We're all thrifty here at The Thrift Shop Romantic. I mean, if there's a way to have big fun on little money, we know all about it, right? So that's why today I'm taking you on my Thanksgiving trip to the Florida Keys...
And you'll never have to pay a dime for airfare... You won't have to worry about accommodations... And the food? It's a feast for the eyes and totally skinny on the wallet...
Are your bags packed? Well, just blink, and we're there!...
Ah! Here we are in Florida. Just feel that balmy breeze! And what do you know?-- it's Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving means you folks, and my dad and I will all be going to the Whale Harbor Inn for an amazing buffet dinner....
Because, ya know, it's hard to bring turkey and all the fixin's on that plane. Airlines have gotten so restrictive about what you can take in your carry-ons. (I hear the turkey gravy can only be in three ounce bottles.)
Well, no worries here, because the turkey is all you can eat...
But if turkey's not your thing, there are more seafood options than you can shake a crab claw at...
And don't forget the dessert! Key Lime pie and flan are just two of the choices...
I simply can't move, can you?
Courtesy of the Whale Harbor's helpful fun house mirrors, here are Dad and I before we ate, all nice, skinny and svelte...
And here we are after eating, fat and a bit blurry... Overindulging will do that to you, I guess.
So let's all go outside to walk it off. And gosh, what a view!
And we meet some local color...
And some more, er, local color...
The next day, we drive to Miami for a bit of antiquing and thrifting. Our route is through the Everglades...
Our first stop is Homestead, in an area of historical buildings and quaint shops...
There's a wide variety of things, including Depression glass, furniture, Victoriana, and even 70s retro finds. (I'll show you what I uncovered on this week's "Treasure Box Wednesday" post. You are, um, too busy finding great things of your own to see what I got.)
Heading up further, we hit the Goodwill thrift store, and the Antique Mall Y'All (I will never tire of that name).
Then, exhausted, we have a bite of dinner and head back South to the Keys.
The next day, we get up early to go garage saling and hit the local flea market! I uncover a few other goodies that I'll unveil on Wednesday (you negotiate for your favorite collectibles). And then we head to the Florida Keys version of Sea World, "Theater of the Sea"...
Here we see some very friendly dolphins...
Encounter the introspective and whiskery sealion...
Chat with some feathered friends...
And give a solemn nod to our elders in the deep...
And then we head home. Me, I am winging my way northward as we speak, back to the world of snow and gray skies.
I hope you all enjoyed this little virtual vacation with me! I'm always glad to have you along.
15 comments:
How FUN! It looks like you had a great time - and you look fabulous in BOTH mirrors :)
What a fun trip ! I especially liked the the sun and the blue skies and the warm weather.
You guys look great ! (That was a neat idea)
And I still think that woman used her pants as sails but sunk em !
I want to be there, too!... Just grey skies here in England - so depressing!
I'm jealous! Our T-giving dinner was delicious, but I do love a buffet, and that looked like a good one.
JD at I Do Things
Oooo! Thanks for taking us along! It was such a pleasant break from the snow storm we seem to have going on here.
Shopping in Homestead was fun too. A lady from our church winters there every year. She left on Saturday to head down there. Ha ha, I beat her. :)
What an enjoyable trip...the Keys are a favorite vacation destination for my sister and bro-in-law, who live near Tampa.
Have a great week and Happy Holidays!
2 things;
1. Thanks for sharing...that was fun, and
2. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, craaaaaab. *drooling to rival Homer Simpson*
Anne- I think I'd like to keep that skinny mirror just fer havin'. Unfortunately, it was too big for my carry-on bag. :)
Jaffer- It really was great weather, we were very lucky until yesterday, when the storms rolled in. I can't complain-- still made it home okay, just an hour or so later than expected.
Susanne- Ah, but England's got green rolling fields and lovely gardens and that wouldn't happen without that rain.
JD- Oh, indeed, it's a bit of a diner's paradise at that buffet. I didn't even show you guys my big plate of piella, fried shrimp, conch fritters and other goodies. I thought I'd explode.
Melanie- Ha, now you can tell her you know just what it looks like. Start describing palm lined streets and art deco architecture-- it'll freak her out. :)
Carrie- You, too-- and I hope you had a terrific Thanksgiving!
Lana- But you live in the land of seafood all the time! I had the best seafood crepes down your way when I visited. Also a fine shrimp po' boy sandwich. (And now I'M drooling like Homer Simpson!).
Thanks for sharing, I feel like I've just been on a mini vacation. I can hear the snow blowers outside my window at this very moment1
Janelle- Oh dear, sounds like you've been hit with that precipitation that was clogging up half the map yesterday, I'm sorry. I hope it didn't affect your holiday plans at all.
Thanks for sharing the nice pictures. Those crab legs looked very good. I started salivating while reading this post.
Homestead is a popular destination for many Texans. I've heard great things - just have not been there.
Hi Jenn,
Glad you had such a nice time!!
Love all of your photos!
You guys look so cute in the mirror.
Have a great week,
Rosemary
Reforming Geek- Really? That's interesting... it seems like they'd be more into, say, Miami Beach or Lauderdale as a tourist destination. HM! (And yes, the crab legs were really delicious!)
Rosemary- Hey, you too! Don't wear yourself out with all the Christmas decorating, Rosemary. Pace yourself.
Your virtual trips are better than most real ones I've been on. Thanks for sharing. :)
Da Old Man- I'm just glad you're feeling better. I was kind of concerned from your posts!!
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