casual restaurant close to Apollo Condominiums

We arrive late on Saturday afternoon after an all day drive and are looking for a casual restaurant close to the Apollo with good food. Parents with 3 adult children (19, 23 and 24). Love seafood, soups, salads--open to most anything other than red meat. Any suggestions?

casual restaurant close to Apollo Condominiums

did you already go? If not, there%26#39;s a decent place right in the Apollo, Tide. Many places all along Collier Boulevard. Close to the Apollo is Cathy O%26#39;Clarkes. Many italian places. Captain Brien%26#39;s has seafood and its right next to O%26#39;Clarkes.

boat advice for my landlubber

I have been reading all the great posts about the different sunset and snorkel and kayak sails and for the last week trying to get my husband interested with no luck.

So after 10 years he decides to tell me that he is not a big fan of being on the water and even when fishing in a local lake has to use motion sickness patches.

After all that there is a question in here.....

Can some give me a simple breakdown of the type of boats used and which ones may be a smoother ride

boat advice for my landlubber

A friend of mine says the only boat you can call a boat is a German U-Boat. Anyway...

It almost sounds too simple; you have a choice of big ships vs. small ships, and one hull vs. two hulls. And in general the bigger the ship the less it will be affected by the ocean swell. And a two-hulled ship will be more stable than a single-hulled ship.

IMO the biggest catamarans in Key West are the Furys, but they are not much bigger than the Sebagos or the Caribbean Spirit. So you might want to try a sunset sail on one of the Furys or even trying an afternoon snorkel even if both of you don%26#39;t snorkel. The sail out to the reef is fun to do and not everyone on the trip will snorkel anyway. With the Fury you can pick a day to go in the morning when the weather is really calm and just call to book and go. On a calm, windless day, you will feel almost no rolling, and the Fury is probably the least expensive boat, er, ship, for your test.

Pjk

boat advice for my landlubber

penpen, if he%26#39;s hellbent on not going on the water, why force him? We%26#39;re all about de-stressing here anyway. Sunset can be quite beautiful from Pier House, Ocean Key, or with 200 friends at Mallory.

Plus, you can go eat or drink or hot tub right after, you%26#39;re not stuck on a boat for another half hour after sunset. The Gulf meets the ocean here, and the water in the harbor will rock ANY boat under 100 feet, so he may not enjoy even a Cat.

Penpen - I agree with keywestaxi. If he really doesn%26#39;t want to go on the water, then he%26#39;ll probably be uncomfortable on any boat large or small. But, if he does decide to give it a try, as a lifetime sailor I can tell you he%26#39;ll be most comfortable in a boat where he has complete control. So, I%26#39;d suggest a kayak. You%26#39;ll be close to shore and can go stand on hard land at any time. You don%26#39;t need to take a tour where you%26#39;ll be on someone else%26#39;s schedule. There are places around the island where you can just rent a couple kayaks to ';get your feet wet'; so to speak.

Have a blast!

penpen... For God%26#39;s sake, you didn%26#39;t already tell him that Key West is an island, did you??!! :-)

Thanks for the advice all!

I love the water and to sail, and I really want to go! So I think maybe I%26#39;ll leave my husband at the bar and do a sailing trip without him.

Enough drinks and I don%26#39;t think he%26#39;ll even notice I%26#39;m gone!!

I also just gave him a copy of ';Quit your job and move to Key West.

~~~~~~~~~~~~It%26#39;s all good!~~~~~~~~~

isotretinoin

Chadham by the Sea

My family and I will be visiting New Smyrna this summer. We are staying at Chadham by the Sea. We have never been to this part of

Florida before. Does anyone know anything about Chadham by the Sea..is it nice, close to things? Also, this is on the no drive part of the beach...is that a good thing or not? We will have family members of all ages with us.

Chadham by the Sea

We are returning to Chadham for our 2nd stay in a couple of weeks.

I don%26#39;t think you will be disappointed.

The complex is fine- quiet and well tended. Not too big. Pool is adequate, but the ocean will be so warm and the surf so inviting, that%26#39;s where you will probably be spending your time. Like all rental Condos, some units in the complex will be nicer than others.

Actually, I don%26#39;t think it is officially in NSB; it%26#39;s a bit south in unincorporated Volusia county but having done about 15 spring breaks trips to this beach as our kids were growing up; it is a perfect location. You are only an 8 -10 minute drive from the old downtown area. NSB is small and very family oriented, and doesn%26#39;t have any of the college kid/biker bars you find in Daytona.

If you have real young children, I think being on the no drive part of the beach is the only way to go. While it may seem novel to have your car on the beach, there is a ton of traffic, and you%26#39;ll have to keep a close eye on the kids as some people do drive a bit faster than they should. Besides, who wants a steady stream of traffic (with loud music blaring) when you are trying to relax?

This is not a place to go for a lot of nightlife, but there is certainly an ample selection of restaurants. We%26#39;ve had many great meals at Norwoods, but it can be a bit pricy for dinner.

One of our favorite things to do is drive another mile south of Chadham to Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Parking is fairly restricted there, so if you want to get away from it all, pack a lunch and go for a few hours. There is also a pontoon boat tour of Mosquito lagoon run by the park service that is a nice way to be on the water but out of the sun as the boat is covered. Very scenic. Also, there is a fairly short, easy hike that takes you past shell mounds left by the Indians who lived here a few hundred years ago. Kids love it.

Just across the street from the condo is JBs Fish Camp restaurant. Not our favorite, but it is mobbed every night so you may want to give it a try. During the day they rent kayaks there at fairly reasonable rates so if you have some older kids (or energetic adults) I%26#39;d definitely recommend going for a paddle in th lagoon. We had a couple of fairly close dolphin sitings, and saw lots of unusual birds.

Another thing to do if you have not been to this part of florida before is to drive to the space center (about 50 - 60 minutes away). Fun for all ages? You can spend a better part of a day there.

Have a great time!

Family Vacation Suggestions October 5 to 12 2007

We are planning a family trip for Canadian Thanksgiving.

We have been to Florida numerous times, the Keys, Tampa and Orlando/WDW 3 times.

Would like suggestions for a new place to go and where to stay.

We love the beach and a heated pool, kitchettes too as my son is vegetarian and it is hard to find on kids menus!

The boys are 4 and 6.

Any help would be great!

Family Vacation Suggestions October 5 to 12 2007

I would go with WDW only staying in a rental home. The last 3 times ive gone down there ive done that, and let me say it makes a vacation really feel like a vacation. Most home also come with a private screened in pool(which you can heat) that kids just adore. Like you said the kitchen is a big deal to you, which it is for my family, and let me tell you we save so much money by cooking our own meals.

just a thought, but the space to yourself and being able to do as you please when you want is priceless.

Family Vacation Suggestions October 5 to 12 2007

What about the naples area?

the boca/deerfield beach/pompano area. they tend to have condos for rent in those areas... its on the east coast north of miami.

since its early in october... perhaps destin.

destin is in the panhandle of florida, there are tons of condos, shopping, resturants, and beaches. you can get condos on the beach easily in october... you wont have 90 degree weather but it will be nice enough to enjoy the beach.

Thanks for your sugestions.

I don%26#39;t want to stay in Orlando again, we always rent a house there when we go because of the kids and wanting a pool.

I was trying to find somewhere new to go.

Would Destin/Panhandle be too cool in October?

The Naples area might be warmer?

I was looking at Cocoa Beach too because of Cape Canaveral? Thought boys might like it, maybe a launch while we are there.

I don%26#39;t know what the weather is like in October.

We have gone in November, January, April and May.

April and May were too hot for me in Orlando, especially with going to WDW.

Any other suggestions?

If April and May were too warm in Orlando you will probably be fine in Destin. But check with the locals on the Destin forum to make sure. We have been to Destin several times and love the area. Very relaxed with beautiful beaches. There are also tons of condos very few hotels. With a wide range from High rises with resort like atmosphere to townhomes. There is also Sandestin a resort community with houses and conods. Each neighborhood in Destin has it%26#39;s own feel.

Go to vacationstogo.com and look into Beaches in Turks %26amp; Caicos. It is an all inclusive and they cater to families. They have a great kids club and a kid pool that is a pirate ship.

Diana

I was contemplating a land/sea disney combo.

Anyone been?

Looked up the Beaches on Turks and Caicos, nearly had a heart attack! over $8000.00! I thought disney was expensive! Oh well, I%26#39;ll keep looking...

Check out staying on Sanibel or Captiva island which is on the gulf side of Florida down south of Fort Myers. We have been to both islands several times and it is absolutely gorgeous and theshelling is out of this world. Very laid back atmosphere. Captiva is STILL recovering from the hurricane that tore through the island several years ago, but Sanibel seems fine. Lots of stores etc...still closed on Captiva. Sanibel has all kinds of stuff to do, but be wraned if you go across the causeway off the island it will cost you another $6.00 (might be more now) to drive back across. Hope you enjoy your trip where ever you decide to go.

The causeway toll is $6 round trip, paid as you leave the mainland. Getting off is free but who wants to?!

Question for a local expert

I%26#39;ve come across a condo listed on vrbo and want to know if the area is ok and it%26#39;s really as close to the ocean as it says less than 1 block. It is also very close to Ron Jon surf shop. There are a few pics on the posting and I just wonder if someone can take a peek at the posting and tell me what you think. Looks like it may be a good deal for us and would be our alternative to staying in a very cheap motel. Thanks!

www.vrbo.com/72342

Question for a local expert

Judging from the photo in the listing, I%26#39;d say that this condo is probably on Hernando Lane just west of Ocean Beach Boulevard. Although I%26#39;m not familiar with the actual property, I can describe the area. It is approximately 800%26#39; from the ocean in a busy area. You would have to cross Ocean Beach Boulevard to get to the ocean. There is a popular public park at the beach (Alan Shepard Park) near this property. Due to it%26#39;s proximity to Ron Jons and a public parking garage, there is a lot of pedestrian traffic in this area.

If you want to be close to the beach and to shopping and don%26#39;t mind being in a popular area (not real quiet), then this may be a good choice.

Question for a local expert

Thanks for your reply. I greatly appreciate your time and help.

If not too much trouble, could you look at this link as well?

a1vacations.com/USA/…unitAmenities

It says 7 houses from the ocean and 1 mile to Port Canaveral. Are you familiar with that area? Any insight you could give me would be great, I think we may enjoy being in an area less busy as the other condo.

Thanks again!

Sorry, I can%26#39;t determine exactly where this property is from the information that I saw on the listing.

If it really is only one mile from Port Canaveral, then this would put it somewhere around Washington Avenue in the city of Cape Canaveral, not Cocoa Beach. Cape Canaveral is a much quieter, residential neighborhood than the other property that you were looking at. You are still fairly close (driving distance) to many popular restaurants %26amp; shopping, walking distance to the ocean, but away from the touristy activity of downtown Cocoa Beach.

just trying to help a little here even tho I am not familiar with the property for your second choice if you go to www.rentalo.com they also show this property and have a map that if you get in to show the close up of the property. If shows it about 1 block from the ocean from what I can tell. Or you can type in beroja palm, cocoa beach and it will give you several links to the property. One of them should help with the location and may have other pricing.

curly hair

Kids 1 and 3 needs 2 BDRM condo in Destin

We are traveling to Destin in June with kids and inlaws. I am very overwhelmed by all of the condos on the internet.

I would love some advice on some nice resorts/condos that are clean and would be a good choice for a family with small kids. I definately want to be on the beach.

Thanks in advance

Kids 1 and 3 needs 2 BDRM condo in Destin

There are lots of places to stay in Destin and it can be overwhelming. We bought a place down there a fews back to be close to family when we visited without having to be too close! I like the places along Scenic Gulf Dr best. Further down the beach gets way too crowded and everything from restaurants to shopping is pretty much on the Eastern end of Destin. The Baytowne Wharf on the San Destin resort has tons for families to do. Fireworks every Thursday night too. Anything at the Sandestin Resort will be good but pricey and possibly already booked. We love our place at Majestic Sun which is on the Seascape resort and has a great pool, tennis, golf, etc. and the view is unbelievable. There is a two lane road right in front of the resort but the condos are still closer to the beach than most of the others towards Ft Walton. When we bought ours, some of the gulf front units were set so far back you couldn%26#39;t even sea the ocean. From our unit on the 3rd floor we watch the dolphins play along the sand bars. I like Resort Quest for a rental company when you are choosing where to stay. Make sure they have good pics of your unit and also make sure it%26#39;s well stocked with everything you need. I hate when there aren%26#39;t enough kitchen utensils or towels. We make sure everything you could need is there because some places barely give enough toilet paper. Good Luck and I hope you enloy Destin.

Kids 1 and 3 needs 2 BDRM condo in Destin

When you are looking at Destin keep in mind that several of the complexes are accross the street from the Ocean. For that reason we like to stay in Ft Walton Beach where most of the complexes are directly on the Beach. We like the Destin West Beach and Bay Resort. This property has both a gulf side and bayside complex with loads of pools. They have ahugh 5000sf pool on the gulf side and a 700 ft lazy river on the bay side along with many smaller pools, hot tubs etc.

dolphingirl- I see you bought at Majestic. We have booked at Ariel Dunes. They look like they are by Majestic. Do you know anything about them. This will be our first trip to Destin in May and we are so excited. I just have not heard alot about Ariel Dunes and would love to hear comments. Thank you

VT in KY

check out Silver Shells. Very nice place.

Good Luck.

How much you want to spend?

Here%26#39;s my choices....all right on he beach:

http://www.destinbeachclub.com/

http://www.destingulfgate.com/

www.beachguide.com/ShowDetails.asp…

http://www.silvershells.com/

Or, go to VRBO.com. Lot%26#39;s of nice places to chose from.

Remember, beach view is not beach front. You want beach front.

Thanks for all the reccomendations.. From what I am seeing most places that look nice are pretty expensive. But, with kids I really want to stay somewhere where there is a lot to do close and that is very clean or it won%26#39;t be much of a vacation.

Thanks again for all ther replies.

I seen your kids aren%26#39;t school age, so could you come in May. We are coming in May before labor day weekend and are saving about 140 a night over what it would be after labor day weekend. Check out the difference in the prices.

3 days in KW, what should we not miss??

We will arrive on Monday afternoon and leave early on Friday so we have 3 1/2 days to see KW. I think that we would like to stay on the island versus going to see the Dry Tortugas since it would take most of a day. What sights and activiites should we put on our list of must see or do besides eating, drinking and getting some sun?

3 days in KW, what should we not miss??

Broken record here but I love them all.

Conch Train Tour

Butterfly Conservatory

Go to the to of La Concha... day or night

Rent a bike and ';find'; KW for yourself

People watch at one of the many Bars/Restaurants with an outside seating area.

The Cemetery...pretty cool stuff there.

Wake up early and walk the Bight before the sun comes up.

3 days in KW, what should we not miss??

get in the water! look below! snorkel our reef.

I think you%26#39;re right to put off the trip to Ft Jefferson, given the short time frame you have.

At the risk of boring other forum members with a repeat post...

I would recommend renting bikes, in addition to just wandering around the quieter streets of Old Town on foot. Here%26#39;s a link to one of our favorite resources for navigating around Key West, either on foot or bicycle. It%26#39;s called the Walking and Biking Guide to Historic Key West, by long time resident Sharon Wells.

http://www.seekeywest.com/guide.htm

You will be able to pick these up (free) wherever you find tourista information. The guide contains an overview map of Old Town, as well as a number of walking tours specific to different neighborhoods. On the site, you%26#39;ll find a couple of samples of these, including one of the historic cemetary. If you want to learn boatloads of history about Key West, Sharon%26#39;s guide is just the thing.

Oh, and in a town that can be fairly expensive, this free guide, (did I mention it was free?), will provide hours of educational fun. We%26#39;ve been to Key West six times in the last few years, and we still pick it up every time and take a few of the walks - and we will do so again on our next visit. A great resource for newbies and vets alike.

More broken records.....

IMO the best way to spend a day in Key West is to spend it out of Key West, either here...

http://www.dangercharters.com/

or here...

http://www.keywestsebago.com/ (notice the special)

Pjk

The simple stuff:

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Old Town Trolley (Better IMO than the Train because of the all day pass with on %26amp; off privledges at ten stops around the island but then again, I%26#39;m a Trolley driver)

Snorkle the reef

If this list mimics others, it%26#39;s cause there%26#39;s certain %26#39;shouldn%26#39;t miss stuff%26#39; that alot of us agree on!

wireless network b and g