Hutchinson Island, Florida

Location:

Hutchinson Island is located on Florida's southeast coast, just 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach. Its also 2 hours drive north from Miami and south from Orlando. The perfect spot for a girlfriend trip. Pack, get in your car (or on a quick flight) and you're there in no time at all.

Accommodations:
Remember, budget trips are my specialty so here are some of the best deals in the area:

The Vistana Beach Club is right on the beach and close to local attractions like the Elliot Museum and Savannas Preserve State Park.  The rooms feature kitchens with refrigerators and stove tops. Recreational opportunities include an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Additional features include concierge services and a picnic area.

About 3 miles north of Hutchinson Island, in Jensen Beach is the quaint Caribbean Shores Resort. This waterfront hotel features a 300-foot fishing pier and dock space for guests' boats. Hammocks slung between palm trees sway in the breeze, and the outdoor pool is heated. The accommodations feature furnished balconies and patios with riverfront views. Kitchens include stoves, microwaves and refrigerators, and cookware and dishes. Living rooms are furnished with queen sofa beds. 

 

Things to do:
Try a guided Kayak Tour or rent a boat and have lunch at one of the tiny islands off the intra-coastal. The Florida Oceanographic Center (a 57 acre marine life nature center) on Hutchinson Island is a great way to spend an afternoon and learn about marine life and conservation efforts. Of course, the best way to enjoy a beach vacation is the beach.  

You will want a cozy beach read like The House on Mermaid Point by Wendy Wax.

 

Orlando, Florida

Here's the secret.....Orlando is not just for kids!  Adults can have the time of their life as well.  Never mind the pictures of my kids I took at Orange Lake Resort in Lake Buena Vista.........there are many fun things that you can do with your girlfriends.....

• Check in to  Orange Lake Resort with one and two bedroom suites with the right amount of space to be friendly but not awkward. Rates are quite reasonable and you can split the cost with a girl friend.
• Stock up on groceries at Publix about 3 miles from the resort (will fix a case of the munchies)
• Enjoy a poolside cocktail (they've got many of each)

• For dinner, there are lots of options in Orlando.  We prefer somewhere low key for the first evening then Downtown Disney where you can find a great selection of restaurants.
• Depending on budget, you will want to spend a day or two at one of the Disney or Island of Adventure Parks.  We love Islands of Adventure for the scary rides and Harry Potter world, of course.
• There is a pretty large Outlet Mall in the area but honestly, there is so much to do that I just don't think Orlando is the place to worry about shopping.  In the event you must go, Orlando Premium Outlet is the place.

For a bargain trip, visit in the off season like Spring or Fall.  Its quite steamy in summer and Winter is expensive.

Book Suggestion:
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom seems like a fitting read for this trip!

Enjoy!