Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: A Haven for Art Lovers

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is two-acres of lush tropical grounds with sculptures throughout, located in Palm Beach, Florida.

The Gardens were designed by world-renowned botanist Sir Peter Smithers and include 250 rare palm species.

The house in the gardens was the residence of Ann until the time of her death in 1982. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Nine of Ann’s statues are located throughout the gardens. They are made of bronze, stone and wood. More of her works can be found inside the studio and house.

The Garden is located less than two miles from the popular Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Address:

253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Hours:

Wed - Sun   10 am – 4 pm   October through June


Admission:

Adult Visitors: $15 per person
65 and over: $10
Children ages 5 and up: $7 Children under 5 free





Happy Travels!

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (Unique Beach and Formal Gardens) Florida

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located along State Road A1A on the east coast of Florida near St Augustine. The park is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River and is divided into two areas; garden and beach. A1A separates the two.

The beach area, located on the eastern side of the road, provides a parking area with a walkway leading over the sand dunes to the beach.

The beach is mostly brownish- orange sand with small shell fragments as you get closer to the rock outcroppings. Take shoes to wear! 

Once you get to the beach, the rocks are located a little way down the beach to the left.

About half way there, you will begin to see piles of shells.

The majority of the shells are located close to the rocks.

This is the largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean.

Located on the west side of A1A, along the Matanzas River, is 20 acres of formal gardens nature trails.

The rose garden is a treat for the scenes with over 150 rose bushes.

Citrus groves at Washington Oaks date back to the late 1700’ s.

The pay booth is located on the garden side and will issue you a car tag that can be used for parking on the beach side as well.

Located:  20 miles (37 minutes) south of St Augustine and 35 miles (46 minutes) north of Daytona Beach

Address:

6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd

Palm Coast, FL 32137

Hours:

8am-sunset, daily

​Admission:

$5 per vehicle

Happy Travels!

Unwind in Luxury: A Review of The Pearl Inn in Rosemary Beach, Florida

The Pearl is a luxury boutique hotel located in the charming seaside town of Rosemary Beach. We checked in and sipped on complimentary wine while our car was being parked.  Our luggage was delivered to our room while we relaxed from our long drive. We could not have asked for a better reception.

The Old World European architecture of the Pearl is unique to find in the Florida Panhandle.

It was cool the day we were there, but we still enjoyed the pool and rooftop lounge.

 Nice boutique shops, small restaurants, and beautiful beach houses located around the hotel.

The use of the three community pools comes with the romm rental. Unfortunately, one of the pools was closed for renovations and this one was very dirty. I'm not sure if it is just not cleaned during off season or what. It was heated, so we could have used it.

The beach is just a couple minute walk from The Pearl.  Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary.

Things to know before you go:

The area around the Pearl is very busy, all the time!

There is no parking at the hotel. You must use valet parking. There is not particular place they park your automobile, just wherever they can find a spot on the side of the road.

It is an adult only hotel.




The Pearl Hotel is located:

24 miles (40 minute drive) from Panama City
32 miles (50 minute drive) from Destin
115 miles ( 2 hour drive) from Pensacola


Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461

Overall, we were pleased with our stay. We would like to go back when it's not off season and see if things will be a little better.

Happy Travels! 

Discovering the Wonders of the Coral Castle in Florida

Often compared with the construction of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid, Coral Castle is the mysterious work of a Latvian emigrant named Edward Leedskalnin. Ed built his castle to impress the love of his life (Agnes Scuffs), a 16-year-old who had left him on the day before their wedding.

Originally started in Florida City and later moved to Homestead, the mystery of how he single-handedly moved, carved, and erected millions of pounds of coral rock to build this place remains today.

To add to the mystery, Ed was only five feet tall and barely weighed a 100 pounds. He would only say that he knew "the secret of the pyramids.

Ed was a very secretive man. During the 28 years it took him to build the castle, no one ever observed him working on it. There is a book, "Mr. Can't is Dead by Orval M. Irwin", written by a friend that supposedly tells some of his secrets. It is sold in the castle gift shop.

Know Before You Go:

A full narrated tour is included in the price. The guided made it very interesting with his sense of humor.

The last stop of the tour is located outside of the wall. This is the perfect time to slip inside and grab some photos without a ton of people in them.

 You will be in full sun the entire time, but they do provide umbrellas.

Photography is allowed. No videos.

Interesting Fact:

I'm not sure why, but Billy Idol wrote and recorded the song “Sweet Sixteen” as a tribute to Ed and the Coral Castle. The song video was shot on location at the Castle.

The Coral Castle is located:

30 miles (30 minute drive) from the Miami International Airport
36 miles (45 minute drive) from Key Largo
172 miles (156 miles) from Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area

Address:

28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033

Happy Travels!