Portfolio Magazine - The Travel Issue 2024

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Discover the FRESHEST FEATURES.

Locals

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Written by PENNY TRANCHILLA

let's go!

As I grow older, I want to see more of this beautiful world. A few months back, I turned thirty twice (tee-hee) and all I want to do is see new places and have new experiences. I am so blessed to love where I live! Every day is like being on vacation— truly. Sometimes however, we all need a change of scenery. Summertime is a time to slow down, explore, and reset. It’s family time, beach time, longer boating days, and that afternoon nap during the summer storms.

Our Travel Issue is just that… lots of options for a change of scenery. From the southernmost tip of the Keys to Iceland, we tried to include a sampling of what the world has to offer! If you’ve always wanted to float across blue skies on a hot air balloon, consider Hotel Ranga. This amazing resort has the best night sky viewing for the Northern Lights. Check out Ocean Edge Resort for a little New England family vacation to climb lighthouses, have cooler temperatures at night, and delicious

clam chowder. Craving some pasta? How about a trip to Italy? The list goes on and on, so be sure to keep flipping these pages!

I am a big fan of exploring local too. With my crazy health schedule of ongoing chemo treatments, it has put a damper on traveling long distances but that will never stop me from exploring. Florida has so much to offer that I have yet to see. If I can, I think I might try to visit the New England states this summer. Who knows!

Wherever your travels take you, take Portfolio with you and enjoy this wonderful life. Send us a postcard, tag us on Instagram, or email us; we’d love to hear from you!

Happy travel planning,

Owner/Editor/Sales

Creative/Delivery Penny Tranchilla

Featured

Ocean

Villa Bokéh

Ecoventura

Contributing Photographers

Alyssa Carter, @saltnspurs Penny Tranchilla, @n2sup_penny

Social Marketing & Brand Communications

Alyssa Carter

Contributing Writers

Olivia Assaf

Vicky Dominguez

Susan Harris

Alyssa Carter

Penny Tranchilla

somewhere over the rainbow…

Your next adventure awaits! We always love summertime here at Portfolio! It’s the perfect time to relax, enjoy this paradise, travel, and spend way more time with friends and family. Life is short and so fragile. Do all the things that bring you joy now!

It’s a swell life!

Penny & Alyssa

Photography provided by HOTEL RANGÁ

amazing destinations

LIFE IS ONE BIG ADVENTURE

Traveling is a wonderful way to see the world. Whether it’s a local staycation where you are closer to home or you love to explore faraway places, we’ve put together a few of our favorites that are on our bucket list too. These destinations offer a little something for everyone.

HOTEL RANGÁ in Iceland is a boutique retreat for the adventurous traveler and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! From highlands to hot springs, black sand beaches and volcanoes—there is so much to see and do, day and night. On a clear night, it’s one of the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis and the Northern Lights. There is even an on-site observatory!

GRAND UNIVERSE LUCCA is one of those Autograph Collection hotels rich in history in the heart of an old historic Italian town. If you love history and art, this is a must see.

MAS OLAS is located in Todos Santos, Mexico. This secluded nature-inspired resort is perched on the coastline with tons of waves, so it’s the perfect surfing destination. If you crave beach vibes, whale watching, and turtle nesting, along with rest, relaxation, and nature, this might be the perfect spot for you.

VILLA BOKÈH is a 15-room luxurious hacienda in the heart of a six-acre garden in the outskirts of Antiqua, Guatemala. This exquisite property was designed by Paliare Studio, where guests experience sophisticated architecture, with Guatemalan design and modern details. This amazing property surrounded by volcano vistas has art, culture, and privacy.

ECOVENTURA is an intimate private yacht that only hosts up to 20 guests for a luxury expedition through the Galapagos. Once aboard this floating hotel, Origin, you’ll get up close and personal to the nature of the Galapagos Islands.

OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB is located on the coast of Cape Cod and has earned its spot as one of the area's crown jewels. It spans over 400 acres and offers guests entertainment on land and sea. Be sure and sign up for the oyster bed tours! This is the family resort that makes unbelievable summer memories.

SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT, located in Key West, is located on the quieter side of Duval Gardens. It’s been newly renovated featuring a modern, sleek design along with classic coastal vibes and stunning ocean views. Be sure and visit Fort Jefferson via seaplane or by boat.

Wherever your travels take you this summer, travel safe, and always be aware of your surroundings. Rest, recharge your batteries, and come home feeling refreshed!

Written by PENNY TRANCHILLA

Photography provided by HOTEL RANGÁ

hotel rangá

THE LAND OF FIRE & ICE

Iceland, the land of fire and ice is home to otherworldly landscapes, the Northern Lights, more horses than people and adventure galore. Set in the secluded and spectacular countryside of the South Coast, Iceland’s adventure capital, lies Hotel Rangá, a luxe lodge with lots of personality.

The 51-room boutique hotel offers comfortable and cozy lodging inspired by traditional Icelandic culture, each room boasting original murals hand-painted by Icelandic artists. In addition to the standard rooms, the hotel also has seven continent themed suites. Travelers can choose to spend their nights in Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica, or the hotel’s iconic Icelandic suite. With curated decor and authentic art, the suites feel like a trip within a trip, and the unique opportunity to see the world in a week!

Outside, the hotel features geo-thermally heated hot tubs for guests to warm up in after a day of arctic adventures, like taking a super Jeep to a crystallized waterfall, riding

Icelandic horses along a black sand beach, gliding across a glacier on a snowmobile, or riding an ATV through a lava field.

The most awaited time of year in Iceland is the return of the Aurora Borealis from October to April. With virtually no light pollution, Hotel Rangá is positioned perfectly to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory. The hotel offers guests Northern Lights Wake Up Calls to ensure travelers won’t miss an opportunity. Home to an advanced stargazing observatory with a roll-off roof and two high-quality telescopes, Hotel Rangá also provides an astronomy expert to guide guests through the skies on clear nights where the Milky Way is the star of the show. In honor of the Northern Lights season, every October to April 15th, the hotel offers their ‘Age of Aurora’ package, where guests can maximize their chances of catching the lights in action with 20% off a 4 nights stay.

Guests can also be adventurous eaters at the property’s on-site restaurant, Rangá Restaurant, and try classic Nordic fare like smoked puffin and reindeer carpaccio. Those who prefer to dine out can opt to feast like a Viking in a nearby cave with the hotel’s latest culinary experience. Set in the mysterious Caves of Hella, thought to be in existence when the Vikings came to Iceland in 850 AD, guests of Hotel Rangá have the opportunity to book a private three course Icelandic dinner of a lifetime and be catapulted back into history, dining by candlelight like the Vikings did so many years ago.

From Orlando International Airport (MCO), Icelandair offers nonstop, direct flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Travelers are recommended to rent a car as Hotel Rangá is about a two hour drive South. For more information, visit HotelRanga.is.

grand universe lucca

Everyone dreams of spending a summer on the cobblestone streets of Italy, gelato in one hand, Aperol Spritz in the other, and that’s because summer is the ultimate season to explore all of the beauty and culture that Italy has to offer. However, most dream of visiting Rome, Sicily, or the Amalfi Coast, but they are missing out on the under-the-radar yet coveted city of Lucca, located in one of the country’s most beloved regions, Tuscany.

The spectacular walled city of Lucca has it all; complete with awe-inspiring architecture, mesmerizing restaurants, and one of the world’s richest musical cultures. The quaint town birthed many of the world's greatest composers such as Giacomo Puccini, Nicolao Dorati, and Giovanni Lorenzo Gregori,

just to name a few. The city pays homage to these musical greats with countless museums, operas, and the Lucca Summer Festival—the musical highlight of the year. The Lucca Summer Festival began in 1998 and over the years has been headlined by major artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, Backstreet Boys, Ray Charles, The Cranberries, Tracy Chapman, Dionne Warwick, John Legend, Blink-182, Stevie Wonder, and KISS. This year, headliners include Rod Stewart, Ed Sheeran, Swedish House Mafia, Lenny Kravitz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Sam Smith, Duran Duran, and more.

In the heart of Lucca lies Grand Universe Lucca, an Autograph Collection boutique hotel with 55 superbly appointed rooms and suites.

SUMMER UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

The property stands proudly adjacent to the Piazza Napoleone and across from the iconic Teatro del Giglio, where performances by Lucchesi composers Puccini, Catalani, and Luporini have inspired a moving music culture that beats well into the present day. The property is located right in the mix of The Lucca Summer Festival, where past performers have called the beautiful hotel homebase, and guests enjoy a front row seat to all of the excitement. Some of the rooms even offer guests a view of the festival from the privacy of their own balconies.

Music, one of the hotel’s inherent pillars, inspires the name of each room category, including the ‘Piccolo Room’ and ‘Puccini Suite.’ For a truly curated experience, guests can unlock their own theme song with the ‘Prelude of Existence’ experience, whereby the hotel’s classical composer creates a personalized prelude, crafted to reflect the guest’s personality. In musical terms, a prelude is an introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera. This curated experience takes place in the Symphony Lounge, where the hotel’s classical composer will unlock your very own theme song based off of a brief questionnaire that identifies your key personality traits (romantic, dynamic, seductive, etc.). While the composer prepares your prelude, drink and eat from a selection of Italy’s best coffees, teas and pastries. Written in musical notes and delivered on a music sheet of paper, the prelude can be specially packaged inside a 'time capsule'—tied with

a silk ribbon and tucked away inside a Tuscan leather box—to cherish (and perhaps be inspired to learn to play it) for years to come.

Also worth noting is the hotel’s Sommità Martin Orsyn Champagne Rooftop, the first Martin Orsyn branded terrace in Italy. Set against the magic skyline of Lucca's rooftops, the new champagne terrace offers a bespoke sampling menu of four cuvées with a curated menu of culinary pairings designed to enhance each of the champagnes. When adventure calls, the best way to explore the art, culture, and cuisine of Lucca is by bike. The hotel’s Bikes & Bites experience includes a bike rental and pre-packed picnic to enjoy wherever your bike adventures take you—and a ride along the city’s walls offers the best opportunity to explore Lucca, from a bird’s eye view. Any groups or families traveling to Italy for that once in a lifetime experience should consider booking a stay at the hotel’s sister property, Grand Universe La Residenza. This collection of suites and residences is the epitome of luxury with its intricate designs, spacious accommodations, and grand amenities like the Majordomo—the property’s on-site butler. Guests are made to feel cared for, pampered, and at home at Grand Universe La Residenza.

Photography provided by GRAND UNIVERSE LUCCA

mas olas resort

A COASTAL JOURNEY OF THE SENSES

Perched on the pristine coastline just north of Los Cabos in Todos Santos, Kimpton Mas Olas is named for the ever-present waves on its west-facing beach and their representation of the ebb and flow of life. Situated on an empty 2.5-mile-long beach with front row sunset views that evoke the sense the sun is setting exclusively for you, guests will truly find a place to let go and disconnect.

With every detail considered and each feature more thoughtful than the next, a state of peacefulness is imbued on guests from the moment of arrival. Mas Olas seeks to serve as a haven for both connection and personal exploration, boasting 103 tranquil guest rooms, including 12 oceanfront villas, spread across 27 individual buildings. Guest rooms are designed in perfect harmony with its surroundings—complemented by a contemporary touch. Outdoor showers, plunge pools, and private roof decks enhance select rooms while each villa features its own plunge pool and fire pit—all of which blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.

At the heart of Mas Olas is its expansive gardens—nine interconnected gardens providing a path from the desert to the waves, as well as source of sustenance. The region’s local bounty is highlighted at the resort’s three distinct restaurant and bar experiences, weaving organic produce from Mas Olas’ acres of on-site gardens into its menus.

Chef Sandro Falbo oversees the resort’s ethnobotanical culinary program. At Kahal, the signature restaurant, diners are offered a curated experience emphasizing local flavors, craft cocktails and specialty wines. Kaha—which means water in the language of the indigenous Pericu tribe—features a sophisticated raw bar where the day’s catch can be selected, as well as a sunset deck perfect for taking in the nightly ritual, reflecting on the day, and preparing for the next ahead. Botánica, open for dinner and drinks, provides an al fresco dining experience with organic fire-grilled meats, an innovative menu of freshly harvested ingredients, and curated cocktails. Centro sits poolside and rounds out the trifecta of restaurants with casual Mexican fare with an emphasis on Baja specialties.

Mas Olas’ menus also play a part in the resorts deeply rooted wellness offerings, which includes four outdoor pools, a fitness center, a Pilates studio, and indoor and outdoor yoga shalas. The crown jewel of the resort’s amenities is its 25,000 square-foot destination spa, Botánica. With a thoughtful menu of services inspired by the healing nature of plants grown in the surrounding gardens, as a visitor to the spa, guests can develop their own bespoke blends of oils and scrubs for treatments. With this close connection to the natural world, sustainability is at the core of the resort’s ethos and experience.

Eco-friendly in all ways, the resort has zero plastics on-site, uses dark sky lighting to prevent light pollution, features a water recycling system, and uses only electric carts and bikes as transport across its beachfront location. Connected with the local community, the resort features furnishings, art work, design and decor crafted by skilled local artisans.

Mas Olas is a journey of the senses where coastal luxury seamlessly intertwines with the allure of nature. For more information, visit MasOlasResort.com

Photography provided by MAS OLAS RESORT

villa bokéh

THE CROSSROADS OF NATURE AND CULTURE

An oasis that blends history and nature, Guatemala’s Villa Bokéh celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and conviviality. A luxury boutique hotel on the outskirts of colonial Antigua, Villa Bokéh allows guests to discover a secluded colonial-style hacienda nestled within a private garden oasis. A true retreat, yet minutes away from Antigua’s rich historical, artistic and culinary scenes, Villa Bokéh sits at the crossroads of nature and culture.

This 15-room retreat is in the heart of a six-acre garden, overlooking the lush, volcano-laden landscape that surrounds the historic, colorful town of Antigua, Guatemala. Each suite at Villa Bokeh includes a private balcony or enclosed garden with most featuring a picture-perfect view of the mirror-calm lake reflecting back at the bewitching Volcán de Agua rising from the horizon. The gardens that surround the property offer a whimsical pond, numerous fountains, colorful flowers, and manicured lawns. The resort also showcases a man-made lagoon for guests who wish to enjoy some afternoon rowing, a serene swimming pool, a glass-enclosed structure for yoga and meditation, and a quaint yet relaxing spa. These luxurious

amenities orbit a two-floor hacienda that has been brought to life by some of Guatemala’s most talented young artists.

A property full of artistic history, Villa Bokéh visitors can experience an alluring blend of sophisticated, storied architecture, Guatemalan colonial design, and modern details. Common areas and guest rooms seduce visitors with Guatemala’s irresistible textile culture, from the tapestries to the linens to accent wallpapers that harmoniously coexist in celebration of this ancient national tradition. All textile related decor is curated by textile expert, collector, and independent retailer, Violeta Gutierrez Caxaj.

Aside from the luxurious rooms and art history, Villa Bokéh also offers guests a contemporary dining scene. Set in an open glass pavilion, Michelin-starred trained chef, Marcos Sáenz, heads Villa Bokéh’s restaurant. Sáenz fuses together Guatemalan traditional dishes and nouvelle cuisine in his ever-evolving menu.

To further the guests’ experience, the in-house team is skilled at recommending and booking a variety of bespoke experiences, from an

on-site tasting journey of local maize dishes to natural dye workshops with a local textile studio. If the bountiful cultural aspects of the hotel property are not enough and the tranquility of the property gets a little too peaceful, Villa Bokéh is conveniently located just a five minute drive from the busier streets of Antigua, Guatemala.

Villa Bokéh is the second hotel for Guatemalan hospitality group, Grupo Alta, with its sister property, the award-winning Casa Palopo built alongside Lake Atitlan. Together, the two hotels have the distinction of being the only Relais & Chateaux properties in the country.

Curated with a promising gastronomy scene, abundant nature, unsurpassed design and diverse architecture from both the Spanish colonial era and the Maya civilization prior to the colonization, Villa Bokéh has all the components of an ideal stay for travelers looking for an indulgent culturally-rich escape.

Photography provided by VILLA BOKÉH

ecoventura

EXPLORE DARWIN'S FINAL FRONTIER IN LUXURY

Widely considered to be one of the last untouched and most elusive destinations on the planet, the Galapagos Islands are at the top of most avid travelers and nature-lovers bucket lists, and for good reason! An opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure set 600 miles off of the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago marks the spot where three major ocean currents collide, creating brilliantly crystal blue waters that are home to some of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. On dry land, the islands are adorned with volcanic formations and vibrantly colored sand beaches that are teeming with endemic exotic wildlife, including many species that are on the brink of extinction. From marine iguanas that look like they just came from a scene of Jurassic Park, to curious sea lions and iconic attention-grabbing blue-footed boobies, the Galapagos promises access to experiences you cannot have anywhere else on Earth, creating a trip that you will not be able to ever forget. What better way to explore the Enchanted Islands than aboard one of only three impeccable Relais & Chateaux-ranked ships to operate in the destination?

Intimate and exclusive for just 20 guests, the identical luxury expedition yachts, Origin, Theory and Evolve by Ecoventura are named after Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. Managed like floating boutique hotels, the three ships concluded their full upgrade just last year with the debut of Evolve, the newest of the three vessels, which continue to stand out as the most curated and luxurious way to travel through the Galapagos. Ecoventura cruises offer seven-night/eight-day itineraries that are as transformative as they are chic, highlighting daily excursions and educational briefings led by two certified naturalists—offering the most favorable passenger-to-naturalist ratio in the destination. Daily activities include stunning

snorkeling opportunities, kayaking adventures, beach treks, and hiking tours that bring you up close and personal with the islands’ most fascinating species. After all, wildlife wanders freely and fearlessly throughout the archipelago, so the ships’ discerning guests frequently find themselves swimming with sea turtles and sun-basking with Galapagos giant tortoises.

Offering a cutting-edge fleet of luxury expedition yachts, each Ecoventura vessel is composed of 10 premium cabins designed to foster a sense of connectivity with its surrounding picturesque scenery through guaranteed panoramic views from every corner of the ship. Onboard, it offers top-of-the-line amenities that can indulge every comfort or request, from a full-time concierge to a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sundeck with loungers and daybeds, a jacuzzi, and innovative sustainably sourced cuisine inspired by the local produce that it incorporates into every meal of the day.

Origin, Theory, and Evolve’s rates start at $9,950 per person based on double occupancy and include all meals, beverages, snacks, Captain’s welcome, farewell social gatherings, an open-bar policy, including wine and spirits, guided shore excursions, snorkel equipment, glass bottom boat rides, multiple stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks, satellite WiFi, as well as transfers in the islands between the airport and dock. For an even more exclusive and intimate experience, the mega-yachts are also available for private charters starting at $199,000 per week for up to 20 guests. For a full list of departures and reservations, please visit Ecoventura.com

ocean edge resort & golf club

SUMMER ON CAPE COD

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has a longstanding legacy of being the creme de la creme of summer vacation spots, and with good reason. Year after year, visitors flock to the area for a taste of summer on Cape Cod and all that comes with it: pristine beaches, bike rides, clambakes and oysters, bonfires at sunset, and quiet, small town life.

Travelers can get all that they are looking for right at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, one of Cape Cod’s very own crown jewels. Nestled right along the coast of Cape Cod Bay, Ocean Edge is located in the charming town of Brewster. The resort sits on the Brewster Flats—the largest tidal flats in North America, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from revered, sandy shores.

Guests will find that there are two distinct experiences to choose from at Ocean Edge. For those seeking a refined experience, The Mansion—a AAA Four-Diamond Victorian-style building that's earned a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places, seamlessly blends luxury and comfort to create a relaxing environment in the upscale guestrooms. For those traveling in groups, there’s no need to compromise on comfort as the Presidential Bay Collection’s breezy villas offer two- and three-bedroom accommodations with waterfront views and private balconies, best for enjoying the sunset.

The family-oriented villages puts guests in the heart of the sprawling 429-acre property. The cozy villas have one, two, and three-bedroom lodging options that are equipped with full-size kitchenettes, dining, and living areas for friends and family to gather. While guests of the one-bedroom Arbor and Britterige villas do not have access to the resort’s private Bay Pines Beach, they do have access to the rest of the resort’s amazing amenities, as well as a shuttle service that brings guests to Crosby Landing, a beautiful nearby beach. Edinborough and Endicott guests will enjoy full access to all amenities on property.

Aside from the stunning natural landscape and delightful accommodations, Ocean Edge offers guests a multitude of activities to enjoy during their stay. Guests who want to get active might consider a round of golf on the area’s only Nicklaus design golf course, a game of pickleball or tennis on one of

the property’s multiple courts, kayaking or paddleboarding at Blueberry Pond, croquet on the Front Lawn, or a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail - which passes through the resort, or into town to enjoy the local shops and an ice cream cone from Brewster Scoops. Guests are urged to embark on an oyster bed tour, a unique on-site offering that highlights how the local delicacies are harvested. Located directly off the coast of the resort's private beach is a fleet of oyster beds, and during low tide, guests are able to go out to the Brewster Flats with a guide to learn about the aquaculture and the importance the tide plays in the farming of oysters. Complimentary tours are offered on weekends from mid-June through Labor Day weekend. Private tours may also be scheduled in advance. With both the complimentary and private tours, Ocean Edge Resort donates $25 to local oyster beds. After the tour, guests can head back to the resort and indulge in Brewster Oysters, served at multiple restaurants on property.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club has multiple dining options to choose from including Linx Tavern, Bayzo’s Pub, The Roscommon Room, Ocean Terrace, Shark Bah, and even The Front Lawn. At each venue, some seasonal, guests can enjoy local bites including oysters and lobster rolls, as well as local brews. All summer long, The Front Lawn will be buzzing with guests playing games of bocce, Kan Jam, ring toss, and more while enjoying freshly made pizza from the outdoor oven. After an evening of dinner, guests are encouraged to end the night at Bay Pines Beach for a private bonfire and s’mores while the sun sets on a perfect summer day. One summer experience at the property is sure to make first-time guests lifelong visitors.

Photography provided by OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB

southernmost beach resort

KEY

WEST BEACON OF MODERN ELEGANCE, HISTORY, AND CHARM

Offering something for every type of traveler, Key West is known for its amazing food and arts scene, eclectic shopping and partying on Duval Gardens, classic old time southern architecture, an expansive natural ecosystem on land and in the sea, laid-black island spirit, and unparalleled hospitality.

Situated on the quieter southern limit of the famed Duval Gardens, Southernmost Beach Resort features a modern sleek design with classic coastal charm, while ocean views abound. Boasting three palm-fringed pools with private cabanas, a signature restaurant, and two bars, this oceanfront oasis sets the tone for a tranquil stay in Key West’s Historic District. With an incredible full-service spa, group fitness classes, live entertainment, and unique programming including cocktail tastings and painting classes, Southernmost Beach Resort has all the makings for the perfect tropical getaway.

With unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and warm tropical surroundings, Southernmost Beach Resort offers an island retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Amassing six acres of Key West’s lush island paradise, the resort features 293 guest rooms that offer a fresh island experience in Key West’s classic old town setting. Bright and comfortable guest rooms feature modern, chic, coastal-inspired decor—with unique touches in each space. The award-winning resort also recently unveiled an exquisite transformation of its exclusive adult-only sanctuary— The Guesthouses. This luxurious retreat, comprised of four meticulously restored 19th century-style Victorian homes—La Mer, Dewey, Avalon, and Duval Garden—stands as a beacon of modern elegance, intertwined with the rich history and charm of the Florida Keys.

Fresh boat-to-table cuisine is at the forefront of Southernmost Beach Resort’s culinary offerings. Just 90 miles from Cuba, guests can indulge in dishes inspired by Caribbean classics, American comfort food, or Asian-fusion at the resort’s signature restaurant Southernmost Beach Cafe. Moreover, the resort’s two bars offer the best of island flavors as well. The Shores Bar is the perfect place to take in stunning views of the Atlantic and South Beach, while sipping on a signature Key Lime Colada cocktail, while the Pineapple Bar allows guests to relax and unwind poolside with live music and an extensive list of wine and beers.

Aside from a stunning tropical landscape and ocean views, Southernmost Beach Resort allows guests to wind up or down with a slew of activities and amenities, including snorkeling, parasailing, biking, paddleboarding, and even private charters, and sunset helicopter rides. The hottest spots at the resort include three pools that offer something for every guest, from lounging and splashing at the Shores Pool, to a welcoming courtyard of local foliage and mid-century buildings at the Pineapple Pool, to a quiet and serene oasis away from foot traffic at the Tranquility Poo. For those who seek adventure beyond the resort, Southernmost Beach Resort is located just minutes away from the area’s most popular attractions. Guests can walk to America’s Southernmost Point for a fun photo op, or walk along Duval Garden’s northern stretch to find local shops, art exhibits, restaurants, and bars. With everything that Key West has to offer, it’s no wonder that Southernmost Beach Resort serves as an ideal home base for one of the most sought-after locales in South Florida.

Photography provided by SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT

Photography provided by HOTEL RANGÁ

The Highwaymen

AL BLACK - KING OF THE ROAD

Al Black estimates that in the 58 years since he picked up a paintbrush, he has completed 200,000 paintings. It all started in 1966 when he was a teenager picking fruit in Devil’s Garden in Central Florida. Minnesota Fats and Clarence Banks were salesmen for a group of Fort Pierce artists led by Alfred Hair. They were on the road and about to call on a law office when they stopped to chat with Al. Black was not impressed, noticing their clothes and that their shirts were hanging out. He told them he could do better. Al took a few of the paintings and went into the law office. "Good morning, my name is Al Black, representing Alfred Hair, artist," he said. The lawyer listened, called his wife to help him choose, and they ended up

buying all ten paintings. That evening when Al Black arrived back in Fort Pierce, Alfred Hair was waiting and told him he was their new salesman. Goodbye to picking fruit and vegetables! Al was about to hit the road for a group of African American artists that would be later be named "The Highwaymen” in the mid-1990s.

You have probably noticed their colorful, evocative Florida landscapes around the Treasure Coast, or maybe in the Smithsonian, the Florida Governor's mansion, or the White House. There are millionaires, billionaires, movie stars, and plain Janes and Joes collecting Highwaymen Art. People who never cared about art become passionate. They love that the “American Dream” is playing out before their eyes, and they can be a part of it.

In 1977, Al took a trip down Federal Highway in Jupiter and pulled into Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater and asked if they would like to buy some paintings. They suggested him to talk to the boss, actor Burt Reynolds, who had just finished filming Smokey and the Bandit. Burt, an ardent, native Floridian bought some and commissioned a few paintings of the beautiful (but now defunct) Reynolds Ranch. The three birds in Al's paintings represent the Trinity. As the years go by, it seems that the birds are the three different sides of Al Black: a salesman, an artist, and a mentor to younger artists. His road in life started in Mississippi, including 9 years at Tomoka Correctional Institution, but his true center is in Fort Pierce, specifically in his garage where he paints his vision of Florida and shares it with the world.

Written and photography provided by SUSAN

HARRIS

BUY. SELL. TRADE.

Exclusive Dealer for Hezekiah Baker, Jr. paintings

Saturdays 10am-3pm, available 7 days a week

Call or text for appointment: (954) 557-6226

1872 Commerce Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Hundreds of paintings for sale

Homeschool: Impressions of Devotion

“OUR WORK IS GREAT; OUR TIME IS SHORT; THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR LABORS ARE INFINITE.” ~ JOHN NEWTON

A frail young woman lays in bed. Her small son beside her repeating her words “In principio erat Verbum…” Their Latin lesson would have to end sooner than she would like, her coughing fits that accompany tuberculosis, interrupt another cherished mother and son moment. Perhaps it is knowing that time is short or the deep love for her child is what motivates her to press through the fatigue and pain; to teach and train her young son to read, write, memorize poetry and scripture, learn Latin, or figures of Arithmetic. She will offer him as much as his willing mind will accept, with every ounce of strength she has left. If tuberculosis claims her life, what will become of her dear son? Who will nurture and guide him through life's perils?

At the age of 27, the end came sooner than imagined for Elizabeth Scatliff. Her 6-year-old son was motherless. Passing into unkind hands, he eventually was driven to run away, spending many years in danger and toils at sea, and on faraway continents. Enslaved in Africa for a time, he escaped and engaged in the unthinkable. He became a sea captain on a slave ship carrying human cargo... but the seeds planted deep inside, when life was kinder, had taken root. Faint memories of a loving mother’s words; the good, true, and beautiful carefully sewn, began to spring forth in his darkened soul. The awakening ‘Verbum’ would rescue him from a life of depravity. John Newton, a man most known for penning the famous hymn “Amazing Grace,” as well as his efforts to outlaw slavery, later wrote of his mother’s devotion; “As I was her only child, she made it the chief business and pleasure of her life to instruct me and bring me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Imagining Elizabeth with young John Newton beside her, I am left with several impressions. First, her love, devotion, and what little she had to teach her son. Books were not readily available in early 1700s. It is a reminder that I do not need the greatest curriculum, I need only a few quality books from which I can extrapolate what is needed for each lesson. Elizabeth is an example of determination and intentionality. Determination to press through fatigue. She was not given an abundance of time, but she was intentional. Her intentionality yielded great fruit, though dormant for many years it sprang up when it was most needed. Where will our children be when we are not there to guide them? Who will they become? Let us devote what time we have to guide our children into the true, good, and beautiful with love and devotion, determination, and intentionality. In Elizabeth’s son's words, “Our work is great; our time is short; the consequences of our labors are infinite.”

Written

and photography

by OLIVIA ASAAF

Pakmail Beachside

RELIABLE AND CONVENIENT MAILBOX RENTALS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

In an era dominated by virtual communication, the importance of physical mail is often overlooked. For countless individuals and businesses, Pakmail Beachside provides a secure and efficient mailbox service while physical mail remains an indispensable necessity.

As a part of our commitment to excellence in all areas, our mailbox service offers a myriad of benefits that cater to the diverse needs of our clientele. From small businesses seeking a professional mailing address to individuals requiring a secure location for package deliveries, we provide a solution that is both versatile and dependable.

Customers have the flexibility to collect their mail at their convenience within operating hours, ensuring that individuals and businesses never miss an important delivery or correspondence. We go above and beyond to streamline the mailing experience for our customers, offering a range of additional amenities from mail forwarding and signatures upon package delivery, to email notifications and parcel tracking for outgoing packages.

You can count on Pakmail Beachside for convenience, reliability, and peace of mind when it comes to your physical correspondence and packages. Give our store a call to find out more about how to open your mailbox with us.

Written and photography provided by TAYLOR AMOS

More Ways to Ship For Travel

REALTOR®

• #3 Sales Agent in Indian River County

• Licensed Realtor® for over 18 years

• DSRE Top Producer 2019-2023

• DSRE Chairman’s Council, 2022

• DSRE President’s Board, 2021

• Specializes in million dollar+ properties on the Barrier Island

• Extensive network in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

• BSBA in Marketing and Sales

• DSRE Social Media Superstar Award, 2018

• Winner “Best of Vero” in the Vero Beach Easter Parade, 2018

• DSRE Most Innovative Marketing Award, 2017

• Lives on the Barrier Island in Riomar

• Actively involved at Holy Cross Church

• 2 sons who attend Saint Edward’s School

• Founder of the Flamingo Fundraiser, raising money for the fight against breast cancer (772) 559.1359 ccurley@dsreinc.com

Thinking About Buying or Selling? I would love the opportunity to earn your business.

Photography provided by OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB

Garden Mule

With mocktails being all the rage now, it’s so nice to be able to go out with friends and still feel like part of the celebration! Mocktails are a healthy alternative to consider. They look and taste amazing and the extra bonus; no hangovers!

Pull up a barstool at Heaton’s or Cobalt and let Jacob whip up something special for you.

The Delicious Ingredients: 2oz Seedlip Garden

1/2oz Cucumber Simple Syrup 1/2oz Lime Juice

Muddle the basil, shake well, strain over ice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh basil and lime and enjoy!

by JACOB

Cocktail

TURNER

Written by PENNY TRANCHILLA

Photography by BRITTANY NORAIR

Florida Heat Summer Vibes

A Berliner-Weisse brewed with blood orange and fresno peppers, this beer is a little sweet, a little sour, and a little spicy. The tart background is complimented with juicy blood orange and a unique chili pepper flavor with a slight heat to keep you coming back for more. This brew pairs well with tacos, ceviche, blue cheese, or Thai food.

Sour Chili Ale

ABV: 4.7%

IBU: 6

Hops: German Hallertau

Written by AMERICAN ICON BREWERY Photograpy by PENNY TRANCHILLA

Join Our Local CSA

FRESH PRODUCE, HAPPY FARMERS

Considering where your food comes from? Our local farm, Osceola Organic Family Farm, offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. By joining our CSA, you'll get fresh, seasonal produce weekly throughout the season (September-May) for $850 (a $150 discount).

What is a CSA? It's a partnership between consumers and a local farm. You pre-pay for a share of the harvest, ensuring the farm has the resources they need to grow a variety of delicious produce. In return, you get a box of fresh, local fruits and vegetables each week.

Benefits of joining our CSA:

Freshness: Enjoy the peak flavor and quality of local, seasonal produce.

Variety: Explore new fruits and vegetables you might not find at the grocery store.

Support Local Farms: Help small farms thrive and keep our community vibrant.

Reduce Carbon Footprint: Less transportation means less environmental impact.

Convenience: Weekly pick-ups make it easy to get your fresh produce fix.

Sustainable Practices: Our farm uses eco-friendly methods to grow your food.

Join our pre-sale today! Secure your spot for the upcoming season and enjoy the many benefits of being a CSA member. Sign up now and eat fresh, local, and support your community! As a supporter of local farms, have you considered purchasing a share in your favorite farm? Not only does it provide the farmer with necessary operating expenses, but it also guarantees you with the freshest and highest quality produce available, all grown locally and without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals.

We are excited to offer a pre-sale for our local CSA membership at just $850 for the 9-month season from September to May. This secures your spot with our farm and saves you $150 compared to regular full season sign-ups at $1,000. Our weekly box/bag pick-ups make it easy for you to receive your share of the harvest. At just $23 per week, you can't find this deal at any grocery store. Plus, you get the added benefit of supporting your local farm and community, have a relationship with the farmer growing your food, and be completely connected to the source of your nutrition.

As a member of our CSA, you will have access to a wide variety of produce throughout the season. From crisp lettuces and juicy tomatoes to sweet strawberries and savory herbs, our farm has it all. You can expect to receive a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables each week, all freshly picked and ready for you to enjoy.

Our CSA membership is more than just fresh produce. It's about building a relationship with your local farmer and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. It's about knowing where your food comes from and how it was grown. And it's about being a part of a community that values quality, freshness, and sustainability.

So why not join our CSA today? With our pre-sale offer, you can save money while securing your spot for the upcoming season. And with weekly box/bag pickups, you'll have access to the freshest and highest quality produce available. It's a win-win for you and your local farm.

Here's how to sign-up and pay for Osceola Organic Family Farm's CSA membership:

• Visit the website: OsceolaOrganicFarm.org

• Look for a dedicated webpage for the CSA program. This webpage has all the details and instructions for signing up.

• Accepted payment methods: Online payment (through credit card or debit card), Venmo (preferred), cash, check (payable directly to the farm).

• If you cannot find the sign-up information on the website, you can contact Blake directly.

We look forward to growing with and for you. If you ate today, thank a farmer!

Written and photography by BLAKE GOODWYN

6980 33rd St, Vero Beach (772) 559-3967

OsceolaOrganicFarm.org @OsceolaOrganicFarm

Rooftop Cinema Club

The ultimate open-air cinema experience, Rooftop Cinema Club, started as a single rooftop in London’s Shoreditch in 2011 and has expanded globally with two rooftop venues in the UK and seven across the U.S. in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Houston, Chicago, and Miami. The theater is known for bringing a social experience to movie showings of famed films and newer releases accompanied by delicious bar bites, classic theater snacks and specialty cocktails. Rooftop Cinema Club was founded by Gerry Cottle, son of the famous Circus owner of the same name, who took his experience in entertainment with Cirque Du Soleil, Amnesty International, Disney, and Girls Aloud and paired it with his passion for film to create the Rooftop brand. Gerry Cottle’s vision for these social cinemas was to transform underutilized commercial real estate spaces such as the top of parking garages, hotels, and other buildings into rooftop cinemas for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a new take on the cinematic experience.

Named “the masters of al fresco rooftop movie viewing” by Time Out, Rooftop Cinema Club’s locations immerse you in the heart of their respective city for unmatched views of the skyline during afternoon, sunset, and nighttime showings. Upon arriving, guests are given a pair of noise-canceling headphones to eliminate any outside noise from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city, and guided to their cozy lounge chairs to kick back and relax as they enjoy the film and take in the stunning views as the backdrop. Created to be a social cinema, Rooftop Cinema Club encourages guests to arrive early to socialize with friends in the lounge area, complete with fun board games and often live music.

To elevate the experience and truly immerse guests in the world of cinema, the bar offers a unique selection of craft cocktails inspired by nostalgic films. The bar features cocktails like a “500 Days of Summer” mojito, to a “The Great Gatsby” espresso martini, to a “Casablanca” margarita. For those who want to get in on the fun sans the alcohol, several mocktails are also offered, including a fruity one inspired by the colors of “Encanto.” Aside from the extensive lineup of new releases and cult-classic favorites, Rooftop Cinema Club has recently rolled out a series of special events including

monthly silent discos! Each month, participating locations host a themed movie screening and silent disco according to certain holidays, local events or what’s trending. Prior to the event, guests are invited to soak in the amazing rooftop views with games, drinks, and photo ops before settling in to enjoy the film of the night. After the film, guests head to the lounge area where a DJ will be spinning an array of hits inspired by the film they have just watched. Rooftop Cinema Club strives to make their cinema accessible to all movie lovers, with Spanish-subtitle screenings to open-caption screenings, and even dog-friendly “Wooftop” events for furry friends to tag along! While the general concept draws people in, curated events and movie collections keep them coming back— from holiday-themed showings, to collections of movies created by those of the same zodiac sign.

Written by PENNY TRANCHILLA

Photography provided by ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB

@rooftopcinemaclub

info@rooftopcinemaclub.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH 5:00 -7:00PM hosted at join us for our next launch party

Photography provided by SOUTHERNMOST BEACH RESORT

Hazel House’s Signature Scent(s)

The journey began almost a year ago, the Hazel House team was on the hunt for the perfect candle that embodied the lifestyle in Vero Beach. We couldn’t find anything perfect, so we designed our own!

Introducing Hazel House’s signature line of candles. The Old Vero candle was developed after reminiscing about historic Vero Beach. This orange blossom scent transports us to the nostalgia of Indian River County when few cars traveled down the road and the hint orange blossoms was pervasive. It recalls the charms of the past so perfectly.

Additionally, the Jungle Trail candle, a blend of palo santo, musk and amber. This candle is a tribute to the natural flora found along the historic “back road” of Vero Beach. The scent evokes memories of verdant Florida foliage in its untamed beauty.

Whether you like the musk of Jungle Trail or the citrus notes of Old Vero, you can light your candle and think about Vero living no matter where you are. Visit our showroom to get yours in two sizes today!

Hazel House and their team of designers and stylists are available daily to provide personalized design assistance at their new showroom located at 1716 Highway A1A. Open Monday through Friday from 10:30AM to 5PM and Saturday from 11AM to 4PM.

Written and photography provided by HAZEL HOUSE

Photography provided by ECOVENTURA

A HIGHER COMMUNITY of WELLNESS

At the private golf community of Mountain Air in Western North Carolina, we have everything you need to elevate your wellness game. A new 4,500-sq-ft Wellness Center with cardio and strength equipment, group fitness studios, dedicated trainers, and more. World-class golf. Miles of mountain trails for hiking and biking. Har-Tru tennis courts and pickleball courts. Mouth-watering cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients and spices.

And all of it combined with the fresh mountain air that is a signature of this community.

Elevate your life of wellness by selecting a home or homesite at Mountain Air.

CUSTOM HOMES, HOMESITES & CONDOMINIUMS

We invite you to join us here among the clouds.

Family Micro-adventures

I’ve always craved adventure and travel. When I became a mom, all I heard was how that stops after having kids. No more freediving in the Bahamas, backpacking in the National Parks, white water rafting, hiking, traveling, or photographing wildlife... but I was determined to prove people wrong.

Now, I have three young boys—including one who is a just over a week old and I can confidently say that the adventures haven’t stopped! We’ve hiked to a glacier at 11,000-feet in Colorado, gone whale watching in the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington, snorkeled with manatees in the crystal, clear springs of Florida, explored lava tubes in Oregon, and road-tripped across the country.

The reality is, however, many of our adventures are small and right in our own backyard. A micro-adventure is short, simple, local, cheap—yet still fun, exciting, and rewarding. In South Florida, a micro-adventure might be a trip to the beach with boogie boards, shark-tooth hunting, searching for nesting birds and snakes along a boardwalk, kayaking in a seagrass meadow, or camping at a nearby

state park. Sometimes, it’s just taking a walk to the nearby milkweed plant to look for monarch caterpillars. The most important thing to our family is to just get outside, observe, and explore the world around us.

If you’re feeling like you can’t adventure with kids, try to embrace micro-adventures and remember kids are growing and learning, and we are gifting them the chance to experience new places and things. Here are a few of my best tips:

1. Start small and work with the weather. For instance, if you’re camping for the first time, pick a good weather window and try one night somewhere close to home. I have friends that even started with their backyard.

2. Scale ambitions for your kids and let go of expectations—you want them to enjoy it. Whenever we go on a hike, I am not committed to reaching the summit if we have to turn around due to tired legs.

3. Bring easy snacks and extra change of clothes, always.

4. When possible, go with friends who have kids too. My kids always last longer and have extra fun when their friends join us.

5. It’s okay if nothing goes as planned and everyone (or someone) is miserable. It happens!

Written and

photography

by BETHANY AUGLIERE

For more tips exploring outside with kids, follow Bethany on @Wilder_Seas.

Sensational Sawfish

RARE RAY SPECIES FACES NEW UNKNOWN THREAT

Once common off the coast of Florida, the flattened sawfish would cruise the seafloor searching for fish, shrimp, and crabs, equipped with their iconic toothed saw. Now, critically endangered due to threats from habitat loss and overfishing, the smalltooth sawfish faces a new unknown threat that has resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals since mid-April 2024, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is one of five species of sawfish in the world, but the only one found in U.S. waters. While they might look like a shark, sawfish are actually a type of ray. They are among the planet’s largest rays and one species can grow to reach 25 feet in length. All five

species are endangered, with the smalltooth being listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 2003. Historically, these fish had populations that spanned both sides of the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Brazil. Now, the only remaining populations exist in Florida and the Bahamas.

“The Florida population is much larger than the one in the Bahamas and the only hope to sustain the species,” said Dean Grubbs, a marine scientist at Florida State University, who has studied sawfish since 2008.

In Florida, young sawfish need the red mangroves to seek shelter in the roots and hide from predators like bull sharks and lemon sharks. Adults use the shallow flats, but head to deeper offshore waters as well. Females return to the same nurseries every year to give birth to about 7-14 live young, measuring about 2 to 2.7 feet. Prior to birth, the calcified teeth on the saw have a skin-like covering to prevent injury to siblings and the mother.

According to Grubbs, the population appears to be slowly increasing. “We were celebrating the positive outcomes of that population,” he said. “That’s why it is imperative to figure out why the sawfish are distressed and dying in the Florida Keys. We are concerned that this could be a setback.”

Report sightings of healthy, sick, injured, or dead sawfish to FWC’s Sawfish Hotline. Include date, time and location of the encounter, estimated length, water depth, and any other relevant details: 1-844-4SAWFISH (1-844-472-9347), Sawfish@myfwc.com

Written by BETHANY AUGLIERE

Photography

by

DEAN GRUBBS, PH.D.

Follow Bethany on @Wilder_Seas to view more of her work and learn more about wildlife.

Springtime Fishing

Springtime in Vero Beach presents unparalleled fishing opportunities as temperatures rise and marine life flourishes. With the weather warming, a variety of fish species become more active, congregating near shorelines and estuaries. Inshore fishing during spring in Vero Beach is particularly rewarding, offering catches of snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, and more. These species thrive in the Indian River Lagoon and along mangrove-lined shores, making them accessible to anglers using live bait, artificial lures, or fly-fishing techniques.

Nearshore fishing in spring is a unique experience, with the chance to fish the ‘Boils’ using shrimp, crabs, or live bait for species like permit, black drum, and large tarpon. The thrill lies in the unpredictability of the catch each day. Offshore fishing also flourishes during spring, providing opportunities to reel in sailfish, kingfish, mahi-mahi, grouper, and snapper. Whether embarking on deep-sea adventures in the Atlantic Ocean or exploring reefs and wrecks near the coast, anglers of all skill levels will find exciting opportunities.

Overall, springtime fishing in Vero Beach caters to all anglers’ preferences, whether inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing. With pleasant weather and an abundance of fish, it’s an ideal season to enjoy the outdoors and land some remarkable catches.

Written and photography by SAM ATWELL

Inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters offered, please contact Captain Sam Atwell at Sam@DownseaCharters.com, or call (772) 532-9347. You can also find him on @CaptSamAtwell.

Great Blue Heron

What adjective would you use if you got to see a 1 in 30,000 species that occurs annually in the bird world? The great blue heron is the largest of herons in the world, standing at just slightly over 4 feet when full grown. Their wingspan can reach up to 82 inches—over 6 feet! Across North America, you will find this bird wading along lake edges or rivers and ponds. They will forage in the shallows of fresh water predominately but can also be viewed beachfront or in coastal salt marshes. Their primary diet consists of fish, but they will also hunt for snakes, lizards, insects, small mammals, and sometimes whatever may cross their eye when hungry and hunting. As an adult, these birds have more pronounced grayish plumage with white and blackish accents. They sometimes can have what’s called ‘leucism,’ which is the partial loss of all pigmentation, in this case to the plumage of a bird. The picture shown represents a juvenile, leucistic great blue heron. They are migratory, so if you live in the lower Canadian provinces or further North American states, you might witness them to head south in the winter months. They can be seen year-round in the Southeastern United States.

To learn a bit more about these birds, never hesitate in looking them up on Cornell’s website at AllAboutBirds.org, which is a fabulous digital resource. There are many books that can also help guide you to your mystery bird and apps for your mobile devices too.

BRIAN BECKNER

For more information, visit BrianNativeBirdBoxes.com. Follow along on @NativeBirdBoxes.

Written and photography provided by

Photography provided by MAS OLAS RESORT

Traveling Lightly

LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING

In consult, I am always so amazed at how choosing and deciding to travel lightly in life can make all the difference in how we interpret and experience it. For some, life comes very organically, while others must cultivate the quality. However, for both, it requires a practice.

Now, I’m not here to make a case at how to live your life, but after years and years of speaking to people, actively listening to their challenges, and helping them envision and initiate change, it has become clear to me that there are significant benefits to not carrying more than you have to and actively letting go, if you can.

This is not only a philosophical perspective, even though it might sound cynical to some, but if most of us are honest with ourselves… is everything we carry absolutely necessary? Again, literally, and figuratively speaking. As I often share with my clients, I don’t have answers, I just have questions. I would bet this question, if approached as a genuine reflective exercise, it would unravel a process and provide you with deep answers.

In my experience and observations, most of the time, these findings are that a lot of what we hold onto provides more stress than an actual benefit to us, yet we keep packing things on. Also, and simultaneously, most of us aspire to be at peace, report wanting to feel lighter, be present, and live happily and free (mostly). So, how do we reconcile the proclivity to pack things on and desire to feel light?

Apart from actively participating in the self-inquiry process and in combination with doing that work, there needs to be a decision, honesty, will, and most of all, alignment between actions and words… in other words, integrity.

A good set of questions to begin with are:

• What is weighing heavy on me?

• How does holding onto things serve me?

• What can I let go?

• Do I want to live lighter? If so, what do I need to do?

May you gain perspective. May the picture broaden. May you recognize what is unnecessary and let go. May you travel light. May you be happy and free.

Written by VICKY DOMINGUEZ

Photography by CHELSEA GATES

For more information and to inquire about 1:1 offerings and workshops, contact Vicky Dominguez by email at ByMeditacionesDeUnaLoca@gmail.com.

Follow Soulfully: Inner Work & Meditation on @ByMeditacionesDeUnaLoca.

Know Your Magnesium

Magnesium supplements are quite popular and for good reason. This vital mineral plays an essential role in over 300 metabolic reactions in our bodies including muscle contraction, the binding of hormones to receptors, neurotransmitter release, electrical signaling of the heart, and regulating contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. Magnesium also helps regulate blood pressure and glucose levels, produce energy through the Krebs cycle, and support detoxification. It plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, which influences nerve impulse conduction, muscle relaxation, and heart rhythm.

Approximately 50% of magnesium is found in bone, 25% within the muscle and the remainder is found in soft tissue, with less than 1% found in serum and inside red blood cells. The best way to check magnesium status by labs is to have your provider order a RBC magnesium level. One reason magnesium levels can be low is due to inadequate intake from our diet as this is the main way we obtain magnesium. Green leafy vegetables, pumpkin and chia seeds, almonds and cashews, fish, legumes, and brown rice are excellent sources of magnesium. Other reasons for insufficiency of magnesium include decreased or impaired absorption by the kidneys or small intestine, use of diuretics and birth control pills, and loss of electrolytes during excessive sweating during exercise or sauna.

Magnesium can be used in clinical doses to prevent seizures in pre-eclampsia or control seizures in eclampsia in pregnancy and also to stop progression of pre-term labor. It helps manage certain types of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, like a fib and ventricular tachycardia.

In some emergency situations, magnesium can be used to relax bronchial smooth muscle in severe asthma attacks. Some success has been seen in migraine prevention with magnesium use, and of course, the most common over the counter use is for constipation.

If you take a magnesium supplement, make sure you’re using the best form to suit your needs. Below are our three favorites:

Magnesium citrate: This is one of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium and is most useful for constipation. Powdered preparations allow you to adjust the dose as needed for regular bowel movements.

Magnesium glycinate: This form is well tolerated, gentle, and does not cause GI distress. It promotes a calm and relaxed state and is best for anxiousness, insomnia, and stress.

Magnesium threonate: This form crosses the blood brain barrier and has been found to improve memory and learning. The trademarked magnesium threonate nutrient, MagteinTM, was discovered at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010, and was found to effectively deliver magnesium to the brain.

There are no contraindications for magnesium supplements with prescription drugs. However, certain medications can increase or decrease the concentration of magnesium or the prescribed medication, potentially causing harmful effects. For these reasons, check with your health care provider before taking magnesium to ensure your dose is safe.

For further guidance on magnesium supplementation, please call our office for a consultation at (772) 564-8383.

Written and photography provided by INDIAN RIVER ACUPUNCTURE & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

JOHN DALACK,

Angela King, AP DOM >< Christine Nielson, MD Chelsey Dodd, AP DOM >< Cynthia Caputo, AP DOM

A Great “Summer” Read

PRODIGAL

SUMMER , A NOVEL BY

BARBARA KINGSOLVER

If you have read any of Barbara Kinsolver’s work, you know the brilliance of her story telling. In her beautiful novel, “Prodigal Summer,” her true genius shines! Summer is a time for road trips and anyone who has driven through the mountains of Virginia knows the magic that exists in the nature there. Kingsolver captures that magic in this story, which is really three stories woven together in one beautifully written book about self-discovery and deeper connections with other people and nature.

The first story is about Deanna Wolfe, a reclusive wildlife biologist who takes a job as a park ranger and moves into a cabin in the mountains of southern Appalachia where she spends time watching and protecting a coyote with whom she feels a deep connection. When a much younger man, who is a coyote poacher, appears on the mountain, Deanna is faced with a deep conflict between her attraction to the man and her disdain for his pursuit of the animals she so fiercely protects. As their relationship develops and they learn more about each other, Deanna finds herself changing in ways she never imagined.

The second story in the novel involves a 28-year-old newly wife, Lusa Maluf Landowski, who moves to her husband’s family farm down the mountain. When Lusa’s husband is killed in a tragic

accident, Lusa inherits the family farm as well as a large family with whom she struggles to connect. Lusa is determined to keep the farm afloat and concocts a scheme to raise and sell goats, an endeavor for which she is chastised by her new family members. She develops a relationship with her youngest sister-in-law, who has terminal cancer, and connects with her children, especially the 10-year-old tomboyish daughter who also feels like an outsider in the family. Kingsolver takes the reader on Lusa’s journey to discover herself and her place in this unfamiliar family.

The third story involves a crotchety old man, Garnett Walker, III, and his somewhat quirky neighbor, Nannie Rawley, who is an elderly widow. Garnett’s mission in life is to resurrect the American chestnut tree, upon which his family built their fortune but was later wiped out during a blight in the area years before. Nannie owns an organic apple orchard and does not believe in the use of pesticides or chemicals. This annoys Garnett immensely as his trees and property are affected by the pests and weeds Nannie refuses to help eradicate. The love-hate relationship that develops between the two is endearing, funny, and sweet.

As the novel progresses, Kingsolver reveals the connections between the characters in the three stories and weaves it all together to leave the reader with a deeper understanding of human nature, mother nature, animal nature, and our connections with each other. I especially loved the ending, which is told from the perspective of a female coyote. Just brilliant! This is an incredibly well-written novel that remains one of my favorites. It is the perfect book to delve deeply into during a summer road trip through the mountains, or just quiet lazy afternoons sitting outside—enjoying nature.

Written and photography provided by KIRSTEN

KOWALSKI

Follow Kirsten Kowalski's writing career and book recommendations on @KirstenKowalski_Author and at Kirsten Hunt Kowalski, Author.

Mother Earth

NURTURING THE BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND NATURE

In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is easy to become disconnected from the natural world around us. However, forgoing time in nature, or even just time outside in general, is a missed opportunity to benefit our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

One of the simplest ways to honor Mother Nature is by spending time outdoors. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll in the park, going for a hike in a nature preserve, taking a bike ride, or simply sitting by a lake or at the beach, immersing ourselves in nature can provide a much needed respite from the demands of daily life. The fresh air, soothing sounds, and awe-inspiring sights

can help calm our minds, reduce stress levels, and restore a sense of inner peace. Feel the sensation of a passing breeze, watch a bird in flight, or observe the intricate details of a flower.

Engaging in activities that promote sustainability and conservation is another powerful way to honor Mother Nature. Planting trees, creating a vegetable garden, or participating in community clean-up projects are also meaningful ways to give back to nature and contribute to its preservation.

Connecting with nature through creativity is a beautiful way to nurture the bond between humans and the natural world. Whether it's through painting, photography, writing, or music, the act

of expressing our experiences and emotions inspired by exploring special landscapes and natural wonders can deepen our connection to it. Nature has been a muse for artists throughout history, and by channeling our creative energy towards capturing its beauty, we not only honor Mother Nature but also inspire others to appreciate and protect it; the best kind of contagious.

Written and photography provided by WHITE TRAIL FARMS

For more inspiration, be sure to follow on @WhiteTrailClub.

the locals

LIFESTYLE, ART & FASHION

HIGHWAYMEN GALLERY

1872 Commerce Avenue

Vero Beach, FL (954) 557-6226

LILY PAD

3301 Ocean Drive

Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-7405

LPL CREATIONS

1401 Highway A1A, Suite 210

Vero Beach, FL (772) 559-0395

LPLCreations.com

PAKMAIL

505 Beachland Boulevard, Suite #1

Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0021

PakMail.com

RIVERSIDE THEATRE

3250 Riverside Park Drive

Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-6990

RiversideTheatre.com

SALT & SPURS

P.O Box 648155

Vero Beach, FL

Howdy@SaltnSpurs.com SaltnSpurs.com

SASSY BOUTIQUE

3365 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-3998

SassyBoutique.com

SEA GLASS BOUTIQUE

3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 774-4965

VeroBeachHotelAndSpa.com/ Sea-Glass-Boutique

ST. EDWARDS SCHOOL

1895 St. Edwards Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-4136 StEds.org

THREADS BOUTIQUE & CONSIGNMENT 1644 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL (772) 217-2871

ThreadsBoutiqueandConsignment.com

VERNON SCOTT 818 Beachland Boulevard Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-3733

VernonScott32963.com

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

3001 Riverside Park Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0707 VBMuseum.org

VERO HERITAGE 2140 14th Avenue Vero Beach, FL (772) 770-2263

VeroHeritage.org

the spread

FOOD & DRINK

AMERICAN ICON BREWERY 1133 19th Place Vero Beach, FL (772) 934-4266

AmericanIconBrewery.com

COBALT RESTAURANT 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 469-1060 CobaltRestaurant.com

HEATON’S 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-5666

CobaltRestaurant.com

OSCEOLA ORGANIC FARM 6980 33rd Street Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-1530

OsceolaOrganicFarm.com

PETERSON GROVES & NURSERY 3375 66th Avenue Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-6900

THE WAVE KITCHEN & BAR 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 410-0100 the abode HOME & GARDEN

ABBATE TILE AND MARBLE 1136 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL (772) 569-9113

Abbate.net

CATHY CURLEY

DALE SORENSEN REAL ESTATE 3206 Cardinal Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 559-1359

DAVID COX CONSULTING 2044 14th Avenue, Suite 24 Vero Beach, FL (772) 564-0540

DavidCoxConsulting.com

DECORATIVE ARTS

1923 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL (772) 563-0040

DecoArtsInc.com

HAZEL HOUSE 1716 SR-A1A Vero Beach, FL (772) 213-3024

HazelHouseVero.com

HURYN CONSTRUCTION

1902 Wilbur Avenue

Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-4130

HurynConstruction.com

ISLAND INTERIORS

65 Royal Palm Pointe Vero Beach, FL (772) 770-6007

JETSON TV & APPLIANCE

1231 20th Street

Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-3200

ShopJetson.com

JOHN’S ISLAND

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

1 Johns Island Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-0900

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

LIFESTYLE SOLAR

POWERED HOMES

3453 W. New Haven Avenue Melbourne, FL (321) 727-8188

BuildingALifestyle.com

THE SEASPRAY SURF LODGE 965 East Causeway Blvd. Vero Beach, FL (772) 231-5210

SeaspraySurfLodge.com

SURFACES DESIGN STUDIO

3960 US-1 Vero Beach, FL (772) 778-2622

SurfacesDesignStudio.com

WHITE TRAIL SOCIAL & GARDEN CLUB 18877 131st Trail N Jupiter, FL (561) 354-8000

WhiteTrailJupiter.com the explored NATURE, TRAVEL & SPORTING

CAPTAIN SAM ATWELL DOWNSEA CHARTERS (772) 532-9347 Sam@DownseaCharters.com

CORPORATE AIR 3450B Airport W Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-1199 Corporate-Air.com

COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT & SPA 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 562-9919

MOUNTAIN AIR (828) 682-8200 Info@MountainAir.com

PURSUIT BOATS 3901 St. Lucie Boulevard Fort Pierce, FL (772) 465-6006 PursuitBoats.com

VERO MOUNTAIN VeroMountain.com

the nourished HEALTH, WEALTH & HAPPINESS

C|SPA AT COSTA D’ESTE 3244 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 410-0101

FACES THE SKINCARE LOUNGE 1973 Old Dixie Highway Vero Beach, FL (772) 492-6196 FacesTheSkincareLounge.com

FERRES DENTISTRY 2980 9th Street SW, Suite 102 Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-1011 DorisFerres.com

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS 3730 7th Terrace, Suite 101 Vero Beach, FL (772) 567-2332

INDIAN RIVER ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 1345 36th Street, Suite H Vero Beach, FL (772) 564-8383 IndianRiverAcupuncture.com

LEVEL YOGA: ON CARDINAL 3055 Cardinal Drive, Suite #106 Vero Beach, FL (772) 365-4407 LevelYogaStudio.com

LEVEL YOGA: ON THE POINTE 29 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite #2 Vero Beach, FL (772) 365-4407 LevelYogaStudio.com

STUDIO GABRIEL SALON, SPA & BOUTIQUE 2855 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL (772) 234-8105 StudioGabriel.com

VERO FITNESS

1060 6th Avenue Vero Beach, FL (772) 380-4188 VeroFitness.fit

Photography provided by HOTEL RANGÁ

BOUGAINVILLEA LN

BLVD

BEACHLAND

CAMELIA LN

FLAMEVINE LN

RIOMAR DRIVE

1. Cathy Curley Realtor 2. Cobalt

Costa d’ Este Resort

Hazel House

Heaton’s

Level Yoga

Lily Pad 8. Pakmail

Riverside Theatre 10. Sassy Boutique 11. Sea Glass Boutique 12. Studio Gabriel 13. Vernon Scott

Vero Beach Museum of Art Indian River

Town of Vero Beach

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