Savannah, GA - Part 1

Upon arriving in Savannah the 2 Chicas headed straight for the Visitor’s Center.  It is a great place to pick up local dirt on happenings around town.  Parking is free for the first hour, so don’t be intimidated by the parking fee.  Upstairs there are guides waiting to give advice, maps, and point you to the best trolley tour based on your interests. 2 Chicas are adventurous, so off we went to explore the city of good and evil.

2 Chicas Take On the Deen Machine

The Lady and Sons Restaurant – boy were 2 Chicas excited about visiting Paula’s place. The Deen Machine is big here in Savannah.  There are Paula Deen Tours and Paula Deen specials at local hotels. So 2 Chicas had to see what all the fuss is about.

First, we had to circle the block several times to find a parking space.  Much of the street parking is for 30 minutes only. Probably because everyone is trying to get to Paula’s place. So we had to bite the bullet and pull into the $10.00 all day parking lot.

BEWARE….Savannah’s parking enforcement is like the IRS, they are gonna get u!  We saw a lovely Jaguar being towed after being in a space past the allotted time frame.  Anyhoo, park smart!

Upon approaching the restaurant, the 2 Chicas both looked through the window like expectant children on Christmas morning.

Chica 1 said – oohhh look at the chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes. 

Chica 2 exclaimed – lima beans and creamed corn!  The 2 Chicas picked a great time of day, about 3:00 p.m. We were seated immediately, which is a rare occurrence.

The restaurant is decorated in a country decor.  The tables are made out of old doors.  The doilies on the table are about the fanciest thing in the joint.

The waiter was polite, not to talkative, which is to be expected in a buffet style restaurant. He did forget to bring our bread.

We quickly dispatched the waiter to get our water. The 2 Chicas trotted off like two Clydesdales to get our plates and savor the awaiting delicacies. The fried chicken was good, but the macaroni and cheese and green beans were bad. After a reminder to the waiter, our bread was brought to the table.


The green beans tasted like a canned item and the macaroni and cheese was relatively cold.  We waited for a fresh batch of mac n cheese, and it was equally uninteresting.  The creamed corn was spectacular!  Creamy and slightly sweet it will remind you of home sweet home; it is a true comfort food.

The baked chicken was just average. The smaller pieces were tasty but the breast was dry. The sweet potatoes were great, sweet and delectable.

The greens were so salty they were inedible.  There was also a nondescript chicken and tomato sauce dish on the menu that was average. And the best we can say about the lima beans is that they were ok.

Chica 1 chuckled that by chasing the cult of personality that is Paula Deen, we were convinced to pay $15.99 for a lunch buffet that at home would cost $7.99. And at the very least, it is really good and would have more food selections. 

The desserts were a hit – Chica 2 said the peach cobbler was excellent and Chica 1 had the chocolate chip gooey cake which was delicioso.  The desserts actually made love to our taste buds!

After dinner, you can browse through Paula’s country store and even take a picture with a cardboard Paula and/or Paula and her sons.  There is a little area that serves coffee and desserts in the corner of the store.

So 2 Chicas say, pass up the overpriced, average tasting soul food and get some local grub!  If you are a Paula Deen fan, get some coffee and have a dessert.  They are scrumptious!

You are better off checking out the historic square across the street from the restaurant.  There's a lot of great history!

2 Chicas enjoyed strolling through the squares, people watching and reading the placards about the history in the area.

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Treasure Island Kite Festival, Treasure Island, FL

2 Chicas and What’s Right with Kites

Too many times the 2 Chicas hear stories of what has gone wrong in this world.  Far too often, it is truly a matter of perspective, but trying to get people to look at the situation reasonably, is like trying to get a vulture off of a freshly killed possum.

But every day, 2 Chicas are lucky enough to encounter everything that is right in this world.

Average people doing outstanding things to help others for no other reason then just because they can.  The Treasure Island Kite Festival provided the perfect backdrop for a feel good story about giving. 

One of the largest contributors of kites at the festival was Barry and Karen Ogletre and their Whatakite.com business.

These philanthropists travel the country using their infatuation with kites to raise money for worthy charities.

Often, they visit small towns with limited resources to lift the spirits of those in these tiny places working together to help their neediest citizens.

2 Chicas salute these incredible people!  Thank you for doing God’s work.

The Kite Festival is pretty darn spectacular!  How is it possible that a simple interest can be transformed into a sport.

The participants can make their kites dance, walk, wiggle, as well as soar!  What fantastic family fun!  From the smallest child to one of the oldest adults, this is great day at the beach.

From a flying Batman and Joker to the United States Flag, there are some great characters with even greater stories.

Take Randy the Kiteman, a retired Boston principle who took to flying kites as a stress reliever!  Now he visits kite shows and flies an incredible huge dog and a manta ray gone wild kite! 

Is it for money, fame or fortune?  No, just to share a love with others.

To see the children’s faces as they point to the sky and identify different kites and then run to fly their own is priceless.  2 Chicas salute you Randy as well.

Chica 2, always the bobble head, quickly disappeared pointing and trying to take the reigns of one of the enormous kites.  Nooooo, Chica 2!

This is a really good event for children.  There are vendors selling kites and the children can learn how to fly them right there. 

Nothing like good clean family fun to make the adrenaline flow!  Take the kids next year and go fly a kite! 2 Chicas will let the pictures do the talking!

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Rainbow Springs State Park– Dunnellon, FL

2 Chicas Somewhere Over the Rainbow

West of Ocala is Rainbow Springs, another Florida hidden treasure! Chica 1 purchased a state pass and has thoroughly enjoyed getting her money’s worth visiting state parks! Chica 2 on the other hand, has enjoyed calling off the names of parks that just so happen not to be in the state park system.  Chica 2 – please Universal, Busch Gardens, and Sea World are in a league of their own! Tee hee he

After finding and entering Rainbow Springs, Chica 2 wailed – “Ohhhh, look at that big hole! Do you think we're going to get sucked into that sinkhole?”


As it turned out, it was the remnants of a phosphate pit.  It is always interesting to see the residuals of man’s best intentions. 

Sometimes we just get it plain wrong!  Of course, phosphate was one of the key ingredients found in your favorite dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents.

Now because of the damage phosphate does to our waterways, it has been eliminated in products.  

Red tide, bacteria growth and algae blooms have at times sucked the oxygen out of local waterways. Chica 2 screams - "Enough! Get off your soapbox!"  Good sense of humor Chica 2! Tee hee he

All this talk of lakes, ponds, and streams made Chica 1 need a potty break before the adventure could continue.

Sometimes Chica 2 believes that although she is always accused of being a child, Chica 1 is the one who mistakenly received an infant sized bladder. 

Back to the park, once you pass the Ranger station, you pretty quickly get to see the springs and they are beautiful. Be sure to have on your comfortable walking shoes because you will encounter steep inclines and descents.

There are beautiful vantage points and overlooks to take pictures prior to your descent down the trails.

As Chica 1 looked over the beautiful spring, she could not help but think how many different areas the Creator made for us to enjoy.

A beautiful egret went hunting for dinner right before our eyes. Before we could snap a picture, he flew away to a quieter spot to enjoy his meal!
The 2 Chicas strolled down the paths and enjoyed looking at the waterfall.  What a picturesque little area.
Keep going and you will find a boardwalk that goes back to the bog area that surrounds the spring.

Throughout the park there are picnic areas with bbq grills. Rainbow Springs offers wonderful opportunities to spend the day and let the kids swim with the turtles in the spring. Looking down into the spring Chica 2 tried to imagine what was making the little bubbles in the sand.  Do you really think it is the Loch Ness monster Chica 2?

Chica 2 was finally quiet enough to catch a picture of a beautiful red cardinal hiding in the low brush. 2 Chicas looked at each other and smiled. It was so nice to have another opportunity to enjoy the perfection of God’s great land!

One of the trails takes you back to the butterfly garden and an abandoned zoo.  This park was originally a tourist attraction and even had a rodeo.  A few of the relics remain in the park.  The nature trail weaves you through different areas of the park.  

Chica 2 closed out the trip by running around like a kid trying to take a photo of the butterflies. Find your own little place somewhere over in Rainbow Springs.

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Lake Seminole - Seminole, FL

2 Chicas Like Lake Seminole

2 Chicas can’t help but love the water because there is sooo much of it here in Florida. 

So Lake Seminole in Pinellas County provides another opportunity to mingle with the wildlife and chill in the perfectly sunny outdoors.

Lake Seminole is easily accessed from the county park with the same name. 

Chica 1 is busy looking for the perfect spot to set up camp for the day.  

Chica 2 is striking a pose very similar to the anhinga perched on a post in the water.  

There are about 13 shelters to choose from so get there early if you need to be under cover. There’s picnicking, jet skiing, boating, and kayaking. 

There is a pier for lots of freshwater fishing. For the land lovers, there is plenty of space to rollerblade, jog, or skate.

The park is a wildlife sanctuary and has picture perfect opportunities get that “money” shot.  Chica 2 thought this referred to a specialty beverage akin to jello shots (but probably found in a strip club).  Uhhmm

So whatever you’re into, you can find a respite on the lake. If you want more sand and sun, you’re not far from the beach! 2 Chicas say - Let's get to exploring….

Ocala - Juniper Springs and Silver Springs, FL

2 Chicas Feeling a Little Springy

The 2 Chicas began by heading east on State Road 40 toward the Ocala National Forest. After going back and forth about where we should go, we decided to stop at Juniper Springs. What a great find!  This cute little spring was alive with activity. 

When they say the spring is 72 degrees, they ain’t lying!  It was pretty cold on a 92 degree day, but once you get in, the water is fine. (You know we’re lying right???)  

But you can’t live your life filled with fear!  Enjoy! Live! Explore! Freeze a little!

This little jewel is also the home of the original fish spa pedicure.  So if you have hammertoes, bunions, and crusty feet, dip in the springs, because the fish will nibble you clean!  Lawd have mercy! 

Chica 2 started calling out the names of people she was going to tell about this free pedicure.  

But she thought about it and felt it wasn't fair to put all that pressure on this handful of fish!  Just might make them sick.  Tee hee he 

On to our next adventure - Silver Springs! Now this was another fun trip.  Check online to find two for one coupons for admittance.  Chica 1 remembered the glass bottom boats from her childhood, and really that had not changed.  

Chica 2 said she didn't think boats had motors when Chica 1 was a child.  Just paddles and little hand carved canoes.  Very funny Chica 2.

The guide gets the tour going and after a few moments up the river, you are transformed into a slower, quieter time in Florida.  What fun. 

Nowadays, everything is automated, but the only other motor at Silver Springs runs the Merry Go Round.  

You have to capture your imagination by interacting with Kodiak bears, a giraffe, a hilarious ride through the “back country” to view llamas and emus and wild Rhesus monkeys. 

There is also an alligator exhibit that is truly funky, including a couple of white alligators. 

Don’t forget to check out the bird show and the panther shows. 2 Chicas enjoyed just talking and laughing about the different exhibits.  

Take some time to stroll the park and just talk with your children and loved ones.We really enjoyed the pace of the place. 

You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have without over the top rides and entertainment.

Grab a scoop of ice cream or stroll alongside the old fashioned store front area.  Spend sometime in the museum where Tarzan movies are running and in  the old time carnival  - the Love O Meter chair is particularly intriguing to the children.

End your visit by viewing the reptile and cool albino alligator exhibit.  There are a number of interesting cast of critters!

Check out this hidden wonder and don't forget to tell them that 2 Chicas said Hi Ho Silver!!

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Ocala, FL - Overview

2 Chicas Horsing Around

Ocala is a horse lover’s wonderland, but there is so much more. There are so many fancy farms in the area that you might think you’re in horse Hollywood!  

Chica 1 has never been to Ocala when there was not some type of horse show going on and it is common place to see trucks with equine trailers in tow. 

Some of the farms are open to the public, but if you generally have poor manners and don’t like to follow rules, avoid these homes at all cost.  No one wants piggish people invading their private spaces.  Tee hee he

In addition to horses, there is the Don “Big Daddy” Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, that takes a historical look at this uniquely American sport. It is a short distance speed fiend’s delight! 

Big Daddy Don Garlits was one of the first to popularize drag racing and this museum is the only of its kind in the world. 

Chica 2 said Big Daddy is pushing some serious horse power in the right town! Cute Chica 2, but kind of corny.

Kids who enjoy model cars, NASCAR, antique cars, and weird looking cars will thoroughly enjoy this museum.  It is a good place to have a few WOW moments with the family.

With all that in mind - Ocala! What in the world can 2 Chicas do in the national forest in Ocala?  The Ocala National Forest was designated a national treasure by President Theodore Roosevelt.  It is massive in size and in opportunities to be alone. 

Now all this was mighty nice, but the 2 Chicas also came to Ocala to experience one of the oldest attractions in Florida, Silver Springs. 

Well, based on our recent visit, we sat in a number of natural springs and hiked through scrub country. Let's get to telling you about our little trip!  

Hoover Dam, NV

2 Chicas Say do America's Great Wall

2 Chicas know that you know that you have to go to the dam. The Hoover Dam is 30 miles south of Las Vegas and this thing is dang gone big!

Words don’t do it justice, TV doesn’t portray the enormity, and the history of the dam is something everyone should know. 

Chica 2 said she wanted to go rappelling down the side of the dam, but thought better of it.  I think she was unsure which jail she would go to and she knew Chica 1 wasn't going to look for her in two different states!

You also have to walk across the dam from Nevada into Arizona and giggle to yourself as you gain an hour because there is a time zone change at that spot.  

This thing was constructed when quality and beauty mattered.  This is one striking place; marvel at the breathtaking artistry of the dam and say a little prayer for the lives lost building this behemoth. 

Parking can really be a challenge even though there is a parking garage, so plan to visit early.  Walk along the main strip and be careful as traffic jams are common and distracted drivers are dangerous tin pushers. 

More than once, Chica 2 had to be rescued back to the sidewalk.  She wandered into traffic.  Chica 1 had to give the drivers credit, they did yield for children (or at least the child). 

2 Chicas don’t typically take tours as we usually do our own thang, but the behind the scene tour sounds intriguing. So for the tour fanatics go for it! The Bureau of Reclamation has been offering tours since 1937.  They may actually know what they are talking about. Tee hee he

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