The Pages: Spring Break 2009

Spring Break in February is an interesting concept, but when Denise's program takes a week off to send administrators and professors to a conference - we took advantage. Coincidentally, we were also able to wrap this all up in a nice little package that included celebrating Denise's birthday and traveling with our good friends Jim and Jeanine Malena.

So, we headed off to Key West, Florida, for a little rest and relaxation. Jim and I had been to Key West a year and a half ago for his bachelor party (read: bars and fishing). We flew right into the island on that trip so this time we thought we would make the drive from Ft. Lauderdale to the island via US-1. What's not to like - 4 hours of ocean on your left and gulf on your right?

We stayed at the Santa Maria Suites (http://www.santamariasuites.com/). Great location two blocks from the Southernmost Point in the United States, and the rooms were very conducive to traveling with friends or family. Each unit had it's own kitchen and living room and each bedroom had it's bathroom. There was a pretty good sushi place on the property, which is always a plus.

We enjoyed some great meals and plenty of entertainment. Of course we caught a picturesque sunset at Mallory Square. We hit all the Duval Street hot spots, like: Hogs Breath, Sloppy Joes, Lazy Gecko, Caroline's, Fat Tuesday's, Willie T's and the list goes on. We saved the best for last to celebrate Denise's birthday though - this little place over on Southard Street called Mangia Mangia, which is Italian for Eat Eat and we did.

As with any good vacation, we were sad to leave. Special thanks to our friends the Malena's and a very happy birthday to my beautiful wife.