Back to Georgia for Sean Zarinegar

Well folks I just recently crossed the state border from Florida to Georgia and I went straight to Savannah. The coastline is something completely unique and wonderful, but what is more astonishing is that the changes that can happen when crossing into another state. Before entering into Savannah I heard a lot about their theater, so I went in and bought a ticket to the first show available. Later tonight I’ll be able to see how it was, but apparently they have live music and many singers. It will be a small taste of what I can experience the moment I reach New York.

One thing I did notice is that there are tons of cooking schools in Savannah, Georgia, and I decided to venture into Chef Joe Randall’s cooking school. I didn’t get to stay here too long, because the smells were making me want to eat everything I saw. I decided to rather head out to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This is the oldest Catholic Church in the entire state of Georgia, and it still remained standing after so many years. Later on I decided to go to the historical district and just wander around with my camera a bit. I got to take some seriously good pictures that will make anybody envious. Alas, the time for Sean Zarinegar to remain in Savannah is coming to an end, and tomorrow I will head to a place that has caught my attention since the beginning of my trip. I’ll see if I can find a connection from there, but if I can’t I’ll write to you on the next stop after the Francis Marion National Forest. For now I’ll get some rest and get ready for the long trip ahead.

Sean Zarinegar’s Jacksonville Experience

One of the signs that I saw coming into Jacksonville read in big letters “Jacksonville Fire Museum”. I knew from that moment that I’d have to venture to that museum, and I was not disappointed. I got to see all the old fire engines they had and the equipment our trusty firemen used so long ago. After that, I decided to head over to the Timucuan Ecological and Historical reserve. This place teaches you of all the Native American history that occurred in the area. It really is a very fascinating experience, and you do learn a great deal of how this country of ours was before the settlers came in.

I took a stroll to the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art as well, and even though some of the pieces didn’t appeal too much to my eyes, I did find the majority of them to be very stimulating. Then it was time to have a small picnic, and I went to Huguenot Memorial Park, where I didn’t have to spend too much but saw one of the finest beaches I have laid my eyes on in a while. This place is very wallet friendly and for Sean Zarinegar this is an important point. Many of the places I have found jack up their prices for tourists, but the Huguenot Memorial Park is a very cheap alternative to enjoy the beach as you visit Jacksonville.

My time in Florida is coming to an end, and I will soon start climbing the coastline further up towards New York. I am very excited about what is to come. Sean Zarinegar will disclose all those details when I get to each pit stop, but for now I will find a place to hit the sack because tomorrow is a whole new day in my road tripping adventure.

Sean Zarinegar’s Half Day at Daytona

Since Fort Lauderdale and Daytona aren’t too far away from each other, it was a short trip. Sean Zarinegar never likes to lose precious moments, so I got straight into the Daytona scene. Even though it was a bit early, I decided to go to the Florida Wines of Daytona, which have an exceptional range of wines to taste from. I only tried a Chardonnay because I wasn’t planning on staying in Daytona for the night, and I had to keep my head clear. After the wine tasting, I decided to head over to Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Museum. This folks is truly impressive, to get up all the way to the top of the lighthouse and to see the wonderful view it provides. It’s sort of like mixing history with a bit of exercise as you scale those treacherous steps. I almost tripped on one of them, but as you people should know, Sean Zarinegar is like a nimble cat on his feet, and I landed perfectly not causing any injuries besides maybe a stubbed toe.

Before I left Daytona I decided to take a small stroll on the beach. I really do love the coastline, and I think it is one of the best experiences any person can experience. Either way, before I left Daytona I came to get a coffee for the road and update my blog for you faithful readers. My next stop will be Jacksonville, so we’ll see what mischief I can get into when I reach my destination. See you guys in Jacksonville.

Sean Zarinegar and the Fort Lauderdale Encounter

Well guys, Miami was great and driving along the coastline is even better than I imagined. My last moments in Miami almost convinced me to go to the Bahamas for a day, but I think I’ll leave that for the Sean Zarinegar’s Bahamas trip. For now I find myself in sunny Fort Lauderdale where there are many sites to see. I decided to head over to Sawgrass Recreation Park that has many airboats to take you over the Florida Everglades and you can even hold an alligator with your bare hands. I also decided to wander off to the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum since I too am a road worthy traveler. I saw some of the finest antique automobiles I have ever laid my eyes on, this is truly a magnificent Museum for people who are interested in cars, and even for those who aren’t into cars that much, you’ll learn a whole lot.

I finally decided to go to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley, as it would give me a greater insight over what goes on in this city. It took me all over the downtown area and with the guide I could actually learn more in a few minutes than what I would have learned over an entire day of staying here. I think it is the best thing to do if you are a tourist in a city like Fort Lauderdale to take a trolley and learn more about what makes this town tick. Anyway, I think I’ll stay here for the day. There still is a lot for me to explore and tomorrow I’m going to head out to Daytona Beach, to see what the deal is. For now, Sean Zarinegar bids you a goodnight from the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Welcome to Miami, Sean Zarinegar!

I finally made it…and even though the weather isn’t the best it could be, Miami is a great city! There are literally thousands of different activities you can do here. I think over here I might need to stay two days or so, although taking into consideration how much road still lies ahead, I’ll have to think about it. Either way I have compiled a list of five things you must absolutely do when in Miami. Here is Sean Zarinegar’s list of Miami activities.

1. Walk down the Boardwalk: The boardwalk is absolutely stunning with thousands of places to shop and eat along the way.
2. X-Treme indoor Rock Climbing: I thought this could be a perfect addition to the Sean Zarinegar Miami experience. It’s not as easy as it looks, but it is definitely a lot of fun!
3. Take a Duck tour: Okay guys, this is great fun. Take a tour on land and into the marshes with their amphibious vehicles that takes you everywhere. You can’t go to Miami and miss out on these tours.
4. Scuba dive artificial reefs: Even though I did not due this due to the weather, (the water is freezing!), this is one of the activities I’ll definitely do the next time I’m in Miami.
5. Spas: I found this perfectly situated and luxurious spa on the beach that did it all. After traveling for as long as I have I think it is a good idea to pamper myself a bit, don’t you guys? The spa at Mandarin Oriental is a perfect spot that overlooks the ocean.

Even though there are many more things to do, and I mean MANY more things to do, I think now that I am relaxed after my massage at the Spa, I’m going to hit the sack early and start driving the coastline to New York. I still have many miles to cover and Sean Zarinegar wants to be completely awake and rested to see all the sites still to come. I am very excited to have reached Miami and I think it will be a wonderful experience to make it all the way up to New York. For those of you who have been in Miami, what do you think is the best attraction there? I got a bunch to choose from now. Anyway, let me get back to my hotel and rest up, tomorrow I begin to travel the coast!

Port St. Lucie shows Sean Zarinegar a Good Time!

Wow, guys; if there is something you should do one day before you die, it’s take a road trip of this caliber. Port. St. Lucie totally shocked me, and as this is the last stop before hitting Miami and starting the beach tour, I can definitely tell you there are many places to appreciate in America. As I got into Port St. Lucie, I stopped by a little roadside café and got a bite to eat. When I was there I spoke to this man John Gugula who told me a bit about Port. St. Lucie.

He told me about Tradition Field, a stadium that the New York Mets use during springtime to practice. I wish I was here a few months in the future to see these guys do what they do best. John also told me about Savannas Preserve State Park. They only ask you a $1 donation per person if you want to go on a scenic walk through one of the trails. Now this was some seriously good news for Sean Zarinegar, and I decided to go immediately. So, let me finish my meal, and I’ll head over to spend some time in the park before I move on to Miami.

Up to now my journey has been incredible. I cannot stress on how much fun I have been having seeing the most beautiful sites I have ever laid my eyes on. For now Sean Zarinegar must finish his meal and go see some sites. Next stop Miami!

Sean Zarinegar and His Flat Tire to Orlando

 

Okay, I said I checked and double-checked my car, but about fifteen minutes outside of Gainesville my car got a flat. I stopped and it took me about twenty minutes to get the spare on and on to Orlando I went. Sean Zarinegar won’t stop for a simple flat!

Obviously in Orlando everybody wants to go to Disney, but I decided that for this specific trip I’ll skip old Walt’s amusement park. I rather wanted to find something that isn’t too common around here. This is what I found in Orlando that isn’t too mainstream.

1. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Folks, just as the name states, this place is out of control! This show is totally amazing and most of these shows end with standing ovations. A definite must see!
2. Gatorland: This place has a whopping 3,000 gators and 89 crocodiles. To see a gator up close and personal even gives Sean Zarinegar the willies. These creatures truly are something to fear and respect
3. Discovery Cove: This place is adjacent to Sea world and is a very spectacular water wildlife park. You can swim with dolphins, but since it is freakishly cold I decided to just watch and walk around.

There are more things in Orlando to see, that is for sure. But in reality this city is enormous, and I am kind of bushwhacked at the moment after my full day in Orlando. I think the best thing for me to do is to get some rest and head out to the next spot, only one more location and then I hit Miami. See you guys in Port. St. Lucie.

What has Sean Zarinegar gained in Gainesville?

Well I finally crossed that state border into Florida, reaching Gainesville around 9 PM. I decided to go straight to the nearest hotel, which gave me a room for $50, not too shabby. The good thing is that it is a bed and breakfast so tomorrow I don’t have to worry about where to go for breakfast.

Since Sean Zarinegar isn’t a shy person, I decided to ask the people working in the hotel what I should do when I’m in Gainesville. These are some of their suggestions.

1. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: Different from the other botanical gardens I have seen so far on my trip, this specific botanical garden has some of the most unusual plants from all around the world. Also, it hosts some of the most fascinating birds I have seen.
2. Butterfly Rainforest: If you like photography and butterflies, this is the place to go. This is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History and is definitely a pretty sight to see.
3. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art: As you guys might know, Sean Zarinegar isn’t one to pass up fine art. This Museum is right next to the Museum of natural history and has a fine collection of America, Modern, Asian, and African art displays very uniquely placed all over.

Although I wanted to stay a couple of days longer in Gainesville I realized just how close to the east coast I was getting, so I decided to check out and get onto the next stop, this one is very familiar to many people. So as I’m about to leave Gainesville and head out to Orlando I’ll see how the road will treat me. See you guys in Orlando!

Sean Zarinegar Meets Macon

I thought that Macon would take me a bit off course but in reality it’s not too much. Although here in Macon I could see that it was totally worth the slight detour. I found a small little cottage where I could grab a bite to eat called the Sidney Lanier Cottage. The food was great and not too pricey, which makes Sean Zarinegar very happy, because he still has a lot of road to cover. I went down to the city center that has a convenient trolley tour of the city. I didn’t know much about Macon but it really is a very interesting little city. I decided to go to the Tubman Museum, and since the place didn’t seem too big I thought I’d be in and out. It turned out that I spent almost two hours there just watching the fascinating murals all over. This place is tops!

My last stop in Macon was the Museum of Arts and Science. I got to see a fossilized whale that is said to be over forty million years old. The science stuff for the kids was pretty good, but I would take children under the age of six, because I think it’s mostly focused on that demographic. Either way I still enjoyed my time there playing around with all the neat little science toys. I decided not to stay in Macon but rather drive on and go to Gainesville to get lodging there for the night. Right now I’m just finishing my coffee and then I’ll be heading out. This is Sean Zarinegar sipping some hot java and getting ready to hit the road. See you in Gainesville.

Atlanta and the Sean Zarinegar Experience

Well folks, I left early in the morning from Chattanooga to head over to Atlanta. It took me a couple of hours to drive here, but it wasn’t all too bad. When I got to Atlanta I found this small diner that fed my monstrously eerie appetite, especially after chasing ghosts all night. I asked around and this is what the people in Atlanta suggested me to do.

1. Atlanta Botanical Garden: Since the last time I went to a botanical garden I had to come and see this one with my own eyes. It’s got more than 30 acres of gardens, forests and an amazing view all the way. It’s even got a 40-foot high suspension bridge in the treetops to have an even more spectacular view. Sean Zarinegar isn’t afraid of heights either, so to the treetops I went.
2. Buckhead Arts and Galleries: This arts and cultural district is a must see for any art lover, it has so many places with over 600 works by local artists, truly amazing.
3. Centennial Olympic Park: Of course this had to be a stop for me; I mean the 1996 Olympics were held here. It’s packed with activities all year long and even has guided tours with some very interesting information.
4. Georgie Aquarium: Ok folks, this is the world’s largest aquarium. It is wonderful to see all the aquatic life so close and personal, if you ever go to Atlanta then this is probably my top pick, seriously; check it out!

There were many other places I wanted to check out, but yet again there is still a lot of road to cover and Sean Zarinegar must be fit to drive it all. I decided to take a stroll in the Gran Park, which is the oldest city park with a zoo close by and also next to Oakland Cemetery. I had enough of ghosts in Chattanooga so I decided to just go for a stroll in the park.

I better find myself a place to sleep tonight because tomorrow I hit the road once more, I have decided to go to Macon, even though it’s a bit of course, I think I could find some interesting things to do there. It’s getting pretty late and I think I need to find a place to rest my head. See you in Macon!

Sean Zarinegar’s Chattanooga Experience

Well people, Nashville was really fun and even though I wanted to stay there for a couple of days I know that I am on a time limit and must move on. My next stop was Chattanooga; I just had to see what a place with the name of Chattanooga could offer Sean Zarinegar.

To my surprise there were a lot of activities in Chattanooga for me to do. I think that two weeks might have been too little time for me to appreciate each place I visit, but either way I am having a blast. One of the things that really caught my attention was the Chattanooga Choo choo, which is both a train and a hotel. I said to myself: “I must stay here for a night!” And people let me tell you, this was one fun experience. Also close by is the Chattanooga Choo Choo Theater, but seeing that I don’t have too much time I think I’ll have to save this for another trip down here.

Another attraction I really appreciated was The Chattanooga Ducks, which has a lot of WWII amphibious land crafts that were specifically designed for D-Day. It turns out that downtown Chattanooga is packed with a wide variety of things to do. At nighttime I think I’ll take one of the Ghost tours located on Walnut Street. Apparently this is one of the top ten ghost tours in the country and they can even take you to the best places to get ghost pictures. Sean Zarinegar isn’t afraid of any ghosts, so this will be very fun.

Some other places I found interesting were, the History Center on Broad Street, the National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue and the Chattanooga Nature Center on Garden Road.

Either way, as I’m writing from the Choo Choo, it’s about time to go on my ghost tour and see what scary creatures I can find. Tomorrow I’ll be heading out to the next stop. I’ll see if I can write from there.

Sean Zarinegar meets Nashville

It was amazing, people! I managed to wake up really early and have myself a small breakfast before tackling the road again. Nashville wasn’t too far, and I know that it will be packed with a bunch of different fun activities for me to do. During my breakfast I checked online a bit what I can do in Nashville and this is what I came up with.

Sean Zarinegar’s Nashville’s Must-Sees

Country Music Hall of Fame: Although I’m not the biggest fan of country music, I still had to come and see all of the country greats and their accomplishments. Even if you’re not a big fan you will definitely enjoy this place.

Excursion Trains: Now folks, this place was neat! I felt like a little child that got a train set for Christmas except these trains were life sized! The prices vary for each different train and time. When there are a lot of tourists you should call beforehand, but I definitely found this to be one of the most enriching experiences so far on my trip.

Cheeckwood Home of Art and Garden: All I can say about this place is one big fat WOW! The art is something to admire, but to see it in such beautiful gardens with all the vegetation really leaves one in awe of all the beauty of nature.

Belmont Mansion: Okay, I knew that Nashville had a lot of attractions, but I am shocked at how many. Belmont Mansion is one of the greatest places I have seen. Most of the time, the mansion is used for special events. On certain occasions you can walk through and learn about the history of this impressive mansion.

There were many other activities I wanted to do but it turned out that Sean Zarinegar is not as omnipotent as many of you believe. I will list just a few more worthwhile things to do in Nashville before I sleep. Lucky for me there is Internet almost everywhere I go, or at least a café of some sort where I can connect and report all my activities. Here are five more good spots to visit when you’re in Nashville

1. Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre
2. Wildhorse Saloon
3. The Hermitage
4. Nashville Shores
5. Parthenon