Florida 2026

I'm back from a quick but wonderful trip to visit my parents in Florida. It was fairly last minute, so Brian unfortunately couldn't get away, but one-on-one time with Mom and Dad is pretty special too. It was perfect Florida weather while I was there, which meant a couple trips to the beach, kayaking, lots of walks and a bike ride. We saw alligators, a dolphin (or shark, not sure), manatee and bald eagle, We also went out for dinner a few times, which was a treat for all us since we usually cook at home. We went to Petra's where I had a great fish dish, stopped by Acqua Bistecca at the new Ritz-Carlton Residences for appetizers and a cocktail before having a great pasta dinner at home, and Enzo's where we had a delicious bottle of wine and I enjoyed linguine and clams. So good. My friend Kim was also at her place (in the same community, just up the road from my parents) with her dad at the same time, so we had them over for cocktails one night which was a treat. Unfortunately, I had a cold for most of the trip so wasn't 100%, but we got to relax and make the most of the visit. It went by way too fast, that's for sure. 

Florida 24 :: The Last Day

Time to head back home. Even the dogs were sulking. It was a perfect day too. Isn't it supposed to be gross and raining so you aren't sad to leave? Had a noon flight, so didn't have to rush around too much in the morning. Walked to Publix, with the dogs, to pick up lunch for the flight home, the headed to the airport. My parents are such great hosts, and it was such a treat to escape the winter a bit. What a wonderful few days.

Florida 24 :: Day 4

The last full day. Finally lots of sunshine, but it ended up being windy and a little chilly. No complaints here. It was still very beautiful. We went for a walk with the dogs, then headed over to Bonita Beach. I haven't been there since before the big hurricane a couple years ago, and it was crazy to still see so much destruction left. I guess a few of the restaurants just opened up again a few days before we were there. Lots of houses along the beach getting rebuilt, that have been knocked down, or just empty yet. Still, the water was wild and amazing. I love it. After more time in the hot tub, it was time to drive to Naples for yet another yummy dinner, this time at Truluck's where we all appreciated the back lit menus. 

Florida 24 :: Day 3

It was a humid Florida day filled with green and threats of rain -- which never happened. I have a huge post-kayaking smile on my face thanks to seeing a manatee (orange blob in the water). I love those giant creatures so much, even if they do freak me out a bit when they swim under my kayak. We also saw an alligator, which I'm not as big as a fan of, and an eagle, which was stunning. That afternoon, Brian and I went to DeRoma's and picked up goods for a dinner at home, then we hit the hot tub, which felt amazing. 

Florida 24 :: Days 1 & 2

We just got back from a quick few days in Florida. It was such a lovely time. Flew out of O'Hare, which is a bit of a hassle, but better than a layover there. And honestly, it's only 1 hour further than Milwaukee's airport, so not a big deal. Had a fun dinner at the golf club that night. I was a little off my game on the photo taking this trip, so no photos from the first day. My parents had driven to Miami and back that day, and we were pretty tired from our journey, so had our late dinner then called it a night. The next day was hot! Brian and I rode bikes to the farmer's market, then took a walk around the neighborhood. Later that afternoon we went swimming and played pickleball, which is so much fun. That evening, we meet up with their friends Harry & Laura (who we've seen for years in Florida, but also in Italy & the UK) at a little French restaurant called Chez Boet. Everything looked really good, but I scored with my traditional meal of mussels and frites. Such a fun night.

Florida 22 :: Day 4

Yay! A beach day. Today was supposed to be warm and sunny. Turned out to be perfect for me. Cloudy and comfortable with my denim shirt. We had lunch, then my mom and I walked the beach for miles. My favorite thing. That afternoon we hot tubbed, then had dinner at the club before calling it early for the night. It's amazing how tired you get being outside all day. 

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Right now I'm sitting in the airport waiting to go home. It's been such a great trip. I can't believe I've never come by myself before. I guess it's one of the good things about older kids. It was quick, easy and sweet. One more day would have been nice, but to me, that's the sign of a good vacation. 

Florida 22 :: Day 3

Another day filled with Florida fun. Today was supposed to be cool and cloudy. We went for a bike ride and the weather was absolutely beautiful, so decided to go for a kayak trip. We were even treated with a dolphin who really liked swimming next to the kayaks, especially my dad's. So neat. That night we headed into Naples. A friend of mine has a place near my parents, and she spends a lot of time in Naples. I had never been to the pier. The surfers were out, and the pelicans and other birds were out catching fish. It was really nice. Afterwards, we drove by some of the stunning homes in the area, then parked near 3rd Avenue, another place I had never been. We strolled a bit, then had dinner at Sea Salt, which we all really enjoyed. So glad we have been able to fit as much as we have in. It's been so great.