By Rich Schott
What an incredible whirlwind of a day! It all started when a few of the guys and I decided to join the Red Hats of Buttonwood Bay for a day out. We kicked things off with a delightful lunch at Cherry Pockets in Lake Wales, FL. The food was great, but what really got our attention were the alligators! Seeing those magnificent creatures up close was a real thrill, a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us.
After our reptilian encounters, we ventured to Bok Towers. Stepping onto the grounds felt like stepping back in time. The sheer history that emanates from this place was incredible, and the architecture is simply stunning. We spent a good while exploring, soaking in the stories and the serene atmosphere. It’s always a good feeling to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy left behind by those who came before.
As the day began to wind down, Jen, myself, and our friends Mike and Grace, along with Jerry and Vivian, decided to head back to Cherry Pockets. The occasion? None other than celebrating Jen’s birthday a month early! It was a perfect way to cap off the day, combining a little birthday cheer with some happy hour and a delicious dinner. The bar area was buzzing, and in true spirit, we playfully claimed our "real estate" by putting up some signed dollar bills – a fun little tradition that always gets a laugh.
The celebration continued, and we found ourselves spending the night in three of their cozy cabins. It was a fantastic opportunity to relax and truly unwind. We even had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly cool neighbors, Alan and Tim. Their camaraderie and welcoming nature added another layer of warmth to the evening. We spent a good chunk of our time just hanging out at the cabins, enjoying each other’s company. The drinks flowed freely with some exquisite Cooper Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon, a collaboration with Napa legend Cakebread Cellars, and the smooth, rich taste of Traveller a blended whiskey created by country artist Chris Stapleton in collaboration with Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was the kind of relaxed, easygoing atmosphere that makes you feel truly at home, even when you’re away. Sharing stories, laughter, and good wine and whiskey under the stars – it was pure bliss.
The next morning, after a restful night, we packed up and headed back home to Buttonwood Bay, filled with memories of a fantastic day. It’s days like these, filled with good food, interesting sights, and wonderful company, that truly stand out. A massive thank you to Judy and the Red Hats for organizing such a memorable adventure, and to all our friends for making it so special. Until the next adventure!
Ringing of Bok Tower
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