Honeymoon Island State Park: A Hidden Gem in Florida

Formally known as Hog Island, Honeymoon Island acquired its current name when a New Yorker purchased the island in 1939 and built bungalows for honeymooners.

The island is a barrier island on the gulf coast of Florida and is home to Honeymoon Island State Park. The beautiful undeveloped beaches make it a favorite place for both visitors and locals.

My favorite shells to collect are the turban shells. I have never seen them on any other beach in Florida, or any beach anywhere. I'm sure they other places, I just haven't seen them.

The main beach area is great for swimming and beach activities. The sand is soft with very few rocks in that area. That is also where the restrooms are located.

The pet beach is on the south end of the island. It is a good distance from the parking area to the beach and we had to walk around several puddles of water to get there. The beach is nothing spectacular to look at, but the fur babies will love it. Unfortunately, I do not have the photos that I took of the pet beach. They were on my brand new phone that I dropped in a pool right after we left the park....😭

A fun thing to do is to catch the ferry to Caladesi Island. You can read about our trip here.

Address:

#1 Causeway Blvd.

Dunedin, FL 34698

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission Fee:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4.00 per vehicle: sunset fee, starting one hour prior to sunset.


Happy Travels! 

Exploring Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park, one of Florida's southernmost state parks, is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Florida Keys! It also has the best beaches anywhere in the Keys.

The most iconic photo of the park is the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge. The bridge was originally built by Henry Flagler as part of the Overseas Railroad in 1912.

The park has three beautiful white sandy beaches . Calusa ,located on the bay side of the island, is a small beach with a great view of the old bridge. It's great for swimming, but there is a strong current as you get close to the channel.

Loggerhead beach, located on the south side of the island, is the shallowest beach. It is popular for the large shallow sand bar just off the shore. It is calm and great for children.

Sandspur ,located on the southeast end of the island, is the largest beach. This is usually the least crowded. This is one of the few beaches in the Keys that you can find sea shells and sponges. I was really excited to find several basket sponges on our last visit!

Snorkeling tours to Looe Key are available through the park concession.

 Daily departures are 9:30am, 1:30pm and 4:45pm.

Cost:

Adult $29.95
Children (under 18)   $24.95

http://bahiahondapark.com/looe-key-snorkeling-tours.html

Camping and lodging are available at the park.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/cabins-lodging/Bahia-Honda

Address:

36850 Overseas Highway

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission Fees:

$8* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$2* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4* Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.

Happy Travels! 

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! 

Unveiling the Charm of Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

 One of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Florida is located within Loves Key Sates Park. 

 The 2.5 miles of sugar white sand and beautiful turquoise water are simply a paradise. The park is located about 18 miles south of Sanibel Island and just 7 miles from Fort Myers Beach.

The south end is about a quarter of a mile walk to the sand or you can take the tram if you wish. I would recommend taking the tram if you have a lot of beach gear.

The north beach is accessible through the gate at Big Carlos Pass. I would advise getting a map as you go into the park. We were still kind of lost with the map. Lol

 

It’s a great place for finding sand dollars, shelling, and bird watching.

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle and Motorcycles.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Hope you enjoy this beach as much as we did!

Happy Travels! 

Baking Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes: A Delicious Recipe

 Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes are a new twist on an old favorite recipe of my grandmothers. I always loved the cake, but wanted to make it more convenient to eat. The cupcake form is perfect for taking somewhere or just to eat around the house.

I came up with this recipe years ago and posted it on my old blog, Fabulous You Photography. It has been pinned and shared thousands of times.  Since it has been so popular, I thought that I would share the recipe here on my new blog since that blog no longer exist for getting the recipe. I know you will love them!

Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup butter

1/2 cup water

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place 24 cupcake liners into muffin pans. In a small sauce pan, bring the butter, water, and cocoa powder to a boil. Turn off and set aside. Combine flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and cocoa mixture. Stir until well blended. Pour into cupcake liners. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until done. They will be moist. Do not overcook. Cool completely.

Fudge frosting:

6 tablespoons milk

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup butter

4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Stir until it starts to thicken slightly. (I stirred it for 3 1/2 minutes) Drop a tablespoon full onto center of each cupcake. The frosting will thicken quickly, so do not make the frosting until ready to put on cupcakes.

*NOTE: This is a pour on frosting. It is not a spread or pipe on. It will still be a little runny when it is applied. The frosting will harden as it cools on the cupcake. The best way to tell when it is ready to use is to drop a spoonful on a plate and see how far it spreads. When it spreads just to the width of a cupcake, it’s ready. If it spreads too far, stir for a little longer.

Happy Baking! 

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!