Archive for the FLORIDA BEACHES Category

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The SEA HAGG…have you seen it?

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES, FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , on August 1, 2013 by disneychronicles
The Sea Hagg
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Just before crossing the Cortez Bridge leading to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a little shop that I drive past frequently.  I always said to myself ..

I must stop there! so finally yesterday I did.

If you love anything nautical you will walk through here in pure amazement! I cannot really describe it as just a shop,  they call themselves is a chandlery and I think it is a perfect fit!
What exactly is the official definition of a chandlery?

A chandlery was a store that sold nautical parts, gear, and other commodities to sea-bound vessels. The chandlery came into prominence in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when ships were the preferred method of transportation for the lucrative industries of cargo shipping, fishing, and whaling among other areas. The chandlery in its simplest form acted as a storeroom for hoarding supplies of wax and tallow candles, soaps, oils, paints, ropes, as well as other things that sea-bound sailors would need to aid them in their journeys.
Now take that and add nautical jewelry, art, garden decorations including buoys, mermaids , fishnets, nautical instruments and so much more….
Check it out for yourself!
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and there is even a Disney link…
who knows what this is from….
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yup! Pocahontas! Grandmother Willow.
Where’s it at…
12304 Cortez Rd. West
Cortez, FL 34215

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Black Friday? oh yes! at Coquina Beach!

Posted in FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , , on November 23, 2012 by disneychronicles

So I completely by passed the Black Friday festivities this year.

(SHOCKER! I KNOW)

But it was well spent quality family time at the BEACH!

After the huge Thanksgiving meal it only made sense to walk a little bit of it off. So we packed up and headed out to Coquina Beach.

It is the longest stretch of beach on Anna Maria, located on the south end.  The best part is the free parking and plenty of it.  You will also see lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms and showers!

When you first turn off Cortez you will see the usual beach front restaurants, shell and souvenir shops, a large ice cream parlor and TONS of tourists!

Keep going…..and then go a little bit more!

You will eventually see a rather quiet piece of white sand beach!

With tall pine trees lining the beach, it is one of the more picturesque of our beaches.  There’s a walking/running path with signs every few hundred yards talking about the wildlife.

Gives you the feel of “Old Florida”.

 

 

Even if only for the RELAXATION factor….It is worth checking out! So go!

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Stump Pass Beach……I’ve always wondered who names these parks!?

Posted in FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , , on August 12, 2012 by disneychronicles

It was a much-needed Beach day! Although I must say the weather hasn’t been cooperating in these parts lately.  It has been a very wet summer. The rain held out until the drive home but it was very cloudy and windy so not the best scenario.

…but hey it’s a beach so I’ll take it!

HISTORY 
Stump Pass Beach State Park has been a state property since the initial purchase in 1971. It was open (unofficially) in 1971 to the public. At that time there were only 4 parking spaces and no amenities. The park, as it is today, was opened August 2000. Forty car parking lot, restroom facilities, rinse off showers, picnic pavilion and boardwalks.  ($3 fee per car to enter)

Stump Pass Beach State Park is a Florida State Park, made up of three islands and the protected channels between them. It is located in Englewood. There is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up regularly but mainly in the winter months.

The sand here is rough and a little darker it also seems thicker and more grain like. We did see a lot of sea weed, grass ect..but that is just the season for it now so it really can’t be avoided.

We did also see many turtle nesting areas. Many more then I have ever seen at a single location. I think within the area we were in we easily counted about 30!

We have been looking for shark teeth with no luck! so I think we will have to return! 😀

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HONEYMOON ISLAND….Yes, you can bring the kids!

Posted in FLORIDA BEACHES with tags on July 20, 2012 by disneychronicles

and we are onto another Beach….. This one is a little bit more quiet then the previous few..

HAVE YOU BEEN?

The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm – thatched bungalows for honeymooners. (note….they are no longer there) Today, visitors can drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun – drenched Gulf beaches, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats. Nature lovers will find osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirds, and one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. The park boasts several nature trails and bird observation areas. Visitors can swim, fish, and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or picnic while they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shelling is particularly good here, as the Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on the shore. Showers are available and the park´s concession has a gift shop and snack bar.

Located at the extreme west end of State Road 586.

The cost to enter the park is $8, which is well worth it. There is ample parking, and lots of room on the beach. The water is warm and clear, and perfect for relaxing.

The northern end of the beach is a little rocky, which is also where the best shells are found. Just watch where you step, and you’ll be fine. Other than a small section, the rest of the beach is rock-free.

There is a small cafe at the beach. The prices are high for burgers and fries, and the service is slow, but you’re at the beach!

Check out all the pics here!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150230926373853.325837.142061353852&type=3

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