Discovering the Hidden Paradise of Cayo Costa Island in Florida

Cayo Costa is an underdeveloped barrier island, just north of North Captiva Island, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The whole island is seven miles long and about a mile wide.

The island is surrounded by beautiful turquoise/blue water and has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beaches, which are perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and sunbathing.

The 2,426 acre Cayo Costa State Park occupies most of the island and has great trails for hiking.

The park is only accessible by private boat or ferry.

Ferry services:

Captiva Cruises - from  locations on Captiva Island, Punta Gorda, Boca Grande and Pine Island (This is the one we used. Very friendly crew, great trip!)

Tropic Star - from Bokeelia – Pine Island

Lodging on the island consists of rustic cabins or tent sites. These can be reserved through the park. Reserve here.

There is a private home on the island, not owned by the park, for vacation rental

https://www.vrbo.com/407150#

Facebook page: Cayo Costa Island Adventures

For something a little different, try the i Love Shelling shelling cruise to the island with Pam Rambo. I have not been on one yet, but it on my bucket list. I think it would be so much fun!

We loved our trip to this beautiful Island.We were on the short cruise that only allowed us on the island for 2 hours. I would recommend the full day cruise. Be sure and take a snorkel and a shell bag!

Happy Travels! 

Ship Island, Mississippi: Discovering a Hidden Gem on the Gulf Coast

A small piece of paradise lies in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 11 miles off the coast of Mississippi. West Ship Island is an undeveloped barrier island featuring white sandy beaches and stunning blue-green waters. The island can only be accessed via ferry or private boat.

The ferry service to the island is operated by Ship Island Excursions from Gulfport, and the 50-minute ride is enjoyable, often including dolphin sightings and seagull feeding

Fort Massachusetts, constructed after the War of 1812, is situated on the island and was operational until 1903. Visitors can opt for guided tours or explore the fort independently.

Personally, I adore this island because it provides a sense of isolation. The ferry service has limited passenger capacity, and most people tend to stay near the main beach area, leaving the rest of the island relatively empty. A brief stroll away from the main area will give you the sensation of being alone on an island.

Tips on what to bring and wear

Ship Island Ferry

Address:

1040 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

Cost:

Adult Round Trip              $29.00

Children (Age 3 -10)        $19.00

Senior (Age 62+)              $27.00

Military (Active I.D.)        $27.00

Schedule varies according to the season. Check here.

Enjoy you visit!

Fontainebleau State Park: A Hidden Gem in Louisiana

Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre park located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a beautiful place to spend some time with nature, yet close enough to New Orleans for some big city fun.

I have listed nine fun things to do and have include some winter and summer photos so that you can see that it is equally beautiful all year around.

1. Fishing is a popular activity at the park.  Check out the pier or cast from the shoreline for some redfish and trout action.

2. With white sand and beautiful blue water, the beach area is a great place for swimming and catching some sun rays.

3. Gathering shells along the shoreline is fun for the whole family. There are several different kinds and colors of shells, but I only collected the white ones.

4. Explore the cluster of cypress trees along the beach. 

 5. Take photos of and with the giant oak trees draped with Spanish.

6. Visit the brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville.

7. Stay in one of the 12 cabins that sleeps up to 8 people each for $120 - $150 per night.

8. Do some hiking at one of the two trails.

A 4.8-mile hiking trail and a 1-1/4 mile nature trail

Go Sailing.

Sailing is very popular on Lake Pontchartrain. Delaune YachtBrokerage is located just 9 minutes from the park and offers a couple of sailing options.

You can cruise with Captain Rick Delaune at the helm of the aboard the 42 ft. sailboat, "Windward Passage or sign up for private sailing lessons.

I have looked into the sailing lessons and it sounds like so much fun! I’m thinking about setting lessons up for my kiddos. They are all in their 20’s and I think they would have a blast!

Address:

1298 Madison St, Mandeville, LA 70448

Phone:

504-458-1013

Address:

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

Entrance Fees:

$2 per person

Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children (3 and under)

Happy Travels! 

Capturing the Beauty of Lake Catherine State Park's Waterfall: A Christmas Day Photoshoot

We spent last Christmas on Lake Catherine and had a blast. It was a beautiful warm day, so we hiked to the popular waterfall and took our photos there. I thought I would share them with you for inspiration on finding a unique place for a Christmas photoshoot.

A waterfall is so such an unexpected place and everyone has loved all the photos!

I love catching those little moments that will mean so much to the cousins in the future.

Some of my favorites are the unplanned ones like this. I think we made a lot of hikers happy with all the hats. Everyone we passed was smiling!

Our youngest family was worn out from all the hiking. I'm pretty sure several of the adults were tired from carrying him too! I noticed he was passed around a lot during the trip.

Lake Catherine State Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Address:

1200 Catherine Park Rd

 Hot Springs, AR 71913

Happy Holidays! 

Celebrating an Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Washington State Park in Arkansas

If you are looking for a unique experience this Christmas, visit Historic Washington State Park in Washington, Arkansas.

Step back in time with the 30th annual Christmas and Candlelight on December 10^th, 2016.

Beginning at dusk, hundreds of luminaries are lit to line the walkways between the buildings.

Enjoy musical performances through the park and tours of historic homes decorated with time period Christmas decor. 

Williams' Tavern Restaurant will be serving a Christmas buffet, including turkey and dressing.

Top your visit off with a horse-drawn surrey ride through the streets of this charming village.

 Historic Washington State Park is located on U.S. Highway 278 nine miles north of Hope, Arkansas.

 Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12, free for kids under 6.


Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Best of North Carolina's Outer Banks: Nags Head & Duck

The Outer Banks are barrier islands off the coast of the U.S. state of North Carolina. Nags Head is one of the most popular place for tourist. I was surprised to find so many fun things to do in such a small area. Some of the small business were closed for the season, but the trade off was that it was not crowded.It is also very windy and cool this time of year. I am planing a trip back in the summer months to enjoy everything. 

Here are six great place to visit on your trip to the Outer Banks:

1. The  Beaches

With more than eleven miles of beautiful sandy shorelines, the beaches are everyone's favorite place to be in Nags Head.

Public Beach Location access:

 E Hargrove St

 Nags Head, NC 27959

2. Jennette's Pier

Built in 1939, Jennette's Pier is one of the oldest structures left on the Outer Banks. It has encountered a lot of damage from nature over the years, but is newly remodeled and a very popular spot. Fishing is great from the concrete pier that extends 1000 feet out into the ocean.

Hours are:

The hours change based on season. Check here.

Fees:

Daily Fishing:  Adult $12   Child $6

Walk-on:  Adults $2   Child $1

Location:

7223 S Virginia Dare Trail

 Nags Head, NC 27959

3. Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse stands 125 foot tall and is located at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Address: 

8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road

Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

4. Duck Boardwalk & Park

The Duck Boardwalk runs for about a mile along the Currituck Sound. Along the boardwalk are quaint boutiques, a candy store, bakery, and a park area. Duck is located about 15 miles north of Nags Head.

The Duck Town Park is a beautiful landscaped park that includes a walking trail, picnic area, playground, water fountain, kayak launch, and an amphitheater.

5. Dirty Dick's Crab House

Dirty Dicks is a “must eat at” place in Nags Head.  Their food is amazing! I normally don’t care for seafood, but I thought the snow crab was delicious! It is definitely a fun place to eat!

Location:

2407 S. Croatan Hwy

 Nags Head, NC 27959

6. Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey's Ridge is a unique park containing the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It’s a popular place for flying kites, hang gliding, or just climbing atop a dune for a spectacular view of the ocean and bay. 

We loved Nags Head and I know you will too!

Happy Travels!