Category: Travel

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Spring break without the airport

Easy day trips within two hours

When spring break rolls around, it’s easy to assume that you need a plane ticket, a packed suitcase, and a full itinerary to feel like you’ve “went away.” But for locals, adventure is closer than you think. Some of South Florida’s best hidden gems, beach towns, and nature escapes are just a short drive away—perfect for a spontaneous day trip that feels more like a vacation without the stress of travel.

Whether you’re looking for beaches, boutiques, wildlife, or simply a change of scenery, here are a few easy spring break escapes within two hours.

Port St. Lucie: Laid-Back Beaches and Nature

Just over an hour north, Port St. Lucie offers a slower, quieter vibe than Broward’s busy shoreline. Locals love Walton Rocks Beach, where wide stretches of sand make it easy to spread out, walk along the water, or collect shells.

For something more adventurous, head to Savannas Preserve State Park, where winding boardwalks take you through wetlands flanked with birds, turtles, and occasionally alligators. It’s a great option for families, nature lovers, or anyone who wants a peaceful reset from daily life.

Finish the day with a waterfront dinner along the St. Lucie River, a simple, scenic, and perfectly relaxed way to complete the getaway.

Stuart: A Charming Small-Town Escape

If you’re craving a coastal town with personality, Stuart is hard to beat. Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” this historic downtown is filled with colorful murals, boutique shops, and local cafés.

Spend your morning strolling along the riverwalk, browsing vintage stores, or grabbing a coffee at a local bakery. Then drive over to Stuart Beach for soft sand, calm water, and beautiful views of the Atlantic.

For a unique experience, hop on a sunset boat tour or kayak through nearby mangroves … an unforgettable way to see Florida from a different perspective.

Naples: Upscale, But Still Relaxed

A bit farther west and just under two hours, Naples feels like a mini luxury getaway without leaving Florida. The downtown area is polished and picturesque, with palm-lined streets, art galleries, and high-end dining.

Naples Pier is a must-see, especially at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange over the Gulf. If you prefer nature, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers pristine beaches and clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging.

While Naples has a more sophisticated feel, it’s still welcoming and easy to explore in just one day.

So grab your essentials, hit the road, and see what’s just beyond our city. You may find that adventure is closer than you think!

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Spring break without the stress

With spring break approaching, travel plans are coming into focus. February is often when families begin paying closer attention to the details that matter, from timing and crowds to overall cost.

For those heading out of town, travel days are part of the conversation. Flights out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach are filling up, with the most popular departure and return days tending to be the busiest. Some families are adjusting schedules slightly, while others are choosing destinations they can reach by car to keep plans more.

Busy conditions are expected at familiar spring break destinations, especially places like Orlando’s theme parks. Even beach destinations closer to home tend to feel busier this time of year. While some families are booking a few activities ahead of time, others are keeping plans looser. Long, tightly scheduled days don’t always work well during busy travel weeks, particularly for kids.

Cost is another factor that many families are weighing. Beyond flights and hotels, expenses like meals, parking, attractions, and transportation can add up quickly. Thinking through those details ahead of time can help trips feel less stressful once they’re underway.

Not every spring break trip involves a flight. Many families are opting for short road trips to the Keys, Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Tampa, or Orlando. Others are staying closer to home, treating the week as a chance to slow down rather than travel far.

However spring break is spent, flexibility and a lighter schedule can make the week easier to enjoy.

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Winter break made easy

Simple trips close to home

As the year winds down and the temperatures dip (well, a little), many local families start dreaming about their winter escape. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a quick flight to the islands, or a not-too-far road trip, there’s no shortage of ways to make winter break memorable. Here are a few ideas that balance relaxation, adventure, and family fun—all with travel times short enough to keep the stress low.

North Carolina’s Mountain Magic

If trading palm trees for pines sounds tempting, head north to Asheville or Boone, North Carolina. Just a day’s drive from South Florida, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer crisp air, scenic hikes, and plenty of cozy cabins with fireplaces perfect for board games and hot cocoa. Asheville’s Biltmore Estate is especially festive this time of year, with lights and decorations that rival any holiday movie set.

The Bahamas in a Blink

From Fort Lauderdale, you can be in Nassau or Bimini in less than an hour. The turquoise water, beachside breakfasts, and relaxed island energy make it an easy getaway that feels far from home. Family resorts like Atlantis are still a hit, but smaller islands like Harbour Island or Exuma offer quieter, boutique-style stays for those who want to unplug and unwind.

Orlando—but Make It Different

Sure, everyone knows Disney and Universal, but winter break is also a great time to explore Orlando’s hidden gems. Visit Winter Park for its European-style charm, stroll through the botanical gardens at Leu Gardens, or catch a sunset at Lake Eola. If you’re traveling with teens, check out the new escape rooms and virtual reality experiences downtown—far less crowded than the parks but just as entertaining!

Key West Road Trip

Pack some snacks, make a playlist, and hit the highway. The drive alone, with its endless ocean views, is half the adventure! Once you arrive, wander Duval Street, grab key lime pie from Kermit’s, and watch the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. For something off the beaten path, try kayaking through the mangroves or visiting the Hemingway House for a dose of Key West history.

Cozy North Georgia Getaways

If you want crisp air, rolling hills, and a true “winter” vibe without flying far, North Georgia is an easy option. Towns like Helen, Blue Ridge, and Dahlonega offer charming holiday festivals, wine tasting rooms, and cabin rentals with mountain views. Families can hike to waterfalls, shop in Alpine-style villages, or sip hot chocolate on a cabin porch overlooking the Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s a simple road trip with big scenery, and just different enough from Florida to feel like a real getaway.

A Staycation Done Right

Sometimes the best vacation is the one you don’t have to pack for. South Florida is packed with hidden gems close to home—from the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray. Book a night at a local resort, unplug, and enjoy your own backyard, just like a tourist.

No matter which direction you choose—mountains, islands, small towns, or your own backyard—winter break can be relaxing without being complicated. These easy, close-to-home trips prove that you don’t need to travel far to recharge. Sometimes the simplest plans end up creating the best memories.

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Food tips for summer travel with kids

Long-anticipated summer travel is not without its nutritional challenges, and adding young children to the mix multiplies those challenges. There’s more to consider than packing a few extra snacks and baby wipes. Follow these tips for a healthy, happy, and nourishing vacation with kids.

Road Trips

Logging a lot of miles in the car may have your kids asking for snacks to ease the boredom. Anticipate this and be prepared. Work with your kids on a list of boredom-busting activities, including games, music, videos, coloring books, and more. Before starting the car, review the day’s schedule. Explain when and where you’ll eat, and make a strong effort to stick to your normal eating schedule.

Pack some of these travel-friendly foods for children over the age of 4, as some may pose a choking risk for younger children. If your child is at risk of choking, enjoy your food at a rest stop so you can supervise while eating. Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice to reduce your chances of foodborne illness when on vacation.

  • Sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or other easy-to-eat veggies
  • Applesauce
  • Dried and fresh fruit
  • Popcorn
  • Trail mix
  • Peanut butter sandwiches
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Low-fat milk boxes
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Cheese sticks
  • Cottage cheese

Don’t forget portable eating utensils and plenty of napkins and wipes. (If your kids don’t eat dairy products, learn more about nourishing plant-based foods you can pack at EatRight.org.)

Have your kids come up with fun meal ideas where they combine their favorite snack with another item you purchase at a restaurant. Kids can combine different lean proteins with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to build a balanced meal or snack that’s part retail, part from home. In the end, you will save money and eat healthier. Water, milk, or a fortified milk alternative are good beverage choices, and even restaurant meals should include fruits and vegetables. If the restaurant doesn’t offer good options, fill in with the supply in your cooler.

A Stay at the Beach

Whether you’re hitting the beach for a day or staying for a week, the same guidelines apply. Try to stick as closely to your normal eating schedule as possible. Bring a cooler with some of the foods listed above and plenty of ice. Pack ample water and encourage frequent sipping. The hot sun can be dehydrating, and the cool ocean water and tons of fun can distract kids from drinking fluids.

Cruising Along

Food is present constantly on cruise ships—and in big, showy ways. Remind children that just because food is available doesn’t mean the family needs to eat it. Be a role model to your kids and encourage them to eat mindfully when they are hungry.

Travel Abroad

If you are traveling far or to places with new types of cultures, work with your family on planning where to eat in advance of your trip. Most restaurants around the world provide nutrition information online so you can plan on choosing the nutritious items that you have researched. Being in a new culture also is a great time to get your family to try new foods.

Visiting Family or Friends

Whether you’re traveling with others or staying in their homes, you may run into well-meaning food pushers. Give relatives and friends a kind heads-up to your expectations when it comes to offering food to your children. Help them find other ways to express love and warmth, such as reading a story or taking your child for a special outing.

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Playing it forward Teen organizes drive to support student athletes in Africa

For Jordin Bekker, a freshman at North Broward Preparatory School, a recent school service trip to Tanzania was the perfect opportunity to give back to her native continent.

“I felt really inspired, being from Africa and knowing I was going to go on this trip, to give back to my community,” says Bekker, who grew up in South Africa and has lived in Parkland for almost three years.

A lifelong athlete whose love of sports helped her develop confidence, engage with people, and release her anger in a healthy way, Bekker wanted to support student athletes.

“Since sport is my passion, and there are many kids in Tanzania who don’t have the opportunity to pursue a passion like sports because they lack equipment and facilities, I wanted to give back part of what I was able to experience growing up,” explains Bekker, who decided to do an athletic clothing drive.

Bekker and her mother created a Facebook post about the drive, asking for used athletic clothing donations, and the response from the Parkland community was overwhelming. “The people of Parkland are absolutely amazing,” enthuses Bekker, who received three seasons’ worth of brand-new lacrosse uniforms from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School alone. “I didn’t expect this to blow up as much as it did. We received messages multiple times a day from people telling us they had bags and bags for us.”

Bekker spent weeks collecting and washing clothes and cleats and sorting them by size and age group. Due to the volume of donations, she had to put a shed in the backyard and is already planning on expanding her efforts next year. “It’s definitely something I want to keep doing,” she confirms. “I love kids.”

With the help of her fellow classmates and travelers, Bekker was able to transport 27 duffel bags, each filled with two T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, a pair of cleats, a soccer ball, and a ball pump.

The bags were distributed to students at Ngongongare Primary School, which has four sports teams and more than 700 students. “Giving them the sports equipment made me cry,” recalls Bekker. “Before we gave them the equipment, I watched them play during recess. They were playing barefoot on stones that would pierce your foot. Their field was slanted with long grass, and a goal made out of wooden planks. They were so happy when we gave them the equipment. They sang and danced to say thank you to us.”

Since returning from her trip, Bekker has already collected 50 more pairs of cleats and has begun registering her charity, aptly named Play It Forward, to continue and expand her mission of providing clothes and sports equipment to children in Tanzania.

For more information, visit platitforwardinc.com. {Is this URL link correct? It doesn’t work. And playitforwardinc.com doesn’t have anything on the site yet.}

https://playitforwardinc.com/ coming soon

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Gliding through the ‘Venice of the U.S.’

A great way to show visitors the sights of South Florida along the water is to take a scenic boat ride. My twenty-something kids were visiting recently, and we decided to try Fort Lauderdale’s Carrie B Cruises. We are glad we did.

Cruising the area on the largest sightseeing boat in Fort Lauderdale has been a local highlight for residents and visitors for more than 30 years. Carrie B Cruises likes to call it the “Venice of America Tour.” It’s a 90-minute, fully narrated, paddlewheel-propelled boat ride for around $30 a person (or $19 for children). You can buy tickets for one of three time slots: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. You get to ride along the historic New River as well as on the Intercoastal Waterway. You can see the impressive Millionaires Row and learn about the mansions of the famous and wealthy. You glide past super yachts and can catch a glimpse of the busy Port Everglades.

For our tour, we bought our tickets in advance online and printed them out. As recommended, we arrived at the downtown waterfront area around 30 minutes early to find parking. The dock is located on New River Drive East, just a block off Las Olas Boulevard. We found street parking a couple blocks away from the dock and paid through one of the parking kiosks nearby. There also are parking garages in the area. After parking, we got to the dock area a little early and sat on benches facing the New River, a nice area with beautiful views of the waterfront.

When it was time for our tour, we showed our ticket printouts and then it was a quick process to board the boat. The lower level is enclosed, with an air-conditioned interior, a full bar, a snack bar, tables to sit at, and restrooms. We headed upstairs for fresh breezes and great views. The upper level is huge and there was plenty of seating to pick from, in rows facing forward, in the shade or in the sun. We ended up moving around this deck during the journey, viewing different sides of the water and getting pictures from various angles. Most people didn’t stay put, roaming around the vessel as needed. It was very casual and fun.
We started our cruise heading out the New River from downtown Fort Lauderdale, passed lots of lovely canals (reminiscent of Venice, Italy, as in the tour’s nickname), and went onto the Intercoastal, heading all the way toward Port Everglades before making the return trip back. Our tour guide was very entertaining and comprehensive and gave us a lot of fun facts about the glitzy mansions and beautifully landscaped properties that we slowly passed by, along with the mega-yachts docked along the way, and other landmarks and points of interest. Occasionally gliding past us in the opposite direction were other fun tourist and party boats.
It’s been said that sightseeing rides like these are the water version of Hollywood, California’s celebrity star tours. For my kids and me, our highlights that day were discovering the variety of large mansions in Millionaires Row and learning their fascinating stories; going out in the wide-open waters toward the colorful, bustling Port Everglades (a very busy cruise-ship port); and gawking at the Bahia Mar Marina displaying a surprising array of massive yachts. We thought that some of the mega-mansions and surrounding scenery were stunning. Our guide gave us a little history about the area, interesting information about the company CEOs and other multimillionaires who owned some of the homes, and some witty anecdotes about these properties.
The Carrie B staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable, for both the tickets and the refreshments. The ride was smooth, and the boat—which can hold up to 300 passengers although that day was not too crowded—is big enough so that we never really felt any swells. We got to see the sights of this beautiful city and all the water features from a different vantage point than we normally would. What’s not to like?
There are other tour boats you can take for a longer day and for more of a party experience. But for showing family members visiting from out of state all the beauty and opulence of the area in a compact time, the Carrie B provides the perfect excursion!

For more information and tickets, go to carriebcruises.com.

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A turtle rehab center: From rescue to release

There is a place on the Atlantic coast where injured and sick sea turtles are brought into a state-of-the-art facility and nursed back to health. They are provided their own saltwater tank to swim in, given a name and identity, and treated like valued patients. The public can come visit for free and learn about these sea patients while watching them in their recovery.

It’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center, one of Florida’s most-visited nonprofit scientific sites. I first learned about this place when it was voted the best free attraction in the U.S. in USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice “10Best” list—beating such icons as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Boston’s Freedom Trail, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And it’s not far away, in Juno Beach!

So I decided to go check out this impressive rehabilitation center with my son Jacob, who loves anything related to animals. We spent a half-day there, immersing ourselves in the wonders of the ocean and enjoying a place totally dedicated to sea turtle and ocean conservation. The center notes that visitors can “explore interactive exhibits, observe our sea turtle patients, and engage with marine experts”—and we did all three things.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center has been operating for over three decades. Its advanced hospital, founded by the Gray family, is a leading resource for sea turtle rehab. It includes a surgical suite, blood-work lab, and facilities for x-rays, endoscope, and ultrasound. The treatment protocol is to take turtle patients “from rescue to release,” with the plan of releasing them back into the ocean as soon as they are medically cleared.

When Jacob and I were visiting, we learned about sea turtles named Arugula, Willow, and Falafel. Each one had a sign on its tank with its name, age, date admitted, and a little story about what brought them there. For example, we learned that Arugula was a juvenile green sea turtle found entangled in a fishing line and suffering from fibropapillomatosis tumors. The hospital admitted the patient May 31, performed surgery to remove the tumors, gave Arugula antibiotics, and now was providing supportive care until it can return to the sea.

Some weeks after we visited, the center posted this on its website: “Public Sea Turtle Release: Join us as we say goodbye to sea turtle patient Willow. The release will take place on the beach behind the Center. Be sure to arrive early so you don’t miss out on the fun!”

I think it’s great that you can come see a turtle while it’s being actively treated, learn its story, and later watch it get released on the beach and return to where it came from.

Jacob and I also checked out a variety of exhibits there, including beautiful fish gliding around in salt-water aquaria, a huge, prehistoric Archelon sea turtle replica, displays of local wildlife, a glowing tank full of jellyfish, and educational exhibits about the marine environment of South Florida. We talked with some employees who were showing a range of turtle skulls on a table, providing us with fun facts.

We learned that Juno Beach is home to one of the largest loggerhead turtle populations in Florida, hence the name of the center. The beaches there host some of the highest-density sea turtle nesting in the world, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center researchers record each turtle nesting activity along 9.5 miles of beach adjacent to the center. Loggerheads range in size from 2.4 to 3.5 feet, and their name comes from their large block-like head. They also are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The center receives sea turtles from their very start in life, too. It has on display a tank full of turtle hatchlings, which many kids were excited to gather around and observe while we were there. And outside in front of the entrance doors, there is a “Hatchling Holding Area,” which includes a large cooler left out so that if people find live hatchlings on the beach and bring them to the center after hours, they can place them in sand contained in the cooler—for safekeeping.

“If the hatchlings are on their way to the ocean, leave them alone. If they seem weak and confused, bring them to the Center,” the sign there says. “We appreciate your help saving our local sea turtles.”

What a wonderful system for some of our state’s natural wildlife.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to marinelife.org.

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A beautiful key right outside Miami

Where can you find an island just minutes from downtown Miami? That would be at Key Biscayne, just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from the city. It is Florida’s southernmost barrier island, and it lies between two large parks, Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the latter which is home to the 19th-century Cape Florida Lighthouse. This key is located between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Key Biscayne is a great place for a nice day trip, which I did on a recent Sunday with my fiancé and another couple. I was interested in seeing the sheltered beaches, mangroves, and tropical forest—which features lots of birds, butterflies, and loggerhead turtles—that I’d read about. The island also includes a golf course and an interactive nature center.

Key Biscayne is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, wind surfing, and water sports. We weren’t going there for those, but did plan to do a nature walk and go up in the historic lighthouse to see the breathtaking views that were advertised.

Driving through downtown Miami and onto the causeway brought sweeping turquoise water views as we motored over the bridge to the island. As we followed the one road (Crandon Blvd.) heading south, we came upon the well-to-do Village of Key Biscayne, which was incorporated June 18, 1991, in the center of the island. From there, we continued on to Bill Baggs park on the key’s southern tip.

A little history: Ponce de Leon named this area “Cape of Florida” when he led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513. Shortly after Florida became a territory of the U.S. in 1821, the island was bought from a local family for $100, and 3 acres were sold to the federal government for $225 for a military reservation. The northern two-thirds of Key Biscayne used to operate as the largest coconut plantation in the continental U.S. The lighthouse was first lit in 1825 by John Dubose, its first keeper. The lighthouse signal served as important navigation to aid and protect ships along the coast. The Cape Florida lighthouse was damaged during the Second Seminole War. A rebuilt tower was completed in 1846, and the lighthouse remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

The day we visited, my friend Susan and I had all intentions of touring inside this lighthouse. It is 109 steps to the top, and we planned to view the beautiful scenery from up on its wraparound balcony. As we waited in line on this hot summer day, we heard the employee stationed at the entrance communicating with another staffer who was at the top of the lighthouse. We were able to make out that there was a woman who had climbed the steps and then gotten lightheaded and was asking for water. The worker on the ground was saying they could only provide ice chips for this visitor’s neck.

I turned to Susan, alarmed, and said that maybe we don’t climb to the top. High heat and walking up steep steps usually don’t create a great situation for me! She agreed, and we headed back to where the others were waiting on a shady bench. The spectacular views would have to wait for a cooler day. Climbing 109 steps in 90-degree weather wasn’t a good idea.

We enjoyed exploring the area around the lighthouse though. We went inside the original lightkeeper’s cottage, read all the signs providing history of the island (including its role in slaves escaping to freedom in the early 1820s), and took a stroll down to one of the beautiful beaches. We did some walking along shaded nature paths. The park also boasts mangrove wetlands, wooden boardwalks, and lots of water views.

We stopped for a late lunch on our way out the causeway, at a restaurant with striking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline: the landmark Rusty Pelican. It’s a bit of a drive off the causeway to reach this property. Unfortunately, the only place to park there is expensive valet parking, and we were not remotely close to any free lots. The restaurant is very pretty, our food was great, and we loved our view, but they get you twice with the parking.

Another place on the way back along the causeway is a smaller island, Virginia Key, less than a mile from downtown Miami. It features the Miami Seaquarium on its south side, with close-up views of dolphins and marine animals. We didn’t make it there on this trip. Those attractions will be saved for another day.

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A pet-friendly summer getaway

Planning a local trip with your furry friend can be a pawsitive adventure for both you and your dog. With so many hotels and attractions now welcoming pets, it’s just one more reason to take them along for the family fun. Not to mention, it’s an ideal way to help pass the time of those dog days of summer.

Here are some key points to consider when organizing a trip with your pup:

  • Be sure to choose pet-friendly accommodations for your hotel or vacation rentals, or if “ruffing” it at a campground. Check their pet policies, fees, and amenities they offer for pets.
  • Destination selection. Make sure your destination offers activities suitable for dogs—parks, trails, or pet-friendly locations where they can enjoy the outdoors.
  • Pack the essentials. Don’t forget their food, water, bowls, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, toys, and any medications they take.
  • Health and safety. Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations and preventative treatments are up to date. Bring a copy of the dog’s medical records and contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergency.
  • Buckle up. When traveling in the car, secure your dog with a harness, crate, or pet barrier approved for car travel. Don’t forget to take regular breaks for quick walks during the car ride.
  • Plan dog-friendly activities such as exploring pet-friendly beaches, visiting dog parks, and dining at outdoor restaurants that welcome dogs.

Pet-Friendly Resorts Within Driving Distance

Costa d’Este—Vero Beach

Costa d’Este is a pet-friendly, oceanfront hotel in Vero Beach. Four-legged friends can dig into breakfast on the pet-friendly Bamboo Patio, then head out for a fun-filled day on the beach. If they’re in need of a break from the sand, simply head to the nearby open-air dog park on the beautiful Indian River.

Naples Bay Resort & Marina—Naples

Naples Bay Resort is pet-friendly, and with its own marina, it’s a great place to rent a boat and take your four-legged family member with you on a boat ride across Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island. This beautiful barrier island beach allows leashed dogs, and it’s the only dog-friendly beach in the greater Naples/Marco Island area.

Hawks Cay Resort—Duck Key

From the moment you and your pup arrive, you’ll be assigned a dedicated pup planner who will be there to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need travel information or recommendations for pet services, your pup planner will ensure that your vacation is seamless and stress-free. To make your dog’s stay even more enjoyable, they’ll provide a Vacay Pup amenity package at check-in. If you need any additional pet supplies during your stay, simply let your pup planner know, and they’ll arrange for them to be delivered to your room.

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Meet Virgin Voyages’ chief executive pooch

Chief McAlpin has always been a social dog. Since he was a puppy, Chief has accompanied his parents, longtime Heron Bay residents Tom and Yvonne McAlpin, to play tennis, and he is a popular fixture at the courts.

“He’s part of the family. He’s part of the community. He’s something special,” enthuses Tom McAlpin.

In 2018, after the shooting at Margery Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD), Chief stepped up to show just how special he really is. A trained service dog, Chief became one of the therapy dogs that greeted students and faculty on their first day back after the shooting, and he continued to show up every day to provide emotional support.

“Chief grew up at Stoneman. He was in the yearbook for three years,” confirms McAlpin.

When the program at Margery Stoneman Douglas wrapped up, Chief, who turned 8 in October, was ready for the next opportunity. Landing his next gig—chief executive pooch of Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s luxury adults-only cruise line—was easy. After all, his owner, McAlpin, happens to be the company’s CEO.

Recognizing the positive impact that Chief has on people inspired McAlpin to bring him into the office, which he now does about once a week. “I’m always hearing, ‘What day is Chief
coming?’ ” laughs McAlpin. Chief’s popularity even merited his own photo on the staff photo wall. “People like to see him. You don’t usually see dogs in the office,” says McAlpin.

Bringing Chief to the office has also helped McAlpin interact more easily with employees. “It allows me to walk around with him and spend time with people. It’s a little awkward if the CEO walks in and starts talking to you, but having the dog there, people feel more comfortable around me,” he explains.

But the biggest impact that Chief has had is in boosting morale. “He makes people smile,” says McAlpin. “When people see him, they start smiling. That’s why they call them therapy dogs. They make people feel good.”

Virgin Voyages attempts to do the same—make people feel good by offering its own form of therapy, particularly for parents—with a premium, adults-only cruise experience. “Parents need a getaway, especially after COVID with them being schoolteachers, soccer coaches, therapists, and everything in between. Moms and dads need a vacation,” explains McAlpin. “It’s a great way to get away and have a sophisticated experience that’s hard to deliver when you have kids.”

McAlpin, a cruise industry veteran who has been with Virgin Voyages from the beginning, was instrumental in creating this vision for the brand. “Our original concept was to be adult-centric, which means there’s going to be experiences for adults, but there will be kids too and we’ll take care of them,” he says.

But feedback from focus groups primarily composed of mothers who indicated they wanted time away from their kids inspired a change in direction. “It was the toughest decision to make,” recalls McAlpin, who has children of his own. “But if we really wanted to differentiate ourselves, we needed to be adult-only.”

While it was a tough decision, it panned out well for Virgin Voyages. The company is experiencing exponential growth, and it is set to double its fleet in 2023 with the addition of two new ships, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.

Inspired by super-yacht designs, Virgin prides itself on delivering an elite, differentiated experience. Virgin’s initial ship, Scarlet Lady, boasts more five-star ratings than any other ship on Cruise Critic and was also named “Best New Cruise Ship” in 2021 by Cruise Critic editors.

Virgin’s ships feature six different restaurants (all included in the cost of your ticket), including Razzle Dazzle, a vegan-forward restaurant that also has a “naughty” menu for those who want to order meat.

Immersive entertainment options include “Never Sleep Alone,” a late-night cabaret that promises to put you at the helm of your sexual desire, and “Duel Reality,” a Romeo and Juliet retelling with an acrobatic, circus-type twist.

You can also literally “shake for champagne” using the Virgin app, or get a tattoo on board at Squid Ink, the first U.S.-based tattoo parlor at sea. “We’re for the young at heart,” enthuses McAlpin of Virgin’s unique nature.

Right now, Florida residents can get 30% off fares when they book within 45 days of sailing.

For more information, visit VirginVoyages.com.

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Now’s the time for dolphin fishing

Now’s the time for dolphin fishing

It used to be that May and June were the best months for dolphin fishing in South Florida, but that has changed. August and September are now the best times for catching the colorful, delectable fish from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys.

“I think the last few years, August is the peak,” Capt. Abie Raymond said. “September usually has some big ones, but not as many numbers.”

Raymond is a Miami Beach native whose Go Hard Fishing (gohardfishing.com, @abie_raymond) offers offshore and inshore charters as well as trips in Miami-Dade County’s freshwater canals for peacock bass, largemouth bass, and clown knifefish.

In addition to witnessing firsthand the transition from a springtime dolphin bite to a summertime bite, Raymond has come up with a couple new techniques for catching what is considered one of South Florida’s favorite saltwater fish to eat.

For starters, he uses minnow-sized pilchards that he nets before he heads offshore to attract dolphins to his boat around weed lines, weed patches, and floating debris, which he searches for from the tower of his 28-foot C-Hawk center console.

“It fires the dolphins up and it gives you more opportunities,” said Raymond of the inch-and-a-half-long baits. “They keep the dolphins around your boat. You don’t have to worry, ‘Oh, where’s my rod? Where’s my bait?’ while the dolphins are swimming by.

“You just grab a scoop and throw it overboard. The baits swim back to the boat for shelter and the dolphins bust them all over the place for 10 minutes while you’re taking your time, rigging your rod, tying a new plug on, a jig, whatever you want.”

Raymond said the idea came from seeing dolphins spit out little baitfish as they jumped or hit the deck of his boat. He also saw the baits after filleting dolphins.

“Their stomachs are packed with them. That’s the kind of stuff they’re picking out of the seaweed,” Raymond said. “So I figured they’ve got to eat the heck out of them and they’re not going to get full on them. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not going to overfeed them like you would with big bait. Even if the fish shut off, you throw a scoop and they start blowing up. It turns them on immediately.”

The tactic worked to perfection on a trip with Raymond and his father, David, out of Bill Bird Marina in North Miami Beach.

After Raymond spotted a couple of dolphins near a weed patch from his boat’s tower, he climbed down, dipped up about eight of the little baits, and flung them into the water. Those two dolphins and a bunch of their schoolmates quickly surrounded the boat. 

Raymond baited several lightweight spinning outfits with small pilchards as well as with some bigger pilchards.

At one point, David Raymond and I were both reeling dolphin to the boat and a third fish was on an outfit that Raymond had hooked while he was trying to reel up the bait to get the line out of our way. He stuck that rod in a rod-holder so he could gaff our fish.

Raymond’s dolphin outfits — a 10-pound Ugly Stick rod with a 3500 Penn Slammer reel spooled with 20-pound braided line with a 2/0 J hook — produced a fun, exciting fight with the schoolies, which weighed 5 to 10 pounds. 

“The braid is so strong and so durable,” Raymond said, “and those little reels now are so capable drag-wise, it eliminates the need for heavy tackle.”

Raymond does bring out heavier spinning outfits — 7-foot rods with Penn 7500 Spinfisher reels with 20-pound braid — for another new tactic for catching dolphins around weed lines.

He uses a fishing kite to put a skirted ballyhoo 50 feet behind his boat and another skirted ballyhoo 100 feet back. With his boat 100 to 150 feet away, Raymond trolls the baits along weed lines and across weed patches. The lure-ballyhoo combos look like flying fish, which dolphin love to eat, as they skip across the water.

Raymond wriggles a dead ballyhoo back and forth with his hands to break the entire spine, which gives the baitfish life-like movement when it’s in the water. He also breaks the tail to prevent the bait from spinning, squeezes out any intestinal matter, and breaks off the bill with an upward snap.

He inserts a 7/0 Mustad 3407 triple-strength J hook through both lips and through the front of the bait’s skull to keep the hook in place, and slides a weighted skirt or feather — a Jet Head, Billy Bait, or Sea Witch — on top of the ballyhoo. 

The lure’s weight helps keep the bait in the water instead of flying above it. Raymond uses a 1-ounce skirt on the far bait and a half-ounce skirt on the short bait.

The hook placement in the ballyhoo’s head instead of its belly, as in a trolling bait, is virtually weed-proof, especially positioned directly behind a skirt.

“If you have to go through patchy grass, it doesn’t matter because your hook is out of the water,” Raymond said. “We’ll drag the baits right over it, and that’s what makes it advantageous. You don’t have to worry about constantly picking grass off your baits.”

Now’s the time for dolphin fishing

And that means you can spend much more time enjoying the best dolphin fishing of the year.

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Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the South

Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the SouthA year ago, I moved to southeast Florida from northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Besides arriving in a new part of the country in the middle of a pandemic, which presents its own set of challenges, I encountered a lot of new and different things to contend with in my adopted state.

Born and raised around Chicago, I moved to the D.C. area after college, got married and raised kids there, and then decided to move to Florida after a divorce and job layoff last year. Why not start fresh in a new place, where I wouldn’t have to deal any longer with snow and ice? The lingering image that had always been in the back of my mind was to someday live in a warm and subtropical place, surrounded by palm trees, and somewhere near the ocean. And so that’s what I ended up doing when the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. 

I took the settlement checks from both my divorce and my full-time job and put them toward the purchase of a nice “villa” home in Florida. And so in July 2020, I suddenly found myself moving still further south and east from where I had originally started (cold, windy Chicago). My dog Lex, a Pomeranian mix, and I arrived last summer to this sunny and humid part of the country and began to put down roots, and I soon discovered a lot of differences here. 

Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the South

I have no regrets, but here are some observations from my first year in Florida:

  • Lizards in the house. I didn’t know that there would be so much wildlife around my new neighborhood. While I appreciate all the birds, geese, ducks, and rabbits lollygagging around my lakeside community, and I’ve gotten to enjoy the various lizards darting around the lawn, I didn’t expect to be sharing my home with the geckos.  These quick creatures like to sneak into the house and creep around the rooms, hang out on the ceiling, and pop out and startle me.
  • Cane toads that could kill my little dog. Of all the animals I’ve encountered in southeast Florida, including alligators at the wetlands reserves, the scariest for me are the ugly toads that secrete powerful toxins that could take out Lex, horribly and painfully, within 30 minutes if I’m not constantly vigilant outside.  
  • Hurricanes! Two weeks after I moved to Florida last July, Hurricane Isaias hurdled in from the Atlantic and joined me here. I got a very quick lesson on preparing for tropical storms and securing my hurricane shutters.  While my windows were tightly covered for a couple tumultuous days, it was dark and depressing in my house. I was so happy when Isaias finished up his visit and rolled away.
  • Gated communities. Yes, I live in a secure, gated community, and as a single woman residing alone, I am relieved to have that protection.  But what I have found in this part of the country is that there are so many gated communities that it’s not easy to just drive through neighborhoods here and explore. When I lived in Virginia, I could run through any neighborhoods I felt like. Here, I can’t do that. I have to keep to my own community or on the busy roads around it.
  • More tattoos than I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t know before my move that Florida was the land of full-body tattoos. While I have had friends and family in my life who have sported one or two small tattoos, I was in for a surprise when I arrived here and saw that they are etched all over people’s faces and limbs, in every corner of the region. 

Like the colorful tattoos, I am getting used to all the differences in southeast Florida. I enjoyed my first warm winter here, although I missed the changing of the seasons in the fall and the spring. But I am glad my winter coat is packed far away in a bin in the closet, and I don’t ever have to shovel out my car again. I’ll take it.

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