April 8, 2026

Florida Fun ! (Including a day at Walt Disney World!)

The view from my front door,
on a snowy, December 2025, day.

The weather was bleak.
The continuously dreary northern days, brought the persistent, unceasing snow and ice.
Stiff frigid breezes added an extra chill to the already bitterly cold February temperatures.
What to do?  What to do?

Then I knew.  I would…
“take my talents”
(A term borrowed from Lebron James, uttered as he departed Cleveland for Miami.)
to the land of my eldest child-
South Florida!
Southwest Airlines, take me away!

Florida

The welcome view of palm trees after my flight south.

Viewing the majestic palm trees, and feeling the much welcome warmth of the air,
as I exited the Fort Lauderdale Airport, validated my decision to flee the mid-winter “arctic” cold.

The ten days proved to be a most delightful visit.
Below, I have posted a few photo highlights from my trip.
Enjoy!

Photos=Memories

The Beach

I love the beach!
Need I say more?

Deerfield Beach

Pelican’s keep watch above the boardwalk.

Such a colorful and relaxing sight.
Note the boardwalk in the distance.

A mother and son beach selfie. :o)

South Inlet Park

Beauty wherever I looked.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, oh my!
Just kidding. :o)

The color of that water…!

Another, mother and son beach selfie. :o)

Food!

The Whale’s Rib

Heading to The Whale’s Rib, in Deerfield Beach,
has become a tradition for my son, Trevor, and myself.
It was around 2010, when he first introduced me to this local seafood spot.
Knowing that I was a fan of the tv show, Diner’s, Drive-ins & Dives,
and this spot having been featured on the program, it was an instant hit with me!
I love the food and relaxed vibe of this place!

The Whale’s Rib was featured on an August 2009 episode of
Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives.
( Season 7, Episode 5, “Only at This Joint” )

Old license plates are part of this restaurants fun and funky decor.

Waiting for my good food with good company.
I love how my iced tea is served in a drinkable mug!

Shrimp and Whale Fries

Trevor, deciding how to approach his shrimp po’ boy sandwich.

When in Florida, eat Key Lime Pie!

Cannolis

During this visit, we decided to taste test various cannolis in the area.
To be honest, I’m not sure who was the winner, but we enjoyed trying them all!
So many cannolis, too little time…

I prefer my cannolis with mini-chocolate chips.

Bagels

Another tradition, each visit, is enjoying a bagel breakfast sandwich.
This year was no different, with yummy bagel sandwiches from Parkland Bagels & Deli.

The bagel breakfast sandwiches were the perfect morning “pick me up”!

Flora’s Italian Eatery

One day for lunch, we stopped by Flora’s Italian Eatery in Coral Springs.
It was fun and delicious.

It was fun and delicious!

The downstair’s spacious area offers both a market and quick dining.

Italian olive oil is among the many items offered for sale.

Pastas galore!

Flora’s offers authentic Italian ingredients for purchase.

Wonderful paninis are made to order, using fresh ingredients.

Trevor is savoring his mouthwatering panini.

This Eggplant Parmigiana Stuffed Bread was as good as it looks.

Tucked in the corner of Flora’s is this cute little yellow Fiat/car.

This framed poster has to be my favorite piece of Flora’s decor. :o)

Cherry Smash Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Cherry Smash Ice Cream!
This Coral Springs ice cream establishment was delightful and delicious.

 

The menu is full of tasty options.

A stately vintage cash register overlooks the ice cream counter.

Zoltar the “fortune teller” is one of the many interesting items displayed throughout the ice cream shop.

Colorful neon lights from gas stations of yesteryear fill up one of the rooms.

A Big Boy statue greets ice cream patrons to Cherry Smash. 

Voodoo Bayou

After our weekend Walt Disney World trip (more on that, below),
we decided to continue the New Orleans vibe created by Walt Disney World’s
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Port Orlean’s lodging, where we had stayed.
We ventured into Orlando to dine at Voodoo Bayou, enjoying a meal of
cajun cuisine, fun atmosphere, punctuated by enjoyable live music.
An added bonus was discovering a hidden entrance into a private speakeasy.

Alligator was our appetizer.
Yes, I said alligator!
It tastes like chicken, only tougher.

I enjoyed fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.

Having been “bitten” by the beignet bug at Disney,
we had to try out their version of this French deep fried pastry.
Yum.

Walt Disney World!
The Magic Kingdom

When it was suggested that we might take the weekend to enjoy one day and two nights at
Walt Disney World, I only had one response…
“Yes!!!”

We enjoyed a Winnie the Pooh character lunch at the Crystal Palace.
The food was yummy and such a happy time!
I even got a photo with the colorful Tigger.

 

We enjoyed many rides, but one that brings back memories is
The Carousel of Progress.

I actually rode this at the 1964 Worlds Fair!

This fun ride/show is a “trip” from the 1900’s-21st Century.
The scene above depicts the 1940’s.

It’s a Small World is another ride that premiered at the 1964 World’s Fair.
(The original ride is currently at California’s Disneyland.)
It is one of my favorite rides!

 

While in the queue for It’s a Small World,
you can view the large windows of Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant.
I used to enjoy eating their Figaro Fries while watching guests sailing away to
begin their Small World adventure.
Unfortunately, Figaro Fries are no longer offered.
Watch for my attempt at preparing Figaro Fries in a future blog post.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formally Splash Mountain) was enjoyed by all,
and was my final ride of the evening,
We were all more than a bit damp after our plunge.
Note the faux beignets on the table, as we “snaked” our way through the entertaining queue path.

Enjoyed earlier that day, while taking a quick break;
Tiana’s Famous Beignets, with a bit of honey.
Found at Golden Oak Outpost.

Port Orleans-French Quarter

The winner of the best beignets for the trip, had to be from
Scat Cat’s Club cafe.
These beignets were warm, fluffy, and absolutely delicious!
And as an added bonus, they were shaped liked Mickey!

Next time, I may have to try out the Mickey-shaped Beignet Sundae
to share!

More Disney Posts to Explore!

Walt Disney World

Disney Memories )–Here.

Rick Springfield and Floating Cars….Another Glorious Visit to Walt Downey World!–Here

A (Sticky) Taste of Walt Disney World–Here

Disney Food and Wine Festival (Eating Around Walt Disney World…)–Here

Disney World Family Reunion (Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook…)-Here

Disney World Recipe (Walt Disney World Really Cooks)–Here,

(Discovering New Fun At Walt Disney World, Part 1) –Here ,  

(Discovering New Fun At Walt Disney World, Part 2)-Here

(Dole whip Mama…)-Here

 Disneyland and Disney Studios 

Disneyland (A New Stove and Disney Peanut Butter Cookies)–Here

Disney Studios(My Birthday with Disney)–Here

Disneyland and Disney Studios (A Girl’s Disney Weekend)–Here

California (Disneyland) Dreamin’-Here

Cooking with Gammy

One of my favorite Gammy activities with my grandchildren is cooking.
While at Port Orleans, I purchased a beignet mix for my granddaughter and me to
try at home.
The mix was from the famous Cafe Du Monde of New Orleans.

The beignet mix was from the famous Cafe Du Monde of New Orleans.

First obstacle…
We realized that we did not have a rolling pin.
We improvised with a cup.

They were not the prettiest of beignets.

But they tasted good, and we had fun making them. :o)

Airboat Sighting!

Passing an airboat on the highway.

We had originally planned to take an airboat ride on this visit,
but it didn’t work out this time.
We did, however, pass one on the highway!

Does anyone else remember the 1960’s tv show called,
 Everglades! ?
I used to watch the reruns after school.

I can still remember the theme song,
and I’ve been intrigued by airboats, ever since!

Listen to the show’s theme song, here.
Movin’, ever cousin’, through the Everglades…

Did you know that a young Burt Reynolds appeared on this show twice?
Read some other fascinating facts about this
often forgotten tv show, here and here.

 

 

I’m Annette Stuff

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