Hollywood Beach, Florida

This is one of Florida's east coast's "undiscovered" gems. Most Americans head for the more glamorous Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach, can you say South Beach? However, my beach of choice in this part of the world is Hollywood Beach.

This is a place those of us who are not "beautiful" people, as in CSI-Miami, can go to unwind and enjoy ourselves and not spend a fortune. However, I should say the French Canadians have definitely found it. If you go during the winter, English is almost a second language. I may not know what they're saying, but I definitely know when someone is having a good time. These folks are definitely having a good time.

We prefer to stay at the Beach House Hotel, right on A1A. It is right across from the Intercoastal Waterway and only a block from the ocean. There is an open courtyard in the middle and a swimming pool on the roof, which is about six stories high. Prices are very reasonable. There are lots of mom and pop motels in the area.

What we REALLY like is that there are probably 25 bars within a quarter mile of the place. No worry about DUIs here. Park the car and walk the next several days.

Then there is that great asphalt boardwalk that runs several miles. The beach is on one side and a myriad of small shops, the inevitable tee shirt places, and restaurants on the west.

I see that GQ ranked Le Tub's burger as the best in the US. Le Tub is about two blocks away, right next to Capone's Flicker Light which is a Chicago sport fan's home away from home. They had a major party there during last year's Super Bowl.

We haven't been to Hollywood Beach since 2000, but went there quite often before that.

As Cold as it is Today, I've Got HB on My Mind. --RoadDog

Le Tub in Hollywood Beach, Florida

This is one of the most unique, eclectic places you'll ever go to for a meal and drinks. Located right on the Intercoastal Waterway you have the views and DO NOT EXPECT ANYTHING FANCY. Ya Ain't Gonna Get It.

Fine dining it isn't. Good times it is. The owner says it was originally a Sunoco gas station that opened Nov. 2, 1959 and was forced to close during the 70s energy crunch. He bought it in 1974 and "built it totally out of flotsam, jetsam, and ocean borne treasures gathered daily over 4 years of daybreak jogging on Hollywood Beach."

There are plants in every imaginable container, including bathtubs (hence the name) and toilets. Don't be fooled by the gulls and buoys bathrooms.

As far as food, I can't vouch, but we have spent many an evening imbibing there. You've got to see it to believe it.

I checked out a travel site and quite a few people were not happy with the place since it made the #1 burger list on GQ's top twenty. I hope this new-found celebrity hasn't gone to their head. They also claim to have become famous with their chili.

Hollywood Beach is located between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach.

Getting Down at Le Tub. --RoadDog

The Canadians are Coming. The Canadians are Coming.

Well, first it was the British, and now it's Canada's turn to invade the US. However, these people are dressed as tourists.

From a Northwest Herald article from July 18 titled "Canadian tourists pour into US" by David Sharp of the Associated Press.

Motels in Old Orchard Beach, near Portland, Maine, fly Canadian flags alongside the Stars and Stripes. Desk workers speak French, and fries are also offered Canadian style with vinegar, or gravy and cheese (sounds pretty close to a horseshoe to me).

Old Orchard has long been a destination for tourists from Quebec as it is an easy drive. However, this year, it is even more popular than ever.

The reason is the freefall of the US dollar's value on the international currency market. Right now the dollar is essentially on par with the Canadian dollar, making it more affordable than ever. Five years ago the "loonie", as Canadian dollar coins are called, were just 62 cents. (In case you're wondering, they get their name from the loon on the back of the coin.)

Plus, gas is a dollar more a gallon in Canada than in the US.

Canadians have always like the Coney Island feel of Old Orchard, which is known for its seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, pier, and carnival-like atmosphere.

We liked it so much, that Liz and I ended up staying an unplanned day at Old Orchard Beach several years ago on our coastal road trip along the coast from Boston to Lebec, Maine. We had a great time.

One other beach we've encountered large numbers of Quebec folk is Hollywood Beach between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach in Florida during spring break. These people really know how to have a good time.

Bring us Your Loonies. --RoadDog

We don't EVEN want to discuss the relative merits of the Euro and Pound vs. the Dollar.