Honoring America’s Fallen at Pearl Harbor

Memorial Day is a day of reflection for Americans.  We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to this great nation.    Of all the military memorials scattered throughout the country, one stands out in particular – the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

Hawaii is America’s ultimate tropical paradise, which makes it that much harder to comprehend what happened here.   The fun-loving life so many sailors and Navy personnel stationed at Pearl enjoyed came to an abrupt end on December 7, 1941.    It was a Sunday.  The sun was bright, palm trees were swaying in the breeze, and plans were being made for a lazy Sunday afternoon on Waikiki Beach.   The Japanese had other plans.  Just before 0755 hours, Japanese Zeros began attacking this island paradise.   It all ended in just 2 hours.  The damage was immense.  The Japanese had managed to sink or severely damage 8 battleships, 3 destroyers, and 3 light cruisers.  The human toll was horrific – more than 2,000 Navy and Marine were killed.



The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial stands as a memorial to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  A trip to the Memorial is incredibly moving.  Oil still seeps out of the Arizona and up to the surface.  World War II veterans may even throw flower leis into the water to remember their fallen comrades.

The National Park Service operates the Memorial and the re-vamped visitor center that includes mementos from the day, a short film, and interviews with survivors.  A few of the men and women working here are Pearl Harbor survivors themselves and are willing to share their experiences.

 A short boat trip will take you out to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.  It’s a white platform that hovers over the fallen ship.  Stepping on this hallowed ground, it’s hard to imagine the immensity of what happened here on that fateful day.   The Arizona took 1,177 of her crew with her when she was torpedoed and sunk.  There will be plenty of time to reflect before the boat returns to the visitor center.

The Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin, and USS Missouri are also located at Pearl Harbor.  It’s only fitting that the USS Missouri is docked here.  It’s the boat the Japanese officially surrendered on.   The USS Bowfin is in excellent shape and gives you a glimpse of what life was like on a submarine in World War II.  The Aviation Museum is fantastic, filled with plenty of World War II aircraft and memorabilia.

Plan on spending a full day here.  You’ll never forget those heroes that fought to the bitter end to protect the nation they loved so much.

For more information about visiting Pearl Harbor, visit:  www.nps.gov/valr

A Native Floridian’s Guide to the Area’s Best Beaches

Florida’s beautiful beaches beckon many a sun worshiper to the state.  From the white-capped waves crashing ashore on the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf of Mexico gently rolling onshore, there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

Being a Native Floridian, I’ve spent countless hours walking the shorelines, burying my feet in sugary white sand, swimming, and shelling Florida’s gorgeous shores.   Now, I’m going to share with you my pick for Florida’s best beaches.  I’ve tossed out (for the most part) what the so-called beach experts say and focused on what Native Floridians love best about their treasured shoreline!

Here’s my list (in no particular order).

1.     Sarasota’s Siesta Key – I fully agree with the experts who label this the best beach in the country.  And it’s not because I grew up in the area!   Siesta Key has some of the whitest, softest sand you’ll ever sink your feet into.  Combine that with the calm, beautiful blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and you’ve got the ultimate beach getaway!  It’s the perfect beach to relax on.  Plop your beach chair or blanket in that ultra soft sand.  The surf is usually quite calm, making swimming a breeze.  Or, walk down the beach in the hopes of picking up a shell or too.

Tip:  Siesta Key is packed, especially on the weekends, making parking a challenge.  We recommend arriving early (by 9AM) to get a spot and avoid that oppressive mid-day Florida heat!

2.     Sanibel’s Shoreline- If you love collecting seashells, then Sanibel’s beaches are tailor-made for you!   Sanibel is known as “The Sea-Shell Capital of the World.”  Because of its location, hundreds of thousands of shells wash ashore each year.   Beautiful scalloped calicos, fighting conchs, and welks are just a few of the treasures you can scoop up and bring home. 

Sanibel’s beaches are spectacular.  You can stand on the shoreline and shells will wash over your tanned toes.  The water is so clear that you can scoop up some of the more prized shells before they ever reach the shore.  An added bonus – dolphins love to frolic close to the tropical shoreline.  Plus, the nightly sunsets are spectacular.

Note:  There is a $6 toll to cross the Sanibel-Captiva Causeway.  And all beach parking is paid parking.  Do not park in resident-only parking spots.  You’ll be fined and/or towed.

3.     Marathon’s Sombrero Beach – This is The Florida Key’s finest beach.   It’s picture-postcard perfect with swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, and some shade!   Since the beach sits inside the reef, the water is generally calm making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling,  and diving.  Look to your south and you’ll see the famed Sombrero Beach lighthouse.   Then take a short walk out to the point to see tropical fishes galore!    There’s even a jungle gym for the kids and a picnic area where you can grill out.

Tip:  Weekdays are the best time to come.  The parking area is small and can fill up quite quickly on the weekends!

4.     Saint Augustine Beach – Forget about towering high-rises and fancy resorts.  Saint Augustine Beach is the quintessential laid-back beach town.  If you love beach walks, this beach is for you!  It is one of Florida’s best walking beaches.  The sand is hard packed, flat, and firm.  It’s even better at low-tide when the beach stretches out seemingly forever.   It is easy to spend 2, 3, or even 4 hours walking down the shoreline.  But that’s not all!   Surfers love to come strut their stuff on the water – there always seems to be a swell.  Fishermen come to take advantage of the pier.  And friends and families enjoy staking out that perfect spot to build sandcastles and picnic!

Tip:   Doggies are allowed to frolic in the sand and swim in the refreshing ocean waters as long as their owner’s pick-up after them.

Looking to plan your ultimate Florida beach vacation?  Consider purchasing our pocket travel guides to The Florida Keys or Sanibel.   Purchase the PDF Versions direct from us at greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html  or from the Amazon Kindle Store at www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJ85XI (The Florida Keys) and http://amzn.to/zOkYZU (Sanibel).

Hemingway Days in The Florida Keys

Mark your calendars for The Florida Keys 32^nd Annual Hemingway Days.   From July 17 – July 22, 2012, hundreds (if not thousands) of Ernest Hemingway look-a-likes will descend on Key West.    It’s time to party in The Florida Keys and pay homage to one of The Keys most famous residents – Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway called Key West home for nearly 10 years.  Many of the characters in To Have and To Have Not were based on the folks here in the Florida Keys.  He drank at many of the local watering holes.  And he loved fishing in the azure blue ocean waters.    The Hemingway House is a must-see for any Keys visitor – not just for the 6-toed cats, but for that infamous $20,000 pool too.   Sloppy Joes is the perfect place to cool off and knock back a cold one.

Hemingway Days are an annual tradition down here.   Keys residents love any reason to celebrate and this one ranks right up there.   This year’s schedule includes:

·         Annual Look-a-Like Contest:   Hundreds of Ernest Hemingway look-a-likes descend on Sloppy Joes to compete in the popular “Papa” Hemingway contest.   Two preliminary contests lead to the finals which lead to a coveted award.   Think you got what it takes?  You can sign up at Sloppy Joes to join the infamous Hemingway Look Alike Society and compete! www.sloppyjoes.com/lookalikes.htm

·         15^th Annual Running with the Bulls:   It’s a less dangerous, more gentle take on Spain’s famed Running with the Bulls.  In the Keys, the bulls are all plastic and the runners are Hemingway look-a-likes in this tongue and cheek take on one of Ernest’s favorite sporting events.   Scheduled for Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1PM

·         Literary Events:  For literary lovers, there will be numerous book signings by some of today’s most famous authors.   Edward Hemingway, Ernest’s grandson, will debut his new book.  Winners of the acclaimed Hemingway literary competition will be announced.     For more details, visit www.fla-keys.com/hemingwaymedia/

·         Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament:  Hemingway’s love of the sea is celebrated with this world-class fishing event.   With $50,000 in guaranteed cash prize money, anglers will be vying to catch dolphin, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish.  But, only the 1^st 75 boats are eligible.   Visit www.keywestmarlin.com/ for rules and registration information.

 

Interested in learning how to plan the ultimate Florida Keys vacation?  Our Florida Keys Pocket Travel Guide will help you do just that.  Our guide takes an in-depth look at each Key’s must see attractions, delectable restaurants, beaches, lodging, snorkeling, and fishing.

 

Have a Kindle, IPhone, or IPad?  Then, purchase our guide directly from the Kindle Store: www.amazon.com/dp/B005CJ85XI . Or purchase the PDF version from our website: greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html