BEACH town
Welcome to Beach Town Magazine! This has been a passion project that I have been working on for quite some time. As a resident of the snowy Colorado peaks, there are days that I dream of a tropical escape when the weather’s temperatures are dipping below zero degrees Fahrenheit and winds are blowing 100+ miles and more...
I grew up by the beach but chose to live in the high Colorado Rocky Mountains. Skiing, Nordic, touring and being outdoors is one of my passions. I still pine for beaches and boats from time to time.
Finding warm sunny escapes has become part of many of our lifestyles. Although we love the cold and snow, we also like to plan for a beach adventure. Most people in the Colorado high country choose Mexico. However, there are so many unique spots to go to dip our toes and plant our butts in the sand or fish, paddleboard, run, sail, bike, hike and fully recreate. I decided this would be a nice addition to Mountain Town Magazine.
Beach Town Magazine is a digital publication that will appear one time per year. It will be available in
print if you are interested (more to come). Beach Town Magazine is highlighting trips that are off the beaten path, whether they are by an ocean, lake or river.
We will eventually build a website to complement these magazines and become a resource for you when you’re looking for unique vacations and escapes to get you out of town for a while.
I hope you enjoy this magazine. It has been a pleasure discovering tropical paradises and the people that make them unique. I am excited that I can share it with you.
Cheers!
Holly
Holly Battista-Resignolo Founder & Publisher
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From the Mountains to the Shore... Adventure
published by MTN Town Media Productions
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Holly Battista-Resignolo communications
Gaynia Battista contributors
Holly Resignolo, Pepper Hamilton, Gaynia Battista, Rachel Ratcliff, Steven Calaway Brown, Billie Keithly, Rachel Cavanaugh, Mara Slavin Sheldon advertising sales
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features
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SOL PADDLE BOARDS
I remember the first time I ever saw somebody stand up paddleboarding. It was on the Colorado River. We had Eddy’ed out to relax and let the kids play along the shore. My peripherals caught the sight of a man standing and floating along with the current of the river. My head snapped to take in the view and I howled with laughter! I had never seen anything quite like it and I wasn’t even sure if it was for real. I sought out a board to try and since that time it has become one of my favorite summer obsessions both on our mountain lakes and rivers.
I caught up with SOL Paddle Boards founder, Johnny Lambino last Summer in Telluride. We had met back in 2013 at the New Sheridan Hotel after I had started this publication and he was launching his company. He told me the story of starting his company after he had been in Brazil during a paragliding trip. He had brought along an inflatable SUP board to the beach at Ipanema where local beach-goers and vacationers took notice while he was pumping up the board and then
paddling along the shore. Like me, people were astounded!
The strong attention to the sport on that day was where the seed was planted and SOL Paddle Boards grew. His board’s signature colors are a tribute to Brazil and certainly made his products stand out on roof racks around the state. It wasn’t just the colors but the quality and affordable packages he made available to the insatiable public demand for the new sport of SUP. Through his years of kayaking experience and diligent research, he has crafted and continually upgraded SUP board technology to make one of the lightest, strongest, and most durable products on the market.
Today SOL Paddle Boards offers something for everyone interested in River, Lake, and Ocean SUP along with Yoga-specific products. In addition, SOL has inflatable kayaks, tubes for both river and snow use (or just floating around with a beer in hand), and accessories galore.
SOL was chosen as a finalist for SOL’s patent-pending GalaXy Stringer System in Denver. This innovation places carbon stringers in an IXI shape on the bottom of the board for added stiffness and stability underfoot while transferring energy front-to-back (longitudinal) and sideto-side (torsional) for board control. The system is available in the GalaXY and Carbon GalaXY. The Carbon GalaXY utilizes a carbon PVC laminate on the GalaXy stringer System and the sidewalls, offering the most rigid board that SOL has ever produced. This was a huge honor for Johhny and his crew.
Watching this Telluride company grow over the years has been an inspiration. The power of water has been unmistakable for this homegrown company’s growth. Learn More: www.solpaddle.com
MAWA’S GRAINFREE’NOLA
We knew Chef Mawa McQueen, founder of Mawa’s Kitchen in Aspen and the Crepe Shack in Snowmass Village, had started up something good when we discovered her GrainFree’Nola. Her delicious new snack brand is organic, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, but best of all it is absolutely delicious. Her newly branded line is crafted with the finest ingredients. Mawa makes everything by hand. There are five flavors to choose from: Berry Me, Green Machine, Health Nut, Out of Africa, and Tropical Paradise. The Health Nut variety, for instance, mixes organic pumpkin, flax, hemp, and chia seeds with raw, organic almonds, walnuts, and cashews—no added sugars, grains, or fillers of any kind. All ingredients are viewable on her website and each product is sold online.
www.grainfreenola.com
COSTA IRIE MAINFRAMES
Costa has come to symbolize fashion and fishing along the beaches both oceanside and inland. Named for the Caribbean expression meaning “everything’s good,” Irie helps you dial up good times while cutting down UV rays and glare. When wearing these frames, enjoy worry-free days with Costa’s polarized and colorenhancing 580 lens technology and make a statement with the unique keyhole nose piece. Irie is designed for those who like an oversized look, and more fun. Get out there and live life Irie or find the frame that speaks to you and your face fit.
www.costadelmar.com
TIDES & CURRENTS
The Health of the Everglades
Something that every angler, beach town enthusiast and outdoors person should care about
BY RACHEL CAVANAUGH
With its swampy marshes and lush coastal mangroves, the Florida Everglades is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, flamingos, white-tailed deer, leatherback turtles, spoonbills, crocodiles, and other wetland creatures. Plus, the richly biodiverse wetlands boast some of the best sportfishing in the world.
Yet in recent years, massive seagrass die-offs and growing red tides have threatened the region’s fragile ecosystem, along with the fish that inhabit it, leading a group of local anglers to get involved.
Helmed by boat captains and saltwater anglers, Captains For Clean Water (CFCW) has been racking up environmental wins as the nonprofit organization pushes Congress and other governing bodies for better water management protection—even as the well-funded sugar industry actively works to impede progress.
Among the most notable achievements the group has contributed to is the establishment of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). This new plan, which is set to take effect later this year, dictates how Lake Okeechobee water is managed and will balance agricultural needs with the health of the estuaries, reducing damaging discharges by 37% and sending significantly higher volumes of water south to the Everglades in the dry season.
“The concept behind this new plan is shared adversity,” explains CFCW cofounder Capt. Chris Wittman. “Before, the former plan had perfect conditions for the sugar industry and very imperfect conditions for everybody else.
“This new plan isn’t perfect for anyone, but it’s a huge improvement. We’re taking steps in the right direction.”
Under the current operating plan (LORS 2008), water from Lake Okeechobee gets dumped into Florida’s east and west coasts whenever the lake level gets too high, sort of like a relief valve. The result is that the coastal areas end up getting inundated with high volumes of polluted fresh water, while the interior of the Everglades, which historically received that water, becomes too dry. The imbalance kicks off a devastating cycle of events.
“The Everglades depends on water,” Wittman says. “It needs water flowing to hydrate the interior, to keep the peat soils and the swamps wet, to replenish the drinking water aquifer, and balance salinities in the estuary.”
When the water in the Florida Bay becomes too salty, it makes it difficult for the seagrass to grow. In fact, in 2015 the water became so hypersaline (three times saltier than the Gulf of Mexico) that 50,000 acres of seagrass died off in one massive event.
The effect on habitat and wildlife has been grave, particularly for young tarpon, snook, and other fish that depend on brackish water as juveniles. The decline in fish populations has impacted anglers and their livelihoods as well.
Wittman says it’s been hard to watch.
“The Everglades is where saltwater sight fishing was born,” he says. “It’s where it was created—sight fishing for your target in crystal clear water with lush turtle grass. Now that water is often muddy and there’s no grass at all.”
The juvenile fish have nowhere to hide, so predation increases. What’s more, as the dead grass sheds and decomposes, it releases nutrients into the water that feed algae blooms and makes them more destructive.
As the blooms migrate with the wind and tides, they choke out sunlight in other areas and cause further seagrass loss there. Soon the migratory birds stop coming and the downward spiral continues.
“The birds can’t eat,” he says. “Everything depends on the seagrass to live. They know instinctively there’s no food, so you see much lower recruitment and nesting of migratory birds and waterfowl. The entire ecosystem is out of balance.
It’s a cycle of decline.”
A similar phenomenon occurs on the coasts, but for the opposite reason—they get too much water, which also affects salinity and triggers other harmful consequences.
“You’re adding so much freshwater there,” he says, “it turns a saltwater fishery fresh, which has the exact same impact—water that’s too fresh kills the seagrass too, kills the oyster bars.”
The water being discharged from Lake Okeechobee to the coasts is often nutrient loaded, which can fuel harmful algal blooms that threaten the health of humans and marine life.
There’s also a global impact that occurs from all of the carbon emissions. When peat soil is hydrated, Wittman
explains, it’s a massive carbon sink. But when it dries out, it begins to emit carbon rather than soak it up.
“So globally, you start to turn one of the largest carbon sinks in North America into something that’s releasing carbon into the atmosphere.”
The new management plan will help mitigate these effects by reducing the harmful discharges to the coasts and restoring the flow of much-needed water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay.
In addition to the lake operations plan, CFCW has also been working to advance the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a suite of 68 eco-projects that was authorized by Congress in 2000. Of the more than five dozen projects, the one with the most impact is the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project.
The project involves the development of a massive 16,000acre water reservoir that will be able to store water from Lake Okeechobee and clean it before it gets released.
“You dump the extra water from the lake into a massive reservoir that’s larger than the size of Manhattan,” explains Wittman. “You run that water through a stormwater treatment area, a man-made wetland filter marsh.
“The plants within that wetland take the nutrients out of the water and it goes out the other side of it clean.”
It’s the project with the “biggest ROI” by far, according to Wittman, yet it’s also the one that’s faced the most adversity from special interests.
When the bill was first introduced that would authorize the planning and construction of the reservoir (Florida Senate Bill 10), for example, he says that nobody expected it to pass.
“Everybody said it was dead on arrival,” Wittman recalls. “The sugar industry employs the largest lobbying force in the state—we were told it wasn’t going to happen. But, together with our partners, we were able to put such a spotlight on it, create so much public awareness, that it had to pass.”
The next hurdle CFCW faced was the previous sugarfriendly water management district trying to renew leases on the land slated for the reservoir. According to Wittman, their goal was to delay construction by tying the land up in decade-long legal battles.
Yet the grassroots conservation organization was able to apply enough pressure via public awareness campaigns that the governing board was forced to resign.
“That’s never happened before,” Wittman says. “Those are two-year staggered terms, so there’s never a full change of the board. It was a huge win.”
A final attempt to halt the reservoir project was made in February 2022 in the form of Florida Senate Bill 2508, Wittman says. Linked to the budget, it bypassed the standard legislative process, so the group only had a short time to act.
“We activated our boots on the ground, our network of partners, and three days later, dozens of fishing guides and business owners showed up in Tallahassee. We testified before the committee.
“This bill was a death threat to everything we’d accomplished in the past six years.
“Over the next 55 days, we had over 13 million people engage with the campaign. Fifty thousand people took action, contacted legislators.”
As a result of the efforts, he says, the governor vetoed the bill. Construction on the filter marsh began last year and is scheduled to be done this year.
spokeswoman for the cause.
“Everglades restoration is a marathon, it’s not a sprint,” says Wittman. “It’s the largest ecosystem restoration project ever undertaken in the world, anywhere in history. That’s not something that happens overnight. These are massive projects.
“But these were three absolutely massive wins—LOSOM, the reservoir, and killing Senate Bill 2508. And they’re the result of people using their voices in our industry, and our partners like Columbia using their reach as extensions of our microphone.”
“The project that we were told would never happen, would get delayed and tied up in lawsuits—that reservoir broke ground last month,” Wittman exclaims.
The reservoir project is slated to be complete by 2030.
One of the biggest things CFCW has accomplished is creating one consolidated voice, Wittman says. Where there used to be thousands of individual groups and interests—fishing guides, realtors, hoteliers, business owners, fly shop managers, etc.—his organization has aligned everyone into a unified front.
The group has also benefited from athletes and celebrities who’ve gotten involved. Columbia Sportswear ambassador and country music singer Luke Combs, for example, held a virtual concert in 2020 as a benefit, and fly-fishing tournament athlete Wesley Locke has been a
The health of the Everglades is something that every angler and outdoorsperson should care about despite their personal connection to Florida, Wittman says.
“The Everglades is a national treasure. It’s a world heritage site. People travel from all over the world to fish for tarpon in Florida. As anglers, we have to care [globally]. I’ve never been to the Amazon, but I care about what happens to it as an angler. I don’t go to Yellowstone all the time, but I care about what happens to it. Once you lose these places, you don’t get them back.
“As outdoorsmen and -women, we have an interest in saving the ecosystems that drive our businesses and our hobbies. We have an inherent appreciation for the value of our special outdoor places, and a responsibility to protect them.”
Want to get involved? Check out Captains For Clean Water and sign up for their newsleter, follow on Social Media and grab some great gear on their site. .
www.captainsforcleanwater.org
Fish For Change
Fish For Change is a 501 c3 non-profit with a mission, to use fly-fishing as a platform to make the world a better place by uniting a diverse group of students in wild fisheries where they engage in a variety of initiatives that promote: Connection, Education, Conservation, and Exploration CONNECTION
Students from around the world connect with one another in new environments. Hometown realities are challenged with collective thoughts from different backgrounds. Language barriers are torn down through shared passions. Strangers turn into friends who turn into family.
EDUCATION
Outdoor education in presented in a hands on setting. Students learn from guides, instructors, local officials, conservationist, and one another. Students are educated on behalf of human relationships, conservation initiatives, leadership, outdoor recreation, and of course - fly fishing.
CONSERVATION
We protect what we love and we love to fly fish. Through programs, students have a chance to dig in to new environments, the issues they are facing, and ways to take action. We team up with local organizations in each location to participate and
learn more about their ongoing conservation initiatives.
EXPLORATION
Fly fishing serves as our lens for exploration. It challenges us to experience new environments and become curious about the world around us. In addition to fly fishing, students have a chance to enjoy other forms of adventure tourism pertaining to the area. They explore the world around us as well as within.
Learn about their programs in Honduras, Bahamas, Mexico, Colorado and Costa Rica.
www.fishforchange.org
Cabo San Lucas
Retreat with the Whole Gang
Escape to An All Inclusive Resort in Cabo San Lucas? Looking to gather with a group of friends and family in a relaxing tropical locale? My daughter and I discovered the perfect winter getaway for a friend and family celebration at Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas in Cabo San Lucas.
When you live in a resort community where others are dying to vacation, it seems silly to some to want to escape. Living in a mountain town is a dream come true. There are beautiful views, outdoor activities, and a connected community, but sometimes you dream of soft white sand rather than fluffy snowfall and sunny warm weather to tan your pale, winter skin.
I dug out the summer clothes and said goodbye to spring skiing to escape to the famous tropical destination of Cabo San Lucas. This Mexican town is a mecca for college spring breakers. Our scheduled week of Spring Break doesn’t align with our community’s resort-driven calendar. (A little secret, most mountain town public school calendars accommodate area workers and businesses since this is our region’s most significant tourism week). For us, the Spring Break holiday is pushed into mid-April. Once college students return to school, beach resorts offer great rates and an off-season feel. Escaping from crowds is a joy.
Picking a hotel in a foreign country can be daunting as you’re researching a place based on a stranger’s biased reviews. We tend to go with word of mouth and had heard locally that the Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas was a fantastic all-inclusive resort with a swimmable beachfront that perfectly accommodates large groups. We were going to have a lot of people.
This trip was our final holiday as parents and high school “Seniors.” We wanted to vacation as one big group of parents, some grandparents, kids, and young adults.
The Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas could serve a mass of people. Since our group booked different types of rooms, I could see the style and set up of accommodations for families big and small. Everything from comfortable hotel rooms to Penthouse suites was available, and they were beautifully furnished with kitchens and space to kick back and relax.
The food was astonishingly good, given the reputation of all-inclusive resorts. Guests could book a room only offering a classic hotel room or add an All-Inclusive package for unlimited food and drink. Guests were issued a wristband to be worn at all times giving access to unlimited food and beverages without the need to carry a wallet. There were seven main restaurants to choose from and a market to stock your room (not part of the all-inclusive package). All were sit-down restaurant establishments except for the sports bar with order-to-go pizza.
The largest restaurant was an open aired sit-down dinner and breakfast with a breathtaking morning buffet. A second excellent beachside cafe, the Carbon Grille, was opened for dinner and served outstanding grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables on the cutest miniature tabletop grills. Bars were all over the resort and would hand you a drink whenever you asked. Beachside bar service was available during daylight hours too. My favorite was Sushi Original, a little sushi shack at the resort with the freshest fish and an eye-catching presentation. It beat most of the sushi restaurants I have experienced in our mountain towns. Local food vendors and restaurants were only a few minutes walk from our location, but the resort’s offerings were so good we did not feel compelled to wander off.
The water on the beachfront wasn’t the soothing, flat of azure waves that people imagine when they think of beaches. The beach at the Villa del Palmar drops off quickly, causing the water to rise up and crash down with spectacular force. Some could be injury-inducing if you weren’t paying attention. Since our group was an active, daring bunch, we grabbed tubes and rode the biggest waves before being washed out in the sand. They rope off the ocean swimming area so you can’t swim too far out to where area riptides exist. There are no lifeguards, but the resort’s security lets you know when the ocean is dangerous and should not be entered for recreation.
On the beachfront, many vendors were expected in many foreign beach town communities. Some find them irritating, constantly selling their wares, but I loved browsing the beautiful products and hearing well-thought-out sales pitches while I practiced my Spanish. For those who didn’t want to see vendors, there was an area to escape their attention.
The Villa Del Palmar Cabo San Lucas offered many activities. Their offerings included nightly musicals, salsa dancing, swim lessons, fashion shows, and more. Several pool areas were available on the resort grounds for those who wished to swim. There was an adult-only pool, a shallower pool to cool down, and a kiddie pool area too.
The giant whale slide in the kid’s section was surprisingly fast and could possibly take off your bathing suit, so be warned but have fun.
Drinking is a part of group travel to Mexico, and the legal age of consumption is 18. Because the drinks are cheap and vacation means sleeping, choosing an all-inclusive resort was an intelligent choice. Nightclubs included great entertainment, expensive drinks, dancing, and occasional strip shows. Many clubs on the main strip were a cab drive away. Once dropped off, you could begin the club crawl. We voted El Squid Roe our favorite among all the clubs we visited because of the venue’s multi-themed floors, games, music, and dance opportunities.
There are a ton of opportunities to recreate. Paddle Boarding, sunset cruises, parasailing, snorkeling cruises, fishing, ATV Tours, golf, and more are all available. We had our entire group of 50 head out with Cabo Blue on their Trimaran Sailboat for a cruise and snorkeling adventure. The crew was fantastic, along with the lunch and beverage selection.
While visiting any foreign location, the first thing people should be concerned about is crime. As a traveler, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of the dangers and stay updated on area news. Personally speaking, I neither saw nor experienced crime whether I was in the private, secured resort or downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Visiting Cabo’s downtown was a lovely beach walk away. Stores and gift shops, the marina, restaurants, clubs, pharmacies, and hotels dotted the streets. The local residents were very friendly and accommodating.
If you’re looking to escape to an All Inclusive Resort in Cabo San Lucas, we vote yes on going to an all-inclusive resort, especially Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas. It made our stay fun, hassle-free, and a trip to remember for a long time to come.
Guanaja
Off the Beaten Path in Honduras
II write from the deck of the Fly Fish Guanja Lodge, a small private island that sits over the South Keys in Guanaja, Honduras, right in the middle of the flats. I am continually distracted by the sounds of bonefish, permit, triggerfish, boxfish, sharks, and jacks crashing through the water. I look up from my computer, scanning the flats, seeing the fish, confirming my small place in this large world as I feel like a speck in the middle of a beautiful nowhere.
The rhythmic pounding of the surf hits the edge of where the flats drop into the Caribbean Sea. The view is like no other; shades of white sand in the flats of the shallow water fade into turtle grass that fades into coral that fades into the deep blue sea, an open canvas of infinite possibility and, for now, peace. A pelican watches me write, sees a fish and descends upon the water. A gentle breeze licks my body and caresses my spirit.
This lodge has everything I need for the ultimate tropical retreat. Minimal people, incredible fishing, great food, amazing diving, plush accommodations, stand-up paddleboarding, treks to waterfalls, and delicious sunsets are all here to enjoy. Telluride local Steve Brown and his excellent Guanajan staff own and operate the operation. Anything you want or need is available through them. A private kitchen staff
BEACH TOWN ESCAPES
will have breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner ready and waiting. You can get out and fish, explore, or just laze on the deck.
Guanaja is an overlooked Caribbean Island off of the Coast of Honduras. It has slowly recovered from the ravages of Hurricane Mitch. This storm blew right over the island and then liked it so much it stayed for two days, destroying almost everything the native people on this island owned. The stories of heroism and survival told by each staff member I met are unbelievable. The perseverance of the people to rebuild is admirable.
The main island rises out of the sea and has several small towns. There are no cars on the main island and the largest town, Bonacaa, is a smaller island with a maze of canals between all the buildings.
Diving is spectacular. The island’s warm, clear waters support an extensive coral reef that is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and second only to the Great Barrier Reef off the coasts of Australia. Bo’s Island House offers diving trips at his North Side resort near Michael’s Rock. Bo will take you diving on the small dive boat while his wife and daughters prepare your meals. Close by is the fabulous waterfall trail, where you will find beautiful foliage and a footpath to one of the island’s large freshwater waterfalls.
Back at the lodge, you will find the guest house loaded with comfortable rooms, a large kitchen, nice bathrooms, a giant deck, and a private beach. The lodge can comfortably accommodate 4 – 6 people. This tiny Cay is a vacation home that has been turned into an intimate fullservice lodge. The area is both safe and family-friendly for visitors from all over.
Slightly off the beaten path, Guanaja is accessed by small aircraft from the International Airport on Roatan. There are direct flights to Roatan from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta.
The best part is that Steve and his staff will arrange everything for you. Fly Fish Guanaja is the ultimate retreat.
www.flyfishguanaja.cm
GUANAJA FACTS:
Location – 43 miles off the north coast of Honduras and 8 miles from Roatan.
Size – about 3×11 miles
Population – about 5,500 total of which the majority lives on Bonacca
Climate – Year-round temperatures hover around 80 with the rainy season starting in October and usually lasting until December or January
Where to find the locals – 3 villages called Bonacca, Mangrove Bight, and Savannah Bight
Vegetation – Lush, mountainous, Open, dry,deciduous woodlands and temperate grasslands are spread throughout the interior highland basins and valleys, low valleys and on lower mountains, are broad belts of dense evergreen broad-leaved forests with many species of large trees, including pine, mahogany, lignum vitae, Spanish cedar, balsa, rosewood, ceiba, sapodilla, and castilloa rubber. Mangroves are very prevalent throughout the island.
Highest Peak – one peak rises to almost 1,400 feet
Activities – diving (40 + dive sites of Guanaja), snorkeling, deep sea and flats fishing, hiking, waterfall trekking, relaxing on any of the beautiful
www.bayislandstourismbureau.org/guanaja
San Clemente
Beach,Waves,Shopping&Rosè
San Clemente, California unfolds as a coastal haven, celebrated by locals for its breathtaking beauty and vibrant offerings. Whether you seek stellar surf spots, delightful restaurants, charming boutiques, or expansive sandy beaches, San Clemente gracefully delivers on all fronts. Despite its modest size, this city packs a punch when it comes to visiting a great beach town.
Situated approximately an hour south of Los Angeles and an hour north of San Diego, San Clemente benefits from a temperate climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While a day trip is feasible for those with limited time, a weekend getaway unveils this beach town’s true charm.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, whether on land or water, as you explore the treasures of
San Clemente. Mornings may greet you with a touch of coastal fog, but the sun typically graces the afternoons, so dressing in light layers is advisable.
The San Clemente Pier
Commence your San Clemente experience at the iconic pier, a 1,296-foot wooden structure offering awe-inspiring ocean views. Witness surfers awaiting the perfect wave, fishermen casting their lines into the depths, and seagulls poised for a catch. The San Clemente Pier, initially constructed in 1928 and later rebuilt in 1985, stands as a revered city attraction. For a delightful seafood experience, visit The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar at the pier’s base, or explore nearby cafes and restaurants with diverse culinary offerings.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
Nearby, discover the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and
BEACH TOWN ESCAPES
Gardens, located in the former home of San Clemente’s founder, Ole Hanson. This historic landmark hosts cultural activities, from music to dance, amidst 2.5 acres of gardens featuring native plants. A self-guided tour, available in English and Spanish, offers insights into the home and gardens, providing a panoramic view of the San Clemente Pier.
Shop & Stroll
Venture into the streets of downtown along Avenida Del Mar, where boutique shopping beckons. Lined with surfing, clothing, and home decor shops, this tree-lined boulevard also hosts quaint cafes and bakeries, creating a delightful space for exploration.
Beaches Baby!
No visit to San Clemente is complete without embracing
the beaches. San Clemente Pier City Beach, bustling with activity, offers snack bars, restaurants, and scenic views. For a more secluded experience, head to San Clemente State Beach at the city’s south end, boasting dramatic views and a nearby campground for camping enthusiasts. Surf aficionados can explore Trestles Beach, known for its world-class waves, along with T-Street Beach, North Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.
Hike, Bike
For a different perspective, embark on seaside trails. The 2.3-mile Beach Trail offers a flat hike with ocean views, suitable for biking and dog-friendly. The more challenging 4-mile Sea Summit Trail weaves along cliffs, providing spectacular beach and ocean vistas.
San Clemente also invites hikers with a variety of trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Embrace the surfing
culture by taking lessons or simply marvel at the skilled surfers riding the waves.
Stay
No need to return home anytime soon. There are a variety of hotels, inns, and Bed & Breakfasts so you can enjoy this spectacular beach town and everything it has to offer. We love the seaside BeachComber Inn. The view and location is unbeatable. Simple and quiet, walkable to the beach, shopping, and restaurants. Sunbath on their terraced grounds and be sure you save room for some fireside s’mores. We booked several rooms so we could hang out with all of our friends.
Eat + Drink
Restaurants, Cafes, Food Stands and more can be found in every nook & cranny of San Clemente. Start on the Pier
at the Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar for breakfast, brunch, lunch, sunset happy hour, and dinner. Some of the best food and incredible views will grace your appetite. Take a seat in the cellar, inside or out. You will want to Rosè all day while you fill up on cheese at this wonderful restaurant. Alohana Acai Bowls can be found rolling along in their food truck. If you spy it, grab a delicious, nutritious bowl or head to their main restaurant, 111 West Avenida Palizada # 306. Great food options are everywhere.
Visit
Before you go, note that San Clemente welcomes visitors throughout the year, with summer being particularly busy. If planning a visit in June, July, or August, consider making reservations in advance to ensure a seamless experience.
www.scchamber.com
St. Phillips IslandA Tropical Retreat into the South Carolina Lowcountry Wilderness
Finding Solace, Simple Luxury & Exploration on an Off the Beaten Path Island
by Holly Battista-Resignolo
Immersed in the captivating worlds of ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ and the thrilling escapades of ‘Outerbanks’ alongside my daughter, I found myself bewitched by the allure of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. While fleeting childhood memories of Hilton Head Island lingered, it was the majestic waterways depicted in these tales that ignited my curiosity.
As fate would have it, during a flight from Florida to Philadelphia, the intricate waterways of this lowland paradise unveiled themselves from my plane’s window. Determined to explore, the Universe answered my call
with an invitation to the enchanting St. Phillips Island in South Carolina.
Nestled off the coast, St. Phillips Island, a 4-milelong, 4,680-acre undeveloped barrier island, emerged as a hidden gem of the Lowcountry. Once the prized possession of billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who ardently safeguarded its natural splendor, the island transitioned into the care of the State of South Carolina in 2017. Operated in harmony with nearby Hunting Island State Park, it stands as a testament to the preservation of pristine beauty.
Aboard a boat ferrying us to the island, the playful dance of dolphins welcomed our group, escorting us through the boat’s wake. The contrast from our dry Rocky Mountain environment was stark, and I marveled at the wilderness that unfolded – marshes, seabirds, meadows, tidal pools, estuaries, and a jungle adorned with palms, live oaks, cedars, magnolia trees, all draped in the deceptive Spanish Moss, a revelation shared by our knowledgeable naturalist guide.
Our haven for the week, The Turner House, a beach retreat constructed by Ted Turner in 1979, cradled us in comfort. With its ten-guest capacity, master bedroom, additional guest bathroom, and a second level boasting four bedrooms and three bathrooms, it exuded a timeless charm. The living room, kitchen, bar area, convertible dining room/game room, and den beckoned us to unwind. The pièce de résistance was the expansive 820-square-foot screened porch, a sanctuary with hammocks and seating, offering a front-row seat to the Atlantic Ocean’s symphony while keeping bugs and winds at bay.
The house rental came with fishing equipment, bikes, kayaks, beach chairs, binoculars and a delightful surprise – two dedicated naturalists, incredibley knowledgable guides to the island’s wonders. From the interior jungle to marshland cruises, and a sunrise coastal tour amidst “ghost forests,” we reveled in the island’s secrets. The naturalists’ fervor for St. Phillips Island, its Native American and Gullah Geechee heritage, and the rich tapestry of flora and fauna left an indelible mark on our hearts.
As dawn painted the sky in pastel hues, bidding farewell to Saint Phillips Island was bittersweet. My heart remained entwined with its allure, the whispers
of Saint Philip and echoes of centuries past lingering in the sea breeze, a beckoning call for others to uncover the enchantment that awaits on this hidden gem off the South Carolina coast.
For those eager to embark on this adventure, both day trips and house rentals are available. Visit the South Carolina State Parks website for details.
The Turner House presents a remarkable opportunity for small groups and retreats, with standard rentals priced at $12,000 (for five nights), including a $1,000 grocery credit.
Exclusive rentals, at $20,000 (for five nights) with a $2,000 grocery credit, offer the added allure of a private island experience, including optional ranger-led programs.
Exclusive rentals require booking more than 90 days in advance. It’s a journey into nature’s embrace, an invitation to uncover the magic of St. Phillips Island.
A South Carolina State Parks represntaitve will be able to assit you with this request.
www.southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/the-turner-house#jump
AsunrisebringsanewdaytotheSouthCarolinaLow Country.ThankfulfortheAbundantInspirationgathered fromthisuniquetrip.
Everglades Adventure
A trip to the Everglades is a unique journey that is available to the adventurous
Every March, our family and friends head to the Everglades National Park for a week of fishing, camping, and camaraderie. It is a retreat like no other and imprints memories that will last a lifetime. The Everglades are a treasure and a unique natural resource vital to our environment.
The Everglades, fondly referred to as the “River of Grass” is a natural region of flooded grasslands in the most southern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, comprising the southern half of a large drainage basin within the Neotropical realm. The system begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, which discharges into the vast but shallow Lake Okeechobee. Water leaving the lake in the wet season forms a slow-moving river 60 miles (97 km) wide and over 100 miles (160 km) long The slow movement of shallow waters through sawgrass marshes is what gives this river of grass its name. Flowing southward these waters cross a limestone shelf to Florida Bay at the southern end of the state.
Planning a trip to the Everglades requires attention to safety first and foremost. This is a wild environment and needs to be treated as such. Weather, sun, and rain can punctuate your trip. The Everglades experiences a wide range of weather patterns, from frequent flooding in the wet season to drought in the dry season. Be prepared by consulting the weather forecast and be sure to bring your sunscreen. The same goes for bugs. Insect Repellant and netting are a must. We love our Bug Off Clothing for these adventures.
Once you are prepared, get ready to experience the beauty of the region and all of its inhabitants. This is the only location in the world where Crocodiles and Alligators coexist. Other residents of the Everglades include Herons, Ibis, Hawks, Owls, Pelicans, Eagles, Osprey, and morebinoculars are a must, you never know when you might see a Panther. The fishing is on the hook! Tarpon, Snook, Red Fish, Snapper, Sea Trout, Bluegill, and Shark are all likely to enjoy your lure. Keep your eyes out for Manatees too, especially during the warmer months.
BEACH TOWN ESCAPES
How to Explore:
If you have a boat, then the waterways are yours to explore. The National Park system has a written guide to assist you and a plethora of ideas for exploration. Hiking, Biking, and more are available.
Surrounded by mangrove waterways, towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, fish slaps and splashes, and the haunting calls of distant wildlife, you will marvel at this unique ecosystem. If you don’t have a boat schedule with an outfitter to enjoy a thrilling airboat journey, canoe, or kayak through the winding waterways of the park.
If you are interested in camping consider reserving a secluded Chickee—a raised wooden platform surrounded by water. With the soothing sounds of nature as your soundtrack, you can set up tents and a kitchen to fuel up for each day and wind down at night with your catch on the grill. The night sky in the Everglades is a canvas adorned with countless stars, and you will be lulled to sleep by the rhythmic croaking of frogs and the occasional splash of a fish. Everglades National Park held a grand opening for their new Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant this past October, it looks lovely.
The Park is diverse and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles. Begin planning with this link: www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
SOPHISTICATED BEACH TOWN LIVING
Bluffton,is a charming coastal comunity in the Heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is a town that appreciates the past, focuses on today and is planning together with its residents for a greater future.
Pull up a comfy chair, take a sip of sweet tea and let out a big sigh, because you’ve arrived my friend, to a town with its own state of mind: Bluffton, South Carolina. Home of character, and to characters, Bluffton’s quirky side shines with its own blend of genuine hospitality and artistic eccentricity. Bluffton fills the soul of the traveler with a sense
BEACH TOWN LIVING
of place that not only captures the charm of a time past, but also brings it full circle into the present. So roll down the windows, breathe in the salty air, stroll among the centuries-old oaks, and plan to visit Bluffton. We’ll share our corner of heaven... if you’ll surrender to the Bluffton state of mind!
out over the river. The home itself is loaded with all of the updated goodies including an open floorpan, relaxing Carolina Room, 2 car garage, and a new flex room with endless possibilities.
This absolutely stunning, Riverfront Home is located along the banks of the Okatie River. This represents the epitome of the LowCountry Lifestyle. Breathtaking water views are viewable from almost every window of this completely renovated, 3000+ square foot home. Deepwater access is available at all tides from the updated dock and bulkhead. If you’re not out on the boat you will be enjoying the beautiful pool and hot tub on the 1.24 acre lot that looks
Open and airy, this Beach Town home allows for outdoor living as well as cozy plush furniture when it is time to come back inside. Beautiful finishes and a seaside palette of colors make this a home you want to live in forever.
To find your forever Beach Town home contact Vincent Harrison of Charter One Realty, www.vinceharrison.com
RETRO FUNK.A.DELIC
In embracing the timeless essence of this midcentury modern gem, a residence born in the architectural tapestry of 1959 within the sun-kissed landscapes of Collier County, Florida, we embark on a journey through the annals of design history. Nestled gracefully on a palm-lined street within a sun drenched neighborhood, this mid-century marvel stands as a testament to architectural nostalgia, fully preserved with an unwavering commitment to the aesthetic allure of the coolest era.
Venture into a realm where the home’s layout unfolds like a symphony, where the structure echos the craftsmanship of a bygone era, and where the spirit of yesteryear gracefully flows through every nook and cranny. This residence is not merely a house; it’s a time capsule, an oasis of charm and character, distinguished by its upbeat personality that has been preserved by the owner. In an age where many midcentury homes have succumbed to the march of time and been consigned to oblivion, this atomic ranch
proudly stands, a living testament to the enduring elegance of midcentury architecture.
Immerse yourself in the years of collections and meticulous restoration that has breathed new life and honored this architectural relic. Original wood floors, weathered by the footsteps of generations, have been lovingly honed, restoring their lustrous sheen. Modern touches, crafted with an artisan’s touch, seamlessly blend with the vintage charm of the home. The kitchen, a culinary haven from
the 50’s, is been adorned with original cabinetry and classic appliances, a contemporary ode to the midcentury visionaries.
As the past meets the present, the result is a harmonious coexistence, where the soul of midcentury design is augmented by the conveniences of the 21st century.
In the vast landscape of real estate, this preserved
home stands as a rare gem, one of only a handful of its kind in the region. The location, a mere sunny stroll away from the glistening Gulf of Mexico.
True Beach Town Living embraces the sun and sea, offering a retreat that brings refuge after a day outdoors. Beyond the confines of its walls, the residence opens its doors to a realm of shops and dining in the historic enclave of
BEACH TOWN LIVING
Old Naples, creating a lifestyle that seamlessly intertwines relaxation and vibrant community living.
In essence, this midcentury haven is not just a house; it’s a narrative woven with threads of the past and the present, a canvas where the strokes of history and modernity converge. To dwell within its walls is to embark on a journey through time, where every architectural detail whispers stories of an era gone by, resonating with the echoes of midcentury allure. A dream realized by it’s owner.
Old Town Bluffton Inn
Bluffton, South Carolina, is a serene escape filled with Southern Charm. Pretty boutiques filled with the pastel colors of the south, restaurants offering the bounty of the area’s inlets and seas, and charming hotels to rest after a day of exploring is only part of the town’s allure.
During this trip, I discovered one of the most charming Inn experiences at the Old Town Bluffton Inn. At first glance, this beautiful Inn just off the town’s main street appears to be a renovated lodge of old, but I quickly discovered that Inn Keepers Vince and Danielle Harrison built the property from scratch. Its welcoming lobby, with plush couches and
nap-worthy armchairs, invited you to relax. Add a variety of wine selections and tasty platters from their intimate bar area, and I could have skipped the entire trip to slip into a space of personal bliss.
A lovely surprise greeted me as I entered my incredibly vibrant room, one of the many Inn offers. My accomodations were a bright delight of floral fabrics and heavy drapes with a view of an ancient Angel Oak across the street by the Cornerstone Church.
The weekly Farmers’ Market was in full swing, and I didn’t want to miss the bounty offered by many of the region’s farms and local makers. The low country vendors were lined up with their wares. Honey, fresh greens, peas and berries, flowers, ice cream, food trucks, and various crafts had been set up along the perimeter of the park’s green space. Beautiful. I continued to wander about the town for several hours.
Returning to the Old Town Bluffton Inn allowed for a moment to cool down (this mountain girl gets hot quickly). I sheepishly realized that my timeline should have allowed more time to explore this town, but I was determined to pack it in. A remarkable distillery, Burnt Church Distillery, was established a block or so away, and a distillery tour was booked to experience what two brothers dreamed of and made a reality for those who love a good drink or two.
The Old Town Bluffton Inn is in the heart of the town’s shopping, dining, and historic districts. The old town charm and southern hospitality that owners Vince and Danielle Harrison have crafted for their guests is an experience to savor and return to time again.
www.blufftoninnsc.com
Poolside Potions
by Pepper Hamilton
Outside entertaining requires some cooling down and these warm weather cocktails will entice you spring, summer and into the cooler months of fall. Liquid Chef Billie Keithly whipped up some dazzling recipes from her Breckenridge Distillery recipe book that are great to make at home for your family and friends. Add some popping color to an evening of entertainment
Farmers Market Bourbon Smash (top right)
1-1/2oz Breckenridge Bourbon
1oz Teakoe black tea
1oz Orgeat Syrup
1/2oz Lemon juice
4-5 Blackberries
Garnish: blackberries, a sprig of mint and powdered sugar. Double rocks or pebble ice
Flutterby Potion (opposite page)
1-1/2oz Breckenridge Vodka
1-1/2oz butterfly pea flower/Himalayan sea salt syrup*
1-1/2oz fresh lemon juice
Garnish: edible butterfly
Cherry Poppins (bottom right)
2 oz Peach Bourbon Liqueur
.5 oz Perfect Purée Sangria
1 blackberry
2 fresh cherries
Muddle and shake
Garnish with fresh cherries, blackberries, and mint
Love Breckenridge spirits? Get $5 off your first Drizly booze delivery of Breckenridge products courtesy of Drizly.
FARM Bluffton
Farm Bluffton is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, steps away from the Old Town Bluffton Inn. Chef Brandon Carter and his wife have created a space and menu perfectly reflecting the region’s bounty of produce, seafood, and animal husbandry.
Situated on May River Road between Promenade Street and Bluffton Road, FARM Bluffton is an inviting space housing culinary brilliance. Oysters, shrimp, scallops, cheeses, meats, greens, fresh fruits, and berries are woven into the seasonal menu that Chef Carter and his staff craft. I visited this past spring and chose a three-course, family-style menuquietly, honestly, my favorite way to enjoy a restaurant. Our group indulged in a first course of Pickled Shrimp, Snapper Crudo, Burrata & Ham, Soft Shell Crab, and Lady’s Island Oysters. The Main Course presented a beautifully prepared NY Strip, NC Bay Scallops, Gnocchi, Pork Sugo, and a fantastic Collard Casserole. I have never had Collards; this was a treat, and I loved them. Dessert arrived, and I made room for an incredible Field Strawberry Cheesecake Hand Pie. But in the end, I must tell you that I could have feasted on the briny fresh Oysters and the most heavenly cornbread I have ever indulged in!!! Dense but light, finished with creamy warm butter and crunchy bits of sea salt.
The open kitchen added to the establishment’s energy, and the service staff’s knowledge of preparation, ingredients, and wine pairing was impressive. There was so much good food and insufficient stomach space to fit it all in. Is it a blessing or a curse? I had one of the best meals available in South Carolina. www.farmbluffton.com
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House
Reflected in their slogan, “Where the Bayou meets the Beach,” every dish on the menu at Salty Papa’s Shrimp House embodies proteins and produce sourced exclusively from Florida and the Southern region.
Their offerings showcase the rich and spicy culinary traditions found in the bayous and urban landscapes of Florida and the old South, infused with the light and citrusy flavors synonymous with the Gulf of Mexico coastlines. Whether it’s the rich, timeless charm of Charleston’s Shrimp-n-Grits or the refreshing zing of homemade Key Lime Pie’s, this restaurant caters to those with a hankering for authentic Florida and Southern cuisine. All seafood is freshly sourced from the Gulf waters by local fishermen hailing from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
The beverage selection highlights real fruit frozen drinks featuring Cape Coral’s renowned “Wicked Dolphin” spiced honey rum, artfully crafted fruit-infused martinis, refreshing frozen lemonades, and a selection of craft beers from “Cigar City Brewing” to ensure a locally-inspired cocktail experience.
Salty Papa’s Shrimp House prides itself on its commitment to authentic, fresh fare—a hallmark of any reputable shrimp house. With homemade dishes served by a dedicated, professional team, it’s no wonder this establishment stands out as a favorite dining destination in Southwest Florida. The restaurant offers unbeatable food, ambiance, and value. www.saltypapasshrimphouse.com
Sun Kissed & Cancer Free
by Mara Slavin Sheldon
Whether traveling to the Beach or living at high altitude, extreme weather can be particularly unforgiving on your skin. We talked with skin expert and paramedical esthetician, Lisa Haigh at The Face Experts in Denver on ways to help locals and visitors with the changes sun can bring to your skin.
No matter if you live by the water or are just visiting, how you take care of your skin is virtually the same, said Haigh who has been a para- medical esthetician for ten years. “You need to moisturize, protect and drink more water. It’s also important to use skin care products that don’t strip the skin (i.e.; no squeaky clean cleansers). Skin is healthier when natural oils aren’t stripped from it.”
Adding serums can also help. Haigh suggests looking for anything with Hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic binds moisture to the skin and prevents water loss. If you are have spent a day outside, it is especially important to hydrate and moisturize. To protect your skin sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is a necessity,” she says. Scientific evidence proves using sunscreen can help to prevent skin cancer.
“Sun rays of off of the water and at higher altitudes can be very harsh,” said Haigh.
If you are water skiing, Paddleboarding, or kayaking, it is important to keep in mind that extra sunlight bounces off of water and can hit you at different angels leaving you prone to burning in places you wouldn’t normally expect like: the chin, un- der the nose, ears and lips, said Haigh. “Try to remember all areas when applying sunscreen and remember to reapply at least every two hours. Regardless of what your sunscreen bottle says, water resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. If you are sweating, you need to reapply sooner.”
If you do get a sunburn, Haigh recommends treating the burn by cooling your skin immediately, hydrating often, and taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling, redness or discomfort.
Haigh also advises using Vitamin C serum to maintain and keep your skin healthier. “Sun damage is an oxidative process,” said Haigh. “UV rays and other environmental stressors cause the release of damaging free radicals. Free radicals lead to premature signs of aging. Vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals and helps shield your skin from this damage so pairing Vitamin C and sunscreen is ideal. It’s also important to exfoliate but not over exfoliate, I would suggest starting at once a week. Of course sunscreen protection and hydration, internally and externally is still essential.”
Must-haves for a day Outdoors:
Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
Lip balm with sunscreen
Sunglasses
Rimmed hat
Moisturizer with antioxidants
Water bottle
Haigh also suggests regular skin treatments to keep skin looking younger and healthier and endorses the following for monthly treatments with descriptions from The Face Experts website:
Exfoliating facial treatments:
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, smooths the texture of your skin, and improves the penetration of medical grade products.
Dermaplane and microdermabrasion:
Exfoliating treatments come in two forms: physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation is exfoliation with the use of small grains (microdermabrasion) or a scalpel (dermaplane). Not all physical exfoliation treatments are the same. Dermaplane is less aggravating to sensitive skin and additionally removes unwanted “peach fuzz” from the face. Microdermabrasion grains tend to be harsher on skin, especially for patients who have rosacea or redness. Light chemical peels:
All chemical exfoliations mean the prod- uct is doing the work, rather than microderm grains or a scalpel. Chemical peels are great for exfoliation and can also smooth and brighten the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin.
“These treatments exfoliate the top layer of skin which leaves the skin looking bright and allows your serums and moisturizers to penetrate better. For skin already damaged by the sun, I recommend IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatments to pick up sunspots and lay down red vessels, leaving the complexion even and vibrant.”
For more information on how to take care of your skin at higher altitudes go to: www.thefaceexperts.com.
We hope we have inspired you!
~ Cheers from Beach Town Magazine
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