Truth be told, our trips to Orlando aren’t necessarily about the theme parks (unless we have visitors with kids in tow!). We’re just as excited about the city’s Chinese food scene, its growing selection of Asian restaurants, and the super HMart, a popular Korean supermarket that opened here not too long ago.
We had also heard about Lake Eola in downtown Orlando and decided it was time to check it out. As we drove around looking for parking, we stumbled upon the charming neighborhood of Thornton Park—and what a delightful surprise! We were thrilled to discover some spectacular Halloween decorations that made the neighborhood feel extra festive.
Linton E. Allen Centennial Fountain on Lake Eola with a view of the Orlando skyline
Then there’s Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Orlando that we had been wanting to visit for some time. This week’s fall temperatures in the low 70s made for perfect weather to explore the gardens and stroll over to the magnificent Singing Tower. The picturesque landscapes, colorful blooms, leisurely walking paths, and enchanting melodies of the tower’s bells made this a memorable fall outing! Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this hidden gem in Central Florida is well worth a visit.
The Singing Tower and its reflection
This scene reminds me of Monet's famous lily pond!
Here are some of our favorite dim sum picks from Ming Garden!
stuffed eggplant
Beef with rice noodle
Chive dumpling
Wishing everyone a wonderful fall and a spooktacular Halloween!
FOX 13 Tampa’s chief meteorologist, Paul Dellegatto, shared this gorgeous sunset on Facebook yesterday, and it was a beautiful reminder of just how spectacular Florida’s beaches—and especially its sunsets—can be.
You don’t have to make it all the way to the Florida Keys to find incredible sunsets. Florida’s west coast has plenty of its own breathtaking views, from the beaches around Tampa Bay to the Gulf Coast and beyond. 🌴🌊
Sunset at the Dunedin Causeway — photo courtesy of Dave Doherty
I’ve been to the Dunedin Causeway countless times, but somehow I’ve never stayed long enough to watch the sun disappear over the water.
Sunsets like this have a way of making you slow down and appreciate where you are. And judging by this photo, I think it’s time I made a trip to the Dunedin Causeway and stayed for the sunset.
Here are a few of my favorite beach and sunset shots from south of Dunedin that I’ve taken over the past month. 🌅
Sand Key
Clearwater Beach
Kitesurfing at sunset, Indian Rocks Beach
Sunset at Indian Rocks Beach
A beautiful sunset over the Intracoastal at Belleair Bluffs
It had been several years since we last cruised around Tampa Bay. Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to get back out on the water. We set sail from Harborage Marina, just south of downtown St. Pete, on a beautiful summer afternoon.
The day was hot, sunny, and absolutely perfect for boating. With the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay stretching out around us, it was easy to settle into that relaxed feeling that only a day on the water can bring.
The highlight of the afternoon came when several dolphins appeared alongside the boat. They seemed to be having just as much fun as we were, playing in the water and riding the wake right at the bow. Watching them glide through the waves just feet away was one of those unexpected moments that makes a day on the bay unforgettable.
Thanks to my SIL, we got a close-up look at a dolphin! 🐬
Being back in St. Pete also brought back memories from another time on the water.
Back in 2005, we anchored in the Vinoy Basin while on our way to New Orleans. We had planned to spend some time cruising the area, but our plans quickly changed when the generator broke down. What initially felt like an annoying mechanical problem turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We stayed in Florida until the following summer.
That August, New Orleans was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Katrina. Looking back, we're incredibly grateful that we never made it there. What seemed like an unfortunate setback at the time may have kept us exactly where we needed to be.
We still have the nautical charts from that planned cruise. Every time we see them, we're reminded of how differently things can unfold—and how sometimes, the things that seem to go wrong can lead to a much better outcome than we ever could have imagined.
St Pete skyline, with mooring balls at the Vinoy Basin
Sadly, the iconic inverted-pyramid pier we remembered from earlier visits is no longer there—it was demolished in 2015. The waterfront has changed over the years, but there are still plenty of familiar sights and new discoveries along the way.
We never get tired of the creativity—and sheer playfulness—people put into naming their boats. Some names make you chuckle, while others make you stop and admire the cleverness. In Boston, we loved a catamaran called Cats Aweigh, whose dinghy was cleverly named Mouse Play. You have to appreciate a boat owner with a sense of humor! In Beaufort, South Carolina, we passed a sailboat called She Got the House every day. It was loaded with a bicycle, a motorcycle, and all sorts of fun toys. Every time we saw it, we laughed. Clearly, someone had lost an argument—and gained a very well-equipped sailboat!
As we made our way back to Harborage Marina, a few boats caught our attention. Their names were simply too good not to photograph and share!
Our friends' Fountaine Pajot catamaran was called One Love
Our latest cruise around St. Pete’s waterfront was a much happier chapter. Beautiful views, warm sunshine, playful dolphins, and a few moments of reflection made for a memorable day on Tampa Bay.
After being away for so long, it was great to be back. And if this trip is any indication, we’re already looking forward to our next adventure on the water.
June brought us hardly any rain, yet our Florida backyard continues to thrive. Even during the drought, nature has found a way to flourish. Every day brings the cheerful songs of birds, the graceful flutter of butterflies, and the sweet reward of homegrown treasures.
Zebra Longwing and Monarch butterflies dancing around. 🦋
Zebra Longwing butterflies love this firebush plant
bleeding heart
Bluejay and rabbit
My aunts' four mango trees are absolutely loaded with fruit this year. My own mango tree, on the other hand, had a much smaller harvest, producing just ten mangoes. The tree is the Thai variety Nam Doc Mai, prized for its rich sweetness, smooth texture, and thin pit. Something—most likely squirrels—helped themselves to two of them (sigh!), but we were able to enjoy the remaining eight, and they were incredibly sweet. Moments like these are a reminder that even during a Florida drought, nature still offers delightful surprises.
cherries and strawberries are store bought
The two mangoes on the left are from my tree
Our mango tree has a story of its own. About ten years ago, when we bought our house, my aunt gave us a young mango plant she had started from a pit. It was only about three feet tall at the time, but with a little patience, it has grown into a beautiful tree.
For much of those ten years, we were living aboard our boat, so we rarely had the chance to enjoy its harvest. Now that we've sold the boat and traded our sea legs for gardening gloves, we finally get to savor the fruit of that little seedling.
The mango tree in 2016
Blue skies after the rain—a happy mango tree (2026).
Not many mangoes this year, but every one is a treat.
While we're looking forward to the return of Florida's refreshing summer rains, I'm grateful for the life that continues to fill our backyard. Even in the stifling heat and dry conditions, there's still so much to appreciate—from colorful birds and butterflies to the simple pleasure of picking a perfectly ripe mango straight from the tree.
Just thinking about those sweet, juicy mangoes is making my mouth water!
How's your summer harvest coming along? I'd love to hear what you're growing this season, Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer!
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