Nothing beats a vacation! (Part 2) - Hollywood/Miami, FL

Eddy Balzola of Oriente

As noted in Part 1 my trip started out in Key Largo and snorkeling with my family. Once we were done with that we headed back up north and spent the rest of my time between Miami and Hollywood. 

Some places we frequented was Hollywood Beach's Riptide where not only could you sit and enjoy the beautiful ocean, boardwalk, sun and people but has live music as well. One of these artists performing was my own dad who is a career musician and bandleader to Afro-Cuban group ORIENTE!   

We also visited the Van Dyk Cafe where we watched Oriente Perform. It was a great show and you can see some of the images of that night here Van Dyk Gallery. They will be recording their next CD live from this venue which also does live web streaming of it's shows for any out of towners who want to enjoy the show.

Glass Making Oven

Another place we visited frequently that has great free concerts, activities for kids AND a glass making facility is Arts Park @ Young Circle. During the summer they provide all sorts of free activities and concerts for kids and families. I recommend this place to anyone traveling to the area and looking for a taste of the old Florida mixed with the new. Which, in my opinion, is slowly fading in South Florida.

View of Brickell from Key Biscayne

When we weren't hanging out at the beach we were fishing (I'm addicted!) and Miami is great for finding somewhere to hang out with a fishing rod. Including good ole Key Biscayne with beautiful views of the ever growing Miami Skyline.

I hope you all enjoyed the second part to my post I hope to have some more great images up to show off. The joys of going away and spending time with family is the never ending photos to sort through.

SB

Nothing beats a vacation! (Part 1) - Florida Keys

So for the last several days I've been down in South Florida visiting family, friends and just enjoying some time off. Now for those that don't know I have a love-hate relationship with Florida. I was born and raised here and moved to NYC the first moment I got. I come down here a few times a year to visit my relatives (they're all still here) and catch up with friends I haven't seen in quite a while. Unlike NYC this place doesn't seem to inspire me much anymore when it comes to photography but I still carry my camera everywhere as if I were a tourist so I won't miss a good shot. Usually, it's photos of my son or relatives doing something goofy.

Upon arriving we headed down to Key Largo's John Pennekamp Park where we did some corral reef snorkeling tours. I stayed on board but it was nothing short of beautiful out there. We couldn't have had a better time and the sea life was just BEAUTIFUL. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves the ocean... it's only an hour drive from Miami.

To view more photos of our time at the park please click here.... John Pennekamp Photos