Patrick Connolly – The Virginian-Pilot https://www.pilotonline.com The Virginian-Pilot: Your source for Virginia breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:51:16 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.pilotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/POfavicon.png?w=32 Patrick Connolly – The Virginian-Pilot https://www.pilotonline.com 32 32 219665222 An island in the sun: Peanut Island has snorkeling, pristine beaches and overnight options https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/07/30/peanut-island-palm-beach-snorkeling-beaches-camping/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:47:53 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7275308&preview=true&preview_id=7275308 Spending time at one particular Palm Beach County waterfront oasis, complete with sugar-sand beaches and picture-perfect sunsets, conjures lines from a popular Weezer song.

“On an island in the sun, We’ll be playing and having fun

And it makes me feel so fine I can’t control my brain”

That essentially sums up the experience of visiting Peanut Island, a nearly 80-acre haven for boaters, paddlers and beach enthusiasts who like to spend their days soaking up sunrays or visiting with marine life on a snorkeling excursion. For many area boaters, the island tucked just inside the Lake Worth (Palm Beach) Inlet presents a place to pull up for an afternoon beach cookout and swim.

This small slice of paradise also allows the option to stay overnight in one of 17 reservable sites, allowing campers to enjoy the island long after daytime revelers have pulled up anchor and headed back to shore.

Pristine beaches await on on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 24, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Pristine beaches await on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land on Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Getting There

The only access to Peanut Island is by boat on the Intracoastal Waterway. Those with access to a pontoon, a fishing boat or personal watercraft will have no problem pulling up for a few hours or a night of camping. Kayakers and paddlers are also commonly seen around the island, and launching and rentals are available at nearby Riviera Beach Marina.

This is also where visitors can catch the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat, which departs at regular intervals daily for $25 per adult and $12 per child (online advance reservations). Dogs are allowed on the shuttle boat free of charge and permitted on the island as long as they are leashed.

Seagulls and pelicans look for breakfast on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 25, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Seagulls and pelicans look for breakfast on Peanut Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The Palm Beach Water Taxi ($20 per person) makes multiple daily trips from the Sailfish Marina Resort on the eastern side of Peanut Island.

For those with their own vessels, launching at Phil Foster Park just to the north of Peanut Island is also an option — but parking may be limited on the weekends.

The sun rises over the snorkeling lagoon on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 25, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The sun rises over the snorkeling lagoon on Peanut Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Things to Do

Paddling or boating around Peanut Island is inherent in the experience, and there are plenty of places to pull up on a sandy stretch of shoreline.

The island’s main draw is swimming, with a dedicated snorkeling lagoon and guarded beaches on the southeast side. The best time to snorkel is during the hour before and after high tide.

Snorkeling is a popular option on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, or at nearby Phil Foster Park (pictured) on March 25, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Snorkeling is a popular option on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach or at nearby Phil Foster Park (pictured). (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Get Wet Watersports, which offers snorkeling tours to Peanut Island, advertises that visitors will see plenty of colorful fish, rays and the occasional manatee or shark.

Fishing is also available to anglers at various points on the island, including a fishing pier near the campground.

A 1.25-mile walking trail takes visitors on a scenic stroll around the island. Plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, charcoal grills and a few chickee huts are spread out for daytime visitors to enjoy.

Overnight camping is an option in one of 17 sites on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 24, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Overnight camping is an option in one of 17 sites on Peanut Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

An Island Overnight

On a sunny weekend, especially during the summer, the island and surrounding waterways can get quite congested and loud, with revelers on boats blasting music and partying. But as the sun goes down and the riff-raff retire for the evening, all daytime visitors must leave the island, and only those who have reserved one of 17 campsites can stay.

Fourteen of those sites are single sites ($30 plus tax) meant for one tent and a maximum of six campers, while three are double-wide ($60 plus tax) for up to two tents and 12 guests. Each spot contains a tent pad, charcoal grill and picnic table.

Individual sites don’t have campfire rings, but there is a communal firepit and wood available for purchase on the island.

Although alcohol isn’t allowed for daytime visitors, it is permitted in the campground for overnight guests. Showers are available in the restrooms, exclusive to campers and only accessible by punching in a code.

Overnight camping is an option on Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 24, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Overnight camping is an option on Peanut Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

As the moon rises, it’s nice to enjoy dinner and a beverage outdoors while taking in the sensations of wind whispering through the palms, crickets chirping and stars emerging overhead.

Peanut Island also makes for an interesting vantage point to watch cruise ships and giant cargo vessels pull out to sea under the setting sun, not to mention plenty of larger-than-life yachts.

A Nearly Nutty History

Originally named Inlet Island, the man-made enclave originally encompassed 10 acres created in 1918 with material excavated while dredging the Lake Worth (Palm Beach) Inlet. By 1923, the Port of Palm Beach was using the island as a spoil site, and eventually, the island grew to 80 acres.

The name came from a plan to ship peanut oil from the island, and while that idea was abandoned in 1946, the name Peanut Island always stuck.

Amid the Cuban missile crisis of the 1960s, a nuclear bunker was built on the island for President John F. Kennedy, who vacationed with his family at his “winter White House” in Palm Beach. The bunker was previously open for tours but closed in 2017. Historic buildings that previously served as a Coast Guard station sit near the site of the Kennedy bunker.

This 2004 file photo shows an aerial view of Peanut Island as an enhancement project was underway. While the island now has a campground, a walking trail and a snorkeling lagoon, Palm Beach County has future plans to renovate and reopen historic structures with educational exhibits. (Sun-Sentinel Photo by Mark Randall)
This 2004 file photo shows an aerial view of Peanut Island as an enhancement project was underway. The island now has a campground, a walking trail and a snorkeling lagoon, but Palm Beach County has plans to renovate and reopen historic structures with educational exhibits in the future. (Mark Randall/Sun Sentinel)

Brighter Days Ahead

While these facilities are currently fenced off and off-limits to visitors, Palm Beach County plans to renovate the historic structures, bunker and docks in a yearslong, multi-million dollar improvement project.

According to a sign placed in front of the site, the boat house will serve as home to exhibits and a gift shop while the Coast Guard station will house educational and historic displays. Eventually, the plan is also to reopen the Kennedy bunker for tours.

A pelican perches on the dock at Peanut Island, an 80-acre piece of land in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, on March 24, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A pelican perches on the dock at Peanut Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

If you go

Peanut Island is located in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet in Riviera Beach and is open for day use from sunrise to sunset. There is nothing for sale or rent on the island, so visitors should be prepared with supplies for a half-day away from the mainland.

The Peanut Island Shuttle can be reserved online or by calling 561-777-0438, or the Palm Beach Water Taxi can be booked online or by calling 561-683-8294. Peanut Island aims to offer online camping reservations in the future, but for now, sites can be booked by calling 561-845-4445 or toll-free at 866-383-5730 or by emailing pnutcamp@pbcgov.org. A maximum of three nights can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. For more information, visit discover.pbcgov.org.

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7275308 2024-07-30T15:47:53+00:00 2024-07-30T15:51:16+00:00
For beach lovers, Florida’s Anastasia Island is a pristine paradise https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/07/17/anastasia-island-florida-beach-pristine-paradise/ Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:43:41 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7260320&preview=true&preview_id=7260320 When searching for an idyllic sandy spot to spend sunny summer days at the seashore, look no further than Anastasia State Park, which has four miles of unspoiled beaches for family and friends to enjoy.

This more than 1,600-acre oasis is situated just outside the oldest city in the United States near a picturesque lighthouse and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Visit the Atlantic Coast destination, a haven for wildlife and humans alike, to see untouched dunes, maritime hammocks and plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.

Modern-day visitors will sometimes camp out before or after attending concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, which has a walking path connected to the state park. Overnight visitors can choose from one of 139 sites that can accommodate tents or RVs (with two tent-only loops).

Anastasia State Park, photographed in March, has four miles of pristine beaches in St. Augustine. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Anastasia State Park, photographed in March, has four miles of pristine beaches in St. Augustine. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The area’s history is revealed during a short hike that meanders through an old coquina quarry on the immediate righthand side of the park’s entrance. More than 300 years ago, sites like this were busy with workers hauling out coquina rock used to construct nearby buildings, including the Castillo de San Marcos.

The beach is by far the biggest draw of Anastasia State Park. A designated swimming area is under a lifeguard’s watch in the summer through Labor Day. Cycling, walking, swimming, surfing and shelling are all options along the pristine shoreline. The dunes within the park are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse and are protected, so be sure to cross on designated boardwalks.

The sun rises over Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on March 8, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The sun rises over Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on March 8, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

When it comes time for a snack, visit the Island Beach Shop and Grill near the main beach access point. The concession stand serves burgers, tacos, sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, salads, ice cream and other light bites. Visitors who are 21 or older can enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from the grill. Find beach toys, apparel, souvenirs, bait and camping essentials within the gift shop — plus rentals of surfboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, bicycles and boogie boards. Beach wheelchairs are available for free to visitors with mobility limitations.

On the side of the park opposite the Atlantic Ocean, explore the estuarine tidal marsh where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs and marsh birds have been spotted. Anastasia Watersports is set up with rentals of sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes.

A gull strolls the beachy shore of Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine as the sun rises on March 8, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A gull strolls the beachy shore of Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine as the sun rises on March 8, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Away from the beach, the Ancient Dunes nature trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock and over former sand dunes. The state park is listed on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so be on the lookout for a variety of shorebirds on the beach, great blue herons, tricolored herons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, osprey, bald eagles, owls and songbirds within the maritime hammock.

Important information

  • Location: 300 Anastasia Park Road in St. Augustine
  • Hours: Open 8 a.m. until sundown daily
  • Fee: $8 per vehicle
  • Amenities: Boardwalk, beach, campfire circle, campground, canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails, laundry, picnic tables and pavilions, historic sites, accessible amenities, concession and restaurant, rentals, parking, playground, restrooms
  • Activities: Bicycling, birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, shelling, surfing, swimming, wildlife viewing
  • The estuarine tidal marsh is a prime location for kayaking at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
    The estuarine tidal marsh is a prime location for kayaking at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
  • Accessibility: Anastasia State Park offers a number of accessible amenities, including elevated boardwalks, a Mobi-Mat for beach access, beach wheelchairs available for free, accessible campsites and interpretive exhibits.
  • What to bring: When spending a day on the beach, pack some form of shade, sunscreen, towels, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the cooler for a full day of fun in the sun.
  • What not to bring: Florida’s state parks prohibit alcohol (except in designated areas) and the removal or destruction of plants, animals and cultural artifacts.
  • Pets: Pets are prohibited on beaches, buildings and boardwalks, but permitted in the campground.
Clouds give way to a starry night sky at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on  March 7, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Clouds give way to a starry night sky at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine on  March 7, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
  • Pro tips: While Anastasia State Park has a large campground, the sites tend to be booked far ahead of time. Look at availability months before planning an overnight trip to the park, which proves a worthwhile experience in seeing the sunrise and sunset on the beach, plus offering after-hours access.
  • More information: 904-461-2033 or floridastateparks.org

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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7260320 2024-07-17T15:43:41+00:00 2024-07-17T15:46:51+00:00
‘Starry Fight’ documentary tells ‘love story’ behind Florida van Gogh house https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/07/06/starry-fight-documentary-mount-dora-van-gogh-house/ Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:30:19 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7246387&preview=true&preview_id=7246387 When Nancy Nemhauser painted her Mount Dora home to resemble Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in 2017, it set off a legal battle that captured people’s attention worldwide. A new documentary centers on the Central Florida home and the local controversy it sparked, but also tells the story of a mother’s love for her son.

Starry Fight — A Canvas for the World” is now filming in Mount Dora and focuses on Nemhauser’s decision to keep the artistic paint job despite the threat of fines. She first decided on the distinctive look because her son, 31-year-old Grant “Chip” Harrison, who has autism, tended to wander off. Because he loved van Gogh’s work, the house became a beacon to guide him home.

Nancy Nemhauser’s home is painted like van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in Mount Dora on June 26, 2024. The home and Nemhauser’s story are the subject of a new documentary currently being filmed called “Starry Fight.” (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

“He has an interest in art, not art across the board but specifically van Gogh,” Nemhauser said. “I want him to know where he has to go, and that was my original reason for painting the wall.”

In 2018, Nemhauser and her husband, Lubomir Jastrzebski, were threatened with more than $10,000 in fines for an alleged code-enforcement violation stemming from their “Starry Night” night home. Jeremy Talcott, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, fought to preserve the paint and ultimately won the case, resulting in Mount Dora settling with the couple. The city paid the couple’s $15,000 legal fees and made a public apology, which Jastrzebski insisted upon.

“When I talked to Nancy and learned how the town had told her she needed to paint the wall to match the house — and [she] chose to paint the entire house, I knew that was my type of person,” Talcott said. “She was willing to take a bold and perhaps a little bit of a crazy step to do something she believed in. It made for a great story.”

Lionel “Lee” Montells is the director, producer and writer of a film centered on the home painted like van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in Mount Dora, pictured on set in Mount Dora on June 26, 2024. The home is the subject of Montells’ documentary currently being filmed called “Starry Fight.” (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Lionel “Lee” Montells, the documentary’s director, producer and writer, said he was planning to retire to his original home of Spain after a 40-year career working in TV before stumbling upon the tale.

“I heard about this story in February. I couldn’t stop reading all night long. I couldn’t find a film, a documentary or a book on this house. Maybe nobody had done it because the story was waiting for me,” he said. “Besides the controversy and the legal fight, it’s the story of the love a mother has for her child. Who doesn’t love a great love story?”

Montells said the story is compelling because of its location, the fame of this painting, the freedom of expression issue and the focus on autism, especially as other parents have found hope in watching Nemhauser fight on behalf of her son.

Nancy Nemhauser stands outside of her home, which is painted like van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” in Mount Dora on June 27, 2024. The home and Nemhauser’s story are the subject of a new documentary currently being filmed called “Starry Fight.” (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

“Everyone can have the sense of how important a mother’s love is and how intense a mother’s love is. Interestingly, Chip calls me ‘mom bear’ and that is what I felt like. I was not going to give up,” she said. “[Montells] was the first person who contacted me about making this a love story and not a controversy. I appreciated that he had that vision. It’s about what a mother would do.”

Despite seemingly having its 15 minutes of fame six years ago, the house has seen a steady stream of curious visitors ever since.

“What started with a simple code violation created a sequence of events so big that it went around the world. To this day, there are still people coming to take pictures in front of her house,” Montells said. “I have articles in Chinese, Japanese, Hindi and every single language you can imagine. It went around the world.”

The director plans to visit Mount Dora several more times to complete filming before piecing together the documentary later this year. Ultimately, he hopes the film will make its way onto the festival circuit and eventually end up on an online streaming platform.

Nancy Nemhauser’s home is painted like van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in Mount Dora on June 26, 2024. The home and Nemhauser’s story are the subject of a new documentary currently being filmed called “Starry Fight.” (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Nemhauser hopes her story can prove inspirational for others.

“I had a very hard time because most of the confrontation was on me. I lost a lot of sleep and probably aged years beyond what I should have. I do think winning has helped other people. It has certainly brought other people here,” she said. “I’m delighted that we prevailed. I want to see more compassion and awareness of autism and the difficulties that parents face.”

She doesn’t regret standing up for Chip.

“This is his home,” she said. “Once I had the house painted, he was even more enamored with it. He’s proud to be here.”

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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7246387 2024-07-06T06:30:19+00:00 2024-07-06T06:31:07+00:00
Lighthouse superlatives: Exploring Florida’s oldest, tallest and most haunted lights https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/14/lighthouse-superlatives-exploring-floridas-oldest-tallest-and-most-haunted-lights/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 20:40:05 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=7211368&preview=true&preview_id=7211368 The word “lighthouse” probably conjures images of idyllic beachside scenes or historic postcards that invoke a certain sense of nostalgia. They might be seen as beacons of hope to guide those in need during challenging or stormy conditions.

Every lighthouse has a story involving keepers, their families, pets and a lifestyle that could sometimes prove hard and solitary. At several lighthouses, such as Ponce Inlet and St. Augustine, it’s possible to tour keepers’ houses to be transported into the past with a simpler way of life. Other exhibits focus on Fresnel lenses, shipwrecks or the evolution of lamps from oil to electric.

While many lighthouses have been automated, eliminating the need for a full-time keeper, these historic structures serve as time capsules that take visitors into the pages of Florida history. Along different stretches of coastline, it’s possible to climb the state’s tallest lighthouse or its most haunted tower or even to stay overnight in a New England-style replica built in the 1980s.

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is Florida's tallest, standing at 175 feet tall, on March 7, 2024. The tower and grounds are open daily for visitors with museum exhibits and informational displays. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is Florida’s tallest, standing at 175 feet tall. The tower and grounds are open daily for visitors who can explore the museum’s exhibits and informational displays. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Tallest: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

While Florida doesn’t offer mountaintop vistas and overlooks from atop high cliffs, it does have a 175-foot lighthouse at Ponce Inlet, providing visitors who climb its 203 steps with a 360-degree view of the Halifax River, the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Smyrna Dunes Park. In 1835, a 45-foot tower was constructed on the south side of what was then known as Mosquito Inlet, but it collapsed into the sea in April 1836 following strong storms. The current lighthouse, now a national historic landmark, was completed in 1887 and cost nearly $200,000 with a first-order Fresnel lens.

Modern-day guests can witness this still-working lighthouse (which now uses a third-order Fresnel lens) constructed of 1.25 million bricks and wander between three original keepers’ homes, a lens exhibit building, an oil storage building and a pump house.

It's 203 steps up to the gallery deck at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida's tallest standing at 175 feet, on March 7, 2024. The tower and grounds are open daily for visitors with museum exhibits and informational displays. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
It’s 203 steps up to the gallery deck at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest, standing at 175 feet. The tower and grounds are open daily for visitors. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

If you go: The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is open daily at 10 a.m., closing hours vary by the season (6 p.m. through May 24, then 9 p.m. May 25-Sept. 2) at 4931 South Peninsula Drive in Ponce Inlet. Admission costs $6.95 per adult and $1.95 per child aged 3-11 (free for infants). Pets are not allowed except for service animals. More information: ponceinlet.org

The Amelia Island Lighthouse is Florida's oldest existing lighthouse, seen on March 9, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Amelia Island Lighthouse is Florida’s oldest existing lighthouse. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Oldest: Amelia Island Lighthouse

It might not tower over the landscape (at only 67 feet tall) or appear particularly impressive at first glance, but the Amelia Island Lighthouse has a few unique claims of fame. In addition to being the Sunshine State’s oldest existing lighthouse, it’s also the westernmost lighthouse on the east coast of the United States. When the lantern was taken down from Cumberland Island, moved to Amelia Island and illuminated in 1839, Florida wasn’t yet a state.

The lighthouse isn’t open for visitors to climb, but tours are available on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. In addition, the surrounding property is open for public viewing on Saturdays.

If you go: The Amelia Island Lighthouse grounds are open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays, with tours available on select dates for $10 per adult and $5 per child at 215 O’Hagan Lane in Fernandina Beach. Views of the lighthouse are also available from nearby Fort Clinch State Park. More information: fbfl.us

The St. Augustine Lighthouse glows in the nighttime as seen from Anastasia State Park on March 7, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The St. Augustine Lighthouse glows in the nighttime as seen from Anastasia State Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Most Haunted: St. Augustine Lighthouse

America’s oldest city, which celebrated its 450th anniversary several years ago, has a storied past that includes Indigenous people, Spanish colonists and a brief British occupation. Long before the current St. Augustine Lighthouse was constructed, a Spanish watchtower sat closer to the ocean, evolving to meet security and navigation needs. When it became evident that the first lighthouse tower was doomed to fall into the sea, a new 165-foot tower was constructed beginning in 1871. It remains as St. Augustine’s first and oldest surviving brick structure.

Though the tower and keepers’ house have received major restoration work in recent decades, the tower modern-day guests can climb is the same one that has stood for nearly 150 years. With such a long history, there are rumored to be ghosts of young sisters who died on the property and the spirit of a keeper who fell to his death while painting the outside of the tower. Try to spot these spirits who haunt the grounds during nighttime ghost tours.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is open for visitors daily with museums and informational exhibits on the grounds, seen on March 8, 2024. Guests can opt to climb 219 steps to the top observation deck to see a first-order Fresnel lens that stands 9 feet tall. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is open for visitors daily. Guests can opt to climb 219 steps to the top observation deck to see a first-order Fresnel lens that stands 9 feet tall. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

If you go: The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at 100 Red Cox Drive in St. Augustine. The grounds also include museum exhibits in four historic structures, a children’s play area and Heritage Boatworks, where volunteer boatwrights build small craft using historic techniques. Admission is $14.95 per adult and $12.95 for seniors ages 60 and older and children younger than 12 (who must be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower). Tours cost extra. Animals are welcome on the grounds but not in the historic buildings. More information: staugustinelighthouse.org

Unique Overnight: Katie’s Light

While most lighthouses give daytime visitors a glimpse into what life was like for keepers living and working in the 19th and 20th centuries, one gives guests the chance to stay overnight on Amelia Island. Katie’s Light, named for the deceased daughter of hoteliers David and Susan Caples, is a 1980s replica of Maryland’s Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Beth Anne Caples, the couple’s other daughter, and her husband, William Kaner, gave the vacation rental property a facelift in recent years but stuck to the historic, seafaring character of the house. Though prices vary, it costs an average of $783 per night to stay in this three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom beachfront abode, complete with a wrap-around deck and a central spiral staircase inside.

If you go: Visit katieslight.com to find booking links on Airbnb and Vrbo for the property in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.

Aerial photos show Sanibel Island five months after Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in late September 2022, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. While the Sanibel Lighthouse lost a leg in the storm, it has since received a new one and is undergoing exterior restoration work. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Aerial photos from March 1, 2023, show Sanibel Island five months after Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in late September 2022. While the Sanibel Lighthouse lost a leg in the storm, it has since received a new one and is undergoing exterior restoration work. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Most Resilient: Sanibel Lighthouse

Hurricane Ian, which ravaged the coast of Southwest Florida in September 2022, is forever etched into the minds of Sanibel Island’s residents and the community’s collective history. In a remarkable show of resilience, the Sanibel Lighthouse lost a leg during the catastrophic storm but remained standing, shining once again five months after the storm. Though the surrounding keepers’ cottages and buildings were leveled in Ian’s rage, the lighthouse now has a new leg and is undergoing a restoration project with a new exterior paint job.

If you go: Lighthouse Beach Park on the southern tip of Sanibel Island is open from dawn to dusk daily. Parking is $5 per hour. The lighthouse tower is not open to the public for climbing or tours.

 Best Comeback: Alligator Reef Lighthouse

Though Alligator Reef might sound like a menacing place to pull up on a boat for lunch, it’s situated in the Florida Keys where there aren’t many alligators. The lighthouse is named after the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner that ran aground on the reef in 1822 and sank. The lighthouse was dark for about 10 years and then illuminated again in 2023 with solar-powered lights as an Islamorada community group is spending $6 million on a restoration and preservation project.

If you go: The Alligator Reef Lighthouse is located about five nautical miles off the coast of Islamorada and is only accessible by boat.

A restored lighthouse built in 1887 is the main focal point at Anclote Key Preserve State Park on Dec. 10, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A restored lighthouse built in 1887 is the main focal point at Anclote Key Preserve State Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Off-grid Oasis: Anclote Key Lighthouse

This national historic landmark is situated a few miles west of Tarpon Springs on state park land along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Although the lighthouse was battered by Hurricane Idalia, which tore through the Big Bend region of the state in late August 2023, it recently received an $800,000 facelift, including a fresh coat of paint inside and out. The cast iron structure with a supportive exoskeleton was constructed similarly to the Sanibel Lighthouse. An off-grid residence sits just north of the tower where a ranger lives full-time and uses reverse osmosis to make freshwater from saltwater. The lighthouse is solar-powered.

If you go: The Anclote Key lighthouse, situated about three miles west of Tarpon Springs on the Gulf Coast, has open houses for visitors to climb the tower during the second weekend of each month November-May (not during summer months). Boaters can see the lighthouse and visit the island, which has no amenities, from dawn to dusk daily. Primitive camping is available on the north end of Anclote Key. Alcohol and dogs are prohibited on the island; shoes are encouraged. More information: anclotecso.org or floridastateparks.org

A stroller walks by the Mount Dora Lighthouse as the sun sets on Lake Dora in Mount Dora on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A stroller walks by the Mount Dora Lighthouse as the sun sets on Lake Dora in Mount Dora. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Most Inland: Mount Dora Lighthouse

Visitors to Mount Dora, a quaint Central Florida city with plenty of small-town charm, might be surprised to see a lighthouse so far from the coast. At Grantham Point Park, next to the Mount Dora Marina, take a walk around the 35-foot lighthouse and Florida’s only inland navigation aid. It illuminates at night to help boaters on Lake Dora after dusk.

If you go: Grantham Point Park or “Lighthouse Park” is open daily at 311 S. Tremain St. in Mount Dora. More information: whattodoinmtdora.com

Rain clouds skirt the coast at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, during a media open house Wednesday, March 3, 2021. The structure is the only fully operational lighthouse owned by the U.S. Space Force and stands at 151-feet tall. It was built in 1868 and stands adjacent to the historic Launch Complex 26 and the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Museum. The lighthouse is only accessible by tours through the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation. A public open house is scheduled for St. Patrick's Day, March 17. For reservations: 321-307-2900. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Rain clouds skirt the coast at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station during a media open house March 3, 2021. The lighthouse is open to public tours on select dates by appointment for U.S. citizens only due to its ownership by the U.S. Space Force. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Citizens Only: Cape Canaveral

Owned by the United States Space Force and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood for more than 150 years, now located on an active military installation. Canaveral Tours offers shuttles to the lighthouse and tours since visitors cannot drive their vehicles onto the base. Only U.S. citizens who go through security clearances are allowed access to the lighthouse due to Department of Defense restrictions.

If you go: Visit canaverallight.org for more visitor information.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

The St. Marks Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Florida's Gulf Coast located in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)
The St. Marks Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Florida’s Gulf Coast located in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

Other Florida Lighthouses Open to the Public (From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast)

  • Pensacola Lighthouse
  • Cape San Blas Lighthouse
  • Cape St. George Light
  • Crooked River Lighthouse
  • St. Marks Lighthouse
  • Cedar Key (Seahorse Key) Lighthouse
  • Port Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island) Lighthouse
  • Key West Lighthouse
  • Cape Florida (Key Biscayne) Lighthouse
  • Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum are open daily, seen on March 7, 2024. One building houses Fresnel lenses in an informational exhibit. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum are open daily. One building houses Fresnel lenses in an informational exhibit. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Lighthouse 101

  • In the late 1800s and early 1900s, lighthouse keepers were responsible for hauling 40 lbs. of kerosene or whale oil up to the top of the tower each evening. Keepers would also be responsible for cleaning the lens, lamp and tower, plus managing every aspect of the light station. This could include first aid, repairs, tending buoys and daily logs of activities.
  • Iron braziers and candle chandeliers were once used to illuminate lighthouses before oil lamps and reflectors were implemented to amplify the light output.
  • In 1814, French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel made a breakthrough in lighthouse illumination by pioneering a lens that used glass prisms to focus rays of light to shine in a specific direction. These are classified from first-order through sixth-order, from largest to smallest. First-order lenses can stand 10-11 feet tall and cast light that can be seen for up to 22 nautical miles.
  • In 1789, the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment was created to allow for federal oversight of aids to navigation. In 1852, U.S. Congress passed legislation to create a U.S. Lighthouse Board to modernize lighthouses with Fresnel lenses and standardized procedures. By 1910, there were 11,713 aids to navigation of all types in the country, during the same year when the Bureau of Lighthouses was created and operated as the U.S. Lighthouse Service.
  • A “daymark” refers to a unique paint pattern on each lighthouse tower to help identify one’s location on the coast. A “nightmark” is a distinctive flash pattern of the light at night.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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7211368 2024-06-14T16:40:05+00:00 2024-06-14T16:52:32+00:00
10 Florida summertime destinations for a relaxing getaway https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/06/23/10-florida-summertime-destinations/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 19:49:18 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=5044360&preview=true&preview_id=5044360 It’s the sweltering summertime in the Sunshine State and many resident Floridians are turning their vacations northward in search of cooler temperatures.

But even within a few hours of Orlando, there are pristine beaches to behold, shimmering springs to swim and quirky attractions to explore. Some destinations have history abound, while others have modern local eats and amenities for a comfortable stay.

Here are ideas for summer getaways fit for a quick weekend away or a weeklong vacation.

Rainbow Springs State Park provides visitors with three manmade waterfalls, a remnant of the park's private attraction days, near Dunnellon on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
Rainbow Springs State Park provides visitors with three manmade waterfalls, a remnant of the park’s private attraction days, near Dunnellon. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Rainbow Springs/Dunnellon

Nothing helps beat the summer heat quite like taking a dip in crystal-clear 72-degree waters. Visit Rainbow Springs State Park to take a plunge into sapphire-blue springs, which together pump out more than 400 million gallons of water per day. Tubing, snorkeling and paddling are popular activities in the park, which features manmade waterfalls left over from Rainbow Springs’ private attraction days. Be sure to arrive early during the summer to ensure entry.

After a day on the spring run, venture into the quaint town of Dunnellon for a bite at waterfront staples such as Swampy’s Bar and Grille or Blue Gator Tiki Bar and Restaurant. For overnight stays, the area features a range of affordable motels, hotels, camping and vacation rentals.

Floating through the invisible water of the aquifer, Josh Dolan, cave diving instructor at Ginnie Springs north of Gainesville travels through the Devil's Eye into the Devil's Ear underwater cave system that goes under the Santa Fe River. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Floating through the invisible water of the aquifer, Josh Dolan, cave diving instructor at Ginnie Springs north of Gainesville, travels through the Devil’s Eye into the Devil’s Ear underwater cave system that goes under the Santa Fe River. (Orlando Sentinel file)

High Springs

Nestled near the Santa Fe River in Alachua County, High Springs is a jumping-off point for adventure. While the town of just several thousand permanent residents features eateries, a brewery, small shops and ice cream, the real draw of this area lies in the springs.

Visit several nearby swimming holes and water-based points of interest, including the Ginnie Springs system, Rum Island Springs, Poe Springs and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Ichetucknee Springs State Park isn’t far, either. Camping at Ginnie Springs is a popular overnight option, but visitors can also consider nearby bed and breakfasts, hotels and rentals.

A statue near the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs pays homage to all of the sponge divers who've made their living in the town's industry on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
A statue near the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs pays homage to all of the sponge divers who’ve made their living in the town’s industry. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Tarpon Springs

Known for its Greek culture and as the “sponge capital of the world,”  Tarpon Springs presents abundant charm and natural scenery along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Walk along brick streets, taking in nearly 150 years of history while browsing natural sponges in souvenir shops, Greek restaurants and local art.

The town also offers plenty of options for spending time outside with paddling tours, dolphin cruises and nearby parks primed for watching picturesque sunsets over the Gulf.

Hannah Fosnow swims near a manatee during a River Ventures tour in Crystal River.
Hannah Fosnow swims near a manatee during a River Ventures tour in Crystal River. (Courtesy River Ventures)

Crystal River

Famous for being the “manatee capital of the world,” Crystal River has the only national wildlife refuge created to protect the habitats of Florida’s official marine animal. Hundreds of manatees congregate in the springs during colder months for the life-giving warmth of the springs.

Even during the summer months, visitors can embark on specially permitted manatee tours to get up close with Florida’s sea cows. The area also has options for paddling, hiking, lounging on the beach and enjoying seafood restaurants. Explore hotels and vacation rentals for overnight stays.

The sun sets over Key West, silhouetting a sailboat, as seen from Mallory Square. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The sun sets over Key West, silhouetting a sailboat, as seen from Mallory Square. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Key West

The Conch Republic has a storied history that features native inhabitants, Spanish explorers, hurricanes, a brief drive for independence and Ernest Hemingway. During a visit to Key West, tourists can explore a shipwreck museum, visit the Hemingway Home, watch the sunset from Mallory Square, get a photo with the southernmost point monument and drink on Duval Street.

Prices for overnight stays in Key West vary depending on the season but tend to increase during the dry season between November and April. Summer may be a good time to visit to take advantage of lower hotel rates, snorkeling tours and experiences cooling down on the water.

An archway greets visitors to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. The sun sets over Key West, silhouetting a sailboat, as seen from Mallory Square. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
An archway greets visitors to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine.(Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

St. Augustine

When searching for history, look no further than the place that claims to be the oldest city in the United States. St. Augustine is the oldest “continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin” in the U.S.

Visit several museums and attractions that take tourists into centuries past, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the Old Jail Museum, the Lightner Museum and the St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum. The dark and macabre can be found during a trip to the Medieval Torture Museum or by embarking on a ghost tour. A wide range of hotels and vacation rentals are open for overnight guests.

Siesta Beach on Siesta Key southwest of Sarasota, Florida, was named America's top beach in 2011 and 2017 on Dr. Beach's annual Top 10 Beach List, and has also been named top beach in the U.S. several times on the annual TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. (Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau/TNS)
Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, southwest of Sarasota, Florida, was named America’s top beach in 2011 and 2017 on Dr. Beach’s annual Top 10 Beach List, and has also been named top beach in the U.S. several times on the annual TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. (Courtesy Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau/TNS)

Siesta Key

While many stretches of shoreline carry the risk of burnt feet for shoeless beachgoers, Siesta Key features white quartz sand that’s soft and cooler to the touch. Combined with the turquoise Gulf waters, small-town charm and amenities, Siesta Key has been ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. several times.

Find nearby waterfront dining and a Sunday evening drum circle on the beach or indulge in adult beverages at Daiquiri Deck. There are a number of resorts and bungalows to ensure overnight guests have a relaxing siesta, indeed.

Beachgoers enjoy the sun at Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel Island on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The sun sets over Key West, silhouetting a sailboat, as seen from Mallory Square. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Beachgoers enjoy the sun at Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach experienced catastrophic storm surge and howling winds when Hurricane Ian made landfall last year, but the region is on its way to recovery. Lighthouse Beach Park is now open along with J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, most beaches and a number of dining options.

Around Fort Myers Beach and further inland, there are places to eat and drink, things to do and hotels, resorts and rentals ready to accommodate visitors.

Historic downtown Fernandina Beach is home to Florida's oldest bar and a number of local businesses on Amelia Island on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. The sun sets over Key West, silhouetting a sailboat, as seen from Mallory Square. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Historic downtown Fernandina Beach is home to Florida’s oldest bar and a number of local businesses on Amelia Island. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Amelia Island

Tucked away on the Atlantic Coast just outside Jacksonville, there’s an island that time forgot. Amelia Island is home to a mid-19th-century fort, Florida’s oldest bar and an “Old Town” settled by the Spanish in the early 1800s (and long before that, the Timucua Indians).

Explore plenty of restaurants and bars, beaches and a Saturday farmers’ market in this laid-back island oasis.

Grayton Beach State Park spot is consistently ranked among the nation's most pristine beaches.
Grayton Beach State Park spot is consistently ranked among the nation’s most pristine beaches. (Courtesy Florida State Parks)

Destin/Grayton Beach

Vacationers of all interests can find something to do in Destin, a Gulf Coast city in the Florida Panhandle with fishing, golf, tennis, diving and snorkeling, not to mention pristine beaches. A little further east, visit Grayton Beach to find a small town with a relaxed, hippie vibe and beautiful beaches.

On this scenic stretch of coastline, some beaches are protected and are pristine state parks, while there are also opportunities for biking and hiking on nature trails.

READ MORE: 

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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5044360 2023-06-23T15:49:18+00:00 2023-06-23T15:54:08+00:00
15 pieces of gear worth packing for summer adventures https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/06/07/explorer-best-summer-outdoor-gear-0603/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:02:58 +0000 https://www.pilotonline.com/?p=5007486&preview=true&preview_id=5007486 When thinking of summertime essentials, perhaps pool floaties and sunscreen come to mind. Beachgoers will want to pack their umbrellas, sunshades and perhaps a boogie board for a fun day on sunny shores.

While camping becomes less desirable during the Sunshine State’s sweltering summer months (unless in an air-conditioned RV), there are still plenty of outdoor adventures worth embarking on. Whether it’s water-based excursions on a paddleboard, workouts or nighttime get-togethers in the backyard, there are small pieces of gear that can enhance outdoor activities.

From the back patio to the trailhead, here are 15 pieces of equipment and accessories that are worth packing when venturing outdoors this summer. These items can be found for less than $300 each and everything pictured belongs to me personally.

Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly shows off his favorite gear for summertime adventures including the ENO DoubleNest hammock at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly shows off his favorite gear for summertime adventures including the ENO DoubleNest hammock at Lake Baldwin Park on May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

There are hammocks that can be found online or in stores as cheap as $10 or $15. Aspiring hammock enthusiasts, let me gesture in a direction that will prove much more satisfactory in the long run. Eagles Nest Outfitters, better known as ENO, is headquartered in Asheville and known for producing quality outdoor gear, namely hammocks. The DoubleNest is the brand’s popular choice for one or two users, providing a setup that’s suitable for daily use and camping adventures alike. Accessories such as tarps, bug nets and straps are sold separately.

The Osprey Farpoint 55 is a convenient travel solution for light packers traveling on airlines this summer, seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Osprey Farpoint 55 is a convenient travel solution for light packers traveling on airlines this summer. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack

For light packers who prefer not to check a bag on air-based trips, the Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack provides a two-in-one system with both a carry-on pack and a daypack. These can attach to one another or separate, allowing travelers to stash the daypack under the seat and the primary pack overhead. The 40-liter pack has tuck-away backpack straps and exterior clips for the 15-liter daypack (which features a laptop sleeve) to attach, creating a convenient carrying system for trudging through the airport and down city streets. With load lifters and a hip belt in the primary pack, this traveler’s bag makes carrying all the essentials a breeze. Better yet, all Osprey packs are backed by the brand’s “All Mighty Guarantee,” offering repairs and replacements for any Osprey product from any era.

  • Price: $220
  • Online: osprey.com
  • In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters
A portable camping fan can come in handy for hot outdoor excursions or for use in the tent, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A portable camping fan can come in handy for hot outdoor excursions or for use in a tent. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Portable Fan

It’s hot during Florida’s summer season, so much so that it’s unpleasant to think about going outside. But avid outdoor enthusiasts don’t know how to take time off and know that if there’s a will, there’s a way. When the muggy months kick in, pack a portable fan for use in the tent or outside at the picnic table. Search Amazon or other online retailers for “camping fan” and find a range of rechargeable options from $20-$60.

  • Price: $20+
  • Online: amazon.com
  • In-store: Walmart, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s
The Biolite AlpenGlow 500 is a great piece of gear to have for summertime adventure, seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Biolite AlpenGlow 500 is a great piece of gear to have for a summertime adventure. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

BioLite AlpenGlow 500

Camping lanterns don’t need to be cool. They need to be sturdy, functional and ideally won’t break the bank. But it’s an added bonus if they are cool. Become the most interesting person at the campfire with the BioLite AlpenGlow 500-lumen lantern (a 250-lumen version is also available). This rechargeable light has cool and warm dimmable lights, a single-color mode and multicolor modes that dance at varying speeds.

Thermacell mosquito repellers help keep summertime bugs at bay, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Thermacell mosquito repellers help keep summertime bugs at bay, seen at Lake Baldwin Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Thermacell Mosquito Repellers

There’s a way to ward off pesky mosquitoes without greasy, sticky spray. It’s the kind of thing it’s better to see to believe. Thermacell has developed a range of fuel-powered and rechargeable mosquito repellers meant for camping and patio hangouts alike. These work to heat up repellent cartridges or mats, creating a protective barrier of 15-20 feet around the device. Results may vary depending on wind and conditions, but enough people have used these to swear they work.

  • Price: $25+
  • Online: thermacell.com, Amazon
  • In-store: REI, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s
YETI drinkware comes in handy for warm weather adventures during the summer, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
YETI drinkware comes in handy for warm-weather adventures during the summer. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

YETI Drinkware

Known for their coolers that can cost more than some used cars, YETI has made a name for itself with overengineered but expensive outdoor lifestyle products. It might seem silly to spend $40 or $50 on a water bottle or $30 on a “can cooler,” but these products work and last a long time. My personal arsenal includes a 36-ounce Rambler bottle (get the “chug cap,” trust me), a tumbler and two “can coolers” of varying sizes. It’s hard to put a price on reliable hydration.

  • Price: $25+
  • Online: yeti.com
  • In-store: REI, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports
Hydration packs can help quench thirst on hot summer days, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Hydration packs can help quench thirst on hot summer days. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

CamelBak Hydration Pack

Keeping with the theme of hydration, it’s a good idea to keep extra water on your back when heading out for summertime hikes and long bike rides. Having a daypack or hip pack with a hydration reservoir isn’t a bad way to go. CamelBak is a household name in this category, and the company offers solutions that include the pack and removable reservoir in one package. Some are tailored for trail running or cycling, while plenty are suited for day hikes. A reservoir in the 70-100-ounce range should hit the sweet spot for most needs. Osprey and Gregory also have good options in the realm of hydration packs.

  • Price: $55-$175
  • Online: camelbak.com
  • In-store: REI, Travel County Outfitters
The Helinox Chair Two Rocker is the star of any campfire or outdoor hangout, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Helinox Chair Two Rocker is the star of any campfire or outdoor hangout. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Helinox Chair

Folding camp chairs can be found at dirt cheap prices under $20 but these throwaway pieces of portable furniture won’t hold up in the long run. Invest a little more into quality folding seats such as those made by Helinox, a brand specializing in lightweight, portable chairs. Suitable for carrying long distances or packing into a daypack, Helinox offers chairs that weigh around 2 pounds and are designed to last for years. Some options are ever-so-lightly heavier and larger but still plenty packable, and perhaps more comfortable too.

  • Price: $90-$200
  • Online: helinox.com
  • In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters
The Body Glove Performer 11' is a great option for an inflatable paddle board, seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The Body Glove Performer 11’ is a great option for an inflatable paddle board. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Inflatable Paddleboard

When it comes to larger, more expensive purchases, it pays to do research and get into a bargain shopper mindset. An online deal spotted last summer yielded the purchase of a “certified pre-owned” Body Glove Performer 11′ paddleboard for around $200. Stand-up paddleboarding is in right now, and rightfully so. Inflatable SUPs make it possible for recreationists of all ages and vehicle types to get out on the water — and there is no shortage of places to paddle in Florida. Reliable options can be found at Sam’s Club, Costco, REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Dick’s Sporting Goods or Amazon. Some of the most sought-after and reliable brands include Bote, iRocker, Isle, Bluefin, Red Paddle Co. and Body Glove.

  • Price: $250-$1,600
  • In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Costco, Sam’s Club
A snorkel mask and breather can come in handy for water-based fun in the sun, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
A snorkel mask and breather can come in handy for water-based fun in the sun, seen at Lake Baldwin Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Snorkel Mask

When heading out on a snorkeling trip, tour companies will supply gear for guests to borrow. But when heading to the beach or enjoying a day at the springs, it’s helpful to have a personal snorkel mask handy. Options can be found everywhere from Dick’s Sporting Goods to REI and online retailers as well. Spend a little more and get higher-quality options at a Central Florida dive shop.

  • Price: $15-$100
  • In-store: Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, dive shops
Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly shows off his favorite gear for summertime adventures, including the Body Glove Performer 11' inflatable paddleboard, an IceMule cooler and sun-protective apparel at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Central Florida Explorer Patrick Connolly shows off his favorite gear for summertime adventures, including the Body Glove Performer 11’ inflatable paddleboard, an IceMule cooler and sun-protective apparel at Lake Baldwin Park on May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Straw Hat

When it comes to seeking sun protection, either duck under cover or take your shade with you. Put on a wide-brimmed straw hat to keep the face and back of the neck protected from damaging UV rays. Shop around at Ace Hardware or apparel stores to browse a range of options suitable for summer adventures.

  • Price: $20-$50

Sun Protection Shirt

In the category of sun protection, it’s good to invest in a shirt that has some amount of UV protection. It might also make sense to get something lightweight with a hood. The North Face, NRS, Kuhl, Cotopaxi, Outdoor Research, prAna, REI, Smartwool, Mountain Hardware, Black Diamond and Patagonia are just a few options in this category.

  • Price: $35-$99
  • In-store: REI, Travel Country Outfitters, Academy Sports
IceMule makes backpack coolers suitable for any excursion, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
IceMule makes backpack coolers suitable for any excursion. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

IceMule Pro Cooler

Imagine carrying a cooler like a backpack rather than toting a heavy, hard-sided cooler over sand dunes or dragging it on wheels over rugged terrain. Herein lies the appeal of IceMule, which bills itself as the “adventure cooler.” The soft-sided portable cooler is essentially a large, insulated dry bag. The St. Augustine-based company says its coolers will keep ice for more than 24 hours.

Shokz makes bone conduction headphones that allow the wearer to stay aware of surroundings, seen at Lake Baldwin Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Shokz makes bone-conduction headphones that allow the wearer to stay aware of surroundings. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Shokz OpenRun Headphones

When out running on streets or hiking on trails, it’s best to keep an awareness of surroundings — but it’s also fun and motivating to listen to music. This is where Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) headphones come in to help. While many earbuds have a “pass-through” or sound transparency mode, Shokz use bone conduction technology to send vibrations through the cheekbones to deliver sound directly to the inner ear. These make it possible to stay connected to your surroundings while jamming out.

  • Price: $129
  • Online: shokz.com
  • In-store: Best Buy, REI
The NOCO GB40 is handy to have when the car battery dies, seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The NOCO GB40 is handy to have when the car battery dies. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

NOCO GB40 Jump Starter Battery

It’s never fun to get stranded with car troubles, especially a dead battery. Most times someone is nearby with jumper cables, but especially on remote excursions, those chances can decrease dramatically. Give a boost of confidence to summer road trips by investing in a jump starter, reducing the chance of getting left alone with a depleted battery. The Noco GB40 is the most popular jump starter on Amazon and has already proven a useful car companion on several occasions.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

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5007486 2023-06-07T16:02:58+00:00 2023-06-13T12:27:31+00:00