Tourists Away And The Locals Play

Have you ever wondered what happens in a beach town when Winter comes and the locals are left to entertain themselves? It is well known that I am a fan of Vilano Beach, a quiet little town near the beach and just north of St. Augustine. And, I guess you could say that is part of the reason I like the place because it is low key and unhurried. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

Last Thanksgiving they began a local tradition called "The Decorating of the Palms", where the palms that line the so called "main street" of the town are dressed up to add a sense of fun and play during the Winter when going to the beach is not an option.

The picture above of the lonely beach pavilion provides a clue that despite the warm weather by northern standards, for locals the beach is less of a focus. But, as you can see, there were still a few brave souls. 

The decorating of the palms ran from the very simple, like this palm that has simple adornment...

to the more dramatic like this mermaid palm that has really gotten the treatment. Mermaids seemed to be a dominant theme throughout the decorating, but I particularly liked this one. 

Someone was really being creative when they came up with this one. I still don't know how they got the boat around the palm but it was a wonder!

And, I could not resist this photographic trick of a shot I took of a bow and a crystal hanging from a palm. I don't like to photo shop pictures (because I feel too much of our lives is artificial) but could not resist taking out the string to make the two seem like they are floating in air.

The local grocery store got into the act with their offering of a clerk helping take packages out to the car. The Publix store in the area should be proud because their entry was definitely creative.

But, strange as it seems, the construction of the new Publix store now means change, or development, is coming to the area. (a view of a really nice mural on the side of the store that helps it blend into the fun aspect of the area).

Development in Florida is hard to avoid, but I was pleased that the new people have adopted the whimsical attitude of the locals. Take for example the Magic Beach Motel (that we always called the "Bunny Motel"). It had fallen on hard times and looked like it might be condemned. The new owners came in and restored it to its kitschy former self, pink flamingos and all. They even dressed their palm as a snow man. 

There you have it folks, the locals at Vilano Beach really do a lot in the off season. And, the Tin Man and the SS Vilano will continue to sail on.

Southern Women Go To A Show

I have heard about the Southern Women's show for a number of years and this year decided to take the camera and give it a look see. As usual click each photo for a better view.

The thing I love about Americans is that we are a very friendly people on an individual basis. You can walk up to anyone and ask them questions and they are more than happy to help or tell all about something they are interested in. I say that because all of the people in the following photos were more than happy to take time to tell about their exhibit.

There were the expected exhibitors offering weight loss alternatives. I asked questions to test this young woman's knowledge and she was more than gracious and passed the test as well!

I didn't ask questions, but simply watched as this young woman was transformed. It was interesting to say the least to listen to the beauty tips provided.

I also learned a good deal by talking with a number of exhibitors. A longer distance trip is in my future to visit the town of Helen, Georgia. Helen evidently is an alpine village nestled in Northern Georgia. It is a seven hour drive from Jacksonville, so during a long weekend it should provide a chance to really get away and experience a little bit of Europe right here in America.

I will also admit to having a bit of misinformation corrected by a very informative gentleman from the Florida Peanut Producers Association. I thought Georgia produced most of the peanuts we consumed in America. I found out that yes, Georgia is the largest producer but Florida is a very close second. He recommended several recipes using peanuts that were simple and allowed peanuts to add spice in terms of dressing up a meal. So take that Georgia!

Speaking of recipes, Publix (the local grocery chain) had a presence and their attendants worked to out do the peanut guy and were a fun group as well.

And speaking of fun groups, I was surprised by the number of men in attendance. Groups like the Fraternal Order of Police who gave new meaning to "Officer Friendly" in that they provided info and also made our talk more than a lighthearted event.

These guys pointed out to me that a women's show is not just about makeup and weightloss. Women now own their own homes and they were there to show how such a major investment could be protected by adding something as simple as gutters. It seems simple, but in a place like Florida where there is substantial rainfall, gutters can prevent foundation problems. They too were a fun group and a fitting end to a great show!