Susan Solo – Photographer | Traveler | Adventurer

Tag: Florida

  • Photo Friday – Jupiter

    From my extensive collection of un-blogged photos (I hope to get caught up sometime soon!), here’s a July 2007 image of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse as seen from the boat when Chris and I went deep-sea fishing in Florida. I totally caught a fish, too. (And then returned him back to the sea.) The photos of me fishing are incredibly unflattering – I had no idea I’d have to sport a weird giant belt to support the fishing rod. But I promise to post them eventually. I have to prove how big the fish was, right?

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  • Mischief Managed!

    Mischief Managed!

    I solemnly swear I was up to no good this past weekend! My very dear friend, Casey, and I met up in Florida for a weekend of fun at the Universal Studios parks. We planned to visit both of the Universal parks over two days, but we specifically wanted to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure park since we’re really big Harry Potter nerds fans. I’ll be honest, my expectations of the park were pretty high…and the re-creation of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade absolutely exceeded my hopes! On Day One, we headed straight to Hogwarts within Islands of Adventure, and we never had to wait more than 20-30 minutes for anything with the exception of a log ride in another area of the park. The weather and the crowds were actually not too bad – getting to the park at opening helped. We explored and inspected every little inch of the Harry Potter world, and were so delighted with all of it. Here are a few of my favorite point-and-shoot photos from the weekend:

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    I couldn’t get over how amazing the castle looks, both inside and out. The Forbidden Journey ride (favorite!) is tucked within the walls of Hogwarts, and while you’re waiting in line for the ride, you’re treated to a tour of the castle’s hallways and rooms.02_universal_studios_blog19_universal_studios_blog

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    We also braved the Dragon Challenge coaster, a pretty thrilling steel inverted roller coaster.04_universal_studios_blog

    Butterbeer is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. Ever. It was so fun to have lunch at The Three Broomsticks, and to enjoy a butterbeer with our food just like in the books/movies. People keep asking me what it tastes like, but I almost don’t want to spoil it! It’s really fun to try it for the first time without knowing what to expect. And anyway, it’s sort of indescribable.05_universal_studios_blog17_universal_studios_blog

    The little shops within Hogsmeade were (forgive the pun) magical. We really felt like we were in the story.06_universal_studios_blog 07_universal_studios_blog 08_universal_studios_blog 09_universal_studios_blog

    I really want to get on the Hogwarts Express and go to Hogwarts!

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    The castle at night is just breathtaking. 11_universal_studios_blog 12_universal_studios_blog

    Day Two, we headed over to the Universal Studios park, where we had a nice, sunny morning that turned into a rainy afternoon. Thankfully we were able to ride all of the attractions, and our timing allowed us to miss all the rain showers. 13_universal_studios_blog

    Probably my favorite ride at Universal Studios side was the Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I absolutely LOVE thrill rides, especially huge roller coasters. The scarier the better. That lift is straight up! Really fun. We also had a great time becoming minions on the Despicable Me 3-D ride.14_universal_studios_blog

    As a Simpsons fans, we loved exploring Springfield and having a Krusty Burger AT Krusty Burger!

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    But probably definitely the most impressive area out of both parks combined is the Hogwarts castle and the Forbidden Journey ride in the Harry Potter world. If you’re an HP fan, I highly highly highly recommend visiting! And having a butterbeer or two. (Or three.)  16_universal_studios_blog

  • Weekend Getaway

    Weekend Getaway

    Chris and I were able to get away for a few days this past weekend to visit his dad and step-mom in Florida. We stayed in a condo in West Palm Beach and while it was a little chilly for this time of year, it was still sunny and gorgeous, and we were able to enjoy this view from the balcony:

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    We even saw a manatee swim by the condo! Sorry to disappoint you, but we were up on the 19th floor and I didn’t have the right lens with me to get a good shot. I traveled light this time – one camera body + 50mm lens. Okay, and the point-and-shoot. 🙂 I actually didn’t end up taking many photos at all, but we did take our obligatory p&s self-portrait for posterity.

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    Chris and I grabbed a quick picture of each other one afternoon before we went out for lunch (what else do you expect photographers do when they’re killing time?).

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    Since it was a little too cool for the beach, we mostly just hung out with the parents, ate out a lot, and strolled around. This quirky little store in downtown Stewart had a lot of fun stuff.

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    One of the highlights of the trip for Chris was finding this soda:

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    When Chris and I were kids, we both lived in Texas (at different times) where they had this sugary bubble-gum tasting soda called Big Red. Well, they don’t have it in the DC area, and it seems to be quite difficult to find in general, so it’s a very rare treat for us to come across it. We were getting groceries at the local Publix, where lo and behold, I spotted it on the shelf in a 12-pack. So we were able to enjoy the nostalgic drink while we were there (Chris moreso than me – I can’t stand drinks with sugar in them anymore. If you ever see Diet Big Red, let me know!). At least now we know one other place to find it!