Dale Hallow

Sun Rise, Sun Burn,

Sun Set Repeat

Luke Bryan's new hit song and video is set on this gorgeous lake that spreads 27,700 acres throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. 



My family has been lucky to visit this lake for many years.  Recently, we took another summer trip up to visit family for the fourth of July on Lake Dale Hollow.  And it didn't disappoint.  Being from Florida, we were hoping for some cooler temperatures, but on the days that we were there, that was not the case. However,  hot days make for wonderful fun on the water, thus the "sun burn" reference in Luke Bryan's song.  Sunscreen is a must! 

Wake Surfing, or as us Floridians call it "skurfing", is so much fun on this vast lake.  Just run out early and find a quiet cove zip up and down with out a care in the world.  I often found myself floating on floaties waiting for the next activity just enjoying the beauty of this hill surrounded lake.  My friends barefoot on this crystal clear glass, others pull their kids on tubs trying to flip them off in the water.  What ever your water passion is, Dale Hollow has it to offer.  (fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing) 
Many families choose to rent, or own house boats to enjoy for their summer vacations.  So much fun to chill and grill. Jump in or slide down a boat slide.  And for you daring folks, you can jump off the roof of houseboat, or even back flip as many in my family decided to do, into the cool water.  A beautiful place to spend a week with family and friends.

Check out Luke's super cool video below. 

https://youtu.be/8c08Oz8AovU

New Smyrna:Florida's Last Real Beachside SurferTown

I was born and raised in Orlando, FL, which is a short drive to some gorgeous beaches on Florida's east coast.  Whenever we wanted to go to the beach we typically had two naturally choices: Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach.  Most people leaned toward one or other, and I 
was solidly in the New Smyrna Beach camp.  
Cocoa Beach is a wonderful destination in its own right, but in my view, it is more catered to the tourist crowd. [Cocoa Beach will be the subject of another post].  New Smyrna Beach or NSB  is where the locals go.

As a teenager, my experiences of NSB centered around beach activities, surfing, admiring the lovely bikini clad ladies and sneaking booze onto the beach.  However, as I have arguably grown up, I see that NSB has grown up as well. Places that we used to go to have now become institutions, such as Flagler Tavern, Breakers, Mon Delice, Tony and Joes Patio, and Traders.  Nearly every weekend there is something fun happening: wine walks on the fabled Flagler Ave, Art Festivals, weekly farmer's market, 5K fundraiser runs, ghost tours, world-class fishing and yes there are still droves of young people enjoying the beach and surfing on a daily basis.

http://www.mondelicebakery.net/Breakfast_Lunch.php

Always something to do on Flagler Ave.