Travel

Dining Outside the Home: The Sidewalk Café in Hagerstown, Indiana

Along a scenic two lane road in rural Wayne County, nestled among Amish settlements, sits a charming little town since 1832. My girlfriend, Judy, and I shared a carefree lunch of artisan choices leaving room for tasting decadent desserts. Oh, my! As the conversation flowed, we were surrounded by old-fashioned comfort, artistic expression, and pleasing aromas. This quaint little bistro is a splendid distraction for anyone who appreciates homemade flavor served with a modern-day touch. 

Lakefront Town is a Paragon of Serendipity 

Discover hidden treasures while meandering among the unique shops, galleries, and food joints in Mt. Dora, Florida. You never know what you’ll find. It may be a vibrant needlepoint pillowed Picasso in the Modernism Museum Shoppe, the most gigantic hand-blown witches ball you’ve ever seen at Home & Garden Treasures, or “talking flatware” by Uncommon Love at the local Farmers Market. Mt. Dora is a paragon of serendipity you’ll want to add to your list of places to visit. Imagine my delight at meeting Erin, an expert handicrafter of “talking flatware”! She is skilled in the art of creating messages on silver-plated utensils with exceptional results. You may have noticed I tend to use such accents while showcasing the recipes on my blog, Snapshotsincursive. The food section is entitled, “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet”. I am pleased to announce, from time to time, future dishes will be complimented by some of Erin’s designs that I purchased that day. You are invited to accompany me on this mouthwatering journey of the palate. 

Experience Alligators in Cocoa, Florida

When my Aunt Gail and Cousin Connie invited us on the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp Airboat Ride, I had no idea what they were talking about. And until you share the sensation of gliding down the river before cutting over hardy reeds, lily pads, and marsh lands, you won’t either. It is the most thrilling exploration of swamps, alligators, and wildlife imaginable. Did you know cattle and steer stand knee-deep in the marsh just to nibble on healthy greens? Or that “gators” flip out on the surface of the waterway only to submerge yards ahead with their eyes peeking over the Everglades? I saw first-hand exotic baby alligators, while merely days-old, mingle camouflaged at water’s edge believing they are completely invisible. I learned the majestic pond cypress tree, with its scale-like trunk, can tolerate wetlands and endure floods making it an ancient species of southern gentility. Seeing a dense grove among floating lily pads is not only impressive, it’s artistic. As the skillfully guided airboat ride ended, I knew I had glimpsed Nature at its best. A delicious lunch sampling of fresh “gator”, frog legs, shrimp, clams, and fish culminated the visit with memories galore, followed by a fond farewell. 

Dining Outside the Home: Cecile’s French Corner in Mt. Dora, Florida

This Parisian café is a fragrant oasis hidden away from the main flow of traffic. Its open courtyard features a multi-tiered fountain surrounded by a garden of colorful blooms. As we dined outdoors, under the shade of a red umbrella, our appetites were sated with a buttery quiche fromage and smoky salmon baguette. Sometimes the best kept secrets are right around the corner. Bon Appetît!

Palm Island Boardwalk Lives Up to its Name

A leisurely stroll on a winding boardwalk is perfect for daily exercise. One forgets about the 8-acre distance covered along the shoreline and through dense areas of native plants and trees simply because there is so much that catches the eye. Shaded pavilions offer the perfect stopping point to relax for a moment, soak up the view, or share a picnic. The solitude is therapeutic as well as the company of egrets, ducks, bullfrogs, and dragonflies. Well done, Mt. Dora!

Dining Outside the Home: Cupcake Delights in Mt. Dora

Before I begin, let me clarify…I did not make a meal of cupcakes. I’m not saying I couldn’t have, I’m saying I showed tremendous restraint! After all, I could easily fulfill the four major food groups in one sitting:Vegetable = Carrot Cupcakes

Fruit = Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

Dairy = Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

Protein = Maple Bacon Cupcakes

The dining area is as quaint and appealing as the cupcakes themselves. Overall, it’s a taste of paradise one bite at a time. 
Pastry Chef and Owner, Judy, says it quite well: 

“The way I see it… Cupcakes are a form of art, a magnificent masterpiece, on an edible canvas and you can never have too many hanging around.”

Lakefront Charm Meets Southern Hospitality 

Palm trees lined the middle of the boulevard waving their fronds in greeting. Spanish moss hangs in crimped curls from regal trees like Rapunzel’s braid let loose. The timeless beauty of the historical Lakeside Inn with its grande veranda is a rejuvenating respite from the fast-paced obligations of everyday Life. Picturesque? Yes, Ma’am. 

Dining Outside the Home: Turkish Bar and Grill in Altamonte Springs, Florida 

Behold a rich menu of Turkish cuisine. Imagine this, take your hands and gently tear the sesame-laden puffed homemade bread. Feel the air deflate like a balloon as you dredge it across a plate of authentic hummus prepared with classic ingredients like olive oil and tahini. Next, the main course is a buffet of chile-infused chicken, garlic lamb and beef gyro strips plus grilled vegetables over sweet sticky rice. The platter is drizzled with enough melted butter to make your eyes roll back in satisfaction. All the flavors culminate with a sweet, nutty finale of homemade layered baklava dessert drenched in a syrup of natural honey. Pure and simple gratification.