts should be just below the kneecap or a board shorts type of design. Many have cargo pockets but some do not.Solids and prints on shorts are all in fashion but just make sure to find a solid color shirt that matches if going this route. As for footwear almost anything works, but as a suggestion to those of you from out of town, we can spot tourists a mile away if you are wearing knee high white or colored socks with your flip flops. With slides it is ok to wear a ankle high sport sock that is black or dark blue, but aside from that flip flops are made for bare feet. Also for swimwear for men it is best to go with board shorts and what you find lately in Tommy Bahama and other beach wear type shops with the exception of Speedos. I cannot count the number of times we have seen people from over seas wearing speedos and immediately known they were tourists. Also mens white or colored briefs do not double as swim wear and are NOT acceptable.As for questions about Crocs, while they were once considered the best thing ever, now people are generally made fun of if they are wearing them. I will say though they are comfortable and economical so it may be worth it to just ignore the nay sayers. This is a decision based on personal tastes.

OluKai's for Men and Sanuk's for women are our favorites

For ladies it is mostly the same story. Anything goes for ladies as well. You can get away with nice short sleeve shirts, t-shirts, halter tops and yes even bikini tops if the event is appropriate. It is good to have a sun dress or two handy while here because they are probably the most comfortable thing to wear during the day. Sandals and flip flops for foot wear are the best choices unless you plan to do a lot of walking and then tennis shoes or training shoes are the best choice. High heels are typically for more dressier events but you can always get away with flats. For swimwear one piece or bikinis are always acceptable if they look good on you and fit properly. Thongs will get you a lot of attention as most of the beach goers tend to err on the modest side in this area.

Beautiful Sunsets

The general rule should always be loose fitting and light colored always wins. Here the gulf breezes provide just enough wind to keep you cool and the air is typically dry though lately we have been prone to a unusual shower or too rolling inland and occasionally on the coast.

A Day at the Beach

So pack your bags, grab a drink and beach chair, get your towel and head down for some of the best weather you will enjoy all year along with beautiful sunsets and great food and join us as we settle in to our long weekend life.

For A Friend………

admin — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:11:07 +0000

I hope your life is always one long weekend no matter how it is spent or where you are. Remember Sunsets are there to remind us everything has a different time but how amazing each time can be. A day is only twenty four hours. The common house fly lives only 24 hours and spends most of it looking for…..well you know. The butterfly spends some of it’s life in one form then changes mid stream to becomes something totally different but more beautiful.We are all different and how we decide to evolve and live those times is up to us. No matter what you believe we go through this life under a shadow but we all have faith in one more day. Many of us leave with unfinished to do lists, things we wished we had said and done and life still left to be lived, because everyone of us is still that little kid full of wonder inside wanting to know there is more. More to life and the experience, more to the wonder that is the planet we live on, so much more than our limited understanding and still more to come.

footprint

Whether you choose a tropical lifestyle that is peaceful and calm next to the water listening to palm tress blow and the waves crashing against the shore, or you are dancing to the music with a drink in hand, Hawaiian shirt on and flip flops on your feet partying through life, or traveling and discovering new shores and new sand and new experiences everything has it’s time.

For a moment

We all go through life with the images of memories in our head of relaxing times gone by or great adventures in far off places that we have been or just relaxing time with family and friends.THOSE are the times to hold onto and remember.THOSE are the true riches in life. Yet we stow them away in tiny books, or on backup hard drives in these modern times to pull them out and remind us of the times we enjoyed life the most and it felt the most complete. The times when that report that was due didn’t matter, or the project went undone and that was just fine. Where the limes tasted sweet and the drinks were ice cold, and the food was the best we ever had, but we would give it all up for one more day relaxing with our friends and family.

Sunsets

Life is and will be sweet no matter where we are and how we spend it. Everything is temporary so embrace the change, find your relaxing spot to dig your toes in and make it a long weekend life no matter where you are. Be happy, hold your head high and enjoy the adventure, but don’t get to attached to the destination for the time being. Enjoy your long weekend life….Aloha!

Coffee Island Style – Oct.is National Coffee Month!

admin — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 20:52:10 +0000

There is nothing like bringing home the taste of the islands to help remind you of that special vacation where you had your toes in the sand or heard the sound of the ocean just outside the door of your hotel suite. You could relax on the patio nd sip your coffee under a palm tree and listen to the crashing waves and feel the breeze rustling through the palms tress…….ahhhhh. But now you are back home and the leaves need raked or the driveway needs the snow cleared and you wish you could just get that moment back.

Kona Beans

Many have tried to create coffee like the islands but few have truly succeeded. A quick search for Tommy Bahama coffee will not yeild the vanilla coffee they offered about a year ago. No now you will get coffee tables, coffee mugs, everything but ground island coffee. Margaritaville Foods on the other hand still offers five varieties of coffee mostly at Wal-Marts and other outlets, that range from “Sunrise in Paradise” to “State of Mind”. While the names give a island feel the coffee is 100% Arabica or Rainforest Certified and mostly NOT grown on an island anywhere. That is not to say it might not taste like something you had in the islands. But it most likely is not something you tasted there.

Kona Gold

Currently Hawaii is the only island coffee is actually grown on. While South American areas like El Salvador, Brazil & Columbia also grow coffee you have to look at the cultures to see where the coffee they serve comes from. If you come to Florida and the Keys you are likely to have one of two Cuban favorites. Goya, El Pilon, Café Caribe, Bustelo, Mayorga and Cafe Llave, are best known in the Caribbean Islands and the Keys because they are widely available.

New on the scene is Marley Coffee capitalizing on the Bob Marley brand to gain market share it can be found at many Island crocery stores and a Trader Joe’s or two from time to time.

Then there are the Hawiian versions. Kona is packaged by several growers and distributed around the globe for everyone to enjoy. Whole foods,carries the most expensive brands such as Hawaiian Isles which has several kinds to choose from but the 100% Kona runs about $17.00 a bag plus S&H. Hawiian Gold can also be found there from time to time and their 100% Kona runs about $30.00 a bag plus S&H. If you are lucky enough you may find it from time to time at Costco as well. But if you want Kona coffee without the hassle of ordering it from Hawaii or paying a huge price Target has a Kona blend that is pretty close to the real thing for about $7 a bag for whole bean coffee.

Stay calm everyone

It is also fun to experiment and find just the right flavor to carry you back to the islands. A little investigation with the resort you stayed at or coffee shop you visited the last time may give you a new favorite flavor in the morning. Grab your mug and sit back and relax and enjoy your long weekend life with a great cup of Island coffee.

Island Superstitions to beware of.

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:57:18 +0000

We hear them all the time when going on vacation. Things like “Don’t drink the water”, “don’t bring lava home from Hawaii”, “keeping a sharks tooth is bad luck” and others. So In order to help you relax on your vacation we decided to help you with some of the local superstitions for the islands, how they got started and which ones could possibly have some truth to them.

We will start with the Hawaii edition. With four different islands and each having their own culture but still sharing the Hawaiian culture there are any number of superstitions that are just for that particular island and then there are Hawaiian superstitions.

Floating lanterns

Lets start first with the most popular superstition most have heard, “Don’t takes rocks from a volcano”. Originating mostly from The Big Island the story has taken off and has become somewhat of an urban legend. The belief is if you take one home as a souvenir you will have terrible luck and be cursed until the rock is returned. There is even stories of vacationers putting the rocks into boxes and envelopes and sending them back to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to ensure their luck will return. Unfortunately there are so many souvenirs that include lava rocks like small plants that you can purchase to take home it would be difficult but not impossible to avoid. We have had plants brought back to us that have included Hawaii lava rocks and as far as I can tell our bad luck had no attachment to the rocks.

Lava rocks

One that may be true is “don’t bring bananas on a boat or fishing trip” the superstition being that bananas ensure you will catch no fish and they bring bad luck. Most captains will not leave port if you have a banana with you. While it sounds silly a recent study has shown sugar on your hands may rub off on the bait and that the “scent” of sugar actually does scare off fish. While it may not bring bad luck such as hurricanes or cause the boat to sink, there may be some truth in the fact that it may ensure you come home empty handed.

A purely fictional superstition but one that may cause issues is “Never take pork over the Pali”. The superstition is Hawaiian only but has to do with a fire God (Pele) and his issues with the half pig, half man demi God Kapapuaa. So supposedly transporting pork over the mountains in Oahu could cause your vehicle to break down or be disabled until it is removed. So just on the safe side leave the SPAM at home.

Spam In Hawaii...with a catch

Pregnant women traveling to Hawaii should only accept fresh open style Lei’s. Never accept a crossed lei if you are pregnant. The superstition says this will cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the unborn child’s neck during both causing strangulation. Why take a chance on this one? No proof it’s real, but who are we to argue?

Hawiian Greeting

There’s the basics to help you avoid any possible bad luck from the superstitions of the Hawaiian islands so you can enjoy your long weekend life vacation and relax!

Keep Calm and Shaka on!

admin — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:27:37 +0000

You often see it everywhere that people are on the beach relaxing. Someone will walk by and give you a hand gesture that makes you smile. With the thumb and pinkie finger extended the “Shaka” hand gesture is also known as “hang loose”, “or more simply “relax”. Used mainly by Hawaiians it is used to convey the “aloha spirit” or understanding and friendship between the people. In years gone by it was used by the many tribes as a gesture much like the peace sign or as a hello that was understood by all. But now mostly it is still used by surfers and vacationers to welcome each other or say hello.

Outside of Hawaii it can mean any number of things from “Hang loose”,”hello”, “goodbye”, “all right”, “Take care”.The hand gesture is also popular among hang gliders and on the coast of Brazil and has the same meaning as in Hawaii. In american sign language it is simply the letter y.

Shaka On

But there are certain places you will want to be careful using Shaka as it has different translations.In Russia for instance someone may think you want a beer…..come to think of it that may happen in parts of the US or at parties depending on how you use the gesture. In China the gesture simply means the number 6….so you may want to wait until the next iPhone comes out before trying that one out. The place to be the most careful though would be islands like Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao where that gesture can be confused with you suggesting you want a sexual exchange.

Shaka On

The gesture is thought to have originated from the placing of a lei or necklace of flowers around someones neck in Hawaii. To hold the necklace tradition said to hold it with the three middle fingers while spreading it open with the thumb and little finger to place it over someone neck. There are other island folklore as to the origins of the wave and where it came from but these are the most popular.

hang loose

So whether you are “hanging loose” or just relaxing enjoying your long weekend life you now know the story behind the Shaka and when and where it is safe to use it.

More Damage off the Coast?

admin — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:10:33 +0000

If you are getting ready to head south for the winter and take a vacation at your favorite beach in Florida or the tropics you might want to ask around first. With the rash of tropical storms and hurricanes some of the beaches in some areas may not be as pristine as you would like.
With Isaac recently passing and Tropical Storm Debby just before that, the Gulf Coast of Florida has suffered some damage. While most hotels and local attractions are fine beach erosion can be a bit of an issue. The white powered sand has been washed away in some areas and will have to be replaced. Areas like Naples Beach in Collier County are applying fro assistance from FEMA to help replace what they think will be more than $2 million in beach erosion damage. From Key West to as far north as Pensacola beach erosion has affected the Gulf Coast of Florida. 20 feet of missing samd and beach area has affected the beaches at Captiva Island and Fort Myers Beach. The Erosion and damage was especially bad for Fort Myers Beach as they had just completed a beach re-nourishment and expansion program.

Naples Pier and Beach has seen some damage from recent storms.

Still it is possible to find a good place to park your chair and umbrella during the season and relax and enjoy the tropical weather. With the storm churning the Gulf waters and bottom you never know what types of treasure you will find on the shore line. Sea Shells, sharks teeth and other types of sea life and treasures have been washing up on the shores since the storms have left the area.

Be aware though that beach erosion typically does NOT lower room rates and resort fees in the area. There is still plenty of sunshine and beaches to enjoy the weather is here. Don’t forget to book early for a number of festivals and events coming up in the Key’s and surrounding areas as well.

Fort Myers Beach and the wildlife there have also been affected

As for the tropics it is business as usual unless you are traveling to Haiti or Cuba, then you may want to check in advance to see if the damage will affect your plans.

Cruises may also be affected due to heavy activity in the Atlantic this year. Always make sure to check the latest news from the cruise line you have chosen.

Some cruises may also be affected.

Still it is possible to enjoy the upcoming season where weather will be beautiful in the mid 60′s – 70′s at night and warm during the day. So break our the shorts, t-shirts, beach chairs and umbrellas and get ready to enjoy your long weekend life.

What a Hurricane or Tropical Storm means to your Vacation.

admin — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:36:22 +0000

It is finally time. You live the tropical life and have been dreaming about that upcoming vacation where you can finally dig your toes into the sand and relax while sipping on your favorite drink. Then it happens……you check the weather and there is a Hurricane or Tropical storm headed directly for your little piece of paradise. So now what do you do?

It has happened and will continue to happen as long as prime vacation time (aka season to us locals) and Hurricane season at both at the same time for the first 2-3 months. Planning and keeping an eye on the weather is key. Hurricanes unlike other natural disasters usually come with plenty of warning. A week out check the forecast. If it looks like there is a possibility of anything hitting where you are at check your vacation insurance (if you have it). If you don’t have it look into policies with your travel agent, or get a travel agent to see what your options are and if natural disasters are covered. Then if you can find a policy….get one……but don’t panic yet.

Calm before the storm?

The second phase is to look into other destinations, or Plan B that are in the same area but not affected by the storm. In the case of Isaac this would have been further north of Florida or probably the Hilton Head, SC area.If you can rebook and change destinations then that might be the next move.

If you still have your heart set on that tropical destination that is about to possibly be battered then wait it out. As a local I will tell you there is a 50/50 chance the storm will hit your area. In the case of Isaac those headed to Miami and the East Coast (Ironically away from the storm) got drenched for days. But those closest to the storm on the West Coast or Gulf coast side North of Bonita Springs saw only a day or two of rain and high winds. Also the BEST weather in the area is often on either end of the storm. Just before all of the clouds are gone as they are headed to the storms rotation. So there is typically a nice breeze and very few if any showers. The storm will come and last a day to two days and then on the back end is typically clear but slightly humid weather because of the moisture left behind.

Weather Maps change often during the course of a storm.

Granted each storm is different and you need to be aware there is a possibility of damage, power outages and some of the local amenities being closed the more powerful the storm is. If you are vacationing on the Gulf coast side of Florida in the Sanibel, Captiva area or north of there to about Tampa that area has a natural protection from most storms because of Cuba. The space between Cuba and Florida does not allow a storm to grow enough to gain any kind of strength as was evidenced by Isaac and if it comes the other way the mountains of Cuba typically shred the storm apart. In the case of Charlie the storm stalled in the Gulf and reformed before hitting the area…..it was an unusual year.

The Calm after the storm sometimes.

So be prepared, watch the storms, maybe even play along with the locals and their favorite game called “Do we put the storm shutters up or not”. If your answer is no then watch your flights and be ready to enjoy some great shell hunting and treasure finds on the back end of the storm while enjoying your vacation and your long weekend life.

ParrotHeads….what the hell are they?

admin — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:16:58 +0000

The term is throw around a lot when it comes to Jimmy Buffett fans. But where did it come from and how did it start? The truth to the story may not be as exciting as actually being one and participating. The term “Parrothead” was coined at a concert in Cincinnati when Jimmy was commenting on all the various forms of dress the fans had showed up in. The typical aloha shirts, fin hats, parrot hats and hula skirts, etc. he looked out at the crowd and mentioned it is great having fans like the Grateful Dead who were so dedicated to the music and lifestyle. Timothy B. Schmidt who was in Jimmy’s band the Coral Reefers at the time them mentioned maybe they should be called “Parrotheads” and the term stuck. Since then the term has evolved some.

Cheeseburger In Paradise is a popular ParrotHead spot

In 1989 the first “official” Parrotheads chapter or club was established in Atlanta by founder Scott Nickerson. Since then the club has gone international and it is believed there are some 200+ clubs in the US and Canada alone. Originally the clubs would meet at the concerts to tailgate and share stories of previous concerts and adventures.Their hard core fandom grew and take shape. Jimmy did his part to fuel the growth with the opening of restaurants like Margaritaville and loaning his name for Cheeseburger In Paradise. Add to that the souvenirs that later became a clothing and decor line for the fans to buy and being a parrothead became a lot less exclusive. But one could argue exclusivity is probably NOT what Parrotheads are after. The more the merrier it seems at the gatherings.

Tiki Torch is lit...it's time to tailgate

Parrothead events range from simple Happy Hours to the annual “Meeting of the Minds” in Key West. This particular meeting has grown to some 4,000+ fans and includes live music as well as various charity events. There are thought to be some 30,000+ Parrotheads worldwide and through various charity events they have raised well over $27 million for various charities as well as donating some 3 million hours of community service. So while Parrotheads are typically thought of as just a bunch of wild partiers. it can be argued they play hard AND work hard to make the world a better place.

Proper Dress Not required

So if you are considering becoming a Parrothead or already are one where are the resources you should check in on to make it official? There is one that goes without saying and that is http://www.margaritaville.com, if you would like the link for the Parrothead chapters around the world to find the one nearest you you can check that out at http://www.phip.com/Chapters.asp.

Get involved and get immersed in the tropical lifestyle with the Parrotheads and relax and enjoy your long weekend life.

SHARK!!!!!!!!!!! (Shark Week)

admin — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:33:16 +0000

We love the beach! We Love the Ocean! We love the tropics! Unfortunately that is where the trouble begins. You see when you mix those three ingredients they are the perfect mix for what could be trouble. I have been watching “Shark Week!” on TV this week and an ominous number popped up on my screen saying that one of our favorite areas (Florida) is number one in the world for Shark attacks! Apparently not only humans like white sandy beaches and warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

Sometimes getting the Prize can get Dicey......SHARK!!!!!!!

One of the things the show demonstrated is how sharks mistake food and humans leading to the sometimes deadly attacks. One of the problems with populated beaches is a lot of sand gets kicked up making the waters murky. This leads to the sharks often times confusing their intended target for something else. Add to this during certain times of the year on both coasts of Florida beach goers are actually encouraged to shuffle their feet in order to avoid being stung by Sting Rays sitting hidden under the sand (“Sting Ray Shuffle”) making the waters murky intentionally and leading to what could be a dangerous situation. As the movie Jaws reminds us most shark attacks happen in waters just deeper than knee deep. So it is important to remember to always be aware of your surroundings.

Boca Grande known for it's fishing is also known for some crazy interactions with Sting Rays and SHARK!!!!!!!!!

We encountered this in a recent trip to Boca Grande on the Gulf Coast side. The kids had walked to a sand bar about 25 feet off of shore and were looking for sand dollars. While the water was only waist deep, they were leaned over looking for their prize. They had collected a few when my youngest daughter out of the corner of her eye noticed a dorsal fin pass extremely close by. Needless to say she ran screaming from the water and still to this day stays on shore or in very shallow waters. It turns out it was a shark though we are not sure which type.

The Proof

This brings us to our second problem which is does a dorsal fin always mean it’s a shark? The answer obviously is no. You can miss a great chance to interact with dolphins on Ft. Myers Beach if you automatically assume it is a Shark and that’s where the problem lies. You don’t want to chance it especially in an area where there are no lifeguards like on Lee County beaches like Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva Island and others in that area. While Lifeguards are not perfect at identifying them either you do stand a better chance of not having a false alarm. It is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. especially in areas where Hammerhead, Great White, Nurse and other sharks are plentiful.

Smile for the camera

We want you to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy your long weekend life on the beaches and at the same time enjoy the waters without ending up as bait.