A Grapeless Wine

Can wine be any more healthy than it already is? According to the founders of Keel & Curley Winery in Plant City, Florida, yes it can.

When a central Florida blueberry farmer went looking for something to do with all those leftover blueberries at the end of the season, he discovered something quite remarkable…blueberry wine. And now his winery produces three different types of blueberry wine, each made from 100% blueberries. 

We discovered this recently while making a quick stop at the Publix grocery store in Palm Coast. A gentleman (that’s the absolute best way to describe him) stood behind a small table positioned in front of the wine section and offered tastings to all who passed by.  We stopped and sampled.  And purchased.

There were three types of blueberry wine:  sweet, semi-dry and dry.  The semi-dry seemed like a sure bet.  Not too sweet, and not too dry.

According to the winery’s website…

Semi-Dry Blueberry is 100% blueberries, no grapes added. Purple-red coloring with a nose of tart berries blending into a body that is bursting with sweet zingy acidity and warm dulcet that flavors. Decidedly bold with sturdy structuring, this wine would be incredible with red meats, stews and exotic cheeses.

As for the healthier claim, blueberries do contain a higher level of antioxidants than grapes.

Keel & Curley Winery also produces seven blended wines (grape wines blended with other fruits):

• Strawberry Riesling
• Wild Berry Pinot Noir
• Tangerine Zinfandel
• Key West – Key Lime
• Black Raspberry Merlot
• Mango Mama
• Peach Chardonnay

There are several wineries in Florida, but I like the uniqueness of this one. And fortunately you can find their wines at many Publix and Total Wine stores throughout Florida.  I already know these will make fantastic Christmas gifts for family and friends.  And I may just have to keep a few on hand for myself.

Money Talks

Although I cancelled most of my magazine subscriptions long ago, I still find time to read a few every month.  As always though, I’m behind and find myself just now getting to the August issue of Money magazine.  Interestingly, this issue reports on the “Best Places to Live” in America according to the Money magazine researchers. And, more importantly, the list of 100 includes three small cities in Florida.

The magic formula for determining who’s on this list includes a combination of  “job opportunities, fiscal strength, top-notch schools, low crime, good health care” and that thing they so eloquently express as “lots to do.”

Reviewing the list, I was surprised to find that all three Florida cities are located in South Florida, and all are clustered in one area.  Forgive me if I sound like a snob when it comes to down south, but I’ve always associated South Florida with crowds, traffic, and yes, extreme pretentiousness.

But back to the list.

44.  Coral Springs

Highest up, at Number 44, is Coral Springs.  I haven’t been to Coral Springs in over twenty years. My mom’s twin sister and family lived there when I was little and we visited often.  I don’t remember much about the place except that it seemed so far from the beach. So just how did it make it on to the top 100 list?  According to Money magazine, one of the highlights of Coral Springs these days is a huge Sportsplex which offers tennis courts, skate parks, ice rinks and an aquatic center even Olympic athletes drool to train in.  In other words, lots to do.  

48.  Coconut Creek

At Number 48 on the list is Coconut Creek, a stone’s throw from Coral Springs.  The claim to fame here, and an apparent uniter of community, appears to be butterflies.  With more than 150 butterfly gardens I guess it’s only fair they call themselves the “Butterfly Capital of the World.” 

72.  Wellington

Last but not least, at Number 72, is Wellington, Florida, which I have never heard of even though I’ve traveled to Palm Beach County on many occasions.  What Wellington has is horses, and not just any horses. This is an equestrian community worthy of even Prince Charles himself.

A mega sporting venue, classy horses and numerous butterflies.

No beaches, no hydric hammocks, no distinctive Floridian assets.  

Seriously, you mean not one small city or town say outside Jacksonville, or Orlando, or Tallahassee fits the criteria for this list?  I guess that’s probably a good thing.  Less crowding of the good space is worth a little less publicity.

I will have to head south one of these days to find out for myself what these places have to offer. Maybe I’ll get the chance to race Olympic swimmer Dara Torres in Coral Springs,  or be swarmed by butterflies in Coconut Creek, or watch a real polo match in Wellington.  Or maybe I’ll just  find something to really like in South Florida after all.

Up in the Air

Let’s face it, many special events are not going to fit within the image Daytona Beach has created for itself.  Yet if you look beyond Spring Break  and motorcycle events (which includes Biketoberfest starting this Thursday), you see the area has certain unique features that stand out. One of those is the very specialized and highly respected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  And this past weekend,  Embry-Riddle brought something to the Daytona Beach area that has sorely been missing.

The Wings and Waves Air Show was held on both Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m.  With our  chairs, towels and cooler, we settled in to a wonderful spot on the beach behind the Hilton Hotel and awaited the show to begin. With perfect October weather and an outgoing tide, we couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Starting  off the event was Cheryl Stearns, the “most successful competitive skydiver in the world”, parachuting in with the American and Canadian flags. 

Then came a full line-up of planes, both old and new.  A unique highlight of the day consisted of the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight.  A WWII era P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was joined in formation by the F-16 Viper and the newest fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor.

Heritage P-51 Mustang, F-16 Viper and F-22 Raptor

A close up view makes them look like toys.

The spectacular grand finale was provided by The Canadian Snowbirds Jet Demonstration Team, composed of serving members of the Canadian Forces.

Canadian Snowbirds Jet Demonstration Team

At a time when it’s easy to become discouraged by the direction America has been taking – selfishness, greed, irresponsibility, victim mentality – events like this remind me of what America is, and can be. Strong, smart, innovative, and inventive. And I’m not just referring to the military, but to what America has been in the past, and still is today. I am so thankful we still have curious men and women who aren’t afraid to work hard and make the world a more interesting place.  And I’m proud to know that many of those men and women start out right here in Daytona Beach.

Spider Freakout

Hiking is one of my absolute favorite pastimes, and fortunately I have a hiking partner who takes care of clearing the trails of  unwanted surprises like spider webs. More importantly, he doesn’t freak out when he feels that sticky, stringy mess clinging to his face and neck. Unlike me. Whenever I hit an invisible spider’s web I go into full freak-out mode.  I never believe that the spider isn’t home, and isn’t pissed off that I ruined her handiwork. I am so sure she is on me that I jump around like a lunatic until Matt assures me (without even checking) that there is no creature crawling in my hair, or burrowing into my ear, or sneaking around to gouge my eyes out.

Recently, however, we encountered some highly intelligent spiders who build their webs far above the reach of  big-headed people. 

And they are gigantic.

GOLDEN SILK SPIDER

If you want to witness over twenty webs weaved by the Golden Silk Spider, head over to Fort Matanzas National Monument and take the short nature hike.  The larger spiders are the females, the smaller ones  in the periphery of the web are the males.  The unlucky male feeds on the female’s leftovers, then mates with her right before she bites and  kills him.  He then becomes just another meal.  

According to the National Park Service, these spiders will bite if harassed. They may not be poisonous, but their bite reportedly feels like a hornet or wasp sting.  Personally I can handle a sting like that, probably much better than Matt, but just the thought of those hairy legs climbing all over me would be enough to do me in.