In the winter of 2014, Lee & I spent three months in Florida (Jan 13 to Apr 13). For the most part we simply lived our lives, albeit in a different place from home. However, we also did a bit of exploring and discovering. The results of these experiences are chronicled below and provide a glimpse of the lifestyle of Florida during the winter.

Our major haunt was Delray Beach, an adorable community on the east coast. Delray Beach itself is a long and beautiful stretch of sand.

Delray Beach

Delray’s lovely downtown is a great place to stroll and people-watch. There is much to do here and it has been a popular gathering place for many years. The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is a historic property and dates to 1926.

Colony Hotel & Cabana Club

A memorable aspect of any winter sojourn to South Florida is an excursion to Gulfstream Park, in Hallandale, for a day of thoroughbred racing.

At Gulfstream Park

At the northern end of Palm Beach County, Jupiter offers a visit to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where injured turtles are nursed back to health and then released back into the wild.

Loggerhead Marine Center

We made a southern excursion to the Miami area where we visited the glorious Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, in Coral Gables. The gardens were beautiful with many flowering plants.

A Profusion of Bloom

There were also grand vistas, perfectly landscaped and tranquil.

Fairchild Vista

There was even a cactus garden (I am a cactophile!) despite the high humidity and rainfall which typically characterizes this region.

Cactus Garden

Interesting sculptures also dot the landscape, even in the Conservatory.

Conservatory Sculpture

We coupled our trip to Fairchild with a visit to Miami Beach, the “hottest” place in Florida. South Beach, pictured below, is the quintessential beach and appears on “best beaches” lists annually.

On South Beach

We also walked along Ocean Avenue and enjoyed the Art Deco buildings.

Art Deco in Miami Beach