Tag

Florida

Beercation Itineraries, Craft Beer Travel, Travel, United States

Jacksonville Beach Beercation: A Jacksonville Brewery Tour

Okay craft beer lovers, how many of us have found ourselves sitting on the beach and grumbling as we choke down a lime spiked island lager. “If only I could get my hands on a decent IPA!” we cry out. Heck, we’d probably even accept one from the archenemy of craft beer, InBev’s Goose Island… I know I raise my hand as guilty. I love my beer and my beach.    …

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Food, Travel, United States

An Edible Tour of Marathon, Florida

Partner Post: The Florida Keys are home to five districts, each with their own personality and attractions that make visitors feel like they are a world away. Stretching only ten miles, the islands of Marathon are right in the middle of the chain of the Keys islands. Traditionally a home to fishing and marine activities and beachside restaurants, the city loves its stone crab, lobster, and other fresh seafood that come straight…

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Craft Beer Travel, Taproom Talk, Travel, United States

Taproom Talk: Zeta Brewing in Jacksonville, Florida

Taproom Talk is a new series where I sit down with a brewer or brewery owner and discuss the local food and beer scene. The goal of the series is to help readers properly plan a beer vacation, highlighting the best of craft beer and food, through the eyes of a local expert. As I have visited each brewery highlighted, TWG side notes are tossed in throughout the post. The inaugural edition features…

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Hotel Review, Travel, United States

Hotel Review – Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida

The circle drive and white stucco building of Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida reminded me of the art deco hotels that dot Miami’s famous South Beach. Only the Casa Marina appeared cleaner and better loved.     I parked my car in front of the black awning that covered the brick steps that lead to the hotel’s heavy, wooden doors. As I pushed the creaky front door open, my association quickly…

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Brewery Reviews, Craft Beer Travel, Travel

Brewery Spotlight – Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brewery Spotlight is a new series on the blog where I take a deeper look at a brewery with behind the scenes interviews and tours. Unlike my Brewery Snapshot series, which provides a quick overview of why you should visit a brewery, Brewery Spotlight provides more of the story and inspiration behind the beer.      As I sat staring at my beer flight that included a few extras, I realized that…

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Travel, United States

15 Off-Season Photos from Jacksonville, Florida that Will Make You Pack Your Bags

I’ve developed an infatuation / romance with off-season travel. Sure, there’s the obvious benefits of shorter lines to access popular attractions, and hotels and airlines tend to be less expensive. Those pluses simply counter-balance the minuses of less than ideal timing and weather though.     No, there’s something so much more to off-season travel. It’s a way to go deeper – to experience a city as it truly is and not…

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Food, Travel, United States

In Search of Classic Seafood Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida

When I lived in Miami, I struggled to find a restaurant that served old school, traditional Florida seafood. The cosmopolitan and international vibe of the city had replaced what I came to know as traditional Florida cuisine from childhood family vacations to the Sunshine State. Heck, it was hard to find seafood unless it was in the form of a sushi roll.     Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not complaining (well…

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Brewery Reviews, Craft Beer Travel, Travel, United States

Brewery Snapshot – Aardwolf Brewing in Jacksonville, Florida

Brewery Snapshot is a new series on the blog where I review a brewery that really captured my attention. Unlike my Brewery Spotlight series, which takes deeper look at a brewery through behind the scenes tours and interviews, Brewery Snapshot is meant to provide a brief overview of what the brewery offers and why you should visit / seek out their beers.     When I sat down at the steel top…

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Travel, United States

My First Solo Trip after Baby Gourmand’s Arrival + 2016 Travel Plans

I was coming up with every excuse that I could to cancel my first solo trip after Baby Gourmand was born. “It’s not worth the investment.” “You (my wife) just went back to work, it’s too difficult.” “What if he forgets about me?”     What can I say, I’m attached to the little guy. Those baby snuggles, and now that he’s a little older, baby giggles, are just too hard to…

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Eating, Food, Travel, United States

Best Cuban Food in Miami

Maybe that title is a little misleading. Is it really possible to define the best Cuban food in Miami when there are so many delicious options available? Actually, it is. The best Cuban food I ate in Miami was at my friend Eddie’s house for his birthday. His mother made the most flavorful masas de puerco fritas that I’ve ever tasted. The pork chunks weren’t dried out like they tend to be from an…

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