Myakka State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest parks! We visited in late January, and it was quite fantastic! A highlight of our time at the park was an airboat cruise. The airboat, Myakka Maiden, is the largest passenger covered airboat in the world!

I didn't take many photos on the cruise because I was on.the.edge.of.my.seat the entire time! There were gators all over the place. Below is an audio clip I captured of the introductory words of Jamie, the boat's captain. He did a phenomenal job throughout the 90 minute cruise of giving us background information and a host of facts about alligators and the local ecosystem!

New Year: 2018

Happy 2018!

It's back to work, life, and regular routines today!

Justin and I headed to the Wisconsin Dells from Saturday-Monday to celebrate the Stoll Family Christmas! It was a blast to ring in the new year with this crew. 

Here are some highlights...

Exploring Minnesota: Lake City

For Labor Day weekend, my mom and I wanted to do something fun without driving too far way.  

One Google search later, and we were in Lake City.  It's only 45 minutes from Rochester.  Delightful.  Lake City provides so many fun activities: beaches, boating, great restaurants, hiking, beautiful views, and antique shops galore!  Here are a few personal recommendations from my time in Lake City:

The Jewel Golf Club (We got a great rate because they had recently aerated the greens.)

First Lutheran Church (A wonderful 5:30pm Saturday night service.)

Rabbit's Bakery (Best cinnamon role of my life.)

The Galley Restaurant (Excellent breakfast food.)

NOSH (Order the mushrooms!  There's also a great cocktail, margarita, and martini menu.)

3 great antique shops (they are all downtown):

Lake Pepin Pearl Button Factory

Antique Shopper

Mississippi Mercantile

Frontenac State Park

Pearl on the Lake (A lovely sunset boat ride on a real Paddle Wheeler.)

Here are a few photo highlights....

A very happy moment.  Yum!

A quick snapshot while watching a lovely sunset!

A storm rolled out and the sun rolled in.

A perfect addition to my vintage planter collection! Lil' skunky!

Frontenac State Park is wonderful!

Sometimes I like to dance in gazebos in the park!

 Nature hiking time.

 A special rock.

I highly recommend Lake City for your next Minnesota adventure!