We just returned from St. Pete's Beach, and definitely the most tropical vacation I've ever experienced.  Long beach walks, relaxing with a book with drink-in-hand, and bird watching were definite highlights.   Now I'm hooked and want to get away to a sunny paradise every winter.

I've never known much about the city of Baltimore aside from recent news, so when my partner's job took him there this past August, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to explore.  After spending several hours wandering the streets, photographing architecture, and getting know the hotel employees it was easy to see where the nickname came from.  I'm already looking forward to another trip so that I can spend more time exploring the charming Mount Vernon and Federal Hill neighborhoods.

On the North Shore of Long Island, tucked away from the busy beaches and malls, and wannabe Kardashians, sits this dreamy sanctuary.  The property is full of greenhouses, gardens and one of the original Long Island mansions, that easily puts any modern Long Island mansion to shame.  The property is now a State Park and the house is open for viewing.  I would live here.  Yup.  It's pretty spectacular.  And if you like flowers.....lots of flowers.  Flowers for days.  Since moving here in the early spring we've made two visits, and I'm ready for another.  These are just a few of my photos from the Coe house, gardens, and greenhouse....