Honeymoon Island January 26, 2011
Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance, Mindfulness, Nature, Travel & Leisure.comments closed
Honeymoon Island (previously Sand Island, then Hog Island ~ in honor of its rotund porcine residents) is a State Park with pristine beaches and a Nature Center overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
It earned its present moniker when honeymooners from all over the country came in the Thirties to stay in Lover’s Nook (or one of 50 other grass huts on the island) to enjoy their change in status from single to newly wedded.
A causeway to the mainland added in the Sixties made the island more accessible to tourists.
Concerned citizens managed to halt development and preserve the island’s serene beauty. As a result of their efforts, the island offers gorgeous views and delightful breezes without high-rises competing for attention.
From Honeymoon Island, visitors can take a 20-minute ferry ride to Caladesi Island . . . voted the BEST beach in America in 2008 by Dr. Beach.
We opted to save an excursion to Caladesi Island for another day since the beach on Honeymoon Island offered everything that we needed for our brief visit ~ sun, sand, and waves gently lapping at our feet.
Wandering along the beach, with our feet splashing through the turquoise waters, we grasped the appeal of this tranquil island to newlyweds in the days of yore.
As we made our way back to the car, we found a Chestnut Turban.
Wikipedia ~ Chestnut Turban (in Public Domain
This aptly named seashell, with an intricate turban-like appearance (reminiscent of Aladdin’s Genie of the Magic Lamp), varies in shade from Chestnut to pearly white.
Our pearly white Chestnut Turban is a subtle reminder that life is full of magical moments, sweet surprises, and new adventures around every bend in the road . . . as long as we keep our eyes (and hearts) open.
Open Sesame!
For more information: Florida State Parks 75th Anniversary * Honeymoon Island State Park Photo Gallery * Turbo Castanea
Spirit Lights The Way 